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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Controlled photo-discharge of dust in a complex plasma

One of the limitations in studying dusty plasmas is that many of the important properties of the dust (like the charge) are directly coupled to the surrounding plasma conditions rather than being determined independently. The application of high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) sources to generate discharging photoelectric currents may provide an avenue for developing methods of controlling dust charge. Careful selection of the parameters of the UV source and dust material may even allow for this to be accomplished with minimal perturbation of the background plasma. The Auburn Magnetized Plasma Research Laboratory (MPRL) has developed a ‘proof-of-concept’ experiment for this controlled photo-discharging of dust; a high-intensity, near-UV source was used to produce large changes in the equilibrium positions of lanthanum hexaboride ( $\textrm {LaB}_6$ ) particles suspended in an argon DC glow discharge with negligible changes in the potential, density and temperature profiles of the background plasma. The shifts in equilibrium position of the dust are consistent with a reduction in dust charge. Video analysis is used to quantify the changes in position, velocity and acceleration of a test particle under the influence of the UV and Langmuir probes are used to measure the effects on the plasma.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enabling Ambient Stability of LiNiO 2 Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Materials via Graphene–Cellulose Composite Coatings

Nickel-rich layered oxides are widely used as cathode materials for energy-dense lithium-ion batteries. These chemistries, based on the parent compound LiNiO 2 (LNO), are highly sensitive to ambient environments and are known to readily react with moisture and carbon dioxide. As a result, impurities such as lithium hydroxides and lithium carbonates are formed at the LNO surface, compromising electrochemical behavior. Here, we address this issue by coating LNO cathode particles with a hydrophobic barrier layer composed of graphene and ethyl cellulose (GrEC). This coating limits contact between atmospheric moisture and the LNO surface, which minimizes the generation of lithium impurities. This scheme is evaluated by exposing coated LNO to humidified CO 2 for 24 h as an accelerated ambient degradation test. Subsequent spectroscopy, microscopy, and electrochemical characterization show no detectable signatures of carbonates on the LNO surface, thus verifying that the GrEC coating prevents ambient degradation. In conclusion, by demonstrating this methodology for the ultimate nickel-rich chemistry, this approach can likely be generalized to a wide range of ambient-sensitive battery materials.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

In vitro prototyping and rapid optimization of biosynthetic enzymes for cell design

The design and optimization of biosynthetic pathways for industrially relevant, non-model organisms is challenging due to transformation idiosyncrasies, reduced numbers of validated genetic parts and a lack of high-throughput workflows. Here we describe a platform for in vitro prototyping and rapid optimization of biosynthetic enzymes (iPROBE) to accelerate this process. In iPROBE, cell lysates are enriched with biosynthetic enzymes by cell-free protein synthesis and then metabolic pathways are assembled in a mix-and-match fashion to assess pathway performance. We demonstrate iPROBE by screening 54 different cell-free pathways for 3-hydroxybutyrate production and optimizing a six-step butanol pathway across 205 permutations using data-driven design. Observing a strong correlation (r = 0.79) between cell-free and cellular performance, we then scaled up our highest-performing pathway, which improved in vivo 3-HB production in Clostridium by 20-fold to 14.63 ± 0.48 g l -1 . Finally, we expect iPROBE to accelerate design–build–test cycles for industrial biotechnology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Preparation and characterization of multiphase ceramic designer waste forms

Abstract The long-term performance, or resistance to elemental release, is the defining characteristic of a nuclear waste form. In the case of multiphase ceramic waste forms, correlating the long-term performance of multiphase ceramic waste forms in the environment to accelerated chemical durability testing in the laboratory is non-trivial owing to their complex microstructures. The fabrication method, which in turn affects the microstructure, is further compounding when comparing multiphase ceramic waste forms. In this work, we propose a “designer waste form” prepared via spark plasma sintering to limit interaction between phases and grain growth during consolidation, leading to monolithic high-density waste forms, which can be used as reference materials for comparing the chemical durability of multiphase waste forms. Designer waste forms containing varying amounts of hollandite in the presence of zirconolite and pyrochlore in a fixed ratio were synthesized. The product consistency test (PCT) and vapor hydration test (VHT) were used to assess the leaching behavior. Samples were unaffected by the VHT after 1500 h. As measured by the PCT, the fractional Cs release decreased as the amount of hollandite increased. Elemental release from the zirconolite and pyrochlore phases did not appear to significantly contribute to the elemental release from the hollandite phase in the designer waste forms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Assessing UV-Induced Degradation in Bifacial Modules of Different Cell Technologies

Bifacial technology enables solar cells to offer higher power output and lower levelized cost of energy compared to their monofacial counterparts. Here, we examined the adverse effects of ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) on a variety of high-efficiency silicon wafer-based bifacial cell technologies, including silicon heterojunction (SHJ), interdigitated back contact (IBC), passivated emitter rear contact (PERC), and passivated emitter rear totally-diffused (PERT). Both the front and rear sides of bifacial cells without any encapsulation were exposed to an artificially accelerated UV exposure test. After 2000 h of UV irradiation, the bifacial cells exhibited greater power loss with backside exposure indicating potential sensitivity of the rear passivation to UV. The highest power degradation is observed in SHJ cells, followed by p-PERC and n-PERT cell technologies. The degradation in SHJ cells is attributed to the reduction in V oc and FF, while the degradation in p-PERC and n-PERT cells is correlated with a significant drop in I sc . This suggests that each cell type/make degrades via different degradation pathways.

bifacial cells↗
DOE OSTI2021

REST Interface Generator (RESTInG) v0.1

From a single data description file, this package generates a simple but complete RESTful web interface to a relational database, in the form of containers that run in a Docker environment. This initial version produces containers that are intended for use on the NERSC Spin platform. It was developed as a foundation for the smart catalog created for LDRD FY20 ACTS: Accelerating COVID-19 Testing with Screening.

Higa, Kenneth↗
DOE OSTI2024

In Situ Plasma processing of SRF cuperconducting cavities at JLAB, 2024 Update

Jefferson Lab has an ongoing R&D program in plasma processing. The experimental program investi-gated processing using argon/oxygen and heli-um/oxygen gas mixtures. Plasma processing is a com-mon technique where the free oxygen produced by the plasma breaks down and removes hydrocarbons from surfaces. This increases the work function and reduces the secondary emission coefficient. The initial focus of the effort was processing C100 cavities by injecting RF power into the high order mode (HOM) coupler ports. We also developed the methods for establishing a plasma in C75 cryomodules where the RF power is injected via the fundamental power-coupler. Four C100 cryomodules were in situ processed in the CE-BAF accelerator in May 2023 with the cryomodules returning to an operational status in Sept. 2023. The overall operational energy gain for the four cryomod-ules was 49 MeV. Methods, systems and results from processing cryomodules in the CEBAF accelerator and vertical test results are presented. Current status and future plans are discussed.

Powers, T.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Perovskite on Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

Since installing solar panels costs more than the panels themselves, it is critically important to improve the efficiency of the panels so that fewer panels need to be installed. More than 90% of all panels being manufactured are made with silicon solar cells. The most promising approach to reach 27% is to upgrade the panels by adding a second set of cells with a larger band gap that can harvest the higher energy photons in the visible spectrum and generate a higher voltage than silicon is capable of generating. Perovskite semiconductors are very promising for low-cost tandems because they have high band gaps, can be rapidly printed from solutions and have been used to make 25% efficient cells by themselves. If we show that it is possible to make stable tandems with 30% efficiency using materials that could be deposited at low cost and that the energy yield will not be compromised, then private companies would be able to raise the capital needed to manufacture this technology. The main metrics for this project are the power conversion efficiency of a lab-scale perovskite/silicon tandem and the ability to maintain a high power conversion efficiency in perovskite solar cells after accelerated operational stability testing under maximum power point at elevated temperature and 1 sun illumination. In short, this project demonstrates improvements to the perovskite absorber layer, contacts for the perovskite solar cell, and transparent oxide layers for window electrodes to achieve tandem efficiencies of 25% after one year and 27% after two years. By the end of the project, we identify strategies to further improve light management in the tandem devices and outline a pathway to reach 30%.In parallel, stability testing is conducted to evaluate said absorber and contact layers in the perovskite top cell, demonstrating 1000 hours of operation with less than 10% degradation at 1 sun. Our work on this project has made a leading impact on the development of perovskite/silicon tandems. The triple halide perovskite that we developed using iodide, bromide, and chloride and published in Science in March 2020 has received significant interest from other experts in the field at conferences. We took a silicon bottom cell with 21% efficiency, a technology that is responsible for a $30 billion market, and improved it by 30% relative. In addition, we have demonstrated impressive stability of our perovskite semitransparent top cells used in the tandems, showing for the first time packaged devices that pass a variety of IEC stability tests including damp heat, temperature cycling, and UV exposure tests.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Verification and Validation of the New MCNP6.3 Criticality Features [Slides]

This presentation touches on a separate MCNP6.3 V&V document reports on all the default calculations for all test suites. Here, we look at new optional features of the MCNP6.3 code with Fission-matrix-based options, Convergence and population testing, and Automated acceleration of the fission source additionally Doppler Broadening Resonance Correction. Also touched on are validation benchmarks: criticality, crit_expanded, and Rossi-α. All the new MCNP6.3 options give statistically equivalent results and either provide a reduction or no change in computational cost. We consider giving these new features a try and using them for all criticality calculations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Validation of New MCNP6.3 Features for Critical and Subcritical Benchmark Simulations [Slides]

A separate MCNP6.3 V&V document reports on all the default calculations for all test suites was introduced. Here, we look at new optional features of the MCNP6.3 code. Then, Fission-matrix-based options with Convergence and population testing and Automated acceleration of the fission source and Doppler Broadening Resonance Correction and HDF5 Particle Track Output (PTRAC) and Validation benchmarks: criticality, Rossi-α, and subcritical multiplication. All the new MCNP6.3 options give statistically equivalent results and should be considered for default usage in criticality and subcritical multiplication calculation work. Discussed are two separate papers at the upcoming 2023 International Conference on Nuclear Criticality Safety (ICNC 2023) that give more details on the results presented here.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advancing 1D thermo-hydraulic tools for large cryogenic facilities

The Cryogenic Division at Fermilab develops large-scale cryogenic systems for particle accelerators and superconducting test facilities. To support design and diagnostics, a Python-based code was created to calculate pressure drops in components such as valves and pipes. This paper presents recent enhancements to the code, including new heat transfer functions that improve the accuracy of thermal and hydraulic predictions. The first application models pressure and temperature changes in PIP-II relief pipes, aiding pipe sizing and protecting relief valves. The second example analyzes heat load evolution in a pipe carrying sub-atmospheric helium, helping interpret temperature sensor data and understand gas return behavior to cold compressors. These improvements significantly expand the tool’s capabilities, offering a practical resource for designing and troubleshooting cryogenic systems under dynamic thermal and flow conditions.

Beckwith, Rosalyn [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fermilab Automation of Coil Winding System

The automated coil winder project creates a repeatable, scalable method for producing superconducting magnet coils with increased accuracy and efficiency. The design uses an ortho cyclic winding method to achieve high fill factors by combining computer numerical control (CNC), microcontroller-based controls, and sophisticated optimization techniques. The method optimizes coil turns, core geometry, and current consumption by utilizing analytical models based on magnetic moment, Ohm’s law, and power constraints. For particle accelerator applications, prototype testing using a 3D-printed coil winder has shown enhanced winding repeatability, thermal management, and manufacturability.

Dzida, Rafal [Northern Illinois U.]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of Corrosion and Its Impact on the Mechanical Performance of Al–Steel Joints

Aluminum–steel joints are increasingly used in the automotive industry to meet the requirements for energy saving and emission reduction. Among various joining technologies, self-pierce riveting (SPR) and resistance spot welding (RSW) are two well-established technologies for fabricating dissimilar joints with stable and high mechanical performance. However, corrosion will occur in these joints inevitably due to different electrochemical properties, which can degrade the surface quality and the mechanical performance, such as strength. This paper presents a method of understanding the corrosion mechanisms in joining aluminum and steel. For this understanding, a hybrid method combining experimental observations, mechanical properties identification, and analytical approaches was used to assess the evolution of the impact of corrosion on the joining performance, such as traction separation curves. The study was conducted on common combinations used in the vehicles, e.g., a 1.2 mm thickness aluminum alloy (AA 6022) and 2.0 mm thickness hot deep galvanized steel (HDG HSLA 340) joined by SPR and RSW. After the fabrication of these joints, accelerated cyclic corrosion tests of up to 104 cycles were performed, which reproduced the environmental conditions to which a vehicle was exposed. By investigating the microstructural evolution within the joints, the corrosion mechanisms of SPR and RSW joints were revealed, including the initiation and propagation. Moreover, the intrinsic impact of the corrosion on the mechanical performance, including the strength, axial stiffness, and crashworthiness, was analyzed by performing a lap-shear test. It showed that as corrosion proceeds, the fracture modes and mechanical performance are affected significantly.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Aemulus Project. VI. Emulation of Beyond-standard Galaxy Clustering Statistics to Improve Cosmological Constraints

Abstract There is untapped cosmological information in galaxy redshift surveys in the nonlinear regime. In this work, we use the Aemulus suite of cosmological N -body simulations to construct Gaussian process emulators of galaxy clustering statistics at small scales (0.1–50 h −1 Mpc) in order to constrain cosmological and galaxy bias parameters. In addition to standard statistics—the projected correlation function w p ( r p ), the redshift-space monopole of the correlation function ξ 0 ( s ), and the quadrupole ξ 2 ( s )—we emulate statistics that include information about the local environment, namely the underdensity probability function P U ( s ) and the density-marked correlation function M ( s ). This extends the model of Aemulus III for redshift-space distortions by including new statistics sensitive to galaxy assembly bias. In recovery tests, we find that the beyond-standard statistics significantly increase the constraining power on cosmological parameters of interest: including P U ( s ) and M ( s ) improves the precision of our constraints on Ω m by 27%, σ 8 by 19%, and the growth of structure parameter, f σ 8 , by 12% compared to standard statistics. We additionally find that scales below ∼6 h −1 Mpc contain as much information as larger scales. The density-sensitive statistics also contribute to constraining halo occupation distribution parameters and a flexible environment-dependent assembly bias model, which is important for extracting the small-scale cosmological information as well as understanding the galaxy–halo connection. This analysis demonstrates the potential of emulating beyond-standard clustering statistics at small scales to constrain the growth of structure as a test of cosmic acceleration.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Utilities Find Success Using NREL's ADMS Test Bed for Grid Modernization

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Electricity have developed a vendor-neutral, advanced distribution management system (ADMS) test bed to accelerate grid modernization efforts for utilities using an ADMS. NREL has partnered with utilities to demonstrate three grid modernization use cases.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Physics Division Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2020-2024

The vision of the Physics Division (PHY) at Argonne National Laboratory is to continue enhancing its role as a world-leading institution in basic nuclear physics research and its applications. Key to this vision is for PHY to continue to safely and effectively operate and evolve the capabilities of the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) facility to best serve its users. ATLAS is the Department of Energy (DOE) accelerator facility for low-energy nuclear physics research. The research carried out by PHY covers many themes in contemporary science but can be distilled into five areas of focus. These themes are interconnected, with continuously evolving synergies between the various groups and facilities in PHY and the broader Laboratory. This five-year strategic plan serves to illustrate our current capabilities and new directions related to these five areas of focus (ATLAS also develops an independent strategic plan): Accelerator research and design. The goal of this theme is to design, fabricate, test, and implement novel accelerator systems, with a focus on high-intensity ion and electron systems. These R&D activities have led to enhancements in the ATLAS accelerator system. Among others, the division’s accelerator systems are in use or planned for use at Fermilab, the Advanced Photon Source, and in a broad variety of applications at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Atom trapping and fundamental symmetries. The goal of this theme is to explore and exploit the uses of advanced laser cooling and trapping techniques to manipulate atoms. There are three main areas of focus. First is in the application of the atom trap trace analysis (ATTA) technique for age determination of groundwater and ice by using radio-krypton dating. The next two trapping-based programs involve tests of fundamental symmetries in nature: the cooling and trapping of radium-225 with the aim of determining limits on an observation of its electric dipole moment and precision measurements of the beta decay properties of helium-6 to set limits on the tensor coupling constant. This is complemented by measurements of similar properties in lithium-8 and boron-8. Nuclear astrophysics. The goal of this theme is to enhance our understanding of how elements are created in the universe via explosive nucleosynthesis and how stars evolve. To meet the challenges of this theme, many of the capabilities of ATLAS are being enhanced, including the development of new beams through a new in-flight separator (RAISOR) and the anticipated neutron-generator upgrade of the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade facility (nuCARIBU). These are coupled to state-of-the-art instruments such as the Canadian Penning Trap, Helical Orbit Spectrometer, Gammasphere, GRETINA, Multi-Sampling Ionization Chamber, the Fragment Mass Analyzer, and Argonne Gas-filled Fragment Analyzer, and a new low-background experimental area for decay studies. Nuclear structure. The goal of this theme is to understand the structure of nuclei, both stable and radioactive, in terms of single-particle properties, their shapes, and the dynamics governing reactions between them. These include questions such as what are the limits of nuclear stability and what are the properties of super heavy nuclei. As with the nuclear astrophysics theme, the capabilities of ATLAS, guided by the ATLAS user community, are continuously being enhanced to this end. The Division has strategic initiatives to play a leading role in the development of instrumentation and research programs at the FRIB. Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and hadron physics. The goal of this theme is to lead major research programs focused on revealing the quark and gluon structure of protons, neutrons, nuclei, and short-lived mesons and baryons. These involve major programs at Jefferson Lab, Fermilab, and smaller facilities. They are complemented by theoretical endeavors centered on the question of how hadrons and their properties emerge from QCD. Out of these activities arise strategic initiatives to play a major role in the forthcoming Electron-Ion Collider (EIC).

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Current Progress on the High-Field Cable Testing Facility at Fermilab

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) is constructing a new High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF) with capabilities comparable to the European facilities EDIPO and FRESCA2. The facility, located at Fermilab, will feature a background magnetic field of 15 T, generated by a magnet provided by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The HFVMTF will support two U.S. national programs under the DOE Office of Science: the U.S. Fusion Energy Science (FES) program and the Magnet Development Program (MDP). It will enable the testing of HTS samples in high magnetic fields across a wide range of temperatures and facilitate the development of hybrid magnets combining LTS and HTS superconductors. This paper presents an overview of the current progress in constructing the facility, including updates on the test cryostat, power supplies, and systems for quench protection and monitoring.

Velev, G. [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Status of the Top Plate and Anticryostat for High Field Cable Test Facility at Fermilab

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) is currently constructing a new High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF) designed for testing High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) cables under high magnetic fields. This facility is expected to offer capabilities similar to those of EDIPO at PSI and FRESCA2 at CERN. The background magnetic field of 15 T will be generated by a magnet supplied by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The primary function of HFVMTF will be to serve as a superconducting cable test facility, facilitating tests under high magnetic fields and a broad spectrum of cryogenic temperatures. Additionally, the facility will be utilized for testing high-field superconducting magnet models and demonstrators, including hybrid magnets, developed by the US Magnet Development Program (MDP). This paper provides a comprehensive description of the current status of two pivotal components of the facility: the Top/Lambda Plates Assembly and the Anticryostat for the Test Sample Holder. The latter will serve as a principal interface component connecting cable test samples with the facility's cryostat.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗