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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Simulation of Physics-Based 0-10Hz Strong Motion Using High Performance Computing Supporting Refinements to Regional Ground Motion Models for the Central Eastern US

In collaboration with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) the LLNL has developed a computationally efficient simulation platform designed to perform physics-based ground motion simulations for crustal earthquakes in the Stable Continental Regions of Central and Eastern US (CEUS), using high-performance computing. The main objective of the earthquake simulations was to use synthetic ground motion to provide constrains to refinements of existing ergodic Ground Motion Models (GMMs), for large magnitude earthquakes and near-fault distances, for which these models are less reliable. Physics-based broadband (0-10Hz) ground motion simulations were used to estimate the near-fault ground motion amplitudes and within event and between-event variabilities associated with fault rupture characteristics. In our simulations we used a 3D regional velocity model that was based on Saikia’s 1D velocity model (1994). In simulations performed during the first stage of this project the Saikia’s velocity model demonstrated better performance in modelling high frequency regional wave propagation for the CEUS region recorded during the Mw5.0 November 7, 2016, Cushing Oklahoma (Taylor et al., 2017), and Mw5.8 September 3, 2016, Pawnee Oklahoma earthquakes. The proposed regional 3D model includes random perturbations to the 1D background model using the stochastic scheme of Pitarka and Mellors (2021). In addition, validation analysis of the rupture generator and regional wave propagation models, using comparisons with different GMMs for Mw6.5 and Mw7.0 scenario earthquakes in the CEUS region resulted in a very good match between the simulated and empirical ground motion models. For the purposes of seismic hazard assessment at the existing and planned nuclear power plants, NRC is interested in studies aimed at improving the current ground motion models (GMM) for both Stable Continental Regions (SCR) in the Central and Eastern US and Active Crustal Regions (ACR) in the Western US. Due to lack of recorded data, these improvements require synthetic data for short fault distances and large magnitude earthquakes for which the existing recorded data is not enough to uniquely constrain the GMMs. The need for simulations and strong motion data is especially critical for the CEUS region where we do not have recorded data from potentially large damaging earthquakes with moment magnitudes 6.0 and higher. In this the project, we focused on 10Hz simulations of Mw7.0 scenario earthquakes with strike slip and thrust faulting mechanisms. We used more than 50 Mw7.0 earthquake rupture scenarios to investigate the ground motion uncertainty due to unknown earthquake rupture parameters, in particular, the slip distribution, rupture velocity, and faulting mechanism, and their implication on ground motion amplification due to forward rupture directivity effects.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Insights into Slip-Rate Time Functions, Rupture Parameter Correlations, and Ground Motions from Validated Multicycle Earthquake Ruptures

Earthquake strong-motion predictions using kinematic source modeling require knowledge of the slip-rate functions (SRFs) along the rupture and their distinct characteristics in asperities, background (off-asperity) areas and near the surface. Here, in this study we analyzed SRFs from well-validated, self-consistent, and fully dynamic rupture models from earthquake cycles obeying a rate-and-state friction law, from our companion study (Galvez et al., 2021). The shapes of SRFs in asperities are well described by the regularized Yoffe function (RYF), which has only two parameters: rise time T r and smoothing time T s , which control the generation of long- and short-period ground motions, respectively. In background areas, we demonstrate that, in addition to the primary rupture, multiple secondary ruptures may also nucleate from rupture heterogeneities related to asperities, resulting in SRFs with multiple peaks. Because it is impossible to fit a multiple-peak SRF by the single-peak RYF, we describe SRFs in background areas in an effective way by fitting their amplitude spectra with the RYF spectra. Such spectrally effective RYFs capture salient aspects of seismic-wave generation and can be used in rupture generators for strong motion prediction. We found that small T s values correlate with small characteristic weakening distances, large peak slip rates (PSRs), and large rupture velocities. T r values are larger in background areas and smaller in asperities. Within the shallow aseismic zone, T s values approximately quadruple whereas T r values approximately double. Because of this dominant T s increase, PSR values decrease in the near-surface zone. These features indicate that the generation of strong motions by the near-surface portions of the rupture is negligible in the studied scenarios.

Geosciences↗
NASA NTRS2023

Interchangeable Use of GNSS and Seismic Data for Rapid Earthquake Characterization: 2021 Chignik Earthquake, Alaska

Earthquake magnitude estimation using peak ground velocities (PGV) derived from 13 Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) data has shown promise for rapid 14 characterization of damaging earthquakes. Here we examine the feasibility of using 15 GNSS-derived velocity waveforms as interchangeable data for ground motion estimation 16 and other products that typically rely on strong-motion seismic records. Our study 17 compares PGVs derived from high-rate GNSS to those computed from high-rate seismic 18 records (strong-motion and velocity), at co- and closely-located stations. The recent 2021 Manuscript Click here to access/download;Manuscript;Manuscript_Final.docx 2 19 Mw 8.2 Chignik earthquake in Alaska that was recorded on co-located GNSS and strong20 motion sensors provides the perfect opportunity to compare the two data streams and 21 their application in rapid response. The Chignik velocity records appear almost identical 22 at co-located GNSS and strong-motion stations when observed at frequencies < 0.25 Hz. 23 GNSS and strong-motion derived velocity data are further employed to generate rapid 24 estimates of PGV-derived moment magnitudes for the earthquake. The moment 25 magnitude estimates from GNSS and joint GNSS/seismic data are within ~ ±0.4 26 magnitude units (Fang et al., 2020) of the final magnitude (Mw 8.2). ShakeMaps 27 generated for the 2021 Chignik earthquake using GNSS and seismic PGVs show notable 28 agreement between them, and show negligible shifts in PGV contours when co-/closely 29 located GNSS and seismic stations are substituted for one another. Therefore, we posit 30 that GNSS is a powerful alternative or addition to seismic data and vice versa.

Earthquake rapid response↗
DOE OSTI2023

Parametrizations of coupled betatron motion for strongly coupled lattices

The coupling of transverse motion is a natural occurrence in particle accelerators, either in the form of a residual coupling arising from imperfections or originating by design from strong systematic coupling fields. While the first can be treated perturbatively, the latter requires a robust approach adapted to strongly coupled optics, and a parametrization of the linear optics must be performed to explore beam dynamics in such peculiar lattices. This work highlights the key physical interpretations of the main parametrization formalisms to describe linear coupled optics, along with explicit links and comparisons of these parametrizations. Concepts rarely illustrated in other works, such as forced mode flips and local coupling, are explored in detail, clarifying some anomalies that can arise in lattice functions. The analytical methods have been implemented in a reference Python package and connected with ray-tracing and integration codes to explore examples of strongly coupled lattices, which are discussed in detail to highlight the key physical interpretations of the parametrizations and characteristics of the lattices.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1984

Wind speed and direction shears with associated vertical motion during strong surface winds

Strong surface winds recorded at the NASA 150-Meter Ground Winds Tower facility at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, are analyzed to present occurrences representative of wind shear and vertical motion known to be hazardous to the ascent and descent of conventional aircraft and the Space Shuttle. Graphical (percentage frequency distributions) and mathematical (maximum, mean, standard deviation) descriptions of wind speed and direction shears and associated updrafts and downdrafts are included as functions of six vertical layers and one horizontal distance for twenty 5-second intervals of parameters sampled simultaneously at the rate of ten per second during a period of high surface winds.

Alexander, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Curved ducts with strong secondary motion - Velocity measurements of developing laminar and turbulent flow

Two orthogonal components of velocity and associated Reynolds stresses are determined in a square-sectioned, 90 degree bend of 2.3 radius ratio by utilizing laser-Doppler velocimetry for Reynolds numbers of 790 and 40,000. Results show that boundary layers at the bend inlet of 0.25 and 0.15 of the hydraulic diameter create secondary velocity maxima of 0.6 and 0.4 of the bulk flow velocity, respectively. It is concluded that the boundary layer thickness is important to the flow development, mainly in the first half of the bend, especially when it is reduced to 0.15 of the hydraulic diameter. Smaller secondary velocities are found for turbulent flow in an identical duct with a radius ratio of 7.0 than in the strongly curved bend, although their effect is more important to the streamwise flow development because of the smaller pressure gradients. In addition, the detail and accuracy of the measurements make them suitable for evaluation of numerical techniques and turbulence models.

Taylor, A. M. K. P.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Dynamic Rupture Modeling of the 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan Earthquake Using 3DFinite Element Method. Sensitivity Analysis of Slip Rate Function to Model Parameters of Crustal Weak-Zone

The main objective of this study was the dynamic rupture modeling of the M7.3 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan earthquake. The purpose of the numerical modeling was two folded. First, using models of rupture dynamics, derive kinematic rupture characteristics, including spatial and temporal variations of the slip rate time history and rupture speed, in the long-period ground motion generation area (LMGA), strong motion generation areas (SMGAs) and background fault area for a thrust shallow rupture. Second, investigate the sensitivity of source time function characteristics in the LMGA and SMGA areas to model parameterization of low-velocity weak zone, such as thickness and shear wave velocity.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ground-motions site and event specificity: Insights from assessing a suite of simulated ground motions in the San Francisco Bay Area

This article presents the results of a research that is part of a larger collaborative effort between the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center, funded by the US Department of Energy Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response. The main objective of this study is to assess a suite of near and far-field simulated ground motions obtained from 20 realizations of an M7 Hayward Fault earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area, California USA, and inform the selection of rupture simulation parameters leading to strong motions. To this aim, comparisons are conducted with NGA-W2 and directivity ground-motion models and a selected population of records. An archetypal steel moment-resisting frame is utilized to assess infrastructure response distributions. The analyses carried out for each simulated event and subdomain with consistent properties in terms of shallow shear-wave velocity proved to be instrumental for better interpreting the differences between simulated motions and empirical models. The main reasons identified for variances between simulations and empirical relationships included (1) directivity effects fully captured by the simulations across the full breadth of rupture models; (2) site vicinity to ruptures that incorporate large-slip patches, particularly if these are in the forward-directivity direction; and (3) presence of geologic structures that can “trap” seismic waves and produce ground motions with large amplitude and long signal duration. The analyses carried out in this work provide a path for interpreting ground-motion site and event specificity obtained from a suite of physics-based simulations, differing only in the rupture model characterization, to inform the selection of simulation scenarios for site-specific engineering analyses under strong excitations. Evidence from this work points to the possibility that current hazard models may underestimate ground-motion intensities in areas where the combined effect of directivity and site conditions results in large ground-motion amplitudes.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

An open-access simulated earthquake ground-motion database for an M7 Hayward Fault earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Region

Comprehensive understanding of earthquake ground motions, particularly in the near-fault region of large-magnitude events, is limited by gaps in strong-motion data. This challenge is prominent in areas with high seismic hazard but infrequent large earthquakes where data is sparse and difficult to interpret. These data limitations lead to uncertainties in the development of site-specific ground motions, which are crucial for engineering risk assessments. To address these challenges, physics-based regional-scale ground-motion simulations have been developed. With the emergence of exaflop-scale computing ecosystems, it is now possible to simulate regional earthquake processes at unprecedented fidelity and generate the large number of fault rupture realizations necessary to characterize both intra- and inter-event ground-motion variability. This article introduces a new database of simulated earthquake ground motions, created for applications in earthquake engineering, earthquake planning, and emergency response. The inaugural version of the database features simulated ground motions for a magnitude 7 Hayward Fault earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Region (SFBR), using the EarthQuake SIMulation (EQSIM) simulation framework and the Graves–Pitarka kinematic rupture model. The aim is to provide high-fidelity, spatially dense, three-component motions generated on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) newest generation of graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated supercomputers. These motions are being made openly available to the engineering, scientific, and disaster planning communities. In addition, this work develops protocols for the efficient dissemination of these large data sets and emphasizes community engagement to build confidence in their application. This article discusses the methodology behind the data, underlying software verification and validation, scalable data management, and a user interface for data access. The goal is to facilitate widespread use and elicit expert feedback to maximize the utility and exploitation of simulated motions. While the initial focus is on the San Francisco Region, simulations for additional regions will be added as the DOE program progresses.

Simulated ground-motion database↗
NASA NTRS1980

Propeller slipstream/wing interaction in the transonic regime

An inviscid model for the interaction between a thin wing and a nearly uniform propeller slipstream is presented. The model allows the perturbation velocities due to the interaction to be potential although the undisturbed slipstream velocity is rotational. A finite difference scheme is used to solve the governing equation. Numerical examples indicate that the slipstream has a strong effect on the aerodynamic properties of the wing section within the slipstream and lesser effects elsewhere. The slipstream swirling motion strongly affects the wing load distribution, however, its effect on the wing's total lift and wave drag is small. The axial velocity increment in the slipstream has a small effect on the wing lift, however, it causes a large increase in wave drag.

Rizk, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Andean tectonics: Implications for Satellite Geodesy

Current knowledge and theories of large scale Andean tectonics as they relate to site planning for the NASA Crustal Dynamics Program's proposed high precision geodetic measurements of relative motions between the Nazca and South American plates are summarized. The Nazca Plate and its eastern margin, the Peru-Chile Trench, is considered a prototype plate marked by rapid motion, strong seismicity and well defined boundaries. Tectonic activity across the Andes results from the Nazca Plate subducting under the South American plate in a series of discrete platelets with different widths and dip angles. This in turn, is reflected in the tectonic complexity of the Andes which are a multitutde of orogenic belts superimposed on each other since the Precambrian. Sites for Crustal Dynamics Program measurements are being located to investigate both interplate and extraplate motions. Observing operations have already been initiated at Arequipa, Peru and Easter Island, Santiago and Cerro Tololo, Chile. Sites under consideration include Iquique, Chile; Oruro and Santa Cruz, Bolivia; Cuzco, Lima, Huancayo and Bayovar, Peru; and Quito and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Based on scientific considerations, Santa Cruz, Huancayo (or Lima), Quito and the Galapagos Islands should be replaced by Isla San Felix, Chile; Brazilia or Petrolina, Brazil; and Guayaquil, Ecuador. If resources permit, additional important sites would be Buenaventura and Villavicencio or Puerto La Concordia, Colombia; and Mendoza and Cordoba, Argentina.

Allenby, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Lorentz scattering of interplanetary dust

Charged dust grains in a turbulent magnetic field will see a Lorentz force due to the convection of the solar magnetic field past them at the solar wind velocity. Since the sign of this magnetic field is randomly varying, the direction of the force will be random, and the net effect will be to randomly scatter the orbital elements of these particles. The square roots of the mean square change in semimajor axis, inclination, and eccentricity are determined as a function of the particles' original orbital elements. Particles 3 microns in radius and smaller will have their motions strongly perturbed or dominated by Lorentz scattering. This scattering will have an effect comparable to, or greater than, the Poynting-Robertson effect on these particles for time scales comparable to their Poynting-Robertson lifetimes.

Consolmagno, G.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Numerical Simulation of Forced and Free-to-Roll Delta-Wing Motions

The three-dimensional, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are used to numerically simulate nonsteady vortical flow about a 65-deg sweep delta wing at 30-deg angle of attack. Two large-amplitude, high-rate, forced-roll motions, and a damped free-to-roll motion are presented. The free-to-roll motion is computed by coupling the time-dependent RANS equations to the flight dynamic equation of motion. The computed results are in good agreement with the forces, moments, and roll-angle time histories. Vortex breakdown is present in each case. Significant time lags in the vortex breakdown motions relative to the body motions strongly influence the dynamic forces and moments.

Chaderjian, Neal M.↗
NASA NTRS2020

The Influence of Frequency and Duration Of Seismic Ground Motion On The Size Of Triggered Landslides—A Regional View

Observation, theory, and intuition all suggest that larger earthquakes should trigger larger landslides. Many factors could contribute to this, including depth-dependent shear strength or non-linearity of ground motion in soils and rock, but we hypothesize that the key characteristics of large earthquakes causing this phenomenon are (in addition to magnitude) the frequency and duration of the strong ground motion. Because of the paucity of site-specific data for detailed analysis, we take a regional approach to this question by analyzing strong-motion records and earthquake-induced landslide (EQIL) inventories from six well-documented earthquakes. Ground motion is characterized using earthquake magnitude and the median durations and frequencies (mean periods) of subsets of strong-motion records relevant to landslide triggering. EQIL inventories are characterized using the median landslide area of the entire inventory as well as the median areas of the largest 1% of the landslides and the largest 10 landslides. We then compare ground-motion characteristics with landslide size statistics to determine possible correlations. Comparisons of all earthquake- and landslide-size statistics show strong positive correlations between landslide size and (1) magnitude, (2) ground-motion duration, and (3) mean period. Although all the ground-motion measures yield highly correlated regressions, mean period appears to be the best overall predictor of landslide size. Landslide modeling using Newmark's sliding-block method also shows that longer mean periods and durations and larger magnitudes correlate strongly with increases in modeled displacements. These results support our hypothesis that increasing period and duration of seismic ground motion are the physical factors driving increased landslide sizes for larger earthquakes. Additional studies including data from a much larger set of earthquakes is needed to confirm the results of this initial study.

Hakan Tanyas↗