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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY AT IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY COUNTING EQUIPMENT STANDARDIZATION AND QUALITY CONTROL IMPROVEMENT

The Analytical Laboratory at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a growing program with an emphasis on providing high quality results to customers, and an increasing focus on independent research. The Analytical Laboratory Counting Group has a number of capabilities: six gamma-ray counters, one gamma-ray sample changer, four gas flow proportional counter drawers, an auto-changing gas flow proportional counter, two liquid scintillation counters, and an alpha spectroscopy system. Other capabilities within the Analytical Laboratory include quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), high resolution ICP-MS, multi-collector ICP-MS, ICP atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), gas mass spectrometry, thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), several glove boxes and fume hoods for sample preparation, and six interconnected hot cells for sample receipt and dissolution. In order to position the Analytical Laboratory as a world-class research institution, the Counting Group has recently begun making improvements to its analytical techniques, calibrations, standardization, and quality control procedures. A large part of this effort is to increase the level of documentation of instrument work. One project is to re-calibrate all of the gamma systems with newly purchased standards. One of the changes made in the purchase of the new standards was to lower the total activity so that the dead time of the calibration would more closely match the dead time of typical samples. Similarly, another planned project is to use new standards to re-calibration the gas flow proportional counters. Additional work has focused on testing and improving alpha spectroscopy sample preparation techniques. Plutonium separations have been tested to improve tracer recovery and to verify the separation technique in the presence of typical sample matrices. A final planned area of improvements has focused on liquid scintillation counting. One difficulty the Counting Group has encountered in liquid scintillation counting is an inflated gross alpha count relative to other analysis methods in the presence of high gross beta activity. Ideas include investigating the impact of choice of scintillation cocktail, as well as the effects of sample dilution.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2020

Automated Data Review of Analytical Laboratory Results at Los Alamos National Laboratory - 20299

Newport News Nuclear BWXT-Los Alamos, LLC (N3B) collects samples in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) Los Alamos Legacy Cleanup Contract (LLCC). N3B receives and reviews over 1.6 million sample data points annually in support of various ongoing environmental monitoring and remediation projects of the LLCC. N3B must demonstrate and document that reported external analytical laboratory data produced for the LLCC are of sufficient quality to fulfill their intended purpose and to support defensible decision making as described in EPA QA/G4 Guidance for the Data Quality Objectives Process 1994. In 2018, N3B assumed management of the LLCC along with the Environmental Information Management (EIM) database that contains all historical and current environmental data associated with the LLCC. The entire EIM database is shared between N3B, Triad National Security, LLC (Triad), and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). These three parties jointly manage the database, its configuration, and changes / updates. All environmental data that are entered into EIM are updated and available, on a daily basis, in the linked public database Intellus New Mexico (Intellus). The quality and defensibility of the environmental data generated from sampling activities is a key component of an effective remediation process. Providing quality data is accomplished through a data assessment process that includes examination, verification, and validation. Examination is the assessment of completeness of the deliverables, identification of any reporting errors, and determining the usability of the data based on the laboratory's evaluation of its data as described in the case narrative received with the data. Verification consists of an evaluation of the Electronic Data Deliverables (EDD) data report to determine the extent to which the external analytical laboratories met method and contract-specific quality control and reporting requirements. Validation consists of determining the data quality and the extent to which the external analytical laboratories accurately and completely reported all sample and quality control results and satisfied all contract requirements. EIM contains an automatic Data Validation Module which performs automated data review (DVM ADR). DVM ADR is a tool to assist in the validation process. When DVM ADR is used in conjunction with manual examination of sample data packages, the combination of the two will meet and exceed the requirements of verification. N3B recognized an opportunity for process improvement, focusing on DVM ADR configuration and enhancements in EIM. Testing EIM's configuration provided proof of the DVM ADR's capabilities and flexibility to accurately perform routine data checks based on analytical methods and regulatory requirements. In addition, the DVM ADR module was improved through enhancements for all analytes, particularly upgrades for radiochemistry data. Extensive testing of the DVM ADR module occurred using EDDs from actual laboratory analyses on the EIM testing site. During this process, N3B manipulated EDD information to verify that the actual outcomes matched the expected outcomes. The results of this testing were shared with the database architects, and configuration improvements were identified to address these results. During this process, N3B identified that the radiochemical DVM ADR capabilities were underutilized, and so enhanced the DVM ADR functionality with respect to radioanalytical assessment. N3B environmental data uploads to Intellus on a daily basis from EIM, once the analytical data undergoes examination and verification. As such, it is important to have a high level of confidence in the quality and defensibility of the data. The process of manual examination, along with the DVM ADR, in conjunction with full validation of a percentage the data specified through the Data Quality Objectives greatly increases efficiency of data review and confidence level of the quality of the data, and gives the project managers, governmental offices, and the public expedited access to high-quality data. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Grassroots Network and Community Roadmap for Interconnected Autonomous Science Laboratories for Accelerated Discovery

Scientific discovery is being revolutionized by AI and autonomous systems, yet current autonomous laboratories remain isolated islands unable to collaborate across institutions. We present the Autonomous Interconnected Science Lab Ecosystem (AISLE), a grassroots network transforming fragmented capabilities into a unified system that shorten the path from ideation to innovation to impact and accelerates discovery from decades to months. AISLE addresses five critical dimensions: (1) cross-institutional equipment orchestration, (2) intelligent data management with FAIR compliance, (3) AI-agent driven orchestration grounded in scientific principles, (4) interoperable agent communication interfaces, and (5) AI/ML-integrated scientific education. By connecting autonomous agents across institutional boundaries, autonomous science can unlock research spaces inaccessible to traditional approaches while democratizing cutting-edge technologies. This paradigm shift toward collaborative autonomous science promises breakthroughs in sustainable energy, materials development, and public health.

Ferreira da Silva, Rafael [Oak Ridge National Labo↗
DOE OSTI2025

OPCW Twining Project Visit by the National Laboratory of Scientific and Technical Police (LNPST) to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Forensic Science Center (LLNL)

PURPOSE FOR TRIP Through the Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Twinning and Assistance Program, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Forensic Science Center (LLNL) has been paired with Morocco’s National Laboratory of Scientific and Technical Police (LNPST), with the goal of mentoring LNPST to become an OPCW Designated Laboratory. The purpose of this visit was for LLNL staff to mentor staff from LNPST as they participated in hands-on, laboratory-based exercises to analyze proficiency test samples prepared by LLNL. This visit was designed to help LNPST scientists strengthen their skills in OPCW proficiency testing.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2026

Los Alamos National Laboratory Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program: FY25 Annual Progress Report

Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) helps Los Alamos National Laboratory solve national security challenges through excellence in mission-focused science, technology, and engineering (ST&E). The Department of Energy (DOE) Laboratory and Site-Directed Research and Development programs are among the most impactful sources of research and development for our Nation. The heart of the LDRD program is high-risk, high-reward research that creates innovative technical solutions for some of the Nation’s most difficult challenges. The LDRD programs follow strategic guidance derived from the missions of the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and the Laboratory.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Characterization Techniques for TRU Waste from the Analytical Laboratory Hot Cells at Idaho National Laboratory - 19610

Since the first reactor went hot in 1942, there has been a never ending desire to improve the nuclear reactor and the fuel that it burns. The Idaho National Laboratory has been a key player in reactor and fuel development. As more research projects begin, the spectrum of waste parameters grows. Over the years, the Analytical laboratory (AL) at the INL Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) has supported a large range of various research projects. Each project brings its own challenge and analytical technique that, in turn, yields its own unique waste parameters. The AL Hot Cells at INL consist of 6 small cells that can support around 12 different fuel research projects at a time along with infrastructure and environmental samples. Each different project yields different levels of transuranic (TRU) material, RCRA constituents, dose, and contamination levels. The waste parameters from each project dictate a path forward for the waste as Low-Level Waste (LLW), Contact Handled TRU (CH-TRU), Mixed Contact Handled TRU (M-CH-TRU), Remote Handled TRU (RH-TRU), or Mixed Remote Handled TRU (M-RHTRU). With visual examination techniques and process knowledge as an aid, there have been waste handling methods developed that allow debris and sample material to be segregated. Unique characterization mechanisms have been applied for each debris and sample material that are generally more accurate than smear and surface contamination data. For debris found in the Hot Cells, analytical data is gathered and conservatively summarized for each fuel type and research method. This consists of data from Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS), Gamma Spectroscopy, and some data verification through Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) and Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). This data gives a range of TRU isotope concentrations. Fuel age is taken into account to determine the dominant TRU activity isotopes. Cesium concentrations are also gathered. Each parameter/fuel type then ties a measured Cesium number to TRU content based on historical analytical data. Debris in the hot cells is segregated by project and packaged in individual 2 gallon metal paint cans. Each can is counted by gamma spectroscopy in a calculated and measured geometry. Using process knowledge to determine the fuel or project type, newly counted cesium numbers can be applied to the historic analytical data and TRU content can be estimated. The TRU content allows waste debris to be segregated between CH-TRU and RH-TRU. Packaging techniques can allow for the minimization of RHTRU waste. Sample material received into the AL must be dissolved into a liquid matrix in order to be analyzed in most cases. When analysis is complete, these liquids go through a consolidation, complexation, neutralization, and solidification process where real time analytical data can be used to calculate TRU content and RCRA constitutes. These calculations allow for no further analytical data to be gathered. The waste matrix is considered stable and acceptable by all Acceptable Knowledge (AK) documents. The unique techniques used in characterizing and handling the Analytical Laboratories Hot Cell waste can be applied to various situations and various laboratories. They allow for more accurate data for waste constituents and also for the minimization of RH-TRU waste. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

An International Laboratory Comparison Study of Volumetric and Gravimetric Hydrogen Adsorption Measurements

In order to determine a material's hydrogen storage potential, capacity measurements must be robust, reproducible, and accurate. Commonly, research reports focus on the gravimetric capacity, and often times the volumetric capacity is not reported. Determining volumetric capacities is not as straight-forward, especially for amorphous materials. This is the first study to compare measurement reproducibility across laboratories for excess and total volumetric hydrogen sorption capacities based on the packing volume. The use of consistent measurement protocols, common analysis, and figure of merits for reporting data in this study, enable the comparison of the results for two different materials. Importantly, the results show good agreement for excess gravimetric capacities amongst the laboratories. Irreproducibility for excess and total volumetric capacities is attributed to real differences in the measured packing volume of the material.

H2 storage↗
DOE OSTI2012

Laser ion source with solenoid for Brookhaven National Laboratory-electron beam ion source

The electron beam ion source (EBIS) preinjector at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is a new heavy ion-preinjector for relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC) and NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL). Laser ion source (LIS) is a primary ion source provider for the BNL-EBIS. LIS with solenoid at the plasma drift section can realize the low peak current ({approx}100 {micro}A) with high charge ({approx}10 nC) which is the BNL-EBIS requirement. The gap between two solenoids does not cause serious plasma current decay, which helps us to make up the BNL-EBIS beamline.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2015

LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS OF WHITE DWARF PHOTOSPHERIC SPECTRAL LINES: Hβ

We spectroscopically measure multiple hydrogen Balmer line profiles from laboratory plasmas to investigate the theoretical line profiles used in white dwarf (WD) atmosphere models. X-ray radiation produced at the Z Pulsed Power Facility at Sandia National Laboratories initiates plasma formation in a hydrogen-filled gas cell, replicating WD photospheric conditions. Here we present time-resolved measurements of Hβ and fit this line using different theoretical line profiles to diagnose electron density, n{sub e}, and n = 2 level population, n{sub 2}. Aided by synthetic tests, we characterize the validity of our diagnostic method for this experimental platform. During a single experiment, we infer a continuous range of electron densities increasing from n{sub e} ∼ 4 to ∼30 × 10{sup 16} cm{sup −3} throughout a 120-ns evolution of our plasma. Also, we observe n{sub 2} to be initially elevated with respect to local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE); it then equilibrates within ∼55 ns to become consistent with LTE. This supports our electron-temperature determination of T{sub e} ∼ 1.3 eV (∼15,000 K) after this time. At n{sub e} ≳ 10{sup 17} cm{sup −3}, we find that computer-simulation-based line-profile calculations provide better fits (lower reduced χ{sup 2}) than the line profiles currently used in the WD astronomy community. The inferred conditions, however, are in good quantitative agreement. This work establishes an experimental foundation for the future investigation of relative shapes and strengths between different hydrogen Balmer lines.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Laboratory strains of Bacillus anthracis exhibit pervasive alteration in expression of proteins related to sporulation under laboratory conditions relative to genetically related wild strains

The spore forming pathogen Bacillus anthracis is the etiologic agent of anthrax in humans and animals. It cycles through infected hosts as vegetative cells and is eventually introduced into the environment where it generates an endospore resistant to many harsh conditions. The endospores are subsequently taken up by another host to begin the next cycle. Outbreaks of anthrax occur regularly worldwide in wildlife and livestock, and the potential for human infection exists whenever humans encounter infected animals. It is also possible to encounter intentional releases of anthrax spores, as was the case in October 2001. Consequently, it is important to be able to rapidly establish the provenance of infectious strains of B. anthracis . Here, we compare protein expression in seven low-passage wild isolates and four laboratory strains of B. anthracis grown under identical conditions using LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis. Of the 1,023 total identified proteins, 96 had significant abundance differences between wild and laboratory strains. Of those, 28 proteins directly related to sporulation were upregulated in wild isolates, with expression driven by Spo0A, CodY, and AbrB/ScoC. In addition, we observed evidence of changes in cell division and fatty acid biosynthesis between the two classes of strains, despite being grown under identical experimental conditions. These results suggest wild B. anthracis cells are more highly tuned to sporulate than their laboratory cousins, and this difference should be exploited as a method to differentiate between laboratory and low passage wild strains isolated during an anthrax outbreak. This knowledge should distinguish between intentional releases and exposure to strains in nature, providing a basis for the type of response by public health officials and investigators.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Los Alamos National Laboratory Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program (FY22 Annual Progress Report)

Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) helps Los Alamos National Laboratory solve national security challenges through excellence in mission-focused science, technology, and engineering. The DOE Laboratory and Site-Directed Research and Development programs are among the most impactful sources of research and development for our Nation. The heart of the LDRD program is high-risk, high-reward research that creates innovative technical solutions for some of the Nation’s most difficult challenges. The LDRD programs follow strategic guidance derived from the missions of the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and the Laboratory.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2019

2018 Annual Report Laboratory Directed Research and Development at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

A national laboratory must establish and maintain an environment in which creativity and innovation are encouraged and supported in order to fulfill its missions and remain viable in the long term. As such, multiprogram laboratories are given discretion to allocate a percentage of their operating budgets to support research and development projects that align to PNNL’s and DOE’s missions and support the missions of other federal agencies, including DHS, DOD, and others. Individual project reports comprise the bulk of this LDRD report. The Laboratory focuses its LDRD research on scientific assets that often address more than one scientific discipline.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗
DOE OSTI2012

Managing EHS of PV-Related Equipment at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Preprint

Managing environment, health, and safety (EHS) risks at a national laboratory, or university, can be intimidating to a researcher who is focused on research results. Laboratory research and development (R&D) operations are often driven by scientists with limited engineering support and lack well-refined equipment development resources. To add to the burden for a researcher, there is a plethora ofcodes, standards, and regulations that govern the safe installation and operation of photovoltaic-related R&D equipment -- especially those involving hazardous production materials. To help guide the researcher through the vast list of requirements, the EHS office at NREL has taken a variety of steps. Organizationally, the office has developed hazard-specific laboratory-level procedures togovern particular activities. These procedures are a distillation of appropriate international codes, fire agencies, SEMI standards, U.S. Department of Energy orders, and other industry standards to those necessary and sufficient to govern the safe operation of a given activity. The EHS office works proactively with researchers after a concept for a new R&D capability is conceived to help guidethe safe design, acquisition, installation, and operation of the equipment. It starts with a safety assessment at the early stages such that requirements are implemented to determine the level of risk and degree of complexity presented by the activity so appropriate controls can be put in place to manage the risk. As the equipment requirements and design are refined, appropriate equipmentstandards are applied. Before the 'to-build' specifications are finalized, a process hazard analysis is performed to ensure that no single-point failure presents an unacceptable risk. Finally, as the tool goes through construction and installation stages, reviews are performed at logical times to ensure that the requisite engineering controls and design are in place and operational.Authorization to operate is not given until adherence to these requirements is fully verified and documented. Operations continue under the conditions defined through this process and are reviewed with changing processes.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Design of the Laboratory-Scale Plutonium Oxide Processing Unit in the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory

This report describes a design for a laboratory-scale capability to produce plutonium oxide (PuO 2 ) for use in identifying and validating nuclear forensics signatures associated with plutonium production, as well as for use as exercise and reference materials. This capability will be located in the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The key unit operations are described, including PuO 2 dissolution, purification of the Pu by ion exchange, precipitation, and re-conversion to PuO 2 by calcination.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2024

Laboratory-Based Micro-X-ray Computed Tomography of Energy Materials at Idaho National Laboratory

Abstract The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has implemented laboratory-based micro-X-ray computed tomography in a laboratory equipped for the examination of highly radioactive samples. This capability provides nondestructive three-dimensional volumetric information on samples to inform subsequent traditional destructive examinations as well as real-world inputs for high-fidelity scientific modeling. Samples can be imaged with spatial resolutions ranging from several hundred nm/voxel up to ~ 100 µm/voxel. The best usable spatial resolution achieved to date is 384 nm/voxel with this instrument, while the highest radiological dose rate of a sample imaged is ~ 60 R/h β/γ on contact. Advanced data analysis, including custom tomographic reconstruction and segmentation methods, have also been developed to support this capability. In addition to traditional digital X-ray radiography and tomography, this instrument is also able to visualize in situ tensile and compression testing as well as perform diffraction contrast tomography. This work describes the X-ray computed tomography post-irradiation examination capabilities at INL, as well as detailing a variety of applications this instrument has examined.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Acoustic Energy Release During the Laboratory Seismic Cycle: Insights on Laboratory Earthquake Precursors and Prediction

Abstract Machine learning can predict the timing and magnitude of laboratory earthquakes using statistics of acoustic emissions. The evolution of acoustic energy is critical for lab earthquake prediction; however, the connections between acoustic energy and fault zone processes leading to failure are poorly understood. Here, we document in detail the temporal evolution of acoustic energy during the laboratory seismic cycle. We report on friction experiments for a range of shearing velocities, normal stresses, and granular particle sizes. Acoustic emission data are recorded continuously throughout shear using broadband piezo‐ceramic sensors. The coseismic acoustic energy release scales directly with stress drop and is consistent with concepts of frictional contact mechanics and time‐dependent fault healing. Experiments conducted with larger grains (10.5 μm) show that the temporal evolution of acoustic energy scales directly with fault slip rate. In particular, the acoustic energy is low when the fault is locked and increases to a maximum during coseismic failure. Data from traditional slide‐hold‐slide friction tests confirm that acoustic energy release is closely linked to fault slip rate. Furthermore, variations in the true contact area of fault zone particles play a key role in the generation of acoustic energy. Our data show that acoustic radiation is related primarily to breaking/sliding of frictional contact junctions, which suggests that machine learning‐based laboratory earthquake prediction derives from frictional weakening processes that begin very early in the seismic cycle and well before macroscopic failure.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗