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Expanding geothermal resource utilization through directed research, education, and public outreach: Final Technical Report

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) conducts research and outreach activities that will lead to increased utilization of geothermal resources in the western US. The Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy (GBCGE) is working in partnership with US industry to establish geothermal energy as a sustainable, environmentally sound, economically competitive contributor to energy supply in the western US. Task 1 involves conducting geoscience and engineering research and developing technology to improve the assessment, exploration, and stimulation of geothermal resources. Subtask projects were selected based on peer review of proposals submitted to the GBCGE from Nevada System of High Education (NSHE) institutions for short project development and seed awards intended to develop background and establish viability of approaches for future activities. Task 2 includes project management and organization of workshops periodically requested by DOE and others to satisfy other mission goals of the GBCGE and the DOE geothermal program. GBCGE supports interaction with national and international geothermal organizations, with brochures, presentations, and materials describing GBCGE accomplishments and current research. We continue to maintain and develop an internet-based information system that makes geothermal data and information available to industry, government, and academic stakeholders for exploration and development of geothermal resources. This award also partially supported post-doctoral scholar Drew Siler and research scientist Betsy Littlefield Pace whose effort is included under developing future research projects. Task 2 also focuses on education and outreach through a competitive graduate fellowship program. The budget is for two-year stipends for three graduate students to work collaboratively with GBCGE faculty on Master’s or PhD degrees in geoscience and engineering fields. This grant supported three MS students in full for two years toward the degree and contributed bridge money for four other students to finish their degrees. In total, eight graduate degrees were supported by this grant, either through the faculty seed grants or the fellowship program.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Grimsel Test Site - A Successful International Underground Research Laboratory for Many Decades - 20429

For more than 35 years, Nagra and its partners from around the world have been conducting underground research projects at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS, www.grimsel.com) to contribute to the development and confirmation of safe geological disposal concepts and for the characterization of suitable host rock formations. Over the years, the results of this internationally recognized research program have been, and continue to be, incorporated directly into exploration programs, modelling, safety, and engineering feasibility studies on options for deep geological repositories. Each project of the GTS program involves field-testing, laboratory studies, design and modelling tasks, and integrates all scientific and technical aspects. Each project phase is planned with a duration of three to five years to facilitate practical and administrative aspects and allow flexibility for updating the overall project plans with the latest findings. Scientific and engineering interaction among the different projects is ensured via an international steering committee meeting. Hosting an IAEA level C radiation- controlled zone, which allows use of radionuclides, including actinides such as thorium, uranium, neptunium, plutonium and americium, in in-situ experiments is one of the reasons why GTS also developed as a center of excellence for work with radioactive tracers under realistic in-situ boundary conditions. Last year, a new five-year program (2019 to 2023) started which includes projects with a planning horizon of decades. The new five-year program includes a new phase of in-situ experiments using radionuclides such as migration experiments in the Colloid Formation and Migration project (CFM), the Long-Term Diffusion experiment (LTD) and the newly established C-14 and I-129 Migration in cement project (CIM). The 'High Temperature effects on Bentonite' (HotBENT) project is starting in the current phase and is studying the effects of elevated temperatures (>175 deg. C) on bentonite materials. As a generic underground research laboratory (URL) it is expected that the GTS will provide in the coming years a platform for international collaboration, knowledge development and knowledge transfer for the next generation of scientists and engineers in the area of radioactive waste disposal and geosciences. A key role regarding knowledge transfer and training is provided by the well-established Grimsel Training Center (GTC), which (beside many URL related issues) also covers many general aspects of radioactive waste management. In this paper we provide an overview of the current program at the GTS, focusing on the experiments that study the migration of radionuclides through engineered barrier materials and the geosphere. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Integrated TBC/EBC for SiC Fiber Reinforced SiC Matrix Composites for Next Generation Gas Turbines (Final Report)

In this ambitious project, a significant challenge preventing widespread use of ceramic matrix composites in hot section components of gas power generating turbines was addressed. Hot section components made from SiC fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiC/SiC composites), have the potential to achieve a combined cycle energy efficiency of above 65%. To achieve this efficiency, the temperature of the combustion gases on the turbine component surface is expected to reach as high as ~1700ºC (3100ºF). However, SiC/SiC composites suffer from volatilization at high temperature under high velocity steam environment – typical in a turbine hot chamber. This integrated collaborative project, between two research groups at Clemson University and a team of engineers and scientists at GE Gas Power, focused on design, fabrication and evaluation of a new graded environmental barrier coating. Using the excellent compositional tailorability of polymer derived ceramics (PDCs), we developed an integrated EBC/BC that smoothly transitions from bottom SiC/SiC bond interface to hermetic sesquioxide (Y 2 O 3 ) top surface. This smooth compositional transition avoided the sharp CTE mismatch at interfaces to greatly reduce the thermal stress. The developed EBC is compatible with and bonds well with the bond coat that GE uses. The top hermetic oxide surface ensures low oxygen transportation and volatilization rates under the high velocity steam environment. The graded microstructure with increasing sesquioxide concentration also decreases the amount of Si and C elements near the top hermetic sesquioxide layer. Coatings made using a process suitable for manufacturing – atmospheric plasma spraying was demonstrated. The microstructure of coatings made using this process were fully characterized. Finally, the performance of these coatings was investigated under the most demanding conditions for this application. Specifically, high temperature, high velocity steam exposure; thermal shock test; and thermal cycling tests. The graded coatings performed exceptionally well in all these tests. Specific suggestions for future development in this area have also been identified. In addition to the excellent technical progress, this project helped initiate a robust collaboration between the research groups at Clemson and GE Gas Power. It also provided a high-quality learning and mentoring opportunity for the three post-doctoral research associates and two UG students at Clemson University who worked on this project. All proposed tasks, sub-tasks were completed, and all milestones achieved.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

International symposium on clusters and nanomaterials (energy and life-sciences applications)

The International Symposium on Clusters and Nanomaterials was held in Richmond, Virginia during October 26-29, 2015. The symposium focused on the roles clusters and nanostructures play in solving outstanding problems in clean and sustainable energy and life sciences applications; two of the most important issues facing science and society. Many of the materials issues in renewable energies, environmental impacts of energy technologies as well as beneficial and toxicity issues of nanoparticles in health are intertwined. Realizing that both fundamental and applied materials issues require a multidisciplinary approach the symposium provided a forum by bringing researchers from physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering fields to share their ideas and results, identify outstanding problems, and develop new collaborations. Clean and sustainable energy sessions addressed challenges in production, storage, conversion, and efficiency of renewable energies such as solar, wind, bio, thermo-electric, and hydrogen. Environmental issues dealt with air- and water-pollution and conservation, environmental remediation and hydrocarbon processing. Topics in life sciences included therapeutic and diagnostic methods as well as health hazards attributed to nanoparticles. Cross-cutting topics such as reactions, catalysis, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties were also covered. The symposium attracted 132 participants from 24 countries in the world. It featured 39 invited speakers in 14 plenary sessions, in addition to one key-note session. Eighty-five contributed papers were presented in two poster sessions and 14 papers from this list were selected to be presented orally at the end of each session to highlight hot topics. Papers presented at the symposium were reviewed and published in SPIE so that these can reach a wide audience. The symposium was highly interactive with ample time allotted for discussions and making new collaborations. The participants’ response was that this was a high quality conference and covered topics at the cutting edge of science and technology. The symposium was endorsed by the American Physical Society, The Materials Research Society, SPIE, The Metallurgical Society, and the American Vacuum Society. The symposium was supported by external grants from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy as well as by internal grants from Virginia Commonwealth University (Offices of the President, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Research, Vice Provost for Life Sciences, Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, and the Dean of the School of Engineering). The funding from DOE was used to support partial expenses of invited speakers, students and postdoctoral fellows.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The DOE Bioenergy Research Centers: History, Operations, and Scientific Output

Over the past 7 years, the US Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research has funded three Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs). These centers have developed complementary and collaborative research portfolios that address the key technical and economic challenges in biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. All three centers have established a close, productive relationship with DOE's Joint Genome Institute (JGI). This special issue of Bioenergy Research samples the breadth of basic science and engineering work required to underpin a diverse, sustainable, and robust biofuel industry. In this report, which was collaboratively produced by all three BRCs, we discuss the BRC contributions over their first 7 years to the development of renewable transportation fuels. In additon, we also highlight the BRC research published in the current issue and discuss technical challenges in light of recent progress.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Illinois Accelerator Research Center

The Illinois Accelerator Research Center (IARC) hosts a new accelerator development program at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. IARC provides access to Fermi's state-of-the-art facilities and technologies for research, development and industrialization of particle accelerator technology. In addition to facilitating access to available existing Fermi infrastructure, the IARC Campus has a dedicated 36,000 ft2 heavy assembly building (HAB) with all the infrastructure needed to develop, commission and operate new accelerators. Connected to the HAB is a 47,000 ft Office, Technology and Engineering (OTE) building, paid for by the state, that has office, meeting, and light technical space. The OTE building, which contains the Accelerator Physics Center, and nearby Accelerator and Technical divisions provide IARC collaborators with unique access to world class expertise in a wide array of accelerator technologies. Finally, at IARC scientists and engineers from Fermilab and academia work side by side with industrial partners to develop breakthroughs in accelerator science and translate them into applications for the nation's health, wealth and security.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Multi-Organization Multi-Discipline Effort Developing a Mitigation Concept for Planetary Defense

There have been significant recent efforts in addressing mitigation approaches to neutralize Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHA). One such research effort was performed in 2015 by an integrated, inter-disciplinary team of asteroid scientists, energy deposition modeling scientists, payload engineers, orbital dynamist engineers, spacecraft discipline engineers, and systems architecture engineer from NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the Department of Energy (DoE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) laboratories (Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories (LLNL) and Sandia National Laboratories). The study team collaborated with GSFCs Integrated Design Centers Mission Design Lab (MDL) which engaged a team of GSFC flight hardware discipline engineers to work with GSFC, LANL, and LLNL NEA-related subject matter experts during a one-week intensive concept formulation study in an integrated concurrent engineering environment. This team has analyzed the first of several distinct study cases for a multi-year NASA research grant. This Case 1 study references the Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) named Bennu as the notional target due to the availability of a very detailed Design Reference Asteroid (DRA) model for its orbit and physical characteristics (courtesy of the Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission team). The research involved the formulation and optimization of spacecraft trajectories to intercept Bennu, overall mission and architecture concepts, and high-fidelity modeling of both kinetic impact (spacecraft collision to change a NEAs momentum and orbit) and nuclear detonation effects on Bennu, for purposes of deflecting Bennu.

Planetary Defense↗

An Overview of In-Space Propulsion and Cryogenics Fluids Management Efforts for 2014 SBIR Phases I and II

NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focuses on technological innovation by investing in the development of innovative concepts and technologies to help NASA's mission directorates address critical research and development needs for Agency programs. This report highlights 11 of the innovative SBIR 2014 Phase I and II projects from 2010 to 2012 that focus on one of NASA Glenn Research Center's six core competencies-In-Space Propulsion and Cryogenic Fluids Management. The technologies cover a wide spectrum of applications such as divergent field annular ion engines, miniature nontoxic nitrous oxide-propane propulsion, noncatalytic ignition systems for high-performance advanced monopropellant thrusters, nontoxic storable liquid propulsion, and superconducting electric boost pumps for nuclear thermal propulsion. Each article describes an innovation and technical objective and highlights NASA commercial and industrial applications. This report provides an opportunity for NASA engineers, researchers, and program managers to learn how NASA SBIR technologies could help their programs and projects, and lead to collaborations and partnerships between the small SBIR companies and NASA that would benefit both.

divergent field annular ion engine↗

Cryogenic Fuel Aviation – Challenges and Opportunities

NASA aeronautics goals include pioneering new technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions from air travel. The feasibility of using of on-board cryogenic fuels systems in combination with fuel cells, high efficiency engines, and electric motors for high efficiency commercial transport aircraft is being examined at NASA in collaborations with external partners. Growing emphasis on next generation air transportation resulted in the development of strategic investigations into cryogenic fuels aviation, including roadmaps for maturing new technologies, needs to improve testing and manufacturing capabilities, and the requirements for establishing regulatory and certification standards. A NASA cross-organizational multidisciplinary project team is exploring new aircraft architectures, enabling materials, and the engineering challenges associated with cryogenic fuels for aircraft. The engineering challenges include high performance cryogenic, thermal management, and power/propulsion components and subsystems to tackle the challenging problem of development of commercially viable aircraft that would radically transform air transportation.

liquid natural gas↗

TRUST Sensors in Environments: Fiber Optic Displacement (SE-FOD) Report, Release FY24

The objective of the Delivery Environments (DE) Testbeds to Reduce Uncertainty in Simulations and Tests (TRUST) project is to quantify and help increase confidence in specific areas of computational and experimental capabilities that are applicable to the development, on-target assessment, and qualification of current and future delivery environments. More complete quantification of confidence in experimental and computational capabilities and the sufficient increase of confidence in those capabilities is critical to improving weapons engineering design, qualification, and assessment efforts that are critical to the current and future stockpile. This work uses and provides feedback on analysis tools and experimental results databases for efficient and responsive engineering which are currently under development. Under the TRUST work package, there are five testbeds and their associated engineering analysis baseline models (EABMs): 1. Contact Thermal Conductivity (CTC), 2. Nonlinear Dynamics (ND), 3. Sensors in Environments: Accelerometers (SE-A), 4. Sensors in Environments: Fiber Optic Displacement Gauges (SE-FOD), and 5. Sensors in Environments: Thermocouples (SE-TC). The TRUST project uses single-feature testbeds to quantify uncertainties in specific models and experiments and to identify capability development needs that can help to reduce these uncertainties. Each testbed is designed, configured, and tested in collaboration with groups with design and experimental capability: E-14 and MPA-CINT. The complementary simulations are conducted using W-13 analysis tools and stored in model repositories with plans for incremental progress toward EABM requirements. W-13 extends and exercises the testbed simulations in collaboration with experimentalists for uncertainty quantification of current and future materials, geometries, and environments. Additionally, TRUST is intended to provide engineers in W-13 and E-14 with experience in both numerical simulations and experimental methods through cross-discipline collaborations. Following the introduction to the TRUST project, the remainder of this report focuses on experimental, modeling and simulation, and analysis efforts conducted in FY24 relevant to the TRUST Sensors in Environments: Fiber Optic Displacement (SE-FOD) testbed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Advanced Infusion Techniques with 3-D Printed Tooling

The manufacturing of tooling for large, contoured surfaces for fiber-layup applications requires significant effort to understand the geometry and then to subtractively manufacture the tool. Traditional methods for the auto industry use clay that is hand sculpted. In the marine pleasure craft industry, the exterior of the model is formed from a foam lay-up that is either hand cut or machined to create smooth lines. Engineers and researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (ORNL MDF) collaborated with Magnum Venus Products (MVP) in the development of a process for reproducing legacy whitewater adventure craft via digital scanning and large scale 3-D printed layup molds. The process entailed 3D scanning a legacy canoe form, converting that form to a CAD model, additively manufacturing (3-D Print) the mold tool, and subtractively finishing the mold s transfer surfaces. Future work will include applying a gelcoat to the mold transfer surface and infusing using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding, or VARTM principles, to create a watertight vessel. The outlined steps were performed on a specific canoe geometry found by MVP s principal participant. The intent of utilizing this geometry is to develop an energy efficient and marketable process for replicating complex shapes, specifically focusing on this particular watercraft, and provide a finished product for demonstration to the composites industry. The culminating part produced through this agreement has been slated for public presentation and potential demonstration at the 2016 CAMX (Composites and Advanced Materials eXpo) exposition in Anaheim, CA. Phase I of this collaborative research and development agreement (MDF-15-68) was conducted under CRADA NFE-15-05575 and was initiated on May 7, 2015, with an introduction to the MVP product line, and concluded in March of 2016 with the printing of and processing of a canoe mold. The project partner Magnum Venous Products (MVP) is a small business. Phase II as discussed herein is under consideration by MVP as of this writing. Overall, it is anticipated that developing this process for manufacturing tooling for complex contoured surfaces has applicability to naval and other watercraft as well as bathrooms and large trucks.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Annual Research Briefs, 2002: Center for Turbulence Research

Turbulent combustion remains the largest component of the CTR's core program. This program and several related activities at CTR are supported by NASA's Ultra Efficient Engine Technology Program. It is also intimately connected with the Department of Energy's ASCI program at Stanford which develops the technology for numerical simulation of realistic aircraft engines using state of the art massively parallel computers. In combustion modeling the attention has been directed to the modeling of higher levels of complexity such as spray dynamics, radiation and soot formation. Major aircraft engine manufacturers have shown considerable interest in this program; in particular, a significant active collaboration exists between CTR and the Pratt & Whitney Corporation. CTR's combustion program is essentially based on the large-eddy simulation technique, LES, which is actively being pursued at CTR for this and many other applications. Important accomplishments in LES included simulations with three-dimensional filters which result in grid independent calculations (that is why we call it "true" LES), and the development of the methodology for integration of LES and Reynolds Averaged computations. Optimization techniques are being studied and used for the important problem of wall boundary conditions for LES as well as for optimal shape design for aeroacoustic and aerodynamic performance gains.

ULTRA EFFICIENT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY↗

The 2017 Nonlinear Mechanics and Dynamics Research Institute.

The 2017 Nonlinear Mechanics and Dynamics (NOMAD) Research Institute was successfully held from June 19 to July 28, 2017. NOMAD seeks to bring together participants with diverse technical backgrounds to work in small teams to utilize an interactive approach to cultivate new ideas and approaches in engineering . 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 17 students from around the world came to Albuquerque, New Mexico to participate in the six - week long program held at the University of New Mexico campus. The students collaborated on one of six research projects that were developed by various mentors from Sandia National Laboratories, academia, and other government laboratories. In addition to the research activities, the students attended weekly technical seminars, toured the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, and socialized at various off - hour events including an Albuquerque Isotopes baseball game. At the end of the summer, the students gave a final technical presentation o n their research findings that was broadcast via Skype. Many of the research discoveries made at NOMAD are published as proceedings at technical conference s and have direct alignment with the critical mission work performed at Sandia.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NETL - Supercomputing: NETL Simulation Based Engineering User Center (SBEUC)

NETL's Simulation-Based Engineering User Center, or SBEUC, integrates one of the world's largest high-performance computers with an advanced visualization center. The SBEUC offers a collaborative environment among researchers at NETL sites and those working through the NETL-Regional University Alliance.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines: FY17 Year in Review

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Co-Optima initiative is accelerating the introduction of efficient, clean, affordable, and scalable high-performance fuels and engines. This effort is simultaneously tackling fuel and engine research and development (R&D) to maximize light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle fuel economy and performance, while mapping lower-cost pathways to reduce emissions, leveraging diverse domestic fuel resources, boosting U.S. economic productivity, and enhancing national energy security. Co-Optima brings together DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), nine national laboratories, 13 universities, and numerous industry and government stakeholders in a collaboration exploring solutions with potential for near-term improvements to the types of fuels and engines found in most vehicles currently on the road, as well as to the development of revolutionary new combustion technologies. This report is an overview of the research activities and accomplishments of the Co-Optima initiative during the 2017 Fiscal Year.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines: FY18 Year in Review

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Co-Optima initiative is accelerating the introduction of efficient, clean, affordable, and scalable high-performance fuels and engines. This first-of-its-kind effort is simultaneously tackling fuel and engine research and development (R&D) to maximize light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle fuel economy and performance, while mapping lower-cost pathways to reduce emissions, leveraging diverse domestic fuel resources, boosting U.S. economic productivity, and enhancing national energy security. Co-Optima brings together DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), nine national laboratories, 13 universities, and numerous industry and government stakeholders in a collaboration exploring solutions with potential for near-term improvements to the types of fuels and engines found in most vehicles currently on the road, as well as potential for the development of revolutionary new engine technologies. An overview is provided of the research activities and accomplishments of the Co-Optima initiative during the 2018 Fiscal Year.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines: FY18 Year in Review

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Co-Optima initiative is accelerating the introduction of efficient, clean, affordable, and scalable high-performance fuels and engines. This first-of-its-kind effort is simultaneously tackling fuel and engine research and development (R&D) to maximize light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicle fuel economy and performance, while mapping lower-cost pathways to reduce emissions, leveraging diverse domestic fuel resources, boosting U.S. economic productivity, and enhancing national energy security. Co-Optima brings together DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), nine national laboratories, 13 universities, and numerous industry and government stakeholders in a collaboration exploring solutions with potential for near-term improvements to the types of fuels and engines found in most vehicles currently on the road, as well as potential for the development of revolutionary new engine technologies.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Transforming Energy Through Computational Excellence: A View From NREL

At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)—a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory—computational science, high-performance computing, applied mathematics, advanced computer science, visualization, and data play a pivotal role in advancing energy abundance, affordability, security, and reliability. From fundamental scientifc discovery to systems engineering and analysis, NREL researchers tackle market-relevant challenges to develop solutions for an independent energy system that is reliable, resilient and secure. Collaborative partnerships with industry, government, and academia ensure that our research remains cutting edge, impactful, applicable, and aligned with real-world energy needs. This special issue of Computing in Science & Engineering highlights exemplary NREL projects where computational tools and methodologies drive discovery and accelerate innovation in scalable and integrated energy systems. The featured articles explore the role of computational modeling, high-performance computing, generative AI, and adaptive computing in advancing independent energy solutions, optimizing sustainability research, and enhancing decision-making for energy solutions using a broad mix of energy technologies. Here, these contributions demonstrate how NREL’s computational research bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical implementation, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to innovation, with a focus on translating computational excellence into real-world impact, thus accelerate progress toward national energy goals. By showcasing cutting-edge research at the intersection of computational science and energy systems, this issue aims to inspire and inform researchers, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to shaping a more reliable energy future.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗