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At least 883 records · Page 49

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DOE OSTI2022

Sensitivity/Uncertainty Analysis for Nuclear Criticality Safety Validation [Slides]

Sensitivity coefficients predict the expected change in a response ($\kappa$) due to a change in some input parameter ($\Sigma$). These responses can be k eff (or ratios of reaction rates). These input parameters are typically nuclear data. The coefficients are dimensionless ratios. What would happen to the system k eff if some piece of data were changed by some amount? The coefficient is calculated without making the change.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2024

DECOVALEX-2023: Task F2 Salt Final Report

The subject of Task F of DECOVALEX-2023 concerns performance assessment modelling of radioactive waste disposal in deep mined repositories. The primary objectives of Task F are to build confidence in the models, methods, and software used for performance assessment (PA) of deep geologic nuclear waste repositories, and/or to bring to the fore additional research and development needed to improve PA methodologies. In Task F2- (salt), these objectives have been accomplished through staged development and comparison of the models and methods used by participating teams in their PA frameworks. Coupled-process submodels and deterministic simulations of the entire PA model for a reference scenario for waste disposal in domal salt have been conducted. The task specification has been updated continuously since the initiation of the project to reflect the staged development of the conceptual repository model and performance metrics. Thermal, hydrological, mechanical, and chemical properties of individual components of the engineered and natural system were chosen for relevance by participating teams. The salt reference case system was characterized using data and measurements collected at relevant underground research laboratories (URLs), field sites, and simulation results from teams with specialized modelling capability. Participating teams made a wide range of model assumptions from compartmentalized networks to full 3D models of the salt formation. No single contributed model includes full-fidelity representation of all the features, events, and processes (FEPs) detailed in the task specification, but almost all features and processes are represented in at least one model. Despite differences in the modelling strategies developed by participating teams, all models indicate that salt compaction and radionuclide diffusion are key processes in the repository, and for the FEPs and model scenario considered, little of the disposed radionuclides will migrate beyond the repository seal over the 100,000 year simulations. In general, the model output quantities have the largest differences over the short term and near the waste. The models tend to be more similar further from waste and at later time. Disparities between the models are believed to be due to differing simplifications from the task specification, some of which are chosen simplifications to reduce complexity, and some are restrictions imposed by the modelling tools. A second round of this task has been accepted for DECOVALEX-2027 in conjunction with Task F1 on crystalline PA modelling. The future round includes waste package heating, improved modelling of salt creep closure, additional comparisons of coupled-process sub-models, and the impact of repository engineering design on radionuclide migration in the repository. Participants will also propose and finalize a set of uncertain inputs for the reference case simulations, propagate these uncertainties in a set of realizations, and conduct sensitivity analyses on the simulation results.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

NASA NTRS1977

Charge-sensitive amplifier with notched frequency response

Charge sensitive amplifier outputs bipolar pulse with maximum peak of 5 volts. This is applied to negative inputs of two high-speed comparators. These change output states only if pulse applied to negative inputs exceeds dc bias on their positive inputs. Output is transferred to digital event counter.

Stout, D. F.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Field mapping for heat capacity mapping determinations: Ground support for airborne thermal surveys

Thermal models independently derived by Watson, Outcalt, and Rosema were compared using similar input data and found to yield very different results. Each model has a varying degree of sensitivity to any specified parameter. Data collected at Pisgah Crater-Lavic Lake was re-examined to indicate serious discrepancy in results for thermal inertia from Jet Lab Propulsion Laboratory calculations, when made using the same orginal data sets.

Lyon, R. J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Semiconductor millimeter and centimeter wave radiometer for the study of the radiation of an underlying surface

A theoretical and experimental investigation of a superheterodyne radiometer system with input frequency converter and intermediate frequency modulation is presented. Conditions are found, at which the temperature sensitivity of the device does not deteriorate. A sensitivity function to external parameters (temperature, heterodyne power) of a radiometer system with intermediate frequency modulation and a Schottky diode frequency converter is presented and calculated. Use of a frequency converter at the second harmonic of the heterodyne permitted simplication of the radiometer design and the use of a semiconductor heterodyne. A 3 cm range intermediate frequency amplifier permitted the use of centimeter wave radiometer signals. Fluctuation sensitivity of radiometers with a 1 sec time constant is 0.3 K at 3.4 mm and 0.06 K at 3 cm.

Bordonskiy, G. S.↗

NASA NTRS1980

A pilot's assessment of helicopter handling-quality factors common to both agility and instrument flying tasks

A series of simulation and flight investigations were undertaken to evaluate helicopter flying qualities and the effects of control system augmentation for nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) agility and instrument flying tasks. Handling quality factors common to both tasks were identified. Precise attitude control was determined to be a key requirement for successful accomplishment of both tasks. Factors that degraded attitude controllability were improper levels of control sensitivity and damping, and rotor system cross coupling due to helicopter angular rate and collective pitch input. Application of rate command, attitude command, and control input decouple augmentation schemes enhanced attitude control and significantly improved handling qualities for both tasks. The NOE agility and instrument flying handling quality considerations, pilot rating philosophy, and supplemental flight evaluations are also discussed.

Gerdes, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The case for aerodynamic sensitivity analysis

No specific solutions are offered, nor verified by applications, for its subject problem which is sensitivity analysis in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Instead, a plea is made to the CFD community for extending their present capability to include sensitivity analysis. The plea is made from the viewpoint of an aeronautical engineer, not an expert in CFD methods, who needs the sensitivity information when working at the junction of aerodynamics, structures, active controls, and other disciplines whose inputs need to be integrated in aircraft design.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗

NASA NTRS1961

Design and Flight Tests of an Adaptive Control System Employing Normal-Acceleration Command

An adaptive control system employing normal-acceleration command has been designed with the aid of an analog computer and has been flight tested. The design of the system was based on the concept of using a mathematical model in combination with a high gain and a limiter. The study was undertaken to investigate the application of a system of this type to the task of maintaining nearly constant dynamic longitudinal response of a piloted airplane over the flight envelope without relying on air data measurements for gain adjustment. The range of flight conditions investigated was between Mach numbers of 0.36 and 1.15 and altitudes of 10,000 and 40,000 feet. The final adaptive system configuration was derived from analog computer tests, in which the physical airplane control system and much of the control circuitry were included in the loop. The method employed to generate the feedback signals resulted in a model whose characteristics varied somewhat with changes in flight condition. Flight results showed that the system limited the variation in longitudinal natural frequency of the adaptive airplane to about half that of the basic airplane and that, for the subsonic cases, the damping ratio was maintained between 0.56 and 0.69. The system also automatically compensated for the transonic trim change. Objectionable features of the system were an exaggerated sensitivity of pitch attitude to gust disturbances, abnormally large pitch attitude response for a given pilot input at low speeds, and an initial delay in normal-acceleration response to pilot control at all flight conditions. The adaptive system chatter of +/-0.05 to +/-0.10 of elevon at about 9 cycles per second (resulting in a maximum airplane normal-acceleration response of from +/-0.025 g to +/- 0.035 g) was considered by the pilots to be mildly objectionable but tolerable.

McNeill, Water E.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Fracture-Based Mesh Size Requirements for Matrix Cracks in Continuum Damage Mechanics Models

This paper evaluates the ability of progressive damage analysis (PDA) finite element (FE) models to predict transverse matrix cracks in unidirectional composites. The results of the analyses are compared to closed-form linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) solutions. Matrix cracks in fiber-reinforced composite materials subjected to mode I and mode II loading are studied using continuum damage mechanics and zero-thickness cohesive zone modeling approaches. The FE models used in this study are built parametrically so as to investigate several model input variables and the limits associated with matching the upper-bound LEFM solutions. Specifically, the sensitivity of the PDA FE model results to changes in strength and element size are investigated.

Leone, Frank A.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Effectiveness of Power Distribution Systems for Deployment on the Lunar Surface

Lunar habitation missions are currently being planned to have astronauts return to the moon by the mid 2020’s with a sustained lunar presence by the end of the decade. The various landed modules needed to support the missions are expected to be distributed around Shackleton Crater at distances ranging from 1 to 15 km and with power needs ranging from 10 kW to 50kW. Current plans call for a solar array to be installed on the rim of the crater that receives near-constant sunlight year around with a power distribution system that transfers power from the source to consumers. This paper details several power distribution systems: DC transmission lines, radio frequency power beaming, and optical power beaming. Sizing algorithms for each of these distributions systems along with their necessary subsystems were developed from literature and subject matter expertise input. Several experiments were then conducted to determine the performance of the systems along with their sensitivities to changes in assumptions for various sub-components. The defined Figures of Merit enable mission designers to select the best power distribution system for each possible power consumer mission scenario. The experimental results were analyzed and compiled into a set of figures that highlight the conditions for which a certain system outperforms the other.

Bradford Robertson↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Effectiveness of Power Distribution Systems for Deployment on the Lunar Surface

Bradford Robertson↗

DOE OSTI2019

Sensitivity of Uncertainty in Wind Characteristics and Wind Turbine Properties on Wind Turbine Extreme and Fatigue Loads

Wind turbine design relies on the ability to accurately predict turbine ultimate and fatigue loads. The loads analysis process requires precise knowledge of the expected wind-inflow conditions as well as turbine structural and aerodynamic properties. However, uncertainty in most parameters is inevitable. It is therefore important to understand the impact such uncertainties have on the resulting loads. The goal of this work is to assess which input parameters have the greatest influence on turbine power, fatigue loads, and ultimate loads during normal turbine operation. An Elementary Effects (EE) sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most sensitive parameters. Separate case studies are performed on (1) wind-inflow conditions and (2) turbine structural and aerodynamic properties, both using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5-MW baseline wind turbine. The focus is on individual parameter sensitivity, though interactions between parameters are considered.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2023

BSM Sensitivity Analysis and Meta-Modeling Next Steps [Slides]

We performed a global sensitivity analysis of the Bioenergy Scenario Model (BSM), using Elementary Effects analysis to identify potentially influential factors, with a focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. The process was iterative and informed key model changes and updates over the course of the study in addition to identifying the key model inputs that affect the cumulative production of SAF from the present through 2050. More work will be performed to gain deeper insight into the sensitivity of individual pathways as part of our larger efforts to develop a reduced-form version of the BSM.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Effect of processing parameters and build orientation on microstructure and performance of AISI stainless steel 304L made with selective laser melting under different strain rates

Selective laser melting (SLM) process brings diverse potentials on geometry flexibility; therefore, it is more and more widespread to be employed in fabrication metal alloys served for industries. Nonetheless, a material characterization study is desired to carry on for better understanding the correlation among process, structure, microstructure, and performance. In the current study, the SLM fabricated AISI stainless steel 304L was fabricated with different process parameters and built orientations (horizontal, inclined, and vertical. The tensile behavior was evaluated under different strain rates (0.0001 /s, 0.001 /s, 0.01 /s, and 0.1 /s) and compared to the commercial cold-rolled and annealed counterpart. Grain structures, tensile strength, elongation-to-failure, strain rate sensitivity, work hardening, and fractographic analysis were evaluated in terms of the effect of energy density, build orientation, and strain rate. The output indicates the tensile strength increases with increasing strain rates. On the contrary, the elongation-to-failure shows a decreasing trend with strain rates. Tensile properties of specimens built in the horizontal and inclined orientations are more sensitive to strain rates due to the smaller dimension of grain structures. Tensile anisotropy depends on the energy input, where a high energy density could yield a strong build orientation-dependent anisotropy. Hall-Petch relationship is validated to explain the mechanical anisotropy in different built orientations for SLM alloys. The strain hardening exponent and work hardening rate are demonstrated to be positively correlated, and they increase with smaller grain sizes. The fine dimple features indicate the ductile fracture mode regardless of strain rates. The size of the ductile dimples seems to depend on the strain rates and build orientations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1992

Surface-Acoustic-Wave Piezoelectric Microbalance

Improved piezoelectric microbalances developed for use in measuring masses of volcanic, aerosol, and other small particles suspended in air. Sensitive microbalance used to analyze airborne particles in real time in environments as diverse as clean rooms or upper atmosphere. Surface-acoustic-wave resonator includes input and output sets of interdigitated electrodes and two passive conductive patterns acting as reflectors. Mechanical energy travels both ways out from middle and reflected back toward middle. Microbalance and associated circuitry fit in small package. Circuit draws only 80 mA at 5 V. Sensitivity more than 400 times that of bulk piezoelectric microbalance.

Chuan, Raymond L.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Truncated non-linear interferometer-based sensor system

A truncated non-linear interferometer-based sensor system includes an input that receives an optical beam and a non-linear amplifier that generates a probe beam and a conjugate beam from the optical beam. The system's local oscillators are related to the probe beam and the conjugate beam. The system includes a sensor that transduces an input with the probe beam and the conjugate beam. The transduction detects changes in the phase of each of the probe beam and the conjugate beam. The system's phase sensitive detectors detect phase modulations between the respective local oscillators, the probe beam, and the conjugate beam and outputs phase signals based on detected phase modulations. The system measures phase signals indicative of the sensor's input resulting from a sum or difference of the phase signals. The measurement exhibits a quantum noise reduction in an intensity difference, a phase sum, or an amplitude difference quadrature.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

NASA NTRS2015

High Frequency Design Considerations for the Large Detector Number and Small Form Factor Dual Electron Spectrometer of the Fast Plasma Investigation on NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission

Each half of the Dual Electron Spectrometer (DES) of the Fast Plasma Investigation (FPI) on NASA's Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) mission utilizes a microchannel plate Chevron stack feeding 16 separate detection channels each with a dedicated anode and amplifier/discriminator chip. The desire to detect events on a single channel with a temporal spacing of 100 ns and a fixed dead-time drove our decision to use an amplifier/discriminator with a very fast (GHz class) front end. Since the inherent frequency response of each pulse in the output of the DES microchannel plate system also has frequency components above a GHz, this produced a number of design constraints not normally expected in electronic systems operating at peak speeds of 10 MHz. Additional constraints are imposed by the geometry of the instrument requiring all 16 channels along with each anode and amplifier/discriminator to be packaged in a relatively small space. We developed an electrical model for board level interactions between the detector channels to allow us to design a board topology which gave us the best detection sensitivity and lowest channel to channel crosstalk. The amplifier/discriminator output was designed to prevent the outputs from one channel from producing triggers on the inputs of other channels. A number of Radio Frequency design techniques were then applied to prevent signals from other subsystems (e.g. the high voltage power supply, command and data handling board, and Ultraviolet stimulation for the MCP) from generating false events. These techniques enabled us to operate the board at its highest sensitivity when operated in isolation and at very high sensitivity when placed into the overall system.

Microchannel plates high frequency performance↗

NASA NTRS2018

Micromechanical Broadband Infrared Sensors based on Piezoelectric Bending Resonators

There is a high demand for high-performance and low-cost uncooled infrared (IR) detectors. In order to meet this need we are investigating the use of MEMS piezoelectric resonator technology using aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films. Recent research has shown that piezoelectric resonators have the potential to be used as a core element for highly sensitive, low-noise, and low-power uncooled IR detectors. A novel design of an AlN IR sensor based on piezoelectric bending resonator is described and analyzed in this paper. The detector is constructed by using thermally mismatched materials which stress the resonator and shift the resonance frequency. The IR thermal input is sensed by monitoring the frequency shift induced by the in-plan thermal stress. These designs have the potential for very high sensitivity and are compatible with commercially viable CMOS fabrication technology.

Rais-Zadeh, Mina↗