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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 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

First observation of potential phoresy between Planorbarius metidjensis and Ancylus fluviatilis (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) in Algeria

Phoresy, an ecological phenomenon in which one organism attaches itself to another for dispersal, has been observed in various species. In this study, we describe the potential occurrence of phoresy between Ancylus fluviatilis and Planorbarius metidjensis in Algerian freshwater. Through field observations, we provide evidence to suggest that P. metidjensis may serve as a transport host for A. fluviatilis, facilitating its movement within aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, juvenile P. metidjensis were observed attached to adults of the same species, which may be a case of intraspecific phoresy. This interaction has implications for understanding the ecology and dispersal mechanisms of freshwater molluscs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Molecular basis of P[II] major human rotavirus VP8* domain recognition of histo-blood group antigens

Initial cell attachment of rotavirus (RV) to specific cell surface glycan receptors, which is the essential first step in RV infection, is mediated by the VP8* domain of the spike protein VP4. Recently, human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) have been identified as receptors or attachment factors for human RV strains. RV strains in the P[4] and P[8] genotypes of the P[II] genogroup share common recognition of the Lewis b (Le b ) and H type 1 antigens, however, the molecular basis of receptor recognition by the major human P[8] RVs remains unknown due to lack of experimental structural information. Here, we used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based titration experiments and NMR-derived high ambiguity driven docking (HADDOCK) methods to elucidate the molecular basis for P[8] VP8* recognition of the Leb (LNDFH I) and type 1 HBGAs. We also used X-ray crystallography to determine the molecular details underlying P[6] recognition of H type 1 HBGAs. Unlike P[6]/P[19] VP8*s that recognize H type 1 HBGAs in a binding surface composed of an α-helix and a β-sheet, referred as the “βα binding site”, the P[8] and P[4] VP8*s bind Le b HBGAs in a previously undescribed pocket formed by the edges of two β-sheets, referred to as the “ββ binding site”. Importantly, the P[8] and P[4] VP8*s retain binding capability to non-Le b type 1 HBGAs using the βα binding site. The presence of two distinct binding sites for Le b and non-Le b HBGA glycans in the P[8] and P[4] VP8* domains suggests host-pathogen co-evolution under structural and functional adaptation of RV pathogens to host glycan polymorphisms. Assessment and understanding of the precise impact of this co-evolutionary process in determining RV host ranges and cross-species RV transmission should facilitate improved RV vaccine development and prediction of future RV strain emergence and epidemics.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Leaf temperature raw data, 2015 - 2017, at Manaus, Brazil

This data package contains raw leaf surface temperature data from the NGEE Tropics K34 tower site on a plateau near Manaus, Brazil, including automated and manually collected time series data on leaf surface temperature (thermocouples, IR radiometer, thermocamera). Leaf surface temperature (LST) was determined throughout diurnal periods using individual type T thermocouples (Omega Engineering) on 8 individual leaves of a single tree. Mature leaves at the same height and general area near the tower were selected. LST measurements were taken every 15 s and recorded on a field portable self-powered data logger (OM-CP-OCTTEMP-A, Omega Engineering). Measurements were stopped in the case of a storm or rain which can remove the attached thermocouple wires from the leaf due to large wind-driven branch movements. Included in the attached zip file are six folders: three with LST data in Excel and CSV file formats from both the K34 and B34 towers, one folder with data logger configuration programs that were used for data collection, a fifth folder with PDF files of manuals for instruments used and a final folder with two Excel metadata files. See dataset references for associated metadata package. This dataset replaces the leaf surface temperature data of two retired packages, http://dx.doi.org/10.15486/ngt/1507764 and http://dx.doi.org/10.15486/ngt/1507767

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Wind speed data from NCEI Marcos A Gelabert station, Panama, Jan 2008 – Dec 2019

This data package contains wind speed data retrieved from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI). Measurements were collected at the Marcos A. Gilbert airport in Panama City, Panama. This station can be considered as an analogue to the NGEE Tropics Parque Natural Metropolitano site in Panama. In the attached Excel file, wind speed units have been converted from MPH to m/s (1MPH = 0.447 m/s). Data from NCEI can be accessed at: https://gis.ncdc.noaa.gov/maps/ncei/, STATION NAME: MARCOS A GELABERT (Airport in Panama City). Within the attached zip file are three .csv data files, three PDF files containing an explanation of gap filling procedures and site information, and a read.me text file with metadata and instructions for accessing data from NCEI.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Leaf demography spectra, February 2017, PA-SLZ: Panama

This dataset contains leaf reflectance spectra of sunlit canopy leaves from trees at the San Lorenzo Protected Area (PA-SLZ), Panama. Spectra were measured with a full-spectrum (350 -2500 nm) spectroradiometer with a leaf clip attachment. Leaves previously documented in a demography survey were targeted, and each leaf spectrum is paired with species identification, relative leaf position on each branch and estimated leaf age in days. Leaves were measured from the following species: Apeiba membranacea, Carapa guianensis, Guatteria dumetorum, Miconia borealis, Tachigali versicolor, Terminalia amazonia, Tocoyena pittieri and Vochysia ferruginea Unprocessed spectral data are included as SVC *.sig files, and metadata, including sample details, are presented in *.xlsx files. Leaf reflectance spectra of sunlit canopy leaves from trees at the San Lorenzo Protected Area (PA-SLZ), Panama. Spectra were measured with a full-spectrum (350 -2500 nm) spectroradiometer with a leaf clip attachment. Leaves previously documented in a demography survey were targeted, and each leaf spectrum is paired with species identification, relative leaf position on each branch and estimated leaf age in days. Leaves were measured from the following species: Apeiba membranacea, Carapa guianensis, Guatteria dumetorum, Miconia borealis, Tachigali versicolor, Terminalia amazonia, Tocoyena pittieri and Vochysia ferruginea Unprocessed spectral data are included as SVC *.sig files, and metadata, including sample details, are presented in *.xlsx files.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

LLNL Semiannual Wastewater Point Source Monitoring Report (July 2020)

In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 403.12(e), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) submits a semiannual monitoring report regarding federally regulated wastewater generating processes (categorical processes) that discharge wastewater to the sanitary sewer system. Attachments A-2 and A-3 of the 2019-2020 Wastewater Discharge Permit #1250 granted to LLNL by the City of Livermore Water Resources Division (WRD) also mandate submission of this report. The LLNL Livermore Site is required to monitor identified electrical and electronic components processes (40 CFR Part 469) and metal finishing processes (40 CFR Part 433) semiannually and to submit monitoring reports in January and July of each year. Under authority delegated to enforce compliance with these regulations, the WRD reviews this report. This report provides information on the significant metal-finishing operations and electrical and electronic component operations located at the Livermore Site during the period from December 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020 and includes descriptions of the LLNL regulated (categorical) processes that discharge to the sanitary sewer. Attachments A-2 and A-3 of the 2019-2020 Wastewater Discharge Permit #1250 provide the list of categorical processes and the required self-monitoring program for point-source discharges at LLNL. The monitoring data collected for this report documents compliance with all federal and local pretreatment limits. Compliance certification accompanies this report, as required by federal regulations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

2.3.3.01- xSDK-Multiprecision Quarterly Report for Subcontract Partner KIT

In collaboration with the project partners, the subcontractor conducted the multiprecision landscape survey. Following the survey, the subcontractor orchestrated the processing of the survey findings in the “Multiprecision Landscape Assessment” (attached to this quarterly report) and published the document as a preprint. Furthermore, the team initiated the process of publishing the survey results in a compressed form as a scientific paper. The subcontractor also conducted research on the accessor design, created a prototype implementation, and delivered an “Accessor Design Document” (attached to this quarterly report). Furthermore, the subcontractor organized bi-weekly meetings of all project participants to encourage scientific discussions and collaboration.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Report of the Sixth Regional Review Meeting of the Radiological Security Partnership.

The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Commission (AERC) and the United States Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) co-hosted the 6th Regional Review Meeting on Radiological Security involving representatives from over 20 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the World Institute for Nuclear Security. The purpose of the event was to discuss the implementation of, and plans for, high-activity radioactive source security (RSS). The U.S. DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Radiological Security (ORS) fully sponsored this review meeting. Participants were welcomed to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the meeting was formally opened by Nirmali Karunarathna of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulator Council who emphasized the strong partnerships among the participants. The opening Ceremony and Lamp Lighting included dignitaries from the sponsoring countries. Robert Hilton, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, and Kristin Hirsch of the ORS gave other opening remarks that highlighted the social benefit from radiological sources in medicine, industry, and agriculture, while stressing the importance of addressing the risks associated with the malicious use of radiological sources. Emphasis was placed on the importance of partnerships among all the participants to help ensure the success of securing radiological materials throughout the world and the opportunity to share information and experiences. AERC was acknowledged with special thanks for hosting this event. A participant list is included as Attachment A, and the meeting agenda is provided as Attachment B. All presentations were made available to participants. The following sections summarize the meeting’s presentations, discussions, issues, suggestions, and recommendations.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Negative Ion Formation in Complex Heavy Systems

The project’s primary objective is to gain a fundamental theoretical understanding of the near-threshold electron attachment mechanism in low energy electron elastic scattering from complex heavy systems through the calculation of integral and differential cross sections and extract reliable electron affinities (EAs). The complex angular momentum (CAM), also known as Regge-pole methodology wherein is fully embedded the crucial electron-electron correlations and the core polarization interaction, is used for the investigations. Regge trajectories allow us to probe electron attachment at the fundamental level near threshold, thereby uncovering new manifestations, including the mechanism of nanocatalysis, and determine reliable EAs. Low-energy electron elastic scattering total cross sections (TCSs) for the lanthanide and actinide atoms and the fullerene molecules are calculated. From the TCSs ground, metastable and excited states anionic binding energies (BEs) are extracted and compared with the available measured and/or calculated EAs. Significantly, our calculated ground state anionic BEs correspond to the theoretically challenging to calculate EAs and they are used to assess the reliability of existing EAs. Doubly charged negative ions of atoms and molecules are proposed as novel tunable catalysts and demonstrated in the oxidation of water into peroxide. Negatively charged fullerene molecules are used to catalyze water oxidation to peroxide and water synthesis from H 2 and O 2 as well. Violation of time-reversal and particle-hole symmetries in strongly correlated Fermi systems are reviewed with the collaboration involving the International Laboratory of Fermi Condensation.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

BWR Spent Nuclear Fuel Acquisition and Testing to Support DOE-NE High Burnup Spent Fuel Data Project

The Office of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition (SFWD) within the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) established the Spent Fuel and Waste Science and Technology (SFWST) campaign to conduct research and development (R&D) activities related to the storage, transportation, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste. The SFWST program was created within SFWD to address issues of extended or long-term SNF storage and transportation. Some near-term objectives of SFWST are to use a science-based, engineering-driven approach to: Support the enhancement of the technical bases to support the continued safe and secure dry storage of SNF for extended periods; Support the enhancement of the technical bases for retrieving SNF after extended dry storage; Support the enhancement of the technical bases for transporting high burnup (HBU) fuel and transporting low burnup fuel and HBU fuel after dry storage DOE-NE, in partnership with the Electric Power Research Institute, developed the High Burnup Spent Fuel Data Project to perform a large-scale demonstration and laboratory-scale testing of HBU pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuels (exceeding 45 gigawatt-days per metric ton of uranium [GWd/MTU]). Under this project, 25 sister rods—which are rods that have the same design, power histories, and other characteristics—were removed from assemblies at the North Anna Nuclear Power Station and sent to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in January 2016. ORNL performed detailed nondestructive examination (NDE) on all 25 rods. The NDE consisted of visual examinations, gamma and neutron scanning, profilometry and rod length measurements, and eddy current examinations. After completing the NDE, 10 of the sister rods were delivered to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in a NAC International, Inc. legal-weight truck cask in September 2018 for destructive examination (DE). To date, SFWD work has focused on the PWR fuel that is part of the Sister Rod Test program. No boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel has been tested in the program, and the data needs that were identified for the PWR fuel have not been collected for BWR fuel. The goal to obtain six to nine BWR rods and test them at ORNL will support closing this important data gap. BWR fuel comprises approximately 56% of the total fuel assemblies currently in storage at nuclear power plants in the United States. BWR nuclear fuel and cladding designs and manufacturing are significantly different from PWRs. Differences include the following: BWR fuel pellets are larger than PWR pellets; Variations of Zircaloy-2 (including liners) are used instead of the Zircaloy-4 cladding materials used in PWRs; Clad manufacturing and stress-relief processes are different between PWRs and BWRs; The fuel rod dimensions are different because larger rod diameters and thicker cladding are used in BWRs; BWR fuel typically has lower internal rod pressures and sees vastly different operating conditions than PWR fuel (i.e., two-phase flow); BWR assemblies are “canned,” meaning each assembly is surrounded by a metal fuel channel; BWR cladding is often composed of an inner pure Zr liner that has widely different mechanical properties than the Zircaloy-2 alloy and exhibits a stronger affinity for hydrogen; The BWR SNF generally has more total hydrogen in the cladding/liner than typical PWR fuel; The construction of the PWR and BWR assemblies is vastly different; BWR rods are solidly attached to the assembly nozzles and experience a much different vibration and shock load than PWR rods, which are “floating” within a grid system attached to guide tubes, and the rods sit loosely on the bottom end plates. These numerous differences will affect the way the BWR SNF responds under dry storage preparation processes (e.g., vacuum drying) and during transportation. The results collected in the PWR experimental program must be compared with a subset of similar data collected on BWR SNF to establish a technical basis for whether the larger PWR database is sufficient to bound the BWR SNF end-of-life conditions as is currently assumed for several fuel/clad properties. Changes that occur in both fuel types at HBU could exacerbate any mechanical property differences. As the fuel burnup increases, several changes occur that might affect the performance of the fuel, cladding, and assembly hardware in storage and transportation. These changes include increased cladding corrosion layer thickness, increased cladding hydrogen content, increased cladding creep strains, increased fission gas release, and the formation of the HBU structure at the surface of the fuel pellets. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) limits the current maximum rod-averaged burnup to 62 GWd/MTU due to these changes and the lack of data at higher burnups.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Design, Processing, and Integration of Pouch-Format Cell for High-Energy Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

This project objective was to develop and demonstrate a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery in a pouch-format cell capable of achieving an energy density ≥ 500 Wh/kg while achieving a 1,000 cycle life. The research focused on cell optimization and fabrication addressing different technical barriers and challenges including: 1) thin lithium anode optimization; 2) current collector and tab attachment design; 3) cathode porosity control; 4) electrolyte to sulfur ratio control; 5) cell design; and 6) cell fabrication. The project developed and demonstrated various technologies to address these technical barriers and challenges. The project demonstrated a thin lithium anode by vapor deposition, a collector design and validation of laser welding of tab attachment method, a cathode porosity control strategy by binder optimization, a calendaring process control and surface/interface treatment, and an electrolyte to sulfur ratio control with influence on cell energy density. The sulfur cathode was optimized by tuning the formulation, optimizing the calendaring process, and introducing a novel electrode fabrication process. To address the electrolyte performance issue, the electrolyte optimization was achieved with additive and formulation tuning and the introduction of a dual-phase electrolyte system. In addition to the demonstration of the optimized electrode with a novel fast-curing coating process and dual-phase electrolyte, a coating separator was further developed to address the polysulfide shuttling issue. The resulting new cell design with these optimized cell components was demonstrated in the 1 Ah pouch cell with medium sulfur loading and moderate porosity (~ 4.5 mAh cm-2, 65% porosity) and showed an energy density of > 400 Wh/kg (with E/S ratio of 2.8). The Li-SPAN cell configuration was also evaluated in combination with a new dual-phase electrolyte system. Initial coin cell performance demonstrated cycle stability of >300 cycles with an estimated energy density of 300 Wh/kg at the pouch format level. The corresponding 1 Ah pouch format SPAN cells with the new polymer electrolyte were developed which has shown a stable capacity at 800-900 mAh for ~40 cycles so far.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

FY2022 Progress Report for Advanced Re-fabrication/Re-instrumentation Capability Development

In support of performing follow-on irradiation experiments with previously irradiated materials, the Halden Reactor Project developed unique and state of the art capabilities to refabricate and re-instrument previously irradiated materials. Such materials were used in in-pile tests at the Halden reactor, and out-of-pile tests for example using furnaces as a heat source. The decision to close the Halden Reactor Project results in the loss of this refabrication and re-instrumentation capability. As a result, the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) has determined to develop refabrication and re-instrumentation capability at the unique shielded facilities at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The development of refabrication capability has been completed and demonstrated. This report focuses on the complementary aspects of reinstrumentation and the progress to-date. Halden spent nearly 30 years developing both refabrication and re-instrumentation. Collaboration with Halden is allowing Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop this capability much more rapidly. In FY-21 the results include development of the capability to drill annular center holes in ceramic UO2 fuel pellets, development of fuel rod end caps with feedthroughs for centerline instrumentation inside the rodlet, The procurement of both fuel drilling and welding demonstration equipment from Halden, evaluation of surface thermocouple attachments to support better understanding of temperature measurement uncertainties, and finally, the conceptual design of a new shielded enclosure where advanced refabrication and re-instrumentation equipment can be housed. In FY-22, the results include; Completing set up of the drilling and welding modules procured from Halden, and early experimental trials using that equipment.; Completing set up of an out-of-cell circumferential weld system to allow for further weld development to take place and support fabrication of fuel for fresh fuel experiments.; Evaluation of the Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF) infrastructure to support future installation of advanced re-fabrication/re-instrumentation equipment, specifically related to necessary infrastructure for cryo-drilling.; Developments in dry-drilling alternative. Including experimental studies showing cordierite is the most suitable surrogate for UO 2 for performing drilling studies. That drilling performance is enhanced when a fuel-clad bonding condition is simulated.; Conceptual design completed for attaching surface thermocouples to irradiated fuel in support of TWIST capsule experiments. The authors would like to thank the numerous colleagues at INL and Halden who provided support in accomplishing this work. Their support both material and intellectual is invaluable in advancing the state of the art and establishing the capabilities for refabrication and re-instrumentation at INL.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fabricating Single Crystal Quantum Dot Solids

The central goal of this research program was to establish fundamental synthesis and processing principles to enable the fabrication of single crystal quantum dot solids (QDS) with programmable structure (i.e., hexagonal and square) and composition. Our approach towards that goal leveraged access to and experience with unique in-situ, multi-probe characterization techniques to understand and ultimately control the fundamental relationship between processing conditions and nucleation and growth of QDS. The program integrated synthesis and fabrication (Hanrath) with in-situ TEM analysis (Kourkoutis) and computational modeling (Clancy) to gain atomic-level insights into the underlying physical phenomena governing assembly and attachment and to guide the development of optimized processing methods. We have established a foundational understanding of physicochemical interactions of self-assembly at a fluid interface, superlattice structure transformation pathways, the critical role of disorder during the initial dimerization of colloidal quantum dot monomers, and the residual strain distribution within the inter-dot epitaxial bridge which hampers the formation of novel electronics states of the quantum dot solids. Collectively, these insights have contributed towards advancing the mechanistic understanding of the complex choreography of assembly and attachment as well as understanding what currently limits further advances in high-fidelity quantum dot solids and tiles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

QXF Cold Mass Friction Test

The purpose of this test is to determine the longitudinal force on the stainless steel shell that is required to break the friction between the stainless steel shell and the aluminum shell underneath. This is achieved by suspending the short magnet between two backing plates on the eight grade 8 threaded rods which replace the 8 stainless steel toke tie rods in the magnet assembly. Eight hydraulic cylinders are mounted to each backing plate. Six, 22" sections of the stainless steel shell are welded in place on the magnet, each of which has a slightly different developed length, starting from the baseline design, and becoming progressively looser. A pushing flange is mounted to the stainless steel shells via small tack welds. Four load cells are then attached to the flange at designated points, while additional tooling is attached to each of the cylinders to facilitate the transfer of force from the cylinders to the stainless steel shell During the test, the cylinders will be slowly energized to no more than 7000 psi, with a resultant, longitudinal force on the flange of no more than 125,400 lbf. For each set of shells, the test ends when the load cell monitoring software detects a sharp decrease in force. This will indicate that the friction has broken. The cullenders will then be de-energized and the cycle will repeat for the next test. Welding operations outlined in the procedure (US-HiLumi-doc-4200) are outside the scope of the HA as the work is occurring under a previously-issued burn permit by qualified welders.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Plastics recycling via plasma-based depolymerization utilizing aqueous and gaseous discharge exposure

This proposed work aims to understand and quantify the effect of self-organization on polymer depolymerization in liquids. Here, the project will explore the role of the formation of large-scale plasma induced flows that occur under self- organization that leads to the convection of plastic particles (micron sized) to the plasma attachment regions. This convention should lead to enhanced transport and higher depolymerization rates. Also, associated with self-organization is the emission of charged droplets in the region of plasma attachment. A key question is do these droplets contain heavily broken up polymer chains or monomers? Is this emission another approach to collection of depolymerized media? These droplets are also charged and contains particles suggesting a means to control emitted media. Currently, plastics upcycling, the conversion of plastics to higher value products, is energy intensive due to high heat requirements (for example thermolysis). Plasma-based treatment offers a greener approach to the depolymerization of plastics and offers the possibility of upcycling to make higher value products such as higher-grade plastics and fuels.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Special Nuclear Material Hold-up Measurement

Facilities that process special nuclear material (SNM) generally have a variety of equipment, shielding, and nearby radiation sources, which can pose challenges when performing nondestructive analysis (NDA) within the facility, as shown in Figure 1. In this figure, the left image features two individuals performing a holdup measurement of a large duct at a posting, utilizing a detector probe attached to a yardstick to reduce some aspect of the measurement uncertainty. Note that the distance to the holdup within the pipe from the posting cannot be accounted for. The right image similarly features several individuals guiding a holdup measurement of a ducting pipe several meters overhead, by attaching a detector probe to a long handle and lining that up with a posting on the outside of the pipe. SNM processing begets SNM holdup, and this difficulty with accurate NDA can result in unaccounted accumulation of SNM holdup within a process or area. Normal SNM processing operations can accumulate holdup within filters, pumps, pipes, ducts, other equipment, and facility support systems, as demonstrated by Figure 2. It is important for deactivation and decommissioning (D&D) gloveboxes and their ancillary equipment, material accountability, criticality safety, facility operations, waste management, radiation safety, and security to accurately characterize the location, composition, and quantity of this holdup to minimize these associated risks and potential diversion pathways. Current NDA techniques for assay of holdup are expensive, time consuming, and have high uncertainty.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cell-free bioelectrocatalytic platform for carbon dioxide reduction (Final Technical Report)

The University of Minnesota (UMN) EcoSynBio Team aimed to develop a cell-free, enzyme-based platform for the electro- biocatalytic conversion of CO2 into formate as a platform chemical for further upgrading. This type of bio electrocatalytic process delivers a clean product stream without the need for extensive separation from the electrolyte as in electrochemical synthesis and microbial processes. The reduction reaction is catalyzed by metal-dependent formate dehydrogenases (mFDHs) that are capable of efficient electrocatalytic CO2 reduction without the need of costly co-factors. The development of an efficient, scalable electrobiocatalytic process with high total turnover numbers and viable space time yields, however, was not without its challenges. The UM team has developed a protein-based scaffolding system that facilitates enzyme stabilization and attachment to electrodes along with electron transfer. Yet, although FDHs are highly promising enzymes for cell-free, electrobiochemical CO2 reduction, they are also greatly understudied and especially for applications in electrocatalysis. The UM team used the best described mFDH from Clostridium as its benchmark system and spent significant time and effort in attempting to replicate published data and finally, redesigned a recombinant production system for proper metal co-factor incorporation. The UM team has also identified a small set of new enzyme homologs from extreme microorganisms with superior stabilities that have yielded initial structural data for further engineering. In addition, a new bioelectrocatalytic reactor system has been developed that can be 3D printed and used for enzyme attachment to electrodes. In summary the project has generated critical basic information for the further development of this class of enzymes for the electricity driven reduction of CO2 into formate as platform chemical for upgrading into various other chemicals, including fuels.

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

Non-invasive Pipe Pressure Monitoring for Safeguards

Our project explores a new solution to complement current safeguards toolbox by independently, and noninvasively, determining the pressure inside uranium hexafluoride (UF 6 )-carrying Gas Centrifuge Enrichment Plant (GCEP) pipes. Proof-of-principle, non-invasive pipe pressure monitoring tests were conducted through measurements of hoop and axial strain using an optical-interference dilatometry technique based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) inscribed in the core of telecommunication-type 125 µm diameter optical fibers. The fibers were affixed to commercial stainless steel and aluminum tubes and pipes of the type expected to be found at GCEP’s, each measuring four inches in diameter. When the internal air pressure in the pipes changes their external diameter and length follow, and the pitch in the FBG shrinks and/or expands accordingly. In turn, these changes result in a shift of the light wavelength reflected by the FBGs. Several FBGs physically attached to the pipe, as well as control FBGs not attached, were interrogated during the process using state-of-the-art commercial interrogators that operate on swept-wavelength laser technology. Strains measured were contrasted against calculations based on the known elastic and mechanical properties of the pipes. Good agreement is found, and strategies are proposed for further improvement of the experimental resolution as well as future implementation of this novel approach for GCEP safeguards.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗