Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Integrated Simulation”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 829 records · Page 46
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Simulating coupled surface–subsurface flows with ParFlow v3.5.0: capabilities, applications, and ongoing development of an open-source, massively parallel, integrated hydrologic model

Surface flow and subsurface flow constitute a naturally linked hydrologic continuum that has not traditionally been simulated in an integrated fashion. Recognizing the interactions between these systems has encouraged the development of integrated hydrologic models (IHMs) capable of treating surface and subsurface systems as a single integrated resource. IHMs are dynamically evolving with improvements in technology, and the extent of their current capabilities are often only known to the developers and not general users. This article provides an overview of the core functionality, capability, applications, and ongoing development of one open-source IHM, ParFlow. ParFlow is a parallel, integrated, hydrologic model that simulates surface and subsurface flows. ParFlow solves the Richards equation for three-dimensional variably saturated groundwater flow and the two-dimensional kinematic wave approximation of the shallow water equations for overland flow. The model employs a conservative centered finite-difference scheme and a conservative finite-volume method for subsurface flow and transport, respectively. ParFlow uses multigrid-preconditioned Krylov and Newton–Krylov methods to solve the linear and nonlinear systems within each time step of the flow simulations. The code has demonstrated very efficient parallel solution capabilities. ParFlow has been coupled to geochemical reaction, land surface (e.g., the Common Land Model), and atmospheric models to study the interactions among the subsurface, land surface, and atmosphere systems across different spatial scales. This overview focuses on the current capabilities of the code, the core simulation engine, and the primary couplings of the subsurface model to other codes, taking a high-level perspective.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Molecular dynamics study of salt–solution interface: Solubility and surface charge of salt in water

The NaCl salt–solution interface often serves as an example of an uncharged surface. However, recent laser-Doppler electrophoresis has shown some evidence that the NaCl crystal is positively charged in its saturated solution. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have investigated the NaCl salt–solution interface system, and calculated the solubility of the salt using the direct method and free energy calculations, which are kinetic and thermodynamic approaches, respectively. The direct method calculation uses a salt–solution combined system. When the system is equilibrated, the concentration in the solution area is the solubility. In the free energy calculation, we separately calculate the chemical potential of NaCl in two systems, the solid and the solution, using thermodynamic integration with MD simulations. When the chemical potential of NaCl in the solution phase is equal to the chemical potential of the solid phase, the concentration of the solution system is the solubility. The advantage of using two different methods is that the computational methods can be mutually verified. We found that a relatively good estimate of the solubility of the system can be obtained through comparison of the two methods. Furthermore, we found using microsecond time-scale MD simulations that the positively charged NaCl surface was induced by a combination of a sodium-rich surface and the orientation of the interfacial water molecules.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

CROCUS Sodar Measurements of Lower Atmospheric Wind Profiles at Argonne Testbed for Multiscale Observational Science (ATMOS) Site

The Scintec MFAS Sodar (Multiple-Frequency Acoustic Sounder) is an autonomous, ground-based acoustic remote sensing system designed to measure vertical profiles of horizontal wind speed, wind direction, and vertical velocity in the lower atmosphere. The instrument transmits sequences of acoustic pulses and detects the Doppler-shifted sound waves backscattered by small-scale temperature and velocity fluctuations caused by atmospheric turbulence. From these Doppler shifts, the system derives three-dimensional wind vectors by combining radial velocities from multiple beam orientations.The MFAS Sodar operates with a first usable range gate beginning at approximately 30 m above ground level and a configurable vertical resolution of 10 m. Under favorable acoustic conditions, the system provides wind profiles extending up to 600 m above ground level. Measurements are processed into 15-minute averaged profiles containing wind speed, direction, vertical velocity, and diagnostic quantities such as signal-to-noise ratio and echo strength.This dataset was collected at the Argonne Testbed for Multiscale Observational Science (ATMOS) facility in Lemont, Illinois, as part of DOE's CROCUS Urban Integrated Field Laboratory (UIFL) initiative. The purpose of these observations is to characterize the vertical wind structure and boundary-layer evolution across the urban–suburban gradient of the greater Chicago region. In particular, these data are intended to improve understanding of how local meteorology, such as lake-breeze penetration, nocturnal jets, and daytime mixing, varies between the densely built urban core and the suburban periphery. The MFAS observations provide critical context for evaluating high-resolution model simulations and for integrating with complementary lidar, radar, and in-situ meteorological measurements within the broader CROCUS UIFL network.All data are archived in NetCDF (Network Common Data Form) format and include wind and diagnostic parameters. The files can be accessed and analyzed using standard software that supports NetCDF, such as Python (e.g., xarray, netCDF4), MATLAB, R (e.g., ncdf4, raster), or Panoply (NASA’s NetCDF visualization application).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Rear-Side Irradiance Simulation of Field PV Modules

Assessing the durability of photovoltaic (PV) module backsheet is critical to increasing module lifetime. Historically, laboratory-based accelerated testing has insufficient in predicting large-scale failures of commercial polymeric materials. Additionally, there is growing concern that standard condition tests do not reflect non-uniformities in field exposure, and that certain modules experience more severe degradation due to their location. Anisotropy in field exposures is installation-dependent and reflects different levels of exposure to irradiance due to mounting geometry, ground surface albedo, and climatic zone. "Bificial_Radiance" [1], simulates the amount of reflected irradiance on the Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) backsheet of a PV array located in Maryland. In our work, site specific weather data are gathered for the entire length of exposure for the modules. The total full-spectrum dose for the incident irradiance on the backsheet was then determined. The simulation results are integrated with historical field survey data to better understand real orld outdoor degradation.

backsheet↗
DOE OSTI2023

Rear-Side Irradiance Simulation of Field PV Modules: Preprint

Assessing the durability of photovoltaic (PV) module backsheet is critical to increasing module lifetime. Historically, laboratory-based accelerated testing has insufficient in predicting large-scale failures of commercial polymeric materials. Additionally, there is growing concern that standard condition tests do not reflect non-uniformities in field exposure, and that certain modules experience more severe degradation due to their location. Anisotropy in field exposures is installation dependent and reflects different levels of exposure to irradiance due to mounting geometry, ground surface albedo, and climatic zone. "Bificial Radiance" [1], simulates the amount of reflected irradiance on the Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) backsheet of a PV array located in Maryland. In our work, site specific weather data are gathered for the entire length of exposure for the modules. The total full-spectrum dose for the incident irradiance on the backsheet was then determined. The simulation results are integrated with historical field survey data to better understand realworld outdoor degradation.

backsheet↗
DOE OSTI2018

Key role of the REC lobe during CRISPR–Cas9 activation by ‘sensing’, ‘regulating’, and ‘locking’ the catalytic HNH domain

Understanding the conformational dynamics of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)–Cas9 is of the utmost importance for improving its genome editing capability. Here, molecular dynamics simulations performed using Anton-2 – a specialized supercomputer capturing micro-to-millisecond biophysical events in real time and at atomic-level resolution – reveal the activation process of the endonuclease Cas9 toward DNA cleavage. Over the unbiased simulation, we observe that the spontaneous approach of the catalytic domain HNH to the DNA cleavage site is accompanied by a remarkable structural remodeling of the recognition (REC) lobe, which exerts a key role for DNA cleavage. Specifically, the significant conformational changes and the collective conformational dynamics of the REC lobe indicate a mechanism by which the REC1–3 regions ‘sense’ nucleic acids, ‘regulate’ the HNH conformational transition, and ultimately ‘lock’ the HNH domain at the cleavage site, contributing to its catalytic competence. By integrating additional independent simulations and existing experimental data, we provide a solid validation of the activated HNH conformation, which had been so far poorly characterized, and we deliver a comprehensive understanding of the role of REC1–3 in the activation process. Considering the importance of the REC lobe in the specificity of Cas9, this study poses the basis for fully understanding how the REC components control the cleavage of off-target sequences, laying the foundation for future engineering efforts toward improved genome editing.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

Experimental Investigations And Numerical Modelling of 210CR12 Steel in Semi-Solid State

Experimental investigation, including hot compression and simple closed die filling was performed. Temperature range of tests was between 1225 deg. C and 1320 deg. C. Temperature selection was adequate with liquid fraction between 20 and 60%, which is typical for thixoforming processes. In the die filling test, steel dies with ceramic layer was used (highly refractory air-setting mortar JM 3300 manufactured by Thermal Ceramics). Experiments were carried out on the Gleeble 3800 physical simulator with MCU unit. In the paper, methodology of experimental investigation is described. Dependency of forming forces on temperature and forming velocities is analysed. Obtained results are discussed. The second part of the paper concerns numerical modelling of semi-solid forming. Numerical models for both sets of test were developed. Structural and Computational Fluid Dynamics models are compared. Initial works in microstructural modelling of 210CR12 steel behaviour are described. Lattice Boltzman Method model for thixotropic flows is introduced. Microscale and macroscale models were integrated into multiscale simulation of semi-solid forming. Some fundamental issues related to multiscale modelling of thixoforming are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Adapting SAFT-γ perturbation theory to site-based molecular dynamics simulation. III. Molecules with partial charges at bulk phases, confined geometries and interfaces

In Paper I [A. F. Ghobadi and J. R. Elliott, J. Chem. Phys. 139(23), 234104 (2013)], we showed that how a third-order Weeks–Chandler–Anderson (WCA) Thermodynamic Perturbation Theory and molecular simulation can be integrated to characterize the repulsive and dispersive contributions to the Helmholtz free energy for realistic molecular conformations. To this end, we focused on n-alkanes to develop a theory for fused and soft chains. In Paper II [A. F. Ghobadi and J. R. Elliott, J. Chem. Phys. 141(2), 024708 (2014)], we adapted the classical Density Functional Theory and studied the microstructure of the realistic molecular fluids in confined geometries and vapor-liquid interfaces. We demonstrated that a detailed consistency between molecular simulation and theory can be achieved for both bulk and inhomogeneous phases. In this paper, we extend the methodology to molecules with partial charges such as carbon dioxide, water, 1-alkanols, nitriles, and ethers. We show that the electrostatic interactions can be captured via an effective association potential in the framework of Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (SAFT). Implementation of the resulting association contribution in assessing the properties of these molecules at confined geometries and interfaces presents satisfactory agreement with molecular simulation and experimental data. For example, the predicted surface tension deviates less than 4% comparing to full potential simulations. Also, the theory, referred to as SAFT-γ WCA, is able to reproduce the specific orientation of hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail of 1-alkanols at the vapor-liquid interface of water.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Assessment of Existing OpenStudio Measures: Reviews, Interviews, and Future Developments

OpenStudio Measure development is continuously in progress and greatly propelled by the collaborative efforts within the building energy modeling community. To ensure the widespread adoption and benefit of OpenStudio Measures, developers must understand the current status of Measure development and the needs of OpenStudio Measure users. The first step involves a comprehensive review of existing content to prevent redundancy and gain insights into how OpenStudio Measures are used in the building energy modeling community. This knowledge can then be integrated into the Measure development process, and the expertise of practitioners and OpenStudio Measure users can be leveraged to shape future Measures. Numerous OpenStudio Measures have been created and shared on the Building Component Library (BCL). The BCL is an open-source repository housing various OpenStudio-related resources, including building component blocks, descriptive metadata, and Measures describing modifications to building energy models. The OpenStudio Measures in BCL encompass a wide range of energy conservation Measures from basic lighting power reduction to complex HVAC model transformation. They also enable users to generate customized reports and facilitate the integration of energy simulation with other analytical processes. This report presents review of 272 currently available OpenStudio Measures in BCL. The OpenStudio Measures were reviewed by category and subcategory. These Measures are summarized by their functionalities and keywords. To gain insights into how OpenStudio Measures are used in building energy modeling community, interviews were conducted. A total of 12 interview responses were collected from 6 individuals in the industry and 6 individuals in academia. The knowledge acquired from reviewing the existing Measures and interview results will be integrated into the Measure development process, and the expertise of practitioners and OpenStudio Measure users will be leveraged to shape future Measures.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Integrated modeling framework (FVCOM-ICM/Toxi) to simulate the fate and transport of polychlorinated biphenyls in urban estuaries–Case study for Puget Sound, WA

Puget Sound is an urban estuary that exhibits persistent polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contamination despite years of remediation efforts. For robust management actions, determining the timing, location, and magnitude of PCB loading sources and transport pathways using field data alone is challenging due to complex water circulation and biogeochemical processes. Here, this study aims to develop an integrated modeling framework that couples complex estuarian circulation with biogeochemical processes and associated interactions with PCB kinetics. The model simulates PCB accumulation in the lower tropic food web, demonstrating PCB intrusion into primary producers and its biomagnification in pelagic consumers. The PCB data from a new field survey was used to calibrate/validate the new PCB modeling framework for Puget Sound. The software program of the modeling framework is available to the user community for the applications of toxic contaminants transport in marine waters.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Low-Loss, High-Flux Saturation Magnetic Cores for Power Converters

As new and alternative energy sources are added to the energy grid, efficient and low-loss power converters are essential to the storage of energy from these intermittent power sources. Higher operating frequency can reduce the size and weight of transformers. However, current magnetic cores limit the operating frequency because core losses increase with frequency. Therefore, new magnetic core materials are needed with higher resistivity (lower eddy-current losses), lower coercivity (lower hysteresis losses), and higher permeability and flux density (higher power density). These new materials must be integrated into isolated power converters designed to optimize efficiency based on the transformer performance. To address this need, Mainstream pursued a two-pronged approach in Phase I to develop novel magnetic materials and model a planar transformer design. We irradiated silicon steel with a high-energy electron beam in an attempt to induce nanocrystalline grain formation. The nanocrystalline grains were expected to increase resistivity to reduce eddy-current losses and decrease coercivity to reduce hysteresis losses. We also modeled the transformer performance through Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) and analytical models to establish the effect of magnetic properties of the core on the performance of the transformer. There still are hurdles to be overcome in Phase II. The electron beam processing was successful in increasing the resistivity and the flux saturation density. However, the resistivity is still too low for high-frequency magnetic cores, because the eddy-current losses would be prohibitively high. Additionally, the coercivity increased for the processed samples leading to higher hysteresis losses. In comparing our SPICE and analytical models to the planar transformer measured values and impedance plots, good agreement was seen for primary and secondary short-circuit impedance measurements and for primary-to-secondary capacitance measurements. The SPICE model deviated from measured values, though, when measuring the transformer open-circuit impedance, indicating that we might need to add more model complexity to the transformer model. Phase II research will continue to build on the transformer model and integrating novel magnetic materials into high-frequency transformers.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

First coupled GENE–XGC microturbulence simulations

Covering the core and the edge region of a tokamak, respectively, the two gyrokinetic turbulence codes Gyrokinetic Electromagnetic Numerical Experiment (GENE) and X-point Gyrokinetic Code (XGC) have been successfully coupled by exchanging three-dimensional charge density data needed to solve the gyrokinetic Poisson equation over the entire spatial domain. Certain challenges for the coupling procedure arise from the fact that the two codes employ completely different numerical methods. This includes, in particular, the necessity to introduce mapping procedures for the transfer of data between the unstructured triangular mesh of XGC and the logically rectangular grid (in a combination of real and Fourier space) used by GENE. Constraints on the coupling scheme are also imposed by the use of different time integrators. First, coupled simulations are presented. We have considered collisionless ion temperature gradient turbulence, in both circular and fully shaped plasmas. Coupled simulations successfully reproduce both GENE and XGC reference results, confirming the validity of the code coupling approach toward a whole device model. Here, many lessons learned in the present context, in particular, the need for a coupling procedure as flexible as possible, should be valuable to our and other efforts to couple different kinds of codes in pursuit of a more comprehensive description of complex real-world systems and will drive our further developments of a whole device model for fusion plasmas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Redox potential tuning through differential quinone binding in the photosynthetic reaction center of Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Ubiquinone forms an integral part of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration and photosynthesis across a vast number of organisms. Prior experimental results have shown that the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides is only fully functional with a limited set of methoxy-bearing quinones, suggesting that specific interactions with this substituent are required to drive electron transport and the formation of quinol. The nature of these interactions has yet to be determined. Through parameterization of a CHARMM-compatible quinone force field and subsequent molecular dynamics simulations of the quinone-bound RC, in this paper we have investigated and characterized the interactions of the protein with the quinones in the Q A and Q B sites using both equilibrium simulation and thermodynamic integration. In particular, we identify a specific interaction between the 2-methoxy group of ubiquinone in the Q B site and the amide nitrogen of GlyL225 that we implicate in locking the orientation of the 2-methoxy group, thereby tuning the redox potential difference between the quinones occupying the Q A and Q B sites. Finally, disruption of this interaction leads to weaker binding in a ubiquinone analogue that lacks a 2-methoxy group, a finding supported by reverse electron transfer electron paramagnetic resonance experiments of the Q A –Q B – biradical and competitive binding assays.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Plant model of KIPT neutron source facility simulator

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) of the United States and Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology (KIPT) of Ukraine are collaborating on constructing a neutron source facility at KIPT, Kharkov, Ukraine. The facility has 100-kW electron beam driving a subcritical assembly (SCA). The electron beam interacts with a natural uranium target or a tungsten target to generate neutrons, and deposits its power in the target zone. The total fission power generated in SCA is about 300 kW. Two primary cooling loops are designed to remove 100-kW and 300-kW from the target zone and the SCA, respectively. A secondary cooling system is coupled with the primary cooling system to dispose of the generated heat outside the facility buildings to the atmosphere. In addition, the electron accelerator has a low efficiency for generating the electron beam, which uses another secondary cooling loop to remove the generated heat from the accelerator primary cooling loop. One of the main functions the KIPT neutron source facility is to train young nuclear specialists; therefore, ANL has developed the KIPT Neutron Source Facility Simulator for this function. In this simulator, a Plant Control System and a Plant Protection System were developed to perform proper control and to provide automatic protection against unsafe and improper operation of the facility during the steady-state and the transient states using a facility plant model. This report focuses on describing the physics of the plant model and provides several test cases to demonstrate its capabilities. The plant facility model uses the PYTHON script language. It is consistent with the computer language of the plant control system. It is easy to integrate with the simulator without an additional interface, and it is able to simulate the transients of the cooling systems with system control variables changing on real-time.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

teemi: An open-source literate programming approach for iterative design-build-test-learn cycles in bioengineering

Synthetic biology dictates the data-driven engineering of biocatalysis, cellular functions, and organism behavior. Integral to synthetic biology is the aspiration to efficiently find, access, interoperate, and reuse high-quality data on genotype-phenotype relationships of native and engineered biosystems under FAIR principles, and from this facilitate forward-engineering strategies. However, biology is complex at the regulatory level, and noisy at the operational level, thus necessitating systematic and diligent data handling at all levels of the design, build, and test phases in order to maximize learning in the iterative design-build-test-learn engineering cycle. To enable user-friendly simulation, organization, and guidance for the engineering of biosystems, we have developed an open-source python-based computer-aided design and analysis platform operating under a literate programming user-interface hosted on Github. The platform is called teemi and is fully compliant with FAIR principles. In this study we apply teemi for i) designing and simulating bioengineering, ii) integrating and analyzing multivariate datasets, and iii) machine-learning for predictive engineering of metabolic pathway designs for production of a key precursor to medicinal alkaloids in yeast. The teemi platform is publicly available at PyPi and GitHub.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

The sami galaxy survey: revisiting galaxy classification through high-order stellar kinematics

Recent cosmological hydrodynamical simulations suggest that integral field spectroscopy can connect the high-order stellar kinematic moments h{sub 3} (∼skewness) and h{sub 4} (∼kurtosis) in galaxies to their cosmological assembly history. Here, we assess these results by measuring the stellar kinematics on a sample of 315 galaxies, without a morphological selection, using two-dimensional integral field data from the SAMI Galaxy Survey. Proxies for the spin parameter (λ{sub R{sub e}}) and ellipticity (ϵ{sub e}) are used to separate fast and slow rotators; there exists a good correspondence to regular and non-regular rotators, respectively, as also seen in earlier studies. We confirm that regular rotators show a strong h{sub 3} versus V/σ anti-correlation, whereas quasi-regular and non-regular rotators show a more vertical relation in h{sub 3} and V/σ. Motivated by recent cosmological simulations, we develop an alternative approach to kinematically classify galaxies from their individual h{sub 3} versus V/σ signatures. Within the SAMI Galaxy Survey, we identify five classes of high-order stellar kinematic signatures using Gaussian mixture models. Class 1 corresponds to slow rotators, whereas Classes 2–5 correspond to fast rotators. We find that galaxies with similar λ{sub R{sub e}}--ϵ{sub e} values can show distinctly different h{sub 3}--V/σ signatures. Class 5 objects are previously unidentified fast rotators that show a weak h{sub 3} versus V/σ anti-correlation. From simulations, these objects are predicted to be disk-less galaxies formed by gas-poor mergers. From morphological examination, however, there is evidence for large stellar disks. Instead, Class 5 objects are more likely disturbed galaxies, have counter-rotating bulges, or bars in edge-on galaxies. Finally, we interpret the strong anti-correlation in h{sub 3} versus V/σ as evidence for disks in most fast rotators, suggesting a dearth of gas-poor mergers among fast rotators.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Applications Of The Advanced Simulation Capability For Environmental Management (ASCEM) - 17253

Three applications were completed using the Advanced Simulation Capability for Environmental Management (ASCEM), supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management. These analyses were performed for the Savannah River Site (SRS) F-Area, the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Site, and the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). At the SRS F-Area, ASCEM simulations were used to help develop cost-effective, long-term monitoring approaches for science-based site closure and management. The simulation results were used to develop a mechanistic understanding of correlations between contaminant concentrations and master variables that can be used for monitoring. At LANL, the ASCEM simulator Amanzi was integrated with a LANL-based decision support tool for the LANL onsite program. A saturated-zone site model focused on a key area of interest was developed and calibrated to measured data. This model was applied to quantify uncertainty and provide decision support to inform chromium remediation efforts. To support assessment of groundwater contamination at NNSS, ASCEM was used to calibrate hydrologic properties and flow directions using water levels observed under steady-state conditions and during four different pump tests on Pahute Mesa. The flow fields generated from these pump tests will be used to simulate transport pathways from underground nuclear tests to compare with field observations and to test alternative conceptual models of transport, which will ultimately facilitate better placement of monitoring wells. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advanced Reactor Cyber Analysis and Development Environment (ARCADE) for System-Level Design Analysis

Cybersecurity is a persistent concern to the safety and security of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), but has lacked data-driven, evidence-based research. Rigorous cybersecurity analysis is critical for the licensing of advanced reactors using a performance-based approach. One tool that enables cybersecurity analysis is modeling and simulation. The nuclear industry makes extensive use of modeling and simulation throughout the decision process but lacks a method to incorporate cybersecurity analysis with existing models. To meet this need, the Advanced Reactor Cyber Analysis and Development Environment (ARCADE) was developed. ARCADE is a suite of publicly available tools that can be used to develop emulations of industrial control system devices and networks and integrate those emulations with physics simulators. This integration of cyber emulations and physics models enables rigorous cyber-physical analysis of cyber-attacks on NPP systems. This report provides an overview of key considerations for using ARCADE with existing physics models and demonstrates ARCADE’s capabilities for cybersecurity analysis. Using a model of the Small Modular Advanced High Temperature Reactor (SmAHTR), ARCADE was able to determine the sensitivity of the primary heat exchangers (PHX) to coordinated cyber-attacks. The analysis determined that while the PHX’s failures cause disruption to the reactor, they did not cause any safety limits to be exceeded because of the plant design, including passive safety features. Further development of ARCADE will enable rigorous, repeatable, and automated cyber-physical analysis of advanced reactor control systems. These efforts will also help reduce regulatory uncertainty by presenting similar types of cybersecurity analyses in a common format, driving standard approaches and reporting.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗