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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Irradiation performance of a U-7Mo in Al-Si matrix dispersion full-size fuel plate assembly

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is leading the Ki-Jang Research Reactor (KJRR) project with the intent to develop a new reactor for medical isotope production and other nuclear research purposes. The KJRR core is designed to use high density fuel system where uranium alloyed with 7 wt% molybdenum (U-7Mo) particles are dispersed in a matrix of aluminum alloyed with 5 wt% silicon (Al-5Si) and clad in aluminum alloy 6061 (Al-6061) to form fuel plates. KAERI developed a fabrication facility to construct KJRR fuel assemblies and partnered with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to irradiate a full-size fuel assembly, with 21 total fuel plates, in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). Irradiation testing and subsequent Post Irradiation Exam (PIE) campaigns were performed successfully over a multi-year project. Monte Carlo neutronic calculations, coupling with a depletion code, were performed based on ATR’s as-run power history which showed that the highest power plate (plate 20) reached 83.1 % end-of-life (EOL) local burnup based on initial 235 U content. Additionally, finite element thermal modeling was performed based as-run power history which showed a beginning-of-life (BOL) peak local heat flux of 184 W/cm 2 . No anomalous fuel performance was observed during the irradiation and target test conditions were achieved. PIE showed favorable performance of the fuel assembly regarding all important phenomena. This paper describes the KJRR fuel assembly irradiation conditions and PIE data to support the conclusion that it performed well, without evidence of unexpected or problematic fuel performance, within an irradiation test designed to bound the KJRR design environment.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2026

The Potential and Cost of Carbon Dioxide Removal Using Direct Air Capture with Land-Based Wind and Utility-Scale Photovoltaics

The rapid deployment of direct air capture and storage (DACS) is critical for achieving emission targets, necessitating precise evaluation of the scale and cost of carbon dioxide removal. This study examines the availability of land, electricity generation, and geologic CO 2 storage within the United States, estimating a technical potential for low-temperature, adsorbent-based DACS to remove approximately 9 gigatonnes of CO 2 annually. By 2050, a substantial portion of this removal could be achieved at net-removed costs below $\$$300/tonneCO 2 , though costs are highly variable depending on factors such as facility scale, construction expenses, climate-dependent productivity and heating efficiency, and geologic storage conditions. In the short term, DACS deployment will help identify key research priorities for advancing technology and reducing removal costs. Concurrently, there is an urgent need for scientifically robust and standardized frameworks for monitoring, reporting, and verifying DACS performance across both established and emerging technologies and energy sources.

Carbon capture↗
DOE OSTI2020

Xenon Abatement Simulations to Support the KAERI Medical Isotope Facility

To maintain and improve the verification regime that is outlined by the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty there is a need to understand and reduce the radioxenon releases from medical isotope production facilities. In support of this objective Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) was tasked with, modeling and evaluate the abatement process and delay bed designs for the medical isotope production facility under construction by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). This report includes this analysis and provides PNNL proposed modifications to the KAERI adsorption bed design.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Charge per Micro-Pulse Calculation for Ideal Lujan and WNR beams

A complete redesign of the LANSCE front-end is currently under development for the Los Alamos Modernization Project (LAMP). This includes the replacement of the traditional Cockroft-Walton injection system to the newer radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ) standard. LANSCE accelerates both H- and H+ beams and therefore requires an unconventional application for RFQ systems. A new facility could consider using an independent RFQ for each beam species. However, with the tight space of the LANSCE injector facility, it would prove difficult to instrument. Our initial studies have shown that a single RFQ could be used. The negatively- and positively-charged direct current (DC) beams are shaped, bunched, and accelerated out of phase to each other, with very little interaction. This would work for all possible H+ beam gates and most H- Beam gates. However, a challenge arises with the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) beam structure that requires the acceleration of bunched beams at higher charge density per pulse. The Long Bunch Enable Gate (LBEG) used for the Lujan center is the best example of a standard injector beam gate. The beam gate, or Macro-Pulse (MP), is 625-us long, separated by at least 8.3 ms. A chopper is used to dice the MP into 1750 mini-Pulses (mP), which are 290-ns wide. After chopping, the MP contains 100,000 micro-Pulses (uP), which are generated by the linac acceleration structure modulated at 201.25 MHz; that is, the micro-Pulses are separated 5 ns apart from each other. The H+ beam structure will be very similar once a chopper is added to its transport. However, the Multi-Pulse Enable Gate (MPEG) used for WNR is significantly different in structure. In this case, the mP is chopped to be only 35-ns wide. This width is then rotated into a single 201.25 MHz RF bucket using the Low Frequency Buncher (LFB). This is proving difficult for the RFQ design in the LAMP upgrade. We began investigating the amount of current sent to WNR for two reasons. Firstly, we wanted to find a solution to avoid using the Low Frequency Buncher to simplify the LAMP RFQ design. It is simple to inject and accelerate a 35 mA DC beam in the LAMP RFQ (this is done in numerous accelerator facilities). However, injecting a short bunch with a larger current (once compressed to 5 ns to meet the RFQ frequency) may be difficult. Second, we have a technique called PSR2WNR in which we do not employ the Low Frequency Buncher, but rather accumulate 5 LBEG uP (5 ns) in the PSR and deliver the accumulated beam to WNR every 1.8 us. As a result, we could provide to WNR with five accumulated LBEG uPs every shot. The goal here is to create a rapid kicker with a frequency response of 555 kHz. DARHT-II and other accelerator facilities have constructed kickers of this type for other uses, and our engineers consider this technology as feasible.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Active Reservoir Management Engineering and Evaluation Summary – Brine Extraction and Storage Test Phase II Final Report – Volumes 1-3

The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) conducted a multiyear program over two phases to perform a field study of the potential efficacy of formation water extraction during carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) injection for CO 2 storage as a means of improving efficiency and/or effectiveness. Phase I was a 2-year study on potential methodologies for a field study of pressure management, culminating in site selection and experimental and site design. Phase II was a 7-year effort that involved constructing site facilities, conducting experiments, and evaluating collected field data. The experimental portion was split into two collaborative components, one for the active reservoir management (ARM) experiment and a second component to host and demonstrate potential water treatment technologies appropriate for high-saline brine at the project site. The results of the overall project are expected to benefit future saline storage projects through validation of techniques that may reduce stress on sealing formations, increase storage capacity, and reduce area of review. The following report focuses on the Phase II ARM experimental implementation and results. A second companion report summarizes the results of the high-saline brine demonstrations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Optimization of the Observing Cadence for the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time: A Pioneering Process of Community-focused Experimental Design

Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a ground-based astronomical facility under construction, a joint project of the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, designed to conduct a multipurpose 10 yr optical survey of the Southern Hemisphere sky: the Legacy Survey of Space and Time. Significant flexibility in survey strategy remains within the constraints imposed by the core science goals of probing dark energy and dark matter, cataloging the solar system, exploring the transient optical sky, and mapping the Milky Way. The survey’s massive data throughput will be transformational for many other astrophysics domains and Rubin’s data access policy sets the stage for a huge community of potential users. To ensure that the survey science potential is maximized while serving as broad a community as possible, Rubin Observatory has involved the scientific community at large in the process of setting and refining the details of the observing strategy. The motivation, history, and decision-making process of this strategy optimization are detailed in this paper, giving context to the science-driven proposals and recommendations for the survey strategy included in this Focus Issue.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1976

Fluid dynamic aspects of jet noise generation

Jet engine noise generation and noise propagation was investigated by studying supersonic nozzle flow of various nozzle configurations in an experimental test facility. The experimental facility was constructed to provide a coaxial axisymmetric jet flow of unheated air. In the test setup, an inner primary flow exhausted from a 7 in. exit diameter convergent--divergent nozzle at Mach 2, while a secondary flow had a 10 in. outside diameter and was sonic at the exit. The large dimensions of the jets permitted probes to be placed inside the jet core without significantly disturbing the flow. Static pressure fluctuations were measured for the flows. The nozzles were designed for shock free (balanced) flow at Mach 2. Data processing techniques and experimental procedures were developed in order to study induced disturbances at the edge of the supersonic flows, and the propagation of those disturbances throughout the flows. Equipment used (specifications are given) to record acoustic levels (far field noise) is described. Results and conclusions are presented and discussed. Diagrams of the jet flow fields are included along with photographs of the test stand.

Barra, V.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A new airfoil research capability

The design and construction of a self streamlining wall test section for the Langley 0.3 meter transonic cryogenic tunnel was included in the fiscal year 1978 construction of facilities budget for Langley Research Center. The design is based on the research being carried out by M. J. Goodyer at the University of Southampton, Southampton, England, and is supported by Langley Research Center. This paper presents a brief description of the project. Included are some of the design considerations, anticipated operational envelope, and sketches showing the detail design concepts. Some details of the proposed operational mode, safety aspects, and preliminary schedule are presented.

Ladson, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Nasa Program Plan

Major facts are given for NASA'S planned FY-1981 through FY-1985 programs in aeronautics, space science, space and terrestrial applications, energy technology, space technology, space transportation systems, space tracking and data systems, and construction of facilities. Competition and cooperation, reimbursable launchings, schedules and milestones, supporting research and technology, mission coverage, and required funding are considered. Tables and graphs summarize new initiatives, significant events, estimates of space shuttle flights, and major missions in astrophysics, planetary exploration, life sciences, environmental and resources observation, and solar terrestrial investigations. The growth in tracking and data systems capabilities is also depicted.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

Cell module and fuel conditioner

The computer code for the detailed analytical model of the MK-2 stacks is described. An ERC proprietary matrix is incorporated in the stacks. The mechanical behavior of the stack during thermal cycles under compression was determined. A 5 cell stack of the MK-2 design was fabricated and tested. Designs for the next three stacks were selected and component fabrication initiated. A 3 cell stack which verified the use of wet assembly and a new acid fill procedure were fabricated and tested. Components for the 2 kW test facility were received or fabricated and construction of the facility is underway. The definition of fuel and water is used in a study of the fuel conditioning subsystem. Kinetic data on several catalysts, both crushed and pellets, was obtained in the differential reactor. A preliminary definition of the equipment requirements for treating tap and recovered water was developed.

Hoover, D. Q., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Control technology development

Static and dynamic control design approaches were developed for distributed parameter systems. A hardware flexible beam facility was constructed to demonstrate and verify the theoretical control concepts. Efforts were made in the area of model order estimation for control systems with uncertain or time varying parameters.

Rodriguez, G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Large-area sheet task advanced dendritic web growth development

Thermal models were developed that accurately predict the thermally generated stresses in the web crystal which, if too high, cause the crystal to degenerate. The application of the modeling results to the design of low-stress experimental growth configurations will allow the growth of wider web crystals at higher growth velocities. A new experimental web growth machine was constructed. This facility includes all the features necessary for carrying out growth experiments under steady thermal conditions. Programmed growth initiation was developed to give reproducible crystal starts. Width control permits the growth of long ribbons at constant width. Melt level is controlled to 0.1 mm or better. Thus, the capability exists to grow long web crystals of constant width and thickness with little operator intervention, and web growth experiments can now be performed with growth variables controlled to a degree not previously possible.

Duncan, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Characteristics of inhomogeneous jets in confined swirling air flows

An experimental program to study the characteristics of inhomogeneous jets in confined swirling flows to obtain detailed and accurate data for the evaluation and improvement of turbulent transport modeling for combustor flows is discussed. The work was also motivated by the need to investigate and quantify the influence of confinement and swirl on the characteristics of inhomogeneous jets. The flow facility was constructed in a simple way which allows easy interchange of different swirlers and the freedom to vary the jet Reynolds number. The velocity measurements were taken with a one color, one component DISA Model 55L laser-Doppler anemometer employing the forward scatter mode. Standard statistical methods are used to evaluate the various moments of the signals to give the flow characteristics. The present work was directed at the understanding of the velocity field. Therefore, only velocity and turbulence data of the axial and circumferential components are reported for inhomogeneous jets in confined swirling air flows.

So, R. M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Laser furnace technology for zone refining

A carbon dioxide laser experiment facility is constructed to investigate the problems in using a laser beam to zone refine semiconductor and metal crystals. The hardware includes a computer to control scan mirrors and stepper motors to provide a variety of melt zone patterns. The equipment and its operating procedures are described.

Griner, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The Space Station as a Construction Base for Large Space Structures

The feasibility of using the Space Station as a construction site for large space structures is examined. An overview is presented of the results of a program entitled Definition of Technology Development Missions (TDM's) for Early Space Stations - Large Space Structures. The definition of LSS technology development missions must be responsive to the needs of future space missions which require large space structures. Long range plans for space were assembled by reviewing Space System Technology Models (SSTM) and other published sources. Those missions which will use large space structures were reviewed to determine the objectives which must be demonstrated by technology development missions. The three TDM's defined during this study are: (1) a construction storage/hangar facility; (2) a passive microwave radiometer; and (3) a precision optical system.

Gates, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The Mystro system: A comprehensive translator toolkit

Mystro is a system that facilities the construction of compilers, assemblers, code generators, query interpretors, and similar programs. It provides features to encourage the use of iterative enhancement. Mystro was developed in response to the needs of NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) and enjoys a number of advantages over similar systems. There are other programs available that can be used in building translators. These typically build parser tables, usually supply the source of a parser and parts of a lexical analyzer, but provide little or no aid for code generation. In general, only the front end of the compiler is addressed. Mystro, on the other hand, emphasizes tools for both ends of a compiler.

Collins, W. R.↗