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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Exon disruptive variants in Populus trichocarpa associated with wood properties exhibit distinct gene expression patterns

Abstract Forest trees may harbor naturally occurring exon disruptive variants (DVs) in their gene sequences, which potentially impact important ecological and economic phenotypic traits. However, the abundance and molecular regulation of these variants remain largely unexplored. Here, 24,420 DVs were identified by screening 1014Populus trichocarpafull genomes. The identified DVs were predominantly heterozygous with allelic frequencies below 5% (only 26% of DVs had frequencies greater than 5%). Using common garden‐grown trees, DVs were assessed for gene expression variation in the developing xylem, revealing that their gene expression can be significantly altered, particularly for homozygous DVs (in the range of 27%–38% of cases depending on the studied common garden). DVs were further investigated for their correlations with 13 wood quality traits, revealing that, among the 148 discovered DV associations, 15 correlated with more than one wood property and six genes had more than one DV in their coding sequences associated with wood traits. Approximately one‐third of DVs correlated with wood property variation also showed significant gene expression variation, confirming their non‐spurious impact. These findings offer potential avenues for targeted introduction of homozygous mutations using tree biotechnology, and while the exact mechanisms by which DVs may directly influence wood formation remain to be unraveled, this study lays the groundwork for further investigation.

Genetics & Heredity↗
DOE OSTI2023

Air Classification of Forest Residue for Tissue and Ash Separation Efficiency

The goal of this Case Study was to evaluate the performance of air classification of logging residues toward meeting conversion CMAs for carbon and ash contents, as compared to the static status quo Base Case system in which the residues are first dried and then ground in a hammer mill with a 6 mm screen and fines less than 1.18 mm are removed. Also considered were moisture and ash impacts on throughput and Overall Operating Effectiveness (OOE), as well as delivered feedstock cost and minimum fuel selling price (MFSP). Laboratory data on the impacts of fan speed and moisture content on the separation efficiency of soil ash, needles and bark from white wood were received from FCIC Subtask 5.2: Preprocessing, High Temperature Conversion Preprocessing (Jordan Klinger and Tiasha Bhattacharjee, INL). Average throughput and energy consumption data were obtained from the Bioenergy Feedstock National User Facility (BFNUF) (Neal Yancey, INL) for the same air classifier. These data were utilized to develop the necessary response surface equations to perform throughput analysis using discrete event simulation. Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium. Because the Base Case status quo system utilizes drying prior to grinding, we modeled the Case Study with drying prior to air classification and subsequent grinding of the separated white wood to isolate the individual quality and cost impacts of air classification relative to the Base Case system.

CMA↗
DOE OSTI2024

Robust training of machine learning interatomic potentials with dimensionality reduction and stratified sampling

Abstract Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) enable accurate simulations of materials at scales beyond that accessible by ab initio methods and play an increasingly important role in the study and design of materials. However, MLIPs are only as accurate and robust as the data on which they are trained. Here, we present DImensionality-Reduced Encoded Clusters with sTratified (DIRECT) sampling as an approach to select a robust training set of structures from a large and complex configuration space. By applying DIRECT sampling on the Materials Project relaxation trajectories dataset with over one million structures and 89 elements, we develop an improved materials 3-body graph network (M3GNet) universal potential that extrapolates more reliably to unseen structures. We further show that molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the M3GNet universal potential can be used instead of expensive ab initio MD to rapidly create a large configuration space for target systems. We combined this scheme with DIRECT sampling to develop a reliable moment tensor potential for titanium hydrides without the need for iterative augmentation of training structures. This work paves the way for robust high-throughput development of MLIPs across any compositional complexity.

Qi, Ji (ORCID:0000000158089931)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Electro-chemo-mechanical evolution of sulfide solid electrolyte/Li metal interfaces: operando analysis and ALD interlayer effects

Sulfide solid electrolytes (SE) show promise for high-performance solid-state batteries because of their high ionic conductivity and ease of processing. However, sulfide electrolytes have suffered from chemical and electrochemical instability against Li metal anodes. In this paper, we use a suite of in situ/operando microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to demonstrate that Al 2 O 3 interlayers deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD) delay degradation at the Li/LGPS interface by modifying the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) chemistry and morphology. Optical and scanning electron microscopy are used to rationalize the electrochemical response of the system, which is attributed to a delayed onset of mechanical degradation at the interface when ALD interlayers are used. Operando X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that the dynamic evolution of SEI chemistry is impacted by the presence of the ALD interlayer. In situ Auger spectroscopy and operando optical microscopy provide visual evidence of spatial heterogeneity of Li plating, which is attributed to the chemo-mechanical degradation of the ALD interphase. The implications of these observations provide valuable insights toward the development of robust interlayers for solid-state batteries.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Structural design strategies for superionic sodium halide solid electrolytes

We report sodium all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with superionic solid electrolytes (SEs) show substantial potential for large-scale energy-storage applications. Recently, lithium halide SEs have attracted attention owing to their potential compatibility with high-voltage cathode materials and high ionic conductivity. Although sodium halide SEs are believed to exhibit good electrochemical stability, very few compounds have been reported. This study provides design principles for superionic sodium halide SEs through systematic theoretical investigations of Na 3 MX 6 (X = Cl, Br, and I). The Na 3 MX 6 structures depend on the types and sizes of M and X: Na 3 MCl 6 and Na 3 MBr 6 prefer the $P\bar{3}$1c, P2 1 /n and $R\bar{3}$ phases, whereas Na 3 MI 6 prefers the C2/m phase. The Na 3 MI 6 C2/m phase is found to exhibit reasonably high ionic conductivity (~10 -4 S/cm -1 ) and anion mixing with Br further improve Na-ion migration, leading to an even higher ionic conductivity (~10 -3 S/cm -1 ) for Na 3 MBr 3 I 3 . The material design principles in this study provide fundamental guidelines for the development of superionic Na halide SEs for high-voltage Na ASSBs

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Coarse woody debris decomposition assessment tool: Model development and sensitivity analysis

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is an important component in forests, hosting a variety of organisms that have critical roles in nutrient cycling and carbon (C) storage. We developed a process-based model using literature, field observations, and expert knowledge to assess woody debris decomposition in forests and the movement of wood C into the soil and atmosphere. The sensitivity analysis was conducted against the primary ecological drivers (wood properties and ambient conditions) used as model inputs. The analysis used eighty-nine climate datasets from North America, from tropical (14.2° N) to boreal (65.0° N) zones, with large ranges in annual mean temperature (26.5°C in tropical to -11.8°C in boreal), annual precipitation (6,143 to 181 mm), annual snowfall (0 to 612 kg m -2 ), and altitude (3 to 2,824 m above mean see level). The sensitivity analysis showed that CWD decomposition was strongly affected by climate, geographical location and altitude, which together regulate the activity of both microbial and invertebrate wood-decomposers. CWD decomposition rate increased with increments in temperature and precipitation, but decreased with increases in latitude and altitude. CWD decomposition was also sensitive to wood size, density, position (standing vs downed), and tree species. The sensitivity analysis showed that fungi are the most important decomposers of woody debris, accounting for over 50% mass loss in nearly all climatic zones in North America. The model includes invertebrate decomposers, focusing mostly on termites, which can have an important role in CWD decomposition in tropical and some subtropical regions. The role of termites in woody debris decomposition varied widely, between 0 and 40%, from temperate areas to tropical regions. Woody debris decomposition rates simulated for eighty-nine locations in North America were within the published range of woody debris decomposition rates for regions in northern hemisphere from 1.6° N to 68.3° N and in Australia.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Critical Knowledge Gaps for Coastal Systems: Research Priorities for Coastal Regions of the Southeastern United States

Coastal watersheds and shorelines are home to 52% of the U.S. population and provide trillions of dollars of economic and ecosystem services each year. However, these regions are subject to increasing frequency and intensity of compounding hazards that generate substantial damages. Sea level rise is increasing flooding and salinization of low-lying areas; periodic storm surges push ocean water farther inland and increase salinity in freshwater resources. Changing weather patterns, water management, and land cover all affect water and sediment flow to the coast in ways that exacerbate extreme flooding and drought. These impacts eventually drive systems past tipping points and lead to rapid and often irreversible transformation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1986

Three-Dimensional Turbomachine-Blade-Row Analysis Code

Computer program (MERNEW3D) developed that prepares bulk of input data set required for Denton three-dimensional inviscid turbomachine-blade-row analysis code. Denton input generated from minimum of geometry and flow-variable information by using cubic spline curve fits for interpolation and extrapolation. Curve-fitting procedures taken from previously developed and widely used NASA computer program (MERIDL), which performs meridional streamsurface analysis.

Glassman, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Shuttle Tethered Aerothermodynamics Research Facility (STARFAC)

The Earth's atmosphere from 90 km to 200 km provides the last aerothermodynamics frontier. Present NASA programs which require but also can provide an understanding of the aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics of the free molecule and transition flows that exist at these altitudes are the Aeroassisted OTV, Entry Research Vehicle and the Tethered Satellite. Each of these programs provides a unique opportunity to do flight research in the rarefied upper atmosphere. However, the Tethered Satellite Program provides, because of its capability to obtain global, in-situ, steady state data, the greatest potential to: (1)define the performance of aerodynamic shapes as a function of environmental characteristics (free molecule, transition, slip flow regimes); (2)define the characteristics of the upper atmosphere and the global variability of properties such as composition temperature, pressure and density. Such data are required to accomplish the systematic development and verification of analytical prediction techniques required to support advance configuration designs.

Siemers, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1922

Metal Construction

The future development of aerial navigation is closely connected with the condition of obtaining airplanes of great stability and sufficient strength. Different construction materials such as wood, aluminum, iron, and alloys are examined to determine which materials or combination of materials provides a greater coefficient of safety.

Verduzio, Rodolfo↗
NASA NTRS1924

The Influence of the Form of a Wooden Beam on Its Stiffness and Strength II : Form Factors of Beams Subjected to Transverse Loading Only

The general aim of the investigation described in this report is the achievement of efficient design in wing beams. The purpose of the tests was to determine factors to apply to the usual beam formula in order that the properties of wood based on tests of rectangular sections might be used as a basis of design for beams of any sections and if practical to develop formulas for determining such factors and to verify them by experiment. Such factors for various sections have been determined from test by comparing properties of the beam in question to similar properties of matched beams 2 by 2 inches in section. Furthermore, formulas were worked out, more or less empirical in character, which check all of these test values remarkably well.

Newlin, J A↗
NASA NTRS2004

High Reynolds Number Thermal Stability Experiments

This work represents preliminary thermal stability results for liquid hydrocarbon fuels. High Reynolds Number Thermal Stability experiments with Jet A and RP-1 resulted in a quantitative measurement of the thermal stability. Each fuel flowed through a heated capillary tube that held the outlet temperature at 290 C. An optical pyrometer measured the surface temperature of the tube at 12 locations as a function of time. The High Reynolds Number Thermal Stability number was then determined using standards published by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The results for Jet A showed lower thermal stability than similar tests conducted at another facility. The RP-1 results are the first reported using this technique. Because the temperature rise on the capillary tube during testing for the RP-1 fuels was not significant, a new standard for the testing conditions should be developed for these types of fuels.

Emens, Jessica M.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Zero CTE Glass in the Hubble Space Telescope

Orbiting high above the turbulence of the Earth's atmosphere, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has provided breathtaking views of astronomical objects never before seen in such detail. The steady diffraction-limited images allow this medium-size telescope to reach faint galaxies fainter than 30th stellar magnitude. Some of these galaxies are seen as early as 2 billion years after the Big Bang in a 13.7 billion year old universe. Up until recently, astronomers assumed that all of the laws of physics and astronomy applied back then as they do today. Now, using the discovery that certain supernovae are "standard candles," astronomers have found that the universe is expanding faster today than it was back then: the universe is accelerating in its expansion. The Hubble Space Telescope is a two-mirror Ritchey-Chretien telescope of 2.4m aperture in low earth orbit. The mirrors are made of Ultra Low Expansion (ULE) glass by Corning Glass Works. This material allows rapid figuring and outstanding performance in space astronomy applications. The paper describes how the primary mirror was mis-figured in manufacturing and later corrected in orbit. Outstanding astronomical images taken over the last 17 years show how the application of this new technology has advanced our knowledge of the universe. Not only has the acceleration of the expansion been discovered, the excellent imaging capability of HST has allowed gravitational lensing to become a tool to study the distribution of dark matter and dark energy in distant clusters of galaxies. The HST has touched practically every field of astronomy enabling astronomers to solve many long-standing puzzles. It will be a long time until the end of the universe when the density is near zero and all of the stars have long since evaporated. It is remarkable that humankind has found the technology and developed the ability to interpret the measurements in order to understand this dramatic age we live in.

Wood, H. John↗
DOE OSTI2023

Challenges and Advances in Aqueous Processing of Corn Stover Pellets into High Concentration Slurries

Significant progress has occurred in developing combined enzyme hydrolysis and fermentation technologies for transforming lignocellulosic feedstocks into ethanol and other bioproducts. Various routes described in the literature show that low carbon footprint processes efficiently convert the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions of pretreated corn stover, wood chips, and sugarcane bagasse to sugars and to ethanol.Combinations of different pretreatments at high or low pH or in liquid hot water, followed by enzyme hydrolysis and fermentation or direct conversion of cellulose to ethanol (i.e., by consolidated bioprocessing)have been demonstrated. These successes have brought the need to preparing the feedstock – before it enters the biorefinery – into focus. This paper summarizes recent developments in liquefying corn stover,before pretreatment, so that slurries with yield stresses below 200 Pa are obtained and a “pumpable” corn stover slurry results at initial solids loadings of up to 300 g/L. The manner in which corn stover pellets are combined with water and enzyme in an agitated bioreactor is described, and properties that define slurry behavior are presented. Implications on biorefinery operations are explained in terms of particle properties and the preprocessing of corn stover as well as the team approach used to obtain these results.

Wassgren, Carl↗