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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 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

2D Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations of the Electrothermal Instability in Metallic Liners

The Virginia Tech (VT) Plasma Dynamics Laboratory Computational (PDCL) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) are performing two dimensional (2D) simulations of the electrothermal instability (ETI) using the LLNL multi-physics code Ares. Ares is a multi-physics arbitrary–Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) code developed by LLNL and is of particular use in studying magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities like the ETI due to its resistive MHD, magnetic diffusion, and radiative-hydrodynamics packages. Among its capabilities, it has the ability to model material strength, perform adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), and incorporate a wide variety of equations of state models and conductivity models. The 2D Ares simulation model created by VT-LLNL for studying the development and growth of the electrothermal instability has been configured with initial conditions based on the Mykonos Electrothermal Instability II (METI-II) experiments described by this grant and conducted by team members at the University of Nevada (UNR), the University of New Mexico (UNM), and Sandia National Laboratories. Previously, preliminary 2D Ares simulations of the ETI had been run to approximately 80ns. The rods in these simulations were initiated with sinusoidal perturbations at a similar order of magnitude to those measured on the aluminum rods used for the Mykonos experiment. This model has been improved by increasing the spatial resolution of the simulations and running the simulations further in time. In addition to the simulation run-times extending, the preliminary sinusoidal perturbation has been replaced with a perturbation derived from amplitude measurements by the experimental team, thereby correlating the simulation inputs better to the experimental runs. These new runs are capable of reaching 120ns of simulated time for the uncoated cases and to 200ns the 41 μm coated cases.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Adapting Secure MultiParty Computation to Support Machine Learning in Radio Frequency Sensor Networks

In this project we developed and validated algorithms for privacy-preserving linear regression using a new variant of Secure Multiparty Computation (MPC) we call "Hybrid MPC" (hMPC). Our variant is intended to support low-power, unreliable networks of sensors with low-communication, fault-tolerant algorithms. In hMPC we do not share training data, even via secret sharing. Thus, agents are responsible for protecting their own local data. Only the machine learning (ML) model is protected with information-theoretic security guarantees against honest-but-curious agents. There are three primary advantages to this approach: (1) after setup, hMPC supports a communication-efficient matrix multiplication primitive, (2) organizations prevented by policy or technology from sharing any of their data can participate as agents in hMPC, and (3) large numbers of low-power agents can participate in hMPC. We have also created an open-source software library named "Cicada" to support hMPC applications with fault-tolerance. The fault-tolerance is important in our applications because the agents are vulnerable to failure or capture. We have demonstrated this capability at Sandia's Autonomy New Mexico laboratory through a simple machine-learning exercise with Raspberry Pi devices capturing and classifying images while flying on four drones.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of Particle and Heat Losses from a High-Temperature Particle Receiver (2 nd Ed)

High - temperature particle receivers are being pursued to enable next - generation concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) systems that can achieve higher temperatures (> 700 C) to enable more efficient power cycles, lower overall system costs, and emerging CSP - based process - heat applications. The objective of this work was to develop characterization methods to quantify the particle and heat losses from the open aperture of the particle receiver. Novel camera - based imaging methods were developed and applied to both laboratory - scale and larger 1 MW t on - sun tests at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Validation of the imaging methods was performed using gravimetric and calorimetric methods. In addition, conventional particle - sampling methods using volumetric particle - air samplers were applied to the on - sun tests to compare particle emission rates with regulatory standards for worker safety and pollution. Novel particle sampling methods using 3 - D printed tipping buckets and tethered balloons were also developed and applied to the on - sun particle - receiver tests. Finally, models were developed to simulate the impact of particle size and wind on particle emissions and concentrations as a function of location. Results showed that particle emissions and concentrations were well below regulatory standards for worker safety and pollution. In addition, estimated particle temperatures and advective heat losses from the camera - based imaging methods correlated well with measured values during the on - sun tests.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Post-closure Nuclear Criticality Safety Evaluations for Disposition of Criticality Control Overpacks at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is a geological repository in southern New Mexico that provides for disposal of transuranic (TRU) wastes from atomic energy defense activities. The Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) Report, Consideration of Nuclear Criticality When Disposing of Transuranic Waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, addresses nuclear criticality safety based on the projected inventory characteristics for the initial compliance certification application of WIPP in 1996. As the inventory, waste forms, and disposal package designs change, revised or new analyses are necessary to demonstrate acceptability for these configurations within the WIPP safety basis and compliance with 10,000-year post-closure standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Saylor and Scaglione evaluated criticality control overpacks (CCOs) in 2017 based on conservative assumptions for post-closure repository structural conditions with resulting effects on containers and container spacing, The Saylor and Scaglione evaluation of CCOs addressed a single waste configuration that represents the Surplus Plutonium Disposition Program’s dilute and dispose waste form and composition. This initial CCO study demonstrated that 50 grams of boron carbide (B 4 C) per CCO is sufficient to ensure post-closure criticality safety based on a well-mixed waste composition, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) subsequently determined that this amount of B 4 C does not require constraints on moisture or plastic present as moderator. The Saylor and Scaglione analysis conservatively assumes repository room closure that eliminates all space between fissile gram equivalent (FGE) 239 Pu masses. The close-packed array was selected based on limited availability of repository salt creep modeling results at that time. In 2019, Brickner provided additional evaluations for pipe overpack containers (POCs), building on the conservative basis provided by Saylor and Scaglione. Brickner’s 2019 analysis made use of new geomechanical data for post-closure spacing that rely on advances in repository modeling as documented in the work by Reedlunn and Bean. This current CCO evaluation for generic waste materials expands on earlier work performed at ORNL and includes evaluation of CCOs across a much broader range of possible waste compositions and geometries. This evaluation is intended to provide input for the required feature, event and process (FEP) screening to determine if post-closure criticality must be included as an event in the 10,000-year regulatory evaluation. As such, the approach to modeling post-closure criticality presented in this report has been coordinated with the Sandia team responsible for FEP screening. The resulting analysis supports disposition of fissile materials in the CCO containing up to 380 FGE 239 Pu and expands conditions acceptable for disposal of fissile material in CCOs. This evaluation builds on the methodology of Saylor and Scaglione and Brickner, using the most recently available geomechanical data for CCO spacing under salt creep compaction scenarios provided by Reedlunn and Bean. The broad range of fissile material configurations analyzed in this report are intended to account for configurations that may occur during the post-closure disposal time period, and it also includes waste configurations that are not physically possible to support analysis of conditions that influence neutron fluence.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

Small Mammal Prey Study for the Mexican Spotted Owl at Two Locations at Los Alamos National Laboratory

In New Mexico, Mexican spotted owls (Strix occidentalis lucida) are typically found in rocky canyons consisting of mixed-conifer forests that have experienced minimal human disturbance. At Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Mexican spotted owls have been found breeding and foraging in habitats consistent with their known biology, but face the impact of human encroachment in the surrounding upland habitat. Little is known about the prey base present within the Laboratory’s vast forests. In anticipation of expanding human development in proximity to known occupied owl habitat, the goal of our study was to evaluate the small mammal prey base available to Mexican spotted owls at the Laboratory and to assess prey availability, diversity and composition. We sampled two study plots within the Laboratory’s forests for small mammals in 2021. Study plots were situated in conifer, deciduous, mixed conifer-deciduous and mixed oak. Our small mammal trapping efforts and SCR modeling revealed site-specific differences in prey base diversity, abundance and density between the unoccupied Pajarito Canyon and nearby occupied Mortandad Canyon site. These results highlight how managing tracts of land for small mammal prey base may overlap with goals set forth by researchers for Mexican spotted owl habitat needs. We recommend further trapping efforts to better understand prey availability in occupied and unoccupied sites at LANL as well as further investigation of prey selection through the dissection of pellets found in the areas surrounding known nesting locations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Use Attainability Analysis Aquatic Life Uses for Perennial Reach of Sandia Canyon [Slides]

The following information will be presented during the February 23, 2022 Accord Pueblos Technical Meeting. The purpose of the study is to determine if natural thermal conditions are preventing the attainment of Coldwater Aquatic Life Use in the perennial reach of the upper Sandia Canyon Assessment Unit (Sandia AU). The New Mexico Water Quality Standards allow for a change in the designated use if a Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) demonstrates that the use is not attainable due to one or more of six factors listed in 40 CFR 131.10(g), including naturally occurring pollutant concentrations. The Sandia AU is located in a perennial reach of upper Sandia Canyon between Sigma Canyon and NPDES Outfall 001. The classified Segment 20.6.4.126 NMAC comprises perennial waters within Los Alamos National Laboratory boundaries and includes the Sandia AU. Persistent surface flows originate from NPDES permitted effluent releases. These releases have occurred since the early 1950’s and continue today. The UAA examines several lines of evidence. NMED’s Air-Water Temperature Correlation (AWTC) model is used for identifying appropriate stream classifications and attainable aquatic life use subcategories. The model correlates between July average air temperatures (ATEMP) and maximum weekly average stream temperatures. Air temperatures are obtained from PRISM and LANL Meteorological Towers and used to derive ATEMP. Thermographs were placed in the Sandia AU to obtain measured stream temperatures during summer months when stream temperatures are the highest. Measured data is used with AWTC modeled data to determine if the Sandia AU is meeting its natural air temperature driven thermal condition.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

100% Carbon-Free Electricity for Sandia NM and KAFB Using Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) (SAND Report)

This report provides a design study to produce 100% carbon-free electricity for Sandia NM and Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) using concentrating solar power (CSP). Annual electricity requirements for both Sandia and KAFB are presented, along with specific load centers that consume a significant and continuous amount of energy. CSP plant designs of 50 MW and 100 MW are then discussed to meet the needs of Sandia NM and the combined electrical needs of both Sandia NM and KAFB. Probabilistic modeling is performed to evaluate inherent uncertainties in performance and cost parameters on total construction costs and the levelized cost of electricity. Total overnight construction costs are expected to range between ~$300M - $400M for the 50 MW CSP plant and between ~$500M - $800M for the 100 MW plant. Annual operations and maintenance (O&M) costs are estimated together with potential offsets in electrical costs and CO 2 emissions. Other considerations such as interconnections, land use and permitting, funding options, and potential agreements and partnerships with Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), and other entities are also discussed.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Probabilistic Modeling of Climate Change Impacts on Renewable Energy and Storage Requirements for NM's Energy Transition Act (SAND Report)

This report provides a study of the potential impacts of climate change on intermittent renewable energy resources, battery storage, and resource adequacy in Public Service Company of New Mexico’s Integrated Resource Plan for 2020 – 2040. Climate change models and available data were first evaluated to determine uncertainty and potential changes in solar irradiance, temperature, and wind speed in NM in the coming decades. These changes were then implemented in solar and wind energy models to determine impacts on renewable energy resources in NM. Results for the extreme climate-change scenario show that the projected wind power may decrease by ~13% due to projected decreases in wind speed. Projected solar power may decrease by ~4% due to decreases in irradiance and increases in temperature in NM. Uncertainty in these climate-induced changes in wind and solar resources was accommodated in probabilistic models assuming uniform distributions in the annual reductions in solar and wind resources. Uncertainty in battery storage performance was also evaluated based on increased temperature, capacity fade, and degradation in round-trip efficiency. The hourly energy balance was determined throughout the year given uncertainties in the renewable energy resources and energy storage. The loss of load expectation (LOLE) was evaluated for the 2040 No New Combustion portfolio and found to increase from 0 days/year to a median value of ~2 days/year due to potential reductions in renewable energy resources and battery storage performance and capacity. A rank-regression analyses revealed that battery round-trip efficiency was the most significant parameter that impacted LOLE, followed by solar resource, wind resource, and battery fade. An increase in battery storage capacity to ~25,000 – 30,000 MWh from a baseline value of ~14,000 MWh was required to reduce the median value of LOLE to ~0.2 days/year with consideration of potential climate impacts and battery degradation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

The 2020 Nonlinear Mechanics and Dynamics Research Institute

The 2020 Nonlinear Mechanics and Dynamics (NOMAD) Research Institute was successfully held from June 15 to July 30, 2020. NOMAD brings together participants with diverse technical backgrounds to work in small teams to cultivate new ideas and approaches in engineering mechanics and dynamics research. NOMAD provides an opportunity for researchers – especially early career researchers - to develop lasting collaborations that go beyond what can be established from the limited interactions at their institutions or at annual conferences. A total of 11 students participated in the seven-week long program held virtually due to the COVID-19 health pandemic. The students collaborated on one of four research projects that were developed by various mentors from Sandia National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico, and other academic and research institutions. In addition to the research activities, the students attended weekly technical seminars, various virtual tours, and socialized at virtual gatherings. At the end of the summer, the students gave a final technical presentation on their research findings. Many of the research discoveries made at NOMAD 2020 are published as proceedings at technical conferences and have direct alignment with the critical mission work performed at Sandia.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Economic Analysis of Changes in Hydropower Operations at the Flaming Gorge Dam and the Aspinall Unit Due to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program

This report was prepared by Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) in support of an economic analysis of operational restrictions at the Flaming Gorge Dam (FG) and the Aspinall Unit conducted for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). WAPA markets electricity produced at hydroelectric facilities operated by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). The facilities known collectively as the Salt Lake City Area Integrated Projects (SLCA/IP) include dams equipped for power generation on the Colorado, Green, Gunnison, and Rio Grande Rivers and on Plateau Creek in the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This report presents detailed findings of an economic analysis of operational restrictions implemented at FG during water years (WYs) 2001 to 2016, and at the Aspinall Cascade during WYs 2013 to 2016. Staff members of Argonne’s Energy Systems Division prepared this document with assistance from staff members of WAPA’s Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) Management Center and Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Innovative Proton Conductive Membranes Based on Two-Dimensional Materials

The team of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, New Mexico State University, and General Graphene Corporation staff will develop and commercialize paradigm-shifting low-cost, high-performing, proton-conductive membranes made from abundant and durable 2D materials. Proposed membranes are expected to be an order of magnitude better in performance and cost compared with the current state-of-the-art formulation, Nafion, and thus are expected to eliminate huge roadblocks in proliferation of fuel cells and flow batteries. The major goal for this work is to develop a fundamentally new learning curve for novel proton exchange membranes needed for various applications. The new technology will overcome the shortcomings of the current state-of-the-art membranes that are based upon Nafion polymer by offering higher proton conductivities, the ability to operate at much lower external humidity levels and higher temperatures (>120°C), and negligible fuel and oxidant crossover through the membrane.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Correlation of Injury Simulation with Clinical Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury

This report contains a summary of our efforts to correlate head injury simulations predicting intracranial fluid cavitation with clinical assessments of brain injury from blunt impact to the head. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, collected on traumatic brain injury (TBI) subjects by researchers at the MIND Institute of New Mexico, was acquired for the current work. Specific blunt impact TBI case histories were selected from the TBI data for further study and possible correlation with simulation. Both group and single-subject case histories were examined. We found one single-subject case that was particularly suited for correlation with simulation. Diffusion tensor image (DTI) analysis of the TBI subject identified white matter regions within the brain displaying reductions in fractional anisotropy (FA), an indicator of local damage to the white matter axonal structures. Analysis of functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI) data collected on this individual identified localized regions of the brain displaying hypoactivity, another indicator of brain injury. We conducted high fidelity simulations of head impact experienced by the TBI subject using the Sandia head-neck-torso model and the shock physics computer code CTH. Intracranial fluid cavitation predictions were compared with maps of DTI fractional anisotropy and fMRI hypoactivity to assess whether a possible correlation exists. The ultimate goal of this work is to assess whether one can correlate simulation predictions of intracranial fluid cavitation with the brain injured sites identified by the fMRI and DTI analyses. The outcome of this effort is described in this report.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cost-Efficient Construction at Los Alamos National Laboratory

The construction industry can be fraught with cost, schedule, and scope overruns. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), a Department of Energy (DOE) / National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) facility located in Northern New Mexico, seems to be particularly vulnerable to cost and schedule overruns. Since Triad National Security, LLC acquired the management and operating (M&O) contract for LANL in 2018, the group has been striving to reduce the cost of construction across the forty square-mile campus.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Exploration of groundwater and geothermal characteristics of Tohatchi Hot Springs aquifer at local and regional scales

Objective: Aquifer sustainability for geothermal resources exploration of Tohatchi Hotsprings, New Mexico. Tasks: (1) Generate 3D numerical models using PFLOTRAN to explore the geothermal resources in the Tohatchi spring aquifer and its contiguous areas and (2) estimate the sustainability of the aquifer for future geothermal resource development.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Exploring Impacts to COVID-19 Herd Immunity Thresholds Under Demographic Heterogeneity that Lowers Vaccine Effectiveness

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe health, economic, and societal impacts across the globe. Although highly efficacious vaccines were developed at an unprecedented rate, the heterogeneity in vaccinated populations has reduced the ability to achieve herd immunity. Specifically, as of Spring 2022, the 0–4 year-old population is still unable to be vaccinated and vaccination rates across 5-11 year olds are low. Additionally, vaccine hesitancy for older populations has further stalled efforts to reach herd immunity thresholds. This heterogeneous vaccine landscape increases the challenge of anticipating disease spread in a population. We developed an age-structured Susceptible-InfectiousRecovered-type mathematical model to investigate the impacts of unvaccinated subpopulations on herd immunity. The model considers two types of undervaccination - age-related and behaviorrelated - by incorporating four age groups based on available FDA-approved vaccines. The model accounts for two different types of vaccines, mRNA (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna) and vector (e.g., Johnson and Johnson), as well as their effectiveness. Our goal is to analyze different scenarios to quantify which subpopulations and vaccine characteristics (e.g., rate or efficacy) most impact infection levels in the United States, using the state of New Mexico as an example.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Witness the Trinity test through Lab artifacts

July 16 marks the 77th anniversary of the Trinity test, conducted in a desert in New Mexico. The test subject, an atomic bomb called The Gadget, was successfully detonated from a 100-foot steel tower. This event marks the commencement of the Atomic Age, a new era where fission capabilities could be employed for national security purposes. Shortly after the Trinity test, two Los Alamos-created atomic weapons were released above Japan, helping to end the world’s bloodiest conflict just weeks later. “Trinity was one of the greatest scientific experiments ever,” said NSRC Senior Historian Alan Carr said. “Los Alamos scientists changed the world forever on that day. Not only was it the dawn of the Atomic Age, but also the beginning of the Lab’s eight decades of cutting-edge science and its national security charge.” To preserve this event, and to continue to learn more about this critical moment in history, the National Security Research Center (NSRC) curates a collection of photographs, films, notes, unclassified artifacts and numerous other materials related to the science of the test. Notably, the collection includes a novel material that formed at the site, trinitite, and artifacts from one of the intriguing scientists present at the test, Enrico Fermi.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2022

RCT Training and Qualification

The RCT training program prepares Radiological Control Technicians to support the advancement of the laboratory’s mission objectives while ensuring the health and safety of the workforce and public from radiological hazards, utilizing a multi-disciplinary, hands-on approach. Currently located at the MESA complex within the University of New Mexico – Los Alamos Campus, the RP Training department has established an immersive training environment that simulates realistic work conditions in which RCTs may develop the fundamental knowledge and skills required to control radiological work across the Laboratory

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Tale of Two Bomb Designs: Why were both Little Boy and Fat Man created?

Little Boy and Fat Man. Two types of nuclear weapons were developed at the Los Alamos wartime lab in an effort to help end World War II. Both would be released above Japan just days apart in August 1945, and just weeks after the Trinity test in the New Mexico desert. These weapons were, however, as different as their monikers imply. Little Boy was a uranium, gun-type weapon, whereas Fat Man was a plutonium, implosion-style weapon. Two types were needed because there was only enough uranium for one gun-type weapon and the U.S. government knew it would need to make more than one weapon. Also, the unattainable challenges of a plutonium gun-type design prompted the shift to the implosion-style weapon.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗