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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 1,405 records · Page 78
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Composite media for non-oxidative ethane dehydrogenation, and related ethane activation systems and method of processing an ethane-containing stream

A composite media for non-oxidative C 2 H 6 dehydrogenation comprises an aluminosilicate zeolite matrix, and an EDH catalyst on one or more of an external surface of the aluminosilicate zeolite matrix and internal surfaces within pores of the aluminosilicate zeolite matrix. The EDH catalyst comprises one or more of Fe, Zn, Pt, Ga, alloys thereof, and oxides thereof. A C 2 H 6 activation system, and a method of processing a C 2 H 6 -containing stream are also described.

Wang, Lucun↗
DOE OSTI2023

Copolymers containing pendant ionomeric carbosilane groups

Cationic polymers are provided that comprise monomeric units of Formula (V). (V) Each asterisk (*) indicates an attachment position to another monomeric unit; R is hydrogen or methyl; each R 2 is each independently an alkyl, aryl, or a combination thereof; L is a linking group comprising an alkylene group; and +R 3</sup? is a cationic nitrogen-containing group free of any N—H bonds. Membranes formed from said cationic polymers, devices including such membranes, and methods of making such cationic polymers are also provided.

Hartmann-Thompson, Claire↗
DOE OSTI2024

Steam Condensation Scaled Experiment in the Presence of Non-condensable Gas for Reactor Containment Passive Safety Analysis

This study presents scaled experiments using steam condensation with non-condensable gas (NCG)—helium, simulating hydrogen—as these experiments are pivotal for water-cooled reactor passive containment cooling system (PCCS) design and analysis. Research into PCCSs for small modular reactors (SMRs) is especially important in light of SMR system design; however, studies in the literature reflect limitations due to test geometry and operational condition variations, without considering SMR prototypic design. To address these challenges, a scaled test facility was developed to accurately replicate SMR PCCSs. This facility includes vertical down-flow condensing test sections with 1-, 2-, and 4-in.-diameter condensing tubes, accompanied by annular water cooling. Experiments were conducted using both superheated and saturated steam, with steam mass flow rates varying from 55 to 66 kg/hr., in the presence of helium as the NCG mass flow rate ranges from 1.8 to 22 kg/hr. Test data were collected on (a) the axial temperatures of the annular cooling water; (b) the outer wall temperature of the condensers; and (c) the mass flow rate, temperature, and pressure at the test section inlets and outlets. These primary test data were used in conjunction with a standard data reduction methodology to estimate essential thermal parameters such as heat fluxes, heat transfer coefficients, and condensation rates. The effects of NCGs on steam condensation within the geometry of the scaled test sections were then presented in regard to various testing conditions.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Presentation: Steam Condensation Scaled Experiment in the Presence of Non-condensable Gas for Reactor Containment Passive Safety Analysis

This study presents scaled experiments using steam condensation with non-condensable gas (NCG)—helium, simulating hydrogen—as these experiments are pivotal for water-cooled reactor passive containment cooling system (PCCS) design and analysis. Research into PCCSs for small modular reactors (SMRs) is especially important in light of SMR system design; however, studies in the literature reflect limitations due to test geometry and operational condition variations, without considering SMR prototypic design. To address these challenges, a scaled test facility was developed to accurately replicate SMR PCCSs. This facility includes vertical down-flow condensing test sections with 1-, 2-, and 4-in.-diameter condensing tubes, accompanied by annular water cooling. Experiments were conducted using both superheated and saturated steam, with steam mass flow rates varying from 55 to 66 kg/hr., in the presence of helium as the NCG mass flow rate ranges from 1.8 to 22 kg/hr. Test data were collected on (a) the axial temperatures of the annular cooling water; (b) the outer wall temperature of the condensers; and (c) the mass flow rate, temperature, and pressure at the test section inlets and outlets. These primary test data were used in conjunction with a standard data reduction methodology to estimate essential thermal parameters such as heat fluxes, heat transfer coefficients, and condensation rates. The effects of NCGs on steam condensation within the geometry of the scaled test sections were then presented in regard to various testing conditions.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Elucidating the corrosion mechanism of Ni-based superalloys in the presence of uranium-containing chloride molten salt

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to the advancement of nuclear reactor technology through initiatives such as the Advanced Reactor Development Program (ARDP), in an effort to diversify the United States energy portfolio towards more sustainable energy options. The ARDP includes demonstration by industry partners of molten chloride fast reactors (MCFRs). Construction of MCFRs requires qualified nuclear structural materials. Unfortunately, there are no current materials that are fully qualified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the construction of molten salt reactors, including MCFRs. Adapting current structural material qualifications requires expansion of our current knowledgebase on the property-performance relationships regarding corrosion performance. In this investigation, we assess microstructural changes in a Ni-based superalloy after exposure to a UCl3¬-containing chloride salt eutectic mixture through a correlated multi-modal approach combining several advanced characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy/focused ion beam (SEM/FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM/FIB analysis will illustrate changes in elemental composition, microstructure, and isotopic information acquired from energy x-ray dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), respectively. This information will then aid in identifying localized regions to elucidate the corrosion mechanism with TEM through a combination of electron diffraction, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and additional EDS. The findings from this investigation will further expand our assessment of the corrosion performance of structural materials in molten salt chloride systems, aiding to developing fully qualified materials for construction of MCFRs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Elucidating the corrosion mechanism of commercial Ni-based Superalloys in UCl3 containing-chloride Molten Salt Systems

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) have gained renewed interest, providing several advantages over their predecessors, including the capability to consume spent fuels, enhancing the environmental sustainability of the uranium fuel cycle. For example, molten chloride fast reactors (MCFRs) can reach criticality with molten chloride spent fuel containing high concentrations of impurities, such as actinide products like uranium chloride (UCl3). However, the redox potential of chloride molten salt fuels may change in the presence of these impurities, dictating their corrosivity and in turn the corrosion performance of structural components, such as those constructed from nickel (Ni)-based alloys. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the extent of corrosion of Ni-based alloy, Inconel 617, when exposed to UCl3-LiCl-KCl eutectic salt. Inconel 617 one of only six structural materials that are fully qualified by the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code for high-temperature nuclear reactor components, making it a technologically mature material to consider for constructing MCFRs. Inconel 617 specimens were submerged in a static LiCl-KCl-UCl3 eutectic salt mixture heated at 700 C for 1000 h under an inert atmosphere. Upon completion, the extent of corrosion was analyzed through a multi-modal characterization approach spanning the engineering to nanoscale, employing computed tomography, focused-ion beam, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Results from this investigation will enhance our understanding of property-to-performance relationships of candidate structural materials for MSRs with respect to corrosion resistance and interactions between the salt and alloy interface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Electrochemical generation of carbon-containing products from carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide

Disclosed herein is a method of electroreduction with a working electrode and counter electrode. The method includes a step of electrocatalyzing carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide in the presence of one or more nucleophilic co-reactants in contact with a catalytically active material present on the working electrode, thereby forming one or more carbon-containing products electrocatalytically.

Jiao, Feng↗
DOE OSTI2026

Powering Up Secure and Reliable Operations at the Port of Honolulu's Kapalama Container Terminal

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is providing resilience planning support to the Pasha Group, the operator of Kapalama Container Terminal (KCT) at the Port of Honolulu, by exploring how distributed clean energy resources could help the terminal sustain a 36-hour outage and continue emergency operations. The Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative (ETI) aims to advance self-reliant island and remote communities by promoting resilient, affordable, and sustainable clean energy resources.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Toroid Signal Processing Container with Redis Integration

This report presents the research, design, and implementation of a Toroid Signal Processing Container with Redis Integration, conducted during my internship assignment. The project focused on developing a modular signal processing sys- tem capable of performing baseline correction, droop compensation, and real- time data communication for beam diagnostic signals. Using Redis as a message broker and configuration manager, the system ensures modularity, scalability, and efficient inter-process communication. Signal correction algorithms, such as Asymmetric Least Squares (ALS) baseline smoothing and a numerical droop correction approach, were implemented and tested using Linac beam data. The results confirm that this system improves signal fidelity and supports real-time analysis requirements, offering valuable contributions to the field of beam in- strumentation and data acquisition systems.

Bowers, Elliot [Cabrillo Coll.; Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Elucidating the corrosion mechanism of commercial Ni-based superalloys in UCl3 containing-chloride molten salt systems

Elucidating the role of UCl3 in the corrosion mechanism of Ni-based superalloys exposed to chloride molten salts Trishelle Copeland-Johnson1, Michael Woods1, Ruchi Gakhar1, Daniel J. Murray1, Guoping Cao1, Lingfeng He1 1Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, United States The United States Department of Energy (DOE) aims to diversify the domestic energy portfolio towards more sustainable options, including implementation of molten salt reactor (MSR) technology. Chloride molten salts have been investigated as an appropriate MSR coolant and fuel because their relatively inexpensive, abundant, and exhibit favorable thermophysical properties. However, the corrosivity of chloride molten salts have not been extensively studied, especially with the inclusion of actinide products, such as UCl3. Accordingly, the development of nuclear structural materials with excellent corrosion performance is critical to the successful implementation of MSRs, particularly from a mechanistic perspective. In this investigation, we attempt to elucidate the interfacial corrosion mechanism between Ni-based structural materials, such as Inconel 617, and UCl3-containing salt systems through a multi-modal advanced characterization approach, including electron microscopy techniques. The findings from this investigation will expand the knowledgebase of chloride molten salt corrosion of MSR structural materials for strategic property-to-performance design.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Recycled Cardboard Containers as a Low Energy Source for Cellulose Nanofibrils and Their Use in Poly(l-lactide) Nanocomposites

Cellulose nanomaterials have attracted a great deal of interest as sustainable alternatives to nonrenewable or fossil fuel-derived materials, particularly in composite applications. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) are most often derived from wood sources through energy-intensive and costly mechanical fibrillation processes. Here, recycled cardboard, referred to as old corrugated cardboard (OCC), was investigated as an alternate CNF source. OCC is a recycled material that can be obtained at one-tenth the cost of the commonly used bleached softwood Kraft pulp and can be refined to similar levels with nearly one-half of the energy consumption. Additionally, the distinct composition and morphology of OCC-derived CNF provides a more favorable fiber–matrix interface and better reinforcement capabilities of the cellulose nanofibrils in polymer matrices, displaying an over 70% increase in tensile modulus at a loading of 40 wt % with no decrease in tensile strength. When paired with biobased poly(l-lactide) (PLLA), OCC-derived CNF is proven to be an attractive low-cost and low-energy reinforcing agent for sustainable, high performance nanocomposites.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Disulfonated Poly(arylene ether sulfone) Random Copolymers Containing Hierarchical Iptycene Units for Proton Exchange Membranes

Two series of disulfonated iptycene-based poly(arylene ether sulfone) random copolymers, i.e., TRP-BP (triptycene-based) and PENT-BP (pentiptycene-based), were synthesized via condensation polymerization from disulfonated monomer and comonomers to prepare proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for potential applications in electrochemical devices such as fuel cell. To investigate the effect of iptycene units on membrane performance, these copolymers were systematically varied in composition (i.e., iptycene content) and the degree of sulfonation (i.e., 30–50%), which were characterized comprehensively in terms of water uptake, swelling ratio, oxidative stability, thermal and mechanical properties, and proton conductivity at various temperatures. Comparing to copolymers without iptycene units, TRP-BP and PENT-BP ionomers showed greatly enhanced thermal and oxidative stabilities due to strong intra- and inter-molecular supramolecular interactions induced by hierarchical iptycene units. In addition, the introduction of iptycene units in general provides PEMs with exceptional dimensional stability of low volume swelling ratio at high water uptakes, which is ascribed to the supramolecularly interlocked structure as well as high fractional free volume of iptycene-based polymers. It is demonstrated that the combination of high proton conductivity and good membrane dimension stability is the result of the synergistic effects of multiple factors including free volume (iptycene content), sulfonation degree, hydrophobicity, and swelling behavior (supramolecular interactions).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Materials-Compliant Containers in Preparation for OSIRIS-REx Sample Return

The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) is a spacecraft that collected samples from near-Earth asteroid Bennu in 2020. NASA is expecting OSIRIS-REx to return about 250 grams of Bennu dust particles and rocky material (regolith) in the Sample Return Capsule landing on September 24, 2023.This carbonaceous material is predicted to be rich in water and organic compounds that will provide key information on the solar system's genesis. The NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) curation team is preparing to process the returned regolith and flight hardware to support critical scientific investigations worldwide.

Curation↗