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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Shape optimization and fluid control of near isothermal compressor for transcritical carbon dioxide cycle

The compressor holds great promise for enhanced energy efficiency over a wide range of vapor compression systems (VCS). However, the majority of them focused on liquid refrigerant injection or inter-stage cooling technologies to improve heat transfer. Increasing the heat transfer area provides another perspective to promote heat dissipation, which commonly involves shape optimization whilst bringing some limitations, mainly from the manufacturing side. To fill the research gap, this paper compares the performance of isothermal compressors under different compression chamber shapes and chamber connection configurations. Additionally, the fluid control of the liquid piston was combined with shape optimization to explore the potential for further heat transfer enhancement. The simulation results have demonstrated that the COP improvements can reach up to 9% compared with the baseline case by optimizing the chamber shape and properly controlling the liquid piston speed, which provides a guideline for designing and customizing the isothermal compression chamber.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of a Colorimetric Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for the Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in Low-Resource Settings

Chagas disease is an inflammatory parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). Early diagnosis is crucial in guiding treatment and slowing disease progression; however, current diagnostic methods have insufficient detection limits and often require skilled technicians. Molecular tests, especially isothermal nucleic acid assays, are advantageous due to their excellent sensitivity, specificity, speed, and simplicity. Here, we optimized a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for T. cruzi. We can detect as few as 2 genomic copies/reaction using three different T. cruzi strains. We examined selectivity using other parasitic protozoans and successfully detected T. cruzi DNA extracted from parasites in human whole blood down to 1.2 parasite equivalents/reaction. We also performed a blinded study using canine blood samples and established a 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the colorimetric LAMP assay. Finally, we used a heated 3D printer bed and an insulated thermos cup to demonstrate that the LAMP incubation step could be performed with accessible, low-cost materials. Altogether, we have developed a high-performing assay for T. cruzi with a simple colorimetric output that would be ideal for rapid, low-cost screening at the point of use.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Effect of Ionic Core on the Properties of Non-Isothermal Plasmas

This study investigates the effects of ionic cores on non-isothermal plasmas using a novel ion-ion interaction potential that incorporates screening effects from both ion cores and exchange-correlation interactions. Our findings indicate that with increasing distance, the effective potential approaches a Yukawa-like screening potential, while at shorter distances, strong electron binding weakens screening. The different values of the cutoff radius ' cut and core edge steepness α significantly influence the potential behavior and radial distribution functions (RDFs). Higher coupling parameters (Γ i ) strengthen the electron-ion interactions, leading to deeper potential wells and more pronounced non-ideality corrections. Increasing Θ decreases the absolute values of non-ideality corrections, indicating fewer interactions in the system. A larger cutoff radius r cut due to weaker screening effects. As Γ i at a fixed parameter also reduces corrections increases, non-ideality corrections grow, reflecting stronger coupling. The results show the importance of taking into account the ion core effects in dense non-isothermal plasma research.

dense plasmas↗
DOE OSTI2026

Insights into mixing of non-isothermal multi-polymer melts for complex plastics recycling

Catalytic recycling or upcycling of plastics is often limited not by catalyst performance, but by transport, arising from highly viscous, non-Newtonian polymer melts. In this work, we develop a reactor-scale framework that integrates rheological measurements, constitutive modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experiments to quantify mixing, heat transfer, and dispersion in surrogate hydrocarbon melts representing mixed plastics systems. Temperature- and shear rate-dependent viscosity of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is measured to create two surrogate polymers (PLD and PHD) that capture the dominant shear-thinning flow behavior while neglecting strong elastic effects, enabling tractable simulation of non-isothermal, polymer-melt mixing using a Carreau-Arrhenius generalized Newtonian framework. Three-dimensional CFD simulations are employed to evaluate impeller performance in PLD using mixing time, cavern volume, thermal uniformity, and interfacial area for regimes in which viscoelastic effects are not dominant. We show that magnetic stir bars commonly used in lab-scale studies produce large thermal gradients (~60 °C) and poor mixing, even under idealized power delivery and polymer flow conditions. In contrast, close-clearance anchor impellers achieve near-isothermal operation, reduce mixing times by up to 5×, and provide >90% active circulation volume. We further demonstrate that, at low pseudo-Deborah number (De*), motor power requirements can be predicted directly from shear rate-dependent rheology using the Carreau-Arrhenius framework, enabling rational selection of operating conditions. Extension to surrogate immiscible multi-polymer systems based on PLD and PHD shows that interfacial area is highly sensitive to operating conditions and impeller design, with coaxial anchor-turbine configurations enhancing dispersion by up to 4 × .

Close-clearance impellers↗
DOE OSTI2020

Examining the multi-scale complexity and the crystallographic hierarchy of isothermally treated bainitic and martensitic structures

In this work, differences and similarities between bainitic and martensitic structures obtained by isothermal heat treatments such as austempering, quench and partitioning (Q&P) and quench and tempering (Q&T), are investigated by multiple techniques including X-ray diffraction, electron backscatter diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. Additionally, results reveal that analogous lath-like ferritic structures with similar austenite content can be achieved by adjusting the isothermal holding temperature. However, certain variability in hardness is recorded, which is consistent with differences on the precipitation state revealed by the nano-scale examination of the structure, and with dissimilar crystallographic size distribution of ferritic grains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Prediction of softening kinetics and recrystallization texture in non-isothermally annealed bulged tubes using CPFEM and CA models

A hierarchically coupled cellular automata (CA) model, crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM), and thermal finite element (FE) model is developed to predict the softening kinetics of the bulged steel tube during non-isothermal annealing. Through the developed model, the kinetics of softening mechanisms including static recovery (SRV) and static recrystallization (SRX), as well as the recrystallization texture are predicted. Later, the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kohnogorov (JMAK) model based on the predicted SRX data is developed to interpret the recrystallization behavior of the material. To perform this study, diverse experimental tests including tube hydroforming (THF), annealing, uniaxial tensile test, hardness test, as well as microstructure observations through optical microscopy and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) tests on steel tube are performed. The obtained experimental data are utilized to calibrate and verify the implemented CPFEM model for simulation of THF process, thermal FE model for prediction of the local temperature over annealing time, and CA algorithm for modeling of the softening kinetics and texture evolution throughout the annealing process. The study shows that the predicted deformation characteristics, softening kinetics, recrystallization texture and temperature profile during non-isothermal annealing are in good agreement with experimental data. During the annealing process, a total of four stages for the kinetics of softening mechanisms is observed: No softening; SRV only; SRV dominant; and SRX dominant. During the progress of SRX, the behavior of recrystallization is abruptly changed, confirming that two different mechanisms are controlling the kinetics of transformation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Multiscale Approach to Simulate Non‐Isothermal Multiphase Flow in Deformable Porous Materials

Coupled thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical processes in porous materials play important roles in several energy and environmental technologies. The Darcy-Brinkman-Biot (DBB) framework has proven effective in modeling multiphase fluid flow in deformable porous solids across both pore and Darcy scales, including in systems where fractures coexist with a porous matrix. In this study, we extend the DBB framework, originally designed for isothermal conditions, to address non-isothermal problems by incorporating an energy conservation equation. The resulting solver, hybridBiotThermalInterFoam, enables simulations of coupled multiphase fluid flow, heat transfer, and solid deformation in hybrid-scale systems containing both solid-free regions and ductile porous domains. The new solver is validated through comparisons with analytical solutions and, also, against established heat transfer solvers chtMultiRegionFoam and compressibleInterFoam. Further, a series of 2D and 3D case studies, including two-phase heat transfer in solid-free, static, or deformable porous media, highlights the solver's capacity to simulate complex flow dynamics and heat transport in systems involving high mobility ratios, viscous fingering, and fracture propagation. Our results establish the feasibility of incorporating thermal effects in simulations of a wide variety of energy geotechnics and environmental applications, including enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, soil remediation, and enhanced geothermal energy systems.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Structure of iso-density sets in supersonic isothermal turbulence

Context: The gas density structure of the cold molecular phase of the interstellar medium is the main controller of star formation. Aims: A theoretical framework is proposed to describe the structural content of the density field in isothermal supersonic turbulence. Methods: It makes use of correlation and structure functions of the phase indicator field defined for different iso-density values. The relations between these two-point statistics and the geometrical features of iso-density sets such as the volume fraction, the surface density, the curvature, and fractal characteristics are provided. An exact scale-by-scale budget equation is further derived revealing the role of the turbulent cascade and dilation on the structural evolution of the density field. Although applicable to many flow situations, this tool is here first invoked for characterising supersonic isothermal turbulence, using data from the currently best-resolved numerical simulation. Results: We show that iso-density sets are surface fractals rather than mass fractals, with dimensions that markedly differ between dilute, neutral, and dense regions. The surface–size relation is established for different iso-density values. We further find that the turbulent cascade of iso-density sets is directed from large towards smaller scales, in agreement with the classical picture that turbulence acts to concentrate more surface into smaller volumes. Intriguingly, there is no range of scales that complies with a constant transfer rate in the cascade, challenging our fundamental understanding of interstellar turbulence. Finally, we recast the virial theorem in a new formulation drawing an explicit relation between the aforementioned geometrical measures and the dynamics of iso-density sets.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Adiabatic and isothermal configurations for Re 4 Si 7 transverse thermoelectric power generators

We report that transverse thermoelectric generators (TTEGs) have the potential to overcome two challenging problems that limit the commercial application of classical thermoelectric generators (TEGs): the significant irreversible efficiency losses in the contacts and the thermal degradation of the contacts at the hot end. TTEGs are built from a single material that can generate a thermoelectric current in a direction that is orthogonal to a temperature gradient. They only require a single set of contacts that are displaced away from the hot end. Here, we experimentally explore the device design considerations for optimizing the performance of this far less explored class of thermal-to-electric generation devices. We fabricate Re 4 Si 7 TTEGs and show that there is no measurable loss in efficiency with a single set of contacts that are midway between the hot and cold ends. We show that a new effect must be considered: the appearance of transverse thermal gradients that lead to significant differences between the performance of TTEGs implemented in isothermal and adiabatic geometries. The isothermal TTEG configuration leads to much higher device efficiencies. Overall, this work highlights how different the design of TTEGs is from that of conventional TEGs and the importance of controlling the device geometry for optimum waste heat recovery.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2021

A newly proposed isotherm model to predict Cs exchange with crystalline silicotitanate in tank waste simulants

The Zheng Anthony Miller (ZAM) computer model, a multicomponent ion exchange model used to predict the exchange of Group I metals onto crystalline silicotitanate (CST), has historically been used to predict Cs distribution coefficients from Hanford and Savannah River Site (SRS) tank waste simulants. Comparison of experimentally determined Cs distribution coefficients from tank waste simulants with ZAM isotherm model predictions indicate overprediction of Cs and K distribution coefficients for simple and complex simulants with the engineered form of CST. Additionally, recent changes in chemical composition/manufacturing of IONSIV TM R9140-B have resulted in increased Cs capacity from high-salt, highly alkaline solutions. Here, this work served to assess different isotherm models and refine equilibrium parameters to develop a model that can be applied to Hanford and SRS tank waste Cs removal efforts. Toward this goal, the Campbell Westesen Peterson (CWP) model was developed. This model utilized the experimentally determined Cs capacity, and simplified ZAM equilibria expressions to include only the binary substitution of Cs + or K + on the Na + sites. Equilibrium constants for these equations were refined using experimentally determined distribution coefficients. Overall, the CWP model significantly improved our ability to predict both Cs and K loading capacity from complex matrices.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Magnetized rotating isothermal winds

ABSTRACT We consider the general problem of a Parker-type non-relativistic isothermal wind from a rotating and magnetic star. Using the magnetohydrodynamics code athena++, we construct an array of simulations in the stellar rotation rate Ω* and the isothermal sound speed cT, and calculate the mass, angular momentum, and energy loss rates across this parameter space. We also briefly consider the 3D case, with misaligned magnetic and rotation axes. We discuss applications of our results to the spin-down of normal stars, highly irradiated exoplanets, and to nascent highly magnetic and rapidly rotating neutron stars born in massive star core-collapse.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2024

A quantitative comparison between velocity dependent SIDM cross-sections constrained by the gravothermal and isothermal models

One necessary step for probing the nature of self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) particles with astrophysical observations is to pin down any possible velocity dependence in the SIDM cross-section. Major challenges for achieving this goal include eliminating, or mitigating, the impact of the baryonic components and tidal effects within the dark matter halos of interest – the effects of these processes can be highly degenerate with those of dark matter self-interactions at small scales. In this work, we select 9 isolated galaxies and brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) with baryonic components small enough such that the baryonic gravitational potentials do not significantly influence the halo gravothermal evolution processes. We then constrain the parameters of Rutherford and Møller scattering cross-section models with the measured rotation curves and stellar kinematics through the gravothermal fluid formalism and isothermal method. Cross-sections constrained by the two methods are consistent at $1\sigma$ confidence level, but the isothermal method prefers cross-sections greater than the gravothermal approach constraints by a factor of ~ 3.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Revealing the Drag Instability in One-fluid Nonideal Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations of a 1D Isothermal C-shock

C-type shocks are believed to be ubiquitous in turbulent molecular clouds thanks to ambipolar diffusion. We investigate whether the drag instability in 1D isothermal C-shocks, inferred from the local linear theory of Gu & Chen, can appear in nonideal magnetohydrodynamic simulations. Two C-shock models (with narrow and broad steady-state shock widths) are considered to represent the typical environment of star-forming clouds. The ionization-recombination equilibrium is adopted for the one-fluid approach. In the 1D simulation, the inflow gas is continuously perturbed by a sinusoidal density fluctuation with a constant frequency. The perturbations clearly grow after entering the C-shock region until they start being damped at the transition to the post-shock region. We show that the profiles of a predominant Fourier mode extracted locally from the simulated growing perturbation match those of the growing mode derived from the linear analysis. Moreover, the local growth rate and wave frequency derived from the predominant mode generally agree with those from the linear theory. Therefore, we confirm the presence of the drag instability in simulated 1D isothermal C-shocks. We also explore the nonlinear behavior of the instability by imposing larger-amplitude perturbations to the simulation. We find that the drag instability is subject to wave steepening, leading to saturated perturbation growth. Issues concerning local analysis, nonlinear effects, one-fluid approach, and astrophysical applications are discussed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Isothermal oxidation of zirconium using steam

Oxidation of zirconium and its alloys under any atmosphere is generally characterised by a protective and non-protective stage. During the protective stage, the kinetics of oxidation are quasi-parabolic, while the oxide scale formed on the surface of the metal is black, compact, and protective in nature. For the non-protective stage, the oxidation rate becomes linear, while the protective oxide film turns into a deteriorated white scale. Breakaway is known as the transition point from protective to non-protective stage. The actual mechanism leading to breakaway of zirconium is still a matter of controversy, however some of the most common factors affecting breakaway are the following: - Impurities on the metal (Carbon, Oxygen, Nitrogen); - Oxidizing atmosphere (Presence of H{sub 2}O (g) or N{sub 2} (g)); - Sample preparation (Chemically etched or polished); - Temperature (LWR, LOCA). This research investigates the effect of temperature on 'breakaway' when zirconium is oxidized isothermally in steam for 60 min at 800 and 900 deg. C using thermogravimetric and optical microscopic imaging techniques. 1. Steam isothermal oxidations were performed on zirconium at 800 and 900 deg. C using a Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA). 2. Log-log plots of mass gain vs time were obtained from thermogravimetric results to calculate the reaction orders (n) and reaction rate constants (K) during oxidation. 3. Results of the kinetics of reaction were correlated with optical microscopic images form Light Microscope (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Breakaway depends very strongly on temperature. At 800 deg. C, the weight gain followed a cubic-parabolic behaviour with evidence of a protective oxide film. On the other hand, oxidation at 900 deg. C showed signs of breakaway since the oxide film was cracked and oxidation rate was almost linear throughout the reaction.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

SaltStone Wastewater Cement Study Using Isothermal Calorimetry, Standard Concrete Characterization Techniques, and CemGEMS - 25169

Cementitious reagents are used to solidify/stabilize aqueous radioactive, hazardous, and mixed salt solutions, and sludges to meet low-level radioactive waste (LLW) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements for disposal at Department of Energy (DOE). It is flexible enough to solidify radioactive wastewater saturated in complex species that include but are not limited to radioactive isotopes from the bombardment of neutrons in reactor operation, corrosion products from metallic components, and a variety of soluble organic compounds. [1,2]. Waste form testing typically includes processing or fresh properties, cured properties, compressive strength and hydraulic properties, porosity, density, saturated and unsaturated moisture transport, and leachability of contaminants in the waste form pore solution. Properties are collected over a relatively limited time, typically 28 to 365 days [3]. In addition, changes in the waste form as the result of time and changing conditions are important for concrete engineers to predict overall performance of the forms and potential release of contaminants in the disposal process via unintended filtration into the environment [4]. These predictions are determined/calculated characterizing young waste forms (relative to the standard age of concrete) and are based on transport through soluble ions in pore solutions. Characterization methods include X-ray, SEM, and isothermal calorimetry among other methods used to define the composition, amorphous vs. crystalline nature of the components, and the energetic formation mechanisms for multi-phase mineral systems. [5–7] Isothermal calorimetry is a well standardized technique for cements and concretes and can be used to predict the timing and nature of the hydration reactions.[8] The technique can measure long term energetic

Bustamante, Michael E. [Savannah River National La↗
DOE OSTI2021

Influence of pH on chloride binding isotherms for cement paste and its components

In this paper, chloride (Cl{sup −}) binding isotherms are developed for cement hydration compounds, specifically, calcium-silicate-hydrates (CSH) and AFm phases including mono-sulfate aluminate, hydroxy-AFm, monocarbonate-AFm, and hemicarbonate-AFm, in simulated concrete pore solutions to account for the effect of pH and the presence of other ions. pH and the presence of other ions have a strong influence on the Cl{sup −} binding capacity of cement compounds, which have not been taken into consideration in previous research. A novel experimental technique is developed to characterize the binding capacity from very low (1 mM) to very high concentrations (5 M). To overcome the existing challenges of measuring both low and high Cl{sup −} concentrations without significant dilution and in the presence of SO{sub 4}{sup 2−} and OH{sup −} ions, a potentiometric method was used. The amorphous CSH in the hydrated cement paste; thus, the heterogeneity of the hydrated components of the cement paste was also quantified and accounted for in this study.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Near isothermal compressed air energy storage system in residential and commercial buildings: Techno-economic analysis

Electrical energy storage systems offer a wide range of options to efficiently manage our power supply infrastructure. Energy and environmental security via renewable resources and energy storage devices will also play a critical role in addressing the supply-demand challenges. A novel energy efficient storage system based on near isothermal compressed air energy storage concept, named as Ground-Level Integrated Diverse Energy Storage (GLIDES) is analyzed for integration with residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, the influence of different configurational aspects on key performance and cost attributes is presented in this study. GLIDES modules in the range of 0.5 kWh–15 kWh configurations were considered for residential buildings whereas 25 kW h–500 kW h modules were considered for commercial buildings. Detailed cost and performance analysis of the GLIDES module proved them to be an effective resource in lowering the peak energy demand and corresponding utility bills.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Measured CO 2 sorption isotherms with 25 Bakken Petroleum System rock samples from the Lower and Upper Shales, Middle Bakken, and Three Forks formations

Isotherms were measured with 25 Bakken Petroleum System (BPS) rock samples using a magnetic suspension balance at reservoir conditions of 110 °C and pressures up to 345 bar. Samples from four wells represented the Middle Bakken (MB) and Three Forks (TF) production zones, and the Upper Bakken Shale (UBS) and Lower Bakken Shale (LBS) source shales. UBS and LBS CO 2 sorption capacities at 345 bar averaged 12–14 g/kg rock compared to 1.3 to 2.5 g/kg rock for MB and TF. Increasing pressure from 150 to 345 bar resulted in only small increases in CO 2 sorption for all lithofacies. For the UBS and LBS source shales, the higher average total organic carbon (TOC) values (14.7 and 11.4 wt.%) and clay values (25 and 28 wt.%) corresponded to their higher CO 2 sorption values while for the MB and TF samples, lower TOCs (0.3 and 0.5 wt.%) and clay values (8.2 and 18.2 wt.%) corresponded to lower CO 2 sorption values. Here, when all 25 samples (from all lithofacies) were evaluated as a group, sorption capacities were highly correlated with TOC (Spearman's rho values +0.84 to +0.85), with rock density (rho values -0.75 to -0.76), and clay content (rho values +0.66). However, correlations with porosity and thermal maturity (Tmax) were weak. Measured sorption capacities and rock porosities showed that sorption accounted for about 10-times as much CO 2 storage as the available pore space for the UBS and LBS lithofacies. In contrast, the pore space dominated the storage resource of the TF and MB lithofacies.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗