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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Assessment of Potential Dose and Environmental Impacts from Proposed Testing at the INL Radiological Response Training Range

This assessment uses screening level models to calculate potential environmental impacts from proposed tests at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Radiological Response Training Range (RRTR) site. Proposed tests could be conducted using 11 different radioactive material types that include K 2 O, LaBr 3 , KBr, Cu, Zr, F, Ga, Ga 2 O 3 , NaNO 2 , Ga-68, and Tc-99m. The tests could potentially release radioactive material to the atmosphere and radionuclides and other contaminants to the soil, which could leach into the unsaturated zone and migrate to the aquifer. Atmospheric transport of radionuclides to potential human receptors and time-integrated air concentrations were calculated with a Gaussian plume model and three years of hourly meteorological data. Potential surface-soil impacts were calculated with the computer program Mixing-Cell Model (MCM). Groundwater impacts were calculated with the computer programs MCM and GWSCREEN. Radiological doses from potential atmospheric releases were calculated for public receptors off the INL Site and for workers at nearby INL facilities. Results were compared to regulatory dose limits. Maximum potential groundwater concentrations were estimated in the aquifer below the NSTR site and compared to drinking water standards or risk-based screening levels for resident tap water. Soil concentrations were calculated and compared to risk-based screening levels for workers and potential future residents. All impacts were estimated based on the assumption that 12 tests are conducted annually using all 11 material types for a period of 15 years. This document provides the resources to enable a subject matter expert in the field of environmental assessments to replicate the modeling and calculations. The methodology and parameters are presented in the text. All electronic files, including computer code input, output, executable files, batch files, scripts, and spreadsheet files are contained in a zip file that can be accessed by selecting “Additional Information” (select Native File) in the INL Electronic Document Management System (EDMS).

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Assessment of Potential Dose and Environmental Impacts from Proposed Testing at the INL National Security Test Range

This assessment uses screening level models to calculate potential environmental impacts from proposed tests at two locations at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) National Security Test Range (NSTR) site. Proposed tests could be conducted using 11 different radioactive material types that include K 2 O, LaBr 3 , KBr, Cu, Zr, F, Ga, Ga 2 O 3 , NaNO 2 , Ga-68, and Tc-99m. The tests could potentially release radioactive material to the atmosphere and radionuclides and other contaminants to the soil, which could leach into the unsaturated zone and migrate to the aquifer. Atmospheric transport of radionuclides to potential human receptors and time-integrated air concentrations were calculated with a Gaussian plume model and three years of hourly meteorological data. Potential surface soil impacts were calculated with the computer program Mixing-Cell Model (MCM). Groundwater impacts were calculated with the computer programs MCM and GWSCREEN. Radiological doses from potential atmospheric releases were calculated for public receptors off the INL Site and for workers at nearby INL facilities. Results were compared to regulatory dose limits. Maximum potential groundwater concentrations were estimated in the aquifer below the NSTR site and compared to drinking water standards or risk-based screening levels for resident tap water. Soil concentrations were calculated and compared to risk-based screening levels for workers and potential future residents. All impacts were estimated based on the assumption that 12 tests are conducted annually using all 11 material types for 15 years. This document provides the resources to enable a subject matter expert in the field of environmental assessments to replicate the modeling and calculations. The methodology and parameters are presented in the text. All electronic files, including computer code input, output, executable files, batch files, scripts, and spreadsheet files, are contained in a zip file that can be accessed by selecting “Additional Information” (select Native File) in the INL Electronic Document Management System (EDMS).

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2021

BOOSTR: A Dataset for Accelerator Control Systems

The Booster Operation Optimization Sequential Time-series for Regression (BOOSTR) dataset was created to provide a cycle-by-cycle time series of readings and settings from instruments and controllable devices of the Booster, Fermilab’s Rapid-Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) operating at 15 Hz. BOOSTR provides a time series from 55 device readings and settings that pertain most directly to the high-precision regulation of the Booster’s gradient magnet power supply (GMPS). To our knowledge, this is one of the first well-documented datasets of accelerator device parameters made publicly available. We are releasing it in the hopes that it can be used to demonstrate aspects of artificial intelligence for advanced control systems, such as reinforcement learning and autonomous anomaly detection.

Kafkes, Diana (ORCID:000000021716463X)↗
DOE OSTI2021

BOOSTR: A Dataset for Accelerator Control Systems

The Booster Operation Optimization Sequential Time-series for Regression (BOOSTR) dataset was created to provide a cycle-by-cycle time series of readings and settings from instruments and controllable devices of the Booster, Fermilab's Rapid-Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) operating at 15~Hz. BOOSTR provides a time series from 55 device readings and settings that pertain most directly to the high-precision regulation of the Booster's gradient magnet power supply (GMPS). To our knowledge, this is one of the first well-documented datasets of accelerator device parameters made publicly available. We are releasing it in the hopes that it can be used to demonstrate aspects of artificial intelligence for advanced control systems, such as reinforcement learning and autonomous anomaly detection.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Measurement of the Hubble constant with high-energy neutrinos

Measuring distances in the Universe is one of the hardest problems in physics and astronomy. Almost every distance probe relies on photons, whose propagation across cosmic distances introduces extinction, absorption, scattering, and radiative-transfer effects. Neutrinos suffer none of these and propagate unattenuated through dust, intergalactic medium, and dense source environments alike. We introduce a new distance-ladder method for measuring the Hubble constant $H_0$ using high-energy astrophysical neutrinos from point sources as standardizable candles, and report its first observational realization. Using 12 X-ray-selected Seyfert galaxies for which IceCube reports significant per-source neutrino excesses in its 14-year public point-source release, we exploit the disk-corona correlation $L_ν= κ\, L_X^β$ between neutrino and X-ray luminosities to construct a neutrino distance ladder anchored by non-redshift distances to NGC 1068 (Cepheid + TRGB). We find $H_0 = 49^{+40}_{-30}\,\mathrm{km\,s^{-1}\,Mpc^{-1}}$ and $β= 0.67^{+0.16}_{-0.25}$ (68% credible intervals), with the corona slope disfavoring the calorimetric limit $β= 1$ at ${\sim}2σ$. The result is consistent with existing $H_0$ determinations from Planck and SH0ES within 1$σ$. While the uncertainty on $H_0$ is large, the measurement is free of electromagnetic propagation systematics and demonstrates the viability of neutrinos as a novel cosmographical probe.

Herrera, Gonzalo [MIT, MKI; Harvard U.] (ORCID:000↗
DOE OSTI2021

Recent highlights from GENIE v3

Abstract The release of GENIE v3.0.0 was a major milestone in the long history of the GENIE project, delivering several alternative comprehensive neutrino interaction models, improved charged-lepton scattering simulations, a range of beyond the Standard Model simulation capabilities, improved experimental interfaces, expanded core framework capabilities, and advanced new frameworks for the global analysis of neutrino scattering data and tuning of neutrino interaction models. Steady progress continued following the release of GENIE v3.0.0. New tools and a large number of new physics models, comprehensive model configurations, and tunes have been made publicly available and planned for release in v3.2.0. This article highlights some of the most recent technical and physics developments in the GENIE v3 series.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Summary of Analytical Services for the Hanford Site Radionuclide NESHAP Program

This document is a summary of the point source analytical requirements used to demonstrate compliance for the Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Site operations with 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61, “National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants,” (NESHAP) Subpart H, “National Emission Standards for Emissions of Radionuclides Other Than Radon From Department of Energy Facilities,” and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-247, “Radiation Protection – Air Emissions.” This reference collects information from multiple source documents and is not intended to create, supersede, replace or over-ride any existing contractual, DOE, federal or state statutes, regulations, compliance agreements, orders, permits, licenses or other requirements. The requirement source document governs where any difference may exist. The Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) Environmental organization has been contracted by DOE to manage and report data collected from the sampling and monitoring of radioactive air emissions point sources, colloquially called stacks. The Environmental organization coordinates the analyses and reporting of samples collected at various facilities across the Hanford Site. These facilities operate approximately 52 stacks that require sampling, monitoring or estimating radioactive air emissions. The stacks are operated by Bechtel National, Inc. (BNI), Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo), Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C), Hanford Laboratory Management and Integration (HLMI), and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Stack samples from CPCCo, HLMI and H2C facilities are collected by the operating contractor staff, delivered to HMIS, and then shipped to an offsite contracted laboratory for analyses. The field and laboratory sample data uploaded into the Sample Management and Analytical Results Tracking (SMART) database are used to calculate sample volumes and concentrations. Sample concentrations are evaluated for compliance with federal and state regulations, permits, and license requirements. The SMART database also calculates total curies released for sampled point sources and stacks. Point source effluent concentrations and releases are published annually in publicly available reports. The BNI and PNNL operate several DOE-Hanford Field Office (HFO) stacks subject to the requirements of 40 CFR 61, Subpart H and WAC 246-247. The concentrations, curies released and dose modeling evaluation for these stacks are included in the DOE-HFO annual radionuclide NESHAP report. The sample collection, analyses and emissions estimates for these stacks are outside the scope of HMIS contracted responsibilities and not addressed further in this document.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Assessing outdoor air quality and public health impact attributable to residential black carbon emissions in rural China

Black carbon (BC) is a significant component of particulate matter (PM) that relates to air pollution, climate forcing, and further implications for public health. BC is predominantly released from the combustion of solid fuels. Combustion of low-quality fuels in rural China may induce severe respiratory and cardiopulmonary health outcomes for residents, which have however been inadequately assessed. One major reason for the limited understanding is the lack of a high-resolution inventory. An improved method of estimating the BC-associated public health burden is needed. This work quantified premature mortalities due to residential BC emissions in rural China. Domestic BC emissions at 1×1 km resolution were compiled based on previous field investigation, which were further configured for air quality simulation. A chemistry transport model, WRF–CMAQ v5.2, was employed for simulating BC concentrations. The consequent premature mortalities were quantified by a BC-specific concentration-response function (CRF) derived from an epidemiological study. Results show that residential combustion of solid fuel in rural China emitted 648.0 Gg (95%CI: 361.0–965.9) BC in 2014, after dispersion, accounting for 51.8% of annual mean ground-level BC concentration in China. Such impact was most severe in North and Northeast China, and the Sichuan Basin. The further investigation estimated 171,000 (95%CI: 69,000–387,000) premature mortalities that were attributable to exposure to rural residential BC. These findings reveal the major contribution of rural residential BC emissions to air pollution formation and public health impacts. Our findings are anticipated to provide useful information for enacting the next-stage environmental strategy for the residential sector in China.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Part 1: Nuclear Mis- and Disinformation and Impacts to the American Public

Russia’s nuclear saber rattling throughout the war in Ukraine, reports of China’s increasing nuclear modernization, and the 2023 release of Oppenheimer has reignited in the public talk of nuclear weapons. With the increasing prevalence of conversation around nuclear weapons comes increasing opportunity for mis- or disinformation to spread about them and the nuclear enterprise (NE). Mis- and disinformation are not new phenomena. However, the speed and reach offered by current digital communications technology is novel. What are the impacts of misinformation or disinformation about nuclear weapons to the American public?

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Addressing the dynamic nature of reference data: a new nucleotide database for robust metagenomic classification

Accurate metagenomic classification relies on comprehensive, up-to-date, and validated reference databases. While the NCBI BLAST Nucleotide (nt) database, encompassing a vast collection of sequences from all domains of life, represents an invaluable resource, its massive size—currently exceeding 10 12 nucleotides—and exponential growth pose significant challenges for researchers seeking to maintain current nt-based indices for metagenomic classification. Recognizing that no current nt-based indices exist for the widely used Centrifuge classifier, and the last public version currently available was released in 2018, we addressed this critical gap by leveraging advanced high-performance computing resources. We present new Centrifuge-compatible nt databases, meticulously constructed using a novel pipeline incorporating different quality control measures, including reference decontamination and filtering. These measures demonstrably reduce spurious classifications, as shown through our reanalysis of published metagenomic data where Plasmodium annotations were dramatically reduced using our decontaminated database, highlighting how database quality can significantly impact research conclusions. Through temporal comparisons, we also reveal how our approach minimizes inconsistencies in taxonomic assignments stemming from asynchronous updates between public sequence and taxonomy databases. These discrepancies are particularly evident in taxa such as Listeria monocytogenes and Naegleria fowleri, where classification accuracy varied significantly across database versions. These new databases, made available as pre-built Centrifuge indexes, respond to the need for an open, robust, nt-based pipeline for taxonomic classification in metagenomics. Applications such as environmental metagenomics, forensics, and clinical metagenomics, which require comprehensive taxonomic coverage, will benefit from this resource. Our work highlights the importance of treating reference databases as dynamic entities, subject to ongoing quality control and validation akin to software development best practices. This approach is crucial for ensuring accuracy and reliability of metagenomic analysis, especially as databases continue to expand in size and complexity.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Considerations for Maritime Nuclear Technologies, Economic Viability and Public Acceptance

The Maritime Nuclear Application Group (MNAG) is a working group convened by the National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the American Bureau of Shipping, and Morgan, Lewis, and Bockius LLP. This report documents an MNAG examination of considerations relevant to implementing nuclear technology in commercial maritime applications. In general, two types of use case are examined: maritime nuclear power plants and nuclear reactors used on board shipping vessels for propulsion and other ship needs. The report finds that there may be economic benefits related to maritime nuclear technologies, including the flexible deployment of maritime nuclear reactors, which would allow them to complement land-based nuclear projects, and operational differences for nuclear cargo ships that may lead to an overall increase in revenue. High-level analyses in this report show that, based on general small modular reactor and microreactor cost estimates developed by INL, maritime nuclear reactors may be economically competitive for electricity production in remote regions and for use in the propulsion of large cargo ships. Besides economic viability, public acceptance will be key to implementing maritime nuclear technologies. The report discusses the public’s current perception of nuclear technologies. Engaging with the public will be important to improving this perception. The report discusses some key benefits and risks associated with maritime nuclear technologies. Benefits include the creation of jobs, the production of reliable energy, and the potential to improve air quality. Risks that concern the public are the potential for radioactive releases during operation and decommissioning, as well as those related to waste management. Communicating the benefits and the risks of maritime nuclear technologies will be essential to improving public perception.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

The neutral hydrogen mass in galaxies estimated via optical spectroscopy

ABSTRACT We propose to employ emission line luminosities obtained via optical spectroscopy to estimate the content of neutral hydrogen (H i) in galaxies. We use the optical spectroscopy data from the Mapping of Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA) survey released in the frames of public DR17 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We compare the H i mass estimated by us for a large sample of SDSS/MaNGA galaxies with direct H i measurements from the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA survey and find a tight correlation between the masses with the correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.91 and the rms scatter of 0.15 dex for the logarithmic mass. The obtained relationship is verified via another sample of MaNGA galaxies with H i masses measured with the Green Bank Telescope. Despite the coarser angular resolution of the radio data, the relation between the estimated and measured directly H i mass is tight as well – in this case CC = 0.74 and the rms is 0.29 dex. The established relations allow us to estimate the total mass of neutral hydrogen as well as the spatial distribution of H i surface density in galaxies from optical spectroscopic observations only in a simple and efficient way.

Bizyaev, Dmitry (ORCID:000000023601133X)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Inhomogeneous energy injection in the 21-cm power spectrum: Sensitivity to dark matter decay

The 21-cm signal provides a novel avenue to measure the thermal state of the Universe during cosmic dawn and reionization (redshifts z ~ 5–30), and thus to probe energy injection from decaying or annihilating dark matter (DM). These DM processes are inherently inhomogeneous: both decay and annihilation are density-dependent, and furthermore, the fraction of injected energy that is deposited at each point depends on the gas ionization and density, leading to further anisotropies in absorption and propagation. In this work, we develop a new framework for modeling the impact of spatially inhomogeneous energy injection and deposition during cosmic dawn, accounting for ionization and baryon density dependence, as well as the attenuation of propagating photons. We showcase how this first completely inhomogeneous treatment affects the predicted 21-cm power spectrum in the presence of exotic sources of energy injection, and forecast the constraints that upcoming HERA measurements of the 21-cm power spectrum will set on DM decays to photons and to electron/positron pairs. These projected constraints considerably surpass those derived from CMB and Lyman-a measurements, and for decays to electron/positron pairs they exceed all existing constraints in the sub-GeV mass range, reaching lifetimes of ~10 28 s. Our analysis demonstrates the unprecedented sensitivity of 21-cm cosmology to exotic sources of energy injection during the cosmic dark ages. Our code, dm21cm, includes all these effects and is publicly available in an accompanying release.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Generation of Synthetic Data for a Radiation Detection Algorithm Competition

This paper details the generation of synthetic radiation data using large-scale Monte Carlo transport models to evaluate radiation search detection algorithms. Modular 3-D Monte Carlo models spanning multiple city blocks were constructed, loosely based on downtown Knoxville, TN, containing buildings composed of multiple materials (brick, granite, and concrete), sidewalks, a four-lane road, side streets, parking lots, and grassy fields. Background and simulated source detector response calculations from these models were used to create synthetic list mode data sets for a 2"×4"×16" NaI(Tl) detector moving through a city street at a constant speed. For the background simulations, major isotopes were computed individually so that background composition and variability could be computed efficiently outside Monte Carlo. The source detector response included six simulated sources placed at 15 source locations. Detector response was developed to be periodic through the city street so that a detector path could begin at one end of the model and wrap around to the other. This framework allowed for the creation of diverse data sets, each with its own unique background and simulated source detector response. Synthetic data allows for high-quality labels, which are useful in developing data-driven radiation detection algorithms. This methodology was used to create synthetic data sets which were released as part of a public data competition to spur the development of new radiation detection algorithms for radiological search applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Functional Requirements for the Modeling and Simulation of Advanced (Non-LWR) Reactor Mechanistic Source Term

A number of industry vendors are leading a resurgence in advanced reactor development. As the assurance of public safety from the accidental release of radionuclides to the environment is central to regulatory licensing and the reactor design process, the development of a mechanistic source term (MST) assessment has been identified by the advanced reactor industry as a foremost priority. In contrast to historic light-water reactor (LWR) source term analysis efforts, an MST attempts to realistically model the release and transport of radionuclides from the source to the environment for specific scenarios, while accounting for retention or transmutation phenomena and associated uncertainties. This work seeks to aid in the development of MST modeling and simulation tools by performing a preliminary identification of functional requirements for the major advanced reactor types.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Impact of Coating Defects on Performance of Coated Zirconium Cladding

Research on accident tolerant fuels (ATF) has started after the Fukushima accident [1–3]. While efforts have been expended on both fuel and cladding ATF concepts, the bulk of work has been devoted to improved cladding. The overarching goal of these approaches is to extend the coping time available during a severe accident before any event would result in release of radioactivity to the public. The most basic ATF cladding concept is obtained by applying a thin coating of highly corrosion-resistant material on the surface of a licensed zirconium cladding alloy. This thin coating is intended to not interfere with the neutronic or mechanical performance of the base cladding under normal operating conditions. Different coating materials, thicknesses, coating processes, process parameters, and testing methods have an impact on the microstructure and mechanical properties and therefore on the results of the applied investigation methods. These challenges have motivated an initial focus on demonstrating that the presence of coatings do not perturb the critical performance benchmarks of uncoated material. Ongoing lead test assembly irradiations of coated zirconium concepts in commercial reactions is intended to establish baseline performance in this regard in the coming years.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

EMP, Attachment 3: Dose Assessment Guidance

This Dose Assessment Guidance (DAG) describes methods used to comply with the reporting requirements for dose to an individual member of the public receptor, collective dose, and biota dose for radionuclide air emissions under the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP). The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (40 CFR 61), Subpart H, is the greatest driver for the requirements. This DAG applies to public dose from radioactive material releases to the air from PNNL Richland Campus and PNNL Sequim Campus. Dose determinations from Richland Campus surveillance of ambient external dose and ambient air particulates is also briefly discussed. This guidance is Attachment 3 to PNNL’s EMP (PNNL-20919) and addresses a discrete, vital subject area of the EMP that is subject to revision independent of the main text of the EMP document.

40 CFR 61 Subpart H↗
DOE OSTI2021

EMP Attachment 3: Dose Assessment Guidance (Rev.3)

This Dose Assessment Guidance (DAG) describes methods used to comply with the reporting requirements for dose to an individual member of the public receptor, collective dose, and biota dose for radionuclide air emissions under the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP). The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (40 CFR 61), Subpart H, is the greatest driver for the requirements. This DAG applies to public dose from radioactive material releases to the air from PNNL-Richland Campus and PNNL Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory. Dose determinations from Richland Campus surveillance of ambient external dose and ambient air particulates is also briefly discussed. This guidance is Attachment 3 to PNNL’s EMP (PNNL-20919) and addresses a discrete, vital subject area of the EMP that is subject to revision independent of the main text of the EMP document.

40 CFR 61 Subpart H↗