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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 109 records · Page 6

Analysis of Automated Transit Network Systems with Battery-Electric Vehicles in Automated Mobility Districts: Preprint

The paper provides an overview of the insights and findings of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) ongoing research on the implementation of automated mobility districts (AMDs). AMD is a term coined by NREL to describe a geographically defined district or major activity center located in a dense urban setting with mobility applications provided by automated/autonomous vehicle (AV) systems spanning internal circulation and first-mile/last-mile connections to regional transportation hubs. Research over the past five years has focused on understanding the evolution of AMDs, beginning with demonstrations of automated shuttles prior to the pandemic, to more integrated on-demand mobility systems currently in initial stages of deployment. Initial insights and findings from earlier studies include the need for designation of a "jurisdiction having authority," a clear vision of a complete system to provide end-to-end mobility services, and the requisite intelligent infrastructure to complement AV technology. NREL's most recent Phase III research investigates station boarding/alighting (curb) issues, the full electrification of fleets, and the need for a systems engineering methodology (SEM) to properly analyze the complexities resulting from the convergence of automation, on-demand mobility, and electrification of the transit systems within the AMD. The paper reviews the findings of AMD research conducted during Phase I, II, and III, with special emphasis on Phase III results with respect to a descriptive example of the proposed SEM when a "digital twin" analytical model is used to simulate the transport fleet's battery-electric vehicle miles of travel and associated duty cycles through a rigorous analytical assessment with a comprehensive modeling process.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Broad Frequency LTCC Vertical Interconnect Transition for Multichip Modules and System on Package Applications

Various stripline structures and flip chip interconnect designs for high-speed digital communication systems implemented in low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates are studied in this paper. Specifically, two different transition designs from edge launch 2.4 millimeter connectors to stripline transmission lines embedded in LTCC are discussed. After characterizing the DuPont (sup trademark) 9K7 green tape, different designs are proposed to improve signal integrity for high-speed digital data. The full-wave simulations and experimental data validate the presented designs over a broad frequency band from Direct Current to 50 gigahertz and beyond.

Full-tape-thickness feature; LTCC 9K7 interconnect↗

Survey of Cyber Risk Analysis Techniques for Use in the Nuclear Industry

Using traditional probabilistic risk analysis methods for severe accident safety risk management on non-digital systems, structures, and components at nuclear power plants is well-established. In contrast, cyber risk analysis of digital assets is still an immature field with unproven techniques due, in part, to the continuously changing threat environment and the challenge of digital assets failing in unexpected ways. As the nuclear fleet continues to adopt digital instrumentation and control systems, it is increasingly important to have effective and efficient cyber risk analysis techniques to support risk management decisions, such as risk elimination by system redesign or risk mitigation by implementation of prioritized security controls. To understand the state of the art in cyber risk analysis for future research, we surveyed 36 publications across ten application domains. We describe our survey methodology and rate each technique based upon scope, adoptability, and repeatability. In this work, we examine the unique constraints of the nuclear industry and outline the strengths and weaknesses of using the cyber risk analysis techniques in the industry, highlighting gaps with current techniques. We also discuss challenges and potential research directions for advancing the science for both existing and new advanced reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Delivery Ring Spill Characterization and Impulse Study

High-intensity particle physics experiments require uniform beam extraction to prevent instantaneous rate spikes from overwhelming detector systems. By analyzing accelerator parameters and extracted beam dynamics, we directly inform spill regulation systems that make real-time adjustments to minimize non-uniformity. This Department of Energy Visiting Faculty Program project transitioned from characterizing Main Injector half-integer slow extraction for SpinQuest to Delivery Ring third-integer slow extraction for Mu2e. Working alongside the Fast Adaptive Neural Control (FANC) group, we developed an automated pipeline that aligns asynchronous instrument channels, embeds quality metrics, and isolates clean spill populations. Analyzing baseline spills alongside a dedicated quadrupole impulse study allowed us to quantify noise structures while mapping time-varying beam response and transit-delay dynamics. These empirical measurements directly ground digital twin models, supporting FANC’s deployment of real-time, FPGA-based neural network controllers in the Mu2e Spill Regulation System.

Dolen, James William [Purdue U., West Lafayette] (↗

Some questions of an optimum probability synthesis of dynamic metalworking machine systems

Attempts were made to develop a dynamic metal working machine tool system using probability information on external factors and independent disturbances of the parameters. The problem was optimized in two stages: (1) creation of mathematical models under conditions determined by input influences, and (2) processing the results of calculations obtained on such models. Data were obtained on the patterns of distribution of dynamic quality characteristics of the tool, vibration frequencies and amplitudes, attenuation coefficients, and duration of a transition process. These data were obtained using a digital computer, statistical test methods, or logical possibility trees.

Dobrynin, S. A.↗

Use Case-Informed Framework for Utility Cloud Migration

This white paper presents a comprehensive methodology for assessing utilities’ cloud postures and frameworks. It aims to produce a roadmap and strategy for a cloud-enabled grid future, providing guidance for integrators, asset owners, and operators. Instead of offering a yes or no answer for cloud implementation, this framework offers strategic guidance on responsibly preparing for and deploying cloud solutions. This paper delves into cloud-service models pertinent to the electric sector, dissecting the shared responsibility model and elucidating what on-premise infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS) entail. A pivotal consideration within the context of the shared responsibility model is the allocation of responsibility for foundational security aspects—a decision that will be informed by a comprehensive risk assessment. The ensuing discussion will present a checklist of certifications necessary for a secure cloud transition, equipping utilities with the knowledge to navigate this digital transformation with confidence and with a strategic roadmap. Furthermore, the paper outlines gaps in understanding the U.S. government’s role in shaping technology development and responsible use. Its purpose is to aid decision-making by offering support for risk-informed solutions that benefit those managing assets and operating in the cloud environment. The primary objective is to enhance the resilience and future readiness of a decarbonized electric grid, with cloud solutions as one viable option. The paper synthesizes information on current and future grid architectures and applications, considering both conservative and progressive energy transitions, along with scalable and distributed computing considerations.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

SPRUCE Vegetation Phenology in Experimental Plots from Phenocam Imagery, 2015-2022

This data set consists of PhenoCam data from the SPRUCE experiment from the beginning of whole ecosystem warming (Hanson et al. 2017) in August 2015 through March 31 of 2023, with start- and end-of-season phenological transition dates derived through the end of autumn 2022. Digital cameras, or phenocams, installed in each SPRUCE enclosure track seasonal variation in vegetation “greenness”, a proxy for vegetation phenology and associated physiological activity. Three separate regions of interest (ROIs) were defined for each camera field of view, corresponding to different vegetation types and demarcating (1) Picea trees (vegetation type EN, for evergreen needleleaf); (2) Larix trees (vegetation type DN, for deciduous needleleaf); and (3) the mixed shrub layer (vegetation type SH). This data set consists of three sets of data files: 3-day summary product files: One file for each camera and each ROI (i.e. vegetation type), characterizing vegetation color at a 3-day time step Contains 35 files in *.csv format inside a compressed (*.zip) file. Transition date file: Estimates “greenness rising” (spring) and “greenness falling” (autumn) transition dates derived from the smoothed daily green chromatic coordinate (GCC) values, for each camera and each ROI (i.e. vegetation type) Contains one file in *.csv format Snow flag files: Indicate days with snow on trees or snow on ground for each experimental enclosure Contains two files in *.csv format, one for snow on trees and one for snow on ground This data set consists of two sets of companion files: Accompanying HTML files show the 90th quantiles of the mean GCC plotted together with transition dates for each vegetation type and plot. Contains three files in HTML format, one for each vegetation type One additional file in HTML format with the transition dates plotted for each vegetation type, by year R files for processing Phenocam files and flags. Contains five files in R file (*.R) format in one compressed (*.zip) file User Note: All imagery is posted in near-real time to the PhenoCam Project web page (http://phenocam.sr.unh.edu/), where it is publicly available. Scroll to “spruce” in the Gallery or link directly to the 29 SPRUCE cameras at https://tinyurl.com/y7z5mau7. The data reported here are based on the complete camera record from SPRUCE and supersedes the previously released phenocam datasets (see Related Data Sets). The estimated transition dates for previously released datasets may differ slightly (in most cases, by ±3 days or less), because following standard PhenoCam processing protocols (Richardson et al. 2018, Scientific Data), smoothing and interpolation, outlier removal, and transition date estimation are always conducted using the full data record.

SPRUCE Experiment, Marcell Experimental Forest, Sp↗

SPRUCE Vegetation Phenology in Experimental Plots from Phenocam Imagery, 2015-2023

This data set consists of PhenoCam data from the SPRUCE experiment from the beginning of whole ecosystem warming (Hanson et al. 2017) in August 2015 through March 31 of 2024, with start- and end-of-season phenological transition dates derived through the end of autumn 2023. Digital cameras, or phenocams, installed in each SPRUCE enclosure track seasonal variation in vegetation “greenness”, a proxy for vegetation phenology and associated physiological activity. Three separate regions of interest (ROIs) were defined for each camera field of view, corresponding to different vegetation types and demarcating (1) Picea trees (vegetation type EN, for evergreen needleleaf); (2) Larix trees (vegetation type DN, for deciduous needleleaf); and (3) the mixed shrub layer (vegetation type SH). This data set consists of three sets of data files: (1) 3-day summary product files: One file for each camera and each ROI (i.e. vegetation type), characterizing vegetation color at a 3-day time step • Contains 36 files in *.csv format inside a compressed (*.zip) file. (2) Transition date file: Estimates “greenness rising” (spring) and “greenness falling” (autumn) transition dates derived from the smoothed daily green chromatic coordinate (GCC) values, for each camera and each ROI (i.e. vegetation type) • Contains one file in *.csv format (3) Snow flag files: Indicate days with snow on trees or snow on ground for each experimental enclosure • Contains two files in *.csv format, one for snow on trees and one for snow on ground This data set consists of two sets of companion files: (1) Accompanying HTML files show the 90th quantiles of the mean GCC plotted together with transition dates for each vegetation type and plot. • Contains three files in HTML format, one for each vegetation type • One additional file in HTML format with the transition dates plotted for each vegetation type, by year (2) R files for processing Phenocam files and flags. • Contains five files in R file (*.R) format in one compressed (*.zip) file User Note: All imagery is posted in near-real time to the PhenoCam Project web page (http://phenocam.sr.unh.edu/), where it is publicly available. Scroll to “spruce” in the Gallery or link directly to the 29 SPRUCE cameras at https://tinyurl.com/sprucecams. The data reported here are based on the complete camera record from SPRUCE and supersedes the previously released data inclusive of the 2015-2022 data (see Related Data Sets). The estimated transition dates for previously released datasets may differ slightly (in most cases, by ±3 days or less), because following standard PhenoCam processing protocols (Richardson et al. 2018, Scientific Data), smoothing and interpolation, outlier removal, and transition date estimation are always conducted using the full data record.

Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Envir↗

SPRUCE Vegetation Phenology in Experimental Plots from PhenoCam Imagery, 2015-2024

This data set consists of PhenoCam data from the SPRUCE experiment from the beginning of whole ecosystem warming (Hanson et al. 2017) in August 2015 through March 31 of 2025 (2015-08-24 to 2025-03-31), with start- and end-of-season phenological transition dates derived through the end of autumn 2024. Digital cameras, or phenocams, installed in each SPRUCE enclosure track seasonal variation in vegetation “greenness”, a proxy for vegetation phenology and associated physiological activity. Three separate regions of interest (ROIs) were defined for each camera field of view, corresponding to different vegetation types and demarcating (1) Picea trees (vegetation type EN, for evergreen needleleaf); (2) Larix trees (vegetation type DN, for deciduous needleleaf); and (3) the mixed shrub layer (vegetation type SH). This data set consists of three sets of data files: (1) 3-day summary product files: One file for each camera and each ROI (i.e. vegetation type), characterizing vegetation color at a 3-day time step. • Contains 36 files in *.csv format inside a compressed (*.zip) file. (2) Transition date file: Estimates “greenness rising” (spring) and “greenness falling” (autumn) transition dates derived from the smoothed daily green chromatic coordinate (GCC) values, for each camera and each ROI (i.e., vegetation type). • Contains one file in *.csv format. (3) Snow flag files: Indicate days with snow on trees or snow on ground for each experimental enclosure. • Contains two files in *.csv format, one for snow on trees and one for snow on ground. This data set consists of two sets of companion files: (1) Accompanying HTML files show the 90th quantiles of the mean GCC plotted together with transition dates for each vegetation type and plot. • Contains three files in HTML format, one for each vegetation type. • One additional file in HTML format with the transition dates plotted for each vegetation type, by year. (2) R files for processing PhenoCam files and flags. • Contains five files in R file(*.R) format and the components of the phenocamr package (Version 1.1.4) used for calculating transition dates for 2015-2024. These are contained in a compressed (*.zip) file. User Note: All imagery is posted in near-real time to the PhenoCam Project web page (https://phenocam.nau.edu), where it is publicly available. Scroll to “spruce” in the Gallery or link directly to the 29 SPRUCE cameras at https://tinyurl.com/sprucecams. This data set is based on the complete camera record from SPRUCE and supersedes all previously released PhenoCam datasets (see Related Data Sets). The estimated transition dates for previously released datasets may differ slightly (in most cases, by ±3 days or less), because following standard PhenoCam processing protocols (Richardson et al. 2018, Scientific Data), smoothing and interpolation, outlier removal, and transition date estimation are always conducted using the full data record.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Orthomosaic Images and Digital Elevation Models for the 2019 SALVO Campaign

The springtime, surface-albedo transition in the Alaskan Arctic and the forcings that determine the duration and nature of that transition are the focus of our Snow ALbedo eVOlution (SALVO I & II) campaign. The SALVO team are assessing the “whys” and “how longs” of the stages of the spring melt during which albedo values drop from 0.8 to 0.1, the largest and most significant change of the year. The near-shore location of the ARM NSA observatory makes this an ideal place to investigate these melt stages.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

SPRUCE Vegetation Phenology in Experimental Plots from Phenocam Imagery, 2015-2019

The most recent version of these data are available https://doi.org/10.25581/spruce.100/1874948 and supersedes all previous versions. This dataset consists of PhenoCam data from the SPRUCE experiment from the beginning of whole ecosystem warming in August 2015 through March-31 of 2020, with start- and end-of-season phenological transition dates derived through the end of autumn 2019. Digital cameras, or phenocams, installed in each SPRUCE enclosure track seasonal variation in vegetation “greenness”, a proxy for vegetation phenology and associated physiological activity. Three separate regions of interest (ROIs) were defined for each camera field of view, corresponding to different vegetation types and demarcating: Picea trees (vegetation type EN, for evergreen needleleaf); Larix trees (vegetation type DN, for deciduous needleleaf); and the mixed shrub layer (vegetation type SH).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

SPRUCE Vegetation Phenology in Experimental Plots from Phenocam Imagery, 2015-2020

The most recent version of these data are available https://doi.org/10.25581/spruce.100/1874948 and supersedes all previous versions. This data set consists of PhenoCam data from the SPRUCE experiment from the beginning of whole ecosystem warming (Hanson et al. 2017) in August 2015 through March 31 of 2021, with start- and end-of-season phenological transition dates derived through the end of autumn 2020. Digital cameras, or phenocams, installed in each SPRUCE enclosure track seasonal variation in vegetation “greenness”, a proxy for vegetation phenology and associated physiological activity. Three separate regions of interest (ROIs) were defined for each camera field of view, corresponding to different vegetation types and demarcating (1) Picea trees (vegetation type EN, for evergreen needleleaf); (2) Larix trees (vegetation type DN, for deciduous needleleaf); and (3) the mixed shrub layer (vegetation type SH). User note: A list of previous versions can be found in the Related Datasets section of the user guide.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

SPRUCE Vegetation Phenology in Experimental Plots from Phenocam Imagery, 2015-2021

This data set consists of PhenoCam data from the SPRUCE experiment from the beginning of whole ecosystem warming (Hanson et al. 2017) in August 2015 through March 31 of 2022, with start- and end-of-season phenological transition dates derived through the end of autumn 2021. Digital cameras, or phenocams, installed in each SPRUCE enclosure track seasonal variation in vegetation “greenness”, a proxy for vegetation phenology and associated physiological activity. Three separate regions of interest (ROIs) were defined for each camera field of view, corresponding to different vegetation types and demarcating (1) Picea trees (vegetation type EN, for evergreen needleleaf); (2) Larix trees (vegetation type DN, for deciduous needleleaf); and (3) the mixed shrub layer (vegetation type SH). User Note: This dataset supersedes previous versions of SPRUCE Vegetation Phenology in Experimental Plots from Phenocam Imagery. A list of previous versions can be found in the Related Datasets section of the user guide.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Boundary-layer transition and global skin friction measurement with an oil-fringe imaging technique

A new oil-fringe imaging fkin friction (FISF) technique to measure skin friction on wind tunnel models is presented. In the method used to demonstrate the technique, lines of oil are applied on surfaces that connect the intended sets of measurement points, and then a wind tunnel is run so that the oil thins and forms interference fringes that are spaced proportional to local skin friction. After a run the fringe spacings are imaged with a CCD-array digital camera and measured on a computer. Skin friction and transition measurements on a two-dimensional wing are presented and compared with computational predictions.

Monson, Daryl J.↗

Boundary-layer transition and global skin friction measurement with an oil-fringe imaging technique

A new oil-fringe imaging system skin friction (FISF) technique to measure skin friction on wind tunnel models is presented. In the method used to demonstrate the technique, lines of oil are applied on surfaces that connect the intended sets of measurement points, and then a wind tunnel is run so that the oil thins and forms interference fringes that are spaced in proportion to local skin friction. After a run the fringe spacings are imaged with a CCD-array digital camera and measured on a computer. Skin friction and transition measurements on a two-dimensional wing are presented and compared with computational predictions.

Monson, Daryl J.↗

Simple digital pulse-programing circuit

Pulse-sequencing circuit uses only shift register and Exclusive-OR gates. Circuit also serves as date-transition edge detector (for rising or falling edges). It is used in sample-and-hold, analog-to-digital conversion sequence control, multiphase clock logic, precise delay control computer control logic, edge detectors, other timing applications, and provides simple means to generate timing and control signals for data transfer, addressing, or mode control in microprocessors and minicomputers.

Langston, J. L.↗

Enhancing Cloud Cybersecurity: Prescriptive Controls for Operational Technology

This whitepaper provides strategic insights and recommendations into security cloud-based solutions for electric utilities, encompassing operational technology (OT), virtual power plants (VPP), distributed energy resources (DERs), applications, networks, and data storage as they transition to and leverage cloud infrastructure through managed service providers (MSPs) and cloud service providers (CSPs). Principles derived from established frameworks serve as a foundation for best practices across cybersecurity projects and remove the constraints of settling on a single framework. For organizations that prefer not to integrate a specific framework altogether, elements of the proposed approach could be adopted or tailored to best fit defined requirements and expected functionalities. The Cirrus assessment, a utility cloud feasibility tool, and the roadmap it provides serve as a precursor to this paper, which seeks to be a valuable resource for defining next steps following cloud technology integration feasibility appraisal. With its comprehensive approach to adoption, the Cirrus framework offers strategic guidance on responsibly preparing for or deploying a utility cloud solution. The previously published whitepaper, “Use Case-Informed Framework for Utility Cloud Migration,” details the guiding strategy, research, and deployment of cloud solutions within electric and interconnected grid systems. Before implementing the controls suggested in this document, it is recommended that stakeholders complete Cirrus's cloud integration assessment and pair the results with their unique cybersecurity controls to form a comprehensive cloud-based utility cybersecurity plan. The Cirrus outcome will consider a series of future architectures for the grid before and after the energy transition and evaluate the arguments for and against cloud applications for each electric and interconnected grid layer. This document is a companion to the original whitepaper, "Use Case-Informed Framework for Utility Cloud Migration" to further identify and recommend security controls based on Cirrus’s cloud integration assessment output. The following whitepaper outlines the cybersecurity controls that secure cloud-service models pertinent to the electric sector using the predefined categories identify, protect, detect, and respond and recover. The objective is to outline prescriptive security controls based on the type of architecture and data stored in the cloud. The focus includes dissecting the shared responsibility model and elucidating what on-premises Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) entail. A pivotal consideration in this context is allocating responsibility for foundational cybersecurity aspects—having used Cirrus for the cloud integration assessment. The ensuing controls detailed herein also represent a checklist of controls necessary for a secure cloud transition, equipping utilities with the knowledge to navigate this digital transformation with confidence and strategic foresight in a safe and responsible manner.

42 ENGINEERING↗