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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 1,477 records · Page 82
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Large Eddy Simulation of Autoignition Transients in a Model Diesel Injector Configuration

Developing an improved understanding of transient mixing and combustion processes inherent in diesel injection is an important element in the design of advanced engines. This paper provides a detailed analysis of these processes using an idealized benchmark configuration designed to facilitate precise comparisons between different models and numerical methods. The computational domain is similar to the Engine Combustion Network (www.sandia.gov/ECN) Spray-A injector with n-dodecane as the fuel. Quantified idealizations are made in the treatment of boundary conditions to eliminate ambiguities and unknowns associated with the actual injector(s) used in the experiment. These ambiguities hinder comparisons aimed at understanding the accuracy of different models and the coupled effects of potential numerical errors. Prior to understanding the impact of injector imperfections on their performance, it is first necessary to understand how models perform in a well-controlled environment with well-defined boundary conditions. Here, we focus on the latter while accurately matching the operating conditions used in the experiments. Relevant high-pressure phenomena are treated with real-fluid thermodynamics and transport for multicomponent mixtures. A highly resolved calculation is performed to study both scalar-mixing and initiation of combustion. Results are assembled into a database that can facilitate one-to-one comparisons between codes. The combined set of results is analyzed to provide physical insights related to localized broadband transient mixing and combustion processes that are typically not available from experiments.

Hakim, Layal↗
DOE OSTI2020

Initial conceptual demonstration of control co-design for WEC optimization

Abstract While some engineering fields have benefited from systematic design optimization studies, wave energy converters have yet to successfully incorporate such analyses into practical engineering workflows. The current iterative approach to wave energy converter design leads to sub-optimal solutions. This short paper presents an open-source MATLAB toolbox for performing design optimization studies on wave energy converters where power take-off behavior and realistic constraints can be easily included. This tool incorporates an adaptable control co-design approach, in that a constrained optimal controller is used to simulate device dynamics and populate an arbitrary objective function of the user’s choosing. A brief explanation of the tool’s structure and underlying theory is presented. To demonstrate the capabilities of the tool, verify its functionality, and begin to explore some basic wave energy converter design relationships, three conceptual case studies are presented. In particular, the importance of considering (and constraining) the magnitudes of device motion and forces in design optimization is shown.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2018

Robotic Tank Refurbishment System (TRS) for U.S. Naval Vessels - 18395

A remotely-operated Tank Refurbishment System (TRS) has been developed to reduce the personnel hazards associated with manual refurbishment of U.S. Naval vessel tanks. This system is capable of using a variety of tools to complete the necessary refurbishment tasks within the tanks. In 2017, the design for this system was completed, and preliminary testing was successfully completed. (authors)

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Low Temperature Process Utilizing Nano-Engineered Catalyst for Olefin Production from Coal Derived Flue Gas (Final Report)

Southern Research [SR] demonstrated a new process using rationally designed nano-engineered catalysts to produce high yield of light olefins by using CO 2 from coal-fired flue gas. Multiple catalysts and process conditions, designed systematically were tested to find the optimum conditions for which maximum yield could be achieved. Southern research team has specifically targeted CO 2 -rich and marginally purified coal-fired flue gas streams as feedstock for this process. Systematic reaction analysis in presence of different key flue gas components (e.g., O 2 , SO x , NO x ) were used for testing catalyst stability and performance level. A techno-economic and life cycle assessment based on the results revealed various aspects of commercialization of this process.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2016

Developments that are making the Versa-Pac Indeed More Versatile (and More Useful to Industry) - 16267

Daher-TLI acquired the assets and employees of Century Industries, a radioactive material packaging manufacturing facility, in 2013. Included in that acquisition was the Versa-Pac Shipping Package. The Versa-Pac is an NRC licensed Type AF packaging (Certificate of Compliance no. USA/9342/AF-96) and was originally designed as a replacement for standard 7A drum-type transportation packaging. It can be used directly or in conjunction with pails, drums or inserts that can be manufactured to accommodate a variety of smaller containers and vessels. The Versa-Pac comes in two sizes, the VP-55 (i.e., 55-gallon drum version) and VP-110 (i.e., 110-gallon drum version). It features a patented design concept in combination with the drum exterior to provide enhanced structural protection to payloads under Normal Conditions of Transport (NCT) and Hypothetical Accident Conditions (HAC), per 10CFR71.71 and 10CFR71.73 respectively. Since its introduction in 2010, the Versa-Pac has been utilized mainly as a one-time use package for disposing of radioactive waste. The package is also designed as a reusable package for transporting front-end materials. Discussions with current and prospective clients have resulted in numerous improvements, accomplished and planned, to the package's payload capability through additional engineering analyses and actual design modifications. Revision 10 to the NRC Certificate of Compliance, dated August 6, 2015, introduces an enrichment-loading table that allows shipping larger quantities of U-235 for enrichments less than 100 wt.%. It also authorizes shipment of natural thorium. Other planned and proposed improvements include provisions to transport UF{sub 6} in 1S, 2S, and 5B cylinders, design changes that further increases the amount of U-235 at enrichments less than 100 wt.%, increasing the capacity of the VP-110, developing a lighter 30-gallon version, the VP-30, and introducing content limits specific to uranium-oxides in multiple forms. This paper traces the engineering and design efforts involved in expanding the Versa-Pac's versatility. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Epitaxial Design of Complex Nickelates as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Abstract The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial process in electrochemical water splitting, a promising technology to renewably yield hydrogen gas from water. Designing and developing earth‐abundant, efficient, and stable OER electrocatalysts to replace the most widely used but scarce RuO 2 and IrO 2 are thus of critical interest. Recently, ABO 3 ‐structured perovskite oxides, especially rare‐earth nickelates, are extensively studied for their potential use as OER electrocatalysts. In particular, the epitaxial synthesis of complex oxide thin films allows flexible and precise control over the materials so that their structure–stability–property relationships can be established. Using nickelate thin films as model systems, this review illustrates how epitaxial design allows researchers to test different hypotheses and proposed descriptors, as well as formulate new design principles. Following a brief introduction to the background of OER mechanisms, proposed activity descriptors, and synthesis methods, various epitaxial design strategies are surveyed including strain tuning, composition control, surface termination/orientation selection, defect engineering, and interface design. These have led to precise control over the atomic structures and electronic properties of nickelates which in turn determine their electrochemical performance. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives toward a deeper understanding and use of complex oxides as OER catalysts are discussed.

Choi, Min‐Ju↗
DOE OSTI2026

Next-generation anodes for high-energy and low-cost sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are increasingly becoming commercially viable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), driven by sodium’s lower cost and greater resource availability. However, current NIB technology still falls short of established LIB systems, such as those based on LiFePO 4 , in both cost efficiency and energy density. Although since the early 2020s, industrial advances have raised NIB energy densities to around 175 Wh kg −1 , performance remains limited by the relatively low specific capacity (typically 200–350 mAh g −1 ) and low tap density (0.3–1.0 g cm −3 ) of the prevailing hard carbon anodes. This Review analyses emerging anode materials that could unlock higher-energy and lower-cost NIBs, with a focus on high-capacity hard carbon and alloy-based systems. We discuss the latest progress, fundamental challenges and future directions in these anode materials across the key themes of electrode design, structure–property engineering and characterization. Here, by offering forward-looking insights into the rational design and optimization of anode materials, this Review aims to accelerate the research and development of commercially viable NIBs and support the broader advancement of energy storage technologies.

Batteries↗
DOE OSTI2023

Resilient Hydrogels from the Nanoscale to the Macroscale

Biological systems illustrate how a material composed of fragile molecular components can collectively be highly resilient. While the average protein, cell, or even tissue may not last more than a few weeks, many animals and plants live for more than a century. Continual component regeneration and multiple systems to resist mechanical and chemical damage together make this longetivity possible. This project sought to develop biomimetic methods to enable a specific type of material, a hydrogel, to resist damage across multiple scales using distinct, modular damage protection mechanisms. Because hydrogels share many features with biological tissues, they are an ideal substrate for exploring biomimetic strategies for designing resilience and self-repair. We specifically focused in this study on DNA-crosslinked hydrogels, which contain DNA strands that can serve as material to link it together or to control its current state or properties. We investigated how new tools from dynamic DNA nanotechnology could make it possible to actively recover from damage by continually growing and forming a materials shape, or by identifying damage and directing an adaptive response to that damage involving chemical synthesis to reconstruct a structure. We developed embedded molecular sensors able to detect and strain of the gel before damage occurred and react to counteract damage. We also developed methods to continually create shapes and patterns using chemical processes that will allow those patterns to reform when they are damaged. The ability to design resilient materials capable of self-repair has important implications for materials engineering. Instead of designing a material to withstand the worst stresses it may encounter, we could instead design a material to survive under average conditions, but self-repair or reconfigure to resist impending damage. Resilient, self-repairing hydrogels will also have diverse applications such as sensors or actuators.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cyber-Informed Engineering Briefing for ABET

Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) is an emerging method to integrate cybersecurity considerations into the conception, design, development, and operation of any physical system, energy or otherwise, to mitigate or even eliminate avenues for cyber-enabled attacks.?CIE concepts use design decisions and engineering controls to prioritize defense against the worst possible consequences of cyberattacks facing critical infrastructure systems and asset owners. These slides offer a deep dive into Cyber-Informed Engineering for engineering educators.

42 - ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2017

Nuclear Criticality Experimental Research Center (NCERC) Overview

The mission of the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC) at the Device Assembly Facility (DAF) is to conduct experiments and training with critical assemblies and fissionable material at or near criticality in order to explore reactivity phenomena, and to operate the assemblies in the regions from subcritical through delayed critical. One critical assembly, Godiva-IV, is designed to operate above prompt critical. The Nuclear Criticality Experimental Research Center (NCERC) is our nation’s only general-purpose critical experiments facility and is only one of a few that remain operational throughout the world. This presentation discusses the history of NCERC, the general activities that makeup work at NCERC, and the various government programs and missions that NCERC supports. Recent activities at NCERC will be reviewed, with a focus on demonstrating how NCERC meets national security mission goals using engineering fundamentals. In particular, there will be a focus on engineering theory and design and applications of engineering fundamentals at NCERC. NCERC activities that relate to engineering education will also be examined.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Development of an Efficient Conjugate Heat Transfer Modeling Framework to Optimize Mixing-Limited Combustion of Ethanol in a Diesel Engine

Mixing controlled combustion of alcohol fuels has been identified as a promising technology based on their low propensity for particulate and NOx production, but the higher heats of vaporization and auto-ignition temperatures of these fuels make their direct use in diesel engine architectures a challenge. To realize the potential of alcohol-fueled combustion, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling framework is developed, validated, and exercised to identify designs that maximize engine thermal efficiency. To evaluate the use of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), a simplified one-dimensional (1D) conjugate heat transfer (CHT) modeling framework is employed. The addition of the 1D CHT model only increases the computational expense by 15% relative to traditional approaches, yet offers more accurate heat transfer predictions over constant temperature boundary conditions. The validated model is then used to explore a range of injector orientations and piston bowl geometries. Using a design of experiments (DoE) approach, several designs were identified that improved fuel-air mixing, shortened the combustion duration, and increased thermal efficiency. The most promising design was fabricated and tested in a Caterpillar 1Y3700 single-cylinder oil test engine (SCOTE). Engine testing confirmed the findings from the CFD simulations and found that the co-optimized injector and piston bowl design yielded over 2-percentage point increase in thermal efficiency at the same equivalence ratio (0.96) and over 6-percentage point increase at the same engine load (10.1 bar indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP)), while satisfying design constraints for peak pressure and maximum pressure rise rate.

Magnotti, Gina M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

MODELING AND PARAMETRIC STUDY OF END-GAS AUTOIGNITION TO ALLOW THE REALIZATION OF ULTRA-LOW EMISSIONS, HIGH-EFFICIENCY HEAVY-DUTY SPARK-IGNITED NATURAL GAS ENGINES

Engine knock and misfire are barriers to pathways leading to high-efficiency Spark-Ignited (SI) Natural Gas (NG) engines. The general tendency to knock is highly dependent on engine operating conditions and the fuel reactivity. The problem is further complicated by the low emission limits and the wide range of chemical reactivity in pipeline-quality natural gas. Depending on the region and the source of the natural gas, its reactivity, described by its Methane Number (MN), which is analogous to the Octane Number for liquid SI fuels, can span from 65 to 95. In order to realize diesel-like efficiencies, SI NG engines must be designed to operate at high Brake Mean Effective Pressures (BMEP), near or beyond knock limits, over a wide range of fuel reactivity. This requires a deep understanding of the combustion-engine interactions pertaining to flame propagation and End-Gas Autoignition (EGAI), i.e., the autoignition of the unburned gas (end gas) ahead of the flame front. However, EGAI, if controlled, provides an opportunity to increase SI NG engine efficiency by increasing the combustion rate and the total fraction of burned fuel, mitigating the effects of the slow flame speeds characteristic of natural gas fuels, which generally reduce BMEP and increase unburned hydrocarbon emissions. For this reason, to realize diesel-like efficiencies and ultra-low emissions on SI NG engines, this work proposes the study of the main parameters influencing the modeling and prediction of NG EGAI to allow for its control. In this work, a novel EGAI detection and onset determination method was developed to reliably quantify EGAI for data analysis and engine control. The new method allowed the prediction of EGAI on SI NG engines without the need to use engine- and operating-condition-dependent thresholds and reduced the error in quantifying the fraction of the total energy released by the EGAI event by up to 40%pts. One- and three-dimensional engine models were then developed to study the engine/fuel interactions that lead to NG EGAI and its performance benefits. These models, although having decent agreement with experimental data, showed the need to account for NOx chemistry when predicting NG EGAI due to a consistently later prediction of the EGAI onset (~1.65 crank-angle degrees) and thus, a new reduced chemical mechanism for real NG fuels was developed containing NOx chemistry. The new reduced mechanism improved the EGAI onset prediction agreement to within ±0.5 crank-angle degrees and decreased simulation time during combustion by nearly 50% when using the further reduced AREIS50NOx chemical mechanism. These models were then used to study the role of NG composition on EGAI, evaluate the engine/fuel interactions leading to NG EGAI, and perform engine optimization while leveraging EGAI to increase thermal efficiency. Piston design optimization combined with a Controlled EGAI (C-EGAI) combustion mode allowed a Heavy-Duty (HD) SI NG engine to operate at diesel-like efficiencies, i.e., Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) ≥44%. Experimental and modeling data analysis revealed that earlier and faster heat release increases combustion efficiency by an average of 1%pts, increases work transferred to the piston resulting in a decrease in exhaust losses by 50% depending on the engine operating condition while slightly increasing heat losses. Finally, the simulation results revealed an opportunity to further enhance the BTE (up to 50%) by enabling C-EGAI combustion at leaner conditions, λ=1.4-1.6.

Bestel, Diego Bernardi↗
DOE OSTI2022

Spark-Assisted HCCI Residential CHP

A transformative small spark ignition (SI) internal combustion (IC) engine fueled with natural gas was developed for combined heat and power (CHP) applications using a combination of cycle simulations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, and engine experiments. The resulting 1 kW CHP engine was demonstrated to achieve 36.1% brake thermal efficiency (BTE) while meeting aggressive exhaust emissions targets using a low-cost three-way catalyst. Starting from a “clean-sheet” design, modeling tools were used to select the optimal engine parameters and operating characteristics. The disruptive technologies developed for the CHP system have a target lifetime of at least 10 years. The engine cost at volume of 10,000 units was estimated to be $\$$1,050. A combination of experimental and simulation results were used to identify a path to the program target of 38.6% BTE. Base engine design parameters (i.e., displacement, speed, bore, stroke, valve timings, and compression ratio) were optimized to reduce friction, heat transfer, and exhaust losses. The base clean sheet prototype engine achieved 32% BTE. Optimization of the lube oil and coolant temperatures added 1.8% BTE. The addition of exhaust gas recirculation added 1.1% BTE. Novel thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) developed over the course of the project added 1.2% BTE. Further improvements in engine friction reduction (1.3% BTE) and improved combustion (1.2% BTE) are estimated to meet the program target 38.6% BTE, while also meeting the stringent criteria pollutant emissions targets.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Cyber-Informed Engineering Principles: What’s in it for me?

CIE is an emerging method to integrate cybersecurity considerations into the conception, design, development, and operation of any physical system that has digital connectivity, monitoring, or control. CIE complements—but does not replace—the application of cybersecurity standards or practices currently in place within an organization. Rather, it expands cybersecurity decisions into the engineering space, not by asking engineers to become cyber experts, but by calling on engineers to apply engineering tools and make engineering decisions that improve cybersecurity outcomes. CIE examines the engineering consequences that a sophisticated cyber attacker could achieve, and drives engineering changes that may provide deterministic mitigations to limit or eliminate those consequences. Engineers and technicians that design critical energy infrastructure installations can integrate the 12 principles of CIE into each phase of the engineering lifecycle, from concept to retirement. These principles are aimed at system or design engineers, operators, and technicians, rather than software engineers or operational cybersecurity practitioners, because the engineers who design, build, operate, and maintain the physical infrastructure are best positioned to leverage a system’s engineering design to diminish the severity of cyber attacks or digital technology failures. This approach creates new opportunities for engineering teams—and not just cybersecurity teams—to secure the system using the physics and mechanics of engineering controls—not just digital monitoring and controls.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Multi-Mode Cavity Accelerator Structure

This project aimed to develop a prototype for a novel accelerator structure comprising coupled cavities that are tuned to support modes with harmonically-related eigenfrequencies, with the goal of reaching an acceleration gradient >200 MeV/m and a breakdown rate <10 -7 /pulse/meter. Phase I involved computations, design, and preliminary engineering of a prototype multi-harmonic cavity accelerator structure; plus tests of a bimodal cavity. A computational procedure was used to design an optimized profile for a bimodal cavity with high shunt impedance and low surface fields to maximize the reduction in temperature rise ΔT. This cavity supports the TM010 mode and its 2nd harmonic TM011 mode. Its fundamental frequency is at 12 GHz, to benchmark against the empirical criteria proposed within the worldwide High Gradient collaboration for X-band copper structures; namely, a surface electric field E sur max < 260 MV/m and pulsed surface heating ΔT max < 56 °K. With optimized geometry, amplitude and relative phase of the two modes, reductions are found in surface pulsed heating, modified Poynting vector, and total RF power—as compared with operation at the same acceleration gradient using only the fundamental mode.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2019

US Hybrid Northeast Demonstration and Deployment of FCRxNV200 (DE-EE0007276 Final Report)

In this project, US Hybrid and other strategic project partners, collaborated to build a fuel cell range extended plug-in hybrid utility vehicle and demonstrate it in real-world operation. The base vehicle platform to be modified to the hybrid platform was the Nissan e-NV200, which is an all-electric version of the NV200 commercial cargo van. This is a Class 1 vehicle with a GVWR of approx. 4,900 lbs., wheelbase of 115 inches, and cargo capacity of approx. 122ft. The 80kW/254N-m electric powertrain is the same as Nissan’s LEAF, but with a revised final drive ratio (9.301 vs. 8.194) to accommodate higher payloads with lower top speed. US Hybrid utilized a purpose built, freeze capable, integrated fuel cell engine FCe™10 to hybridize and range-extend the existing e-NV200 vehicle with OEM drivetrain. The eNV200 has the same size battery as the LEAF with a different rear axle ratio. Fuel cell stack size and balance of plant (BOP) configuration were designed for compact under the hood vehicle packaging. Engine design took into consideration the need for high efficiency (>50% at all loads & up to 62% at partial power), optimal heat recovery for cabin heating, and low maintenance. The technology of the isolated DC-DC converter operating at >100kHz enables extremely high efficiency (ZVS and SIC power devices) and robust performance while reducing system complexity, weight, and volume. This enables an extended vehicle range of up to 250 miles and an operational life that should provide lower total cost of ownership (TCO) to the end user.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electronic Spin Qubit Candidates Arrayed within Layered Two-Dimensional Polymers

Molecular electronic spin qubits are promising candidates for quantum information science applications because they can be reliably produced and engineered via chemical design. Embedding electronic spin qubits within two-dimensional polymers (2DPs) offers the possibility to systematically engineer inter-qubit interactions while maintaining long coherence times, both of which are prerequisites to their technological utility. Here, we introduce electronic spin qubits into a diamagnetic 2DP by n-doping naphthalene diimide subunits with varying amounts of CoCp 2 and analyze their spin densities by quantitative electronic paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Low spin densities (e.g., 6.0 × 10 12 spins mm –3 ) enable lengthy spin–lattice (T 1 ) and spin–spin relaxation (T 2 ) times across a range of temperatures, ranging from T 1 values of 164 ms at 10 K to 30.2 μs at 296 K and T 2 values of 2.36 μs at 10 K to 0.49 μs at 296 K for the lowest spin density sample examined. Higher spin densities and temperatures were both found to diminish T 1 times, which we attribute to detrimental cross-relaxation from spin–spin dipolar interactions and spin–phonon coupling, respectively. Higher spin densities decreased T 2 times and modulated the T 2 temperature dependence. Here, we attribute these differences to the competition between hyperfine and dipolar interactions for electron spin decoherence, with the dominant interaction transitioning from the former to the latter as spin density and temperature increase. Overall, this investigation demonstrates that dispersing electronic spin qubits within layered 2DPs enables chemical control of their inter-qubit interactions and spin decoherence times.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

ARIES Oxide Production Program Monthly Report – April 2014

A summary of the accomplishments, milestones, financial summary, project performance and issues facing the Oxide Production Program for the end of April 2014 is presented in this Executive Summary. PF-4 and ARIES operations remain paused in order to resolve issues and perform an extent-of-condition review for Criticality Safety and Conduct of Operations. On April 28th, Jeff Yarbrough issued a memorandum updating status on the “pause” of PF-4 programmatic operations. He reported that 150 of the procedures that control programmatic operations in PF-4 have successfully resumed. These 150 procedures represent about ½ of the total that will enable us to meet FY14 programmatic commitments. No formal letter of direction will be provided to LANS via the NNSA Field Office contracting officer to address the direction relative to shipments, analytical chemistry sampling and guidance for financial adjustments in FY14 and FY15. LANS will provide a revised plan based on the funding profile included in the President’s Budget Request for the remainder of FY14 and FY15 to include revised FY14 milestones and proposed FY15 milestones. The ARIES Pit Cutter project met the NNSA milestone (Complete Design of Simple Pit Disassembly Equipment [ARIES Pit Cutter] – Due 8/15/14) by completing the fabrication design on 4/3/14, well in advance of the 8/15/14 due date. The project team has started procurement of long-lead items in preparation of the prototype fabrication and cold testing. The fabrication is scheduled to complete in FY14 and the cold testing will begin in FY14 and complete in early FY15. LANL and PNNL met on April 14 to discuss the path forward for PNNL criticality support to the program. The consensus was that PNNL resources can be effectively applied to the generation of detailed CSEs to support the program independent of the current ESS strategy. FY15 program planning is underway. The team is working on planning/drafting the work packages and developing the schedule under the assumption that operations will begin October 1, 2014. A planning schedule has been finalized and the team is meeting regularly to discuss details at the work package and WBS levels. The FY15 PMP is also in the process of being updated. The goal is to have all the drafts reviewed/approved and finalized prior to the start of the FY. MQ personnel have completed ADPSM Management Assessment: Evaluate Quality Roles and Responsibility Agreements between ADPSM and LANL Technical Support Organizations (PFITS 2011-1943). Two findings and four opportunities for improvement were reported. The robotic lathe controller upgrade has entered the construction phase of the project. The controller cabling IWD pre-job meeting was completed. The initial robotic lathe functional test was completed. The existing controller power supply disconnect is scheduled for early May. The NDA Cage project team received notification on 3/28/14 to restart the NDA cage project. Since then the team have been busy with activities that include assigning a planner, getting the construction work package ready for construction and getting the USQ completed. The electrical services installation for the new welding skid for the Inner Can Welder was completed. A gas bottle rack, used to support welding operations, will be installed in early May. The Outer Can Welder design is complete and the IWD is in development to execute construction. Installation materials have been ordered. Work continues on the MD-2 preliminary design. The project engineer is performing a technical evaluation of the Project Management Plan that was submitted by the design agent in response to the LANL Request for Proposal. If all requirements have been captured, LANL procurement will develop a contract and give the design agent notice to proceed on the preliminary design. Estimated completion is scheduled for September 2014. The design for the TA-55 Bldg. 314 warehouse was issued at 90% complete and has begun the last review process. A constructability review is scheduled for early May. The Project Manager has been working with the LANL estimating group to get the class 3 estimate for review. The Oxide Production Cage Upgrade project has kicked-off efforts on the 30% design. Requirements documentation has been drafted. The floor space was walked-down with other project managers and stakeholders and the boundaries were agreed upon.

ARIES↗