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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

20 years of the CEA/DAM NNSA/DP Agreement

For the past twenty years, there has been a very active, productive International Agreement between France and the United States of America for Cooperation on Fundamental Science supporting Stockpile Stewardship. Under this Agreement the scientists at the nuclear weapons laboratories in both countries have collaborated on many unclassified research projects in areas such as Materials in Extreme Conditions, Nuclear Physics, and Atomic and Plasma Physics. The results of their efforts have not only been published in the open literature but have enhanced the physics base of the computer codes essential to the mission of ensuring that the nuclear stockpiles are safe, secure and effective. Work on these collaborations is extremely important. Not only does such joint work bring more brilliant minds to work on pressing research problems for both countries but also the collaborative effort sharpens the scientific skills of and presents scientific challenges to the scientific and technical staff of the laboratories. As we reach the 20th Anniversary of the formal signing of the Agreement, we feel it is important to thank all of the individuals who have contributed to its continuing success. Our expectations for brilliant, exciting, challenging joint research projects under this Agreement are at an all-time high. We toast the achievement of this milestone and look forward to the research results to come.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Engineering Services in a Mission Critical Environment: Engineering Services - Science and Technology Operations’ Infrastructure Support at Los Alamos National Laboratory

As an engineering team within a facilities-driven organization, Engineering Services – Science and Technology Operations (ES-STO), supports Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), playing a pivotal role in the U.S. nuclear stockpile mission. This report outlines ES-STO’s contributions through the installation of crucial systems such as HVAC units, compressors, and scientific specialty equipment, as well as providing expert consultation to optimize laboratory operations. ES-STO’s goal is to ensure that LANL's infrastructure and research facilities are aligned with mission-critical needs, supporting both operational efficiency and safety in the nuclear stockpile management and maintenance. This report discusses the installation processes, ongoing consultations, and the significant impact of our efforts on national security objectives.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

NCERC 2024 Highlights

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is entrusted with ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile while advancing programs aimed at reducing global nuclear proliferation. These critical mission objectives are achieved through the expertise of a highly skilled team of professionals. The operations at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC) play a vital role in developing and enhancing knowledge and expertise in advanced nuclear technologies. NCERC supports a wide range of mission areas, including nuclear criticality safety, nuclear emergency response, and nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, and arms control. It also provides support to the Department of Homeland Security, advances stockpile stewardship science, and delivers scientific expertise to other government agencies, such as NASA and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. NCERC conducts experiments utilizing diverse nuclear materials, from small neutron-emitting sources for testing radiation detection equipment to larger quantities of uranium and plutonium for criticality experiments. A cornerstone of NCERC's mission portfolio includes the operation of four critical mass assembly machines—Planet, Comet, Flattop, and Godiva-IV—which are instrumental in advancing nuclear science and ensuring the nation’s nuclear security objectives.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantum Computing Strategy 2026

Quantum computing (QC) is a rapidly maturing technology with the potential for revolutionary impacts on stockpile stewardship science and national security. Recent developments in fault-tolerant architectures have compressed vendor roadmaps, and predictions of a production-ready quantum computer by the mid-2030s are becoming increasingly credible. This strategy provides a roadmap for integrating QC into the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) program by investing in four strategic focus areas: 1. Develop Capabilities in Mission-Relevant Quantum Applications: ASC will prioritize developing quantum-ready applications in mission areas that have shown significant promise for quantum advantage, including simulations of materials in extreme environments, nuclear dynamics, solving linear and nonlinear partial differential equations, and uncertainty quantification. These applications directly support stockpile stewardship science and modernization objectives. 2. Conduct R&D in Algorithms, Software, and Hardware: Sustained research into quantum algorithms, robust software tools, and quantum hardware is essential. ASC will develop efficient quantum algorithms; invest in quantum compilers, debuggers, and performance tools; and explore specialized quantum hardware tailored to NNSA’s unique requirements. 3. Engage with Vendors and Partners: Early and active collaboration with commercial quantum hardware vendors and academic partners is critical. Through testbeds, co-design agreements, and quantum demonstration facilities, ASC will influence hardware design, gain early access to emerging technologies, and ensure that quantum platforms evolve to meet mission needs. 4. Build Knowledge, Experience, and Workforce: Expanding and upskilling the quantum-trained workforce is essential to long-term success. This includes hiring, internal training, university outreach, and postdoctoral support to ensure ASC maintains the expertise required to operate, program, and integrate quantum systems as they become available. While quantum computing will never replace classical computing, it has the potential to solve certain problems with speed and accuracy that would be unachievable using any conceivable classical high-performance computing (HPC) system. By investing strategically in QC, ASC will help propel the emergent QC industry, maintain U.S. technological leadership, ensure mission readiness, and position itself to rapidly adopt quantum technologies as they mature.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Quantitative Evaluation of Potassium Iodide Implementation Strategies for Emergency Preparedness and Response

This study evaluates the effectiveness of potassium iodide (KI) distribution strategies in mitigating exposure to radioiodine during severe nuclear power plant accidents. This analysis quantitatively compares various KI distribution methods (pre-distributed versus stockpiles), including scenarios with and without KI administration. The results indicate that differences in distribution strategies impact the projected thyroid dose by at least an order of magnitude. The results also indicate that the timing of KI administration is critical, as expected. For scenarios involving delayed releases of significant quantities of radionuclides, evacuation is the most effective protection strategy regardless of KI distribution method. For scenarios involving rapid releases, retrieving KI from stockpiles can have a detrimental effect. Pre-distributed KI is potentially the most effective approach when used as a supplement to evacuation and sheltering. However, these model results are based on idealized conditions for KI distribution and administration; the actual benefits of KI prophylaxis are likely to be less than estimated in this report due to many variables. The results highlight the importance of considering the cost and rigor of different distribution programs and public compliance with emergency instructions. This report includes suggested research to explore KI distribution plans for advanced reactors.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1997

Dryden Flight Research Center Chemical Pharmacy Program

The Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) Chemical Pharmacy "Crib" is a chemical sharing system which loans chemicals to users, rather than issuing them or having each individual organization or group purchasing the chemicals. This cooperative system of sharing chemicals eliminates multiple ownership of the same chemicals and also eliminates stockpiles. Chemical management duties are eliminated for each of the participating organizations. The chemical storage issues, hazards and responsibilities are eliminated. The system also ensures safe storage of chemicals and proper disposal practices. The purpose of this program is to reduce the total releases and transfers of toxic chemicals. The initial cost of the program to DFRC was $585,000. A savings of $69,000 per year has been estimated for the Center. This savings includes the reduced costs in purchasing, disposal and chemical inventory/storage responsibilities. DFRC has chemicals stored in 47 buildings and at 289 locations. When the program is fully implemented throughout the Center, there will be three chemical locations at this facility. The benefits of this program are the elimination of chemical management duties; elimination of the hazard associated with chemical storage; elimination of stockpiles; assurance of safe storage; assurance of proper disposal practices; assurance of a safer workplace; and more accurate emissions reports.

Davis, Bette↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reactivity in cement pastes bearing fine fraction concrete and glass from construction and demolition waste: Microstructural analysis of viability

Converting construction and demolition waste (CDW) into secondary raw materials is one of the priorities of environmental policy and circular economy strategy. This study analysed the variation in eco-efficient paste reactivity with OPC replacement ratio (5% to 10%) and hydration time (2 d, 28 d and 90 d). Three types of CDW were explored: two (calcareous and siliceous) consisting of fine (4 AH{sub 13} and C{sub 4}AcH{sub 11}, ettringite and portlandite, were the same as observed in OPC hydration. These findings attest to the scientific viability recycling such CDWs as mineral additions in eco-cement manufacture and consequently eliminating the need for stockpiling these materials at recycling/storage plants.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

New Energy Infrastructure Outlook: Data as of December 31, 2024 [Slides]

This report provides a perspective on energy infrastructure under development in the continental U.S. as of the end of 2024, focusing on those making significant progress toward achieving commercial operation. Infrastructures covered in this report include power plants, electric transmission, natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilities. Additionally, this report includes a section on stockpiled volumes of coal, natural gas, and petroleum.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2020

Opportunities to Implement Solutions to Achieve Remedial Action Objectives in Consideration of Stakeholder Interests - 20365

A case study in the implementation of a soils excavation and removal project conducted at a Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) Maywood Superfund Site (FMSS) vicinity property; an active commercial business, in a densely populated area, with significant operational, technical and, logistical constraints that were expected to limit areas that could be remediated. The United States Army Corps of Engineers-led (USACE) team successfully navigated complex overlapping stakeholder interests to achieve a more efficient and complete removal of contaminated soils and debris while minimizing unnecessary excess costs to the Government. This paper centers on FUSRAP activities at the FMSS vicinity property located at 149-151 Maywood Avenue, Maywood, Bergen County, New Jersey. For most of its FUSRAP history, this ∼109,000 square meter (27-acre) property housed a now-demolished ∼26,000 square meter (6.5-acre) warehouse operated by Sears Logistics Services, a unit of the Sears Roebuck Company (Figure 2). Sears ended its property lease and vacated the warehouse in December 2016. Given that long history and for the purposes of this paper, the property will be referred to as the 'Sears property' or simply 'the property.' The Sears property is approximately 109,000 square meters (27-acres) and is currently zoned for commercial use. The property is bound to the north and northwest by 100 West Hunter Avenue (the Stepan Company), to the northeast by 205 Maywood Avenue, to the east by Maywood Avenue, to the south by 23 West Howcroft Road, and to the west by businesses on NJ Route 17 and the NJ Route 17 roadway. Until December 2016, the property housed a warehouse and distribution center operated by Sears Logistical Services. On-site structures were demolished by the property owner in 2017. The warehouse covered the north section of the property along the Stepan Company property line. A railroad spur from the adjacent property now known as the Maywood Interim Storage Site (MISS) ended at the northeast corner of the warehouse. Wetlands were located east of the warehouse; the rest of the property was covered with paved parking lots and grassed areas. During remediation at the property, opportunities frequently arose where the project team was able to coordinate effectively with stakeholders to sequence remediation activities to facilitate removal of otherwise inaccessible soils and identify opportunities for materials reuse when supported by residual radiological and chemical levels. Some specific opportunities include: - remediating individual truck loading dock bays to maintain tenant operations; - working along a busy highway and in a utility corridor containing a 30-inch high pressure gas main; - remediating Lodi Brook and associated wetlands requiring bypass pumping and other diversionary structures to maintain local community stormwater drainage; - protecting during remediation and supporting access to facilitate tenant/owner maintenance of critical fire protection and water supply system service lines buried in contaminated soils and necessary for safe warehouse operations; and - coordinating with stakeholders to ensure non-radiological contaminants of concern for the site (unaffiliated with FUSRAP) were addressed by the responsible party in a manner that maximized benefit to all parties while supporting an efficient overall site remediation program. Once the property was vacant and the warehouse structure and radiologically non-impacted above-grade structures were demolished, the project identified an opportunity to significantly reduce the volume of waste associated with the foundation of the former warehouse, a foundation suspected of being partially constructed in radiologically contaminated soils. The project developed and implemented supplemental radiological verification survey and sampling strategies based on radiological cross-contamination risk potential with process flow-charts and screening-level based decision points; a program that classified saw-cut sections of concrete based on observed residual surface radioactivity conditions using a combination of gamma sensitive sodium-iodide scans and beta sensitive Geiger-Muller direct measurements. The proposed approach was reviewed with stakeholders with feedback, including consideration of applicable State of New Jersey Site Remediation Program criteria and guidance before implementation. Once classified, additional sampling was performed at frequencies driven by screening. The sampling methods, stockpile sampling frequencies, criteria and, approach to data evaluation were developed in consideration of existing site cleanup standards, regional background ranges, State of New Jersey radiological remediation program guidance, and specific stakeholder input With the property remediation and survey efforts nearly completed, it is relevant to examine retrospectively the objectives, assumptions and limitations in the remedial design (i.e., what was planned) versus what was able to be accomplished through effective teaming. Benefits to other environmental remediation site programs include better understanding of how to work effectively with stakeholders to achieve win-win outcomes, and approaches to site remediation, waste minimization and materials reuse that were successful in their overall outcomes. (authors)

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

In-situ Synthesis of PuCl 3 and Corresponding Raman and Density Functional Theory Vibrational Modes

The experimental and calculated Raman spectrum of PuCl 3 has been reported for the first time. PuCl 3 is a primary species found in plutonium metal refinement, specifically in pyrochemical salt processes including multicycle direct oxide reduction, metal chlorination, and electrorefining. As such, Raman signatures of PuCl 3 could serve as potential forensic indicators of material process history. A novel technique for synthesizing PuCl 3 from the in situ chlorination of plutonium metal with HCl was developed to establish these signatures. Cerium metal surrogates were utilized to ensure optimization of the plutonium experiments and to minimize personnel exposure, and all experiments were carried out in a Raman reaction chamber designed for air-tight, high vacuum environments. In situ Raman spectroscopy was employed in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the vibrational modes of PuCl 3 . Associated mixed oxy and hydroxyl phases are also reported. The combined Raman and DFT results have eliminated inconsistencies in Raman mode assignments for the MX 3 family of metal chlorides having P6 3 /m symmetry, and IR modes derived from the DFT calculations are additionally presented. The data observed in this study are of potential interest to nuclear forensic analyses, nuclear sample aging, nuclear energy, plutonium processing, and stockpile stewardship.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Prospects for Surrogate Neutron Capture Measurements with Radioactive Ion Beams and GODDESS

Neutron capture reactions are responsible for the synthesis of almost all of the elements heavier than iron through the slow s-process, that proceeds close to the line of stability, and the rapid r-process, with very neutron-rich waiting points. Uncertainties in (n,γ) rates in neutron rich nuclei, especially near closed neu- tron shells, can have significant impact [1] on the predictions of final abundances for different astrophysical scenarios for the r process. Understanding (n,γ) rates on neutron-rich fission fragments is also important for nuclear forensics and stockpile stewardship science. Ratkiewicz et al. [2 and references therein] has recently demonstrated that the (d,pγ) reaction is a valid surrogate for (n,γ), where the formation of the compound nucleus from the breakup of the deuteron has been calculated in a reaction model and the subsequent measured gamma-decay probabilities are reproduced with standard level density and strength functions in a Bayesian approach. In parallel to the surrogate validation efforts, we have demonstrated that the (d,pγ) reaction can be measured in inverse kinematics with Gammasphere ORRUBA: Dual Detectors for Experimental Structure Studies (GODDESS) [3] where the Gammasphere array of Compton-suppressed HPGe detectors is coupled to the Oak Ridge Rutgers University Barrel Array of position-sensitive silicon strip detectors. During the commissioning campaign we measured the (d,pγ) reaction with 134 Xe and 95 Mo beams, the latter to demonstrate the surrogate method in inverse kinematics. The present talk will present preliminary results from this campaign including γ-decay probabilities and prospects for surrogate (n,γ) measurements with 143 Ba fission-fragment beams.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Opportunities for Cerium Valorization in the Rare Earth Supply Chain

Rare earth (RE) elements are co-located in ore deposits and must be treated together during the difficult extraction and separation. Cerium is the majority element in most deposits (> 50 %), and the growing need for Nd, Pr and the heavy lanthanides in permanent magnets and other energy transition technologies results in costly stockpiling of cerium oxide which has low demand. Finding new high-value applications for cerium or its compounds is therefore a sought-after goal to improve the profitability of rare earth mining and processing. Here, this contribution will highlight the use of cerium in high-strength aluminum alloys and the preparation of Ce-based permanent magnets as two emerging technologies for high-value products that have potential to stabilize the fluctuating rare earth market, substitute critical materials, support the nascent domestic rare earth industry and provide technologies for the pending green energy transition.

Energy - Conversion, Materials science↗
DOE OSTI2021

On the Feynman-alpha method for reflected fissile assemblies

The Feynman-alpha method is a neutron noise technique that is used to estimate the prompt neutron period of fissile assemblies. The method and quantity are of widespread interest including in applications such as nuclear criticality safety, safeguards and nonproliferation, and stockpile stewardship; the prompt neutron period may also be used to infer the k eff multiplication factor. The Feynman-alpha method is predicated on time-correlated neutron detections that deviate from a Poisson random variable due to multiplication. Traditionally, such measurements are diagnosed with one-region point kinetics, but two-region models are required when the fissile assembly is reflected. This paper presents a derivation of the two-region point kinetics Feynman-alpha equations based on a double integration of the Rossi-alpha equations, develops novel propagation of measurement uncertainty, and validates the theory. Validation is achieved with organic scintillator measurements of weapons-grade plutonium reflected by various amounts of copper to achieve k eff values of 0.83–0.94 and prompt periods of 5–75 ns. The results demonstrate that Feynman-alpha measurements should use the two-region model instead of the one-region model. The simplified one-region model deviates from the validated two-region models by as much as 10% in the estimate of the prompt neutron period, and the two-region model reduces to the one-region model for small amounts of reflector. The Feynman-alpha estimates of the prompt neutron period are compared to those of the Rossi-alpha approach. The comparative results demonstrate that the Feynman-alpha method is more precise than the Rossi-alpha method and more accurate for k eff < 0.92, whereas the Rossi-alpha method is generally more accurate for higher multiplications. Here, the uncertainty propagation developed in this work should be used for all Feynman-alpha measurements and will therein improve fitting accuracy and appropriate precision estimates.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2020

Validation of the two-region Rossi-alpha model for reflected assemblies

Nuclear criticality safety, nonproliferation and safeguards, emergency response, and stockpile stewardship utilize estimates of the k eff multiplication factor. The value of k eff cannot be directly measured, but it can be inferred from the prompt neutron period. One modality of measuring the prompt neutron period is the Rossi-alpha method, which is predicated on fitting a histogram of detection time differences due to the nonrandom temporal distribution of same-fission-chain neutrons. Recent works have developed the motivation and theory to expand traditional one-region point kinetic models resulting in one-exponential histogram fits to two-region models that result in two-exponential fits. This paper validates the new two-region model using organic scintillator measurements of copper-reflected weapons-grade plutonium (0:83 ≤ k eff ≤ 0:94) and high-density- polyethylene-reflected highly enriched uranium (0:73 ≤ k eff ≤ 0:95). Furthermore, the results show that more thermal systems have shorter prompt neutron periods in the core region due to increased induced-fission probabilities for moderated neutrons. Here, a new parameter introduced by the two- region model is also shown to be correlated to the amount of reflection, and may be used to infer assembly properties such as type and amount of reflector.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

GENESIS: Gamma Energy Neutron Energy Spectrometer for Inelastic Scattering

Improved neutron inelastic scattering cross section data are needed to inform integral benchmark studies and advance applications in a wide variety of areas including nuclear energy, stockpile stewardship, nonproliferation, and space exploration. Neutron inelastic scattering also serves as a non-selective probe of low-lying nuclear structure. To help meet these needs, the Gamma Energy Neutron Energy Spectrometer for Inelastic Scattering (GENESIS) was constructed at the 88-Inch Cyclotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This array couples high-resolution γ-ray detectors and fast neutron detectors to achieve single and coincident n/γ detection over a broad energy range. The current configuration of the array includes 26 organic liquid scintillators and four high-purity germanium detectors (two single-crystal and two four-crystal CLOVER detectors with two-fold segmentation). The array was constructed with minimal supporting material and designed to cover a wide range of secondary particle angles and energies with limited inter-element scattering. Data acquisition is accomplished using Mesytec MDPP-16 multi-channel high-resolution digital pulse processing modules. The array characteristics, including γ-ray and neutron energy resolution, timing resolution, and detection efficiency were measured and used to validate a Geant4 model of the array. Furthermore, the primary sources of neutron background and the uncertainties in the determination of incident and secondary neutron energy were assessed. GENESIS provides a new capability to address nuclear data needs and facilitates the advancement of a wide range of nuclear applications.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Commissioning of the neutron irradiation station at the University of Notre Dame

Cross section data for neutron-induced reactions are needed for applications in nuclear astrophysics, stockpile stewardship, and nuclear reactor design but often contain discrepancies and gaps. A neutron source with a high neutron flux, a well-characterized neutron energy distribution, and a wide range of available neutron energies is ideal for studying such reactions in order to improve on existing data and provide new experimental results. For this purpose, the Neutron Irradiation Station (NIS) was developed using the 7 Li(p,n) 7 Be reaction. Neutron energy profiles were obtained using 3 He spectrometers and neutron standards were used to determine the neutron flux using the activation method. The neutron energy profile was found to be quasi-monoenergetic and neutrons were produced at energies from 1 keV to 1 MeV. Finally, the flux at the production target was found to be (1.42 ± 0.20) x 10 8 s −1 cm −2 .

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Radiation hot spot formation on UF 6 30B cylinders

The accurate material accountancy of a country's enriched uranium hexafluoride (UF 6 ) stockpiles is imperative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for determining appropriate material safeguards. Uranium hexafluoride is typically stored in large cylinders with enrichment verification typically performed with a NaI gamma detector using the enrichment meter method. This approach for calculating enrichment assumes that the UF 6 is homogeneous inside the cylinder. Here, the measurements and tests presented in this manuscript show that the UF 6 in cylinders left outside in the elements can experience fractionation, leading to inhomogeneity, and subsequent development of radiation hot spots. These hot spot locations can produce errant enrichment measurements. In dark-colored cylinders that experience significant surface heating from the sun, UF 6 sublimates off the cylinder walls, leaving only the uranium daughter products in a horizontal patch (stripe) along the cylinder's midline. This daughter patch is hypothesized to be the source of the radiation hot spots. The patch forms during the summer and tends to decay away during the winter, when solar intensity and temperatures are reduced.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Do Households Adapt? Repeated Hurricane Exposure and the Purchasing of Bottled Water

Understanding how households adapt to hurricanes is increasingly important as these events become more frequent and severe. This paper examines how past hurricane exposure influences current household preparedness, focusing specifically on the stockpiling of bottled water. Leveraging scanner data on bottled water purchases for households in the Southeastern United States, we employ a difference-in-differences event study framework to analyze how repeated hurricane experiences affect consumer behavior. Our results indicate that households exposed to hurricane warnings do not increase their preparedness in the subsequent hurricane season, and those experiencing a landfall event underprepare. These results suggest limited learning from past events.

D12↗