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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.
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Snowmass2021 - Letter of interest cosmology intertwined II: The hubble constant tension
The current cosmological probes have provided a fantastic confirmation of the standard Λ Cold Dark Matter cosmological model, which has been constrained with unprecedented accuracy. However, with the increase of the experimental sensitivity, a few statistically significant tensions between different independent cosmological datasets emerged. While these tensions can be in part the result of systematic errors, the persistence after several years of accurate analysis strongly hints at cracks in the standard cosmological scenario and the need for new physics. In this Letter of Interest we will focus on the 4.4σ tension between the Planck estimate of the Hubble constant H0 and the SH0ES collaboration measurements. After showing the H0 evaluations made from different teams using different methods and geometric calibrations, we will list a few interesting models of new physics that could solve this tension and discuss how the next decade’s experiments will be crucial.
Note: Derivation of two-photon circular dichroism—Addendum to “Two-photon circular dichroism” [J. Chem. Phys. 62, 1006 (1975)]
This addendum shows the detailed derivation of the fundamental equations for two-photon circular dichroism which are given in a very condensed form in the original publication [I. Tinoco, J. Chem. Phys. 62, 1006 (1975)]. In addition, some minor errors are corrected and some of the derivations in the original publication are commented.
Multi-species Identification of Polymorphic Peptide Variants via Propagation in Spectral Networks
Not Available
A COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL ASSESSMENT OF STAR-PLANET INTERACTION
We investigate whether magnetic interaction between close-in giant planets and their host stars produce observable statistical enhancements in stellar coronal or chromospheric activity. New Chandra observations of 12 nearby (d < 60 pc) planet-hosting solar analogs are combined with archival Chandra, XMM-Newton, and ROSAT coverage of 11 similar stars to construct a sample inoculated against inherent stellar class and planet-detection biases. Survival analysis and Bayesian regression methods (incorporating both measurements errors and X-ray upper limits; 13/23 stars have secure detections) are used to test whether ''hot Jupiter'' hosts are systematically more X-ray luminous than comparable stars with more distant or smaller planets. No significant correlations are present between common proxies for interaction strength (M {sub P}/a {sup 2} or 1/a) versus coronal activity (L {sub X} or L {sub X}/L {sub bol}). In contrast, a sample of 198 FGK main-sequence stars does show a significant (∼99% confidence) increase in X-ray luminosity with M {sub P}/a {sup 2}. While selection biases are incontrovertibly present within the main-sequence sample, we demonstrate that the effect is primarily driven by a handful of extreme hot-Jupiter systems with M {sub P}/a {sup 2} > 450 M {sub Jup} AU{sup –2}, which here are all X-ray luminous but to a degree commensurate with their Ca II H and K activity, in contrast to presented magnetic star-planet interaction scenarios that predict enhancements relatively larger in L {sub X}. We discuss these results in the context of cumulative tidal spin-up of stars hosting close-in gas giants (potentially followed by planetary infall and destruction). We also test our main-sequence sample for correlations between planetary properties and UV luminosity or Ca II H and K emission, and find no significant dependence.
Effective theory of dark energy at redshift survey scales
We explore the phenomenological consequences of general late-time modifications of gravity in the quasi-static approximation, in the case where cold dark matter is non-minimally coupled to the gravitational sector. Assuming spectroscopic and photometric surveys with configuration parameters similar to those of the Euclid mission, we derive constraints on our effective description from three observables: the galaxy power spectrum in redshift space, tomographic weak-lensing shear power spectrum and the correlation spectrum between the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect and the galaxy distribution. In particular, with ΛCDM as fiducial model and a specific choice for the time dependence of our effective functions, we perform a Fisher matrix analysis and find that the unmarginalized 68% CL errors on the parameters describing the modifications of gravity are of order σ∼10{sup −2}–10{sup −3}. We also consider two other fiducial models. A nonminimal coupling of CDM enhances the effects of modified gravity and reduces the above statistical errors accordingly. In all cases, we find that the parameters are highly degenerate, which prevents the inversion of the Fisher matrices. Some of these degeneracies can be broken by combining all three observational probes.
Generalized local-frame-transformation theory for excited species in external fields
A rigorous theoretical framework is developed for a generalized local-frame-transformation theory (GLFT). The GLFT is applicable to the following systems: Rydberg atoms or molecules in an electric field and negative ions in any combination of electric and/or magnetic fields. A first test application to the photoionization spectra of Rydberg atoms in an external electric field demonstrates dramatic improvement over the first version of the local- frame-transformation theory developed initially by U. Fano [Phys. Rev. A 24, 619 (1981)] and D. A. Harmin [Phys. Rev. A 26, 2656 (1982)]. This revised GLFT theory yields nontrivial corrections because it now includes the full on-shell Hilbert space without adopting the truncations in the original theory. Comparisons of the semianalytical GLFT Stark spectra with ab initio numerical simulations yield errors in the range of a few tens of MHz, an improvement over the original Fano-Harmin theory, whose errors are 10–100 times larger. Furthermore, our analysis provides a systematic pathway to precisely describe the corresponding photoabsorption spectra that should be accurate enough to meet most modern experimental standards.
Unveiling ν secrets with cosmological data: Neutrino masses and mass hierarchy
Using some of the latest cosmological datasets publicly available, we derive the strongest bounds in the literature on the sum of the three active neutrino masses, M ν , within the assumption of a background flat ΛCDM cosmology. In the most conservative scheme, combining Planck cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature anisotropies and baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) data, as well as the up-to-date constraint on the optical depth to reionization (τ), the tightest 95% confidence level (C.L.) upper bound we find is M ν <0.151~eV. The addition of Planck high-ℓ polarization data, which however might still be contaminated by systematics, further tightens the bound to M ν <0.118~eV. A proper model comparison treatment shows that the two aforementioned combinations disfavor the IH at ~64%~C.L. and ~71%~C.L. respectively. Furthermore, we compare the constraining power of measurements of the full-shape galaxy power spectrum versus the BAO signature, from the BOSS survey. Even though the latest BOSS full shape measurements cover a larger volume and benefit from smaller error bars compared to previous similar measurements, the analysis method commonly adopted results in their constraining power still being less powerful than that of the extracted BAO signal. Our research uses only cosmological data; imposing the constraint M ν >0.06eV from oscillations data would raise the quoted upper bounds by O(0.1σ) and would not affect our conclusions.
Proton Isovector Helicity Distribution on the Lattice at Physical Pion Mass
We present a state-of-the-art calculation of the isovector quark helicity Bjorken-x distribution in the proton using lattice-QCD ensembles at the physical pion mass. We compute quasi-distributions at proton momenta P z ϵ {2.2; 2.6; 3.0} GeV on the lattice, and match them systematically to the physical parton distribution using large-momentum effective theory (LaMET).We reach an unprecedented precision through high statistics in simulations, large-momentum proton matrix elements, and control of excited-state contamination. The resulting distribution with combined statistical and systematic errors is in agreement with the latest phenomenological analysis of the spin-dependent experimental data; in particular, Δ$\bar{u}$(x) > Δ$\bar{d}$(x).
Assessment of Optimal Flexibility in Ensemble of Frequency Responsive Loads
Potential of electrical loads in providing grid ancillary services is often limited due to the uncertainties associated with the load behavior. A knowledge of the expected uncertainties with a load control program would invariably yield to better informed control policies, opening up the possibility of extracting the maximal load control potential without affecting grid operations. In the context of frequency responsive load control, a probabilistic uncertainty analysis framework is presented to quantify the expected error between the target and actual load response, under uncertainties in the load dynamics. A closed-form expression of an optimal demand flexibility, minimizing the expected error in actual and committed flexibility, is provided. Analytical results are validated through Monte Carlo simulations of ensembles of electric water heaters.
3D microwave tomography of the breast using prior anatomical information
Purpose: The authors have developed a new 3D breast image reconstruction technique that utilizes the soft tissue spatial resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and integrates the dielectric property differentiation from microwave imaging to produce a dual modality approach with the goal of augmenting the specificity of MR imaging, possibly without the need for nonspecific contrast agents. The integration is performed through the application of a soft prior regularization which imports segmented geometric meshes generated from MR exams and uses it to constrain the microwave tomography algorithm to recover nearly uniform property distributions within segmented regions with sharp delineation between these internal subzones. Methods: Previous investigations have demonstrated that this approach is effective in 2D simulation and phantom experiments and also in clinical exams. The current study extends the algorithm to 3D and provides a thorough analysis of the sensitivity and robustness to misalignment errors in size and location between the spatial prior information and the actual data. Results: Image results in 3D were not strongly dependent on reconstruction mesh density, and the changes of less than 30% in recovered property values arose from variations of more than 125% in target region size—an outcome which was more robust than in 2D. Similarly, changes of less than 13% occurred in the 3D image results from variations in target location of nearly 90% of the inclusion size. Permittivity and conductivity errors were about 5 times and 2 times smaller, respectively, with the 3D spatial prior algorithm in actual phantom experiments than those which occurred without priors. Conclusions: The presented study confirms that the incorporation of structural information in the form of a soft constraint can considerably improve the accuracy of the property estimates in predefined regions of interest. These findings are encouraging and establish a strong foundation for using the soft prior technique in clinical studies, where their microwave imaging system and MRI can simultaneously collect breast exam data in patients.
SU-F-T-333: Deliverability Considerations in Modulated Photon Radiotherapy (XMRT)
Purpose: Modulated Photon Radiotherapy (XMRT), which simultaneously optimizes photon beamlet energy (6 and 18 MV) and fluence, has shown dosimetric improvements for fluence map optimization (FMO) when compared to conventional single-energy intensity modulated radiotherapy. However, generating deliverable multi-leaf collimator (MLC) sequences for XMRT needs to be explored. Therefore, two problems were investigated: 1) The ability to generate MLC-sequenced fluence maps from FMO XMRT solutions for a prostate case 2) The impact of fluence smoothening constraints imposed in the FMO on the deliverability and dose distribution. Methods: XMRT FMO solutions for a clinical prostate case employing standard dosimetric constraints, prescriptions, and a seven coplanar beam arrangement were generated. Smoothening constraints in the FMO utilized a sum of positive gradients approach. Sequenced maps were generated using an in-house optimization algorithm (MLCSO). The maximum leaf speed, minimum leaf separation, and transmission through MLC leaves were set to 2.5 mm/s, 1 mm, and 1%, respectively. The resulting sequenced maps for each field were compared with the original FMO solutions through gamma analysis (0.5%/0.5 mm) and root mean square error (RMSE). This comparison was done for both the smoothed and unsmoothed XMRT solutions. Results: Average RMSE and gamma agreement of 0.44, 93%and 0.36, 95% were obtained for unsmoothed 6 and 18 MV contributions from XMRT sequenced maps. The sequenced maps with smoothening constraints had better agreement with their respective optimal fluences, with RMSEs of 0 and gamma pass rates of 100% for all comparisons. This improved smoothening led to increased dose to critical structures (rectum, bladder, and femoral heads); however solutions were still clinically acceptable. Conclusion: For a clinical prostate case, XMRT FMO fluence maps were suitable for conversion into deliverable MLC sequences. Imposing smoothening constraints during FMO resulted in improved sequenced maps, though with a slight increase in dose to the critical structures.
Evaluation of dynamic testing of full-scale wind turbine drivetrains with hardware-in-the-loop
Dynamometer testing of full-scale wind turbine drivetrains involves subjecting integrated components to extreme static loads, fatigue loads, or dynamic loads to replicate field conditions. This paper provides a detailed evaluation of the uncertainty and errors in applied loads and measured responses, and their magnitude relative to established repeatability bounds for a drivetrain subjected to static and dynamic loads on the 7.5 MW test bench at the Clemson University Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility. An ideal drivetrain simulation model is utilized to isolate the influence of load tracking errors on test article responses. It is shown that the test article response variations are mainly driven by run out and clearances inherent to the drivetrain. For the dynamic profiles, the load tracking errors are within acceptable limits. Furthermore, a frequency analysis is used to show that the test bench controller tracking performance is acceptable for profiles with frequency content up to 1.5 Hz.
Alternative analysis of the MINERVE ZPR oscillation experiments
Delayed neutrons are of fundamental importance in the field of nuclear reactor dynamics and control. However, the precursor yield fraction for a given nuclear reactor are dependent on the properties of the reactor. Thus, in-pile experiments, such as oscillation experiments are conducted in order to measure those values. In this work, an alternative analysis of the piston oscillation experiments that have been conducted in the MINERVE reactor in 2013 is performed. A new method which evolves effective terms that cancel out undesired drifts of the flux during the experiments is presented. The evaluation of the uncertainty on the values of the response function is also presented. Moreover, the effective delayed neutron fraction β{sub eff} is evaluated and is compared to results in previous works. As the analysis has led to an estimation of β{sub eff} with a large uncertainty, it has been deduced that the oscillation experiments that have been conducted in MINERVE are not a reliable method of experimentation to determine the value of β{sub eff} in the reactor and that the noise experiments are better suited for that purpose.
Numerical Modelling of the Optical Stochastic Cooling Experiment at IOTA
A proof-of-principle optical-stochastic cooling (OSC) experiment is currently in its commissioning phase at the Fermilab’s IOTA ring. In support of this experiment, we recently implemented an OSC element in the ELEGANT tracking program. The model, based on a semi-analytic description of OSC [*], supports the simulation of a large number of macroparticles (10⁴-10⁶) over many turns (10⁶). This paper showcases the simulation capabilities to investigate the beam dynamics in the presence of cooling (or self-interacting radiation field in general) and quantify the impact of various sources of error (e.g. transverse and phase jitter), guide data analysis.
Vulnerabilities in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications and Data
Artificial intelligence (AI) applications driven by machine learning (ML) are transformational technologies within the international nuclear security regime. Advancements realized by AI—faster and improved data insights, more efficient and automated processes, reductions in human error—enable nuclear security applications such as behavior analysis for insider threat mitigation, source tracking of stolen nuclear material, and facial recognition software for physical protection. In addition to the advantages, however, there are also inherent vulnerabilities and threats associated with its use and risk mitigations must be built into any AI/ML-enabled systems. This work provides a background on AI and ML and different data types used in the field, including open-source intelligence information (OSINT) that is discoverable by AI tools and application data that are used by AI tools for decision-making and automation. Current and potential AI applications and vulnerabilities related to their use within the nuclear security regime are also discussed.
Measuring the Radial Component of the Magnetic Field in the Muon g-2 Experiment
A leading systematic error in the muon electric dipole moment (EDM) analysis at Muon g-2 is the presence of radial magnetic fields because they cause indistinguishable effects to the muon spin precession plane from a true EDM measurement. Measuring a non-zero EDM would place a constraint in CP-violation, indicating new physics beyond the Standard Model. The radial field is composed of an applied radial field by the surface correction coils (SCC) and a background radial field due to imperfections in the materials and alignment of magnetic elements. We determine an optimal SCC setting that best minimizes the background radial field by performing a scan at different electro-static quadrupole settings and studying its relation with the vertical beam position and applied radial field. In this talk I will present our results and describe our efforts to design an apparatus outfitted with Hall probes and tilt sensors to directly measure the radial magnetic field as a function of az imuth.
High Temperature Additive Architectures for 65% Efficiency (Final Technical Report)
This project aimed to develop advanced high-temperature additive components that contribute towards the DOE’s goal for advanced gas turbines that are capable of at least 65% efficiency in combined cycle application. The objective was to leverage state-of-the-art additive manufacturing to develop an innovative stage 1 turbine nozzle (S1N) that can provide cooling flow savings while maintaining the component durability expected in today’s gas turbines. The program had two phases. Phase I was a conceptual phase for novel advanced cooling designs enabled by additive manufacturing, as well as proposals for validation. Phase II included execution of the Phase I conceptual design, including manufacturing of prototype hardware and validation within an environment that is similar to engine operation. During Phase I of the program, the team devised a concept to reduce cooling air usage. The cooling air used in the side walls is filmed out along the side walls, while the cooling air used in the airfoil is eventually directed to near-wall channels and exits holes along the airfoil trailing end. During this program, the team performed additive trials to analyze the geometric limitations of additive manufacturing. This helped the team understand minimum wall thicknesses, hole sizes, and cooling channel dimensions among other limits. Phase II of this program pushed GE Vernova beyond its previous experience of designing and manufacturing an additively manufactured hot gas path component. Modern hot gas path components utilize material chemistries that are traditionally hard to weld, such as cast Renè 108, and exhibit solidification cracking when additively manufactured using Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM). Note that AM108 is a powder form of Renè 108. A S1N with advanced cooling is larger and more complex than parts previously built by additive manufacturing and required new learnings to resolve risks around solidification cracking. Finally, the team validated the design in a combustion rig that replicated operation in a gas turbine. In order to properly quantify the benefits of the new additive design, a baseline was also tested in the rig and operated under the same conditions. In addition, an uncertainty analysis was done to quantify any sources of error that could impact the results. At the end of the validation effort, it was determined that the additive nozzle exceeded the 15% reduction in cooling flow goal even with the worst-case assumptions for uncertainty.