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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Pressure-temperature effects on knock with iso-octane and propane at various compression ratios and intake temperatures

Knock remains one of the main limitations for increased internal combustion engine efficiency. Recent trends in light-duty vehicles towards downsized, boosted engines increases the need for improving the understanding between fuel chemistry and thermodynamic effects contributing to knock. Previous studies have shown the importance of end-gas thermodynamic conditions on knock onset and behavior, with relationships to fuel chemistry illustrated. However, a complete understanding of how fuels allow access to higher engine loads and the governing physics behind end-gas knock under a wide range of thermodynamic conditions is still unclear. Experiments in this work improve this understanding with the use of three fuels (1) iso-octane, a low octane sensitivity (OS) fuel (2) a Co-Optima aromatic core fuel, which has similar research octane number (RON) yet significantly higher OS, and (3) propane, known for its knock resistance. Engine load sweeps are conducted with each fuel while maintaining a CA50 of 8 crank angle degrees after top dead center (°CA aTDCf). As load increases and knock onset is observed, spark is delayed to its knock limited spark advance (KLSA) allowing further increases in load until either one of two limits is reached; (1) CA50 retard limit (2) Peak cylinder pressure limit. Experiments are conducted at 40°C and 90°C intake temperature and at two distinct compression ratios (rc) 9.2:1 and 13.6:1. Two-zone zero-dimensional simulations were performed in Chemkin to extract end-gas pressure and temperature conditions through the combustion process for each experimental condition of interest. CA50 response as a function of engine load is compared for all experimental conditions and fuels, and a pressure-temperature (PT) trajectory analysis is conducted using constant volume ignition delay contours to explain the behavior of each fuel.

Dal Forno Chuahy, Flavio↗
DOE OSTI2022

An Investigation into the Effects of Swirl on the Performance and Emissions of an Opposed-Piston Two-Stroke Engine using Large Eddy Simulations

Opposed-piston two-stroke (OP-2S) engines have the potential to achieve higher thermal efficiency than a conventional four-stroke diesel engine. However, the uniflow scavenging process is difficult to control over a wider range of speed and loads due to its sensitivity to pressure dynamics, port timings, and port design. Specifically, the angle of the intake ports can be used to generate swirl which has implications for open and closed cycle effects. This study proposes an analysis of the effects of port angle on the in-cylinder flow distribution and combustion performance of an OP-2S using computational fluid dynamics engine. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) was used to model turbulence given its ability to predict in-cylinder mixing and cyclic variability. A three-cylinder model was validated to experimental data collected by Achates Power and the grid was verified using an LES quality approach from the literature. The model was used to simulate port angles from 12 to 29 degrees at constant pressure and temperature boundary conditions. Results indicated that the higher bulk swirl ratio generated by larger port angles tends to trap more internal residuals. This effect on the scavenging performance, combined with the larger trapped swirl ratio, also has a significant impact on the combustion performance in a two-stroke engine. It was concluded that there exists a tradeoff of efficiency and emissions that must be considered when increasing the port angle in a uniflow two-stroke engine. 1. Introduction Two-stroke engines were developed in the 1800s and are commonly used in practice today for lightweight power applications such as motorcycles or handheld power tools, as well as large-bore low speed engines for stationary power and marine applications. Two-stroke engines provide the distinct advantage of higher torque/power output but present challenges due to its coupled intake and exhaust process. Four-stroke engines have the benefit of using two full piston strokes to induct intake charge and to expel exhaust gases. Controlling the trapped charge composition in a twostroke engine via a scavenging process is crucial for reliable and efficient engine operation.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of a Human Platelet Lysate-Loaded Keratin Hydrogel for Wound Healing Applications In Vitro

One of the promising approaches to facilitate healing and regenerative capacity includes the application of growth-factor-loaded biomaterials. Human platelet lysate (hPL) derived from platelet-rich plasma through a freeze-thaw process has been used as a growth factor rich therapeutic in many regenerative applications. To provide sustained local delivery of the hPL-derived growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), the hPL can be loaded into biomaterials that do not degrade rapidly in vivo. Keratin (KSO), a strong filamentous protein found in human hair, when formulated as a hydrogel, is shown to sustain the release of drugs and promote wound healing. In the current study, we created a KSO biomaterial that spontaneously forms a hydrogel when rehydrated with hPL that is capable of controlled and sustained release of pro-regenerative molecules. Our study demonstrates that the release of hPL is controlled by changing the KSO hydrogel and hPL-loading concentrations, with hPL loading concentrations having a greater effect in changing release profiles. In addition, the 15% KSO concentration proved to form a stable hydrogel, and supported cell proliferation over 3 days without cytotoxic effects in vitro. The hPL-loaded keratin hydrogels show promise in potential applications for wound healing with the sustained release of pro-regenerative growth factors with easy tailoring of hydrogel properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Aqueous Ni-rich-cathode dispersions processed with phosphoric acid for lithium-ion batteries with ultra-thick electrodes

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) production can benefit both economically and environmentally from aqueous processing. Although these electrodes have the potential to surpass electrodes conventionally processed with N -methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in terms of performance, significant issues still exist with respect to ultra-thick cathodes ($\gg$4 mAh/cm 2 areal capacities). A major concern for these types of electrodes with high-nickel active material stems from lithium leaching from active material, which drives the pH of the dispersion in excess of 12 and subsequently corrodes the current collector interface. As this corrosion reaction proceeds, hydrogen generation at the interface creates bubbles which cause severe cracking in the dried electrode surface. When areal loadings are increased, this effect becomes more pronounced and is detrimental to both mechanical and electrochemical properties of these electrodes. In this work, a technique for mitigating corrosion at the current collector by adjusting the pH of the dispersion with the addition of phosphoric acid is investigated. Phosphoric acid was added in 0.5 wt% increments between 0.0 and 1.5 wt%, and effects on rheology, adhesion, corrosion, and electrochemical performance were investigated. A technique is reported for producing aqueous processed cathodes with areal loadings of 6–8 mAh/cm 2 with reduced surface cracking and superior high-rate discharge capacity (i.e. high-power performance) for this class of cathode loadings.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Bi-Level Linear Programming Model for Automatic Load Shedding: A Distributed Wide-Area Measurement System-based Solution

Load shedding is currently implemented as a two-step based approach. In the first step, manual load shedding is taken place, were system operators, using estimates, inform distribution utilities of predicted stressful conditions. Information provided include the potential use of energy reserves, as well as load shedding amount. In a second step, automatic load shedding is done. The latter is realized using protection relays. While considering frequency variation, pre-defined values of load to be shed and correspondent number of stages for such to be realized are transformed into relay settings. Under-frequency protection relays use only local measurements towards decision making, thus operate in a decentralized architecture. Decision making is done in milliseconds plus breaker time. While this approach has provided much system reliability, considering the new smart grid paradigm, where system dynamics are much faster due to increasing renewable resources penetration, in some operating conditions it will generate sub-optimal solutions, such as islanding. Phasor measurement units provide a source of information which can be useful for this problem. Centralized architecture-based solutions for automatic load shedding, as present in the state-of-the-art, require though total processing times which are not acceptable for real-life implementation. In this work, considering the above, a bi-level linear programming model is presented. The model is implemented considering a distributed architecture while leveraging phasor measurement units data. The upper-level model estimates the current system state. Results of this model are embedded in a lower-level model, which decision variables are the location and load value to be shed. Easy-to-implement model, built-on the classic weighted least squares solution, highlight potential aspects towards real-life applications.

Bretas, Arturo Suman↗
DOE OSTI2023

Experimental Comparison of Hydrogen Refueling with Directly Pressurized vs. Cascade Method

This paper presents a comparative analysis of two hydrogen station configurations during the refueling process: the conventional “directly pressurized refueling process” and the innovative “cascade refueling process.” The objective of the cascade process is to refuel vehicles without the need for booster compressors. The experiments were conducted at the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility located at California State University, Los Angeles. In the cascade refueling process, the facility buffer tanks were utilized as high-pressure storage, enabling the refueling operation. Three different scenarios were tested: one involving the cascade refueling process and two involving compressor-driven refueling processes. On average, each refueling event delivered 1.6 kg of hydrogen. Although the cascade refueling process using the high-pressure buffer tanks did not achieve the pressure target, it resulted in a notable improvement in the nozzle outlet temperature trend, reducing it by approximately 8 °C. Moreover, the overall hydrogen chiller load for the two directly pressurized refuelings was 66 Wh/kg and 62 Wh/kg, respectively, whereas the cascading process only required 55 Wh/kg. This represents a 20% and 12% reduction in energy consumption compared to the scenarios involving booster compressors during fueling. The observed refueling range of 150–350 bar showed that the cascade process consistently required 12–20% less energy for hydrogen chilling. Additionally, the nozzle outlet temperature demonstrated an approximate 8 °C improvement within this pressure range. These findings indicate that further improvements can be expected in the high-pressure region, specifically above 350 bar. This research suggests the potential for significant improvements in the high-pressure range, emphasizing the viability of the cascade refueling process as a promising alternative to the direct compression approach.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Atomistic modeling of surface and grain boundary dislocation nucleation in FCC metals

Dislocation nucleation plays a critical role in the plastic deformation of crystalline materials. However, it is challenging to predict the active mode and associated rate of dislocation nucleation under typical experimental loading conditions through molecular dynamics simulation due to timescale limitations. In this report we use the free-end nudged elastic band method to determine the activation energies and activation volumes of dislocation nucleation in four typical face-centered cubic metals of Au, Al, Cu and Ni. We focus on the representative processes of surface and grain boundary dislocation nucleation. The atomistically determined activation volumes of these dislocation nucleation processes are larger than 10b3 (with b being the Burgers vector length) under typical experimental loading conditions. These results are compared with experimentally measured activation volumes in ultrafine-grained and nanocrystalline metals, thereby providing mechanistic insight into their rate-controlling deformation mechanisms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hydrogen station in situ back-to-back fueling data for design and modeling

Hydrogen technologies are rapidly spreading, with significant attention to the mobility sector requiring a robust and widespread fueling infrastructure. Hydrogen stations are indeed fundamental to transitioning from pilot projects towards large-scale implementation in many countries. Operating under extreme conditions, the new stations need more informed designs and equipment to meet the growing demand and their more frequent utilization. Via a set of experimental research activities and investigated scenarios carried out at the Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, here this paper shares a novel and comprehensive set of data collected over a period of one year on fueling events frequency and refueling process station behaviors. A performance evaluation of the station is presented under different load scenarios in severe conditions during "back-to-back fuelings", with monitoring of fundamental parameters for infrastructure sizing, including dynamic cooling response, pressure levels, thermodynamics, and the state of charge of the vehicle. The presented data analysis could surely contribute as closer-to-reality inputs for a variety of station performance modeling tools.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Densification and Immobilization of AgI-Containing Iodine Waste Forms Using Spark Plasma Sintering

Here in this study, porous Ag-xerogel (Ag-Xero), Ag-faujasite (Ag-FAU) zeolite, and Ag-mordenite (Ag-MOR) zeolite sorbents were loaded with iodine gas [I 2 (g)] under saturated conditions at 150 °C for 24 h, followed by densification and consolidation into monolithic waste forms using spark plasma sintering (SPS). For Ag-Xero materials, SPS pellets were made with as-loaded samples, while others were made with preheated (PH; 500 °C for 2 h) samples to help with densification. SPS processing was conducted at 50 MPa under different temperatures (T = 200–800 °C) for different times (t = 0.5–30 min), where eleven AgI-Xero samples, five AgI-FAU, and two AgI-MOR separate samples were produced. The primary goal was to look for the optimum processing parameters for each material to yield pellets with high iodine retentions, high densities, and low porosities while preventing AgI decomposition. The Ag-Xero showed the highest iodine loadings (qe = 470 mg g –1 ) compared to Ag-FAU (qe = 368 mg g –1 ) and Ag-MOR (qe = 108 mg g –1 ). Measured iodine concentrations were the highest in AgI-Xero pellets without PH, followed by AgI-Xero with PH, AgI-FAU, and then AgI-MOR. Silver utilization (I/Ag on a mol % basis) values were in the order of AgI-MOR ≈ AgI-Xero (no PH) > AgI-Xero (PH) > AgI-FAU. Chemical durabilities of SPS-densified AgI-Xero (PH) pellets were very favorable, with lower releases than SPS pellets made from AgI-Xero samples without PH. These results show promise for iodine waste form production.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of Automation Technologies for Glovebox Processing, Part 2

Topics • Surplus Plutonium Disposition (SPD) Overview • Robotic Arm Development for Glovebox Operations • Automatic Sphincter Loading System (ASLS) Update Surplus Plutonium Disposition (SPD) Overview • Application Background • Development Scope • Improvement Goals • Limitations

Krementz, Daniel↗
DOE OSTI2021

Leveraging In-Network Computing and Programmable Switches for Streaming Analysis of Scientific Data

With the emergence of programmable network devices that match the performance of fixed function devices, several recent projects have explored in-network computing, where the processing that is traditionally done outside the network is offloaded to the network devices. In-network computing has typically been applied to network functions (e.g., load balancing, NAT, and DNS), caching, data reduction/aggregation, and coordination/consensus functions. In some cases it has been used to accelerate stream-processing tasks that involve small payloads and simple operations. In this work we focus on leveraging in-network computing for stream processing of scientific datasets with large payloads that require complex operations such as floating-point computations and logarithmic functions. We demonstrate in-network computing for a real-world scientific application performing streaming normalization of a 2-D image from a light source experiment. We discuss the challenges we encountered and potential approaches to address them.

Sankaran, Ganesh↗
DOE OSTI2025

Pushing the Limits: Maximizing Energy Density in Silicon Sulfide Solid‐State Batteries

Here, for the first time, we demonstrate a silicon solid-state battery (SSB) architecture that achieves >400 Wh kg −1 , approaching the theoretical limit for silicon-based SSBs. This configuration features a 99.9 wt% micro-Si, a thin sulfide solid electrolyte (SSE), and a high-loading NMC811. Key to these results is strategically selecting and evaluating the processing techniques, whether wet or dry, for the negative electrode, positive electrode and thin sheet-type SSE. Excessive lithium incorporation into the silicon host, beyond the Li 3.75 +Si phase to form a LiSi composite, is essential to match the high capacity of the positive electrode. This SSB achieves over 1000 cycles for a 2 mAh cm −2 with ≈80% capacity retention and 94% capacity retention for 3 mAh cm −2 over 500 cycles at 25 °C. Post analysis identifies the primary capacity decay mechanisms as oxidation at the NMC/SSE interface and structural disruptions within NMC. Meanwhile, the Si electrode maintains a robust solid-electrolyte interphase layer, minimizing capacity decay. This study highlights the necessity for improved NMC coatings, lattice oxygen stabilization, and a durable positive electrode-electrolyte interface to improve the long-term stability of SSBs. Strategies leading to a single-layer pouch cell SSB exceeding 400 Wh kg −1 are developed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fe doped aluminoborate PKU-1 catalysts for the ketalization of glycerol to solketal: Unveiling the effects of iron composition and boron

An inexpensive Fe doped aluminoborate consisted of 18% Fe in PKU-1 material that exhibits high selectivity of 4-hydroxymethy-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane (Solketal, 98.3%), considerable activity (TOF 51.7 h -1 ), and recyclable ability in the ketalization of glycerol to Solketal with acetone at 318 K has been developed. Here our study demonstrated that the structure of Fe (less agglomerated iron species vs. FeO x clusters) can be tuned by changing Fe loading in the PKU-1 material, which correlated well with experimental observations. Furthermore, the surface boron sites were promoted by iron loading and behaved as Lewis-acid sites to facilitate the reaction process of glycerol ketalization, while the Solketal selectivity was closely related with the structure of iron species in PKU-1, which was proved by kinetic studies, density function theory (DFT) calculations, and a series of spectroscopy studies. This investigation demonstrates that the surface B sites can play important roles in the reaction instead of being spectators.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Separation of cobalt, nickel, and manganese in leach solutions of waste lithium-ion batteries using Dowex M4195 ion exchange resin

Current methods to separate and recover critical metals from waste lithium-ion battery (LIB) scrap require multiple unit operations that involve selective leaching and a combination of separation methods. These methods include impurity removal, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and precipitation, to achieve high purity Co and Ni products. In this paper an efficient extraction strategy was developed to individually separate Ni and Co from a LIB leachate that was generated from an electrochemical leaching process. By using Dowex M4195 resin, as the only method of separation, additional impurity removal operations were not needed. After loading and eluting, three different fractions were obtained: 99.0% Ni concentrate, 98.5% Co concentrate, and a Li/Mn rich concentrate allowing the separation of Ni, Co and Mn. Here, the developed process is then presented as an alternative for metal recovery from leachates from scrap LIBs with minimum chemical addition and pH adjustment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

A finite viscoelastic constitutive model for low to high strain rate response of elastomers with application of strain rate-induced glass transition

Amorphous elastomers exhibit significant rate-stiffening and unique viscous flow characteristics across a wide range of strain rates, often undergoing glass transition above a strain rate threshold. We have developed a thermodynamically-consistent and micromechanically-inspired constitutive model for soft elastomeric materials to capture the rate-dependent stress-strain behavior and hysteresis when subjected to low to high strain rates. Here, our proposed constitutive model encapsulates the viscous flow of materials through molecular motion at low strain rates and local rearrangement and alignment of the molecules trying to overcome the intermolecular resistance at high strain rates, essentially covering the glass transition. We applied our constitutive model to uniaxial compression experiments performed at low and high strain rates for polyborosiloxane (PBS) to identify the material parameters, and subsequently, performed numerical simulations of single and multi-cycle compression, stress relaxation, and small amplitude oscillatory tension-compression. Our analyses indicate that the model predicts higher total energy dissipation with increasing strain rate; however, dissipation associated with molecular relaxation decreases (forming a cusp) because, beyond a crossover strain rate, intermolecular rearrangement and alignment become dominant, which is consistent with the onset of the glass transition. For cyclic loading-unloading, we observed that dissipation over a cycle remains constant at low strain rates but decreases non-monotonically at high strain rates before becoming constant, with the peak stress over the cycle becoming higher, which can be interpreted as more loading being carried elastically by the polymer network as the intermolecular rearrangement process occurs. Additionally, our model was able to predict the qualitative nature of the storage modulus and loss modulus in the limit of small strain over a wide range of frequency sweeps.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ceramic–Metal (Cermet) Composites: A Review of Key Properties and Synthesis Methods Focused on Nuclear Waste Immobilization

Here this paper reviews key properties, applications, and examples of ceramic-metal composites (cermets), and metal matrix composites (MMC) with emphasis on their applicability as waste forms for immobilizing nuclear waste. While the literature is mature for vitrified and cementitious radioactive waste forms, cermet materials have not received adequate attention as potential candidates for immobilizing nuclear waste. To promulgate this effort, this review connects cermet and MMC design, such as hardened tools, with the chemistry of radioactive waste streams. A discussion on certification and qualification standards for cermet waste forms, literature gaps, and “how-to” sections on cermet processing techniques. Key parameters discussed include thermal conductivity, chemical durability, and waste loading, as well as examples for metal-containing waste forms. As cermet waste forms gain momentum within the community, this review paper aims ensure the end-of-life nuclear fuel cycle is addressed from a materials and waste disposition perspective.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effect of Graft Molecular Weight and Density on the Mechanical Properties of Polystyrene-Grafted Cellulose Nanocrystal Films

In this work, polymer-grafted nanoparticle (PGN) films were prepared from polystyrene (PS) grafted to rodlike cellulose nanocrystals (MxG-CNC-g-PS) with a controllable grafting density (0.03–0.25 chains/nm 2 ) and molecular weight (5–60 kg/mol). These nanorod-based PGNs are solution- and melt-processible, permitting access to one-component composite films with high nanofiller loadings (with up to 55 wt %). The impact of both grafted polymer density and molecular weight on the mechanical properties of the films was investigated and related to the polymer brush conformation: concentrated polymer brush (CPB), semidilute polymer brush (SDPB), or CPB core with SDPB corona (CPB/SDPB). The rubbery regime storage modulus (above $T_g$) showed 2 orders of magnitude increase, maximizing at a low degree of polymerization (N) and low grafting density (σ). Fracture toughness was maximized in samples with the grafted polymer in the SDPB or CPD/SDPB (higher N and relatively low σ) regime and showed enhancement relative to PS of molecular weight similar to the graft. In line with prior computation predictions, optimizing for both rubbery modulus and fracture toughness in such nanorod-based PGN films requires the polymers in the SDPB regime and CNC loading levels (ca. 50–60 wt %) that are difficult to attain in more traditional two-component CNC composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Microfluidic, One-Batch Synthesis of Pd Nanocrystals on N-Doped Carbon in Surfactant-Free Deep Eutectic Solvents for Formic Acid Electrochemical Oxidation

One of the grand challenges that impedes practical applications of nanomaterials is the lack of robust manufacturing methods that are scalable, cheap, and environmentally friendly. In this work, we address this challenge by developing a microfluidic approach that produces surfactant-free Pd nanocrystals (NCs) uniformly loaded on N-doped porous carbon in a one-batch process. The deep eutectic solvent (DES) prepared from choline chloride and ethylene glycol was employed as a novel synthesis solvent, and its extended hydrogen networks and abundant ionic species effectively stabilize Pd facets and confine nanocrystal sizes without using surfactants. The microreactors provide faster heat exchange and more uniform mass transport, which in combination with DES produced Pd NCs with better-defined shape and predominately exposed Pd (100) facet. Furthermore, we describe that the N-doped functional groups in porous carbon direct dense and uniform heterogeneous growth of Pd NCs in a one-batch process, thereby eliminating a separate catalyst deposition step that is often involved in conventional synthesis. The Pd NCs in the one-batch-produced Pd/C catalysts exhibited a size distribution of similar to ~13 ± 3.5 nm and a high ESCA of 46.0 m 2 /g and delivered 362 mA/mg for formic acid electrochemical oxidation with improved stability, demonstrating the unique potentials of microfluidic reactors and DES for the controllable and scalable synthesis of electrocatalyst materials for practical applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗