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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 1,009 records · Page 56

Application of Hybrid Geo-Spatially Granular Fragility Curves to Improve Power Outage Predictions

Fragility curves depict the relationship between a weather variable (wind speed, gust speed, ice accumulation, precipitation rate) and the observed outages for a targeted infrastructure network. This paper describes an empirical study of the county by county distribution of power outages and one minute weather variables during Hurricane Irene with the objective of comparing 1) as built fragility curves (statistical approach) to engineering as designed (bottom up) fragility curves for skill in forecasting outages during future hurricanes; 2) county specific fragility curves to find examples of significant deviation from average behavior; and 3) the engineering practices of outlier counties to suggest future engineering studies of robustness. Outages in more than 90% of the impacted counties could be anticipated through an average or generic fragility curve. The remaining counties could be identified and handled as exceptions through geographic data sets. The counties with increased or decreased robustness were characterized by terrain more or less susceptible to persistent flooding in areas where above ground poles located their foundations. Land use characteristics of the area served by the power distribution system can suggest trends in the as built power grid vulnerabilities to extreme weather events that would be subjects for site specific studies.

classification of impacted areas↗

Designer Nanomaterials through Programmable Assembly

Nanoparticles have long been recognized for their unique properties, leading to exciting potential applications across optics, electronics, magnetism, and catalysis. These specific functions often require a designed organization of particles, which includes the type of order as well as placement and relative orientation of particles of the same or different kinds. DNA nanotechnology offers the ability to introduce highly addressable bonds, tailor particle interactions, and control the geometry of bindings motifs. Here, we discuss how developments in structural DNA nanotechnology have enabled greater control over 1D, 2D, and 3D particle organizations through programmable assembly. This Review focuses on how the use of DNA binding between nanocomponents and DNA structural motifs has progressively allowed the rational formation of prescribed particle organizations. Here, we offer insight into how DNA-based motifs and elements can be further developed to control particle organizations and how particles and DNA can be integrated into nanoscale building blocks, so-called “material voxels”, to realize designer nanomaterials with desired functions.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Strongly Tapered Helical Undulator System for Fast-greens Installation

RadiaBeam, in collaboration with UCLA and Fermilab, is developing a strongly tapered helical undulator system for the Tapering Enhanced Stimulated Superradiant Amplification experiment at 515 nm (TESSA-515). The experiment will be carried out at the FAST facility at Fermilab as a Gamma-Ray high Efficiency ENhanced Source (FAST-GREENS). The undulator system was designed by UCLA, engineered by RadiaBeam, and will be installed on the beamline at Fermilab (FNAL). The design is based on a permanent magnet Halbach scheme of four 1-meter long undulator sections; two of which have been completed and installed. The undulator period is fixed at 32 mm and the magnetic field amplitude can be tapered by tuning the gap along the interaction. Each magnet can be individually adjusted by 1 mm, offering up to 25% magnetic field tunability with a minimum gap of 5.58 mm. This paper discusses the design and engineering of the undulator system and the stage 0 installation status.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Topology optimization of permanent magnets for stellarators

In this work, we introduce a topology optimization method to design permanent magnets for advanced stellarators. Recent researches show that permanent magnets have great potentials to simplify stellarator coils. We adopt state-of-the-art numerical techniques to determine the presence of magnets in the entire designing space. The FAMUS code is developed and it can design engineering-feasible permanent magnets for general stellarators satisfying the constraints of the maximum material magnetization and explicit forbidden regions. FAMUS has been successfully verified against the previously proposed linear method. Three different permanent magnet designs together with planar TF coils for a half-Tesla NCSX configuration have been obtained for demonstrations. The designs have good accuracy in generating the desired equilibrium and offer considerably large plasma access on the outboard side. The results show that FAMUS is a flexible, advanced numerical tool for future permanent magnet stellarator designs.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

PDV Sensitivity [Slides]

The concept of PDV sensitive is not new. But we tend not to discuss sensitivity in a rigorous, quantified way. That should change. Indeed there is a natural definition, which is just the energy of light from the target within the analysis window that gives a SNR of 10 in the frequency domain. Systems designers, diagnostic engineers, and operators should use the language of sensitivity: (1) Absolute sensitivity: nW * ns; (2) Launch power: mW or dBm; (3) Relative surface return: dB; (4) Relative sensitivity: dB * ns. This will help us design better systems, choose the correct system for the job, maintain our systems, and tune our systems.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Quartz Clock Oscillator Design and Analysis

Engineers at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) have used quartz - based clock oscillators in various missions since the 1980s. As such, the design of these frequency control devices requires a high degree of reliability and producibility. The quartz clock oscillators designed at SNL have evolved over many years and are currently developed in house and fabricated using SNLs internal CMOS foundry. They are designed to operate in harsh environments, including temperature, radiation, shock and vibration. This report documents the methodology behind the design of quartz clock oscillators developed at SNL and includes an overview of quartz resonator technology and usage guidelines and a detailed overview of oscillator circuits.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Operation of Bubblers in the Savannah River Site Defense Waste Processing Facility Melter - 12166

Savannah River Remediation (SRR) LLC acquired the liquid waste contract at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in the summer of 2009. In order to achieve the main goal of the contract, closing of High Level Waste (HLW) tanks, it was necessary to process more waste throughout the SRS liquid waste facilities. The Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) would need to increase its production rate of radioactive waste glass filled canisters as a part of the plan to achieve this commitment. To attain the increased production rate, four bubblers were installed in the DWPF Melter in September 2010 to agitate the DWPF Melter glass pool. The four bubblers were designed to be installed in existing nozzles on the top-head of the DWPF Melter. The design and fabrication of the four (4) bubblers was accomplished through SRR critical subcontractor EnergySolutions LLC. In addition to the existing bubbler design, a new design concept has been approved and is in the process of fabrication. The new design will allow for the lower end (inside melter) of the bubbler to be replaced while the upper end (outside melter) of the bubbler is reused to minimize cost and waste at the DWPF. The bubblers have been operating in the DWPF Melter for approximately 1 year. The originally installed bubbler set was replaced in January 2011. The bubblers were visually examined once removed from the melter and showed minimal signs of wear. Material testing of the Inconel 690 is being performed to determine if the bubblers operational life can be extended. The use of the bubblers has changed the dynamics within the melter glass pool. This is shown through indications that the bubblers have increased the glass pool circulation. Overall, performance of the bubblers has been encouraging and the DWPF Melter has seen a significant improvement in its ability to process waste since the bubbler installation. The installation of the bubblers accomplished the goal of increasing the glass production capability of DWPF Melter. Currently the DWPF Melter is producing glass at a rate of 91 to 93 kg of glass/hour (200 to 205 lbs of glass/hour). As a result of this increased glass production rate the DWPF has been able to produce the most canisters since radioactive operations began in 1996. These accomplishments can be directly attributed to the bubblers ability to increase mixing/convection within the glass melt pool thereby improving the heat transfer from melt pool to the cold cap. Further, this has helped SRR take a significant step forward toward closing the HLW tanks at the aggressive pace set forth in the most recent liquid waste contract at the SRS. As a path forward, the DWPF is continuing work with SRNL to complete the final metallurgical examination of the bubbler samples to help determine methods to increase the design life of the bubblers beyond the current 6-month restriction. Also, the DWPF is continuing work with EnergySolutions on a new bubbler design concept to minimize cost and waste at the DWPF. The new design will allow for the lower end (inside melter) of the bubbler to be replaced while the upper end (outside melter) of the bubbler is reused. This new design is currently in the final design approval phase and EnergySolutions will be selecting a fabricator to begin the work to build bubbler sets 5 and 6 using the new design. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

A laser-assisted chlorination process for reversible writing of doping patterns in graphene

Chemical doping can be used to control the charge-carrier polarity and concentration in two-dimensional van der Waals materials. However, conventional methods based on substitutional doping or surface functionalization result in the degradation of electrical mobility due to structural disorder, and the maximum doping density is set by the solubility limit of dopants. Here we show that a reversible laser-assisted chlorination process can be used to create high doping concentrations (above 3 × 10 13 cm -2 ) in graphene monolayers with minimal drops in mobility. The approach uses two lasers—with distinct photon energies and geometric configurations—that are designed for chlorination and subsequent chlorine removal, allowing highly doped patterns to be written and erased without damaging the graphene. To illustrate the capabilities of our approach, we use it to create rewritable photoactive junctions for graphene-based photodetectors.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Generation of 2N + 1-scroll existence in new three-dimensional chaos systems

We propose a systematic methodology for creating 2N + 1-scroll chaotic attractors from a simple three-dimensional system, which is named as the translation chaotic system. It satisfies the condition a{sub 12}a{sub 21} = 0, while the Chua system satisfies a{sub 12}a{sub 21} > 0. In this paper, we also propose a successful (an effective) design and an analytical approach for constructing 2N + 1-scrolls, the translation transformation principle. Also, the dynamics properties of the system are studied in detail. MATLAB simulation results show very sophisticated dynamical behaviors and unique chaotic behaviors of the system. It provides a new approach for 2N + 1-scroll attractors. Finally, to explore the potential use in technological applications, a novel block circuit diagram is also designed for the hardware implementation of 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-scroll attractors via switching the switches. Translation chaotic system has the merit of convenience and high sensitivity to initial values, emerging potentials in future engineering chaos design.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Quantum Engineering With Hybrid Magnonic Systems and Materials (Invited Paper)

Quantum technology has made tremendous strides over the past two decades with remarkable advances in materials engineering, circuit design and dynamic operation. In particular, the integration of different quantum modules has benefited from hybrid quantum systems, which provide an important pathway for harnessing the different natural advantages of complementary quantum systems and for engineering new functionalities. This review focuses on the current frontiers with respect to utilizing magnetic excitations or magnons for novel quantum functionality. Magnons are the fundamental excitations of magnetically ordered solid-state materials and provide great tunability and exibility for interacting with various quantum modules for integration in diverse quantum systems. The concomitant rich variety of physics and material selections enable exploration of novel quantum phenomena in materials science and engineering. In addition, the relative ease of generating strong coupling and forming hybrid dynamic systems with other excitations makes hybrid magnonics a unique platform for quantum engineering. We start our discussion with circuit-based hybrid magnonic systems, which are coupled with microwave photons and acoustic phonons. Subsequently, we are focusing on the recent progress of magnon-magnon coupling within confined magnetic systems. Next we highlight new opportunities for understanding the interactions between magnons and nitrogen-vacancy centers for quantum sensing and implementing quantum interconnects. Lastly, we focus on the spin excitations and magnon spectra of novel quantum materials investigated with advanced optical characterization.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Dexterity and Worker Comfort in an Ergonomically Designed Glovebox Glove

Gloveboxes are prolifically used in nuclear facilities as the primary means of separation between the hazardous material and operators. Due to extended duration and high repetition of hand tasks in glovebox gloves, improperly fitting gloves can be uncomfortable and increase injury risks. Poor fit can increase time necessary to perform work tasks and stress the glove itself. The Plutonium Facility has the largest inventory of glovebox gloves at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) with approximately 6000 gloves installed. The current glove mold dates back to the 1960's and is not based on the true anatomy of the hand. Design flaws (poor anatomical fit and biomechanics) are directly related to injuries of the elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and thumb (DeQuervain's tenosynovitis) injuries. The current design also contributes to 30% of unplanned glove openings. A new glovebox glove was developed and manufactured, incorporating over forty dimensions to produce the most comprehensive ergonomically sound design. The new design received a LANL patent (patent attorney docket No: LANS 36USD1 'Protective Glove'), one of 20 highest patents awarded by the Richard P. Feynman Center for Innovation. A SolidWorks model was given to the manufacturer for production of the glove mold.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Bacterial microcompartment architectures as biomaterials for conversion of gaseous substrates

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are protein shells encapsulating multiple enzymes of a metabolic pathway. Interpretations of early experiments on carboxysomes led to the narrative that transport of small gases (CO 2 , O 2 ) across the shell membrane is restricted. Since then, this notion has been largely contradicted by studies of engineered shells, although these shell constructs lack important proteins present in the native BMCs, altering the synthetic shells’ topology, surface and mechanical properties. Here, we discuss here an updated model of gas permeability that informs the design of engineered shells for catalysis on gas substrates and outline how nonshell suprastructures of BMC shell proteins could be used in formulating sustainable biomaterials for hydrogen generation via methane pyrolysis and for other greenhouse gas mitigations.

Bacterial microcompartment↗

Integrating Systems and Synthetic Biology to Understand and Engineer Microbiomes

Microbiomes are complex and ubiquitous networks of microorganisms whose seemingly limitless chemical transformations could be harnessed to benefit agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. Here, the spatial and temporal changes in microbiome composition and function are influenced by a multitude of molecular and ecological factors. This complexity yields both versatility and challenges in designing synthetic microbiomes and perturbing natural microbiomes in controlled, predictable ways. In this review, we describe factors that give rise to emergent spatial and temporal microbiome properties and the meta-omics and computational modeling tools that can be used to understand microbiomes at the cellular and system levels. We also describe strategies for designing and engineering microbiomes to enhance or build novel functions. Throughout the review,we discuss key knowledge and technology gaps for elucidating the networks and deciphering key control points for microbiome engineering, and highlight examples where multiple omics and modeling approaches can be integrated to address these gaps.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Accelerating the Adoption of the Solid Panel Structural System

This report, "Accelerating the Adoption of the Solid Panel Structural System", explores the structural properties, capabilities, and applications for an innovative “studless” building system that uses a plate-like approach and “Perfect Wall” principles for an efficient, durable, and robust wall system. A comprehensive testing regime was completed to fully characterize the structural behavior of the Solid Panel Structural system. These results were used to develop an engineering guide that can be used by architects and engineers for design and code approval.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Sustainable production of 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine at high titer in engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum

The industrial amino acid production workhorse, Corynebacterium glutamicum naturally produces low levels of 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a valuable flavor, fragrance, and commodity chemical. Here, we demonstrate TMP production (~0.8 g L –1 ) in C. glutamicum type strain ATCC13032 via overexpression of acetolactate synthase and/or α-acetolactate decarboxylase from Lactococcus lactis in CGXII minimal medium supplemented with 40 g L –1 glucose. This engineered strain also demonstrated growth and TMP production when the minimal medium was supplemented with up to 40% (v v –1 ) hydrolysates derived from ionic liquid-pretreated sorghum biomass. Further, a key objective was to take the fully engineered strain developed in this study and interrogate medium parameters that influence the production of TMP, a critical post-strain engineering optimization. Design of experiments in a high-throughput plate format identified glucose, urea, and their ratio as significant components affecting TMP production. These two components were further optimized using response surface methodology. In the optimized CGXII medium, the engineered strain could produce up to 3.56 g L –1 TMP (4-fold enhancement in titers and 2-fold enhancement in yield, mol mol –1 ) from 80 g L –1 glucose and 11.9 g L –1 urea in shake flask batch cultivation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗