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Observations and models of lateral hydrothermal circulation on a young ridge flank: Numerical evaluation of thermal and chemical constraints

Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems

Stein, Joshua

[1] We used a two-dimensional coupled heat and fluid flow model to investigate large-scale, lateral heat and fluid transport on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Cool seawater in the natural system is inferred to enter basement where it is exposed close to the spreading center and flow laterally beneath thick sediments, causing seafloor heat flow to be depressed relative to that input at the base of the plate. The flow rate, and thus the properties of permeable basement (the flow layer), controls the efficiency of lateral heat transport, as quantified through numerical modeling. We simulated forced flow in this layer by pumping water through at a fixed rate and quantified relations between flow rate, thickness of the permeable basement, and the extent of suppression of seafloor heat flow. Free flow simulations, in which fluid flow was not forced, match heat flow constraints if nonhydrostatic initial conditions are used and flow layer permeabilities are set to the high end of observed values (10-11 to 10-9 m2). To match seafloor heat flow observations, the models required lateral specific discharge of 1.2 to 40 m/yr for flow layer thicknesses of 600 to 100 m, respectively. The models also replicate differences in fluid pressures in basement, and the local distribution of pressures above and below hydrostatic. Estimated lateral flow rates are 10× to 1000× greater than estimates based on radiocarbon ages of basement pore waters. Estimated lateral flow rates based on thermal and chemical constraints can be reconciled if diffusion from discrete flow zones into less permeable stagnant zones in the crust is considered. © 2003 by the American Geophysical Union.

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Discrete sensor placement problems in distribution networks

Hart, William E.; Hart, William E.

We consider the problem of placing sensors in a network to detect and identify the source of any contamination. We consider two variants of this problem: (1) sensor-constrained: we are allowed a fixed number of sensors and want to minimize contamination detection time; and (2) time-constrained: we must detect contamination within a given time limit and want to minimize the number of sensors required. Our main results are as follows. First, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for source identification. Second, we show that the sensor and time constrained versions of the problem are polynomially equivalent. Finally, we show that the sensor-constrained version of the problem is polynomially equivalent to the asymmetric k-center problem and that the time-constrained version of the problem is polynomially equivalent to the dominating set problem.

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Sandia multispectral analyst remote sensing toolkit (SMART)

Post, Brian N.

This remote sensing science and exploitation work focused on exploitation algorithms and methods targeted at the analyst. SMART is a 'plug-in' to commercial remote sensing software that provides algorithms to enhance the utility of the Multispectral Thermal Imager (MTI) and other multispectral satellite data. This toolkit has been licensed to 22 government organizations.

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An Application of Bayesian Methods for Combining Data from Different Test Modalities

Robinson Jr., Gerald D.; Chang, Iyiin

This report documents the research into the application of hierarchical Bayesian methods for characterizing the population failure rate (i.e. probability of defect) of an electronic component based on test data from a number of different test modalities. Classical statistical methods, those based on a frequency approach permit the combination of point estimates but stumble when characterizing the resulting confidence limits. Classical Bayesian methods permit the logical combination of test data, but are not fully efficient in incorporating all available information. In particular, classical Bayesian methods assume that the articles under test are not related in any manner even though the articles may be identical. Alternatively, hierarchical Bayesian methods permit the relationship between test articles to be explicitly included in the analysis. Data from four different test modalities are considered in the analysis. Comparisons are made between the current analysis approach (using traditional statistical methods), classical Bayesian methods and a hierarchical Bayesian approach.

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Analytical Modeling of Fission Product Releases by Diffusion from Multicoated Fuel Particles

Gelbard, Fred M.

Three levels of fission product diffusional release models are solved exactly. First, the Booth model for a homogeneous uncoated spherical fuel particle is presented and an improved implementation is suggested. Second, the release from a fuel particle with a single barrier layer is derived as a simple alternative to account for a coating layer. Third, the general case of release from a multicoated fuel particle is derived and applied to a TRISO-coated fuel. Previous approaches required approximate numerical solutions for the case of an arbitrary number of coatings with arbitrary diffusivities and arbitrary coating interface conditions.

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Technical and Economic Feasibility of Applying Used EV Batteries in Stationary Applications

Jungst, Rudolph G.

The technical and economic feasibility of applying used electric vehicle (EV) batteries in stationary applications was evaluated in this study. In addition to identifying possible barriers to EV battery reuse, steps needed to prepare the used EV batteries for a second application were also considered. Costs of acquiring, testing, and reconfiguring the used EV batteries were estimated. Eight potential stationary applications were identified and described in terms of power, energy, and duty cycle requirements. Costs for assembly and operation of battery energy storage systems to meet the requirements of these stationary applications were also estimated by extrapolating available data on existing systems. The calculated life cycle cost of a battery energy storage system designed for each application was then compared to the expected economic benefit to determine the economic feasibility. Four of the eight applications were found to be at least possible candidates for economically viable reuse of EV batteries. These were transmission support, light commercial load following, residential load following, and distributed node telecommunications backup power. There were no major technical barriers found, however further study is recommended to better characterize the performance and life of used EV batteries before design and testing of prototype battery systems.

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Compilation of gas intrusion measurements, variations, and consequence modeling for SPR caverns

Hinkebein, Thomas E.

The intrusion of gas into oils stored within the SPR has been examined. When oil is stored in domal salts, gases intrude into the stored oil from the surrounding salt. Aspects of the mechanism of gas intrusion have been examined. In all cases, this gas intrusion results in increases in the oil vapor pressure. Data that have been gathered from 1993 to August 2002 are presented to show the resultant increases in bubble-point pressure on a cavern-by-cavern as well as on a stream basis. The measurement techniques are presented with particular emphasis on the TVP 95. Data analysis methods are presented to show the methods required to obtain recombined cavern oil compositions. Gas-oil ratios are also computed from the data and are presented on a cavern-by-cavern and stream basis. The observed increases in bubble-point pressure and gas-oil ratio are further statistically analyzed to allow data interpretation. Emissions plume modeling is used to determine adherence to state air regulations. Gas intrusion is observed to be variable among the sites and within each dome. Gas intrusions at Bryan Mound and Big Hill have resulted in the largest increases in bubble-point pressure for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The streams at Bayou Choctaw and West Hackberry show minimal bubble-point pressure increases. Emissions plume modeling, using the state mandated ISCST code, of oil storage tanks showed that virtually no gas may be released when H2S standards are considered. DOE plans to scavenge H2S to comply with the very tight standards on this gas. With the assumption of scavenging, benzene releases become the next most controlling factor. Model results show that a GOR of 0.6 SCF/BBL may be emissions that are within standards. Employing the benzene gas release standard will significantly improve oil deliverability. New plume modeling using the computational fluid dynamics code, FLUENT, is addressing limitations of the state mandated ISCST model.

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Results 91201–91250 of 100,993
Results 91201–91250 of 100,993
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