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At least 1,729 records · Page 96
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Fitting of Failure Rate Data to a Closed Form Solution using Gamma-Poisson Method of Moments

Due to the responsibility and gravity of estimation of nuclear power plant failure rates, it is required that there be consistent and accurate methodology for describing the likelihood of an event occurring. However, the methodology currently employed can vary dependent on the data, as well as subjective conjecture from the expert performing the analysis. The current implementation of the empirical Bayes method to a Gamma-Poisson (GaP) distribution utilizes algorithms to solve for the parameters that do not provide consistent answers. Additionally, to achieve a distribution of the likelihood, the variance of each parameter of the GaP must be determined. There does not exist an exact solution to one of the parameters variance and is typically estimated using techniques like the Kass-Steffey adjustment. Thus a new approach to the problem is proposed, built upon the method of moments for a negative binomial, based upon the work of Bradlow. Using the method of moments approach, we are able to achieve a closed form estimation of the mean and variance for each parameter in the negative binomial distribution. Due to the relationship between the negative binominal and GaP distribution, results can be made between the distributions. The hyper-priors defined assume beta prime distribution which is appropriately informed; the results of this application translate back to the Gamma distribution for easy utilization in SAPHIRE. Additionally several cases are explored using publically available NRC data that considers zero inflated, over dispersed, and Poisson data.

Failure Rate↗
DOE OSTI2021

Field Accelerated Stress Testing (FAST): Forecasting Plant-specific Failure Modes and Degradation Rates

Photovoltaic plant owners and insurance companies would like to be prepared for the forthcoming material warranty claims (material defects) and power warranty claims (degradation rate). To address the needs of these stakeholders, this presentation aims to introduce a new conceptual approach to perform accelerated testing right at the field of interest and it is called field accelerated stress testing (FAST). The primary goal of this presentation is to present a conceptual approach to forecast the field specific failure modes and degradation rates in advance by a factor of 2 to 5, right at the plant site using a few spare modules available at the plant location itself.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Reliability enhancement of APR + diverse protection system regarding common cause failures

The Advanced Power Reactor Plus (APR +) nuclear power plant design has been developed on the basis of the APR1400 (Advanced Power Reactor 1400 MWe) to further enhance safety and economics. For the mitigation of Anticipated Transients Without Scram (ATWS) as well as Common Cause Failures (CCF) within the Plant Protection System (PPS) and the Emergency Safety Feature - Component Control System (ESF-CCS), several design improvement features have been implemented for the Diverse Protection System (DPS) of the APR + plant. As compared to the APR1400 DPS design, the APR + DPS has been designed to provide the Safety Injection Actuation Signal (SIAS) considering a large break LOCA accident concurrent with the CCF. Additionally several design improvement features, such as channel structure with redundant processing modules, and changes of system communication methods and auto-system test methods, are introduced to enhance the functional reliability of the DPS. Therefore, it is expected that the APR + DPS can provide an enhanced safety and reliability regarding possible CCF in the safety-grade I and C systems as well as the DPS itself. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Addressing Failures in Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Tank for Central Receiver Concentrating Solar Power Plants

The thermal energy storage (TES) system is a critical component in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants that increases the plant's capacity factor and economic competitiveness by reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) while simultaneously increasing the value of the delivered energy. Failures including molten-salt leaks and diverse localized cracking after several months to a few years of operation have been reported in hot tanks for CSP plants operating around the world. A model of a molten salt thermal energy storage tank was developed and validated to analyze the impact of different tank design features on the temperature and stress distributions as a function of typical plant operation conditions. Design features included the floor plate thicknesses, friction coefficients between the tank floor and the foundation, and the sparger ring location. Maximum stresses in the tank floor frequently surpassed the yield point of the material during operation, leading to a detriment of the tank's lifetime. Recommendations on design features to improve the reliability of new molten salt tanks for CSP plants are provided.

concentrating solar power↗
DOE OSTI2024

Reliability, Cost and Performance Risks of PV Connector Failures

This presentation is to guide interactive discussion by posing questions to workshop participants. Topic is reliability, maintenance cost, and performance risk associated with failure of PV connectors which make electrial connections between components.

connector↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of the Simplified Assessment Peak Equivalent Stress Design Limit Probability of Failure

The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III Division 5 Subsection HH Subpart A (HHA) outlines requirements and qualification methods for graphite core components in high temperature reactor environments. One such structural qualification method is the Simplified Assessment outlined in HHA-3220, which represents a comparison of service level specific equivalent stresses to allowable stress values derived from target probability of failures (POFs). The target POF is based on the structural reliability class (SRC) for the components and service condition of interest, and is used to establish design limits for combined membrane and peak equivalent stresses. Combined membrane stress limits are derived from two parameter Weibull distribution fits of the graphite grade specific tensile strength data and the target POF. The combined membrane stress limits are then scaled based on the ratio of flexural strength to tensile strength (referred hereinafter as Rtf) to establish the corresponding peak equivalent stress limits. It is desired that the target POF is at least maintained for both combined membrane and peak equivalent design limits, especially with the use of Rtf. The assessment presented herein examines tensile and flexural data for medium and fine grade graphites relative to the calculated combined membrane and peak equivalent stress limits per HHA-3220 and illustrates the simplified assessment method results in anticipated, or at least conservative, peak equivalent design stress limits.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Discovering the Most Severe K-Point Failure Based on Reinforcement Learning: Preprint

Smart devices are essential to ensure the stability of the power grid and resilience to intermittent energy production. However, smart devices can also be the target of cyber adversaries that may exploit false data injection attacks (FDIAs) to induce unstable grid conditions. A practical consideration of FDIA mitigation approaches is addressed here: given a finite available budget, for which smart device should cyber-threat mitigation be deployed first? In this work, this question is answered by identifying the so-called most-sensitive devices, i.e., the devices that, if compromised, can let an adversary induce the most serious grid instabilities. The method proposed utilizes an adversarial reinforcement learning (RL) framework to identify the k-mostsensitive smart devices (here, smart inverters). The adversarial agent can tamper with the compromised inverters' active and reactive operating power setup points, with the goal of maximizing voltage deviations. Numerical results show that the proposed RL method finds the optimal attack scenarios for 1-point failure and the near-optimal solution for the 2-point case. Additionally, the proposed RL method achieves an 8.8 speed-up ratio in running time compared to the brute force method for the 2-point case.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2016

Direct observations of damage during unconfined brittle failure of Carrara marble

Abstract To observe and quantify the production of microfracturing from initial yield to failure, we deformed Carrara marble samples in uniaxial compression at 20, 105, and 180°C and continuously observed a region of about 1 mm 2 on an exposed face with a long‐working distance microscope. Using image processing and microscale strain‐mapping techniques, we measured local strains over a length scale of tens of micrometers. By treating the images with various filters, we identified linear damage features, as well as the magnitude of localized strain and the mode of deformation, i.e., shear versus normal deformation. In general, shear deformation is more prevalent after initial yielding, while tensile deformation dominates closer to peak stress. Independent measurements of both stress and microcrack density at different stages of each experiment provide a unique opportunity to explicitly compare the data with damage models. The model of Ashby and Sammis (1990) significantly underestimated the damage that the rock could sustain before peak stress, perhaps owing to the influence of weak grain boundaries on the damage production. In these samples, microcracks tended to form near boundaries before yield stress. During strain hardening, the damage parameters increased rapidly as longer microcracks grew along the boundaries and finally transected grains as loading neared peak stress. The microcrack density can be empirically related to the reduction of Young's modulus; stiffness ratios decay exponentially with increasing microcrack density for T ≤ 105°C.

Tal, Yuval↗
DOE OSTI2024

Pore-Filling Induced Solid Electrolyte Failure of Ti-Doped Na 3 Zr 2 Si 2 PO 12 Characterized by Operando Synchrotron X-Ray Tomography

Solid-state batteries (SSBs), particularly those utilizing sodium metal, are emerging as a promising technology due to their potential for enhanced safety, higher energy density, and longer cycle life. NASICON (Na superionic conductor) materials, known for their robust crystalline structure and high ionic conductivity, are pivotal in the development of efficient sodium all-solid-state batteries. These materials exhibit high room-temperature ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, making them ideal for various applications. Research has focused on improving NASICON's ionic conductivity and stability through doping, interface regulation, and composite anode design. Recent advancements include Ti-doped Na 3 Zr 2 Si 2 PO 12 (Ti-NZSP), which demonstrates improved surface stability, higher ionic conductivity, and increased critical current density. However, challenges such as Na dendrite formation and mechanical integrity under operational conditions persist. Advanced imaging techniques like operando synchrotron X-ray tomography have provided insights into failure mechanisms, revealing that pore-filling and dendrite growth are significant issues. Understanding these processes is essential for enhancing the performance and safety of Na-based SSBs. Here, this study underscores the need for continued research to address these challenges and develop reliable, high-performance solid-state electrolytes for future energy storage solutions.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Practical management in Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome with associated hypothyroidism, neutropenia, and recurrent liver failure: A case report

Key Clinical Message Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome of neonatal diabetes, liver failure, and growth retardation. We present a case with a EIF2AK3 p.(Arg902Ter) mutation, additionally complicated by hypothyroidism, impaired renal function, and exocrine pancreas insufficiency, focusing on clinical management. For its optimization, thorough care of multiple organ systems is needed.

Lundgren, Markus↗
DOE OSTI2023

A robust interface finite element formulation for modeling brittle material failure problems

Abstract Failure of many brittle materials and structures can be modeled using interface‐oriented finite elements combined with intrinsic cohesive zone models. The discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method provides an innovative framework for modeling brittle crack propagation with zero‐thickness interface elements, which can accommodate extrinsic cohesive laws to avoid the artificial compliance required in intrinsic cohesive models. However, robust formulations and implementations of DG methods are critical in alleviating the well‐known convergence issues for both crack nucleation and propagation with reduced instability. This paper presents a robust interface element formulation by modifying the incomplete interior penalty Galerkin (IIPG) method, which successfully avoids the initial element interface penetration across elements that occurs prior to crack nucleation, and thereby greatly reduces the instability issue as cracks open. We further verified and validated our implementation by using a bar tension test and a beam fracturing benchmark. The robustness of our proposed interface element method was demonstrated by a micromechanics fiber/matrix debonding problem with 64 fibers embedded in a bulk matrix.

Liu, Ruijie↗
DOE OSTI2022

A liquid stratification model to predict failure in thermally damaged EBW detonators

In previous work, commercially available downward facing exploding bridgewire detonators (EBWs) were exposed to elevated temperatures. These detonators were then initiated using a firing set which discharged a high amplitude short duration electrical pulse into a thin gold bridgewire. Responses of the detonators were measured using photonic doppler velocimetry (PDV) and high-speed photography. A time delay of 4 μs between EBW initiation and first movement of an output flyer separated operable detonators from inoperable detonators or duds. Here, we propose a simple method to determine detonator operability from the calculated state of the detonator at the time the firing set is initiated. The failure criterion is based on the gap distance between the exploding bridgewire (EBW) and the adjacent initiating explosive within the detonator which is low-density pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) that melts between 413-415 K (140-142 ºC). The gap forms as PETN melts and flows to the bottom of the input pellet. Melting of PETN is modeled thermodynamically as an energy sink using a normal distribution spread over a temperature range between the onset temperature of 413 K and the ending temperature of 415 K. The extent of the melt is determined from the average temperature of the PETN. The PETN liquid is assumed to occupy the interstitial gas volume in the lower part of the input pellet. The vacated volume from the relocated liquid forms the gap between the EBW and the PETN. The remaining sandwiched layer consists of solid PETN particles and gas filling interstitial volume. We predict that a threshold gap between 17-27 μm separates properly functioning detonators from duds.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2018

Future Liver Remnant Indocyanine Green Plasma Clearance Rate as a Predictor of Post-hepatectomy Liver Failure After Portal Vein Embolization

PurposeTo evaluate the utility of future liver remnant plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green (ICGK-F) for predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) compared with percentage future liver remnant volume-to-total liver volume ratio (%FLR) after portal vein embolization (PVE).Materials and MethodsPVE procedures in 20 patients (15 patients underwent PVE with absolute ethanol; 5 patients with gelatin particles) from 2010 to 2017 were analyzed. %FLR = future liver remnant volume (ml)/[total liver volume (ml) − tumor volume (ml)] × 100; ICGK-F = plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green (ICGK) × %FLR/100 were calculated before and after PVE. PHLF was categorized according to the criteria of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery. For predicting PHLF, we compared the ICGK-F and %FLR after PVE between the grade A PHLF group and the non-grade A PHLF (grades B and C) group.ResultsAll PVE procedures were successful. While the ICGK-F of the grade A PHLF group (median 0.073, n = 16) was about twice that of the non-grade A PHLF group (median 0.043, n = 4), showing a significant difference (Mann–Whitney U test: P = 0.002), there was no significant difference in %FLR between the grade A PHLF group and the non-grade A PHLF group (Mann–Whitney U test: P = 0.335).ConclusionICGK-F was significantly higher in the grade A PHLF group than in the non-grade A PHLF group (grades B and C), and ICGK-F was more useful for predicting PHLF than %FLR.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2019

ISRM Suggested Method: Determining Deformation and Failure Characteristics of Rocks Subjected to True Triaxial Compression

The purpose of this ISRM Suggested Method is to introduce a guideline on determining deformation and failure characteristics of rocks subjected to true triaxial compression on different stress path. Here, the true triaxial testing apparatus was reviewed by means of the function and engineering application. Some key techniques, such as stress and strain measurements, and reduction of end effect between specimen and metal platens, preventing metal platens interference, were stated and suggested in detail. Methodology of specimen processing, specimen shape, and testing procedure are characterized. There is an explanation of the experimental data processing on stress–strain curves, strength, and fracture mode.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Martensite Content on Failure Behavior of Laser Welded Dual-Phase Steel Joints During Deformation

Laser welding was applied to three types of dual-phase (DP) steel sheets (DP590, DP780, and DP980) with different martensite contents. The microstructure of laser welded joints was observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope, and the hardness of welded joints was measured by a microhardness tester. The tensile testing machine and the Erichsen test machine were employed to measure the tensile properties and forming properties of welded joints, respectively. The microstructure model showed that the welded joints of three different materials all contained a hardened zone (HZ) that was composed of a fusion zone, a coarse-grained heat-affected zone, and fine-grained heat-affected zone. The microstructure of the HZ contained mainly martensite such that the average martensite content of welded joints was increased by 1.9-9.8%, and the microhardness of the HZ was 1.2-1.9 times that of the base metal (BM). Moreover, the elongation of welded joints decreased with decreasing martensite content in the BM, and the effect was severe for the DP590 welded joint (21.8%) compared to the other two welded joints. During the Erichsen test, deformation failure varied among the welded joints with different martensite contents, and it was determined by the HZ and softened zone. The fracture occurred in the softened zone and ran parallel along the zone for DP980 welded joints, whereas the fracture occurred in the HZ and ran perpendicular to this zone for the other two welded joints. The Erichsen values of the DP590, DP780, and DP980 welded joints were 81.1, 91.7, and 85.0% of the BM, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Fatigue Failure Characteristics of Single-Crystal Fe-3%Al Alloy

To obtain a better understanding of the mechanical properties and failure characteristics of the single-crystal Fe-3%Al alloy (SC), tensile and fatigue properties of the SC and polycrystalline Fe-3%Al alloy (PC) have been investigated. The tensile strength and fracture strain for the SC samples were different depending on the loading direction, i.e., 〈111〉, 〈110〉 and 〈100〉, which could be explained by the Schmid factor. Fatigue strength for the SC samples was basically correlated with their tensile strength. Different fatigue properties were obtained for the PC sample, e.g., the high fatigue strength was obtained in the early fatigue stage, and significant reduction in the fatigue strength was appeared in the later fatigue stage, e.g., low endurance limit at 10{sup 7} cycles. The reason for this was caused by the material brittleness due to the accumulated dislocation at the grain boundaries. Because the high ductile SC samples made severe plastic deformation ahead of the crack tip, the crack growth rate did not enhance even if the high stress intensity factor range was applied in Region II (da/dN versus ΔK). The crack growth rate dropped just before the final fracture. Effective stress intensity factor range was estimated using the crack closure model, but the crack growth rate is found to be affected strongly by the slip system of SC sample.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Early therapeutic effects of adaptive servo-ventilation on cardiac sympathetic nervous function in patients with heart failure evaluated using a combination of {sup 11}C-HED PET and {sup 123}I-MIBG SPECT

Rationale: Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), a novel respiratory support therapy for sleep disorders, may improve cardiac function in heart failure (HF). However, the reasons that ASV improves cardiac function have not been fully studied especially in sympathetic nervous function (SNF). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of ASV therapy on cardiac SNF in patients with HF. Methods: We evaluated ASV therapeutic effects before and 6 months after ASV therapy in 9 HF patients [57.3 ± 17.3 years old, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 36.1 ± 16.7%]. We performed echocardiography, polysomnography, biomarkers, {sup 11}C-hydroxyephedrine (HED) PET as a presynaptic function marker and planar {sup 123}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) to evaluate washout rate. Results: ASV therapy reduced apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and improved plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration. In {sup 123}I-MIBG imaging, the early heart/mediastinum (H/M) ratio increased after ASV therapy (2.19 ± 0.58 to 2.40 ± 0.67; P = 0.045). Washout rate did not change (23.8 ± 7.3% to 23.8 ± 8.8%; P = 0.122). Global {sup 11}C-HED retention index (RI) improved from 0.068 ± 0.033/s to 0.075 ± 0.034/s (P = 0.029). Conclusions: ASV reduced AHI and improved BNP. ASV might initially improve presynaptic cardiac sympathetic nervous function in HF patients after 6 months of treatment.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗