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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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At least 127 records · Page 7

Effects of Dissolution Regimes on Flow Channelization and Solute Transport in 3D Fracture Networks: Insights From Graph‐Based Reactive Transport Modeling

We investigate how mineral dissolution reshapes flow pathways and solute transport in three‐dimensional discrete fracture networks using a computationally efficient graph‐based reactive transport model. The DFNs are inspired by field‐site observations of fractured carbonate and represent realistic connectivity and structural heterogeneity. Flow is simulated with the Reynolds equation, and dissolution follows first‐order kinetics with diffusive limitations captured through an effective mass‐transfer coefficient. By systematically varying two key dimensionless parameters, the effective Damköhler number (Da), governing reaction versus advection rates, and a transport parameter (Da), analogous to the Thiele modulus, distinct flow channelization regimes emerge: mildly channelized at low G, highly channelized at intermediate Da, and extreme wormhole formation at high Da and low G. Eulerian and Lagrangian analyses, including breakthrough curves, particle tortuosity, dispersivity, and flow channeling indicators quantitatively characterize the progression of dissolution‐driven network restructuring. Across all regimes, initial fracture heterogeneity persists. The results underscore how the interplay between this initial structure, advection, reaction, and diffusion critically shapes subsurface flow pathways, with implications for applications ranging from groundwater remediation to enhanced geothermal systems.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Nonlinear periodic waves solutions of the nonlinear self-dual network equations

The new classes of periodic solutions of nonlinear self-dual network equations describing the breather and soliton lattices, expressed in terms of the Jacobi elliptic functions have been obtained. The dependences of the frequencies on energy have been found. Numerical simulations of soliton lattice demonstrate their stability in the ideal lattice and the breather lattice instability in the dissipative lattice. However, the lifetime of such structures in the dissipative lattice can be extended through the application of ac driving terms.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Continuous conditional generative adversarial networks for data-driven solutions of poroelasticity with heterogeneous material properties

Machine learning-based data-driven modeling can allow computationally efficient time-dependent solutions of PDEs, such as those that describe subsurface multiphysical problems. In this work, our previous approach (Kadeethum et al., 2021d) of conditional generative adversarial networks (cGAN) developed for the solution of steady-state problems involving highly heterogeneous material properties is extended to time-dependent problems by adopting the concept of continuous cGAN (CcGAN). The CcGAN that can condition continuous variables is developed to incorporate the time domain through either element-wise addition or conditional batch normalization. Moreover, this framework can handle training data that contain different timestamps and then predict timestamps that do not exist in the training data. As a numerical example, the transient response of the coupled poroelastic process is studied in two different permeability fields: Zinn & Harvey transformation and a bimodal transformation. The proposed CcGAN uses heterogeneous permeability fields as input parameters while pressure and displacement fields over time are model output. Our results show that the model provides sufficient accuracy with computational speed-up. This robust framework will enable us to perform real-time reservoir management and robust uncertainty quantification in poroelastic problems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Mobile Computing for Aerospace Applications

The use of commercial computer technology in specific aerospace mission applications can reduce the cost and project cycle time required for the development of special-purpose computer systems. Additionally, the pace of technological innovation in the commercial market has made new computer capabilities available for demonstrations and flight tests. Three areas of research and development being explored by the Portable Computer Technology Project at NASA Ames Research Center are the application of commercial client/server network computing solutions to crew support and payload operations, the analysis of requirements for portable computing devices, and testing of wireless data communication links as extensions to the wired network. This paper will present computer architectural solutions to portable workstation design including the use of standard interfaces, advanced flat-panel displays and network configurations incorporating both wired and wireless transmission media. It will describe the design tradeoffs used in selecting high-performance processors and memories, interfaces for communication and peripheral control, and high resolution displays. The packaging issues for safe and reliable operation aboard spacecraft and aircraft are presented. The current status of wireless data links for portable computers is discussed from a system design perspective. An end-to-end data flow model for payload science operations from the experiment flight rack to the principal investigator is analyzed using capabilities provided by the new generation of computer products. A future flight experiment on-board the Russian MIR space station will be described in detail including system configuration and function, the characteristics of the spacecraft operating environment, the flight qualification measures needed for safety review, and the specifications of the computing devices to be used in the experiment. The software architecture chosen shall be presented. An analysis of the performance characteristics of wireless data links in the spacecraft environment will be discussed. Network performance and operation will be modeled and preliminary test results presented. A crew support application will be demonstrated in conjunction with the network metrics experiment.

Alena, Richard↗

Structural factoring approach for analyzing stochastic networks

The problem of finding the distribution of the shortest path length through a stochastic network is investigated. A general algorithm for determining the exact distribution of the shortest path length is developed based on the concept of conditional factoring, in which a directed, stochastic network is decomposed into an equivalent set of smaller, generally less complex subnetworks. Several network constructs are identified and exploited to reduce significantly the computational effort required to solve a network problem relative to complete enumeration. This algorithm can be applied to two important classes of stochastic path problems: determining the critical path distribution for acyclic networks and the exact two-terminal reliability for probabilistic networks. Computational experience with the algorithm was encouraging and allowed the exact solution of networks that have been previously analyzed only by approximation techniques.

Hayhurst, Kelly J.↗

Reactor System Facility Modification to Detect Compromised Human Machine Interfaces

This study focuses on a multi-layered Industrial Control System (ICS)/Operational Technology (OT) security architecture to aid in the discovery and mitigation of compromised Human Machine Interface (HMI)/Instrumentation & Control (I&C) based systems for modifying a prototypical reactor condition test facility called the Flowing Autoclave System (FAS) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This is achieved through a three-layered combination of network security solutions, hash-based algorithms, and blockchain technologies. Hash algorithms are mathematical functions used to generate a predetermined set of fixed-length values. They are widely used in computer security to verify the integrity of system information and data, both on a local network and the wider internet. Even small amounts of unauthorized system modification will cause the hash algorithm to output a set of characters that deviate significantly from its original value. Assisting secure hash functions, blockchain technology is a secure and distributed technology used to provide an immutable set of records replicated on all devices within a decentralized network. Blockchain offers a cost-effective solution to detect system compromise by providing a traceable breadcrumb trail of all network activity and data modification happening on a system. If both are used in conjunction with network monitoring tools, the integration of this three-pronged approach can become an asset in detecting suspected system compromises before any real damage can occur.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Treating network junctions in finite volume solution of transient gas flow models

A finite volume scheme for the numerical solution of a non-isothermal non-adiabatic compressible flow model for gas transportation networks on non-flat topography is introduced. Unlike standard Euler equations, the model takes into account wall friction, variable height and heat transfer between the pipe and the environment which are source terms. The case of one single pipe was considered in a previous reference by the authors, , where a finite volume method with upwind discretization of the flux and source terms has been proposed in order to get a well-balanced scheme. The main goal of the present paper is to go a step further by considering a network of pipes. The main issue is the treatment of junctions for which container-like 2D finite volumes are introduced. The couplings between pipes (1D) and containers (2D) are carefully described and the conservation properties are analyzed. Numerical tests including real gas networks are solved showing the performance of the proposed methodology.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Integrated RF/Optical Interplanetary Networking Preliminary Explorations and Empirical Results

Over the last decade interplanetary telecommunication capabilities have been significantly expanded--specifically in support of the Mars exploration rover and lander missions. NASA is continuing to drive advances in new, high payoff optical communications technologies to enhance the network to Gbps performance from Mars, and the transition from technology demonstration to operational system is examined through a hybrid RF/optical approach. Such a system combines the best features of RF and optical communications considering availability and performance to realize a dual band trunk line operating within characteristic constraints. Disconnection due to planetary obscuration and solar conjunction, link delays, timing, ground terminal mission congestion and scheduling policy along with space and atmospheric weather disruptions all imply the need for network protocol solutions to ultimately manage the physical layer in a transparent manner to the end user. Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) is an approach under evaluation which addresses these challenges. A multi-hop multi-path hybrid RF and optical test bed has been constructed to emulate the integrated deep space network and to support protocol and hardware refinement. Initial experimental results characterize several of these challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of DTN as a solution to mitigate them.

Raible, Daniel E.↗

Numerical solution of differential equations by artificial neural networks

Conventionally programmed digital computers can process numbers with great speed and precision, but do not easily recognize patterns or imprecise or contradictory data. Instead of being programmed in the conventional sense, artificial neural networks (ANN's) are capable of self-learning through exposure to repeated examples. However, the training of an ANN can be a time consuming and unpredictable process. A general method is being developed by the author to mate the adaptability of the ANN with the speed and precision of the digital computer. This method has been successful in building feedforward networks that can approximate functions and their partial derivatives from examples in a single iteration. The general method also allows the formation of feedforward networks that can approximate the solution to nonlinear ordinary and partial differential equations to desired accuracy without the need of examples. It is believed that continued research will produce artificial neural networks that can be used with confidence in practical scientific computing and engineering applications.

Meade, Andrew J., Jr.↗

Controlled release of entrapped nanoparticles from thermoresponsive hydrogels with tunable network characteristics

Thermoresponsive hydrogels have been studied intensively for creating smart drug carriers and controlled drug delivery. Understanding the drug release kinetics and corresponding transport mechanisms of nanoparticles (NPs) in a thermoresponsive hydrogel network is the key to the successful design of smart drug delivery systems. Here, we construct a mesoscopic model of rigid NPs entrapped in a hydrogel network in an aqueous solution, where the hydrogel network is formed by cross-linked semiflexible polymers of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). By varying the temperature crossing the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPAM, we can significantly change the hydrogel network characteristics. We systematically investigate how the matrix porosity and the nanoparticle size affect the transport kinetics of NPs at different temperatures. Quantitative results on the mean-squared displacement and the van Hove displacement distributions of NPs show that all NPs entrapped in the smart hydrogels undergo subdiffusion at both low and high temperatures. For a coil state, the transport of NPs in the hydrogels can be enhanced by decreasing the matrix porosity of the polymer network and NPs' size. However, when the solution temperature is increased above the critical temperature, the hydrogel network collapses following the coil-to-globule transition, with the NPs tightly trapped in some local regions inside the hydrogels. Consequently, the NP diffusion coefficient can be reduced by two orders of magnitude, or the diffusion processes can even be completely stopped. These findings provide new insights for designing controlled drug release from stimuli-responsive hydrogels, including autonomously switch on/off drug release in response to physical and chemical stimuli.

42 ENGINEERING↗

SDN solutions for switching dedicated long-haul connections: Measurements and comparative analysis

We consider a scenario of two sites connected over a dedicated, long-haul connection that must quickly fail-over in response to degradations in host-to-host application performance. The traditional layer-2/3 hot stand-by fail-over solutions do not adequately address the variety of application degradations, and more recent single controller Software Defined Networks (SDN) solutions are not effective for long-haul connections. We present two methods for such a path fail-over using OpenFlow enabled switches: (a) a light-weight method that utilizes host scripts to monitor application performance and dpctl API for switching, and (b) a generic method that uses two OpenDaylight (ODL) controllers and REST interfaces. For both methods, the restoration dynamics of applications contain significant statistical variations due to the complexities of controllers, north bound interfaces and switches; they, together with the wide variety of vendor implementations, complicate the choice among such solutions. We develop the impulse-response method based on regression functions of performance parameters to provide a rigorous and objective comparison of different solutions. We describe testing results of the two proposed methods, using TCP throughput and connection rtt as main parameters, over a testbed consisting of HP and Cisco switches connected over longhaul connections emulated in hardware by ANUE devices. Lastly, the combination of analytical and experimental results demonstrate that the dpctl method responds seconds faster than the ODL method on average, even though both methods eventually restore original TCP throughput.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Internship Presentation: Reactor System Facility Modification to Detect Compromised Human Machine Interfaces

This study presents a multi-layered Industrial Control System (ICS)/Operational Technology (OT) security architecture aimed at detecting and mitigating compromised Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Instrumentation & Control (I&C) systems within the Flowing Autoclave System (FAS) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The approach combines network security solutions, hash-based algorithms, and blockchain technologies to verify system integrity and provide an immutable record of network activity. This integrated three-pronged strategy enhances the detection of system compromises, enabling preemptive action before significant damage occurs.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗

Computer analysis of general linear networks using digraphs.

Investigation of the application of digraphs in analyzing general electronic networks, and development of a computer program based on a particular digraph method developed by Chen. The Chen digraph method is a topological method for solution of networks and serves as a shortcut when hand calculations are required. The advantage offered by this method of analysis is that the results are in symbolic form. It is limited, however, by the size of network that may be handled. Usually hand calculations become too tedious for networks larger than about five nodes, depending on how many elements the network contains. Direct determinant expansion for a five-node network is a very tedious process also.

Mcclenahan, J. O.↗

Energy Systems Integration: Demonstrating Distribution Feeder Voltage Control

Overview fact sheet about the Smarter Grid Solutions Integrated Network Testbed for Energy Grid Research and Technology Experimentation (INTEGRATE) project at the Energy Systems Integration Facility. INTEGRATE is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Modernization Initiative.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Streaming Solutions for Fine-Grained Network Traffic Measurements and Analysis

Online network traffic measurements and analysis is critical for detecting and preventing any real-time anomalies in the network. We propose, implement, and evaluate an online, adaptive measurement platform, which utilizes real-time traffic analysis results to refine subsequent traffic measurements. Central to our solution is the concept of Multi-Resolution Tiling (MRT), a heuristic approach that performs sequential analysis of traffic data to zoom into traffic subregions of interest. However, MRT is sensitive to transient traffic spikes. In this paper, we propose three novel traffic streaming algorithms that overcome the limitations of MRT and can cater to varying degrees of computational and storage budgets, detection latency, and accuracy of query response. We evaluate our streaming algorithms on a highly parallel and programmable hardware as well as a traditional software-based platforms. The algorithms demonstrate significant accuracy improvement over MRT in detecting anomalies consisting of synthetic hard-to-track elephant flows and global icebergs. Our proposed algorithms maintain the worst-case complexities of the MRT while incurring only a moderate increase in average resource utilization.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Coupled Multimodal Dynamics of Hydrogen-Containing Ion Networks in Water-Deficient, Sodium Hydroxide-Aluminate Solutions

The (meta)stability of low water activity sodium hydroxide/aluminate (Na + OH–/Al(OH) 4 –) electrolytes dictates kinetics in the Bayer process for aluminum refining and high-level nuclear waste processing. We utilized quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H NMR) in extremely concentrated sodium aluminate solutions to investigate the picosecond (ps) to microsecond (ms) timescale motions of H-bearing species (Al(OH) 4 – monomers/clusters, OH– and H 2 O). In the QENS data, in contrast to typical liquids, no short-time translational diffusion was observed at 293 K, but two types of localized motions were found: (i) local backbone tumbling or a formation of large hydrated ion clusters on the order of 40–60 ps; and (ii) much slower, complex, and collective dynamics of the ensemble of H-bearing species on the order of 350–750 ps. Variable temperature, pulsed field gradient, diffusion-ordered 1H NMR was used to determine the ensemble translational motion along with relaxometry to calculate rotational correlation coefficients. The ensemble rotational correlation times were on the order of 184–300 ps from 1 H NMR, which is consistent with the timescale of the QENS components. Complementary molecular dynamics simulation of NaOH solutions exhibit extensive ion networks potentially responsible for the observed dynamical coupling of water with the motion of large hydrated ion clusters. Understanding these collective motions will aid in predicting the behavior of complex solutions during aluminum production and during nuclear waste processing.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗