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At least 145 records · Page 8

Filament Wound Composite Analysis Using the NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool (NASMAT) and Finite Element Analysis

Fiber reinforced composite materials, owing to their tailorable thermomechanical and functional properties, allow one to produce a structure that is stronger, stiffer, and lighter than its metal counterpart while performing the same function, yielding a more efficient structure. This not only allows for the improvement of current technologies like aircraft structures, but also enables new technologies like gaseous hydrogen storage for mobility applications, which are otherwise impractical when manufactured using traditional metals due to weight and space restrictions or material embrittlement. However, the use of composites imposes greater design and manufacturing challenges on an engineer, since they are heterogenous, having a distinct structure across multiple length scale, behave generally anisotropically at the structural level and require complex manufacturing and processing methods. Capturing this complex behavior requires detailed numerical simulations, including the modeling of microstructural features like undulations, voids, and fiber alignment. In this paper, multiple repeating unit cells (RUCs), representing filament wound composites, are developed (via a script provided in the Appendix) and analyzed. The refinement of these RUCs is varied, and the analyses are performed using both the Abaqus finite element software and the NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool (NASMAT). A study is undertaken to compare the predicted effective elastic properties of the wound RUC to a laminate representation of the wound RUC, which neglects the undulations. Additionally, two different sets of periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) have been examined. One approximates the real boundary conditions using a standard approach and the other represents the PBCs exactly through the use of an offset. Lastly, a comparison of the local elastic stress fields is made among the models and approaches. Since wound structures are often approximated as laminated structures, it is important to understand the degree to which this assumption is valid, namely by first comparing the elastic constants and local elastic fields. This will provide, on the one hand, information concerning the bulk mechanical behavior and, on the other hand, insights concerning local load distributions and likely damage initiation sites.

Composites↗

Model-Based Self-Tuning Multiscale Method for Combustion Control

A multi-scale representation of the combustor dynamics was used to create a self-tuning, scalable controller to suppress multiple instability modes in a liquid-fueled aero engine-derived combustor operating at engine-like conditions. Its self-tuning features designed to handle the uncertainties in the combustor dynamics and time-delays are essential for control performance and robustness. The controller was implemented to modulate a high-frequency fuel valve with feedback from dynamic pressure sensors. This scalable algorithm suppressed pressure oscillations of different instability modes by as much as 90 percent without the peak-splitting effect. The self-tuning logic guided the adjustment of controller parameters and converged quickly toward phase-lock for optimal suppression of the instabilities. The forced-response characteristics of the control model compare well with those of the test rig on both the frequency-domain and the time-domain.

Le, Dzu, K.↗

Stochastic multiscale modeling for quantifying statistical and model errors with application to composite materials

This paper provides a coherent and efficient computational framework for stochastic multiscale analysis of material systems in the presence of parametric uncertainties and modeling errors. Uncertainty in those model parameters that are not deduced as upscaled quantities is attributed to an uncertainty “germ”. While such parameters can appear at any scale, they are predominant at the finest analysis scale. Additional uncertainties stemming from statistical estimation, attributed to lack of data and model error, are associated with each submodel contributing to the multiscale system. Here, a robust and efficient framework based on a generalized extended polynomial chaos expansion (gEPCE) is proposed to simultaneously propagate all these uncertainties in order to provide a probabilistic representation of specific quantities of interest (QoI). We characterize the full probability distribution of the QoI and the uncertainty in the failure probability pertaining to its tails. By combining gEPCE with kernel density estimation (KDE) and directional derivatives, we construct sensitivity measures that connect these statistical metrics of QoI to the various sources of uncertainty to assess their individual and combined impacts. An illustrative problem featuring three-point bending of a composite beam is investigated to demonstrate the presented approach.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Data-driven equation-free dynamics applied to many-protein complexes: The microtubule tip relaxation

Microtubules (MTs) constitute the largest components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton and play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including mitosis and intracellular transport. The property allowing MTs to cater to such diverse roles is attributed to dynamic instability, which is coupled to the hydrolysis of GTP (guanosine-5'-triphosphate) to GDP (guanosine-5'-diphosphate) within the β-tubulin monomers. Understanding the equilibrium dynamics and the structural features of both GDP- and GTP-complexed MT tips, especially at an all-atom level, remains challenging for both experimental and computational methods because of their dynamic nature and the prohibitive computational demands of simulating large, many-protein systems. This study employs the “equation-free” multiscale computational method to accelerate the relaxation of all-atom simulations of MT tips toward their putative equilibrium conformation. Using large MT lattice systems (14 protofilaments × 8 heterodimers) comprising ~21-38 million atoms, we applied this multiscale approach to leapfrog through time and nearly double the computational efficiency in realizing relaxed all-atom conformations of GDP- and GTP-complexed MT tips. Commencing from an initial 4 μs unbiased all-atom simulation, we interleave coarse projective “equation-free” jumps with short bursts of all-atom molecular dynamics simulation to realize an additional effective simulation time of 1.875 μs. Our 5.875 μs of effective simulation trajectories for each system expose the subtle yet essential differences in the structures of MT tips as a function of whether β-tubulin monomer is complexed with GDP or GTP, as well as the lateral interactions within the MT tip, offering a refined understanding of features underlying MT dynamic instability. Furthermore, the approach presents a robust and generalizable framework for future explorations of large biomolecular systems at atomic resolution.

Wu, Jiangbo [University of Chicago, IL (United Sta↗

Hydrogen embrittlement of additively manufactured austenitic stainless steel 316 L

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a promising means of production of austenitic stainless steel (SS) parts for hydrogen service. The hydrogen embrittlement resistance of SS 316 L parts manufactured by powder-bed-fed selective laser melting (SLM) and directed energy deposition (DED) was examined using slow strain rate tensile testing. The influence of the hierarchical AM microstructures on mechanical response, microstructural evolution, and void formation were analyzed using multiscale electron microscopy. Furthermore, the presence of hydrogen reduced ductility in as-built DED materials, but did not significantly influence the response in as-built SLM material or heat-treated materials. Microstructural features driving these different responses are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multiscale operando X-ray investigations provide insights into electro-chemo-mechanical behavior of lithium intercalation cathodes

The electrochemical performance and cycle life of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) depend on the electrochemical, chemical, and mechanical behavior of electrodes and electrolytes. Despite extensive studies conducted previously, challenges exist to decouple these behaviors, capture the evolution of electro-chemo-mechanical behavior in realistic conditions, and correlate atomic-scale stress evolution to micro-scale bulk mechanical degradation. Here, we report multiscale operando techniques to investigate polydisperse battery electrodes by integrating volume-averaged quantitative synchrotron X-ray scattering with high-resolution transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM). The former provides us information spanning a wide spatial range, from Angstrom-level atomic structures to micrometer-level particle scales, while the latter provides time-resolved 2D images of the particles during cycling. The complementarity of the two operando techniques is demonstrated by an over-lithiation test of LiCoO 2 electrodes, where particles crack and eventually pulverize. Additionally, the techniques are applied to study LiCoO 2 cycling stability from 3.0 V to 4.5 V. Operando X-ray scattering result shows nanometer-scale features keep forming in LiCoO 2 electrodes during cycling, resulting in an increased projected area observed by the TXM experiment. The formation of such features is inhibited by a polymer coating on the electrode, leading to vastly improved cycling stability. The polymer coating alleviates LiCoO 2 surface deterioration, reduces side product generation, and inhibits LiCoO 2 particles volume expansion during the cycling test. These operando multimodal X-ray techniques presented herein thus offer a novel, multiscale diagnostic modality for studying existing and emerging battery materials, aiding the development of next-generation LIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

To evaluate ERTS-1 data for usefulness as a geological sensor in the diverse geological terraines of New York State

The author has identified the following significant results. Linear anomalies dominate the new geological information derived from ERTS-1 imagery, total lengths now exceeding 6000 kms. Experimentation with a variety of viewing techniques suggests that conventional photogeologic analyses of band 7 results in the location of more than 97 percent of all linears found. Bedrock lithologic types are distinguishable only where they are topographically expressed or govern land use signatures. The maxima on rose diagrams for ERTS-1 anomalies correspond well with those for mapped faults and topographic lineaments, despite a difference in relative magnitudes of maxima thought due to solar illumination direction. A multiscale analysis of linears showed that single topographic linears at 1:2,500,000 became dashed jugate linears at 1:500,000, and shorter linears lacking any conspicuous zonal alignment at 1:250,000. Most circular features found were explained away by U-2 airphoto analysis but several remain as anomalies. Visible glacial features include individual drumlins, best seen in winter imagery, drumlinoids, eskers, ice-marginal drainage channels, glacial lake shorelines and sand plains, and end moraines.

Isachsen, Y. W.↗

Deuterium trapping mechanisms in reduced activation ferritic martensitic steels and their correlation with mechanical strengthening

Development of high-strength materials often involves introduction of additional strengthening microstructures that also serve as tritium trapping sites. Such additions in fusion material development could degrade the fuel efficiency in fusion reactors and raise radiological concerns. The contribution of individual microstructure features in hydrogen trapping must be evaluated to ensure fuel efficiency and radiological safety. This study explores the mechanistic origins of deuterium trapping in reduced-activation ferritic–martensitic steels and its correlation to mechanical strengthening. A series of model alloys and engineering steels were fabricated and subjected to different heat treatments to control deuterium trapping site density. Deuterium retention was evaluated using D 2 gas charging and thermal desorption spectroscopy, focusing on the role of grain boundary, dislocation, M 23 C 6 precipitates, and TiC precipitates. Multiscale microstructure characterization and synchrotron X-ray diffraction were performed to characterize microstructure, which was correlated to the deuterium retention property. Results show that TiC precipitates exhibit the highest deuterium trapping capacity, followed by M 23 C 6 precipitates. Dislocation and grain boundary demonstrate the lowest and similar efficiencies. Furthermore, the relationship of trapping quantity and mechanical strengthening of these microstructure features was quantified, demonstrating that TiC precipitates offer highest deuterium trapping per unit of mechanical strengthening.

Retention↗

Mesoscale structural gradients in human tooth enamel

The outstanding mechanical and chemical properties of dental enamel emerge from its complex hierarchical architecture. An accurate, detailed multiscale model of the structure and composition of enamel is important for understanding lesion formation in tooth decay (dental caries), enamel development (amelogenesis) and associated pathologies (e.g., amelogenesis imperfecta or molar hypomineralization), and minimally invasive dentistry. Although features at length scales smaller than 100 nm (individual crystallites) and greater than 50 µm (multiple rods) are well understood, competing field of view and sampling considerations have hindered exploration of mesoscale features, i.e., at the level of single enamel rods and the interrod enamel (1 to 10 µm). Here, we combine synchrotron X-ray diffraction at submicrometer resolution, analysis of crystallite orientation distribution, and unsupervised machine learning to show that crystallographic parameters differ between rod head and rod tail/interrod enamel. This variation strongly suggests that crystallites in different microarchitectural domains also differ in their composition. Thus, we use a dilute linear model to predict the concentrations of minority ions in hydroxylapatite (Mg 2+ and CO 3 2- /Na + ) that plausibly explain the observed lattice parameter variations. While differences within samples are highly significant and of similar magnitude, absolute values and the sign of the effect for some crystallographic parameters show interindividual variation that warrants further investigation. In conclusion, by revealing additional complexity at the rod/interrod level of human enamel and leaving open the possibility of modulation across larger length scales, these results inform future investigations into mechanisms governing amelogenesis and introduce another feature to consider when modeling the mechanical and chemical performance of enamel.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Agile Multi-Scale Decompositions for Automatic Image Registration

In recent works, the first and third authors developed an automatic image registration algorithm based on a multiscale hybrid image decomposition with anisotropic shearlets and isotropic wavelets. This prototype showed strong performance, improving robustness over registration with wavelets alone. However, this method imposed a strict hierarchy on the order in which shearlet and wavelet features were used in the registration process, and also involved an unintegrated mixture of MATLAB and C code. In this paper, we introduce a more agile model for generating features, in which a flexible and user-guided mix of shearlet and wavelet features are computed. Compared to the previous prototype, this method introduces a flexibility to the order in which shearlet and wavelet features are used in the registration process. Moreover, the present algorithm is now fully coded in C, making it more efficient and portable than the MATLAB and C prototype. We demonstrate the versatility and computational efficiency of this approach by performing registration experiments with the fully-integrated C algorithm. In particular, meaningful timing studies can now be performed, to give a concrete analysis of the computational costs of the flexible feature extraction. Examples of synthetically warped and real multi-modal images are analyzed.

Science Data Processing↗

Agile Multi-Scale Decompositions for Automatic Image Registration

In recent works, the first and third authors developed an automatic image registration algorithm based on a multiscale hybrid image decomposition with anisotropic shearlets and isotropic wavelets. This prototype showed strong performance, improving robustness over registration with wavelets alone. However, this method imposed a strict hierarchy on the order in which shearlet and wavelet features were used in the registration process, and also involved an unintegrated mixture of MATLAB and C code. In this paper, we introduce a more agile model for generating features, in which a flexible and user-guided mix of shearlet and wavelet features are computed. Compared to the previous prototype, this method introduces a flexibility to the order in which shearlet and wavelet features are used in the registration process. Moreover, the present algorithm is now fully coded in C, making it more efficient and portable than the MATLAB and C prototype. We demonstrate the versatility and computational efficiency of this approach by performing registration experiments with the fully-integrated C algorithm. In particular, meaningful timing studies can now be performed, to give a concrete analysis of the computational costs of the flexible feature extraction. Examples of synthetically warped and real multi-modal images are analyzed.

Science Data Processing↗

Enabling Intelligent Data Downlink Prioritization of In-Situ Observations through Generalizable and Computationally Inexpensive Anomaly Detection

High-fidelity measurements of magnetic fields and other observed properties, such as energetic particle fluxes, are a necessary component to our understanding of the highly dynamic near-Earth space environment. As our desire to study smaller-scale phenomena such as shocks and dipolorizations has increased, we have been driven to take and telemeter measurements at higher cadences. Unfortunately, many missions are unable to downlink all their captured data due to the well-known data transmission bottleneck at the DSN. These missions must then prioritize their high-cadence data such that the most scientifically useful intervals are transmitted. One simple prioritization technique uses the spacecraft position to telemeter data from only the region of interest. Although easy to implement, this method does not leverage the available scientific data and can omit intervals of useful scientific data when they lie outside the region of interest. The Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) uses mission-specific parameterization of several data products to automatically prioritize scientifically useful intervals. Then, MMS verifies the automatically selected intervals by having a domain expert manually select intervals for downlink. The overall complexity required by this technique make it prohibitive for deployment on low-cost platforms (i.e., CubeSats) or on future missions featuring large constellations of satellites such as the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC). We present preliminary results for a simple, generic, and data-driven method of downlink prioritization for magnetic field (and other) measurements. Specifically, Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and One-Class Support Vector Machines (OC-SVMs) are used to detect intervals containing anomalous activity, which can then be prioritized for subsequent downlink. The computational simplicity of this algorithm makes it an excellent candidate for implementation on spaceflight hardware, as well as provide generalizability to a broad range of missions and data products. Initial analysis of this technique has been performed using magnetic field measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission and CASSIOP, where it automatically identified scientifically interesting intervals containing Alfvén waves and EMIC activity.

Matthew G. Finley↗

Enabling Intelligent Data Downlink Prioritization of In-Situ Observations through Generalizable and Computationally Inexpensive Anomaly Detection

High-fidelity measurements of magnetic fields and other observed properties, such as energetic particle fluxes, are a necessary component to our understanding of the highly dynamic near-Earth space environment. As our desire to study smaller-scale phenomena such as shocks and dipolorizations has increased, we have been driven to take and telemeter measurements at higher cadences. Unfortunately, many missions are unable to downlink all their captured data due to the well-known data transmission bottleneck at the DSN. These missions must then prioritize their high-cadence data such that the most scientifically useful intervals are transmitted. One simple prioritization technique uses the spacecraft position to telemeter data from only the region of interest. Although easy to implement, this method does not leverage the available scientific data and can omit intervals of useful scientific data when they lie outside the region of interest. The Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) uses mission-specific parameterization of several data products to automatically prioritize scientifically useful intervals. Then, MMS verifies the automatically selected intervals by having a domain expert manually select intervals for downlink. The overall complexity required by this technique make it prohibitive for deployment on low-cost platforms (i.e., CubeSats) or on future missions featuring large constellations of satellites such as the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC). We present preliminary results for a simple, generic, and data-driven method of downlink prioritization for magnetic field (and other) measurements. Specifically, Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and One-Class Support Vector Machines (OC-SVMs) are used to detect intervals containing anomalous activity, which can then be prioritized for subsequent downlink. The computational simplicity of this algorithm makes it an excellent candidate for implementation on spaceflight hardware, as well as provide generalizability to a broad range of missions and data products. Initial analysis of this technique has been performed using magnetic field measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission and CASSIOP, where it automatically identified scientifically interesting intervals containing Alfvén waves and EMIC activity.

Matthew G. Finley↗

A multiresolution adaptive wavelet method for nonlinear partial differential equations

We report the multiscale complexity of modern problems in computational science and engineering can prohibit the use of traditional numerical methods in multi-dimensional simulations. Therefore, novel algorithms are required in these situations to solve partial differential equations (PDEs) with features evolving on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. To meet these challenges, we present a multiresolution wavelet algorithm to solve PDEs with significant data compression and explicit error control. We discretize in space by projecting fields and spatial derivative operators onto wavelet basis functions. We provide error estimates for the wavelet representation of fields and their derivatives. Then, our estimates are used to construct a sparse multiresolution discretization which guarantees the prescribed accuracy. Additionally, we embed a predictor-corrector procedure within the temporal integration to dynamically adapt the computational grid and maintain the accuracy of the solution of the PDE as it evolves. We present examples to highlight the accuracy and adaptivity of our approach.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Evaluation of ERTS-1 imagery for spectral geological mapping in diverse terranes of New York State

The author has identified the following significant results. Linear anomalies dominate the new geological information derived from ERTS-1 imagery, total lengths now exceeding 6000 km. Experimentation with a variety of viewing techniques suggest that conventional photogeologic analyses of band 7 results in the location of more than 97 percent of all linears found. Bedrock lithologic types are distinguishable only where they are topographically expressed or govern land use signatures. The maxima on rose diagrams for ERTS-1 anomalies correspond well with those for mapped faults and topographic lineaments. A multiscale analysis of linears showed that single topographic linears at 1:2,500,000 became dashed linears at 1:1,000,000 aligned zones of shorter parallel, en echelon, or conjugate linears at 1:500,00. Most circular features found were explained away by U-2 airphoto analysis but several remain as anomalies. Visible glacial features include individual drumlins, best seen in winter imagery, drumlinoids, eskers, ice-marginal drainage channels, glacial lake shorelines and sand plains, and end moraines.

Isachsen, Y. W.↗

Assessment of effective elastic constants of U-10Mo fuel: A multiscale modeling and homogenization study

The significant microstructural changes that U-Mo fuel undergoes during operation degrades its mechanical properties and structural integrity. Microstructural evolution entails the formation, evolution, and redistribution of porosity in conjunction with grain refinement. In the present paper, we employ numerical approaches to assess the impact of the various microstructural features—grains, nanoscale intragranular fission gas bubbles, and mesoscale intergranular voids—on the degradation of elastic constants. Phase-field microstructure models are combined with the asymptotic expansion homogenization technique in order to derive the effective elastic constants as a function of porosity and fission density. Here the results are verified and compared against theoretical bounds. Using this approach, elastic degradation in operating nuclear fuels can be quantified when the distributions of microstructural features are known.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

An integrated coupling model for solving multiscale fluid-fluid coupling problems in SAM code

In this study, an integrated coupling method has been developed for solving multiscale fluid-fluid coupling problems in plant-scale safety analysis models in SAM (System Analysis Module) code. In this method, a higher-fidelity multi-dimensional (3D) flow module is used for reactor components of complex flow features (e.g., reactor core) and a lumped parameter one-dimensional (1D) flow module for plant-scale flow loops (e.g., primary loop pipe network), respectively. In this method, the 3D fluid equation/domain and 1D fluid equation/domain are tightly coupled at the residual level and solved simultaneously using the Newton’s method to overcome the convergence issues typically seen in existing approaches like separate domain approach, where the 3D fluid equation and 1D fluid equation are solved separately. Extensive and successful code verifications and demonstrations have been performed for this newly developed method. This new modeling approach significantly simplify the work flow in developing high-fidelity plant-scale safety analysis model, e.g. for pool-type reactors and pebble-bed reactors.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Design nanoporous metal thin films via solid state interfacial dealloying

Thin-film solid-state interfacial dealloying (thin-film SSID) is an emerging technique to design nanoarchitecture thin films. The resulting controllable 3D bicontinuous nanostructure is promising for a range of applications including catalysis, sensing, and energy storage. Using a multiscale microscopy approach, we combine X-ray and electron nano-tomography to demonstrate that besides dense bicontinuous nanocomposites, thin-film SSID can create a very fine (5–15 nm) nanoporous structure. Not only is such a fine feature among one of the finest fabrications by metal-agent dealloying, but a multilayer thin-film design enables creating nanoporous films on a wider range of substrates for functional applications. Through multimodal synchrotron diffraction and spectroscopy analysis with which the materials’ chemical and structural evolution in this novel approach is characterized in details, we further deduce that the contribution of change in entropy should be considered to explain the phase evolution in metal-agent dealloying, in addition to the commonly used enthalpy term in prior studies. Here, the discussion is an important step leading towards better explaining the underlying design principles for controllable 3D nanoarchitecture, as well as exploring a wider range of elemental and substrate selections for new applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗