Study and optimization of 15 cm Kaufman thruster discharges.
Kaufman thrustor performance dependence on transmission of ion extraction optics and magnetic field shape
Knauer, W.↗
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Study and optimization of 15-cm Kaufman thruster discharges
Kaufman thrustor performance dependence on transmission of ion extraction optics and magnetic field shape
Knauer, W.↗
Optimal nodal point distribution for improved accuracy in computational fluid dynamics
In applying finite-difference techniques to flow field problems, the accuracy attained for a fixed number of node points can be improved using unequally-spaced node points. The distribution of these node points is chosen here by minimizing a measure of local truncation error with respect to the parameters which define a transformation between the computational space of equally-spaced node points and the physical space of unequally-spaced node points. The problem then becomes a nonlinear programming problem. Numerical results are presented for two one-dimensional test problems: the Blasius boundary layer problem and the inviscid Burgers' equation.
Pierson, B. L.↗
Feasibility of DEIM for retrieving the initial field via dimensionality reduction
When parameter estimation is solved in a high-dimensional space, the dimensionality reduction strategy becomes the primary consideration for alleviating the tremendous computational cost. Here, the discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM) is explored to retrieve the initial condition (IC) by combining the polynomial chaos (PC) based ensemble Kalman filter (i.e. PC-EnKF), where a non-intrusive PC expansion is considered as a surrogate model in place of the forward model in the prediction step of the ensemble Kalman filter, resulting in fewer forward model integrations but with a comparable accuracy as Monte Carlo-based approaches. The DEIM acts as a hyper-reduction tool to provide the low-dimensional input for the high-dimensional initial field, which can be reconstructed using the information on the sparse interpolation grid points that is adaptively obtained through PC-EnKF data assimilation method. Thus an innovative framework to reconstruct the IC is developed. The detailed procedure at each assimilation iteration includes: the determination of the spatial interpolation points, the estimation of the initial values on the interpolation locations using the optimal observations, and the reconstruction of IC in the full space. The current study uses the reconstruction field of initial conditions of the Navier-Stokes equations as an example to illustrate the efficacy of our method. The experimental results demonstrate the proposed algorithm achieves a satisfactory reconstruction for the initial field. The proposed method helps to extend the applicable area of DEIM in solving inverse problems.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Optimal N Application Rates on Switchgrass for Producers and a Biorefinery
This study analyzes the effects of N fertilizer application rates on profitability of growing switchgrass and using the feedstock in a pyrolysis biorefinery facility to create a source of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply in Tennessee. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial bunchgrass native to North America with traits suitable for biofuel and co-product production. Previous chemical analysis has shown that ash content in switchgrass is related to the amount of nitrogen applied to the field, while at the biorefinery level, the percentage ash content reduces the biorefinery fuel output. To obtain optimal nitrogen (N) application rates for the switchgrass producers and the biorefinery, a two-part analysis is employed. First, a partial budgeting profitability analysis is conducted for this cropping enterprise at the farm-gate level without considering downstream implications of biomass quality, i.e., ash content. Second, the effects of higher ash content as a percentage of the feedstock on biorefinery output are analyzed. Results show farm-gate profit is maximized when N fertilizer is applied at 111 kg/ha, while as a result of increased production levels and decreased percentage ash content, biorefinery profit is maximized when N is applied at 157 kg/ha. Lower ash could lead to premium prices paid to switchgrass producers if higher quality feedstock were to be demanded as part of an integrated biofuel industry.
Robertson, Keven Alan↗
ACTIVE
The Automated Control Testbed for Integration, Verification, and Emulation (ACTIVE) framework is a software platform designed to support the optimized operation and management of a wide range of building types. It enables the development, testing, and validation of diverse control strategies, including AI-based, rule-based, and model-based approaches. The platform facilitates a seamless transition from simulation-based evaluation of control strategies to real-world field validation and deployment. ACTIVE supports the full building management lifecycle, encompassing data acquisition and management, system monitoring, optimized control, adaptive learning services, device dispatch and coordination, as well as advanced analytics and visualization. Together, these capabilities provide an integrated environment for improving building performance, operational efficiency, reducing energy cost, and reliability.
Smith, Robert [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL↗
A grid-embedding transonic flow analysis computer program for wing/nacelle configurations
An efficient grid-interfacing zonal algorithm was developed for computing the three-dimensional transonic flow field about wing/nacelle configurations. the algorithm uses the full-potential formulation and the AF2 approximate factorization scheme. The flow field solution is computed using a component-adaptive grid approach in which separate grids are employed for the individual components in the multi-component configuration, where each component grid is optimized for a particular geometry such as the wing or nacelle. The wing and nacelle component grids are allowed to overlap, and flow field information is transmitted from one grid to another through the overlap region using trivariate interpolation. This report represents a discussion of the computational methods used to generate both the wing and nacelle component grids, the technique used to interface the component grids, and the method used to obtain the inviscid flow solution. Computed results and correlations with experiment are presented. also presented are discussions on the organization of the wing grid generation (GRGEN3) and nacelle grid generation (NGRIDA) computer programs, the grid interface (LK) computer program, and the wing/nacelle flow solution (TWN) computer program. Descriptions of the respective subroutines, definitions of the required input parameters, a discussion on interpretation of the output, and the sample cases illustrating application of the analysis are provided for each of the four computer programs.
Atta, E. H.↗
Degradability of Biodegradable Soil Moisture Sensor Components and Their Effect on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth
Inexpensive and no-maintenance biodegradable soil moisture sensors could improve existing knowledge on spatial and temporal variability of available soil water at field-scale. Such sensors can unlock the full potential of variable-rate irrigation (VRI) systems to optimize water applications in irrigated cropping systems. The objectives of this study were to assess (i) the degradation of soil moisture sensor component materials and (ii) the effects of material degradation on maize (Zea Mays L.) growth and development. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Colorado State University, Colorado, USA, by planting maize seeds in pots filled with three growing media (field soil, silica sand, and Promix commercial potting media). The degradation rate of five candidate sensor materials (three blends of beeswax and soy wax, balsa wood, and PHBV (poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate))) was assessed by harvesting sensor materials at four maize growth stages (30, 60, 90, and 120 days after transplanting). All materials under consideration showed stability in terms of mass and dimension except PHBV. PHBV was degraded entirely within 30 days in soil and Promix, and within 60 days in sand. Balsa wood did now show any significant reduction in mass and dimensions in all growth media. Similarly, there was no significant mass loss across wax blends (p = 0.05) at any growth stage, with a few exceptions. Among the wax blends, 3:1 (beeswax:soy wax) was the most stable blend in terms of mass and dimension with no surface cracks, making it a suitable encapsulant for soil sensor. All materials under consideration did not have any significant effect on maize growth (dry biomass, green biomass, and height) as compared to control plants. These results indicated that 3:1 beeswax:soy wax blend, PHBV, and balsa wood could be suitable candidates for various components of biodegradable soil moisture sensors.
Dahal, Subash (ORCID:0000000205489103)↗
Computing Optimal Multiarc Trajectories
Optimal Multi-Arc Trajectories (OMAT) computer program designed to calculate solution to optimal-trajectory problem in cases of low thrust-to-weight ratios. Developed for two-body exoatmospheric problem with three degrees of freedom in inverse-square force field. Offers two different options: impulsive changes in velocity and finite burns with low thrust-to-weight ratios. Two distinct solutions available from program: optimal multi-impulse (OMI) solution and optimal multiburn (OMB) solution. Two solutions obtained separately, or results of OMI solution used to guess unknown parameters of OMB solution. Written for DEC VAX-series computer. Written completely in FORTRAN 77.
Jezewski, Donald J.↗
Enhanced Multiobjective Optimization Technique for Comprehensive Aerospace Design
A multidisciplinary design optimization procedure which couples formal multiobjectives based techniques and complex analysis procedures (such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes) developed. The procedure has been demonstrated on a specific high speed flow application involving aerodynamics and acoustics (sonic boom minimization). In order to account for multiple design objectives arising from complex performance requirements, multiobjective formulation techniques are used to formulate the optimization problem. Techniques to enhance the existing Kreisselmeier-Steinhauser (K-S) function multiobjective formulation approach have been developed. The K-S function procedure used in the proposed work transforms a constrained multiple objective functions problem into an unconstrained problem which then is solved using the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) algorithm. Weight factors are introduced during the transformation process to each objective function. This enhanced procedure will provide the designer the capability to emphasize specific design objectives during the optimization process. The demonstration of the procedure utilizes a computational Fluid dynamics (CFD) code which solves the three-dimensional parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations for the flow field along with an appropriate sonic boom evaluation procedure thus introducing both aerodynamic performance as well as sonic boom as the design objectives to be optimized simultaneously. Sensitivity analysis is performed using a discrete differentiation approach. An approximation technique has been used within the optimizer to improve the overall computational efficiency of the procedure in order to make it suitable for design applications in an industrial setting.
Chattopadhyay, Aditi↗
Cohesive phase-field chemo-mechanical simulations of inter- and trans- granular fractures in polycrystalline NMC cathodes via image-based 3D reconstruction
The optimal design and durable utilization of lithium-ion batteries necessitates an objective modeling approach to understand fracture and failure mechanisms. This paper presents a comprehensive chemo-mechanical modeling study focused on elucidating fracture-induced damage and degradation phenomena in the polycrystalline Li $\mathcal{x}$ Ni 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC532) cathode. An innovative approach that utilizes image-based reconstructed 3D geometry as finite element (FE) mesh input is employed to enhance the precision in capturing the convoluted architecture and morphological features. For accurately representing the intricate crack configurations within the polycrystalline system, we adopted the cohesive phase-field fracture (CPF) model. Through the integration of advanced image-based geometry reconstruction technique and the promising CPF modeling approach, lithium (de)intercalation induced crack evolution (e.g., nucleation, propagation, branching and diverse modes including inter-/trans-(intra-) granular patterns) and the resulting chemical degradation can be precisely captured, which is also compared and validated with numerical predictions using a continuum damage model. In particular, this model predicts fracture induced degradation under varying fracture properties of grain boundaries and charging rates; the conclusion that NMC particles comprised of larger grains are predicted to have less degradation than those with smaller grains can also be drawn. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the fracture and degradation within polycrystalline NMC cathodes.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Machine-learning predictions of the shale wells’ performance
The ultra-low permeability nature of shale reservoirs leads to an extended linear flow and necessitates horizontal wells with multi-stage engineered fractures to efficiently extract hydrocarbons resources. These artificially-generated and naturally-occurring fractures form complex networks that create complex flow regimes which control oil production. These fractures are neither identical nor equally-spaced, which leads to a production profile with a masked onset of the boundary-dominated flow. The combination of the extended linear flow with the indeterminate onset of the boundary-dominated flow challenges the current deterministic analytic approaches to forecast the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). In this work, we propose a novel machine-learning approach which overcomes these challenges and provides reliable EUR estimates based on field-wide analyses. We implement a novel unsupervised machine learning (ML) methodology, which allows for automatic identification of the optimal number of features (signals) present in the data based on non-negative matrix/tensor factorization coupled with k-means clustering incorporating regularization and physics constraints. In the presented analyses, the input data to the ML algorithm is the available (public) production history from the field collected at existing unconventional reservoirs. We validate our approach through hindcasting of the production data, where we achieved an excellent agreement. In addition, our approach is able to identify the poorly-performing wells, which could benefit from early refracing. Our approach provides fast and accurate estimations of the well performance without presumptions about the state of the well or the flow regime.
03 NATURAL GAS↗
Optimization of X-ray Absorbers for High-Resolution TES Detectors in NewATHENA X-IFU
NewATHENA’s X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) uses a large-format array of Transition Edge Sensor (TES) microcalorimeters coupled with absorbers made of gold and bismuth providing 4 eV FWHM resolution up to 7 keV in the 0.2- 12 keV band. X-ray absorbers must be thick enough for photon absorption, maintain low heat capacity for energy resolution, and have good thermalization properties. The X-IFU requires total Quantum Efficiency (QE) of 96%, 87%, and 63% at 1, 7, and 9.5 keV, respectively. Optimal thicknesses are 1.05 µm gold and 5.5 µm bismuth to achieve 0.731 pJ/K at 90 mK and 87% QE at 7 keV. While typical TES absorbers are 3-4 µm thick, producing the required 5.5 µm Bi absorbers via standard electroplating creates enlarged grains and surface roughness. The increased roughness and grain size variability produced with our standard recipe have resulted in instances of 1) low energy spectral tails 2) spectral broadening of the energy resolution and 3) thermal shorts between pixels when a large grain bridges the gap between absorbers. In this study, we have introduced a new fabrication process and altered the morphology of the thick Bi through changes in the electroplating process. The process changes are intended to address all three issues as well as reduce particulate contamination observed on the finished detector arrays.
Absorber↗
Accelerating detector simulations with Celeritas: profiling and performance optimizations
Celeritas is a GPU-optimized MC particle transport code designed to meet the growing computational demands of next-generation HEP experiments. It provides efficient simulation of EM physics processes in complex geometries with magnetic fields, detector hit scoring, and seamless integration into Geant4-driven applications to offload EM physics to GPUs. Recent efforts have focused on performance optimizations and expanding profiling capabilities. This paper presents some key advancements, including the integration of the Perfetto system profiling tool for detailed performance analysis and the development of track-sorting methods to improve computational efficiency.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Development and Characterization of High-Efficiency, High-Specific Impulse Xenon Hall Thrusters
This dissertation presents research aimed at extending the efficient operation of 1600 s specific impulse Hall thruster technology to the 2000 to 3000 s range. Motivated by previous industry efforts and mission studies, the aim of this research was to develop and characterize xenon Hall thrusters capable of both high-specific impulse and high-efficiency operation. During the development phase, the laboratory-model NASA 173M Hall thrusters were designed and their performance and plasma characteristics were evaluated. Experiments with the NASA-173M version 1 (v1) validated the plasma lens magnetic field design. Experiments with the NASA 173M version 2 (v2) showed there was a minimum current density and optimum magnetic field topography at which efficiency monotonically increased with voltage. Comparison of the thrusters showed that efficiency can be optimized for specific impulse by varying the plasma lens. During the characterization phase, additional plasma properties of the NASA 173Mv2 were measured and a performance model was derived. Results from the model and experimental data showed how efficient operation at high-specific impulse was enabled through regulation of the electron current with the magnetic field. The electron Hall parameter was approximately constant with voltage, which confirmed efficient operation can be realized only over a limited range of Hall parameters.
Hofer, Richard R.↗
Investigation of the neoclassical ambipolar electric field in ion-root plasmas on W7-X
The role of the radial electric field in high-performance ion-root plasmas on Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is examined and compared with neoclassical predictions herein. The W7-X stellarator is the world’s first large-scale optimized stellarator. One of the important targets chosen for optimization during the W7-X design process was the reduction of core neoclassical heat transport. This optimization was targeted for reactor-relevant high-density plasmas with $T_e ≈ T_i$ in which the neoclassical ambipolar radial electric field is expected to be negative throughout the plasmas core. Measurements of the core radial electric field $(E_r)$ have confirmed that ion-root conditions (negative $(E_r)$ in the plasma core) have been achieved in W7-X with high-density plasmas and central ECRH. These measured $(E_r)$ profiles agree well with the neoclassical ambipolar $(E_r)$ predicted by the code SFINCS . This good agreement provides confidence in the validity of neoclassical calculations in high-density ion-root conditions, and enables initial studies on the role of neoclassical transport in the optimized high-density regime of W7-X. Profile measurements of electron temperature $(T_e)$, ion temperature $(T_i)$ and electron density $(n_e)$ along with approximations for the average value of $Z$ eff have been used as inputs to the sfincs code to calculate the ambipolar $E_r$ profile along with neoclassical ion and electron energy flux profiles $(Q$ NCi , $Q$ NCe $)$. Finally the total experimental energy input to the plasma from ECRH heating has been compared to the neoclassical energy fluxes to provide a first estimate for the fraction of transport that can be attributed to neoclassical processes in reactorrelevant high-density ion-root conditions.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
RDE Nozzle Computational Design Methodology Development and Application
The Open National Combustion Code (OpenNCC) is used to simulate the aerospike exhaust nozzle region of a rotating detonation engine (RDE).The main objectives of the current study are twofold. The first goal is to validate the proposed computational methodology using the experimental data. The second goal is to demonstrate how the validated prediction tool can be used to optimize the nozzle geometry. To achieve a significant speed-up of computational time, the computational domain in divided into two parts: a combustion region and a throat-nozzle section. In the combustion region, a validated quasi-two-dimensional in-house code is utilized to generate an unsteady RDE flow field solution just upstream of the combustor throat. Subsequently, the unsteady flow data is fed into the three-dimensional throat-nozzle section as the inflow boundary condition. This facilitates the design optimization process since the unsteady inflow can be reused, and a relatively coarse mesh (i.e., larger time-step) can be used to analyze the flow fields around the nozzle. Five nozzle designs were studied and the predicted performance (i.e., thrust)compared. The optimized nozzle was found to produce 3.2% more overall thrust than a baseline nozzle design. Without the nozzle, there is a large low-pressure region at the throat exit, which significantly reduces the overall performance. This methodology is shown to be a promising approach to explore a wide variety of nozzle geometries in a relatively short amount of time.
CFD↗
Hybrid Transportation System Integrated Trajectory Design and Optimization for Mars Landing Site Accessibility
NASA’s Mars Study Capability Team continues the agency’s efforts to study and refine the nation’s plan to field a sustainable human Mars campaign. One of the primary open issues left unanswered during previous analysis cycles was the uncertainty of the impact to the vehicle performance requirement to deliver crew and cargo to the same landing site across multiple mission opportunities. The Mars Study Capability Team has recently developed an integrated trajectory optimization and system closure model to solve the complex interplanetary trajectory optimization using both low-thrust and high-thrust maneuvers. This paper demonstrates the capability of this new integrated trajectory design and optimization method as it applies to the landing site accessibility problem for the Hybrid transportation architecture. The results showed that the current vehicle is capable of reaching up to +20 degree latitude and down to -20 degree latitude in every mission opportunity from 2033 to 2052. However, reaching latitudes beyond +/- 20 required more propellant than the spacecraft is currently designed to carry for many of the mission opportunities.
Chai, Patrick R.↗