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At least 163 records · Page 9

Covariate Dependent Sparse Functional Data Analysis

This study proposes a method to incorporate covariate information into sparse functional data analysis. The method aims at cases where each subject has a limited number of longitudinal measurements and is associated with static covariates. This research is motivated by several use cases in practice. One representative example is void swelling, a nuclear-specific material degradation mechanism. Void swelling is affected by many covariates, including alloy composition and irradiation type. How to accurately model the complicated joint effects of such covariates on the swelling process is the key to mitigating the effect of swelling and ensuring safe operation. Unlike most of the existing methods, the proposed method can handle high-dimensional covariates with the informative covariate identification procedure and sparse and irregularly spaced measurements, that is, does not require complete or dense observations. The main innovation of the proposed method is that we model the variation coming from covariates and the variation left conditioned on covariates, such that the functional principal component analysis and Gaussian process can be conducted in a unified manner. Further, we also propose a systematic approach to identify important covariates in the hypothesis testing context. The methodology is demonstrated on applications in nuclear engineering and healthcare and simulation studies.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Analysis of scintillation light dependence on liquid Argon purity

Previous studies have investigated the correlation between impurity concentrations in Liquid Argon (LAr) and the temporal evolution of either the slow scintillation decay time or the light yield. These impurities typically consist of various molecular species. Electronegative contaminants directly affect electron drift and photon production, while other molecules, such as nitrogen (N_2),can influence LAr scintillation properties without necessarily affecting electron lifetime. Many current and future neutrino and dark-matter experiments use LAr detectors. This study aims to evaluate the measured electron lifetimes in relation to the timing characteristics of the scintillation light signal in the SBN ICARUS detector at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The ICARUS experiment consists of two cryostats that have shown some discrepancies in the measured electron lifetime over the years. In particular, this study addresses the use of data collected under varying purity conditions in the two cryostats.

Saia, Clara [Catania Astrophys. Observ.]↗

Analysis of temperature-dependent neutron transmission and self-indication measurements on tantalum at 2-keV neutron energy

The method of pseudo-resonance cross sections is used to analyze published temperature-dependent neutron transmission and self-indication measurements on tantalum in the unresolved region. In the energy region analyzed, 1825.0 to 2017.0 eV, a direct application of the pseudo-resonance approach using a customary average strength function will not provide effective cross sections which fit the measured cross section behavior. Rather a local value of the strength function is required, and a set of resonances which model the measured behavior of the effective cross sections is derived. This derived set of resonance parameters adequately represents the observed resonance hehavior in this local energy region. Similar analyses for the measurements in other unresolved energy regions are necessary to obtain local resonance parameters for improved reactor calculations. This study suggests that Doppler coefficients calculated by sampling from grand average statistical distributions over the entire unresolved resonance region can be in error, since significant local variations in the statistical distributions are not taken into consideration.

Semler, T. T.↗

Discrete models for the numerical analysis of time-dependent multidimensional gas dynamics

A possible technique is explored for extending to multidimensional flows some of the upwind-differencing methods that are highly successful in the one-dimensional case. Emphasis is on the two-dimensional case, and the flow domain is assumed to be divided into polygonal computational elements. Inside each element, the flow is represented by a local superposition of elementary solutions consisting of plane waves not necessarily aligned with the element boundaries.

Roe, P. L.↗

Discrete models for the numerical analysis of time-dependent multidimensional gas dynamics

A possible technique is explored for extending to multidimensional flows some of the upwind-differencing methods that are highly successful in the one-dimensional case. Emphasis is on the two-dimensional case, and the flow domain is assumed to be divided into polygonal computational elements. Inside each element, the flow is represented by a local superposition of elementary solutions consisting of plane waves not necessarily aligned with the element boundaries.

Roe, P. L.↗

Analysis of Orientation-dependence of Martian Gullies

The recent discovery of small Martian gullies has stimulated debate about the role that water plays on the Martian surface under current or recent conditions. Of critical importance in evaluating various gully hypotheses is reliable morphometric and orientation data. The former centers on such questions as whether the water (or another fluid) emanated from a surface or sub-surface source and the duration of flow. The latter ties into whether solar insolation has an important effect on formation of the initial water source and subsequent mobilization. Initial studies of gullies indicated a poleward orientation dependence, an observation which has recently been challenged. Herein we investigate the orientation of Martian gullies and the dependence of various parameters on the orientation. Whereas previous studies have been global or through most of the southern hemisphere, we focus on several specific regions. This approach offers some advantages in that regional variations are factored out, such that of lithology, ground water table depth (if any), surface thermal properties, and other parameters are more or less the same in a given region. Differences in gully attributes as a function of orientation within a region can more easily be attributable to solar insolation effects than is the case for global statistics. We use the orientation to constrain several classes of gully formation hypotheses. 1) A favored orientation toward the pole across all regions could indicate a process dominated by melting of cold trapped ice, snow, or condensed volatiles from incident sunlight during summer under current conditions. 2) Variations among all regions would be more consistent with mechanisms less strongly tied to current solar insolation, such as geothermal heating of ice. 3) Favored orientations within specific regions, but differing among regions, could indicate a preference for poleward ices and melting, with orientation being a function of age and dependent on variations in obliquity and precision. We find that the gullies fall into either categories 2 or 3, but not 1, indicating the recent melting of cold trapped condensates is unlikely the sole formation mechanism.

Mohan, S.↗

Calculation of Radiation Protection Quantities and Analysis of Astronaut Orientation Dependence

Health risk to astronauts due to exposure to ionizing radiation is a primary concern for exploration missions and may become the limiting factor for long duration missions. Methodologies for evaluating this risk in terms of radiation protection quantities such as dose, dose equivalent, gray equivalent, and effective dose are described. Environment models (galactic cosmic ray and solar particle event), vehicle/habitat geometry models, human geometry models, and transport codes are discussed and sample calculations for possible lunar and Mars missions are used as demonstrations. The dependence of astronaut health risk, in terms of dosimetric quantities, on astronaut orientation within a habitat is also examined. Previous work using a space station type module exposed to a proton spectrum modeling the October 1989 solar particle event showed that reorienting the astronaut within the module could change the calculated dose equivalent by a factor of two or more. Here the dose equivalent to various body tissues and the whole body effective dose due to both galactic cosmic rays and a solar particle event are calculated for a male astronaut in two different orientations, vertical and horizontal, in a representative lunar habitat. These calculations also show that the dose equivalent at some body locations resulting from a solar particle event can vary by a factor of two or more, but that the dose equivalent due to galactic cosmic rays has a much smaller (<15%) dependence on astronaut orientation.

Clowdsley, Martha S.↗

System-of-Systems Tools for the Analysis of Technological Choices in Space Propulsion

Difficulties in space mission architecture design arise from many factors. Performance, cost, and risk constraints become less obvious due to complex interactions between the systems involved in the mission; decisions regarding long-term goals can heavily impact technological choices for short-term parts of the mission, while conversely decisions in the near future will impact the whole flexibility of long-term plans. Furthermore, the space community is broadening its borders, and space agencies from different countries are collaborating with industry and commercial partners towards large-scale endeavors. This paradigm shift is prompting the development of non-traditional approaches to the design of space missions. This paper reports the results of the first year of a continuing collaboration of the authors to develop and demonstrate System-of-System engineering methodologies for the deep analysis of dependencies and synthesis of robust architectures in exploration mission contexts. We present the procedure that we followed to develop and apply our methodology, obstacles found, steps taken to improve the methods based on the needs of experts and decision makers, required data for the analysis, and results produced by our holistic analysis. In particular, we focus on the analysis of technological choices for space propulsion for a generic cislunar mission, including both complex interactions between subsystems in different type of propulsion and availability of different providers. We identify critical systems and sets of systems based on cascading effects of performance degradation, assessment of the robustness of different designs in the operational domain, and simultaneous analysis of schedule dependencies between the constituent systems.

Guariniello, Cesare↗

Development of load-dependent Ritz vector method for structural dynamic analysis of large space structures

The development and preliminary assessment of a method for dynamic structural analysis based on load-dependent Ritz vectors are presented. The vector basis is orthogonalized with respect to the mass and structural stiffness in order that the equations of motion can be uncoupled and efficient analysis of large space structure performed. A series of computer programs was developed based on the algorithm for generating the orthogonal load-dependent Ritz vectors. Transient dynamic analysis performed on the Space Station Freedom using the software was found to provide solutions that require a smaller number of vectors than the modal analysis method. Error norm based on the participation of the mass distribution of the structure and spatial distribution of structural loading, respectively, were developed in order to provide an indication of vector truncation. These norms are computed before the transient analysis is performed. An assessment of these norms through a convergence study of the structural response was performed. The results from this assessment indicate that the error norms can provide a means of judging the quality of the vector basis and accuracy of the transient dynamic solution.

Ricles, James M.↗

International Space Station Configuration Analysis and Integration

Ambitious engineering projects, such as NASA's International Space Station (ISS), require dependable modeling, analysis, visualization, and robotics to ensure that complex mission strategies are carried out cost effectively, sustainably, and safely. Learn how Booz Allen Hamilton's Modeling, Analysis, Visualization, and Robotics Integration Center (MAVRIC) team performs engineering analysis of the ISS Configuration based primarily on the use of 3D CAD models. To support mission planning and execution, the team tracks the configuration of ISS and maintains configuration requirements to ensure operational goals are met. The MAVRIC team performs multi-disciplinary integration and trade studies to ensure future configurations meet stakeholder needs.

Anchondo, Rebekah↗

A Factorial Data Rate and Dwell Time Experiment in the National Transonic Facility

This report is an introductory tutorial on the application of formal experiment design methods to wind tunnel testing, for the benefit of aeronautical engineers with little formal experiment design training. It also describes the results of a Study to determine whether increases in the sample rate and dwell time of the National Transonic Facility data system Would result in significant changes in force and moment data. Increases in sample rate from 10 samples per second to 50 samples per second were examined, as were changes in dwell time from one second per data point to two seconds. These changes were examined for a representative aircraft model in a range of tunnel operating conditions defined by angles of attack from 0 deg to 3.8 degrees, total pressure from 15.0 psi to 24.1 psi, and Mach numbers from 0.52 to 0.82. No statistically significant effect was associated with the change in sample rate. The change in dwell time from one second to two seconds affected axial force measurements, and to a lesser degree normal force measurements. This dwell effect comprises a "rectification error" caused by incomplete cancellation of the positive and negative elements of certain low frequency dynamic components that are not rejected by the one-Hz low-pass filters of the data system. These low frequency effects may be due to tunnel circuit phenomena and other sources. The magnitude of the dwell effect depends on dynamic pressure, with angle of attack and Mach number influencing the strength of this dependence. An analysis is presented which suggests that the magnitude of the rectification error depends on the ratio of measurement dwell time to the period of the low-frequency dynamics, as well as the amplitude of the dynamics The essential conclusion of this analysis is that extending the dwell time (or, equivalently, replicating short-dwell data points) reduces the rectification error.

DeLoach, R.↗

R-Value Measurements Performed on Uranium Targets Irradiated with Fission Spectrum Neutrons FY 2021 for F2019 Project

The separation and characterization of two irradiated uranium targets, a depleted uranium (DU) and a highly enriched uranium (HEU) target, was conducted in April of 2021. The two targets were assembled at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and irradiated using the critical assembly at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC). Splits of the dissolved targets were received by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) after which the PNNL and LANL teams chemically separated the solutions using independent separation schemes and analyzed the separated fractions for short lived actinides and fission products. Chemical separations at PNNL were traced with stable or radioactive tracers to allow for the determination of chemical yields, analyzing using either inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or gamma emission analysis (GEA) depending on the nature of the tracer. Several other analytical techniques were used by PNNL including kinetic phosphorescence analysis (KPA) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) depending on the analyte’s need. Comparisons were made between current and historical PNNL and LANL, as well as literature values. Overall, there was agreement between the two laboratories for the bulk of analytes, with some notable exceptions such as 111 Ag, and 141,143,144 Ce. Included in these comparisons were the short-lived actinides 237 U, 239 Np, the fission products 89 Sr, 91 Y, 95/97 Zr, 99 Mo, 111 Ag, 115/115 mCd, 136/137 Cs, 140 Ba, 141/143/144 Ce, 147 Nd, 153 Sm, 156 Eu, and 161 Tb, providing both total atoms as well as the R-values. The data presented in this report represents the sixth NCERC irradiation of HEU and DU (FY13, FY14, FY15, FY17, FY18, FY21), and their subsequent separation and analysis.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Complementary workflows for identifying one-hop network behavior and multi-hop network dependencies

A network analysis tool evaluates network flow information in complementary workflows to identify one-hop behavior of network assets and also identify multi-hop dependencies between network assets. In one workflow (e.g., using association rule learning), the network analysis tool can identify significant one-hop communication patterns to and/or from network assets, taken individually. Based on the identified one-hop behavior, the network analysis tool can discover patterns of similar communication among different network assets, which can inform decisions about deploying patch sets, mitigating damage, configuring a system, or detecting anomalous behavior. In a different workflow (e.g., using deep learning or cross-correlation analysis), the network analysis tool can identify significant multi-hop communication patterns that involve network assets in combination. Based on the identified multi-hop dependencies, the network analysis tool can discover functional relationships between network assets, which can inform decisions about configuring a system, managing critical network assets, or protecting critical network assets.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Yet Another Sunshine Mystery: Unexpected Asymmetry in GeV Emission from the Solar Disk

The Sun is one of the most luminous γ-ray sources in the sky and continues to challenge our understanding of its high-energy emission mechanisms. This study provides an in-depth investigation of the solar disk γ-ray emission, using data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope spanning 2008 August to 2022 January. We focus on γ-ray events with energies exceeding 5 GeV, originating from 0°5 angular aperture centered on the Sun, and implement stringent time cuts to minimize potential sample contaminants. We use a helioprojection method to resolve the γ-ray events relative to the solar rotation axes and combine statistical tests to investigate the distribution of events over the solar disk. We found that integrating observations over large time windows may overlook relevant asymmetrical features, which we reveal in this work through a refined time-dependent morphological analysis. We describe significant anisotropic trends and confirm compelling evidence of energy-dependent asymmetry in the solar disk γ-ray emission. Intriguingly, the asymmetric signature coincides with the Sun's polar field flip during the cycle 24 solar maximum, around 2014 June. Our findings suggest that the Sun's magnetic configuration plays a significant role in shaping the resulting γ-ray signature, highlighting a potential link between the observed anisotropies, solar cycle, and the solar magnetic fields. These insights pose substantial challenges to established emission models, prompting fresh perspectives on high-energy solar astrophysics.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗