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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 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Geologic Study in Central North Dakota

Fact sheet explaining the process of drilling a test hole to collect data for the North Dakota CarbonSAFE project. North Dakota CarbonSAFE is an Energy & Environmental Research Center project, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tantalum Experiments in Fully-Reflected Water-Moderated Triangular-Pitched U(6.90)O 2 Fuel Rod Lattices (1.02 cm Pitch)

The United States (US) Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Energy Research Initiative funded the design and construction of the Seven Percent Critical Experiment (7uPCX) at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). The start-up of the experiment facility and the execution of the experiments described here were funded by the DOE Nuclear Criticality Safety Program. The 7uPCX is designed to investigate critical systems with fuel for light water reactors in the enrichment range above 5 % 235 U. The 7uPCX assembly is a water moderated and — reflected array of aluminum-clad U(6.90 %)O 2 fuel rods. Other critical experiments performed in the 7uPCX assembly are documented in LEU-COMP-THERM-078, LEU-COMP-THERM-080, LEU-COMP-THERM 096, LEU- COMP-THERM-097, LEU-COMP-THERM-101, LEU-COMP-THERM-102, and LEU-COMP-THERM-111. Applied interests in neutron-absorbing elements at epithermal and intermediate neutron energy ranges at DOE’s Hanford Site and Savannah River Site were identified through DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) workshops and needs surveys performed in conjunction with the National Nuclear Security Administration/Nuclear Criticality Safety Program. In response, a team lead by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) performed a study evaluating the use of 7uPCX for testing the epithermal cross sections of materials at SNL. This marked the inception of the set of experiments described here. The purpose of these experiments was to measure the effects of tantalum in nearly-critical systems. The tantalum was introduced into the fuel arrays as experiment rods within a central test region. The central test region was designed to target the epithermal neutron energy range by providing a dry cylindrical cavity constructed of aluminum and lined with 0.04 in (0.1016 cm) thick cadmium sheet. The central test region has an outer diameter of 3.75 in (9.525 cm) length of 31 in (78.74 cm) and can hold 85 tantalum rods nominally 0.25 in (0.635 cm) outside diameter and 31.25 in (79.375 cm) long. The critical experiments were done using a set of triangular-pitched grid plates fabricated for these experiments. The grid plate set accommodated a fuel array of a total of 2016 fuel rod positions on a pitch of 0.4 in (1.016 cm) in a series of 21 hexagonal rings positioned around the central test region. The fuel used in these experiments was fabricated using unirradiated 6.90 % enriched UO 2 fuel pellets from fuel elements designed to be used in the internal nuclear superheater section of the Pathfinder boiling water reactor operated in South Dakota by the Northern States Power Company in the 1960s. The fuel elements were obtained from The Pennsylvania State University where they had been stored for many years. The fuel pellets in those fuel elements were removed from the original Incoloy cladding and reclad in 3003 aluminum tubes and end caps for use in the experiments reported here. The eight cases in this experiment series were performed in 2024 in the Sandia Critical Experiments (SCX) at the Sandia Pulsed Reactor Facility by varying the number of fuel rods in the critical assembly. The personnel involved in conducting these experiments included David Ames, Elijah Lutz, Beth Hanson, Patrick Ward, Jason Soares, and Augie Chapa from SNL, as well as Mathieu Dupont and B.J. Marshall from ORNL. Case 1 had no tantalum experiment rods. Case 2 had seven tantalum rods in the center of the central test region. Case 3 had 18 tantalum rods in the third hexagonal ring of the central test region. Case 4 had 19 tantalum rods in the center of the central test region. Case 5 had 30 tantalum rods in the outer most positions of the central test region. Case 6 had 37 tantalum rods in the center of the central test region. Case 7 had 61 tantalum rods in the center of the central test region. Case 8 had 85 tantalum rods filling all positions in the central test region. All eight critical experiments are judged to be acceptable as benchmark experiments.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

General balance functions of identified charged hadron pairs of (π, Κ, ρ) in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV

First measurements of balance functions (BFs) of all combinations of identified charged hadron (π, Κ, ρ) pairs in Pb–Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV recorded by the ALICE detector are presented. The BF measurements are carried out as two-dimensional differential correlators versus the relative rapidity (Δy) and azimuthal angle (Δφ) of hadron pairs, and studied as a function of collision centrality. The Δφ dependence of BFs is expected to be sensitive to the light quark diffusivity in the quark–gluon plasma. While the BF azimuthal widths of all pairs substantially decrease from peripheral to central collisions, the longitudinal widths exhibit mixed behaviors: BFs of ππ and cross-species pairs narrow significantly in more central collisions, whereas those of KK and pp are found to be independent of collision centrality. This dichotomy is qualitatively consistent with the presence of strong radial flow effects and the existence of two stages of quark production in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Finally, the first measurements of the collision centrality evolution of BF integrals are presented, with the observation that charge balancing fractions are nearly independent of collision centrality in Pb–Pb collisions. Overall, the results presented provide new and challenging constraints for theoretical models of hadron production and transport in relativistic heavy-ion collisions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Upstream surface roughness and terrain are strong drivers of contrast in tornado potential between North and South America

Central North America is the global hotspot for tornadoes, fueled by elevated terrain of the Rockies to the west and a source of warm, moist air from equatorward oceans. This conventional wisdom argues that central South America, with the Andes to the west and Amazon basin to the north, should have a “tornado alley” at least as active as central North America. Central South America has frequent severe thunderstorms yet relatively few tornadoes. Here, we show that conventional wisdom is missing an important ingredient specific to tornadoes: a smooth, flat ocean-like upstream surface. Using global climate model experiments, we show that central South American tornado potential substantially increases if its equatorward land surface is smoothed and flattened to be ocean-like. Similarly, we show that central North American tornado potential substantially decreases if its equatorward ocean surface is roughened to values comparable to forested land. A rough upstream surface suppresses the formation of tornadic environments principally by weakening the poleward low-level winds, characterized by a weakened low-level jet east of the mountain range. Results are shown to be robust for any midlatitude landmass using idealized experiments with a simplified continent and mountain range. Our findings indicate that large-scale upstream surface roughness is likely a first-order driver of the strong contrast in tornado potential between North and South America.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effect of bars on evolution of SDSS spiral galaxies

ABSTRACT We explore the significance of bars in triggering central star formation (SF) and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity for spiral galaxy evolution using a volume-limited sample with 0.020 < z < 0.055, Mr < −19.5, and σ > 70 km s−1 selected from Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7. On a central SF rate–σ plane, we measure the fraction of galaxies with strong bars in our sample and also the AGN fractions for barred and non-barred galaxies, respectively. The comparison between the bar and AGN fractions reveals a causal connection between the two phenomena of SF quenching and AGN activity. A massive black hole and abundant gas fuels are sufficient conditions to trigger AGNs. We infer that the AGNs triggered by satisfying the two conditions drive the strong AGN feedback, suddenly suppressing the central SF and leaving the SF sequence. We find that in galaxies where either of the two conditions is not sufficient, bars are a great help for the AGN triggering, accelerating the entire process of evolution, which is particularly evident in pseudo-bulge galaxies. All of our findings are obtained only when plotted in terms of their central velocity dispersion and central SFR (not galactic scale SFR), indicating that the AGN-driven SF quenching is confined in the central kpc region.

Kim, Minbae↗
DOE OSTI2020

The weak imprint of environment on the stellar populations of galaxies

ABSTRACT We investigate the environmental dependence of the stellar populations of galaxies in Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 (SDSS DR7). Echoing earlier works, we find that satellites are both more metal-rich (<0.1 dex) and older (<2 Gyr) than centrals of the same stellar mass. However, after separating star-forming, green valley, and passive galaxies, we find that the true environmental dependence of both stellar metallicity (<0.03 dex) and age (<0.5 Gyr) is in fact much weaker. We show that the strong environmental effects found when galaxies are not differentiated result from a combination of selection effects brought about by the environmental dependence of the quenched fraction of galaxies, and thus we strongly advocate for the separation of star-forming, green valley, and passive galaxies when the environmental dependence of galaxy properties are investigated. We also study further environmental trends separately for both central and satellite galaxies. We find that star-forming galaxies show no environmental effects, neither for centrals nor for satellites. In contrast, the stellar metallicities of passive and green valley satellites increase weakly (<0.05 and <0.08 dex, respectively) with increasing halo mass, increasing local overdensity and decreasing projected distance from their central; this effect is interpreted in terms of moderate environmental starvation (‘strangulation’) contributing to the quenching of satellite galaxies. Finally, we find a unique feature in the stellar mass–stellar metallicity relation for passive centrals, where galaxies in more massive haloes have larger stellar mass (∼0.1 dex) at constant stellar metallicity; this effect is interpreted in terms of dry merging of passive central galaxies and/or progenitor bias.

Trussler, James↗
DOE OSTI2024

Galaxies with biconical ionized structure in MaNGA – I. Sample selection and driven mechanisms

ABSTRACT Based on the integral field unit (IFU) data from Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey, we develop a new method to select galaxies with biconical ionized structures, building a sample of 142 edge-on biconical ionized galaxies. We classify these 142 galaxies into 81 star-forming galaxies, 31 composite galaxies, and 30 AGNs (consisting of 23 Seyferts and 7 LI(N)ERs) according to the [N ii]-BPT diagram. The star-forming bicones have bar-like structures while AGN bicones display hourglass structures, and composite bicones exhibit transitional morphologies between them due to both black hole and star formation activities. Star-forming bicones have intense star formation activities in their central regions, and the primary driver of biconical structures is the central star formation rate surface density. The lack of difference in the strength of central black hole activities (traced by dust attenuation corrected [O iii]λ5007 luminosity and Eddington ratio) between Seyfert bicones and their control samples can be naturally explained as that the accretion disc and the galactic disc are not necessarily coplanar. Additionally, the biconical galaxies with central LI(N)ER-like line ratios are edge-on disc galaxies that show strong central dust attenuation. The radial gradients of H α surface brightness follow the r−2.35 relation, roughly consistent with r−2 profile, which is expected in the case of photoionization by a central point-like source. These observations indicate obscured AGNs or AGN echoes as the primary drivers of biconical structures in LI(N)ERs.

Zhou, Zhi-Jie (ORCID:0000000317096005)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Assessing the ultracentral flow puzzle in hydrodynamic modeling of heavy-ion collisions

An outstanding problem in heavy-ion collisions is the inability for models to accurately describe ultra-central experimental flow data, despite that being precisely the regime where a hydrodynamic description should be most applicable. Here, we reassess the status of this puzzle by computing the flow in ultra-central collisions obtained from multiple recent Bayesian models that were tuned to various observables in different collision systems at typical centralities. While central data can now be described with better accuracy than in previous calculations, tension with experimental observation remains and worsens as one goes to ultra-central collisions. Tuning the model parameters cannot remove this tension without destroying the fit at other centralities. As such, new elements are likely needed in the standard modeling of heavy-ion collisions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

K ∗ (892) ± resonance production in Pb−Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV

The production of K *⁢(892) ± meson resonance is measured at midrapidity (| y |<0.5) in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{^sNN}$ = 5.02 TeV using the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The resonance is reconstructed via its hadronic decay channel K *⁢(892) ± → K $^0_S$⁢π ± . The transverse momentum distributions are obtained for various centrality intervals in the p T range of 0.4-16 GeV/ c . Measurements of integrated yields, mean transverse momenta, and particle yield ratios are reported and found to be consistent with previous ALICE measurements for K *⁢(892) 0 within uncertainties. The p T -integrated yield ratio 2 K *⁢(892) ± ⁢/(⁢ K + + K - ) in central Pb-Pb collisions shows a significant suppression at a level of 9.3σ⁢ relative to pp collisions. Thermal model calculations result in an overprediction of the particle yield ratio. Although both hadron resonance gas in partial chemical equilibrium (HRG-PCE) and MUSIC + SMASH simulations consider the hadronic phase, only HRG-PCE accurately represents the measurements, whereas MUSIC + SMASH simulations tend to overpredict the particle yield ratio. These observations, along with the kinetic freeze-out temperatures extracted from the yields measured for light-flavored hadrons using the HRG-PCE model, indicate a finite hadronic phase lifetime, which decreases with increasing collision centrality percentile. The p T-differential yield ratios 2 K *⁢(892) ±⁢ /(⁢ K + + K - ) and 2 K *⁢(892) ± ⁢/(⁢π + +π - ) are presented and compared with measurements in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 5.02 TeV. Both particle ratios are found to be suppressed by up to a factor of five at p T <2.0 GeV/ c in central Pb-Pb collisions and are qualitatively consistent with expectations for rescattering effects in the hadronic phase. The nuclear modification factor ( R AA ) shows a smooth evolution with centrality and is found to be below unity at p T >8 GeV/ c , consistent with measurements for other light-flavored hadrons. The smallest values are observed in most central collisions, indicating larger energy loss of partons traversing the dense medium.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Raw_data_Batch_I: Garfield Ridge

Date of collection: May 4, 2023 Location: Garfield Ridge, Chicago, IL This data set contains lidar and vision data collected in Garfield Ridge, Chicago. The vehicle started from the intersection of Garfield Ridge and S. Harlem, headed east until S. Central Ave. The vehicle headed south along S. Central Ave. until West 60th Street, headed west, and turned north along S. Austin Ave. until it turned west onto W. 59th Street. The vehicle then headed north along S. Harlem Ave. and returned to the intersection of Garfield Ridge and S. Harlem. The data contains the following Robot Operating System (ROS) topics: - /Central_Camera_blurred – Image flow from coaxial camera heading, vehicle front. - /Left_Camera_blurred – Image flow from left camera, 60° from central camera on the left side. - /Right_Camera_blurred – Image flow from right camera, 60° from central camera on the right side. - /camera0/camera_info – Intrinsic and distortion information of left camera. - /camera0/projection_matrix – Extrinsic matrix of left camera from lidar. - /camera2/camera_info – Intrinsic and distortion information of central camera. - /camera2/projection_matrix – Extrinsic matrix of central camera from lidar. - /camera5/camera_info – Intrinsic and distortion information of right camera. - /camera5/projection_matrix – Extrinsic matrix of right camera from lidar. - /novatel/oem7/bestpos – Latitude, longitude, and elevation information from NovAtel GNSS-INS system. - /points_raw – VLP-32 lidar point cloud. - /tf – Vehicle base frame. The data are organized into a data description file and one or more ROS .bag files, dependent on original file size. The data description file provides information about the data collection date, location, and detailed mapping, while the .bag file(s) contain the actual data. Please note that for the purpose of securing personally identifiable information, all license plates and faces included in this publication have been intentionally blurred during real-time processing. ![garfield ridge image](garfield-ridge.png)

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Direct heat exchanger for molten chloride fast reactor

A molten chloride fast reactor (MCFR) includes a plurality of reflectors defining a central core having a core geometric center. A flow channel fluidically connected to the central core. The flow channel includes an outlet flow channel downstream of the central core and an inlet flow channel upstream from the central core. A primary heat exchanger (PHX) disposed outside the central core and between the outlet flow channel and the inlet flow channel. The MCFR also includes a decay heat heat exchanger (DHHX). At least a portion of the DHHX is disposed above the core geometric center, and a fuel salt is configured to circulate at least partially through the outlet flow channel, the DHHX, the PHX, the inlet flow channel, and the central core.

Abbott, Ryan↗
DOE OSTI2021

Room Return Path Sensitivity

Standard practice for HVAC return design has evolved from running a dedicated return to each room with a supply, to systems with returns in more centrally located areas of the home with jump ducts, transfer grilles, or simply door undercuts used as return air pathways from isolated rooms. In these latter systems, hallways and stairwells act as large open ducts for conveying air back to a single (or sometimes multiple) central return. When partition doors to an isolated room are closed, the return airflow resistance goes up, significantly impacting airflow balance if an adequate relief pathway is not installed. Airflow imbalances can lead to comfort and building durability issues and increased envelope leakage. To combat this, some jurisdictions have requirements for return air pathways. The supply system topology–or layout–impacts the airflow balance stability in response to adjustments of return pathway resistances. Branching supply topologies typically have reduced static pressure after each split. The static pressure at the final split will be lower than the primary supply plenum. Because of this, if there is a restriction in a room’s return path, supply airflow will tend to redistribute to adjacent ducts at the end of the branch. A properly designed trunk and branch supply system can effectively equalize static pressure by reducing the cross sectional area after each takeoff . Maintaining static pressure within the trunk will reduce the system’s sensitivity to changes in return paths. However, in practice, it is difficult to design and time consuming to install a complex supply plenum. Velocity effects and poor takeoff placement also impact airflow balance. This report considers return systems in three main categories: distributed, with a return duct to each room; multiple central, with one return grille on each floor of a home; and single central, with a single return grille located near the air handling unit. Three supply categories are also considered: radial splitter box, trunk and branch, and home-run with all ducts connecting directly to a central manifold.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗