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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 OSTI2015

Texas authorizes disposal of large quantities of depleted uranium at wcs - 15626

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has been actively engaged in a rulemaking process that would revise Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 61, Licensing Requirements for Land Disposal of Radioactive Waste, to govern the disposal of large quantities of Depleted Uranium (DU) and Blended Waste (referred to as Unique Waste Streams). While the NRC plans to propose a Site Specific Analysis (SSA) rulemaking in early 2015, they have already issued guidance to Agreement States which identified general disposal criteria that could be used should a licensee propose to dispose of Unique Waste Streams before their rulemaking was completed. On August 5, 2013, Waste Control Specialists LLC (WCS) submitted a major license amendment application for review and approval to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This major license amendment request proposed, among other things, authorization to dispose of large quantities of DU at its Federal Facility Waste Disposal Facility (FWF). Pursuant to Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Rule 336.709, Technical and Environmental Analyses, disposal of waste must be sufficient to meet the radiological dose criteria for a minimum period of performance of 1,000 years after closure or the period where peak dose occurs, whichever is longer. These regulations are more stringent than those of any other state that hosts a facility authorized to dispose of Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLW) in the U.S. On August 28, 2014, the TCEQ approved the major amendment request authorizing disposal of large quantities of DU. During the licensing review process, significant technical issues were successfully resolved ensuring that large quantities of DU could be safely isolated from the biosphere for long time periods after site closure. Many important lessons were learned during the licensing proceedings that have potential significant impacts to the licensed community. Namely that a modern, well designed disposal facility that is properly sited geologically and in an arid environment is ideal for ensuring that long-lived alpha emitting radionuclides are sufficiently isolated to protect public health for long into the future. The DOE is currently finalizing plans to complete a Supplemental Environmental Analysis (EA) to support shipments of DU for disposal at WCS' FWF as required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970. The DOE may begin shipments of DU for disposal to WCS FWF that was licensed and constructed to support disposal of waste that is the responsibility of the federal government as stipulated in the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985. This paper will present the regulatory history of events that initiated the NRC's rulemaking for Unique Waste Streams and the technical analysis that were conducted in support of WCS' major amendment that has been approved by the TCEQ. A description of the geological characteristics and engineering designs used to support the Performance Assessment will be included. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluating the role of green infrastructure features in post-disaster recovery – Case Study of Beaumont, Texas after tropical storm imelda

While green infrastructure (GI) can provide multiple environmental benefits, its role in post-disaster economic and social recovery remains relatively underexplored. This article investigates whether different characteristics of GI, such as size, shape, connectivity, and amenities, affect the resilience of local businesses following Tropical Storm Imelda in Beaumont, Texas. The study utilizes SafeGraph mobility data to analyze foot traffic patterns to local businesses before, during, and after the disaster. FRAGSTATS indices measure GI characteristics (e.g., area, shape index, fractal dimension, proximity) while park features such as sports facilities, playgrounds, water features, and accessibility are cataloged through manual observation. Ordinary Least Squares regression models assess the relationship between park characteristics and post-recovery business performance, controlling for demographic variables including income, race, and poverty levels. Results indicate that certain GI attributes significantly enhance business recovery. Points of interest within walking distance (0.5 miles) of parks demonstrated better post-recovery status compared to those beyond this range. Specifically, parks with larger areas (p < 0.01) and more complex shapes measured by fractal dimension index (p < 0.01) had the strongest positive impact on surrounding businesses' recovery. Interestingly, playgrounds showed a negative correlation with recovery (p < 0.05), likely due to flood damage rendering them unusable during the immediate recovery period. Social vulnerability factors, including higher poverty rates and minority populations, negatively affected recovery outcomes despite park proximity.

Economic resilience↗
DOE OSTI2014

Impact of induced seismic events on seal integrity, Texas Gulf Coast

Recent publications have suggested that large-scale CO 2 injection could trigger earthquakes and that even small- to moderate-sized earthquakes may threaten the seal integrity of the injection zone, and potentially damage buildings and other surface structures. In this study, we compared seal thickness to estimated fault displacement due to a single hypothetical seismic event in a selected area of the Texas Gulf Coast comprising an offshore strip of state waters along two Texas counties. To evaluate the slip generated by a single seismic event, we compiled well log information on shale/sand sequences and seismic information on fault geometric characteristics of a section of Lower Miocene age. The section is thousands of feet thick and is overlain and underlain by marine shales (Amph. B and Anahuac, respectively) that are relatively easy to correlate between wells. The Amph. B. shale is the secondary and ultimate seal for all injection intervals in the Lower Miocene. Given its thickness, no realistic seismic event or small series of seismic events will offset it significantly. However, this may not be true of smaller local primary seals. An analysis of geophysical logs of a total of 71 wells yielded a total of 2,871 sand / shale binary intervals. An analysis of the dedicated 3D seismic survey counted 723 fault traces at five roughly horizontal horizons within the Lower Miocene Fault displacement estimated using the product of the fault length times an uncertain multiplier coefficient assumed to follow a triangular distribution with a 10 -3 to 10 -5 range and a mode of 8 × 10 -5 . We then compared estimated single-event fault displacements to seal thicknesses by means of a Monte-Carlo analysis. Only 1.8% of thickness/displacement pairs display a displacement greater than 20% of the seal thickness. Only 0.26% of the pairs result in a displacement of half the seal thickness and only 0.05% of thickness/displacement pairs result in a clear seal rupture. The next step was to compare the magnitude of the event generated by such a displacement to documented magnitudes of “large” earthquakes generated by waterflooding and fluid disposal. Based on this analysis, we conclude that seismicity that may arise from CO 2 injection appears not to be a serious complication for CO 2 storage integrity, at least in the Gulf Coast area.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Detrital U-Pb zircon and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar muscovite geochronology from Middle Pennsylvanian strata in the Anadarko Basin, Texas Panhandle, USA

The Late Mississippian-Permian Anadarko Basin formed in Texas and Oklahoma, USA as the result of inversion of Neoproterozic and Cambrian rift structures. Subsidence was driven by flexural loading of the Amarillo-Wichita Uplift, and this uplift may represent the easternmost element of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains system. The northwestern part of this basin has generally been interpreted to have been filled by sediment derived from the Ancestral Front Range Uplift, ~475 km to the northwest during the early stages of basin filling. We test this model using U-Pb detrital zircon and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar detrital muscovite results from three subsurface samples of the Morrow B sandstone in the northwestern part of the Anadarko Basin. We provide a new maximum depositional age of 310.9 ± 4.9 Ma that indicates the age of the Morrow B to be no older than late Atokan to early Desmoinesian Age (Moscovian), ~10 Myr younger than previously interpreted. In contrast to some previous interpretations, we propose that the most likely source for the sediment in the Morrow B is the Amarillo Uplift to the south. Detrital zircon and detrital muscovite data have age peaks at 900–1300 Ma, 1370 Ma and 1600–1800 Ma corresponding to derivation from Grenville, Granite-Rhyolite and Yavapai-Mazatzal basement provinces, respectively. A dominant detrital zircon peak at 1370 Ma suggests that Mesoproterozoic granites in the Amarillo Uplift were exposed by Middle Pennsylvanian time, and detritus eroded from the Amarillo Uplift dominated the lowstand sediment budget of the Texas Panhandle during this time; small volumes of sediment were likely sourced from the Ancestral Front Range. In conclusion, this study presents the first detrital geochronology data from the subsurface Anadarko Basin and the first detrital muscovite data from late Paleozoic southwestern Laurentia. The results presented here highlight the interpretive power of combined detrital zircon and muscovite datasets.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dual Impacts of Space Heating Electrification and Climate Change Increase Uncertainties in Peak Load Behavior and Grid Capacity Requirements in Texas

Around 60% of households in Texas currently rely on electricity for space heating. As decarbonization efforts increase, non‐electrified households could adopt electric heat pumps, significantly increasing peak (highest) electricity demand in winter. Simultaneously, anthropogenic climate change is expected to increase temperatures, the potential for summer heat waves, and associated electricity demand for cooling. Uncertainty regarding the timing and magnitude of these concurrent changes raises questions about how they will jointly affect the seasonality of peak demand, firm capacity requirements, and grid reliability. This study investigates the net effects of residential space heating electrification and climate change on long‐term demand patterns and load shedding potential, using climate change projections, a predictive load model, and a direct current optimal power flow (DCOPF) model of the Texas grid. Results show that full electrification of residential space heating by replacing existing fossil fuel use with higher efficiency heat pumps could significantly improve reliability under hotter futures. Less efficient heat pumps may result in more severe winter peaking events and increased reliability risks. As heating electrification intensifies, system planners will need to balance the potential for greater resource adequacy risk caused by shifts in seasonal peaking behavior alongside the benefits (improved efficiency and reductions in emissions).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2014

Design of charge exchange recombination spectroscopy for the joint Texas experimental tokamak

The old diagnostic neutral beam injector first operated at the University of Texas at Austin is ready for rejoining the joint Texas experimental tokamak (J-TEXT). A new set of high voltage power supplies has been equipped and there is no limitation for beam modulation or beam pulse duration henceforth. Based on the spectra of fully striped impurity ions induced by the diagnostic beam the design work for toroidal charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CXRS) system is presented. The 529 nm carbon VI (n = 8 − 7 transition) line seems to be the best choice for ion temperature and plasma rotation measurements and the considered hardware is listed. The design work of the toroidal CXRS system is guided by essential simulation of expected spectral results under the J-TEXT tokamak operation conditions.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Seasonal changes in occupancy and activity patterns in native Collared Peccary and non-native wild pig and Common Warthog in southern Texas, the United States

Abstract Southern Texas, USA, is home to native collared peccaries (Dicotyles tajacu) and introduced populations of invasive wild pigs (generally Sus scrofa × domesticus hybrids) and non-native African warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus). Although these ecologically similar mammals co-occur in this region, the potential impacts of invasive suids on collared peccaries are poorly understood. We examined co-occupancy and activity pattern overlap of collared peccaries, wild pigs, and warthogs across 3 seasons (fall, winter, and spring) using remote camera data collected from Chaparral Wildlife Management Area, Cotulla, Texas (November 2020 to June 2021). Using activity pattern analyses and single and 2-species occupancy models incorporating habitat and climate characteristics, we found evidence of extensive spatial overlap between all species pairs and varying degrees of temporal overlap depending on species pairs and season. Collared peccaries and wild pigs displayed moderate temporal overlap across all seasons. Collared peccaries appeared to alter fall activity in the presence of wild pigs to be active earlier in the morning and less active during the day. Collared peccaries and warthogs had low-to-moderate temporal overlap (low in fall, winter; moderate in spring). Wild pigs and warthogs had low temporal overlap (fall, spring) and wild pigs appeared to alter activity in the presence of warthogs (fall), becoming less active during the day during peak warthog activity. Overall, our results suggest that peccary, wild pig, and warthog interactions and activity are dynamic and vary seasonally according to the ecology and preferred environmental conditions of each species. Given the potential for interspecific competition and disease transmission with Collared Peccary and other native wildlife, resource partitioning between wild pigs and warthogs needs to be further examined to aid in effective management strategies.

Kupferman, Caitlin A. (ORCID:0009000953554860)↗
DOE OSTI2016

Surface uplift and time-dependent seismic hazard due to fluid injection in eastern Texas

Observations that unequivocally link seismicity and wastewater injection are scarce. We show that wastewater injection in eastern Texas causes uplift, detectable in radar interferometric data up to >8 kilometers from the wells. Using measurements of uplift, reported injection data, and a poroelastic model, we computed the crustal strain and pore pressure. We infer that an increase of >1 megapascal in pore pressure in rocks with low compressibility triggers earthquakes, including the 4.8–moment magnitude event that occurred on 17 May 2012, the largest earthquake recorded in eastern Texas. Seismic activity increased even while injection rates declined, owing to diffusion of pore pressure from earlier periods with higher injection rates. Finally, induced seismicity potential is suppressed where tight confining formations prevent pore pressure from propagating into crystalline basement rocks.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Mixing Driven by Critical Reflection of Near-Inertial Waves over the Texas–Louisiana Shelf

Studies of internal wave-driven mixing in the coastal ocean have been focused on internal tides, while wind-driven near-inertial waves (NIWs) have received less attention in this regard. Here, this study demonstrates a scenario of NIW-driven mixing over the Texas–Louisiana shelf. Supported by a high-resolution simulation over the shelf, the NIWs driven by land–sea breeze radiate downward at a sharp front and enhance the mixing in the bottom boundary layer where the NIWs are focused because of slantwise critical reflection. The criterion for slantwise critical reflection of NIWs is ω=$\sqrt{f{^2}+s^{2}_{bot}N{^2}(1-s_{ρ}/s_{bot})}$ (where ω is the wave frequency, s bot is the bottom slope, and s ρ is the isopycnal slope), under the assumption that the mean flow is in a thermal wind balance and only varies in the slope-normal direction. The mechanism driving the enhanced mixing is explored in an idealized simulation. During slantwise critical reflection, NIWs are amplified with enhanced shear and periodically destratify a bottom boundary layer via differential buoyancy advection, leading to periodically enhanced mixing. Turbulent transport of tracers is also enhanced during slantwise critical reflection of NIWs, which has implications for bottom hypoxia over the Texas–Louisiana shelf.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mobility Energy Productivity Evaluation of On-Demand Transit: A Case Study in Arlington, Texas

On-demand transit (ODT) systems are increasing in number and size. To evaluate and quantify outcomes, the research team utilizes the mobility energy productivity (MEP) metric, which is a holistic accessibility measure, to analyze and compare the mobility of various transportation modes in Arlington, Texas. The MEP tool is applied to the ODT system in Arlington, Texas, as well as to five existing transportation modes (driving, transportation network company, transit, biking, and walking). Six ODT scenarios are also analyzed and compared. The analysis is focused on the opportunities that an ODT system presents for transportation disadvantaged communities (DACs) with low rates of car ownership. Although driving received the highest MEP score—a finding typical for a U.S.A. city— the results for the ODT system reveal that it serves those in DACs effectively, helping to achieve an equity design goal. ODT improved the average MEP score across the service area by 83% when considering only accessible, nonprivate vehicle modes (biking, transit, and ODT). For the ODT scenarios, decreasing the wait time by 50% compared with the baseline scenario led to a nearly 160% increase in the MEP score, whereas increasing the ODT travel speed by 21% led to an 80% improvement in the MEP score. As analyzed through the MEP tool, here this paper demonstrates how ODT can enhance mobility, particularly for DACs. The results of an MEP analysis can be used by researchers and transit agencies to compare transportation modes and improve the effectiveness of transportation systems across a service area.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2013

High Energy Physics Research at Texas A&M University

The High Energy Physics Group at Texas A&M University is submitting this final report for our grant number DE-FG02-95ER40917. This grant has supported our wide range of research activities for over a decade. The reports contained here summarize the latest work done by our research team. Task A (Collider Physics Program): CMS & CDF Profs. T. Kamon, A. Safonov, and D. Toback co-lead the Texas A&M (TAMU) collider program focusing on CDF and CMS experiments. Task D: Particle Physics Theory Our particle physics theory task is the combined effort of Profs. B. Dutta, D. Nanopoulos, and C. Pope. Task E (Underground Physics): LUX & NEXT Profs. R. Webb and J. White(deceased) lead the Xenon-based underground research program consisting of two main thrusts: the first, participation in the LUX two-phase xenon dark matter search experiment and the second, detector R&D primarily aimed at developing future detectors for underground physics (e.g. NEXT and LZ).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Data Validation Package: April 2016 Groundwater Sampling at the Falls City, Texas, Disposal Site

Nine groundwater samples were collected at the Falls City, Texas, Disposal Site as specified in the March 2008 Long-Term Surveillance Plan for the US Department of Energy Falls City Uranium Mill Tailings Disposal Site, Falls City, Texas (DOE-LM/1602-2008). Sampling and analyses were conducted as specified in the Sampling and Analysis Plan for US Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management Sites (LMS/PRO/S04351, continually updated). The wells sampled included the cell performance monitoring wells (0709, 0858, 0880, 0906, and 0921) and the groundwater monitoring wells (0862, 0886, 0891, 0924, and 0963). A duplicate sample was collected from location 0891. Water levels were measured at each sampled well. Historically, cell performance monitoring wells 0908 and 0916 have not produced water and were confirmed as dry during this sampling event. These wells are completed above the saturated interval in the formation. Notable observations for time-concentration graphs in this report include: (1) uranium concentrations in well 0891 continue to increase; (2) the uranium concentration in well 0880 is higher than the 2015 value and lower than the 2014 value, and it remains within the range of historical values; and (3) uranium concentrations in the other sampled wells are below 2 mg/L and consistent with previous results.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Texas Residential Energy Code Field Study: Baseline Report

A research project in the state of Texas identified opportunities to reduce homeowner utility bills in residential single-family new construction by increasing compliance with the state energy code. The study was initiated in October 2014; data collection began in March 2015, and continued through October 2015. During this period, research teams visited 133 homes in 30 counties in and around Houston during various stages of construction, resulting in a substantial data set based on observations made directly in the field. Stakeholders in the state agreed that these 30 counties represented the levels of energy codes and enforcement seen across the state. Analysis of the data has led to a better understanding of the energy features present in homes, and, when extrapolated across the entire state, indicates over $16 million in potential annual savings to Texas homeowners that could result from increased code compliance. Public and private entities within the state can use this information to justify and catalyze future investments in energy code training and related energy efficiency programs.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Examination of the Extreme Cold Weather Event Affecting the Power System in Texas - February 2021 [Slides]

This presentation examines the extreme cold weather event that affected the power system in Texas in February 2021. The Texas load-shedding events were caused by a combination of record-high demand and cold weather issues that reduced the output from all types of generation. While some wind turbines were shutting down due to cold temperatures and icing and a lack of cold-weather packages, hourly wind output was accurately predicted. Extreme weather events historically drive grid reliability. Additional examination of more extreme events is needed to understand their impacts on the power system. As a national lab, NREL has the capabilities and facilities to help the industry address these types of challenges. NREL also has significant simulation and analysis capabilities (such as NAERM) that can help understand the impacts of extreme events. NREL also developed the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) Research Platform, which enables evaluation of technologies that smooth grid operations during events like this.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hydrological dataset for reservoir sedimentation in Texas

This dataset provides comprehensive hydrological information about reservoir sedimentation in Texas, including observed and remotely sensed sediment concentration, river discharge, watershed boundary, lake geometry, reservoir capacity, land use and land cover (LULC), and population data. In-depth interpretation of the dataset is elaborated in in a journal article, entitled " Sedimentation and nonlinear trapping in Texas reservoirs identified using remote sensing and bathymetric survey records (will be accepted soon at Water Resources Research)."

Lee, Jiyong [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL),↗
DOE OSTI2017

Development, Characterization, and Utility of 13 Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci in Praticolella (Gastropoda: Polygyridae) Species from South Texas, U.S.A.

We developed and characterized 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci in South Texas species of Praticolella. To make this new genomic tool more broadly useful, instead of characterizing loci in many individuals of a single species, we tested them across five populations of four different species. Twelve loci amplified in all four species tested, and eleven loci showed deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Observed heterozygosity calculated across species at each locus ranged from 0.050 to 0.727. These loci will be valuable in assessing species identity and population genetic connectivity among South Texas Praticolella.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Applying a Multisector Scenario Framework to Evaluate Past and Future Public Surface Water Supply Infrastructure Strategies in Texas

Datasets supporting the index model and scenario analysis used in evaluating surface water supply strategies across different water system types in Texas. These data underpin the scenario development and application of five key indicators: Water Availability Index (WAI), Water Quality Index (WQI), Energy Requirement Index (ERI), Water Treatment Cost (WTC), and Water Infrastructure Cost (WIC). The datasets are organized by system type—stream reaches (flowlines), waterbodies, and reservoirs—and include both raw and standardized index values. The integrated datasets also provide scenario classifications (original and adjusted) based on infrastructure and planning priorities, enabling comparison across Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). Additional strategy-level data are included to support evaluation of state-level new reservoir projects in relation to cost and availability tradeoffs. Please refer to the README file provided in Files for more details. Descriptions of the datasets are provided below. Dataset(s) Descriptions Folder: Index_model_database.zip Subfolder: Stream_reach.zip Fl_wf.csv, Fl_wq.csv, Fl_er.csv, Fl_wf_wtcUV.csv, Fl_wf_wtcnoUV.csv, Fl_allfac_wic1.csv, Fl_allfac_wic2.csvDatasets for computing WAI, WQI, ERI, WTC, and WIC for surface water systems classified as stream reaches (flowlines). Subfolder: Waterbody.zip Wb_wf.csv, Wb_wq.csv, Wb_er.csv, Wb_wf_wtcUV.csv, Wb_wf_wtcnoUV.csv, Wb_allfac_wic1.csv, Wb_allfac_wic2.csvEquivalent index model datasets for waterbodies, reflecting hydrologic and infrastructure attributes specific to impounded natural systems. Subfolder: Reservoir.zip Rs_wf.csv, Rs_wq.csv, Rs_er.csv, Rs_wf_wtcUV.csv, Rs_wf_wtcnoUV.csv, Rs_allfac_wic1.csv, Rs_allfac_wic2.csvIndex model datasets specific to regulated reservoir systems, incorporating both resource indicators and cost parameters. Folder: Integrated data.zip combined_merged_data.csv, combined_merged_data_scenario.csvDatasets integrating index model indicators (both raw and scaled) with scenario classifications, including adjustments reflecting SSP-aligned transitions and planning shifts. Folder: Additional data.zip wai_supplystrat_wic_merged.csvCurated dataset capturing proposed major reservoir-based municipal water supply strategies in Texas. Integrates site-level planning data with estimated capital infrastructure costs and water availability scores for comparative assessment.

geospatial↗