arXiv subjects

Ryan Spangler

Publications and source records attributed to Ryan Spangler.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Analysis of Stakeholder Involvement in Nuclear Power Plant Cost Overruns and Implications for Contract Structuring

Existing evidence on nuclear power plant construction suggests that individual stakeholders involved in project delivery are often not responsible for all of the cost overruns in their scope of the project, which can lead to costly and time-consuming litigation to determine who is truly at fault for overruns. This study introduces a framework to model the share of overruns caused and received as payment by five stakeholders in a nuclear construction project: equipment suppliers, construction subcontractors, the design and management team, creditors, and the nuclear regulator. We then perform a contract analysis under three common contract structures - fixed-price, cost-plus, and performance-based - to show the profit misallocations that can result, revealing the advantages and disadvantages of each contract type for aligning stakeholder incentives. Regardless of the contract type chosen, strong owner involvement is crucial for project success, and we conclude with specific recommendations for project owners seeking to minimize cost overruns.

econ.GN↗

arXiv2024

Dielectric Properties of Disordered A6B2O17 (A = Zr; B = Nb, Ta) Phases

We report on the structure and dielectric properties of ternary A6B2O17 (A = Zr; B = Nb, Ta) thin films and ceramics. Thin films are produced via sputter deposition from dense, phase-homogenous bulk ceramic targets, which are synthesized through a reactive sintering process at 1500 {\deg}C. Crystal structure, microstructure, chemistry and dielectric properties are characterized by X-ray diffraction and reflectivity, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and capacitance analysis respectively. We observe relative permittivities approaching 60 and loss tangents < 10^-2 across the 10^3-10^5 Hz frequency range in the Zr6Nb2O17 and Zr6Ta2O17 phases. These observations create an opportunity space for this novel class of disordered oxide electroceramics.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2022

BioSimulators: a central registry of simulation engines and services for recommending specific tools

Computational models have great potential to accelerate bioscience, bioengineering, and medicine. However, it remains challenging to reproduce and reuse simulations, in part, because the numerous formats and methods for simulating various subsystems and scales remain siloed by different software tools. For example, each tool must be executed through a distinct interface. To help investigators find and use simulation tools, we developed BioSimulators (https://biosimulators.org), a central registry of the capabilities of simulation tools and consistent Python, command-line, and containerized interfaces to each version of each tool. The foundation of BioSimulators is standards, such as CellML, SBML, SED-ML, and the COMBINE archive format, and validation tools for simulation projects and simulation tools that ensure these standards are used consistently. To help modelers find tools for particular projects, we have also used the registry to develop recommendation services. We anticipate that BioSimulators will help modelers exchange, reproduce, and combine simulations.

q-bio.QM↗