An Efficient Computational Framework for Uncertainty Quantification in Multiscale Systems

An Efficient Computational Framework for Uncertainty Quantification in Multiscale Systems
Author: Xiang Ma
Publisher:
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2011
Genre:
ISBN:

To accurately predict the performance of physical systems, it becomes essential for one to include the effects of input uncertainties into the model system and understand how they propagate and alter the final solution. The presence of uncertainties can be modeled in the system through reformulation of the governing equations as stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs). The spectral stochastic finite element method (SSFEM) and stochastic collocation methods are the most popular simulation methods for SPDEs. However, both methods utilize global polynomials in the stochastic space. Thus when there are steep gradients or finite discontinuities in the stochastic space, these methods converge slowly or even fail to converge. In order to resolve the above mentioned issues, an adaptive sparse grid collocation (ASGC) strategy is developed using piecewise multi-linear hierarchical basis functions. Hierarchical surplus is used as an error indicator to automatically detect the discontinuity region in the stochastic space and adaptively refine the collocation points in this region. However, this method is limited to a moderate number of random variables. To address the solution of high-dimensional stochastic problems, a computational methodology is further introduced that utilizes the High Dimensional Model Representation (HDMR) technique in the stochastic space to represent the model output as a finite hierarchical correlated function expansion in terms of the stochastic inputs starting from lower-order to higher-order component functions. An adaptive version of HDMR is also developed to automatically detect the important dimensions and construct higherorder terms using only the important dimensions. The ASGC is integrated with HDMR to solve the resulting sub-problems. Uncertainty quantification for fluid transport in porous media in the presence of both stochastic permeability and multiple scales is addressed using the developed HDMR framework. In order to capture the small scale heterogeneity, a new mixed multiscale finite element method is developed within the framework of the heterogeneous multiscale method in the spatial domain. Several numerical examples are considered to examine the accuracy of the multiscale and stochastic frameworks developed. A summary of suggestions for future research in the area of stochastic multiscale modeling are given at the end of the thesis.

Module-based Hybrid Uncertainty Quantification for Multi-physics Applications

Module-based Hybrid Uncertainty Quantification for Multi-physics Applications
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 64
Release: 2013
Genre:
ISBN:

In this project we proposed to develop an innovative uncertainty quantification methodology that captures the best of the two competing approaches in UQ, namely, intrusive and non-intrusive approaches. The idea is to develop the mathematics and the associated computational framework and algorithms to facilitate the use of intrusive or non-intrusive UQ methods in different modules of a multi-physics multi-module simulation model in a way that physics code developers for different modules are shielded (as much as possible) from the chores of accounting for the uncertain ties introduced by the other modules. As the result of our research and development, we have produced a number of publications, conference presentations, and a software product.

Uncertainty Quantification

Uncertainty Quantification
Author: Christian Soize
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2017-05-03
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9783319543383

This book presents the fundamental notions and advanced mathematical tools in the stochastic modeling of uncertainties and their quantification for large-scale computational models in sciences and engineering. In particular, it focuses in parametric uncertainties, and non-parametric uncertainties with applications from the structural dynamics and vibroacoustics of complex mechanical systems, from micromechanics and multiscale mechanics of heterogeneous materials. Resulting from a course developed by the author, the book begins with a description of the fundamental mathematical tools of probability and statistics that are directly useful for uncertainty quantification. It proceeds with a well carried out description of some basic and advanced methods for constructing stochastic models of uncertainties, paying particular attention to the problem of calibrating and identifying a stochastic model of uncertainty when experimental data is available. This book is intended to be a graduate-level textbook for students as well as professionals interested in the theory, computation, and applications of risk and prediction in science and engineering fields.

Uncertainty Quantification and Predictive Computational Science

Uncertainty Quantification and Predictive Computational Science
Author: Ryan G. McClarren
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2018-12-05
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9783319995243

This textbook teaches the essential background and skills for understanding and quantifying uncertainties in a computational simulation, and for predicting the behavior of a system under those uncertainties. It addresses a critical knowledge gap in the widespread adoption of simulation in high-consequence decision-making throughout the engineering and physical sciences. Constructing sophisticated techniques for prediction from basic building blocks, the book first reviews the fundamentals that underpin later topics of the book including probability, sampling, and Bayesian statistics. Part II focuses on applying Local Sensitivity Analysis to apportion uncertainty in the model outputs to sources of uncertainty in its inputs. Part III demonstrates techniques for quantifying the impact of parametric uncertainties on a problem, specifically how input uncertainties affect outputs. The final section covers techniques for applying uncertainty quantification to make predictions under uncertainty, including treatment of epistemic uncertainties. It presents the theory and practice of predicting the behavior of a system based on the aggregation of data from simulation, theory, and experiment. The text focuses on simulations based on the solution of systems of partial differential equations and includes in-depth coverage of Monte Carlo methods, basic design of computer experiments, as well as regularized statistical techniques. Code references, in python, appear throughout the text and online as executable code, enabling readers to perform the analysis under discussion. Worked examples from realistic, model problems help readers understand the mechanics of applying the methods. Each chapter ends with several assignable problems. Uncertainty Quantification and Predictive Computational Science fills the growing need for a classroom text for senior undergraduate and early-career graduate students in the engineering and physical sciences and supports independent study by researchers and professionals who must include uncertainty quantification and predictive science in the simulations they develop and/or perform.

A Global Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Multi-physics Applications

A Global Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Multi-physics Applications
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 29
Release: 2007
Genre:
ISBN:

Experiments are conducted to draw inferences about an entire ensemble based on a selected number of observations. This applies to both physical experiments as well as computer experiments, the latter of which are performed by running the simulation models at different input configurations and analyzing the output responses. Computer experiments are instrumental in enabling model analyses such as uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis. This report focuses on a global sensitivity analysis methodology that relies on a divide-and-conquer strategy and uses intelligent computer experiments. The objective is to assess qualitatively and/or quantitatively how the variabilities of simulation output responses can be accounted for by input variabilities. We address global sensitivity analysis in three aspects: methodology, sampling/analysis strategies, and an implementation framework. The methodology consists of three major steps: (1) construct credible input ranges; (2) perform a parameter screening study; and (3) perform a quantitative sensitivity analysis on a reduced set of parameters. Once identified, research effort should be directed to the most sensitive parameters to reduce their uncertainty bounds. This process is repeated with tightened uncertainty bounds for the sensitive parameters until the output uncertainties become acceptable. To accommodate the needs of multi-physics application, this methodology should be recursively applied to individual physics modules. The methodology is also distinguished by an efficient technique for computing parameter interactions. Details for each step will be given using simple examples. Numerical results on large scale multi-physics applications will be available in another report. Computational techniques targeted for this methodology have been implemented in a software package called PSUADE.

The IAEA Coordinated Research Programme on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis

The IAEA Coordinated Research Programme on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 22
Release: 2016
Genre:
ISBN:

The quantification of uncertainties in design and safety analysis of reactors is today not only broadly accepted, but in many cases became the preferred way to replace traditional conservative analysis for safety and licensing analysis. The use of a more fundamental methodology is also consistent with the reliable high fidelity physics models and robust, efficient, and accurate codes available today. To facilitate uncertainty analysis applications a comprehensive approach and methodology must be developed and applied, in contrast to the historical approach where sensitivity analysis were performed and uncertainties then determined by a simplified statistical combination of a few important input parameters. New methodologies are currently under development in the OECD/NEA Light Water Reactor (LWR) Uncertainty Analysis in Best-Estimate Modelling (UAM) benchmark activity. High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) designs require specific treatment of the double heterogeneous fuel design and large graphite quantities at high temperatures. The IAEA has therefore launched a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modelling (UAM) in 2013 to study uncertainty propagation specifically in the HTGR analysis chain. Two benchmark problems are defined, with the prismatic design represented by the General Atomics (GA) MHTGR-350 and a 250 MW modular pebble bed design similar to the Chinese HTR-PM. Work has started on the first phase and the current CRP status is reported in the paper. A comparison of the Serpent and SCALE/KENO-VI reference Monte Carlo results for Ex. I-1 of the MHTGR-350 design is also included. It was observed that the SCALE/KENO-VI Continuous Energy (CE) k∞ values were 395 pcm (Ex. I-1a) to 803 pcm (Ex. I-1b) higher than the respective Serpent lattice calculations, and that within the set of the SCALE results, the KENO-VI 238 Multi-Group (MG) k∞ values were up to 800 pcm lower than the KENO-VI CE values. The use of the latest ENDF-B-VII.1 cross section library in Serpent lead to ~180 pcm lower k∞ values compared to the older ENDF-B-VII.0 dataset, caused by the modified graphite neutron capture cross section. Furthermore, the fourth beta release of SCALE 6.2 likewise produced lower CE k∞ values when compared to SCALE 6.1, and the improved performance of the new 252-group library available in SCALE 6.2 is especially noteworthy. A SCALE/TSUNAMI uncertainty analysis of the Hot Full Power variant for Ex. I-1a furthermore concluded that the 238U(n,[gamma]) (capture) and 235U(View the MathML source) cross-section covariance matrices contributed the most to the total k∞ uncertainty of 0.58%.

Nuclear Power Plant Design and Analysis Codes

Nuclear Power Plant Design and Analysis Codes
Author: Jun Wang
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
Total Pages: 612
Release: 2020-11-10
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0128181915

Nuclear Power Plant Design and Analysis Codes: Development, Validation, and Application presents the latest research on the most widely used nuclear codes and the wealth of successful accomplishments which have been achieved over the past decades by experts in the field. Editors Wang, Li,Allison, and Hohorst and their team of authors provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of nuclear code development and how to apply it to their work and research to make their energy production more flexible, economical, reliable and safe.Written in an accessible and practical way, each chapter considers strengths and limitations, data availability needs, verification and validation methodologies and quality assurance guidelines to develop thorough and robust models and simulation tools both inside and outside a nuclear setting. This book benefits those working in nuclear reactor physics and thermal-hydraulics, as well as those involved in nuclear reactor licensing. It also provides early career researchers with a solid understanding of fundamental knowledge of mainstream nuclear modelling codes, as well as the more experienced engineers seeking advanced information on the best solutions to suit their needs. - Captures important research conducted over last few decades by experts and allows new researchers and professionals to learn from the work of their predecessors - Presents the most recent updates and developments, including the capabilities, limitations, and future development needs of all codes - Incudes applications for each code to ensure readers have complete knowledge to apply to their own setting

Thermal and Flow Design of Helium-cooled Reactors

Thermal and Flow Design of Helium-cooled Reactors
Author: Gilbert Melese
Publisher:
Total Pages: 444
Release: 1984
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN:

This source book provides both an overview of gas-cooled reactors and a detailed look at the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). Taking a worldwide perspective, this book reviews the early development of the HTGR and explores potential future development and applications.