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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 1,657 records · Page 92
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Technetium Retention in WTP LAW Glass with Recycle Flow-Sheet: DMIO Melter Testing

Melter tests were conducted to determine the retention of technetium and other volatiles in glass while processing simulated Low Activity Waste (LAW) streams through a DM10 melter equipped with a prototypical off-gas system that concentrates and recycles fluid effluents back to the melter feed. To support these tests, an existing DM10 system installed at Vitreous State Laboratory (VSL) was modified to add the required recycle loop. Based on the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) LAW off-gas system design, suitably scaled versions of the Submerged Bed Scrubber (SBS), Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP), and TLP vacuum evaporator were designed, built, and installed into the DM10 system. Process modeling was used to support this design effort and to ensure that issues associated with the short half life of the 99m Tc radioisotope that was used in this work were properly addressed and that the system would be capable of meeting the test objectives. In particular, this required that the overall time constant for the system was sufficiently short that a reasonable approach to steady state could be achieved before the 99m Tc activity dropped below the analytical limits of detection. The conceptual design, detailed design, flow sheet development, process model development, Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) development, control system design, software design and development, system fabrication, installation, procedure development, operator training, and Test Plan development for the new system were all conducted during this project. The new system was commissioned and subjected to a series of shake-down tests before embarking on the planned test program. Various system performance issues that arose during testing were addressed through a series of modifications in order to improve the performance and reliability of the system. The resulting system provided a robust and reliable platform to address the test objectives.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2012

Proactive Defense for Evolving Cyber Threats

There is great interest to develop proactive methods of cyber defense, in which future attack strategies are anticipated and these insights are incorporated into defense designs; however, little has been done to place this ambitious objective on a sound scientific foundation. Indeed, even fundamental issues associated with how the “arms race” between attackers and defenders actually leads to predictability in attacker activity, or how to effectively and scalably detect this predictability in the relational/temporal data streams generated by attacker/defender adaptation, haven’t been resolved. This LDRD project addressed many of these challenges and the results are briefly summarized here. We have characterized the predictability of attacker/defender coevolution and have leveraged our findings to create a framework for designing proactive defenses for large (organizational) networks. More specifically, this project applied rigorous predictability-based analytics to two central and complementary aspects of the network defense problem – attack strategies of the adversaries and vulnerabilities of the defenders’ systems – and used the results to develop a scientifically-grounded, practically-implementable methodology for designing proactive cyber defense systems. Briefly, predictive analysis of attack strategies involved first conducting predictability assessments to characterize attacker adaptation patterns in given domains, and then used these patterns to “train” adaptive defense systems capable of providing robust performance against both current and (near) future threats. The problem of identifying and prioritizing defender system vulnerabilities was addressed using statistical and machine learning to analyze a broad range of data (e.g., cyber, social media) on recently detected system vulnerabilities to “learn” classifiers that predict how likely it is that, and how soon, new vulnerabilities will be exploited. A variety of cyber threat case studies were developed and investigated throughout the project, one selected from the cyber security research community and one that is more comprehensive and of higher priority to SNL and to external national security partners. A sample of research results and application of this methodology are included in this report (as a series of peer-reviewed publications). For ease of reference the title and SAND number are included below.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2012

Development of a Laser for Landmine Destruction (CRADA Final Report)

This was one of two CRADAs between Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC as manager and operator of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and First Alliance Technologies, LLC (First Alliance), to conduct research and development activity toward an integrated system for the detecting, locating, and destroying of landmines and unexploded ordinance using a laser to destroy landmines and unexploded ordinance and First Alliance’s Land Mine Locator (LML) system. The parties contemplated that the project would proceed in phases. The technical objective of Phase I was to explore, conceive, and validate that the proposed landmine detection and destruction system could be realized. Phase 1 consisted of three tasks, and was designated as a six month project.

Yamamoto, Robert↗
DOE OSTI2013

Validating the Melusine Gamma Spectroscopy Tool

This technical report describes testing to evaluate the gamma spectroscopy tool, Melusine, under development by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The goal was to verify that the software can successfully be used to provide accurate results and statistical uncertainties for the detection of isotopes of interest and their activities. Of special interest were spectra similar to those produced by radionuclide stations that contribute to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization’s International Monitoring System. Two data sets were used to test Melusine’s capabilities. The first was the result of a multi-lab calibration effort based on neutron activations produced at the University of California at Davis. The second was taken from the Proficiency Test Exercises conducted by the CTBTO directly in 2005. In 37 of 42 cases, Melusine produced results in agreement with the best answer presently available, in most cases with calculated uncertainties comparable to or better than competing analyses. In fact, Melusine technically provided one more result than CTBTO’s PTE analyses that agreed with the “book answer” (Monte Carlo simulation). Despite these promising results, the Melusine software is still under development. Effort is especially needed to simplify its analysis process, improve stability, and provide user documentation. Some significant analysis tasks require further vetting, such as those to address summing effects. However, our test results indicate that Melusine’s calculations as presently implemented are sound and can be used to reliably analyze spectra from the CTBTO’s radionuclide stations.

CTBTO↗
DOE OSTI2020

Monthly Sewer Monitoring Report for LLNL Livermore Site, April 2020

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) collects effluent samples from its sewer outfall at the B196 Sewer Monitoring Station (SMS). Effluent flow-proportional composite samples are collected at the SMS on a daily (midnight-to-midnight), weekly (Thursday through Wednesday), and “monthly” (composited from daily) basis; effluent grab samples are also collected each month at that same location. Certified contract laboratories analyzes these compliance samples, and results (Tables 1–3) are used to establish LLNL compliance with the 2019–2020 Wastewater Discharge Permit (Permit 1250) granted by the City of Livermore Water Resources Division (WRD). Supplemental analyses for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) are performed onsite and reported (Table 4) for the calculation and assessment of sewer service charges. Quarterly, effluent is sampled for metals (24-hour composite) and cyanide (grab sample) concentrations (mg/L). The results are presented in Table 5. In addition to the sampling noted above, the SMS continuously monitors LLNL sewage effluent in real-time for flow rate, pH, metals, and radioactivity. Standard measurement methods are used to monitor flow and pH to determine permit compliance. Unique nonstandard analytical methods monitor for the presence of metals and radioactivity using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and gamma spectroscopy, respectively. If an anomalous condition is detected by the monitoring system, an alarm activates LLNL’s Sewer Diversion Facility (SDF) and Livermore Water Reclamation Plant (LWRP) operators are notified that a potential release has occurred.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Highly Ordered Hierarchical Anodes for Extreme Fast Charging Batteries (Final Report)

The goal of this project is to enable extreme fast charging (XFC) of Li-ion batteries, which was accomplished through a combination of 1) rational design and manufacturing of hierarchically structured anode architectures; 2) blending graphite/hard carbon into a bulk hybrid anode; 3) engineering artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) coatings with reduced interphase impedance; 4) computational modeling of coupled transport, kinetic, and electrochemical phenomena; and 5) improved fundamental understanding of lithium plating through operando analysis. This work integrated structural, compositional, and surface modification of graphite anodes, multi-physics modeling of ion transport, electrochemical activity, and heat transfer, advanced strategies to detect Li plating, and semi-automated roll-to-roll cell assembly. The unique facilities at the University of Michigan (UM) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) were leveraged to manufacture, prototype, and characterize commercially relevant >2Ah and >180 Wh/kg cells with a target of <20% capacity fade over 500 XFC cycles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division: Investment Strategy 2023

The mission of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences (NACS) Division within the Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate is to advance scientific understanding, capabilities, and technologies in nuclear and particle physics, radiochemistry, forensic science, and isotope systems to support LLNL’s national security mission. NACS Division personnel conduct a diverse range of research activities in particle physics, nuclear physics, radiation detection, nuclear measurements, chemical and nuclear forensic science, nuclear and radiochemistry, isotope geochemistry, and environmental science. These areas are leveraged to address evolving national security challenges. Scientific research provides the foundation for addressing these challenges, and it is also the principal means of attracting, training, and retaining staff scientists who can deliver solutions across the Laboratory’s mission space. The overarching strategy is to position the NACS Division at the nexus between fundamental nuclear and chemical science research and nuclear security applications. This approach will support efforts to recruit, train, and retain top-flight scientists and engineers who will play a key role in executing the Laboratory’s core nuclear security missions, while also enhancing LLNL’s reputation as a center for innovative scientific research. This document describes the strategic vision that will be used to guide key investments aimed at enabling NACS scientists to lead new efforts and meet future challenges.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Firmware Tampering Detection in Heavy-Duty Vehicles through J1939 CAN Analysis

Modern heavy-duty vehicles rely on complex networks of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) that communicate using the J1939 protocol. While this system makes it easier to update and configure vehicle components, it also opens the door to serious cybersecurity risks if not properly secured. This work investigates the potential for firmware tampering through the J1939 communication protocol, which enables ECU configuration and reprogramming over the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. By monitoring CAN traffic during legitimate maintenance operations and reverse-engineering OEM diagnostic software, we identified common and proprietary J1939 message identifiers, authentication patterns, and vulnerabilities within Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS). These findings demonstrate that inadequate authentication mechanisms can allow malicious actors to alter ECU firmware or disable safety functions, posing severe operational and safety risks. Our analysis contributes to the development of vehicle intrusion detection systems capable of recognizing abnormal reprogramming activity and future firmware fingerprinting methods to verify software integrity across ECUs. This work highlights the importance of standardizing secure firmware authentication across manufacturers to strengthen cyber resilience in heavy-duty vehicle systems.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

SERDP PFAS Database

The PNNL-PFAS database was constructed to provide quantitative infrared spectra of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the gas phase. These fluorine-rich, organic compounds have been used as non-flammable solvents, cleaning agents, and in the manufacture of a diverse variety of consumer products. Due to their widespread use and relative inertness, PFAS have accumulated in the natural environment, and exposure to these chemicals may be linked to harmful health effects. Development of methods for detecting and remediating PFAS contamination are thus active areas of research. This database supports PFAS investigations where gas-phase infrared signatures may be measured (e.g., during treatment by thermal decomposition). The database currently contains infrared spectra for 15 compounds; these were selected based on the potential of these compounds being thermal degradation products of the manufactured chemicals mentioned above. • Additional compounds will be added to the database in the future. • Additional information about the database may be obtained from [link to future paper about the PFAS database].

PFAS, infrared(IR)spectroscopy, DATABASE, FTIR, sp↗
DOE OSTI2024

Prophylactic treatment with PEGylated bovine IFNλ3 effectively bridges the gap in vaccine-induced immunity against FMD in cattle

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a vesicular disease of cloven-hoofed animals with devastating economic implications. The current FMD vaccine, routinely used in enzootic countries, requires at least 7 days to induce protection. However, FMD vaccination is typically not recommended for use in non-enzootic areas, underscoring the need to develop new fast-acting therapies for FMD control during outbreaks. Interferons (IFNs) are among the immune system’s first line of defense against viral infections. Bovine type III IFN delivered by a replication defective adenovirus (Ad) vector has effectively blocked FMD in cattle. However, the limited duration of protection—usually only 1–3 days post-treatment (dpt)—diminishes its utility as a field therapeutic. Here, we test whether polyethylene glycosylation (PEGylation) of recombinant bovine IFNλ3 (PEGboIFNλ3) can extend the duration of IFN-induced prevention of FMDV infection in both vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle. We treated groups of heifers with PEGboIFNλ3 alone or in combination with an adenovirus-based FMD O1Manisa vaccine (Adt-O1M) at either 3 or 5 days prior to challenge with homologous wild type FMDV. We found that pre-treatment with PEGboIFNλ3 was highly effective at preventing clinical FMD when administered at either time point, with or without co-administration of Adt-O1M vaccine. PEGboIFNλ3 protein was detectable systemically for >10 days and antiviral activity for 4 days following administration. Furthermore, in combination with Adt-O1M vaccine, we observed a strong induction of FMDV-specific IFNγ+ T cell response, demonstrating its adjuvanticity when co-administered with a vaccine. Our results demonstrate the promise of this modified IFN as a pre-exposure prophylactic therapy for use in emergency outbreak scenarios.

biotherapeutics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Vehicle Position Detection Based on Machine Learning Algorithms in Dynamic Wireless Charging

Dynamic wireless charging (DWC) has emerged as a viable approach to mitigate range anxiety by ensuring continuous and uninterrupted charging for electric vehicles in motion. DWC systems rely on the length of the transmitter, which can be categorized into long-track transmitters and segmented coil arrays. The segmented coil array, favored for its heightened efficiency and reduced electromagnetic interference, stands out as the preferred option. However, in such DWC systems, the need arises to detect the vehicle’s position, specifically to activate the transmitter coils aligned with the receiver pad and de-energize uncoupled transmitter coils. This paper introduces various machine learning algorithms for precise vehicle position determination, accommodating diverse ground clearances of electric vehicles and various speeds. Through testing eight different machine learning algorithms and comparing the results, the random forest algorithm emerged as superior, displaying the lowest error in predicting the actual position.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2016

Narrow-line X-ray-selected galaxies in the Chandra-COSMOS field. Ii. Optically elusive X-ray AGNs

In the Chandra-COSMOS (C-COSMOS) survey, we have looked for X-ray-selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs), which are not detected as such in the optical, the so-called elusive AGNs. A previous study based on XMM-Newton and Sloan Digital Sky Survey observations has found a sample of 31 X-ray AGNs optically misclassified as star-forming (SF) galaxies at z<0.4, including 17 elusive Sy2s. Using Chandra observations provides a sample of fainter X-ray sources and so, for a given X-ray luminosity, extends to higher redshifts. To study the elusive Sy2s in the C-COSMOS field, we have removed the NLS1s that contaminate the narrow-line sample. Surprisingly, the contribution of NLS1s is much lower in the C-COSMOS sample (less than 10% of the optically misclassified X-ray AGNs) than in Pons and Watson. The optical misclassification of the X-ray AGNs (L{sub X}>10{sup 42} erg s{sup −1}) can be explained by the intrinsic weakness of these AGNs, in addition to, in some cases, optical dilution by the host galaxies. Interestingly, we found the fraction of elusive Sy2s (narrow emission-line objects) optically misclassified as SF galaxies up to z∼1.4 to be 10% ± 3% to 17% ± 4%, compared to the 6% ± 1.5% of the Pons and Watson work (up to z∼0.4). This result seems to indicate an evolution with redshift of the number of elusive Sy2s.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Seeking Echoes of Circumstellar Disks in Kepler Light Curves

Light echoes of flares on active stars offer the opportunity for direct detection of circumstellar dust. We revisit the problem of identifying faint echoes in postflare light curves, focusing on debris disks from ongoing planet formation. Starting with simulations, we develop an algorithm for estimating the radial extent and total mass from disk echo profiles. We apply this algorithm to light curves from over 2100 stars observed by NASA’s Kepler mission, selected for multiple short-lived flares in either the long-cadence or short-cadence data sets. While flux uncertainties in light curves from individual stars preclude useful mass limits on circumstellar disks, catalog-averaged light curves yield constraints on disk mass that are comparable to estimates from known debris disks. The average mass in micron- to millimeter-sized dust around the Kepler stars cannot exceed 10% of an Earth mass in exo-Kuiper belts or 10% of a lunar mass in the terrestrial zone. We group stars according to IR excess, based on WISE W1–W3 color, as an indicator for the presence of circumstellar dust. The mass limits are greater for stars with strong IR excess, a hint that echoes are lurking not far beneath the noise in postflare light curves. With increased sensitivity, echo detection will let time-domain astronomy complement spectroscopic and direct-imaging studies in mapping how, when, and where planets form.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

CALET Search for Electromagnetic Counterparts of Gravitational Waves during the LIGO/Virgo O3 Run

The CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) on the International Space Station consists of a high-energy cosmic-ray CALorimeter (CAL) and a lower-energy CALET Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (CGBM). CAL is sensitive to electrons up to 20 TeV, cosmic-ray nuclei from Z = 1 through Z ~ 40, and gamma rays over the range 1 GeV–10 TeV. CGBM observes gamma rays from 7 keV to 20 MeV. The combined CAL-CGBM instrument has conducted a search for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) since 2015 October. We report here on the results of a search for X-ray/gamma-ray counterparts to gravitational-wave events reported during the LIGO/Virgo observing run O3. No events have been detected that pass all acceptance criteria. We describe the components, performance, and triggering algorithms of the CGBM—the two Hard X-ray Monitors consisting of LaBr 3 (Ce) scintillators sensitive to 7 keV–1 MeV gamma rays and a Soft Gamma-ray Monitor BGO scintillator sensitive to 40 keV–20 MeV—and the high-energy CAL consisting of a charge detection module, imaging calorimeter, and the fully active total absorption calorimeter. The analysis procedure is described and upper limits to the time-averaged fluxes are presented.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1973

Noise pollution resources compendium

Abstracts of reports concerning noise pollution are presented. The abstracts are grouped in the following areas of activity: (1) sources of noise, (2) noise detection and measurement, (3) noise abatement and control, (4) physical effects of noise and (5) social effects of noise.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Periodicity of high-order neural functions

The results of recent studies on higher order, integrative processes in the central nervous system are reported. Attempts were made to determine whether these processes exhibit any ongoing rhythmicity which might manifest itself in alterations of attention and alertness. Experiments were also designed to determine if a periodicity approximating that of the REM could be detected in various parameters of brain electrical activity.

Kellaway, P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Goddard X-ray astronomy contributions to the IAU/COSPAR (1982)

The relation of X-ray flux to both the continuum flux in the optical and radio bands, and to the line emission properties of these objects were studied. The Einstein Observatory, because of increased sensitivity and improved angular resolution, increased substantially the number of known X-ray emitting active galactic nuclei. The Einstein imaging instruments detected morphology in AGN X-ray emission, in particular from jetlike structures in Cen-A, M87, and 3C273. The improved energy resolution and sensitivity of the spectrometers onboard the Observatory provide information on the geometry and ionization structure of the region responsible for the broad optical emission lines in a few AGN's. This information, combined with theoretical modeling and IUE and optical observations, allows the construction of a moderately detailed picture of the broad line region in these objects.

Holt, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The X-ray properties of normal galaxies

X-ray observations with the Einstein satellite have shown that normal galaxies of all morphological types are spatially extended sources of X-ray emission with luminosities in the range of L(x) of about 10 to the 39th to 10 to the 41st erg/s. Although this is only a small fraction of the total energy output of a normal galaxy, X-ray observations are uniquely suited to study phenomena that are otherwise elusive. In X-rays one can study directly the end products of stellar evolution (SNRs and compact remnants). X-ray observations have led to the discovery of gaseous outflows linked to starburst nuclear activity in spiral galaxies and to the detection of a hot interstellar medium in early-type galaxies. Through X-ray observations it is possible to set constraints on structural galaxy parameters, such as the mass of elliptical galaxies, and perhaps get new insight on the origin of cosmic rays and the properties of the magnetic fields of spiral galaxies.

Fabbiano, G.↗