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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Characterization of the response of radiochromic film to quasi-monoenergetic x rays through a cross-calibration with image plates

Radiochromic film (RCF) and image plates (IPs) are both commonly used detectors in diagnostics fielded at inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and high-energy-density physics (HEDP) research facilities. Due to the intense x-ray background in all ICF/HEDP experiments, accurately calibrating the optical density of RCF as a function of x-ray dose, and the photostimulated luminescence per photon of IPs as a function of x-ray energy, is necessary for interpreting experimental results. Various measurements of the sensitivity curve of different IPs to x rays have been performed [Izumi et al., Proc. SPIE 8850, 885006 (2013) and Rosenberg et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 90(1), 013506 (2019)]; however, calibrating RCF is a tedious process that depends on factors such as the orientation in which the RCF is scanned in the film scanner and the batch of RCF used. These issues can be mitigated by cross-calibrating RCF with IPs to enable the use of IPs for the determination of dose on the RCF without scanning the RCF. Here, the first cross-calibration of RCF with IPs to quasi-monoenergetic titanium, copper, and molybdenum K-line x rays is presented. It is found that the IP-inferred dose rates on the RCF for the Ti and Mo x rays agree well with the measured dose rates, while the IP-inferred dose rate for the Cu x rays is larger than the measured dose rate by ∼2×. Explanations for this discrepancy and plans for future work are discussed.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2024

Characterization of the image plate multi-scan response to mono-energetic x-rays

Image plates (IPs), or phosphor storage screens, are a technology employed frequently in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and high energy density plasma (HEDP) diagnostics because of their sensitivity to many types of radiation, including, x rays, protons, alphas, beta particles, and neutrons. Prior studies characterizing IPs are predicated on the signal level remaining below the scanner saturation threshold. Since the scanning process removes some signal from the IP via photostimulated luminescence, repeatedly scanning an IP can bring the signal level below the scanner saturation threshold. This process, in turn, raises concerns about the signal response of IPs after an arbitrary number of scans and whether such a process yields, for example, a constant ratio of signal between the nth and n + 1st scan. Here, the sensitivity of IPs is investigated when scanned multiple times. It is demonstrated that the ratio of signal decay is not a constant with the number of scans and that the signal decay depends on the x-ray energy. As such, repeatedly scanning an IP with a mixture of signal types (e.g., x ray, neutron, and protons) enables ICF and HEDP diagnostics employing IPs to better isolate a particular signal type.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2024

Image plate multi-scan response to fusion protons in the range of 1–14 MeV

Image plates (IPs) are a quickly recoverable and reusable radiation detector often used to measure proton and x-ray fluence in laser-driven experiments. Recently, IPs have been used in a proton radiography detector stack on the OMEGA laser, a diagnostic historically implemented with CR-39, or radiochromic film. The IPs used in this and other diagnostics detect charged particles, neutrons, and x-rays indiscriminately. IPs detect radiation using a photo-stimulated luminescence (PSL) material, often phosphor, in which electrons are excited to metastable states by ionizing radiation. Protons at MeV energies deposit energy deeper into the IP compared with x rays below ∼20 keV due to the Bragg peak present for protons. This property is exploited to discriminate between radiation types. Doses of mono-energetic protons between 1.7 and 14 MeV are applied to IPs using the MIT linear electrostatic ion accelerator. This paper presents the results from consecutive scans of IPs irradiated with different proton energies. The PSL ratios between subsequent scans are shown to depend on proton energy, with higher energy protons having lower PSL ratios for each scan. This finding is separate from the known energy dependence in the absolute sensitivity of IPs. The results can be compared to complimentary work on x rays, showing a difference between protons and x rays, forging a path to discriminate between proton and x-ray fluence in mixed radiation environments.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2024

Target development using the method of High-Intensity Vibrational Powder Plating (HIVIPP) at the Center for Accelerator Target Science (CATS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)

One of the primary goals of the Center for Accelerator Target Science (CATS) is to provide targets and foils in support of the ATLAS User Facility and the Low-Energy community at large. While a wide array of target production techniques are available at CATS, new methods that must be explored invariably arise. One such technique, the High-Intensity Vibrational Powder Plating (HIVIPP), was first reported in 1997 by Isao Sugai. It was developed to produce targets and stripper foils that were difficult to make by standard methods. At Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), we have successfully constructed and tested a simple system for this purpose. We have produced targets of carbon and titanium on various metal backings using the HIVIPP method. We are currently in the exciting phase of exploring the production of other elements, including isotopically enriched and radioactive material. This work is in progress and will be further detailed with specific examples.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Comprehensive earthquake catalogue update and spatiotemporal distribution analysis for Iraq and surrounding regions, northeastern Arabian Plate

The updated earthquake catalogue for Iraq covers the period from 1900 to the end of 2021 and includes over 37 000 recorded earthquakes. To create this comprehensive catalogue, five key steps were taken: compiling bulletins, calculating moment magnitudes, harmonizing magnitudes, establishing empirical conversion relations and evaluating the completeness of the catalogue. A notable enhancement in this update is the direct calculation of moment magnitudes for approximately 2800 earthquakes, achieved through the coda envelope technique and waveform data from the Mesopotamian Seismological Network (MPSN) in Iraq. This updated catalogue serves as a valuable resource for examining the spatiotemporal distribution of earthquakes, with respect to earthquake density, maximum moment magnitude and seismogenic depths. Additionally, the Gutenberg–Richter relationship was applied to calculate the a- and b-values specific to Iraq. The findings show that the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt has a seismogenic layer (source) that ranges from 2 to 33 km deep and experiences high seismic activity. In contrast, the Mesopotamian Foredeep has a seismogenic layer ranging from 1 to 25 km deep and has lower seismic activity. The greatest seismic activity is concentrated around the Mandili-Badra-Teeb fault, which has experienced significant ruptures over time. The Outer Arabian Platform is identified as the main area of seismic activity, while additional activity occurs on the Inner Arabian Platform. Three major tectonic boundaries define the distribution of earthquakes in the northeastern Arabian Plate. These boundaries are defined by the Main Zagros Reverse Fault, the Zagros Foredeep Fault and the Anah Graben and Abu Jir-Euphrates Fault Zone. These boundaries highlight variations in seismicity levels and the spatial distribution of deformation in the region. The updated earthquake catalogue presented in this study is expected to play a vital role in regional seismicity assessments and seismic hazard analyses for Iraq and its surrounding areas.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Impact of Testing Method on Safety Assessment of Aged Li-Ion Cells: Part II – Aged Cells Without Li Plating

Understanding the safety profile of aged Li-ion batteries is essential for developing effective battery management and hazard mitigation strategies. However, most safety assessments have focused on fresh batteries, with just a few calorimetry studies on aged batteries with metal oxide positive electrodes. This study provides a broad assessment of commercial 18650-type Li-ion batteries with NCA, NMC, and LFP positive electrodes, both uncycled and aged under conditions that promoted solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) growth as the dominant degradation mechanism. The cells underwent mechanical (nail penetration, crush), electrical (overcharge, overdischarge), and thermal (accelerating rate calorimetry) abuse tests. Safety was rated on general characteristics such as mass loss, maximum temperature, and EUCAR (European Council for Automotive R&D) hazard level, as well as characteristics specific to individual abuse tests. Generally, aged cells with SEI growth exhibited similar or improved safety compared to uncycled cells, contrasting with our previous findings on NCA cells with Li plating as the dominant aging mechanism (Part I of this series). Yet, some tests and characteristics indicated reduced aged cell safety, such as earlier triggering of mechanical failure. These results emphasize the need to examine aged battery safety across diverse empirical techniques, degradation modes, and chemistries.

Lithium-ion cells↗
DOE OSTI2024

CFD Modeling of High-Flux Plate-and-Frame Membrane Modules for Industrial Carbon Capture

In this work, we explore the use of CO2-selective flat sheet membranes for capturing CO2 from point sources. We employ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models to design high-flux plate-and-frame membrane modules to achieve uniform flow distribution among membrane elements, minimize dead-end zones, and ease the common concentration polarization issue for gas separation membranes. The goal is to drive membrane technology improvements by providing better module designs for given membrane properties and operating conditions.

Dosso, Cheick↗
DOE OSTI2024

Calibration of Al7075 with Plate-Puncture Predictions

The following details calibration of a material model for Al7075-T6511. This aluminum alloy is commonly used across a host of engineering applications. Owing to its widespread prevalence, there is great benefit in improving simulation predictions for this alloy. In the present effort, a calibration is performed of its elastic-plastic response accounting for both rate and temperature dependence. The calibration is informed by a series of tests that include specimens of different geometries tested at different rates and temperatures. All specimens are derived from the same barstock, 3.5 inches in diameter. The fitted model itself uses an anisotropic, Hill yield surface coupled with a Johnson-Cook hardening model. Failure predictions are had by means of a modified Wilkins failure criterion. Following calibration of the material model, a validation exercise is performed against platepuncture experiments. These experiments include multiple probe shapes, probe diameters, and plate thicknesses. The puncture experiments are replicated in simulation with mesh studies performed to assess uncertainty. Key quantities of interest, notably the absorbed energy up to failure, are compared between simulation and experiment providing a means to assess the suitability of the calibration in puncture simulations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

WHA Sphere Impacting RHA Plate: Modeling Brittle Behavior in Metal Alloys

Brittle behavior of metal alloys is often critical to modeling ballistic impact and penetration. The ALEGRA multiphysics finite element software incorporates calibrated models for the equation of state, elasticity, yield stress, plasticity and fracture, but simulations do not always capture expected metal fracture. Here we report concerted efforts to do so for one important case where experiments clearly show shear fractures: a tungsten sphere impacting a steel plate at various angles. Our best simulations show fractures that are qualitatively similar to experiments, but there are significant differences in quantitative metrics. Specifically, velocities of tracers used to quantify simulated plug parameters consistently fall short of measured plug velocities. Also, simulated plugs break apart more than expected from experimental evidence. We attribute these shortfalls to the lack of an explicit shear fracture mechanism in the material models, leading to over-estimated resistance to plug formation and movement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Design of Critical Experiments Involving Graphite elements at the IPEN/MB-01 Plate-Type Core

A series of critical experiments were designed involving the use of characterized graphite elements in the new plate-type core of the IPEN/MB-01 reactor. Eleven configurations with different graphite quantities are considered, each producing distinct effects on neutron fluxes and offering opportunities to analyze varying sensitivities to k eff in the system. The analysis shows that the experiments can be performed with acceptably low k eff uncertainties considering an adequate characterization of the graphite elements to be used. The sensitivity results obtained using SCALE TSUNAMI calculations show that the experiments have a notable k eff sensitivity coefficient to graphite. In the configurations tested, the k eff sensitivity to graphite TSL is low. This experiment will be useful for criticality safety validation of applications using uranium fuel enriched to around 19.75 wt % 235 U, light water and graphite. It will also be useful to gain more insight into graphite material properties and their effect on k eff as a result of using the well-characterized graphite elements. The execution of the experiments is planned for the summer of 2025. The 11 designed configurations serve as a basis for the final design, and fewer configurations will be executed. Once executed, these critical experiments will be evaluated and submitted for publication in the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project Handbook, supporting the DOE/NRC Collaboration for Criticality Safety Support for Commercial-Scale HALEU for Fuel Cycles and Transportation project goal.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Survey of baffle plate samples, specimen machining, and hydrogen measurements

This report outlines preliminary results on the survey and characterization of irradiated baffle plate, baffle former, and flux thimble tube specimens as part of the ongoing investigation into irradiation-induced embrittlement in austenitic stainless steels at ambient (room temperature) conditions. The specimens originated from commercial pressurized water reactor (PWR) components, covering displacement damage doses ranging from approximately 0.065 to 75 dpa. Initial scanning electron microscopy (SEM) surveys revealed that specimen surfaces exhibited fine machining marks and in-service-formed oxide layers on the side surfaces of the analyzed specimens. The oxide layers revealed specific features resembling localized "pitting-like" corrosion. An additional set of specimens representing in-service oxidation is being preserved for future microstructure analysis work. As believed, this will provide additional insights into long-term material degradation in PRWs. Specimen machining challenges emerged due to a complex failure of the electric discharge machining (EDM) system located in hot area. Despite partial restoration, issues persist with the EDM’s secondary power supply, necessitating the exploration of alternative EDM or computer numerical control (CNC) machining approaches to facilitate tensile specimen preparation. Currently, low speed saw cutting is in progress to prepare specimens for hydrogen measurements and general microstructure analysis. The near-term goals include completing tensile specimen machining for advanced mechanical testing and characterizing fracture mechanisms, and stress-corrosion cracking testing, ultimately aiming to identify and mitigate the ambient-condition intergranular cracking through targeted post-irradiation annealing strategies.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Seismic Performance of Conventional and Additively Manufactured U-Shaped Flexural Plates

U-shape flexural plates (UFPs) have gained significant attention in seismic structural design due to their ability to provide stable hysteresis behaviour and serve as effective energy-dissipating devices. Concurrently, Additive Manufacturing (AM) has advanced significantly, enabling the production of metallic components with mechanical properties comparable to those of conventionally manufactured cold-rolled materials. This study aims to explore the seismic response of single and double UFP fabricated through Laser Powder Based Fusion (LPBF) and conventional cold rolled 316L stainless steel (SS). The experimental results are evaluated based on force-displacement hysteresis behaviour, energy dissipation capacity, load-carrying capacity, and stiffness degradation. The findings confirm the efficacy of AM-fabricated UFPs for seismic energy dissipation. Additionally, the results suggest the potential for further improvement through the optimization of AM process parameters, such as laser scan speed, hatch spacing, and layer thickness, to enhance hysteretic performance and energy dissipation characteristics.

Risal, Kshitiz [Idaho State University]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermal-hydraulic Performance of Emerging Low GWP Refrigerant Mixture under Flow Boiling in Brazed Plate Heat Exchangers

The hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants used in the current refrigeration systems are facing a phase-down due to their higher greenhouse effect resulting in global warming, and thus HVAC&R industry has undergone a transition to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. Refrigerant mixtures are attractive alternatives since their composition can be tailored to comply with environmental regulations while preserving favorable thermophysical properties. However, the new low-GWP zeotropic mixture refrigerants have two or more components with different saturation temperatures at the same pressure level, known as temperature glide, which can cause the degradation of the overall heat transfer performance. The brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHX) provide excellent heat transfer performance due to a compact design and are used in several air-conditioning and refrigeration applications. In this study, flow boiling heat transfer and the associated pressure drop of the refrigerant mixture in a vertical BPHX were experimentally investigated. The single-phase water-to-water experiments were conducted in the tested heat exchanger with a counter-flow configuration. The flow boiling experiments charged with R-134a and R-454C were then performed in a pumped refrigerant loop to evaluate its thermal-hydraulic performance. Furthermore, parametric studies of various heat fluxes, mass fluxes, vapor qualities, and saturation temperatures were also conducted.

Yang, Cheng-Min↗
DOE OSTI2024

Neutronics analysis of Full Size Plate–1 Experiment using MC21

Qualification and testing of Low Enriched Uranium fuel is desired so that it can be used in research reactors instead of High Enriched Uranium. The Full Size Plate - 1 (FSP-1) experiment involves irradiating a low enriched metallic fuel in the Advanced Test Reactor to assist in this general qualification. Prior to irradiation, an in-depth neutronics analysis is needed to ensure the safety requirements of the Advanced Test Reactor are met. To accomplish this, the MC21 software was used to analyze the FSP-1 experiment, which will allow a test run to be performed with this new fuel in the Advanced Test Reactor Critical facility. By verifying and validating the results of the MC21 software with comparisons to other codes and the preliminary irradiation in the Advanced Test Reactor Critical facility, the FSP-1 experiment will be ready to irradiate using the Advanced Test Reactor. This work is concerned with the neutronics analysis of the FSP-1 experiment using the MC21 software.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗