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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

2023 Annual Explosives Inventory Completion

The 2023 Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) annual explosives inventory was executed from May 18, 2023 to September 27, 2023 and was verified for accuracy effective September 28, 2023 following the LLNL Explosive Materials Inventory Plan. This year’s annual inventory includes changes incorporated based on the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Audit Report DOE-OIG-20-50, The Department of Energy’s Storage and Disposition of Explosives Material at Selected Sites, dated July of 2020. Based on the associated recommendations, explosives at DOE and National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) sites are considered "sensitive personal property" and applicable inventories must comply with 41 CFR 109, Personal Property Management. This regulation adds additional stipulations which require the annual inventory to include accountability of the total site inventory. In addition, the inventory must be performed by personnel other than the property owner, or alternatively must include independent verification. The development of the inventory plan was agreed to by the LLNL Explosives Safety Committee in conjunction with the LLNL Property and Business Division Leader. The LLNL Explosive Materials Inventory Plan was reviewed and approved by the DOE Explosives Safety Committee Chair on May 17, 2023 and by the NNSA Property Management Office on May 25, 2023.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

LLM Generation of Online Courses from a Curated Set of Documents in the Nuclear Safeguards Domain

A multidisciplinary team at Argonne National Laboratory explores the application of advanced technologies to enhance knowledge transfer and retention within the nuclear safeguards domain. Specifically, it examines the feasibility of leveraging secure large language models (LLMs) to streamline the creation of e-learning modules for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of International Nuclear Safeguards (NA-241). The initiative addresses the critical need for preserving institutional memory and accelerating skill development amidst the imminent retirement of senior professionals in the field in addition to supporting good knowledge management practices. The project integrates instructional design theory with cutting-edge AI technologies to transform curated document sets from the Safeguards Knowledge Repository (SKR) into modular online courses. By automating the generation of learning objectives and instructional content, the effort aims to reduce manual effort while maintaining high-quality educational outcomes. A limited measure of human supervision, however, ensures accuracy, relevance, and alignment with NNSA’s strategic priorities. Key findings highlight the potential of AI-assisted course generation to support safeguards professionals by creating structured, interactive learning experiences. The report underscores the importance of SME validation to address limitations in AI-generated content, such as terminology errors and gaps in coverage. Recommendations include adopting a structured workflow combining LLM acceleration with expert oversight to ensure accuracy, usability, and alignment with learner needs. This work demonstrates Argonne’s commitment to advancing national security and scientific excellence through innovative knowledge management solutions.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Reassessment of PHDS Fulcrum40h High Purity Germanium (HPGe) Detector System Performance

This report presents a comprehensive evaluation of the updated PHDS Fulcrum40h High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector system, benchmarking its performance, usability, and software capabilities against the current National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) HPGe Detector System Requirements Document. Systematic measurements were conducted using a single Fulcrum40h detector to assess key parameters including gamma efficiency and resolution, neutron detection efficiency, gamma pulse-pileup response, and gamma-to-neutron crosstalk. The Fulcrum40h system, acquired in August 2022, has undergone recent updates by PHDS to address deficiencies identified following the initial NEST requirements release. The results provide critical insights into the detector’s operational capabilities and compliance with NNSA NEST standards.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2017

Studies of Short Time Response Options for Potentially Hazardous Objects: Current and Forthcoming Results

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory(LANL), and Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) are collaborating on Planetary Defense Research. The research program is organized around three case studies: 1. Deflection of the Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) 101955 Bennu (1999 RQ36)[OSIRIS-REx mission target], 2. Deflection of the secondary member of the PHA 65803 Didymos (1996 GT) [DART mission target], 3. Deflection of a scaled-down version of the comet 67PChuryumov-Gerasimenko [Rosetta mission target]. NASAGSFC is providing astrodynamics and spacecraft mission design expertise, while NNSA, DOE, LLNL, LANL and SNL are providing expertise in modeling the effects of kinetic impactor spacecraft and nuclear explosive devices on the target objects.

Mission Design↗
DOE OSTI2021

Technology Advancement and Insertion into Operating Nuclear Facilities

Key challenges in the NNSA modernization effort are centered around the selection of new processing / production technologies to deploy in existing, operating, and oftentimes, aging nuclear facilities. New uranium processing technologies may offer significant improvements in worker and environmental safety, material control and accountability, and production efficiencies, but adaptation of these technologies into existing facilities presents unique (and usually, difficult) engineering solutions for each new technology. This presentation discusses approaches utilized at Y-12 to mature and demonstrate new processing and production technologies for deployment into nuclear facilities. The technology advancement lifecycle (from concept to deployment) of uranium electrorefining technologies will be reviewed, as a prototypical example, to describe steps and approaches utilized at Y-12 (and NNSA Sites) to (i) mature technologies and manufacturing strategies, (ii) establish testbed capabilities for full-scale process demonstrations, and (iii) reduce risks associated with operational disruptions when commissioning new uranium processing technologies.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

Technology Advancement and Insertion into Operating Nuclear Facilities

Key challenges in the NNSA modernization effort are centered around the selection of new processing / production technologies to deploy in existing, operating, and oftentimes, aging nuclear facilities. New uranium processing technologies may offer significant improvements in worker and environmental safety, material control and accountability, and production efficiencies, but adaptation of these technologies into existing facilities presents unique (and usually, difficult) engineering solutions for each new technology. This presentation discusses approaches utilized at Y-12 to mature and demonstrate new processing and production technologies for deployment into aging nuclear facilities. The technology advancement lifecycle (from concept to deployment) of uranium electrorefining technologies will be reviewed, as a prototypical example, to describe steps and approaches utilized at Y-12 (and NNSA Sites) to (i) mature technologies and manufacturing strategies, (ii) establish testbed capabilities for full-scale process demonstrations, and (iii) reduce risks associated with operational disruptions when commissioning new uranium processing technologies.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2023

From Count Rates to Quantifying Isotopic Activities – Field Analysis of Radiation Monitoring Data

The Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) provides a comprehensive bicoastal radiological and nuclear emergency response to United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. A major part of the support is to provide systematic radiological search for lost or stolen sources, Radiological search is a core competency of the NNSS with its origin dating back to nuclear weapons test era. Search operations from multiple platforms is the common thread among the various NNSS assets, which include Aerial Measuring System (AMS), Maritime Support Team (MST), National Capitol Response (NCR), National Search Team (NST) and Radiological Assistance Program (RAP). Information collected and analyzed during search operations add to the actionable intelligence for the law enforcement agencies and provide valuable guidance for the tactical resolution of a nuclear or radiological crisis. Search is an intelligence and situational awareness driven operation and most often called upon during a radiological emergency, however it can be brought into play to thwart a potential threat by providing monitoring and surveillance support. The Office of Nuclear Incident Response (NA-84) serves as the technical leader in responding to and resolving nuclear and radiological threats worldwide and integrates its efforts with other NNSA stakeholders (e.g., NNSA office of Defense Nuclear Non-proliferation NA-22). The response includes expertise in the areas of radiological search, render safe, and consequence management. This article will discuss the methodologies, tools, procedures, and techniques to extract maximum radiological characterization information (isotopic composition, activities for individual isotopes, threat assessment etc.) from field monitoring or Search operation data.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2024

FY23 Laboratory Directed Research & Development Annual Report

At Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), we put science to work to protect the environment and address nuclear security challenges. Through our transformative science and technology efforts, SRNL provides solutions to the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) for the safe cleanup of environmental legacy resulting from nuclear weapons development and government-sponsored nuclear energy research. SRNL also supports DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) as it maintains the nation’s nuclear stockpile and reduces the threat of nuclear proliferation around the world. Investments through SRNL’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program drive exploratory research foundational to advancements in mission critical technologies for EM, NNSA and other offices of DOE. Our LDRD program also provides meaningful development opportunities for the people central to innovation. Seven Laboratory Director’s Postdoctoral Research Fellows were supported by LDRD during fiscal year 2023. These named postdoctoral fellows are driving SRNL’s scientific and technical core competencies forward through their dedication to research and advancement of technologies. The LDRD program supports established researchers to explore new concepts, while fueling opportunities for the next generation of scientists to join the SRNL workforce, contributing to the global scientific community through scientific publications. Enjoy reading this Annual Report which summarizes the innovative science and engineering contributions of SRNL staff supported by the LDRD Program. Dr. Vahid Majid

Majidi, Vahid↗
DOE OSTI2025

Xenith Scalable Security Economics

These slides present a high level overview of an ongoing project sponsored by NNSA. The project is focused on economic analysis of physical security design of micro reactors. The slides will be presented to NNSA's office of International Nuclear Security (INS) at a program update meeting on May 28th, 2025.

98 - NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL↗
DOE OSTI2025

Developing New Fuels for High Performance Research Reactors

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Material Management and Minimization (M3) program works globally to minimize the civilian use of highly enriched uranium (HEU), a weapon-usable nuclear material. Supporting this effort, M3’s Office of Reactor Conversion and Uranium Supply is developing new fuels capable of converting research reactors from HEU fuel to high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel. Some of the remaining research and test reactors (RTRs) operating on HEU today have unique designs, fuel configurations, and demanding performance requirements that cannot be met with an existing regulatory-approved low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. M3, DOE’s national laboratories, and other industry partners are qualifying new high-density LEU fuels to convert these RTRs while maintaining their unique capabilities supporting a wide variety of science and technology research in areas such as medicine, industry, defense, education, and training. Current efforts are focused on two options for the remaining US high-performance research reactor conversions: a monolithic uranium 10wt% molybdenum (U-10Mo) fuel form and a dispersion uranium silicide fuel form. This paper reviews the history and status of M3’s fuel qualification efforts for the U-10Mo LEU fuel form.

Montgomery, Rose [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000286038936)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantum Computing Strategy 2026

Quantum computing (QC) is a rapidly maturing technology with the potential for revolutionary impacts on stockpile stewardship science and national security. Recent developments in fault-tolerant architectures have compressed vendor roadmaps, and predictions of a production-ready quantum computer by the mid-2030s are becoming increasingly credible. This strategy provides a roadmap for integrating QC into the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) program by investing in four strategic focus areas: 1. Develop Capabilities in Mission-Relevant Quantum Applications: ASC will prioritize developing quantum-ready applications in mission areas that have shown significant promise for quantum advantage, including simulations of materials in extreme environments, nuclear dynamics, solving linear and nonlinear partial differential equations, and uncertainty quantification. These applications directly support stockpile stewardship science and modernization objectives. 2. Conduct R&D in Algorithms, Software, and Hardware: Sustained research into quantum algorithms, robust software tools, and quantum hardware is essential. ASC will develop efficient quantum algorithms; invest in quantum compilers, debuggers, and performance tools; and explore specialized quantum hardware tailored to NNSA’s unique requirements. 3. Engage with Vendors and Partners: Early and active collaboration with commercial quantum hardware vendors and academic partners is critical. Through testbeds, co-design agreements, and quantum demonstration facilities, ASC will influence hardware design, gain early access to emerging technologies, and ensure that quantum platforms evolve to meet mission needs. 4. Build Knowledge, Experience, and Workforce: Expanding and upskilling the quantum-trained workforce is essential to long-term success. This includes hiring, internal training, university outreach, and postdoctoral support to ensure ASC maintains the expertise required to operate, program, and integrate quantum systems as they become available. While quantum computing will never replace classical computing, it has the potential to solve certain problems with speed and accuracy that would be unachievable using any conceivable classical high-performance computing (HPC) system. By investing strategically in QC, ASC will help propel the emergent QC industry, maintain U.S. technological leadership, ensure mission readiness, and position itself to rapidly adopt quantum technologies as they mature.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

A new HALEU isotopic certified reference material

Candidate certified reference material (CRM) U196 was prepared by gravimetrically mixing and dissolving NNSA NRMP CRM 112-A (natural uranium metal) and CRM 116-A (highly enriched 93.2% 235 U metal) to achieve a high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) isotopic abundance reference material. CRM U196 will be certified for the 233 U/ 238 U, 234 U/ 238 U, 235 U/ 238 U, and 236 U/ 238 U ratios. Gravimetrically determined uranium isotope amount ratios and values derived from the isotope data were calculated from the buoyancy corrected mass data and from certified values for the metal CRMs used to create the solution. The 235 U isotope amount fraction (·100) and expanded uncertainty is 19.5846 ± 0.0028. For attribute verification, total evaporation and modified total evaporation isotope ratio measurements were performed. In conclusion, the reference material is to be distributed as a unit containing 5 mg uranium as dry uranyl nitrate.

High-assay low-enriched uranium↗
DOE OSTI2025

NIF Enhanced Yield Capability Conceptual Design Review Report

The purpose of the NIF Enhanced Yield Capability (EYC) Conceptual Design Review was to evaluate key aspects of the design and assess readiness to move to the next phase of the project. The NNSA accepted the NIF Integrated Product Review Board (IPRB) process as an appropriate means of conducting the review. The review committee finds that the NIF EYC Design Team has successfully addressed the review scope objectives. No Type 1 action items or liens were identified during the technical review. Some recommendations and observations are recorded below to assist the team.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of flow-induced plate deflection for University of Missouri research reactor low-enriched uranium fuel element

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR), located on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, is one of the six United States (U.S.) High Performance Research Reactors (USHPRR), including one critical facility, that are actively collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Material Management and Minimization (M3) Reactor Conversion Program to convert from highly enriched uranium (HEU, ≥20 wt% U-235) fuel to low-enriched uranium (LEU, <20 wt% U-235) fuel. A new type of very high-density LEU fuel based on a monolithic alloy of uranium and 10 wt% molybdenum (U-10Mo) is expected to allow conversion of some USHPRR, including MURR. In the design of its fuel elements, MURR is using thin parallel curved fuel plates separated by coolant channels. In this work, fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis of the MURR LEU fuel element is performed at the element level (as compared to the plate level analysis), which models all components of the LEU fuel element, including fuel plates and the supporting structures. Therefore, the effect of supporting structures on the flow distribution within the element and the fuel plate deflection are evaluated. In addition to the element nominal flow rate and dimensions, the tolerances in the geometry of the coolant channel and plate thickness, the effect of a comb on plate deflection, and the uncertainty of the flow rate per element are evaluated. For the LEU fuel plates, which are thinner than the current HEU plates, the predicted plate deflection is found to be small compared to the fabrication and assembly tolerances. Thus, the FSI-induced deflections are not expected to noticeably reduce the coolant flow rate or predicted safety margins in the limiting channels for the MURR LEU fuel element. In addition to the simulation work, a hydraulic performance test of the MURR LEU fuel element is currently being planned to support conversion to the use of LEU fuel.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cutaneous Radiation Injuries: REAC/TS Clinical Experience

Abstract The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) is one of the US Department of Energy (DOE)/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Nuclear Emergency Response Team (NEST) assets and has been responding to radiological incidents since 1976. REAC/TS is in the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). A critical part of the REAC/TS mission is to provide emergency response, advice, and consultation on injuries and illnesses caused from ionizing radiation. Fortunately, radiation injuries are not frequent, but when they occur, they are more likely to be cutaneous radiation injuries (CRI) or internal contamination. In this paper, we will review selected cases from the REAC/TS experience in order to illustrate cutaneous patterns of injury and treatment options.

Public, Environmental & Occupational Health↗