Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “simulation analytics”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9

A Lagrangian perturbation theory in the presence of massive neutrinos

We develop a Lagrangian Perturbation Theory (LPT) framework to study the clustering of cold dark matter (CDM) in cosmologies with massive neutrinos. We follow the trajectories of CDM particles with Lagrangian displacements fields up to third order in perturbation theory. Once the neutrinos become non-relativistic, their density fluctuations are modeled as being proportional to the CDM density fluctuations, with a scale-dependent proportionality factor. This yields a gravitational back-reaction that introduces additional scales to the linear growth function, which is accounted for in the higher order LPT kernels. Through non-linear mappings from Eulerian to Lagrangian frames, we ensure that our theory has a well behaved large scale behavior free of unwanted UV divergences, which are common when neutrino and CDM densities are not treated on an equal footing, and in resummation schemes that manifestly break Galilean invariance. We use our theory to construct correlation functions for both the underlying matter field, as well as for biased tracers using ConvolutionLPT. Redshift-space distortions effects are modeled using the Gaussian Streaming Model. When comparing our analytical results to simulated data from the Quijote 1 simulation suite, we find good accuracy down to r = 20 Mpc h -1 at redshift z = 0.5, for the real space and redshift space monopole particle correlation functions with no free parameters. The same accuracy is reached for the redshift space quadrupole if we additionally consider an effective field theory parameter that shifts the pairwise velocity dispersion. For modeling the correlation functions of tracers we adopt a simple Lagrangian biasing scheme with only density and curvature operators, which we find sufficient to reach down to r = 20 Mpc h -1 when comparing to simulated halos.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Diluted axion star collisions with neutron stars

Diluted axion star, a self-gravitating object with the quantum pressure balancing gravity, has been predicted in many models with a QCD axion or axion-like particle. It can be formed in the early universe and composes a sizable fraction of dark matter. One could detect the transient radio signals when it passes by a magnetar with the axion particle converted into photon in the magnetic field. Using both numerical and semi-analytic approaches, we simulate the axion star's dynamic evolution and estimate the fraction of axion particles that can have a resonance conversion during such a collision event. We have found that both self-gravity and quantum pressure are not important after the diluted axion star enters the Roche radius. A free-fall approximate can capture individual particle trajectories very well. Finally, with some optimistic cosmological and astrophysical assumptions, the QCD axion parameter space can be probed from detecting such a collision event by radio telescopes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Scalar dark matter vortex stabilization with black holes

Galaxies and their dark-matter halos are commonly presupposed to spin. But it is an open question how this spin manifests in halos and soliton cores made of scalar dark matter (SDM, including fuzzy/wave/ultralight-axion dark matter). One way spin could manifest in a necessarily irrotational SDM velocity field is with a vortex. But recent results have cast doubt on this scenario, finding that vortices are generally unstable except with substantial repulsive self-interaction. Here, in this paper, we introduce an alternative route to stability: in both (non-relativistic) analytic calculations and simulations, a black hole or other central mass at least as massive as a soliton can stabilize a vortex within it. This conclusion may also apply to AU-scale halos bound to the sun and stellar-mass-scale Bose stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Dark matter capture in celestial objects: treatment across kinematic and interaction regimes

Signatures of dark matter in celestial objects have become of increasing interest due to their powerful detection prospects. To test any of these signatures, the fundamental quantity needed is the rate in which dark matter is captured by celestial objects. Depending on whether dark matter is light, heavy, or comparable in mass to the celestial-body scattering targets, there are different considerations when calculating the capture rate. Furthermore, if dark matter has strong or weak interactions, the physical behaviour important for capture varies. Using both analytic approximations and simulations, here we demonstrate how to treat dark matter capture in a range of celestial objects for arbitrary dark matter mass and interaction strength. We release our calculation framework as a public package available in both Python and Mathematica versions, called Asteria.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Zonal flow screening in negative triangularity tokamaks

Here, this paper presents a comparative study of zonal flow screening in positive and negative triangularity tokamaks. Neoclassical screening sets the strength of zonal flow shear for fixed drive and damping. Orbit calculations show that the radial excursions of trapped particles are reduced in negative triangularity tokamaks, as compared to positive triangularity. Yet surprisingly, the neoclassical dielectric susceptibility actually increases with decreasing triangularity, such that the susceptibility is higher for negative triangularity than for positive triangularity. This is because the reduction in neoclassical polarization by shrinking the banana width is offset by the increase in neoclassical polarization by the enhancement of trapped fraction for negative triangularity. As a result, the zonal flow screening length is actually enhanced for negative triangularity, as compared to positive triangularity. Hence, the zonal flow residual is smaller for negative triangularity than for positive triangularity. Results from gyrokinetic simulations support the analytic calculations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

sOPTICS: a modified density-based algorithm for identifying galaxy groups/clusters and brightest cluster galaxies

A direct approach to studying the galaxy–halo connection is to analyse groups and clusters of galaxies that trace the underlying dark matter haloes, emphasizing the importance of identifying galaxy clusters and their associated brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs). In this work, we test and propose a robust density-based clustering algorithm that outperforms the traditional Friends-of-Friends (FoF) algorithm in the currently available galaxy group/cluster catalogues. Our new approach is a modified version of the Ordering Points To Identify the Clustering Structure (OPTICS) algorithm, which accounts for line-of-sight positional uncertainties due to redshift space distortions by incorporating a scaling factor, and is thereby referred to as sOPTICS. When tested on both a galaxy group catalogue based on semi-analytic galaxy formation simulations and observational data, our algorithm demonstrated robustness to outliers and relative insensitivity to hyperparameter choices. In total, we compared the results of eight clustering algorithms. The proposed density-based clustering method, sOPTICS, outperforms FoF in accurately identifying giant galaxy clusters and their associated BCGs in various environments with higher purity and recovery rate, also successfully recovering 115 BCGs out of 118 reliable BCGs from a large galaxy sample. Furthermore, when applied to an independent observational catalogue without extensive re-tuning, sOPTICS maintains high recovery efficiency, confirming its flexibility and effectiveness for large-scale astronomical surveys.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Shock compression of silver to 300 GPa: Wave profile measurements and melting transition

Recent in-situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements on laser-shock compressed Ag foils demonstrated a face-centered-cubic to body-centered-cubic transformation at ~150 GPa and melting between 172 and 197 GPa [Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 235701 (2020)]. As a complement to the XRD work, we conducted plate impact experiments to obtain shock velocity and wave profile measurements on thicker Ag samples shock-compressed to peak stresses between 30 and 300 GPa. The shock velocity–particle velocity results were fitted very well by a linear relation over the entire stress range, providing an accurate determination of the Ag Hugoniot (locus of the stress-volume states achieved under shock compression). For peak stresses below 187 GPa and above 210 GPa—corresponding to the solid and liquid phases, respectively—the wave profiles show clean single waves. No wave profile features related to the fcc-bcc transformation at ~150 GPa were observed, implying minimal volume change for the transformation. For stresses between 187 and 210 GPa, an initial jump was followed by a time-dependent increase in the particle velocity (20–80 ns risetime) to the peak state—corresponding to the solid-liquid mixed phase response. Unlike the solid and liquid response, the mixed-phase response cannot be readily analyzed analytically. Instead, numerical simulations incorporating an accurate multiphase equation of state for Ag—not currently available—are required to analyze the wave profiles measured at 187–210 GPa stresses. Furthermore, the present work shows the potential for using wave profile measurements to examine the melting transition under shock compression.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Growth of accretion driven scalar hair around Kerr black holes

We report that Scalar fields around compact objects are of interest for scalar-tensor theories of gravity and dark matter models consisting of a massive scalar, e.g., axions. We study the behavior of a scalar field around a Kerr black hole with nontrivial asymptotic boundary conditions - both nonzero density and nonzero angular momentum. Starting from an initial radially homogeneous configuration, a scalar cloud is accreted, which asymptotes to known stationary configurations over time. We study the cloud growth for different parameters including black hole spin, scalar field mass, and the scalar field density and angular momentum far from the black hole. We characterize the transient growth of the mass and angular momentum in the cloud, and the spatial profile of the scalar around the black hole, and relate the results of fully nonlinear simulations to an analytic perturbative expansion. We also highlight the potential for these accreted clouds to create monochromatic gravitational wave signals - similar to the signals from superradiant clouds, although significantly weaker in amplitude.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Searching for dark clumps with gravitational-wave detectors

Dark compact objects (“clumps”) transiting the Solar System exert accelerations on the test masses (TM) in a gravitational-wave (GW) detector. We reexamine the detectability of these clump transits in a variety of current and future GW detectors, operating over a broad range of frequencies. TM accelerations induced by clump transits through the inner Solar System have frequency content around f ~ μ Hz . Some of us [Fedderke et al., Phys. Rev. D 105, 103018 (2022)] recently proposed a GW detection concept with μ Hz sensitivity, based on asteroid-to-asteroid ranging. From the detailed sensitivity projection for this concept, we find both analytically and in simulation that purely gravitational clump–matter interactions would yield one detectable transit every ~ 20 yrs , if clumps with mass m cl ~ 10 14 kg saturate the dark-matter (DM) density. Other (proposed) GW detectors using local TMs and operating in higher frequency bands are sensitive to smaller clump masses and have smaller rates of discoverable signals. We also consider the case of clumps endowed with an additional attractive long-range clump–matter fifth force significantly stronger than gravity (but evading known fifth-force constraints). For the μ Hz detector concept, we use simulations to show that, for example, a clump–matter fifth-force ~ 10 3 times stronger than gravity with a range of ~ AU would boost the rate of detectable transits to a few per year for clumps in the mass range 10 11 kg ≲ m cl ≲ 10 14 kg , even if they are a ~ 1 % subcomponent of the DM. The ability of μ Hz GW detectors to probe asteroid-mass-scale dark objects that may otherwise be undetectable bolsters the science case for their development.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

How do axisymmetric black holes grow monopole and dipole hair?

Here, we study the dynamical formation of scalar monopole and dipole hair in scalar Gauss-Bonnet theory and dynamical Chern-Simons theory. We prove that the spherically symmetric mode of the dipole hair is completely determined by the product of the mass of the spacetime and the value of the monopole hair. We then show that the dynamics of the ℓ = 1 mode of the dipole hair is intimately tied to the appearance of the event horizon during axisymmetric collapse, which results in the radiation of certain modes that could have been divergent in the future of the collapse. We confirm these analytical predictions by simulating the gravitational collapse of a rapidly rotating neutron star in the decoupling limit, both in scalar Gauss-Bonnet and dynamical Chern-Simons theory. Our results, combined with those provide a clear physical picture of the dynamics of scalar monopole and dipole radiation in axisymmetric and spherical gravitational collapse in these theories.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Dynamical Anyon Generation in Kitaev Honeycomb Non-Abelian Spin Liquids

Relativistic Mott insulators known as “Kitaev materials” potentially realize spin liquids hosting non-Abelian anyons. Motivated by fault-tolerant quantum-computing applications in this setting, we introduce a dynamical anyon-generation protocol that exploits universal edge physics. The setup features holes in the spin liquid, which define energetically cheap locations for non-Abelian anyons, connected by a narrow bridge that can be tuned between spin liquid and topologically trivial phases. We show that modulating the bridge from trivial to spin liquid over intermediate time scales—quantified by analytics and extensive simulations—deposits non-Abelian anyons into the holes with O(1) probability. The required bridge manipulations can be implemented by integrating the Kitaev material into magnetic tunnel junction arrays that engender locally tunable exchange fields. Combined with existing readout strategies, our protocol reveals a path to topological qubit experiments in Kitaev materials at zero applied magnetic field.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Analytical and numerical studies of dark current in radiofrequency structures for short-pulse high-gradient acceleration

High-gradient acceleration is a key research area that could enable compact linear accelerators for future colliders, light sources, and other applications. In the pursuit of high-gradient operation, rf breakdown limits the attainable accelerating gradient in normal-conducting rf structures. Recent experiments at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator suggest a promising approach: using short rf pulses with durations of a few nanoseconds. Experimental studies show that these 𝒪⁡(1⁢ ⁢ns) rf pulses can mitigate breakdown limitations, resulting in higher gradients. For example, an electric field of nearly 400 MV/m was achieved in an 𝑋-band photoemission gun driven by 6-ns-long rf pulses, with rapid rf conditioning and low dark current observed. Despite these promising results, the short-pulse regime remains an underexplored parameter space, and rf breakdown physics under nanosecond-long pulses requires further investigation. In this paper, we present analytical and numerical simulations of dark current dynamics in accelerating cavities operating in the short-pulse regime. We study breakdown-associated processes spanning different time scales, including field emission, multipacting, and plasma formation, using simulations of the 𝑋-band photogun cavities. The results reveal the advantages of using short rf pulses to reduce dark current and mitigate rf breakdown, offering a path toward a new class of compact accelerators with enhanced performance and reduced susceptibility to breakdown.

Linear accelerators↗

A Framework to Design Consumer-Centric Operational Strategies for Resilience Enhancement

Extreme temperature-related events like heat waves or cold snaps can significantly stress the power distribution grid as electricity demand spikes leading to brownouts or blackouts if not managed properly. In addition, such extreme events can exacerbate inequity, with vulnerable populations (for example, houses with poor insulation, located in non-critical zones, and lack of local resources) at greater risk. There is a growing deployment of distribution systems automation technologies such as advanced metering infrastructure, sensors, and automated control systems to enhance the visibility of the entire distribution grid while meeting resilience objectives. Here, this paper proposes a framework for investigating how automation can improve the distribution system's resilience and ensure customers' health and safety during such extremes. The proposed framework's efficacy will be demonstrated for the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) during winter storm Uri with varying levels of distribution automation technologies such as feeder isolation using smart switches, remote outage signals using advanced meters, and comfort-aware outage using advanced analytics and communication. Simulation results show that an outage strategy involving advanced grid technology and communication can reduce the occupant exposure to severe cold by 93% and, simultaneously, reduce expected energy not served by 73.2% when compared against feeder isolation.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Small-Signal Stability of Grid-Forming Converters Under Fault Conditions

Threshold virtual impedance (TVI)-based current limiting for grid-forming converters (GFMs) has gained great interest due to its ability to maintain voltage source behaviour during faults. However, sequence component extraction (SCE) and negative-sequence control (NSC) are often overlooked in small-signal stability assessments during faults. This paper develops small-signal sequence impedance models for GFMs under four well-known SCE methods based on TVI current limiting control during symmetrical fault conditions. Using the developed impedance models, the impacts of SCE and NSC, and the voltage and current control loop bandwidths, on system stability during faults are investigated. Additionally, since negative-sequence TVI (TVI-) is typically added along with its positive-sequence counterpart, which is often inductive, inductive and resistive TVI- are examined. The findings suggest that a higher voltage or current control loop bandwidth has a negative impact on system stability, while SCE and NSC largely reduce the stable range for voltage and current control loop bandwidth during faults, and that the severity of such impacts is determined by the particular SCE method. Furthermore, it is observed that inductive TVI- significantly degrades system stability, while resistive TVI- can enhance stability when suitable SCE methods are appropriately selected and designed. Matlab/Simulink electromagnetic transient simulations validate these analytical results.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Secrecy Analysis of Uplink IM-OFDMA Systems in the Presence of IQ Imbalance

This article introduces the secrecy analysis of the index modulation-based orthogonal frequency division multiple access (IM-OFDMA) schemes by considering the in-phase and quadrature imbalance (IQI) presence at the users' RF front ends. In particular, by assuming the existence of an eavesdropper, the secrecy performance of the considered uplink multiple-access system is investigated through the strictly positive secrecy capacity and secrecy outage probability, and closed-form expressions are derived for both quantities. Moreover, the secrecy performance is conducted regarding IQI compensation based on a preamble-based estimation method. Further, analysis of the impact of the different parameters of IM-OFDMA, IQI, and estimation method is included via analytical and simulation-based results. In conclusion, the results reveal that IM-OFDMA is more reliable in secrecy performance than OFDMA, regardless of whether IQI is present. Also, IQI compensation can lead to a better secrecy performance compared to the case of no IQI.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Ultrafast quantum photonics enabled by coupling plasmonic nanocavities to strongly radiative antennas

Quantum emitters coupled to plasmonic nanostructures can act as exceptionally bright sources of single photons, operating at room temperature. Plasmonic mode volumes supported by these nanostructures can be several orders of magnitude smaller than the cubic wavelength, which leads to dramatically enhanced light–matter interactions and drastically increased photon production rates. However, when increasing the light localization further, these deeply subwavelength modes may in turn hinder the fast outcoupling of photons into free space. Plasmonic hybrid nanostructures combining a highly confined cavity mode and a larger antenna mode circumvent this issue. We establish the fundamental limits for quantum emission enhancement in such systems and find that the best performance is achieved when the cavity and antenna modes differ significantly in size. We experimentally support this idea by photomodifying a nanopatch antenna deterministically assembled around a nanodiamond known to contain a single nitrogen–vacancy (NV) center. As a result, the cavity mode shrinks, further shortening the NV fluorescence lifetime and increasing the single-photon brightness. Our analytical and numerical simulation results provide intuitive insight into the operation of these emitter–cavity–antenna systems and show that this approach could lead to single-photon sources with emission rates up to hundreds of THz and efficiencies close to unity.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

FY22 Laboratory Directed Research and Development Annual Report

The Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program yields foundational scientific research and development (R&D) essential to growing SRNL’s core competencies, in alignment with SRNL’s Strategic Plan to provide long-term benefits to the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and other customers and stakeholders. Five strategic goals are outlined in SRNL’s strategic plan: 1) Provide applied science and engineering for EM’s active clean-up sites and LM’s post closure management sites; 2) Provide science-based solutions for gaps identified in nonproliferation strategic vision and support the government in actives impacting national security; 3) Lead ST&E as the central technical authority for processing tritium loaded reservoirs and support production of plutonium pits; 4) Align science and energy security programs by focusing modern modeling, simulation, and data analytics tools on materials engineering and performance applications; 5) Build a workforce for the future.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Assessment of Existing OpenStudio Measures: Reviews, Interviews, and Future Developments

OpenStudio Measure development is continuously in progress and greatly propelled by the collaborative efforts within the building energy modeling community. To ensure the widespread adoption and benefit of OpenStudio Measures, developers must understand the current status of Measure development and the needs of OpenStudio Measure users. The first step involves a comprehensive review of existing content to prevent redundancy and gain insights into how OpenStudio Measures are used in the building energy modeling community. This knowledge can then be integrated into the Measure development process, and the expertise of practitioners and OpenStudio Measure users can be leveraged to shape future Measures. Numerous OpenStudio Measures have been created and shared on the Building Component Library (BCL). The BCL is an open-source repository housing various OpenStudio-related resources, including building component blocks, descriptive metadata, and Measures describing modifications to building energy models. The OpenStudio Measures in BCL encompass a wide range of energy conservation Measures from basic lighting power reduction to complex HVAC model transformation. They also enable users to generate customized reports and facilitate the integration of energy simulation with other analytical processes. This report presents review of 272 currently available OpenStudio Measures in BCL. The OpenStudio Measures were reviewed by category and subcategory. These Measures are summarized by their functionalities and keywords. To gain insights into how OpenStudio Measures are used in building energy modeling community, interviews were conducted. A total of 12 interview responses were collected from 6 individuals in the industry and 6 individuals in academia. The knowledge acquired from reviewing the existing Measures and interview results will be integrated into the Measure development process, and the expertise of practitioners and OpenStudio Measure users will be leveraged to shape future Measures.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗