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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2012

International Socio-Technical Challenges for Geological Disposal (InSOTEC): Project Aims and Preliminary Results - 12236

InSOTEC is a social sciences research project which aims to generate a better understanding of the complex interplay between the technical and the social in radioactive waste management and, in particular, in the design and implementation of geological disposal. It currently investigates and analyses the most striking socio-technical challenges to implementing geological disposal of radioactive waste in 14 national programs. A focus is put on situations and issues where the relationship between the technical and social components is still unstable, ambiguous and controversial, and where negotiations are taking place in terms of problem definitions and preferred solutions. Such negotiations can vary from relatively minor contestation, over mild commotion, to strong and open conflicts. Concrete examples of socio-technical challenges are: the question of siting, introducing the notion of reversibility / retrievability into the concept of geological disposal, or monitoring for confidence building. In a second stage the InSOTEC partners aim to develop a fine-grained understanding of how the technical and the social influence, shape, build upon each other in the case of radioactive waste management and the design and implementation of geological disposal. How are socio-technical combinations in this field translated and materialized into the solutions finally adopted? With what kinds of tools and instruments are they being integrated? Complementary to providing better theoretical insight into these socio-technical challenges/combinations, InSOTEC aims to provide concrete suggestions on how to address these within national and international contexts. To this end, InSOTEC will deliver insights into how mechanisms for interaction between the technical community and a broad range of socio-political actors could be developed. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2018

Media Relations Strategies in a Post-Information Age - 18452

Many organizations that deal with radioactive materials reluctantly engage in media relations and social media. This paper explores the drivers behind the dramatic coverage of clean-up activities nearest to large media markets. Interviews and media analysis reveal how companies and government actors responded to aggressive media investigations. Insights from professional journalists demonstrate the significance of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and computer assisted reporting on past and future coverage. Coverage of Hanford and Santa Susana Field Laboratory set the stage for creative engagement strategies developed to support public interest in clean-up efforts. Industrial and engineering firms, particularly small to mid-sized subcontractors, often place less priority on media and public relations. However, recent examples demonstrate that organizations that deal with scientific risk must evolve. Firms that acknowledge changing media trends update their communication strategies in ways that improve public trust and understanding. It's easy to understand why many organizations resist communicating when public concerns arise. Legal issues and contract restrictions may limit communications. The return on investment may seem low. Understanding exposure and hazard requires perspective, context and accuracy. Reporters and citizens also have better access to primary sources. Computer assisted reporting (CAR) and the dramatic rise of requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lay bare details of the inner workings of complex situations, often without context. Examples from FOIA requests and challenges filed in the U.S. district courts, are described to help project administrators understand the points of view that can take shape on government projects from filings and disclosures. The range of benefits and risks of ongoing interaction with reporters provides a framework for assessing the right level of effort. For remediation efforts near large media markets, the influence of effective communication is magnified. (authors)

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗

DOE OSTI2019

The OECD-NEA RK and M Initiative (2011-2018) - a 7-year step in a 10,000-year journey: What next? - 19432

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has coordinated an international initiative to develop understanding and guidelines related to the long-term preservation of records, knowledge and memory (RK and M) for radioactive waste repositories. After seven years of work, it has come to a close in 2018. Currently, the 'Final Report of the RK and M Initiative' is in the final process of publication [the status/sentence will be updated in early 2019]. It includes a historical review, sets out the RK and M fundamentals, presents a menu of approaches and mechanisms of RK and M preservation, and finally provides suggestions on how to develop a systemic strategy aimed at embedding radioactive waste repositories in society over extended periods of time. This paper highlights the 'multi-dimensionality' of RK and M preservation: Multiple time frames need to be considered, multiple transmission modes explored, and multiple actors brought together. The latter seems to be the primary aspect to be considered in the discussion about future (international) cooperation in the RK and M preservation field. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2022

Development of a Multi-Sensor Data Science System Used for Signature Development on Solvent Extraction Processes in support of safeguards- an overview

A new nuclear fuel cycle test bed is being built at Idaho National Laboratory to support the purification of special nuclear material recovered from used fuel. The test bed provides an opportunity to research process flow and the application of computational tools in solvent extraction processes. A deeper understanding of process and equipment behavior coupled with real time data collection can indicate whether a process failure is accidental or purposeful. The goal of this project is to develop a system that utilizes non-traditional measurement sources such as vibration, acoustics, current, light, flow, and temperature in conjunction with data-based, machine learning techniques that will allow for signal discovery. This multi-sensor data can support the development of safeguards by design and security by design measures for such a facility. Additionally, it can aid in early detection and identification of removed materials indicating diversion, which is essential for initiating material recovery and actor identification. This overview encompasses the current research and testing of sensors to develop a spectrum of process signatures. To be followed by planned experiments aimed to characterize said signatures and study potential feature extraction techniques to identify a fault in the system (i.e. flow diversion).

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

DOE OSTI2024

Attack Surface of Renewable Energy Technologies

This slide deck presents an overview of the threat landscape for renewable energy technologies. It highlights he growing penetration of renewable resources and potential impact of an attack. Standard architectures are shared to highlight where vulnerabilities may exist and attack paths to reach critical infrastructure. We discuss threat actors and attack paths. Several recent events impacting renewable energy assets or companies are explained.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Preliminary Benchmark Uncertainties for Deimos, a HALEU-Fueled and Graphite-Moderated Advanced Reactor Testbed

Many advanced reactor concepts will make use of various uranium fuels with levels of enrichment higher than previously seen in current light water reactors. In particular, High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU), that is uranium enriched to 235 U ≈ 20 w/o%, is planned to be used in over ten new reactor concepts. HALEU is attractive for advanced reactors as it enables longer intervals between refueling. Unfortunately, little to no experience with HALEU is available in experimental literature raising concerns for not only licensing advanced re actors but also fabrication and transportation of HALEU fuels. This is where Deimos, a Los Alamos National Laboratory internal project, comes in. Deimos is a new critical experiment scheduled for FY24 at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC). Deimos is a graphite moderated, graphite and beryllium reflected critical experiment making use of HALEU TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel from the Compact Nuclear Power System (CNPS). This transaction entails a brief description of efforts to benchmark Deimos for inclusion into the International Criticality Safety

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Measurement of the Neutron Electromagnetic Form Factor Ratio at High Momentum Transfer

The inner structure of the nucleon (proton and neutron) remains a topic of great interest in nuclear and particle physics, after many decades of study. For example, understanding the quark-gluon dynamics inside the nucleon would shed light on how 99% of the nucleon mass is created. The neutron electromagnetic form factors, Gn E and Gn M , give important insights into the neutron structure. The Super BigBite Spectrometer (SBS) program at Jefferson Lab (JLab) seeks to extend the form factor measurements for both the proton and the neutron. The neutron electric form actor, Gn E , has been historically difficult to measure due to the short lifetime of the free neutron and the small value of Gn E . The GEn-II experiment is part of the SBS program and seeks to measure Gn E , significantly increasing the high momentum transfer coverage. A newly designed polarized 3He target increased the figure of merit by three times compared to previous measurements. The analysis of this data is especially challenging due to the unprecedented high-rate environment caused by the open nature of the spectrometer with a direct line of sight to the target. This required developing new Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) particle trackers which can cover large areas demanded by this setup and handle particle rates up to 500 kHz/cm2. Rates this high over a large area is unprecedented in particle tracking systems and came with a number of challenges. Data taken in the SBS program was critical to understanding hardware and software solutions that improved the track reconstruction efficiency to be >97% with a position resolution of 70 ?m. In previous experiments the proton electromagnetic form factors, Gp E and Gp M were measured up to Q2 = 8.5 GeV2 and Q2 = 30 GeV2, respectively, while Gn E has only been measured up to Q2 = 3.4 GeV2. The GEn-II experiment has measured the neutron form factor ratio, Gn E/Gn M, at Q2 values of 2.90, 6.50, and 9.47 GeV2 by scattering a polarized electron beam with a polarized 3He target, used here as an effective polarized neutron target, and measuring the double spin asymmetry of the cross section. Previous Gn E measurements do not extend above Q2 = 3.4 GeV2, and therefore this analysis has extended the world data by almost three times. The background correction is especially difficult at the higher Q2 settings leading to large systematic errors. As very exploratory results from this early analysis of the data, we find for Q2 = 2.90 GeV2, Gn E = 0.0157 ±stat 0.0016 ±sys 0.0011, for Q2 = 6.50 GeV2, Gn E = 0.0067 ±stat 0.0019 ±sys 0.0005, and for Q2 = 9.46 GeV2, Gn E = 0.0046 ±stat 0.0023 ±sys 0.0005. These results are compared to predictions from the Dyson-Schwinger Equations (DSE) model and a Relativistic Constituent Quark Model (RCQM).

Jeffas, Sean↗

DOE OSTI2024

Operation and Security Considerations for Heat Pipe Cooled Microreactors

Microreactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) are anticipated to be key elements in the United States' carbon-free energy portfolio, serving as reliable power sources for remote communities, disaster relief zones, extraterrestrial deployments, and backup power needs. Microreactors employ technologies that are substantially more advanced and recent compared to conventional reactors. Furthermore, they are of a drastically smaller scale and are designed to be operated in a diverse set of locations, offering operational flexibility and mobility. In addition, the autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of microreactors with minimal or no on-site staff is anticipated. These factors give rise to specific challenges with regards to their safety and security. The present work investigates considerations related to heat pipe operation, reactor transport, and cyber/cyberphysical security to ensure the indirect and direct consequences of nefarious actors’ actions are understood and can be mitigated by design or through physical security measures. In addition, future directions are proposed for consideration by both HPMR designers and for regulators.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2023

MSR Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection White Paper

This document represents the status of Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection (PR&PP) characteristics for the Molten Salt Reactor designs selected by the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) provisional System Steering Committee (pSSC) as representatives of three broad classes of MSRs. The three classes of MSRs are: (1) Liquid-fueled with integrated salt processing, (2) Liquid-fueled without integrated salt processing, (3) Solid-fueled with salt coolant. The intent is to generate preliminary information about the PR&PP merits of the MSR Reactor Technology and to provide insights for optimizing their PR&PP performance for the benefit of MSR system designers. It updates the MSR analysis published in the 2011 report “Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection of the Six Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems”, prepared Jointly by the Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection Working Group (PRPPWG) and the System Steering Committees of the Generation IV International Forum, taking into account the evolution of both the systems and the GIF R&D activities since its publication. The document, prepared jointly by the GIF PRPPWG and the GIF MSR pSSC, follows the high-level paradigm of the GIF Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection Evaluation Methodology to investigate the Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection features of the GIF MSR representative designs. For PR, the document analyses and discusses the proliferation resistance aspects in terms of robustness against State-based threats associated with diversion of materials, misuse of facilities, breakout scenarios, and production in clandestine facilities. Similarly, for physical protection, the document discusses the robustness against theft of material and sabotage by non-State actors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2024

A Proposed Evaluation Framework for New and Emerging Low Embodied-Carbon Concrete Technologies

New opportunities for carbon reductions in buildings create a strong need for a common framework and method for those who design, build and influence construction to evaluate lifecycle carbon reductions from design decisions and technology choices. These opportunities include a wide range of low-embodied-carbon concrete materials being rapidly developed and introduced to the market. How to evaluate these newer materials and technologies has become critical for both public- and private-sector actors seeking to decarbonize building constructions by leveraging the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds. We propose an evaluation framework to assess the lifecycle carbon reductions from adoption of these technologies, including a subset of key “must have” (1) technical criteria (embodied carbon level, technology development stage); (2) market criteria (market size, scalability); and (3) financial criteria (cost of technology implementation compared to businessas-usual) from a range of options. We discuss how to use the framework and illustrate it using a “heatmap,” rating score and short case study of a promising technology. We also propose a plan to implement this framework that includes (1) standardized measurement and validation methods for verifying emission reductions from these technologies, and (2) avenues to implement real world demonstrations. We conclude with recommendations for next steps on framework refinement and commercialization strategy development.

Singh, Reshma↗

DOE OSTI2024

Third-integer Resonant Extraction Regulation System for Mu2e

A third-integer resonant slow extraction system is being developed for Fermilab's Delivery Ring to deliver protons to the upcoming Mu2e experiment. The timescale of the extraction (or spill) duration is 43 milliseconds, which is extremely short and unprecedented. Additionally, the experiment's strict and challenging requirements on the quality of the spill at this time scale has led to the development of a new Spill Regulation System (SRS) design. The SRS primarily consists of three components - slow regulation, fast regulation, and harmonic content suppressor. Contributions to the first two components of the SRS, i.e., Slow Regulation and Fast Regulation subsystems, will be presented in which new adaptive learning algorithm schemes for the slow regulation of the spill -- validated using particle tracking simulations -- shall be described. In addition to these novel methods for the enhancement of the spill regulation system, results of employing Machine Learning in enhancing the performance of the resonant extraction are also presented. At the forefront of applying ML techniques to solve non-linear accelerator control problems, this work includes optimizing the PID gains as well as the replacement of the traditional PID controller using Recurrent Neural Networks and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) ML models to achieve efficiencies greater than a PID controller. Cutting-edge on-going Reinforcement Learning efforts, including an actor-critic family of learning algorithms, to regulate the spill rate will be reviewed, as well as present analytical calculations pertaining the transit time of particles in a third-integer resonant extraction. Detailed numerical investigations and validations of such calculations, the model of which could be exported and reliably used in future analytical modeling of any resonant extraction, are discussed.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Controlling a power output of a nuclear reactor without using control rods

A nuclear power system includes a reactor vessel that includes a reactor core that includes nuclear fuel assemblies configured to generate a nuclear fission reaction. A representative nuclear power system further includes a riser positioned above there actor core and a primary coolant flow path that extends from a bottom portion of the reactor vessel, through the reactor core, and through an annulus between the riser and the reactor vessel. A primary coolant circulates through the primary coolant flow path to receive heat from the nuclear fission reaction and release the heat to a power generation system configured to generate electric power. The nuclear power system further includes a control rod assembly system positioned in the reactor vessel and configured to position control rods in only two discrete positions.

Callaway, Allyson↗

DOE OSTI2025

Game Theory in Cybersecurity: A Review of Applications, Models, and Challenges

There are no aspects of society left unchanged by the Internet. From commerce to communication, from entertainment to engineering, every industry and sphere of influence exists in a new state thanks to the advent of the information age. This convenience, rarely controverted, comes with capricious actors, who wish to gain access to these systems for myriad reasons, be it financial, political, or mere intellectual gain. This paper presents information that can help readers to better understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity from a game theory perspective, such as coalitional games, Colonel Blotto systems, or how to find Nash Equilibrium. This paper also reviews how game theory can enhance understanding of cybersecurity through cooperative and non-cooperative methods, such as information sharing, defense modeling, and attacker analysis. The authors use the analysis to serve as a bridge for those in either field who need a way to best comprehend the methodologies of their contrasting fields.

Egan, Matthew↗

DOE OSTI2025

Swing Contract-Based Valuation for Distributed Energy Resources in Transactive Energy Systems: A Reinforcement Learning Approach

With the proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs) and power grids with high fractions of renewable energy, market constructs are evolving to allow DERs to participate in multiple possible markets, at different levels of grid hierarchy. The effective participation of DERs in market environments is aided by swing contract-based pricing mechanisms, whereby DERs have a two-part compensation structure – one for their reservation/commitment and another for performancedriven ex-post payment for their actual mobilization during dispatch. In this paper, we propose a reinforcement learningbased (Q-learning) approach that allows a rational DER agent to select the market it wants to participate in within a composite market environment where individual markets are coordinated by possibly different actors. The proposed Q-learning framework aids DERs in their self-valuation by implicitly maximizing their own payoff through market participation, assuming a swing contract-based compensation structure. We complement our work through simulation-based investigations where factors affecting the DER decision making process, such as parametric uncertainties in market (and grid) environments, are studied.

Naqvi, Syed Ahsan Raza↗

DOE OSTI2025

ILLICIT TRANSIT INTERDICTION GLOBAL ANALYSIS

This study aims to enhance the security of radioactive materials during transport by analyzing commonalities in cargo thefts conducted by non-state groups such as thieves and terrorists. This research focuses on identifying patterns and trends in the methods used to steal high-value cargo, with the goal of applying these insights to improve transport security of radioactive materials. Key questions addressed include the frequency of specific tools, techniques, and insider involvement in thefts, as well as the use of weapons, electronic jamming equipment, and specialized tools. Findings will inform security design improvements and industry practices to mitigate vulnerabilities. The study involves a comprehensive review of literature and case studies, utilizing data sources from 2018 to 2023. Articles will be selected based on their relevance to thefts of valuable cargo in transit, with a focus on incidents involving non-state actors. The methodology will include statistical and inferential analysis to identify trends, with results visualized through pie charts, frequency analyses, and terrain maps. The discussion will highlight the implications of findings and provide actionable recommendations for strengthening security measures. Limitations such as data availability and reporting inconsistencies will be acknowledged. Suggestions for future improvements will be constructed using existing case studies and expert feedback. The study’s outcomes aim to raise awareness within the industry, inform policy decisions, and enhance security protocols for radioactive material transport. Metrics for impact include the potential publication of findings, presentations at conferences to raise awareness, and the subsequent actions taken by stakeholders based on the research. By identifying trends and vulnerabilities and suggesting improvements, this research contributes to preventing the illicit use of nuclear and radiological materials.

Zineddin, Dr. Z. [ORNL] (ORCID:0009000848740725)↗

DOE OSTI2025

Recommendations for Best Practices for Data Preservation and Open Science in HEP

These recommendations are the result of reflections by scientists and experts who are, or have been, involved in the preservation of high-energy physics data. The work has been done under the umbrella of the Data Lifecycle panel of the International Committee of Future Accelerators (ICFA), drawing on the expertise of a wide range of stakeholders. A key indicator of success in the data preservation efforts is the long-term usability of the data. Experience shows that achieving this requires providing a rich set of information in various forms, which can only be effectively collected and preserved during the period of active data use. The recommendations are intended to be actionable by the indicated actors and specific to the particle physics domain. They cover a wide range of actions, many of which are interdependent. These dependencies are indicated within the recommendations and can be used as a road map to guide implementation efforts. These recommendations are best accessed and viewed through the web application, see https://icfa-data-best-practices.app.cern.ch/

Campana, Simone [CERN]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Threat Landscape for BESS and IBR

The cyber risk landscape for BESS and IBR can be broken up by threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences for these systems. This presentation walks through the cyber risk landscape for BESS through the lens of consequence-informed awareness and mitigation for each risk factor. Threats with varying capabilities have been demonstrated in real-world events. Though threat actors can rarely be directly influenced by organizations, exposure of systems to adversaries can be limited (a known issue with IBR systems) to reduce likelihood of adversaries accessing systems with disruptive consequences. Common trends in disclosed IBR vulnerabilities include weak password generation or managements for various devices or services and web portal vulnerabilities that provide unauthorized access to data or capabilities or elevated user privileges. Understanding these common vulnerabilities and considering the consequences if these types of vulnerabilities were to occur can help mitigate risk. Consequences range from loss-of-view events that have no reliability impact to asset damage or grid stability impacts. Five case studies are briefly shared to highlight trends in real-world events affecting IBR.

14 - SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Emerging Threats in Transportation Security Related to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Transport of high-consequence shipments requires a resilient and robust systems of systems to guarantee cargo arrival. Furthermore, rising adoption of technologies such as connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), intelligent infrastructure, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication presents unique challenges for securing transportation systems. Within these Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), several additional vulnerabilities exist that create pathways for adversarial attacks and cargo interception. For example, connectivity provides cyber pathways directly into vehicle systems and infrastructure for malicious actors. Furthermore, advanced vehicle automation exposes additional vehicle control necessary for shipment interception otherwise unavailable to adversaries. Within this paper, we will discuss the specific threats introduced by ITS-enabled technologies currently deployed and in development. These include those mentioned related to connectivity and automation, but will be expanded into grid, infrastructure, and vehicle specific threats. In addition, we will discuss how to potentially mitigate these emerging challenges as well as how to safeguard transportation systems from next generation attacks.

Cook, Adian [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000160825395)↗