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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 1,297 records · Page 72
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Grain-Boundary Resistance in Copper Interconnects: From an Atomistic Model to a Neural Network

Orientation effects on the specific resistance of copper grain boundaries are studied systematically with two different atomistic tight-binding methods. A methodology is developed to model the specific resistance of grain boundaries in the ballistic limit using the embedded atom model, tight- binding methods, and nonequilibrium Green’s functions. The methodology is validated against first-principles calculations for thin films with a single coincident grain boundary, with 6.4% deviation in the specific resistance. A statistical ensemble of 600 large, random structures with grains is studied. For structures with three grains, it is found that the distribution of specific resistances is close to normal. Finally, a compact model for grain-boundary-specific resistance is constructed based on a neural network.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Charged-particle multiplicity fluctuations in Pb–Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm {NN}}}$ = 2.76 TeV

Measurements of event-by-event fluctuations of charged-particle multiplicities in Pb–Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm {NN}}}$ = 2.76 TeV using the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) are presented in the pseudorapidity range |η| < 0.8 and transverse momentum 0.2 < p T < 2.0 GeV/c. The amplitude of the fluctuations is expressed in terms of the variance normalized by the mean of the multiplicity distribution. The η and p T dependences of the fluctuations and their evolution with respect to collision centrality are investigated. The multiplicity fluctuations tend to decrease from peripheral to central collisions. The results are compared to those obtained from HIJING and AMPT Monte Carlo event generators as well as to experimental data at lower collision energies. Additionally, the measured multiplicity fluctuations are discussed in the context of the isothermal compressibility of the high-density strongly-interacting system formed in central Pb–Pb collisions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Particle Filter Based Inference Testing

The primary intent of PAR-FIT (Particle Filter based Inference Testing) is to provide hard inductive evidence that a machine learning model is capable and proven for an individual test input. By examining training data used to form the underlying model functional correlation, an estimate of the reliability that a model will make the correct prediction can be made. The Sequential Probability Ratio Test is used to derive a qualitative evaluation for reliability based on hypothesis testing. The PAR-FIT framework achieves this by implementing a particle filter and the sequential probability ratio test algorithms on the machine learning model training data to determine relevancy of new individual test samples to the training dataset. The kernel function evaluates the local proximity and density of training data used to derive a prediction outcome. Particles are used to probabilistically determine which training data to evaluate for proximity. For test samples that are within a close proximity to and surrounded by multiple training data points, the evaluated reliability of the prediction is high. For test samples that are anomalies not represented by the training dataset, in low density data clusters, or are far from existing data points, the evaluated reliability is low as insufficient training evidence exists to suggest the model is capable of making the correct prediction. Sequential Probability Ratio Test is further used to determine when a hypothesis on whether a signal can be rejected or accepted for use. The ratio test collects sequence information from the particle filter to test whether the signal is anomalous or normal via hypothesis testing of the underlying distributions.

Chen, Edward [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Ida↗
DOE OSTI2024

Problem with gradual absorption in MSD/MSC calculations

Replacing classical exciton model with the better founded Multi-step Direct (MSD) and Multistep Compound (MSC) mechanisms has been impeded by incapability of the latter models to describe central part of the neutron emission spectra at incident neutron energies of about 14 MeV and above. We have ascribed this deficiency to the decrease of absorption to the MSC mechanism resulting from the concept of gradual absorption. We were able to obtain very good reproduction of experimentally measured neutron spectra using MSD/MSC calculations when this option was turned off. Such treatment is, however, at odds with the fundamental distinction between MSD and MSC mechanisms that should proceed through the chain of open (P-space) and closed (Q-space) configurations respectively. By blocking gradual absorption we allow the first stage of MSC to be fully populated from the incident channel that at higher incident energies is impossible. We discuss various attempts of addressing the problem that, so far, remains open. In addition, we present an evidence for much tighter spin distribution of particle-hole states than normally assumed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Requirements Description of GAMSOR and GAMSRC

This report presents the modeling and simulation capabilities of Argonne National Laboratory’s GAMSOR and GAMSRC code that is used in present reactor analysis activities. These capabilities will then be used to establish the set of verification tasks necessary to verify GAMSOR for use on commercial projects. A similar approach was taken for the PERSENT, REBUS and DIF3D software packages. The GAMSOR program is a modified version of DIF3D used to obtain the coupled neutron gamma flux distributions for a given reactor system. GAMSOR was first developed in the 1980s and its work has progressed in parallel with DIF3D throughout its various development phases. While GAMSOR is compatible with DIF3D-FD and DIF3D-Nodal, DIF3D-VARIANT is most commonly used today and will be the focus of the present verification effort. As covered in [1], GAMSOR was built to provide more accurate heating distributions by explicitly solving for both the gamma and neutron heating distributions. Without this consideration, gamma heat is normally assumed to be deposited locally at the site of gamma production. This is acceptable for modeling some phenomena because the total energy production is preserved, but it can lead to inaccurate approximations of fluence-dependent behaviors such as fuel performance, swelling, cladding embrittlement, radiation induced creep, and power peaking. The outputs from GAMSOR are contained in multiple intermediate and final output files: FIXSRC, VARSRC, GTFLUX, GHFLUX, PWDINT, NPDINT, and GPDINT. DIF3D normally produces a PWDINT file containing power density results, with the assumption that gamma rays are absorbed where they are emitted (i.e., energy deposition is local with no modeled transport). With GAMSOR, neutron power density (NPDINT) and gamma power density (GPDINT) are both produced, with their summed power densities replacing the results in PWDINT for total heating (i.e., recoverable) power density.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Logarithmic Bayesian Approach to Quantum Error Detection

We consider the problem of continuous quantum error correction from a Bayesian perspective, proposing a pair of digital filters using logarithmic probabilities that are able to achieve near-optimal performance on a three-qubit bit-flip code, while still being reasonable to implement on low-latency hardware. These practical filters are approximations of an optimal filter that we derive explicitly for finite time steps, in contrast with previous work that has relied on stochastic differential equations such as the Wonham filter. By utilizing logarithmic probabilities, we are able to eliminate the need for explicit normalization and can reduce the Gaussian noise distribution to a simple quadratic expression. The state transitions induced by the bit-flip errors are modeled using a Markov chain, which for log-probabilities must be evaluated using a LogSumExp function. We develop the two versions of our filter by constraining this LogSumExp to have either one or two inputs, which favors either simplicity or accuracy, respectively. Using simulated data, we demonstrate that the single-term and two-term filters are able to significantly outperform both a double threshold scheme and a linearized version of the Wonham filter in tests of error detection under a wide variety of error rates and time steps.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Non-Linear Langevin and Fractional Fokker–Planck Equations for Anomalous Diffusion by Lévy Stable Processes

The numerical solutions to a non-linear Fractional Fokker–Planck (FFP) equation are studied estimating the generalized diffusion coefficients. The aim is to model anomalous diffusion using an FFP description with fractional velocity derivatives and Langevin dynamics where Lévy fluctuations are introduced to model the effect of non-local transport due to fractional diffusion in velocity space. Distribution functions are found using numerical means for varying degrees of fractionality of the stable Lévy distribution as solutions to the FFP equation. The statistical properties of the distribution functions are assessed by a generalized normalized expectation measure and entropy and modified transport coefficient. The transport coefficient significantly increases with decreasing fractality which is corroborated by analysis of experimental data.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Planar-Cavity Receiver Configuration for High-Temperature Solar Thermal Processes: Preprint

Next generation concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) and novel solar thermochemical systems using concentrating solar thermal (CST) energy require high operating temperatures exceeding those of traditional nitrate-salt CSP systems. Particle-based systems are attractive for next-generation CSP and CST applications owing to high-temperature stability of inert silica- or alumina-based particulate materials, the lack of low-temperature freezing concerns that limit molten salt and/or molten metal heat transfer media, and cost-effective thermal storage using low-cost particulate and containment materials. Open-cavity falling particle receivers have many potential advantages, but face challenges pertaining to scalability, thermal loss, and particle loss through the open aperture, and are infeasible for chemical processes that require a low-oxygen ambient environment. Enclosed receiver configurations can be scalable, avoid particle loss when heating particles, and have potential for future chemical processes; however, particle-based heat transfer media provide substantially lower heat transfer rates than liquid media, and thus enclosed particle receiver designs require novel configurations to limit surface temperatures under the high incident solar flux concentrations necessary for high receiver thermal efficiency at high temperature. This paper introduces the novel planar-cavity enclosed particle receiver configuration in which arrays of planar surfaces are arranged into sub-vertical cavities. Large angles between the panel surface normal vectors and the aperture surface normal allow the incoming solar beam to distribute along the panel walls. Correspondingly, a high incident solar flux concentration at the cavity aperture produces substantially lower absorbed solar flux concentration on any panel wall. Sets of individual vertical cavities can be arranged to form a scalable receiver configuration.

cavity receiver↗
NASA NTRS1972

A multispectral technique to determine sea surface temperature using Nimbus 2 data.

Three channels of the Nimbus 2 five-channel Medium Resolution Infrared Radiometer have been employed in the development of a technique to determine sea surface temperature. Two of the channels in the 0.2-4.0 and 6.4-6.9 micron spectral regions are used to indicate a cloud-free line of sight and the third, a high signal-to-noise window channel (10-11 microns), measures the equivalent blackbody temperature (Tbb) which is a function of the thermal emission from the sea surface and the intervening atmosphere. Equivalent blackbody temperatures and normalized reflectance thresholds were established using frequency distributions from the 6.4-6.9 and 0.2-4.0 micron channels, respectively, to determine the existence of cloud-free conditions. The window Tbb's were compared with ship ocean temperature measurements for a one-month period over the western North Atlantic. This comparison revealed a plus or minus 1.5 K dispersion about the mean difference between the ship temperatures and window Tbb's between 31-34 N.

Shenk, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Scintillation in an earth-to-space propagation path.

Results of an experiment to measure the scintillation at a satellite from a ground-based laser transmitter. The GEOS-II satellite in a nearly circular orbit of 1250 km was illuminated by a ground-based laser tracking station using a 4880-A CW argon laser. A detector aboard the satellite measured the incident light and telemetered the data to recording equipment on the ground. Log-amplitude variance, probability distributions, and scintillation frequency distributions are derived from the data. The probability distribution is shown to be log-normal. Log-amplitude variance and normalized power spectral density are shown to be within the limits measured for stellar scintillation.-

Minott, P. O.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Electron energy distribution in a helium plasma created by nuclear radiations

An integral balance technique for calculation of the electron energy distribution in a radiation-induced plasma is described. Results predict W-values reasonably well and compare favorably with more complicated Monte-Carlo calculations. The distribution found differs from that in a normal electrical discharge and is of interest in radiation-pumped laser research.

Lo, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Application of parametric and non-parametric statistics to sounding rocket dispersion including large sample and small sample theory

Analytical methods for obtaining large and small samples to be used in sounding rocket dispersion statistics are described. When the distribution of the parent population is assumed known, a method is called parametric. When no assumption is made about the parent population, the method is called nonparametric. Parametric and nonparametric methods are given for both large and small samples. The assumed distribution for the parametric case will be normal and it is shown that sample nonparametric theory is easier to apply in many cases, giving essentially the same results as parametric theory. The method is applied to the dispersion of NASA sounding rockets from 1959 to 1974.

James F. McGarvey↗
NASA NTRS1976

Shock wave-turbulent boundary layer interactions in transonic flow

The method of matched asymptotic expansions is used in analyzing the structure of the interaction region formed when a shock wave impinges on a turbulent flat plate boundary layer in transonic flow. Solutions in outer regions, governed by inviscid flow equations, lead to relations for the wall pressure distribution. Solutions in the inner regions, governed by equations in which Reynolds and/or viscous stresses are included, lead to a relation for the wall shear stress. Solutions for the wall pressure distribution are reviewed for both oblique and normal incoming shock waves. Solutions for the wall shear stress are discussed.

Adamson, T. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Phase 1 of the near term hybrid passenger vehicle development program, appendix A. Mission analysis and performance specification studies. Volume 2: Appendices

A handy reference for JPL minimum requirements and guidelines is presented as well as information on the use of the fundamental information source represented by the Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey. Data on U.S. demographic statistics and highway speeds are included along with methodology for normal parameters evaluation, synthesis of daily distance distributions, and projection of car ownership distributions. The synthesis of tentative mission quantification results, of intermediate mission quantification results, and of mission quantification parameters are considered and 1985 in place fleet fuel economy data are included.

Traversi, M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Models for far-infrared emission from normal galaxies

It is shown that the presence of grains distributed throughout either disk or spherical galaxies can lead to detectable far-infrared sources. In particular, an elliptical such as NGC 4278 with an appreciable amount of neutral gas should be easily detectable with the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) if it has a dust-to-gas ratio similar to the value in the solar neighborhood. A disk should be detectable at 100 Mpc with IRAS. Also, disks may emit most of their energy longward of 100 microns; this could be important for estimating the mass-to-light ratios of these galaxies.

Jura, M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The unusual dust-scattering properties in the reflection nebula CED 201

Spectrophotometric data available from ground-based and IUE observations of the reflection nebula CED 201 and its illuminating star BD + 69.1231 deg are analyzed to deduce the most likely star-nebula geometry and the wavelength dependence of the scattering characteristics of the nebular grains. The dust albedo is found to decline from 0.72 at V to probably less than 0.2 at lambda less than 2000 A, explaining the unusual red color of this reflection nebula. The wavelength dependence of the optical depth and of the phase function asymmetry in the visible suggests the existence of a narrow size distribution of grains, skewed toward larger than normal particle sizes. CED 201 is one of two reflection nebulae with positive evidence for enhanced scattering in the long-wavelength wing of the 2175 A dust extinction feature, also pointing toward larger than average grains.

Witt, A. N.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Statistical prediction of satellite magnetic anomalies

Computationally rapid statistical procedures are presented for satellite altitude normalizations and the gridding of magnetic anomaly data, as an alternative to the more commonly used but computationally expensive equivalent-source inversion procedures. The statistical predictions of Magsat observations over South America have demonstrated the great computational advantages of collocation over equivalent source inversion in gridding magnetic anomally data; in general, three-dimensional collocation is an efficient and cost-effective approach for obtaining altitude-normalized anomally grids from orbital or arbitrarily distributed data.

Goyal, H. K.↗