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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Evaluation of Spent Fuel Disposition in Crystalline Rocks: FY18 Progress Report

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Spent Fuel Waste Disposition (SFWD) established in fiscal year 2010 (FY10) the Spent Fuel Waste Science & Technology (SFWST) Program (formerly the Used Fuel Disposition Campaign - UFDC) program to conduct the research and development (R&D) activities related to storage, transportation and disposal of used nuclear fuel and high level nuclear waste. The Mission of the SFWST is: To identify alternatives and conduct scientific research and technology development to enable storage, transportation and disposal of used nuclear fuel and wastes generated by existing and future nuclear fuel cycles. The work package of Crystalline Disposal R&D directly supports the following SFWST objectives: Develop a fundamental understanding of disposal system performance in a range of environments for potential wastes that could arise from future nuclear fuel cycle alternatives through theory, simulation, testing, and experimentation. ; Develop a computational modeling capability for the performance of storage and disposal options for a range of fuel cycle alternatives, evolving from generic models to more robust models of performance assessment. The objective of the Crystalline Disposal R&D control account is to advance our understanding of long-term disposal of used fuel in crystalline rocks and to develop necessary experimental and computational capabilities to evaluate various disposal concepts in such media. Significant progress has been made in FY18 in both experimental and modeling arenas in evaluation of used fuel disposal in crystalline rocks, especially in model demonstration using field data. The work covers a wide range of research topics identified in the R&D plan. The major accomplishments are summarized.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS2010

SIM Lite Astrometric Observatory Progress Report

The SIM Lite Astrometric Observatory (aka SIM Lite), a micro-arcsecond astrometry space mission, has been developed in response to NASA's indefinite deferral of the SIM PlanetQuest mission. The SIM Lite mission, while significantly more affordable than the SIM PlanetQuest mission concept, still addresses the full breadth of SIM science envisioned by two previous National Research Council (NRC) Astrophysics Decadal Surveys at the most stringent 'Goal' level of astrometric measurement performance envisioned in those surveys. Over the past two years, the project has completed the conceptual design of the SIM Lite mission using only the completed SIM technology; published a 250 page book describing the science and mission design (available at the SIM website: http://sim.jpl.nasa.gov); been subject to an independent cost and technical readiness assessment by the Aerospace Corporation; and submitted a number of information responses to the NRC Astro2010 Decadal Survey. The project also conducted an exoplanet-finding capability double blind study that clearly demonstrated the ability of the mission to survey 60 to 100 nearby sun-like dwarf stars for terrestrial, habitable zone planets in complex planetary systems. Additionally, the project has continued Engineering Risk Reduction activities by building brassboard (form, fit and function to flight) version of key instrument elements and subjecting them to flight qualification environmental and performance testing. This paper summarizes the progress over the last two years and the current state of the SIM Lite project.

exoplanet↗
NASA NTRS2012

NASA's Space Launch System Progress Report

Exploration beyond Earth orbit will be an enduring legacy for future generations, as it provides a platform for science and exploration that will define new knowledge and redefine known boundaries. NASA s Space Launch System (SLS) Program, managed at the Marshall Space Flight Center, is responsible for designing and developing the first exploration-class rocket since the Apollo Program s Saturn V that sent Americans to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s. The SLS offers a flexible design that may be configured for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle with associated life-support equipment and provisions for long journeys or may be outfitted with a payload fairing that will accommodate flagship science instruments and a variety of high-priority experiments. Building on legacy systems, facilities, and expertise, the SLS will have an initial lift capability of 70 tonnes (t) in 2017 and will be evolvable to 130 t after 2021. While commercial launch vehicle providers service the International Space Station market, this capability will surpass all vehicles, past and present, providing the means to do entirely new missions, such as human exploration of Mars. Building on the foundation laid by over 50 years of human and scientific space flight and on the lessons learned from the Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Constellation Programs the SLS team is delivering both technical trade studies and business case analyses to ensure that the SLS architecture will be safe, affordable, reliable, and sustainable. This panel will address the planning and progress being made by NASA s SLS Program.

May, Todd A.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Batteries Annual Progress Report (FY2019)

The Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) of the Department of Energy (DOE) conducts research and development (R&D) on advanced transportation technologies that would reduce the nation’s use of imported oil and would also lead to reductions in harmful emissions. Technologies supported by VTO include electric drive components such as advanced energy storage devices (primarily batteries), power electronics and electric drive motors, advanced structural materials, energy efficient mobility systems, advanced combustion engines, and fuels. VTO is focused on funding early-stage high-reward/high-risk research to improve critical components needed for more fuel efficient (and cleaner-operating) vehicles. One of the major VTO objectives is to enable U.S. innovators to rapidly develop the next generation of technologies that achieve the cost, range, and charging infrastructure necessary for the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). An important prerequisite for the electrification of the nation’s light duty transportation sector is development of more cost-effective, longer lasting, and more abuse-tolerant PEV batteries. One of the ultimate goals of this research, consistent with the current vehicle electrification trend, is an EV which can provide the full driving performance, convenience, and price of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. To achieve this, VTO has established the following overarching goal (Source: FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification1): …identify new battery chemistry and cell technologies with the potential to reduce the cost of electric vehicle battery packs by more than half, to less than $100/kWh (ultimate goal is $60/kWh battery cell cost), increase range to 300 miles, and decrease charge time to 15 minutes or less by 2028. VTO works with key U.S. automakers through the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) – an umbrella organization for collaborative research consisting of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the Ford Motor Company, and General Motors. Collaboration with automakers through the partnership known as U.S. Driving Research and Innovation for Vehicle Efficiency and Energy Sustainability (U.S. DRIVE) attempts to enhance the relevance and the success potential of its research portfolio. VTO competitively selects projects for funding through funding opportunity announcements (FOAs). Directly-funded work at the national laboratories are awarded competitively through a lab-call process. During the past year, VTO continued R&D in support of PEVs. Stakeholders for VTO R&D include universities, national laboratories, other government agencies and industry (including automakers, battery manufacturers, material suppliers, component developers, private research firms, and small businesses). This document summarizes the progress of VTO battery R&D projects supported during the fiscal year 2019 (FY 2019).

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2017

FY 2017-Progress Report on the Design and Construction of the Sodium Loop SMT-3

This report provides an update on the design of a forced-convection sodium loop to be used for the evaluation of sodium compatibility of advanced Alloy 709 with emphasis on long term exposures of tensile, creep, fatigue, creep fatigue, and fracture toughness ASTM-size specimens in support of ASME Code qualification and NRC licensing. The report is a deliverable (Level 4) in FY17 (M4AT-17AN1602094), under the Work Package AT-17AN160209, “Sodium Compatibility” performed by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), as part of the Advanced Materials Program for the Advanced Reactor Technology. This work package enables the development of advanced structural materials by providing corrosion, microstructure, and mechanical property data from the standpoint of sodium compatibility of advanced structural alloys. The first sodium loop (SMT-1) with a single tank was constructed in 2011 at ANL and has been in operation for exposure of subsize sheet specimens of advanced alloys at a single temperature. The second sodium loop with dual tanks (SMT-2) was constructed in 2013 and has been in operation for the exposure of subsize sheet specimens of advanced alloys at two different temperatures. The current loop (SMT-3) has been designed to incorporate sufficient chamber capacity to expose a large number of ASTM-size specimens to evaluate the sodium effects on tensile, creep, fatigue, creep-fatigue, and fracture toughness properties, in support of ASME Code Qualification and USNRC Licensing. The design of individual components for the third sodium loop SMT-3 is almost complete. The design also has been sent to an outside vendor for piping analysis to be in compliance with ASME Code. A purchase order has been placed with an outside vendor for the fabrication of major components such as the specimen exposure tanks. However, we have contracted with another vendor to establish the piping design in compliance with ASME design codes. The piping design was completed in FY2017 and the information is being transmitted to the tank fabricator. The SMT-3 loop will be located in Building 206 adjacent to the currently operating SMT-2 loop. In addition, we have demolished the aged power supply system in Building 206 and installed a new transformer, wiring, and power panels for the new loop. Procurement of some of the long lead items such as valves, EM pumps, EM flowmeters, etc. is in progress and will continue in FY 2018. The construction of components such as cold trap, economizers, piping arrangement etc. will be performed in the central shops at ANL. About 150 liters of sodium for the loop will be procured in early FY2018. The loop system is designed to circulate sodium through the sample tanks and the associated loop without an operator for an extended period of time. With the three sodium loops (with single-tank, dual-tank and four–tanks), materials can be tested at different sodium temperatures, and large tensile, creep, fatigue, creep-fatigue, and fracture toughness specimens can be exposed to sodium for extended periods of time and generate data on mechanical properties in support of ASME Code Qualification and USNRC Licensing of advanced Alloy 709 for use as a structural material in SFRs.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering study of α-RuCl 3 : a progress report

Ru M 3 -edge resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) measurements of α-RuCl 3 with 27 meV resolution uncovers a spin-orbit exciton without noticeable splitting. Here, we extract values for the spin-orbit coupling constant (λ= 154 ± 2 meV) and trigonal distortion field energy (|Δ|< 65 meV) which support the j eff = 1/2 nature of α-RuCl 3 . We demonstrate the feasibility of M-edge RIXS for 4d systems, which offers ultra high-resolution RIXS of 4d systems until instrumentation for L-edge RIXS improves.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Uranium Anodic Dissolution under Slightly Alkaline Conditions Progress Report Full-Scale Demonstration with DU Foil

Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) is developing an alternative method for digesting irradiated low enriched uranium (LEU) foil targets to produce 99 Mo in neutral/alkaline media. This method consists of the electrolytic dissolution of irradiated uranium foil in sodium bicarbonate solution, followed by precipitation of base-insoluble fission and activation products, and uranyl-carbonate species with CaO. The addition of CaO is vital for the effective anion exchange separation of 99 MoO 4 2- from the fission products, since most of the interfering anions (e.g., CO 3 2- ) are removed from the solution, while molybdate remains in solution. An anion exchange is used to retain and to purify the 99 Mo from the filtrate. The electrochemical dissolver has been designed and fabricated in 304 stainless-steel (SS), and tested for the dissolution of a full-size depleted uranium (DU) target, wrapped in Al foil. Future work will include testing with low-burn-up DU foil at Argonne and later with high-burn-up LEU foils at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

FY13 Progress Report on the Phase I Mini-SHINE Water Irradiations and Micro-SHINE Irradiations

The original goal of the micro-SHINE experiments was to confirm that precipitation of uranyl peroxide can be prevented by adding a catalyst such as FeSO 4 to destroy peroxide. After successfully demonstrating that FeSO 4 is an effective catalyst for peroxide destruction, subsequent micro-SHINE solutions were used as tracers to perform a Mo-separation and recovery column experiment, a sulfate-to-nitrate conversion, and iodine speciation experiments.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

SciDAC-3: Searching for Physics Beyond the Standard Model, University of Arizona component, Year 2 progress report

The Arizona component of the SciDAC-3 Lattice Gauge Theory program consisted of partial support for a postdoctoral position. In the original budget this covered three fourths of a postdoc, but the University of Arizona changed its ERE rate for postdoctoral positions from 4.3% to 21%, so the support level was closer to two-thirds of a postdoc. The grant covered the work of postdoc Thomas Primer. Dr. Primer's first task was an urgent one, although it was not forseen in our proposed work. It turned out that on the large lattices used in some of our current computations the gauge fixing code was not working as expected, and this revealed itself in inconsistent results in the correlators needed to compute the semileptonic form factors for K and D decays. Dr. Primer participated in the effort to understand this problem and to modify our codes to deal with the large lattices we are now generating (as large as 144 3 x 288). Corrected code was incorporated in our standard codes, and workarounds that allow us to use the correlators already computed with the unexpected gauge fixing were been implemented.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Solving The Long-Standing Problem Of Nuclear Reactions At The Highest Microscopic Level: Annual Continuation And Progress Report

The aim of this project is to develop a comprehensive framework that will lead to a fundamental description of both structural properties and reactions of light nuclei in terms of constituent protons and neutrons interacting through nucleon-nucleon (NN) and three-­nucleon (NNN) forces. This project will provide the research community with the theoretical and computational tools that will enable: (1) an accurate prediction for fusion reactions that power stars and Earth-­based fusion facilities; (2) an improved description of the spectroscopy of exotic nuclei, including light Borromean systems; and (3) a fundamental understanding of the three-­nucleon force in nuclear reactions and nuclei at the drip line. To achieve this goal, we build upon a promising technique emerged recently as a candidate to reach a fundamental description of low-­energy binary reactions between light ions, that is the ab initio no-­core shell model combined with the resonating-­group method (NCSM/RGM). This approach has demonstrated the capability to describe binary reactions below the three-­body breakup threshold based, up to now, on similarity-­renormalization-­group (SRG) 5 evolved NN only potentials. To advance the understanding of nuclear reactions at low energies and light exotic nuclei, this project aims at extending the NCSM/RGM approach to include the full range of NNN interactions as well as the treatment of three-­cluster bound and continuum states. Three-­nucleon interactions are unavoidable components of a fundamental nuclear Hamiltonian obtained in a low-­energy effective theory. In addition, three-­nucleon force terms are induced by the SRG procedure and have to be taken into account for such a transformation to be unitary in many-­body calculations. At the same time, the introduction of three-­body cluster states is key to achieve a microscopic description of Borromean systems as well as three-­body breakup reactions. This project will both enhance the fundamentality and enlarge the scope of our microscopic description of nuclear properties. A successful completion of this project will result in improved accuracy of the 3 He( 3 He,2p) 4 He and 3 He(α,γ) 7 Be reaction rates and consequently, in enhancement of the predictive capability of the standard solar model. In addition, we will study also the mirror reactions 3 H( 3 H,2n) 4 He and 3 H(α,γ) 7 Li (a key reaction for the production of 7 Li in the standard big-­bang nucleosynthesis), and the spectroscopy of the 6 He, 6 Be, and 11 Li nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

TORUS Annual Continuation and Progress Report

The TORUS collaboration derives its name from the research it focuses on, namely the Theory of Reactions for Unstable iSotopes. It is a Topical Collaboration in Nuclear Theory, and funded by the Nuclear Theory Division of the Office of Nuclear Physics in the Office of Science of the Department of Energy. The funding supports one postdoctoral researcher for the years 1 through 4. The collaboration brings together as Principal Investigators a large fraction of the nuclear reaction theorists currently active within the USA. The mission of the TORUS Topical Collaboration is to develop new methods that will advance nuclear reaction theory for unstable isotopes by using three-body techniques to improve directreaction calculations. This multi-institution collaborative effort is directly relevant to three areas of interest: the properties of nuclei far from stability; microscopic studies of nuclear input parameters for astrophysics, and microscopic nuclear reaction theory.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

NIH Research Progress (Progress Report)

During the past year, the Resource continued to address three major gaps in the continued growth and application of AMS in biomedical research. The first identified gap is the lack of high throughput analysis coupled to molecular speciation, which can be solved by the development of an on-line fully integrated AMS-HPLC system. A second gap is the lack of robust methods for quantifying cellular metabolic endpoints for use in systems and cell biology applications. Understanding how to measure post-translational modifications, metabolic flux and metabolic rate with acceptable sensitivity, precision and reproducibility using substrate concentrations that are within the natural physiological range so that the normal metabolism is not perturbed is likewise important. This should become routine when the coupled AMS-HPLC system is available. Third, the ability to measure biological endpoints in humans is important and AMS offers the ability to do this safely. Our overall goal is to develop AMS and apply its quantitative capabilities to enable effective research in fundamental biology and human health.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Progress Report on Alloy 617 Isochronous Stress-Strain Curves

Isochronous stress-strain curves for Alloy 617 up to a temperature of 1000°C will be required to qualify the material for elevated temperature design in Section III, Division 1, Subsection NH of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Several potential methods for developing these curves are reviewed in this report. It is shown that in general power-law creep is the rate controlling deformation mechanism for a wide range of alloy heats, test temperatures and stresses. Measurement of the strain rate sensitivity of Alloy 617 indicates that the material is highly strain rate sensitive in the tensile deformation range above about 750°C. This suggests that the concept of a hot tensile curve as a bounding case on the isochronous stress-strain diagrams is problematic. The impact of strain rate on the hot tensile curves is examined and it is concluded that incorporating such a curve is only meaningful if a single tensile strain rate (typically the ASTM standard rate of 0.5%/min) is arbitrarily defined. Current experimentally determined creep data are compared to isochronous stress-strain curves proposed previously by the German programs in the 1980s and by the 1990 draft ASME Code Case. Variability in how well the experimental data are represented by the proposed design curves that suggests further analysis is necessary prior to completing a new draft Code Case.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Final progress report for linking ion solvation and lithium battery electrolyte properties

The research objective of this proposal was to provide a detailed analysis of how solvent and anion structure govern the solvation state of Li+ cations in solvent-LiX mixtures and how this, in turn, dictates the electrolyte physicochemical and electrochemical properties which govern (in part) battery performance. Lithium battery electrolytes remain a poorly understood and hardly studied topic relative to the research devoted to battery electrodes. This is due to the fact that it is the electrodes which determine the energy (capacity) of the battery. The electrolyte, however, plays a crucial role in the practical energy density, power, low and/or high temperature performance, lifetime, safety, etc. which is achievable. The development within this project of a "looking glass" into the molecular interactions (i.e., solution structure) in bulk electrolytes through a synergistic experimental approach involving three research thrusts complements work by other researchers to optimize multi-solvent electrolytes and efforts to understand/control the electrode-electrolyte interfaces, thereby enabling the rational design of electrolytes for a wide variety of battery chemistries and applications (electrolytes-on-demand). The three research thrusts pursued include: (1) conduction of an in-depth analysis of the thermal phase behavior of diverse solvent-LiX mixtures, (2) exploration of the ionic association/solvate formation behavior of select LiX salts with a wide variety of solvents, and (3) linking structure to properties-determination of electrolyte physicochemical and electrochemical properties for comparison with the ionic association and phase behavior.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Experimental Program Final Technical Progress Report: 15 February 2007 to 30 September 2012

This is the final technical report of the grant DE-FG02-04ER41301 to the University of Colorado at Boulder entitled "Intermediate Energy Nuclear Physics" and describes the results of our funded activities during the period 15 February 2007 to 30 September 2012. These activities were primarily carried out at Fermilab, RHIC, and the German lab DESY. Significant advances in these experiments were carried out by members of the Colorado group and are described in detail.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

SRNL CRP progress report [Development of Melt Processed Ceramics for Nuclear Waste Immobilization]

A multi-phase ceramic waste form is being developed at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for treatment of secondary waste streams generated by reprocessing commercial spent nuclear. The envisioned waste stream contains a mixture of transition, alkali, alkaline earth, and lanthanide metals. Ceramic waste forms are tailored (engineered) to incorporate waste components as part of their crystal structure based on knowledge from naturally found minerals containing radioactive and non-radioactive species similar to the radionuclides of concern in wastes from fuel reprocessing. The ability to tailor ceramics to mimic naturally occurring crystals substantiates the long term stability of such crystals (ceramics) over geologic timescales of interest for nuclear waste immobilization [1]. A durable multiphase ceramic waste form tailored to incorporate all the waste components has the potential to broaden the available disposal options and thus minimize the storage and disposal costs associated with aqueous reprocessing.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗