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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 937 records · Page 52
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

From Atoms to Wheels: The Role of Multi-Scale Modeling in the Future of Transportation Electrification

Traditionally, prototype hardware is built for validation testing to ensure battery systems design changes meet vehicle-level requirements, which is expensive both in cost and time. Virtual engineering (VE) of battery systems for electric vehicle (EV) propulsion offers a reduced-cost alternative to the traditional development process and uses multi-scale modeling to virtually probe the impact of design changes in a particular part on the overall performance of the system. This allows for rapid iteration over multiple design spaces, without committing to build hardware. This perspective article discusses current trends in VE for EV applications and proposes improvements to accelerate EV adoption.

Garrick, Taylor R. (ORCID:0000000322518129)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Investigating the mechanism of chloroplast singlet oxygen signaling in the Arabidopsis thaliana accelerated cell death 2 mutant

As sessile organisms, plants have evolved complex signaling mechanisms to sense stress and acclimate. This includes the use of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during dysfunctional photosynthesis to initiate signaling. One such ROS, singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), can trigger retrograde signaling, chloroplast degradation, and programmed cell death. However, the signaling mechanisms are largely unknown. Several proteins (e.g. PUB4, OXI1, EX1) are proposed to play signaling roles across three Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that conditionally accumulate chloroplast 1 O 2 (fluorescent in blue light (flu), chlorina 1 (ch1), and plastid ferrochelatase 2 (fc2)). We previously demonstrated that these mutants reveal at least two chloroplast 1 O 2 signaling pathways (represented by flu and fc2/ch1). Here, we test if the 1 O 2 -accumulating lesion mimic mutant, accelerated cell death 2 (acd2), also utilizes these pathways. The pub4–6 allele delayed lesion formation in acd2 and restored photosynthetic efficiency and biomass. Conversely, an oxi1 mutation had no measurable effect on these phenotypes. acd2 mutants were not sensitive to excess light (EL) stress, yet pub4–6 and oxi1 both conferred EL tolerance within the acd2 background, suggesting that EL-induced 1 O 2 signaling pathways are independent from spontaneous lesion formation. Thus, 1 O 2 signaling in acd2 may represent a third (partially overlapping) pathway to control cellular degradation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Test of Superconducting Wires and Rutherford Cables With High Specific Heat

High-field accelerator magnets made of state-of-the-art Nb 3 Sn Rutherford cables demonstrate relatively long trainings due to sudden heat depositions originated by thermo-mechanical perturbations in the magnet coils. Coil sensitivity to these perturbations can be reduced by increasing the specific heat, Cp, of major coil components - strands, or whole cable, or epoxy. The R&D on all these three approaches is in progress. This paper studies feasibility of increasing the Cp of Rutherford-type cables by using a thin composite Cu/Gd 2 O 3 tape. The tape can be either wrapped around the cable, placed on the cable wide faces under the insulation, and/or inserted as a core. In this work, Cu/Gd 2 O 3 ribbons with ~30% of Gd 2 O 3 powder and two different thicknesses were produced by Hyper Tech Research, Inc. Wire and cable samples outfitted with these high-Cp ribbons, or tapes, were prepared and tested at FNAL for the Minimum Quench Energy (MQE). At 80%Ic, the MQE gain average over the tested magnetic field range of the NbTi cable with high-Cp tape on both sides was ~1.3. The MQE gain average of the NbTi wire wrapped with the high-Cp ribbon was 3.1.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Diamagnetic Loop Testing on DARHT-I

Diamagnetic loops (DML) can be used as a noninvasive method for measurements of beam size in electron beam accelerators that use solenoidal magnetic transport. The loop fundamentally measures the magnetic flux excluded by a diamagnetic object. A comprehensive theory relates the rms beam radius to the excluded flux measured by the DML. We have built, and calibrated a DML apparatus. Recently, this DML has been used to measure the size of the electron beam near the final focus of the DARHT-I flash-radiography accelerator. Results are in agreement with beam transport code predictions. In this article, we review and summarize the construction, calibration, and electron-beam testing of this DML.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Design and performance of a silicon–tungsten calorimeter prototype module and the associated readout

Here, we describe the details of a silicon–tungsten prototype electromagnetic calorimeter module and associated readout electronics. Detector performance for this prototype has been measured in test beam experiments at the CERN PS and SPS accelerator facilities in 2015/16. The results are compared to those in Monte Carlo Geant4 simulations. This is the first real-world demonstration of the performance of a custom ASIC designed for fast, lower-power, high-granularity applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

The state of the art for neutron irradiation experiments from the perspective of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)

Irradiation experiment campaigns are critical to advancing nuclear energy technologies by providing data on material performance under relevant radiation conditions. Successful irradiation experiments require integrated design efforts that balance technical goals with facility constraints. Here, this paper presents an expert-informed overview of irradiation experiment design at the High Flux Isotope Reactor. It addresses the nuclear materials research and irradiation experiment communities to guide them toward developing technically sound, facility-compatible campaigns. The High Flux Isotope Reactor is a multipurpose reactor supporting isotope production, neutron scattering, and materials testing. Its high, steady-state neutron flux is ideal for irradiation experiments, but successful execution demands coordinated thermal, structural, and reactor physics analyses. The paper outlines the complete development workflow from concept definition and design optimization to safety qualification and post-irradiation examination. Standardized capsule platforms are also discussed in terms of flexibility, specimen capacity, and thermal performance. Common failure modes such as unanticipated geometric variations, can impact temperature-dose profiles and compromise data reliability. Therefore, detailed thermal modeling and accurate as-built characterization are essential for meaningful post-irradiation data interpretation. Key recommendations include early engagement all stakeholders, clearly defined design expectations, and alignment of specimen geometries with post-irradiation examination capabilities. This approach reduces design iterations, enhances data quality, and supports more efficient use of irradiation resources. Strategic and well-planned irradiation testing not only improves individual campaign success but also accelerates the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. By closing critical data gaps and reducing development risks, the nuclear materials community can more effectively contribute to the future of clean, resilient energy systems.

Experiments↗
DOE OSTI2020

Understanding the eco-geomorphologic feedback of coastal marsh under sea level rise: vegetation dynamic representations, processes interaction, and parametric sensitivity

A growing number of coastal eco-geomorphologic modeling studies have been conducted to understand coastal marsh evolution under sea-level rise (SLR). Although these models quantify marsh topographic change as a function of sedimentation and erosion, their representations of vegetation dynamics that control organic sedimentation differ. How vegetation dynamic schemes contribute to simulation outcomes is not well quantified. Additionally, the sensitivity of modeling outcomes to parameter selection in the available formulations has not been rigorously tested to date, especially under the influence of an accelerating SLR. In this paper, we used a coastal eco-geomorphologic model with different vegetation dynamic schemes to investigate the eco-geomorphologic feedbacks of coastal marshes and parametric sensitivity under SLR scenarios. We found that marsh platform relief increased with sea level rise rate. The simulations with different vegetation schemes exhibited different spatial-temporal variations in elevation and biomass. The nonlinear Spartina scheme presented the most resilient prediction with generally the highest marsh accretion and vegetation biomass, and the least elevation relief under SLR. But the linear Spartina scheme predicts the lowest unvegetated-vegetated ratio. We also found that vegetation-related parameters and sediment diffusivity, which were not well measured or discussed in previous studies, were identified as some of the most critical parameters. Additionally, the model sensitivity to vegetation-related parameters increased with SLR rates. The identified most sensitive parameters may inform how to appropriately choose modeling representations of key processes and parameters for different coastal marsh landscapes under SLR, and demonstrate the importance of future field measurements of these key parameters.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Conduct Performance Validation of the Electrodynamic Shield (EDS) Induced Cleaning Under Realistic Environmental Soiling Conditions: CRADA Number CRD-21-17861 (Cooperative Research and Development Final Report)

NREL will work with the Participant to perform accelerated long-term durability and other standard durability tests for prototypes to help demonstrate the reliability of the technology for PV applications. NREL will test commercially relevant-sized prototypes under realistic environmental soiling conditions to correlate dust removal efficacy for improving the PV output under standard solar conditions. Measurements will include voltage-current characterization in solar simulators before and after dust cleaning.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Contactless Position Measurement System for Remote Alignment of Highly Reflective Objects

The Contactless Position Measurement System (CPMS) permits automatic alignment of highly-reflecting components that cannot or should not be touched by human hands, such as those used in SRF cavities. CPMS also has application during maintenance of fusion reactors, when the components in the reactor are radioactive. The length of time for which humans can handle the components in order to carry out maintenance or repairs is limited. We would like to measure the relative positions of such objects so we can bring them into alignment with motorized stages, thus eliminating the need for human contact. The CPMS is a computer vision system that measures the location of highly reflective components to within a fraction of a millimeter by finding the edges of silhouette images. This is done by placing a uniform, infrared backlight behind the components, and viewing each component with two low-aberration, infrared cameras. Each of these stereoscopic cameras are located within a coordinate system we set up with reference platforms, light sources, and survey cameras distributed around the perimeter of the string assembly room, or fusion reactor. We obtain stereoscopic silhouette images of each component, and we use these to determine the position of the component within our string assembly coordinate system. The CPMS combines the silhouette images with knowledge of the dimensions of the objects to obtain the relative positions of components in its field of view. These position measurements then allow us to mechanically maneuver the components into contact. Once we know where they are, we can move the components to where they are supposed to be with motorized stages or other mechanical means, check they are in the right place, and bolt them together. In Phase I, we built a prototype infrared backlights and cameras, tested it, wrote an analysis program to fit the images. At a range of 50 cm, we are able to measure the relative positions of two stainless steel flanges with an accuracy of 150 μm rms. The next steps are to test the analysis program with motorized stages, build a full-size prototype, and implement it in an cleanroom with SRF cavity assembly. This can be done in a cost effective way given the materials with which the system is designed. As Open Source Instruments achieved more in Phase I than anticipated, despite not receiving a Phase II SBIR grant, we hope to move forward with product development and sales with a testing partner.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Abstract for CRADA between NETL and the AZ Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) will collaborate on the development and scale up of sorbent composites that efficiently capture carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) directly from air under an awarded project from the Department of Energy’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) Pre-Commercialization Technology Prize. For DAC to be considered a viable technology for decarbonization, the cost of carbon removal needs to decrease below the proposed carbon tax incentive outlined in the recent Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) (Section 45 Q), which is set at $\$$180 per ton of CO 2 . Achieving this goal requires the development of a cost-effective, environmentally friendly sorbent with high CO 2 sorption capacity and efficient kinetics under DAC conditions as the overall cost of CO 2 captured is highly sensitive to factors such as sorbent cost and sorbent lifetime. ASU has developed a sorbent technology that can potentially reduce CO 2 removal costs by DAC. NETL has expertise in DAC TEA and LCA development and DAC sorbent testing. The collaboration between ASU and NETL aims to accelerate development and deployment of ASU’s technology by quantifying the performance, cost and lifecycle impacts of ASU’s technology and validating sorbent performance.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of Close-in Ground Motion from an Underground Chemical Explosion

Understanding the geophysical response near an underground explosion is crucial for generating insights into the source and emplacement conditions that produce distinct observations in monitoring scenarios occurring at greater distances. Recently, Shot A of the Low Yield Nuclear Monitoring (LYNM) Physics Experiment 1 (PE1) series was conducted at the Nevada National Security Site to provide ground truth for subsurface explosion signal models. This experiment resulted in measuring near-source ground motion at distances ranging from 70 to 1000 m/kt with a 99% success rate, yielding high-fidelity knowledge of the near-field response that can serve as benchmarks for future numerical modeling and experiment planning. However, technical challenges exist in observing near-source phenomena while safeguarding sensitive data acquisition components from the detrimental effects of ground motion in the subsurface. This report outlines tools and techniques to address challenges associated with observing near-source accelerations and within the tunnel drift of the PE1 test bed. Additionally, we describe key systems designed with both modern advancements and legacy guidance to maximize the collection of high-quality ground motion data, which may be applied to constitutive and computational models, leading to new or improved understanding of the near- and far-field signals produced by underground explosions.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2020

Lagrangian simulations of spray interaction with a surface using a stochastic multi-regime impingement model

Modeling of spray impingement upon the piston or cylinder surface is important for hydrocarbon emission and soot predictions in high-fidelity simulation of internal combustion engines with direct injections. Due to the complexity of the physical process of spray impingement, current computational models heavily rely on the empirical studies which involve large uncertainties. A computational model is presented for spray impingement on solid walls in general computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The model adopts the Marmanis-Thoroddsen theory for determining the number of secondary droplets and a stochastic method for calculating the velocities of the secondary droplets. The numerical methods and parallel implementation of the impingement model are presented in detail. The model is implemented in Grit, which is a recently developed CPU/GPU performance-portable Lagrangian particle library, for accelerating spray simulations. The model and its implementation are tested for examples of spray impingements on flat and smooth surfaces with different impingement angles.

Ge, Wenjun↗
DOE OSTI2025

A harmonized protocol to assess the single-cell performance of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers

The harmonization of testing protocols for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers is essential for ensuring accurate and reliable performance assessments and accelerating the development of hydrogen production technologies. This protocol provides a structured approach to PEM electrolyzer setup and testing, incorporating key considerations for test station design and single-cell characterization techniques. Polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are detailed, along with best practices from academic and industry research groups to enhance data accuracy and comparability. By addressing material variability and harmonizing testing methodologies, this framework enables more precise evaluations of membrane electrode assemblies and electrolyzer components. Harmonized protocols not only streamline development efforts but also foster collaboration across institutions, ultimately supporting the commercialization of hydrogen solutions through improved stack efficiency and durability.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Screening Metal Halide Perovskite Solar Modules for Premature Field Failures

Developing metal halide perovskite (MHP) photovoltaic (PV) devices into reliable large-area solar modules could accelerate global solar energy deployment. Many MHP devices are susceptible to degradation under light and elevated temperature (LT). Published research on LT testing is limited at the module level, and LT testing has not yet been developed for qualification testing of commercial PV products. This report assesses whether results of LT testing at moderately elevated temperatures correlate with those of field-tested modules from the same batch. Six batches of samples from four manufacturers are assessed. It is shown that modules with a robust package that can maintain over 80% of their peak efficiency during LT testing at 55 °C for 100 h are more likely to retain over 80% of their peak efficiency during outdoor operation for 10 weeks. This finding is a step towards developing a validated test protocol that could be incorporated into a qualification standard for the commercialization of MHP PV technologies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Elucidating the degradation mechanisms of Pt-free anode anion-exchange membrane fuel cells after durability testing

The development of anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) has recently accelerated due to synergistic improvements yielding highly conductive membranes, stable ionomers, and enhanced alkaline electrocatalysts. However, cell durability, especially under realistic conditions, still poses a major challenge. Herein, we employ low-loadings of Pt-free Pd-based catalysts in the anode of AEMFCs and elucidate potential degradation mechanisms impacting long-term performance under conditions analogous to the real-world (high current density, H 2 –air (albeit CO 2 -free), and intermittent operation). Our high-performing AEMFCs achieve impressive performance with power densities approaching 1 W cm —2 and current densities up to 3.5 A cm —2 . Over a 200 h period of continuous operation in H 2 –air at a current density of 600 mA cm —2 , our model Pd/C–CeO 2 anode cell exhibits record stability (~30 μV h —1 degradation) compared to the literature and up to 6× better stability than our Pd/C and commercial Pt/C anode cells. Following an 8 h shutdown, the Pd/C–CeO 2 anode cell was restarted and continued for an additional 300 h with a higher degradation rate of ~600 μV h —1 . Thorough in situ evaluations and post-stability analyses provide insights into potential degradation mechanisms to be expected during extended operation under more realistic conditions and provide mitigation strategies to enable the widespread development of highly durable AEMFCs.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fabrication and test of COMB dipole magnet with STAR® wires

Fermilab is working on superconducting accelerator magnet R&D under the framework of the U.S. MagnetDevelopment Program (USMDP). An integral part of that program is High Temperature Superconducting (HTS)accelerator magnet development to- demonstrate HTS self‐fields of 5 T or greater- be compatible with operation in hybrid LTS/HTS configuration• to probe fields beyond 16 T for future High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Accelerating Nuclear Fuels and Materials Qualification by Multi-Level Irradiation Experiment Campaign

The advanced reactor technologies feature fuels, coolants, and materials that promise safer operating conditions under normal and accident scenarios. However, the nuclear fuels and materials qualifications require several decades (for example, new reactor fuel qualification from conceptualization requires about 20 years). Therefore, accelerating nuclear fuels and materials qualification is essential, and it can be achieved by combining high through-put materials irradiation and testing, advanced post-irradiation examinations, and Multiphysics modeling. This paper addressed the associated challenges in accelerating nuclear fuels and material qualification for new and advanced reactor designs, which differ based on fuel, coolant, operating conditions, and structural materials. These challenges vary for radiation level, operating conditions (e.g., temperature and pressure), and coolant type (e.g., corrosion environment). In addition, the challenges and limitations in modeling tools, experimental facilities, and licensing guidelines are also discussed, and a general solution path forward is recommended.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Presentation: Accelerating Nuclear Fuels and Materials Qualification by Multi-Level Irradiation Experiment Campaign

The advanced reactor technologies feature fuels, coolants, and materials that promise safer operating conditions under normal and accident scenarios. However, the nuclear fuels and materials qualifications require several decades (for example, new reactor fuel qualification from conceptualization requires about 20 years). Therefore, accelerating nuclear fuels and materials qualification is essential, and it can be achieved by combining high through-put materials irradiation and testing, advanced post-irradiation examinations, and Multiphysics modeling. This paper addressed the associated challenges in accelerating nuclear fuels and material qualification for new and advanced reactor designs, which differ based on fuel, coolant, operating conditions, and structural materials. These challenges vary for radiation level, operating conditions (e.g., temperature and pressure), and coolant type (e.g., corrosion environment). In addition, the challenges and limitations in modeling tools, experimental facilities, and licensing guidelines are also discussed, and a general solution path forward is recommended.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗