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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 433 records · Page 24

Integrated energy-water-land nexus planning to guide national policy: an example from Uruguay

Despite broad consensus on the benefits of a nexus approach to multi-sector planning, actual implementation in government and other decision-making institutions is still rare. This study presents an approach to conducting integrated energy-water-land (EWL) planning, using Uruguay as an example. This stakeholder-driven study focuses on assessing the EWL nexus implications of actual planned policies aimed at strengthening three of Uruguay's key exports (beef, soy, and rice), which account for more than 40% of total national export revenue. Five scenarios are analyzed in the study: a reference scenario, a climate impacts scenario, and three policy scenarios. The three policy scenarios include measures such as increasing the intensity of beef production while simultaneously decreasing emissions, increasing irrigated soybean production, and improving rice yields. This study supplements previous sector-specific planning efforts in Uruguay by conducting the first stakeholder-driven integrated multi-sector assessment of planned policies in Uruguay using a suite of integrated modeling tools. Key insights from the study are: as compared to a reference scenario, improving beef productivity could lead to cropland expansion (+30%) and significant indirect increases in water requirements (+20%); improving rice yields could lead to increases in total emissions (+3%), which may partially offset emissions reductions from other policies; expanding irrigated soy could have the least EWL impacts amongst the policies studied; and climate-driven changes could have significantly less impact on EWL systems as compared to human actions. The generalizable insights derived from this analysis are readily applicable to other countries facing similar multi-sector planning challenges. In particular, the study's results reinforce the fact that policies often have multi-sector consequences, and thus policies can impact one another's efficacy. Thus, policy design and implementation can benefit from coordination across sectors and decision-making institutions.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Carbon Utilization and Storage Partnership of the Western United States

This technical report documents research conducted under DOE Award No. DE-FE0031837 focused on evaluating the feasibility of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) systems in the central and western United States. The project integrated geologic characterization, reservoir simulation, infrastructure modeling, and economic analysis to assess CO₂ storage potential near industrial sources and develop strategies for transport and sequestration. The work included subsurface modeling, risk assessment, monitoring and verification (MRV) planning, and evaluation of regulatory pathways such as EPA Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI permitting and IRS 45Q tax credit eligibility. Results demonstrate the viability of multiple storage approaches, including saline formations, enhanced coalbed methane recovery, and basalt mineralization, supported by data-driven workflows and regional analyses. The project also produced permitting templates, technology transfer activities, and stakeholder engagement efforts to support deployment readiness. These findings contribute to the development of scalable, economically viable CCUS systems and provide a repeatable framework for future carbon management projects.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Environmentally Friendly Rotorcraft Concepts: 2011-2014: US/France MoA Helicopter Aeromechanics - Task 5

Motivation: Greenhouse gas concentrations have increased well beyond their pre-industrial levels due to human activities; Aircraft emissions are becoming regulated in industrialized nations, so future rotorcraft will need to be designed for minimal environmental impact. Objectives: Determine suitable metrics to measure environmental impact of rotorcraft, focusing first on air pollution; Integrate performance metrics with rotorcraft design codes; Generate rotorcraft designs with minimal environmental impact. Outcomes: Obtain an understanding of how targeting reduced emissions affects the rotorcraft design process; Advance the capability of existing rotorcraft design tools to include environmental performance metrics. Tools: Evaluation and predesign - NDARC (NASA Design and Analysis of Rotorcraft) and CREATION (Concepts of Rotorcraft Enhanced Assessment Through Integrated Optimization Network); Flight simulation - CAMRAD II (Comprehensive Analytical Model of Rotorcraft Aerodynamics and Dynamics) and HOST (Helicopter Overall Simulation Tool).

Environmentally Friendly↗

A Model Based Systems Engineering Approach Towards Developing a Rapid Analysis and Trades Environment

In this work, an integrated and end-to-end modeling environment was developed to assess the system-level impacts of evolving requirements and design parameters. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology's Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory (ASDL) collaborated with JPL engineers to develop, implement, and test a modeling environment to assess design changes to a notional Europa Mission called the Jupiter Europa Buzzer (JEB). This environment was developed using a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach and consists of three major components: the Systems Model, the Mission Simulator, and the Web Based Interactive Dashboard. In summary, utilizing this environment in a representative notional end-to-end scenario, performance margins were calculated in hours while maintaining consistent analytical, hardware, and operational assumptions.

Model Based System Engineering↗

Assessment of aerosol burden over Ghana

Although air pollution in Ghana is ranked number one in environmental health threats to public health and sixth to cause of deaths, routine monitoring is rare. This paper presents fourteen years (2005-2018) assessment of aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 3 km resolution from MODIS Aqua and Terra satellites to ascertain the Spatio-temporal and seasonal distribution of aerosols over Ghana and its major cities. The MODIS AOD at 3 km were validated against ground-based Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) AODs to ascertain the suitability of the MODIS 3 km data for air quality application in the region. The contribution of distant aerosols to city aerosol loadings was also assessed with Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) backscatter model. A moderate-high aerosol burden (AODs ~ 0.50) was observed over Ghana with a significant contribution from the pre-monsoon season. City centres of Takoradi and Kumasi showed higher aerosol loads (AODs ~ 0.80) than Accra and Tamale. The HYSPLIT model showed that distant or transported aerosol sources to the city centres were of both marine and land generated origins. Linear regression analysis between MODIS AOD and AERONET AOD showed a reasonably good correlation of ~ 0.60 for Aqua and Terra. From the validation analysis, both Aqua and Terra satellites can be used for air quality monitoring over Ghana; however, more ground research must be conducted to ascertain better aerosol model assumptions for the region.

Aerosols↗

The Role of Theory and Modeling in the International Living with a Star Program

Today, theory and modeling play a critical role in our quest to understand the connection between solar eruptive phenomena, and their impacts in interplanetary space and in the near-Earth space environment. This new role is based on two developments, one related to the goal of basic physical understanding, and the other to space weather-related applications. When targeting physical our focus is shifting away from investigations aiming at basic discoveries, to missions and studies that address our basic understanding of processes we know to be important. For these studies, theory and models provide physical explanations that need to be verified or falsified by empirical evidence. Within this paradigm, a much more tight integration between theory modeling, and space flight mission design and execution is not only beneficial, but essential. One of the prime objectives of space weather research, on the other hand, is the prediction of space environmental conditions for the benefit of humans and their assets in near-Earth space and on the ground, as well as on solar system bodies like Mars that are of interest to exploration by humans. By its very nature, prediction requires modeling, which, in turn, requires understanding. We will present an overview of the role of theory and modeling within the International Living With a Star program. Specifically, we will focus on an assessment of present-day and future capabilities, as well as on strategies for tight integration of theory and modeling in space science investigations.

Hesse, M.↗

A creep model for metallic composites based on matrix testing: Application to Kanthal composites

An anisotropic creep model is formulated for metallic composites with strong fibers and low to moderate fiber volume percent (less than 40 percent). The idealization admits no creep in the local fiber direction and assumes equal creep strength in longitudinal and transverse shear. Identification of the matrix behavior with that of the isotropic limit of the theory permits characterization of the composite through uniaxial creep tests on the matrix material. Constant and step-wise creep tests are required as a data base. The model provides an upper bound on the transverse creep strength of a composite having strong fibers embedded in a particular matrix material. Comparison of the measured transverse strength with the upper bound gives an assessment of the integrity of the composite. Application is made to a Kanthal composite, a model high-temperature composite system. Predictions are made of the creep response of fiber reinforced Kanthal tubes under interior pressure.

Binienda, W. K.↗

Documentation, assessment, and improvements of fission gas modeling capabilities in BISON

Fission gas behavior critically affects nuclear fuel performance, influencing thermal conductivity, microstructure, swelling, and fuel-cladding interactions. The Simple Integrated Fission Gas Release and Swelling (Sifgrs) model, implemented within the BISON fuel performance code, provides advanced capabilities for modeling these phenomena. This manuscript reviews and assesses Sifgrs’ modular structure and submodels describing intragranular, intergranular, and release mechanisms. The modular implementation enables rapid improvements as our understanding advances and new fuel forms emerge. After an overview of capabilities, we present a comprehensive validation suite, comparing predictions to experimental data from tests under normal and transient conditions, including reproduction of the Vitanza curve. Results demonstrate Sifgrs’ accuracy, robustness, and applicability. Current limitations and ongoing efforts are discussed, including mechanistic, multiscale modeling, uncertainty quantification, and validation within the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program, supporting the safe and efficient use of nuclear fuels.

BISON↗

Enhancing Biopreparedness through a Model System to Understand the Molecular Mechanisms that Lead to Pathogenesis and Disease Transmission: NW-BRaVE

The science of biopreparedness to counter biological threats hinges on understanding the fundamental principles and molecular mechanisms that lead to pathogenesis and disease transmission. Our vision to address this challenge is to create a powerful and user-friendly platform to elucidate the fundamental principles of how molecular interactions drive pathogen-host relationships and host shifts. We will enable groundbreaking discoveries by integrating a wide range of structural, genomics, proteomics, and other advanced omics measurements, along with evolutionary and artificial intelligence predictions. To make sure the system is applicable to real-world problems, we will develop it in the context of a tractable model system, the small, abundant, and accessible photosynthetic cyanobacteria and their constantly co-adapting viral pathogens, cyanophages. This model will maintain the system’s applicability to real-world problems and techniques, but the overall focus will be on elucidating general principles of detecting, assessing, and surveilling molecular interaction, adaptation, and coevolution that are system agnostic and therefore extensible to other viral-host interactions. Our overall objectives are to (1) identify the molecular complexes that comprise the cyanobacteria redox macromolecular subsystem and how they dynamically change with bacteriophage infection in situ, using cryo-electron tomography; (2) profile regulatory changes during infection using proteomics, multiomics, and experimental validation, and integrate the data with in situ structures; (3) use genomics and metagenomics to determine environmental and population factors across time scales that impact the interactions between marine cyanobacteria and their cyanophage parasites, predicting the evolutionary origins of in situ structural and functional interactions, convergence and coevolution; and (4) develop a data integration and transformation platform that facilitates the integration of in situ, proteomic, and evolutionary measurements of molecular interactions to surveil diverse hosts and parasites in various environmental contexts. These objectives address Focus Area 2 Reveal Molecular Interactions Across Biological Scales for Design of Targeted Interventions. Our powerful and user-friendly platform will enhance connections between the often-siloed fields of structure, molecular phenotype, and evolutionary genomics that are key to biopreparedness, but in need of integration (Figure 1). We will build an integrated navigation tool to facilitate the effective use of globally distributed experimental data for integrated analysis and predictive modeling. The project will develop, implement, and test a platform to assess host-pathogen molecular interactions, adaptation to hosts and host shifts, and coevolution between hosts and pathogens, successfully impacting the research community by revolutionizing abilities to study any host-pathogen interaction, encourage diverse community contributions, and gain fundamental insights into how proteins adapt to new contexts. This ability will be critical for designing early interventions to address future threats. We will build surveillance training capability, aiming for a fair and equitable response to future pandemics and biothreats.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Parametric Modeling and Mission Performance Analysis of a True Parallel Hybrid Turboprop Aircraft for Freighter Operations

Hybrid-electric propulsion systems for short-haul, cargo carrying aircraft have emerged as promising solutions for an environmentally sustainable future for commercial aviation. The novel propulsion architecture presents significant complexity and requires the development of new methodologies to account for the unique coupling and integration between critical design variables. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the modeling, performance assessment, and design space exploration of a C-130H freighter aircraft retrofitted with a parallel hybrid electric powertrain. Details on the development of parametric models for both the baseline and true parallel hybrid (TPH) aircraft and the integrated electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) system sizing approach are presented along with detailed performance analyses of payload/range capabilities for short-haul cargo missions. For 2030, 2040, and 2050 EAP technology levels, the TPH C-130H configuration with a ~2.12 MW class EAP system has a range capability of 485-1,028 nautical miles and block fuel savings of 27-44%.

efficiency↗

Reconstruction of Ares I-X Integrated Vehicle Rollout Loads

The measurements taken during the Ares I-X test flight provided a unique opportunity to assess the accuracy of the models and methods used to analyze the loads and accelerations present in the planned Ares I vehicle. During the rollout of the integrated vehicle from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the launch pad, the vehicle and its supporting structure are subjected to wind loads and the vibrations produced by the crawler-transporter (CT) that is carrying it. While the loads induced on the vehicle during this period are generally low relative to those experienced in flight, the rollout is a period of operation of primary interest to those designing both the ground support equipment and the interfaces between the launch vehicle and its supporting structure. In this paper, the methods used for reconstructing the loads during the rollout phase are described. The results generated are compared to measured values, leading to insight into the accuracy of the Ares I assessment techniques.

Chamberlain, Matthew K.↗

Reconstruction of Ares I-X Integrated Vehicle Rollout Loads

The measurements taken during the Ares I-X test flight provided a unique opportunity to assess the accuracy of the models and methods used to analyze the loads and accelerations present in the planned Ares I vehicle. During the rollout of the integrated vehicle from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the launch pad, the vehicle and its supporting structure are subjected to wind loads and the vibrations produced by the crawler-transporter (CT) that is carrying it. While the loads induced on the vehicle during this period are generally low relative to those experienced in flight, the rollout is a period of operation of primary interest to those designing both the ground support equipment and the interfaces between the launch vehicle and its supporting structure. In this paper, the methods used for reconstructing the loads during the rollout phase are described. The results generated are compared to measured values, leading to insight into the accuracy of the Ares I assessment techniques.

Chamberlain, Matthew K.↗

Estimation Model of Spacecraft Parameters and Cost Based on a Statistical Analysis of COMPASS Designs

The Collaborative Modeling for Parametric Assessment of Space Systems (COMPASS) team at Glenn Research Center has performed integrated system analysis of conceptual spacecraft mission designs since 2006 using a multidisciplinary concurrent engineering process. The set of completed designs was archived in a database, to allow for the study of relationships between design parameters. Although COMPASS uses a parametric spacecraft costing model, this research investigated the possibility of using a top-down approach to rapidly estimate the overall vehicle costs. This paper presents the relationships between significant design variables, including breakdowns of dry mass, wet mass, and cost. It also develops a model for a broad estimate of these parameters through basic mission characteristics, including the target location distance, the payload mass, the duration, the delta-v requirement, and the type of mission, propulsion, and electrical power. Finally, this paper examines the accuracy of this model in regards to past COMPASS designs, with an assessment of outlying spacecraft, and compares the results to historical data of completed NASA missions.

cost modeling↗

Risk-Informed Applications and Science – Past, Present, & Future

This is a presentation to be made at the University of Tokyo. The Idaho National Laboratory is creating the next-generation reliability- and risk-assessment methods and tools that support risk-informed decision-making by combining physics-based models with probabilistic quantification approaches. Integrating these two worlds of physics and probability using a simulation framework leads us to predictions based upon an approach called “computational risk assessment” which will serve as the technical basis for the future of reliability and risk approaches. The driving factors for this new approach includes: temporal (timing issues), spatial (location issues), mechanistic (physics issues), and topological (complexity issues). By combining phenomenology directly with stochastic quantification, we are able to perform advanced uncertainty analysis directly on both parameters and models. In addition, new tools allow for the creation of reduced order models that mimic high-fidelity engineering models while still permitting the realization of thousands of simulation iterations in short run-times on current workstation-class computers. While these advanced methods and tools can provide increased realism in our engineering safety and risk approaches, their greater benefit is to provide a risk-informed engineering framework for design and operation. This talk will briefly review the history of risk assessment and risk-informed applications, describe some of the current research and development found at the Idaho National Laboratory, and discuss potential future applications and approaches for advanced methods and tools.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Facilitated transport membranes for H 2 purification from coal-derived syngas: A techno-economic analysis

A single-stage membrane process has been designed for using facilitated transport membranes (FTMs) to decarbonize the coal-derived syngas from an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant. The necessary process model and costing method have also been developed to assess the technical feasibility and process economics. In order to account for the carrier saturation phenomenon associated with FTMs, a homogeneous reactive diffusion model is integrated into the process model. The techno-economic study reveals that the mitigated carrier saturation upon bulk CO 2 removal can lead to appreciable increases in the CO 2 permeance and CO 2 /H 2 selectivity, which can be utilized to achieve 95% CO 2 purity and 95% H 2 recovery with a CO 2 /H 2 selectivity of 50 at the complete carrier saturation. FTMs with different facilitated transport characteristics can also be arranged in a hybrid membrane configuration to render a H 2 recovery of 99% and a cost of electricity of $\$118.5$ /MWh, which is 12.5% lower than that of the benchmark Selexol process.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Integrated Modeling Activities for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): Structural-Thermal-Optical Analysis

This is a continuation of a series of papers on modeling activities for JWST. The structural-thermal- optical, often referred to as "STOP", analysis process is used to predict the effect of thermal distortion on optical performance. The benchmark STOP analysis for JWST assesses the effect of an observatory slew on wavefront error. The paper begins an overview of multi-disciplinary engineering analysis, or integrated modeling, which is a critical element of the JWST mission. The STOP analysis process is then described. This process consists of the following steps: thermal analysis, structural analysis, and optical analysis. Temperatures predicted using geometric and thermal math models are mapped to the structural finite element model in order to predict thermally-induced deformations. Motions and deformations at optical surfaces are input to optical models and optical performance is predicted using either an optical ray trace or WFE estimation techniques based on prior ray traces or first order optics. Following the discussion of the analysis process, results based on models representing the design at the time of the System Requirements Review. In addition to baseline performance predictions, sensitivity studies are performed to assess modeling uncertainties. Of particular interest is the sensitivity of optical performance to uncertainties in temperature predictions and variations in metal properties. The paper concludes with a discussion of modeling uncertainty as it pertains to STOP analysis.

Johnston, John D.↗

Assessment of effective elastic constants of U-10Mo fuel: A multiscale modeling and homogenization study

The significant microstructural changes that U-Mo fuel undergoes during operation degrades its mechanical properties and structural integrity. Microstructural evolution entails the formation, evolution, and redistribution of porosity in conjunction with grain refinement. In the present paper, we employ numerical approaches to assess the impact of the various microstructural features—grains, nanoscale intragranular fission gas bubbles, and mesoscale intergranular voids—on the degradation of elastic constants. Phase-field microstructure models are combined with the asymptotic expansion homogenization technique in order to derive the effective elastic constants as a function of porosity and fission density. Here the results are verified and compared against theoretical bounds. Using this approach, elastic degradation in operating nuclear fuels can be quantified when the distributions of microstructural features are known.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Roadmap for IES Modeling and Simulation Activities

Since inception of the DOE-NE Integrated Energy Systems (IES) program, several program and modeling visions and roadmaps have been published. In 2017, the last modeling and simulation capability development plan was published. In 2020, a comprehensive roadmap for the DOE-NE Integrated Energy Systems program has been published. The current report is meant to update the 2017 modeling and simulation capability roadmap and complement the IES overall program roadmap published in 2020. The role of modeling and simulation within IES is to support the demonstration of new coupled integrated technologies along every step of the technology maturation from the strategic analysis of preferred system architecture to preliminary design, to laboratory testing, up to full commercial testing and integration. To achieve this role, modeling and simulation must be able to assess the technical performance and the economic viability of potential IES. Also, modeling and simulation must provide support for experimental evaluations, i.e., support component design and real time operations of experimental demonstration systems. Finally, modeling and simulation can help scale-up experimental systems to the final commercial systems. This report details the current state of the modeling and simulation efforts within IES for the above-mentioned areas, provides a gap analysis and proposes next steps for a time horizon over the next 4 to 5 years.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗