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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Designing a GIS-based supply chain for producing carinata-based sustainable aviation fuel in Georgia, USA

Carinata is a potential crop for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in the southern USA. However, as a novel crop, the cost-effectiveness and environmental feasibility of carinata feedstock are unknown, and there are questions about the optimal supply chain configuration for carinata-based SAF production. This study aims to design a supply chain model for carinata-based SAF production by optimizing the location of farms and facilities (e.g. storage units, crushing mills, biorefineries) for a minimum transportation cost under a set of supply and demand conditions. An integrated mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model was combined with geographical information system (GIS) analysis to design a spatially explicit supply chain configuration. The GIS-based network analysis considered all of the counties in Georgia to set the candidate locations of carinata farms and facilities, and determined minimum cost and emission routes between those counties and the airport using existing transportation networks and modes (e.g. road, rail and pipeline). The MILP model determined the final selection of the farms and the number of facilities and their locations over those minimum-cost routes. With this supply chain configuration, the minimum price of SAF was $\$$0.92 L –1 , which is $\$$0.44 higher than conventional aviation fuel (CAF). The associated carbon intensity of SAF was estimated at 940.7 g CO 2 e L –1 , a reduction of 66% relative to the carbon intensity of equivalent CAF. The study found that a carbon tax (or subsidy) of $\$$230.48 t CO 2 e –1 would be needed to overcome the cost differential with CAF and promote carinata-based SAF in Georgia.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Towards automated and real-time multi-object detection of anguilliform fishes from sonar data using YOLOv8 deep learning algorithm

Eels (Anguilla spp.), including American eels (Anguilla rostrata), European eels (Anguilla anguilla), and Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica), are species of critical management and regulatory concern due to their vulnerability to various stressors during downstream migrations. Accurate and efficient detection of migrating eels can improve our understanding of fish behaviors and fish-hydraulic structure interactions, thereby facilitating the design, operation, and optimization of more effective downstream passage facilities from both biological and economic perspectives. However, a real-time, automated framework for detecting migrating eels in real-world applications is currently lacking. Leveraging imaging sonar as a reliable technology for fish passage monitoring, field data are acquired using imaging sonar and then converted to single sonar frames/images for subsequent analysis. In this study, a framework based on the You Only Look Once Version 8 (YOLOv8)-based convolutional neural network is proposed for multi-object detection of eels and non-eel fish using the sonar images after image subtraction and additional wavelet denoising. The results from both training and testing phases demonstrate that the framework's ability can successfully detect both eels and non-eel fish in preprocessed sonar images, achieving F1-scores and mAP@0.50 exceeding 0.84. Additionally, the incorporation of wavelet denoising during preprocessing slightly improve detection performance. Furthermore, the transferability of this framework from eel to lamprey detection is demonstrated to be feasible given the similar morphological characteristics of these two species. Overall, the proposed framework achieves accurate and efficient detection of migrating eels, providing reliable and real-time information that can help conserve vulnerable eel and eel-like populations.

Deep learning↗
DOE OSTI2025

Genetic algorithm-based geometry calibration for dynamic compression x-ray diffraction experiments

An important component of dynamic compression x-ray diffraction (XRD) experiment analysis is geometry calibration: proper data interpretation requires knowledge of the precise detector position and orientation and, if the experiment involves a single-crystal sample, knowledge of the lattice orientation. The determination of these parameters in the arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) scattering geometries often present in dynamic compression facilities is challenging, as the associated optimization problem can be highly nonlinear, nonsmooth, and discontinuous. We present a genetic algorithm-based approach for performing dynamic compression XRD calibrations that overcomes these obstacles. We provide details regarding the image processing, algorithm implementation, and open-source software deployment and demonstrate the capability of the approach to calibrate the detector and crystal parameters in 3D geometries. Notably, we demonstrate the solver’s capacity to find the crystal orientation without a priori rotation constraints.

Brown, Nathan P. [Sandia National Laboratories (SN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Design, fabrication, and testing of diamond axicons for X-ray microscopy applications

This work presents the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of a refractive diamond axicon for X-ray beam shaping. The diamond axicon was developed to overcome the limitations of polymer-based axicons particularly for application in Transmission X-ray Microscopy (TXM) systems, offering superior mechanical strength, thermal stability, and radiation resistance, making it ideal for synchrotron applications. The axicon was fabricated using femtosecond laser ablation and tested at 11 keV under various coherence conditions. Results demonstrated that the axicon efficiently transformed the X-ray beam into a ring-shaped profile with over 80% transmission. Simulations confirmed the experimental findings and highlighted the potential for further improvements. This work paves the way for the use of diamond axicons in next-generation synchrotron facilities, with future efforts focusing on optimizing fabrication and testing the axicon in full TXM systems.

Samadi, Nazanin↗
DOE OSTI2024

Physics-inspired spatiotemporal-graph AI ensemble for the detection of higher order wave mode signals of spinning binary black hole mergers

We present a new class of AI models for the detection of quasi-circular, spinning, non-precessing binary black hole mergers whose waveforms include the higher order gravitational wave modes ($\ell$, |m|) = {(2,2), (2,1), (3,3), (3,2), (4,4)}, and mode mixing effects in the $\ell$ = 3, |m| = 2 harmonics. These AI models combine hybrid dilated convolution neural networks to accurately model both short- and long-range temporal sequential information of gravitational waves; and graph neural networks to capture spatial correlations among gravitational wave observatories to consistently describe and identify the presence of a signal in a three detector network encompassing the Advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors. We first trained these spatiotemporal-graph AI models using synthetic noise, using 1.2 million modeled waveforms to densely sample this signal manifold, within 1.7 h using 256 NVIDIA A100 GPUs in the Polaris supercomputer at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility. This distributed training approach exhibited optimal classification performance, and strong scaling up to 512 NVIDIA A100 GPUs. With these AI ensembles we processed data from a three detector network, and found that an ensemble of 4 AI models achieves state-of-the-art performance for signal detection, and reports two misclassifications for every decade of searched data. We distributed AI inference over 128 GPUs in the Polaris supercomputer and 128 nodes in the Theta supercomputer, and completed the processing of a decade of gravitational wave data from a three detector network within 3.5 h. Finally, we fine-tuned these AI ensembles to process the entire month of February 2020, which is part of the O3b LIGO/Virgo observation run, and found 6 gravitational waves, concurrently identified in Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data, and zero false positives. This analysis was completed in one hour using one NVIDIA A100 GPU.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

NCCS High Performance GMRES Mixed Precision

HPG-MxP is a software package that performs a fixed number of multigrid preconditioned (using a Gauss-Seidel smoother) Generalized minimal residual (PGMRES) iterations in order to solve a possibly nonsymmetric large sparse linear system of equations. It is designed to be a benchmark to measure a computer's performance for sparse linear algebra workloads typical in scientific computing while allowing the use of mixed precision methods. The solution is required to have convergence characteristics and accuracy similar to double precision GMRES. It is based on the High Performance Conjugate Gradient Benchmark (HPCG) which restricts all implementations to use only the IEEE double precision format (FP64). The original implementation (https://github.com/hpg-mxp/hpg-mxp) was written by Ichitaro Yamazaki, Jennifer Loe, Christian Glusa, Sivasankaran Rajamanickam, Piotr Luszczek, and Jack Dongarra. Please refer to that repository for documentation on the original implementation. This version is maintained by the National Center for Computational Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It is highly scalable and optimized for Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) systems, particularly Frontier.

Kashi, Aditya [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL↗
DOE OSTI2020

DOE-NE LWRS Integrated Program Plan - Physical Security Pathway

Domestic nuclear power is facing increased financial pressures from a variety of areas and there is pressure on these utilities to reduce their cost of operation. Currently, about 20%-30% of all on-site personnel are related to physical security. The LWRS Program recognized that R&D related to physical security could play a role in providing nuclear utilities technical and staffing efficiency options to meet their physical security commitments, but utilities often lack the technical basis or the ability to create the technical basis to realize or implement these efficiencies; towards this end, the LWRS Program created the Physical Security Pathway in September 2019. The pathway performs R&D to develop methods, tools, and technologies to optimize and modernize a nuclear power facility’s security posture. The pathway will: (1) conduct research on risk-informed techniques for physical security that account for a dynamic adversary; (2) apply advanced modeling and simulation tools to better inform physical-security scenarios and reduce uncertainties in force-on-force modeling; (3) assess benefits from proposed enhancements and novel mitigation strategies and explore changes to best practices, guides, or regulation to enable modernization; and (4) enhance and provide the technical basis for stakeholders to employ new security methods, tools, and technologies.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Artificial Intelligence for Data Center Operations (AI Ops)

HPC data centers such as the one at NREL's ESIF will increasingly need to rely on automation to keep pace with exascale growth in compute capability and to manage and optimize the data center environment and facility resources. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches provide the means to improve HPC data center efficiency (energy, operational, and managerial efficiency) and resiliency by learning historical trends and training models to operate on real-time data collected from both IT and facilities sources. The goal of coupled improvement of data center resiliency and energy efficiency through automated data collection and AI has led to a multi-year, multi-staged collaboration between NREL and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise's Advanced Technology Group, referred to as Artificial Intelligence for Data Center Operations (AIOps). The extended efforts within the AIOps project include a common goal of building capabilities for an advanced smart facility and demonstration of data collection and AI modeling techniques in the ESIF data center.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Detection and Aggregation of Listeria Monocytogenes Using Polyclonal Antibody Gold-Coated Magnetic Nanoshells Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Substrates

Magnetic nanoshells with tailored surface chemistry can enhance bacterial detection and separation technologies. This work demonstrated a simple technique to detect, capture, and aggregate bacteria with the aid of end-functionalized polyclonal antibody gold-coated magnetic nanoshells (pAb-Lis-AuMNs) as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) probes. Listeria monocytogenes were used as the pathogenic bacteria and the pAb-LisAuMNs, 300 nm diameter, were used as probes allowing facile magnetic separation and aggregation. An optimized covalent bioconjugation procedure between the magnetic nanoshells and the polyclonal antibody was performed at pH six via a carbodiimide crosslinking reaction. Spectroscopic and morphological characterization techniques confirmed the fabrication of stable pAb-Lis-AuMNs. The resulting pAb-Lis-AuMNs acted as a SERS probe for L. monocytogenes based on the targeted capture via surface binding interactions and magnetically induced aggregation. Label-free SERS measurements were recorded for the minimum detectable amount of L. monocytogenes based on the SERS intensity at the 1388 cm -1 Raman shift. L. monocytogenes concentrations exhibited detection limits in the range of 10 4 –10 7 CFU ml -1 , before and after aggregation. By fitting these concentrations, the limit of detection of this method was ~10 3 CFU ml -1 . Using a low-intensity magnetic field of 35 G, pAb-LisAuMNs aggregated L. monocytogenes as demonstrated with microscopy techniques, including SEM and optical microscopy. Overall, this work presents a label-free SERS probe method comprised of a surface-modified polyclonal antibody sub-micron magnetic nanoshell structures with high sensitivity and magnetic induced separation that could lead to the fabrication of multiple single-step sensors.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Planning for the storm: Considering renewable energy for critical infrastructure resilience

This study uses the renewable energy optimization model to assess three critical facilities in North Carolina. Techno-economic results were then compared to analyses completed for critical facilities in California and New York to assess energy system cost effectiveness. Though solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays are cost-effective across each of the three North Carolina facilities, adopting battery storage to enable PV to operate with existing diesel generators in a hybrid energy system reduces the economic value of the system. This is in contrast to more economically viable systems in California and New York. All of these systems also offer unquantified resilience benefits by extending operation from hours to weeks across the facilities. If decision makers were able to value the resilience benefits offered by each system or utility rate structures were changed to incentivize battery storage during normal operations, it would impact these assessments. Even so, this analysis provides decision makers a key set of cost benchmarks when considering how they might improve resilience at their critical operations.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS1990

Cryogenic optical systems and instruments IV; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, July 10-12, 1990

Consideration is given to cryogenic system design and optical technology; cryogenic instruments, sensors, and detectors; space cryogenic dewars and coolers; and cryogenic mechanisms, testing, and structures. Particular attention is given to mission optimization of the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), alternative aperture stop position designs for SIRTF, scaling laws for lightweight optics, evaluation of a far-infrared Ge:Ga multiplexed detector array, cryogenic limb array etalon spectrometer calibration, reliability growth of coolers for advanced optical systems and instruments, flight-qualified solid argon cooler for the BBXRT instrument, precision mechanisms for optical alignments at cryogenic temperatures, versatile cryogenic rotary-positioning systems, and optical alignments of the Cosmic Background Explorer observatory.

Melugin, Ramsey K.↗
NASA NTRS1996

The First Diffraction-Limited Images from the W. M. Keck Telescope

The first diffraction limited, 0.05s resolution, images on the W. M. Keck Telescope have been obtained at a wavelength of 2.2 micrometers. These images were part of an experiment to test the suitability of the Keck Telescope for speckle imaging. In order to conduct this test, it was necessary to modify the pixel scale of the Keck facility Near Infrared Camera (NIRC) to optimally sample the spatial frequencies made available by the Keck telescope. The design and implementation of the external reimaging optics, which convert the standard fl25 beam from the secondary mirror to fl182, are described here. Techniques for reducing speckle data with field rotation on an alt-az telescope are also described. Three binary stars were observed in this experiment with separations as small as 0.05s. With only 100 frames of data on each, a dynamic range of at least 3.5 mag was achieved in all cases. These observations imply that a companion as faint as 14.5 mag at 2.2 micrometers could be detected around an 11th magnitude point source.

Matthews, K.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Automated Fiber Placement of PEEK/IM7 Composites with Film Interleaf Layers

The incorporation of thin discrete layers of resin between plies (interleafing) has been shown to improve fatigue and impact properties of structural composite materials. Furthermore, interleafing could be used to increase the barrier properties of composites used as structural materials for cryogenic propellant storage. In this work, robotic heated-head tape placement of PEEK/IM7 composites containing a PEEK polymer film interleaf was investigated. These experiments were carried out at the NASA Langley Research Center automated fiber placement facility. Using the robotic equipment, an optimal fabrication process was developed for the composite without the interleaf. Preliminary interleaf processing trials indicated that a two-stage process was necessary; the film had to be tacked to the partially-placed laminate then fully melted in a separate operation. Screening experiments determined the relative influence of the various robotic process variables on the peel strength of the film-composite interface. Optimization studies were performed in which peel specimens were fabricated at various compaction loads and roller temperatures at each of three film melt processing rates. The resulting data were fitted with quadratic response surfaces. Additional specimens were fabricated at placement parameters predicted by the response surface models to yield high peel strength in an attempt to gage the accuracy of the predicted response and assess the repeatability of the process. The overall results indicate that quality PEEK/lM7 laminates having film interleaves can be successfully and repeatability fabricated by heated head automated fiber placement.

Hulcher, A. Bruce↗
NASA NTRS2004

Design and Evaluation of Modifications to the NASA Langley Flow Impedance Tube

The need to minimize fan noise radiation from commercial aircraft engine nacelles continues to provide an impetus for developing new acoustic liner concepts. If the full value of such concepts is to be attained, an understanding of grazing flow effects is crucial. Because of this need for improved understanding of grazing flow effects, the NASA Langley Research Center Liner Physics Group has invested a large effort over the past decade into the development of a 2-D finite element method that characterizes wave propagation through a lined duct. The original test section in the Langley Grazing IncidenceTube was used to acquire data needed for implementation of this finite element method. This test section employed a stepper motor-driven axial-traversing bar, embedded in the wall opposite the test liner, to position a flush-mounted microphone at pre-selected locations. Complex acoustic pressure data acquired with this traversing microphone were used to educe the acoustic impedance of test liners using this 2-D finite element method and a local optimization technique. Results acquired in this facility have been extensively reported, and were compared with corresponding results from various U.S. aeroacoustics laboratories in the late 1990 s. Impedance data comparisons acquired from this multi-laboratory study suggested that it would be valuable to incorporate more realistic 3-D aeroacoustic effects into the impedance eduction methodology. This paper provides a description of modifications that have been implemented to facilitate studies of 3-D effects. The two key features of the modified test section are (1) the replacement of the traversing bar and its flush-mounted microphone with an array of 95 fixed-location microphones that are flush-mounted in all four walls of the duct, and (2) the inclusion of a suction device to modify the boundary layer upstream of the lined portion of the duct. The initial results achieved with the modified test section are provided in this report, and a comparison of these results with those achieved using the original test section is used to demonstrate that the data acquisition and analysis with the new test section can be confidently used for impedance eduction.

Jones, Michael G.↗
NASA NTRS2019

TESS Discoveries

TESS discoveries have already become fruitful targets for HST follow up, and this will undoubtedly continue through the JWST era. In addition to providing targets for atmospheric characterization, TESS' Level One Science Requirement is to measure masses for 50 transiting planets smaller than 4 Earth radii. A full suite of ground based facilities will be working together to optimize the TESS science yield. Somewhat surprisingly though, no study has quantified the accuracy of mass constraints required to yield robust atmospheric properties of small planets. Previous work showed that the mass of a transiting exoplanet could be inferred from its transmission spectrum alone. The method leverages the effect of the planet's surface gravity on the atmospheric scale height, which in turn influences the transmission spectrum. However, significant degeneracies exist between transmission spectra of planets with different masses and compositions, making difficult to unambiguously determine the planet's mass and composition in many cases. I will present the first quantitative answer to this pressing question. Our analysis places definitive limits on how accurate mass constraints need to be in order to unambiguously determine atmospheric composition for a diverse array of planets ranging from terrestrial-size (TRAPPIST-1-like) to mini-Neptunes and hot Jupiters. These results broadly impact the community of scientists working on exoplanets -- from the full breadth of ground based observers conducting TESS follow-up, to those studying planet populations, and finally to those planning atmospheric investigations. This is particularly timely as the STScI Director charged the HST-TESS Advisory committee to report to the Space Telescope Users Committee on how HST can best support follow-up observations of TESS exoplanet discoveries. The community needs to determine optimal strategies for maximizing the rapid scientific return from TESS targets.

Batalha, Natasha E.↗
DOE OSTI2021

BETO 2021 Peer Review - Continuous Enzymatic Hydrolysis Development (CEHD) WBS 2.4.1.101

The Continuous Enzymatic Hydrolysis Development (CEHD) project aims to reduce the cost and commercialization scale-up risks of biorefinery sugar-lignin production through development of a deployable continuous enzymatic hydrolysis (CEH) process. Through the use of external cross flow membrane filtration loops coupled to enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) reactors, pretreated biomass solids and enzymes are retained for reaction while solubilized product sugars are removed in situ, with high extents of conversion achieved through a series of reactor-membrane unit stages. The CEHD project is focused on advancing CEH as a transformational, process-intensified, lower-cost method for producing soluble clarified biomass sugars and insoluble lignin-rich streams than traditional batch enzymatic hydrolysis (BEH). The project's primary objective is to reduce the cost of CEH to be compellingly lower than conventional BEH, 10% lower in year 1 and 20% lower in year 3 (end of project). A related objective is to expand CEH's operating envelope to increase process efficiency. Through more thorough de-risking and demonstration of CEH, in conjunction with building a suite of modeling and optimization tools that allow for more facile rigorous in silico evaluation of novel CEH designs and modalities, this project intends to elevate industry interest in adopting CEH as an improvement over conventional batch processing. This project was merit reviewed in FY20. It's now in its first year of a new 3-year plan spanning FY21-FY23.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimization of the Second Target Station cold source moderators using an automated workflow

The Second Target Station (STS) at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory is designed to become the world’s highest peak-brightness spallation source of cold neutrons. Successful completion of the STS, which is currently in the preliminary design phase, will provide transformative new capabilities to examine novel materials for future technologies. At STS, neutrons will be generated by spallation reactions in a solid tungsten target. They will be moderated and thermalized in two cold (20 K) para-hydrogen moderators. Careful optimization of these moderators is essential to the project’s success. To find optimal moderator designs, an advanced optimization workflow integrates high-fidelity neutronics calculations using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) transport code MCNP6.2 with state-of-the-art optimization algorithms in the Dakota optimization toolkit. For each design iteration, a parametrized solid CAD geometry is generated in Creo and automatically converted into an unstructured mesh geometry by Attila 4MC for the neutronics calculation with MCNP. Iterations repeat until optimal designs are found. Herein this paper presents the results of a sensitivity and optimization study for the cylindrical and tube moderators. Both moderators can be optimized for maximum peak brightness, maximum time-integrated brightness, or any combination between these extremes. Maximum peak brightness is achieved by using smaller optimal dimensions of the moderators, whereas maximum time-integrated brightness is achieved by using larger dimensions. A Pareto front details the designs that optimally balance both brightness metrics. The Pareto front can be found in only 40–110 iterations with 4–5 design parameters when using the efficient global and Pareto-set optimization algorithms in Dakota. Additionally, important engineering constraints can be taken into account, such as the coupling between the cylindrical moderator radius and aluminum vessel wall thicknesses required to ensure structural integrity of the vessels. This interaction has a significant impact on the resulting optimal designs. Our new, highly efficient, fully automated optimization workflow will be used to optimize additional STS components in the future and can be adopted for design and optimization studies at other experimental neutron and accelerator facilities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1979

Space manufacturing III; Proceedings of the Fourth Conference, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., May 14-17, 1979

Papers are presented on the various technological, political, economic, environmental and social aspects of large manufacturing facilities in space. Specific topics include the potential global market for satellite solar power stations in 2025, the electrostatic separation of lunar soil, methods for extraterrestrial materials processing, the socio-political status of efforts toward the development of space manufacturing facilities, the financing of space industrialization, the optimization of space manufacturing systems, the design and project status of Mass Driver Two, and the use of laser-boosted lighter-than-air-vehicles as heavy-lift launch vehicles. Attention is also given to systems integration in the development of controlled ecological life support systems, the design of a space manufacturing facility to use lunar materials, high performance solar sails, the environmental effects of the satellite power system reference design, the guidance, trajectory and capture of lunar materials ejected from the moon by mass driver, the relative design merits of zero-gravity and one-gravity space environments, consciousness alteration in space and the prospecting and retrieval of asteroids.

Grey, J.↗