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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 1,711 records · Page 95
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Structural analyses of the PKA RIIβ holoenzyme containing the oncogenic DnaJB1-PKAc fusion protein reveal protomer asymmetry and fusion-induced allosteric perturbations in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma

When the J-domain of the heat shock protein DnaJB1 is fused to the catalytic (C) subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), replacing exon 1, this fusion protein, J-C subunit (J-C), becomes the driver of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC). Here, we use cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to characterize J-C bound to RIIβ, the major PKA regulatory (R) subunit in liver, thus reporting the first cryo-EM structure of any PKA holoenzyme. We report several differences in both structure and dynamics that could not be captured by the conventional crystallography approaches used to obtain prior structures. Most striking is the asymmetry caused by the absence of the second cyclic nucleotide binding (CNB) domain and the J-domain in one of the RIIβ:J-C protomers. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we discovered that this asymmetry is already present in the wild-type (WT) RIIβ 2 C 2 but had been masked in the previous crystal structure. This asymmetry may link to the intrinsic allosteric regulation of all PKA holoenzymes and could also explain why most disease mutations in PKA regulatory subunits are dominant negative. The cryo-EM structure, combined with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), also allowed us to predict the general position of the Dimerization/Docking (D/D) domain, which is essential for localization and interacting with membrane-anchored A-Kinase-Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs). This position provides a multivalent mechanism for interaction of the RIIβ holoenzyme with membranes and would be perturbed in the oncogenic fusion protein. The J-domain also alters several biochemical properties of the RIIβ holoenzyme: It is easier to activate with cAMP, and the cooperativity is reduced. These results provide new insights into how the finely tuned allosteric PKA signaling network is disrupted by the oncogenic J-C subunit, ultimately leading to the development of FL-HCC.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Extracting information from X-ray diffraction patterns containing Laue oscillations

The presence of Laue oscillations in a film grown on a solid surface is broadly taken as indicating a high quality, crystallographically aligned film of the targeted compound. In this paper we briefly review the origins of both Laue oscillations and Kiessig fringes and show how they can be used together to determine if extra thickness exists above or below the coherently diffracting domains. The differences between experimental and “ideal” films are discussed and the effect of structural features (roughness, different thickness coherently diffracting domains and thickness in addition to the coherently diffracting domains) are illustrated with experimental and simulated data for metal and mixed-metal chalcogenide films of titanium, bismuth, vanadium/iron, and bismuth/molybdenum. Examples are given showing how quantitative information can be extracted from experimental diffraction patterns.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Particulate mass migration and mixing in cylindrically contained explosions

Abstract To explore particulate movement near the plasma of chemical explosions, rugged tracer particles were placed within and on the exterior of metal charges and electrically detonated. The particles were collected on/in the porous walls of plastic cylinders at diameters that correlated to the plasma width during different phases of the explosion. The particles’ positions were determined by Boolean logic analysis of their luminescent intensity. The cylinders which caught particles from the initial phases of the explosion retained placement information, while wider cylinders showed uniform mixing. These results/analysis methodology can help improve the understanding of particulate mixing in harsh environments. Graphical abstract

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Combinatorial investigation of the Mn–Ge–N chemical system containing ternary nitrides Mn 3 GeN and MnGeN 2

By changing nitrogen chemical potential during synthesis of Mn–Ge–N ternary nitrides, both wurtzite MnGeN 2 and antiperovskite Mn 3 GeN ternary phases are prepared. Antiperovskite films are optically opaque and conductive, while wurtzite films with Mn/(Mn + Ge) ≤ 0.5 transmit light above ~ 2 eV. Alloys of Mn 3 GeN with Si and Al are also investigated. Mn 3 (Ge 1−x Al x )N alloys with 0.07 ≤ x ≤ 0.16 exhibit a cubic (rather than tetragonal) structure. Mn 3 (Ge 1−x Si x )N with x ≤ 0.05 maintains the tetragonal structure but becomes cubic when x > 0.05. This study shows that care must be taken in the synthesis of Mn–Ge–N and similar nitrides, especially when materials are integrated into devices not amenable to structural and chemical probing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Do solar panels contain PFAS?

The presence and potential leaching of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from solar panels are increasingly mentioned in news articles, raising public concerns. Such concerns may slow the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) technology, despite its central role in the renewable energy sector. The limited transparency from manufacturers about fluorinated materials used in PV modules, along with the scarcity of publicly available testing data, contributes to uncertainty and speculation. This perspective aims to clarify the current state of PFAS presence in solar PV. Although certain fluoropolymers are used in PV manufacturing, the scientific consensus on their toxicity indicates they should not be classified as PFAS. Portraying fluoropolymers as toxic PFAS unnecessarily amplifies concerns and unfairly undermines the perceived environmental sustainability of PV technology.

environmental impact↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Effects of Assumed Source Depth and Shear-Wave Velocity on Moment Tensors Estimated for Small, Contained Chemical Explosions in Granite

ABSTRACT The Source Phenomenology Experiment (SPE-Arizona) included of a series of chemical explosions detonated within a copper mine in Arizona. This study focuses on ground motions from detonations in the copper mine, which are analyzed to assess the uniqueness of the resulting source representation when the source region propagation characteristics have a range of possible models. P-wave velocities are well constrained by refraction data with less constraint of the S-wave velocities. The effects of explosion source depth and VS are assessed with Green’s functions for a range of models in which VP is held constant. Propagation models with a Poisson’s value of 0.25 and a source depth 30–60 m most accurately replicate the data. The explosion was detonated at a centroid depth of 30 m, so trade-offs in depth are demonstrated. The compensated linear vector dipole and explosion components of the Green’s functions convolved with a Mueller–Murphy source function are compared. Both produce significant energy in the 2–12 Hz band, due to surface-wave contributions with no clear depth dependencies above 20 Hz. The range of propagation models is used with the observational data to invert for the frequency-domain moment tensor. Fits to the data from these inversions have cross-correlation values of 0.64, demonstrating effectiveness in replicating the observations with the assumed propagation path effects and resulting source function. Inversions produce horizontal dipoles (Mxx and Myy), roughly half the maximum amplitude of Mzz, consistent with a compensated linear vector dipole source, which is frequency dependent. Denny and Johnson, Mueller–Murphy, Walter and Ford, and the revised Mueller–Murphy source models, parameterized for granite, are compared to the moment tensors. Despite a nonisotropic moment tensor source, the revised Mueller–Murphy isotropic source model best replicates the long-period moments, overshoot, and corner frequency.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Source Separation and Medium Change of Contained Chemical Explosions from Coda Wave Interferometry

Differences in the seismic coda of neighboring events can be used to investigate source location offsets and medium change with coda wave interferometry (CWI). We employ CWI to infer the known relative location between two chemical explosions in Phase I of the Source Physics Experiment (SPE). The inferred displacement between the first, SPE-1, and second, SPE-2, chemical explosion is between 6 and 18 m, with an expectation of 9.2 m, where the known separation is close to 9.4 m. We also employ CWI to find any velocity perturbation due to damage from SPE-2, by comparing its coda with the collocated third SPE chemical explosion, SPE-3. We find that damage due to SPE-2 must be confined to a spherical region with radius less than 10 m and velocity perturbation less than 25%.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Experimental Study of Microgel Conformance-Control Treatment for a Polymer-Flooding Reservoir Containing Superpermeable Channels

Summary Polymer flooding has been widely used to improve oil recovery. However, its effectiveness would be diminished when channels (e.g., fractures, fracture-like channels, void-space conduits) are present in a reservoir. In this study, we designed a series of particular sandwich-like channel models and tested the effectiveness and applicable conditions of micrometer-sized preformed particle gels (PPGs, or microgels) in improving the polymer-flooding efficiency. We studied the selective penetration and placement of the microgel particles, and their abilities for fluid diversion and oil-recovery improvement. The results suggest that polymer flooding alone would be inefficient to achieve a satisfactory oil recovery as the heterogeneity of the reservoir becomes more serious (e.g., permeability contrast kc/km > 50). The polymer solution would vainly flow through the channels and leave the majority of oil in the matrices behind. Additional conformance-treatment efforts are required. We tried to inject microgels in an attempt to shut off the channels. After the microgel treatment, impressive improvement of the polymer-flooding performance was observed in some of our experiments. The water cut could be reduced significantly by as high as nearly 40%, and the sweep efficiency and overall oil recovery of the polymer flood were improved. The conditions under which the microgel-treatment strategy was effective were further explored. We observed that the microgels form an external impermeable cake at the very beginning of microgel injection and prevent the gel particles from entering the matrices. Instead, the microgel particles could selectively penetrate and shut off the superpermeable channels under proper conditions. Our results suggest that the 260-µm microgel particles tested in this study are effective to attack the excessive-water-production problem and improve the oil recovery when the channel has a high permeability (>50 darcies). The gels are unlikely to be effective for channels that are less than 30 darcies because of the penetration/transport difficulties. After the gels effectively penetrate and shut off the superpermeable channel, the subsequent polymer solution is diverted to the matrices (i.e., the unswept oil zones) to displace the bypassed oil. Overall, this study provides important insights to help achieve successful polymer-flooding applications in reservoirs with superpermeable channels.

Engineering↗
DOE OSTI2020

Measurement of Fatigue and Static Crack Growth Rate of X65 Line Pipe Steel in 3.5% NaCl containing CO2 under Cathodic Polarization

X-65 Line pipe steel was investigated for susceptibility to environmentally assisted fatigue and static crack growth susceptibility in acidic environments at 1 atm and 4 atm pressures of CO₂. FCGR response as a function of frequency was similar for the two environments. The FCGR showed an increase with decrease in frequency highlighting that the material was susceptible to environmentally assisted cracking in the studied environment. A significant decrease in resistance to fatigue crack propagation was observed in the studied environments with respect to BS-7910 based in-air mean curves for steel.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Dual Phase Soft Magnetic Laminates for Low-cost, Non/Reduced-Rare-Earth Containing Electrical Machines

To accelerate the mass market adoption of electric drive vehicles, the key technology barriers in electric motors are (1) magnet cost and rare-earth element price volatility; (2) non-rare-earth electric motor performance; and (3) materials property optimization. The goal of this project was to address these barriers by advancing a unique and innovative dual phase soft magnetic material technology and demonstrating the material in a 30-kW synchronous reluctance motor without using any permanent magnet for electric vehicles. Dual phase magnetic materials offer the electric motor designer the ability to locally control the magnetic saturation level in a motor laminate, while at the same time enhancing the mechanical strength of the laminate material, resulting in an enhancement in motor performance and efficiency. Scalable dual phase soft magnetic laminates manufacturing technologies were developed in collaboration with multiple US manufacturers. 1000 lbs of alloy sheet with a thickness of 0.25mm and width of 280 mm was manufactured within the specifications. Batch sizes of up to 240 laminates per run were produced from the alloy sheet. Two prototype motors with dual phase soft magnetic laminates were designed, built, and tested. The major goal of building the subscale prototype as a pathway to develop scalable manufacturing technologies for the dual phase soft magnetic laminates was met. The additional goal of building and testing the subscale prototype in order to validate the calculated performance with the tested motor performance was also met. For the full-scale 30kW continuous power synchronous reluctance motor prototype, the tested performance met the targets in terms of continuous power at the operating speeds up to 8000 rpm. Post-test studies were conducted and the root causes for the discrepancy between the predicted and tested peak power, continuous power at high speed range, and efficiency were identified. Further modeling study showed that the dual phase rotor machine has a 27% higher torque to active weight ratio than an equivalent performance silicon steel rotor machine. Application space and multiple discussions with traction motor and electric vehicle manufacturers for commercialization of the dual phase soft magnetic material technology were identified and conducted. An initial cost model was established based on the developed manufacturing technologies with the US manufacturers. Future paths for further cost reduction were identified, including increasing the market volume by broadening the applications of the dual phase soft magnetic laminate technology for electric machines in other energy sections such as oil & gas, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and power generation.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Evaluation of Containment and Geomechanical Risks at Integrated Mid-Content Stacked Carbon Storage Hub Sites

The U.S. Department of Energy is leading the development of CCS through collaborative projects and programs to not only develop and demonstrate the technology but to also quantify the risks and provide tools that site operators can use to develop a site-specific understanding of their risk to enable successful project operations. This report summarizes results and findings from the application of risk-assessment tools to an industrial-scale Geologic Carbon Storage (GCS) project. Specifically, we applied the National Risk Assessment Partnership’s (NRAP) Open Integrated Assessment Model (NRAP-Open-IAM) and State of Stress Assessment Tool (SOSAT) to two candidate sites being considered for storage by the Integrated Midcontinent Stacked Carbon Storage Hub (IMSCS-Hub) project team. These sites, Sleepy Hollow Field in Nebraska and Patterson Field in Kansas, have historical oil and gas production and thus are attractive candidates to store the 50 million metric tons (Mt), which is the CarbonSAFE objective. Because these sites have historical operations, they have a significant number of existing wells that pose a risk for well leakage. Additionally, the storage formations will undergo significant pore pressure perturbation (i.e., increase due to CO 2 injection). Hence, we have selected the two NRAP tools best suited to study the risks associated with well leakage and geomechanical risks. The objective of the study was not only to assess the risk at the site, but to also improve the NRAP tools through application using real site data on an ongoing project.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Regional Geologic Cross Sections for Potential Storage and Containment Zones in the MRCSP Region [plus Plates 1-6]

The regional characterization work conducted by the Geoteams during the MRCSP Phase III project period (2010 –2019) focused on the following tasks: (1) refinement of geologic seals/reservoir systems; (2) assessment of Atlantic Coastal Plain and offshore opportunities; (3) expanded assessments of oil and gas fields, particularly as they relate to enhanced recovery opportunities; (4) regional support for implementation of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) in the partnership area; and (5) communication and data sharing. This report, entitled Regional Geology, has been prepared in association with (4), regional support for implementation of CCUS in the partnership area..

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Determination of Cellulosic Glucan Content in Starch Containing Feedstocks (Laboratory Analytical Procedure)

Carbohydrates make up a major portion of biomass samples. These carbohydrates are polysaccharides constructed primarily of glucose, xylose, arabinose, galactose, and mannose monomeric subunits. One such polysaccharide is starch, which is present in certain types of biomass. Starch will contribute to the overall glucose measurement when it breaks into the glucose subunit. Starch is often a more readily accessible source of glucose than structurally bound glucose polymers. Due to the different chemical nature of the glucan species, it is often advantageous to determine the amount of cellulosic glucose separately from the starch glucan.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Regional Geologic Cross Sections for Potential Storage and Containment Zones in the MRCSP Region

The Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP) has incorporated the work of geologic research teams (Geoteams) in its regional characterization, project planning and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) injection implementation work since the partnership was established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 2003. Over this 16-year period, the cohort of Geoteams has grown from five to ten states and has contributed to the characterization of geologic sequestration opportunities, refinement of reservoir and seal data, and supported injection efforts through both predictive and post-injection assessments. Five geologic cross sections (labeled A through E) were constructed onshore across the parts of the MRCSP Region west of the Valley and Ridge Province, and one section (labeled F) was constructed beginning onshore in New Jersey and running eastward to offshore areas examined for carbon storage. Regional and local stratigraphic units were used in these cross sections to show current nomenclature as well as highlighting specific units/features pertinent to carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) opportunities in the region. Each cross section uses 15 to 25 deep wells and other geologic information to illustrate the relative depth, thickness and location of rock units in the subsurface.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗