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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

ChargeX KPIs Transition to SAE

To systematically improve the public charging experience, EV charging industry stakeholders need to define and measure it precisely. Many stakeholders currently measure aspects of the charging experience, but they typically employ metrics that are either operational in nature, such as charger uptime and mean time between failures, or composite customer satisfaction indices. To improve the customer experience most effectively, the industry needs metrics that define the charging experience from the perspective of the customer, not business operations. Furthermore, industry practitioners need granular metrics to know what specific aspects of the charging experience need improvement. This presentation gives an overview of the key performance indicators (KPIs) defined by the ChargeX Consortium.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2025

On the Effectiveness of Neural Operators at Zero-Shot Weather Downscaling [SWR-25-20]

Code repository for the experiments performed in the paper: On the Effectiveness of Neural Operators at Zero-Shot Weather Downscaling (https://doi.org/10.1017/eds.2025.11) Overall, our work investigates the zero-shot downscaling potential of neural operators. To summarize, our contributions are: 1. We provide a comparative analysis based on two challenging weather downscaling problems, between various neural operator and non-neural-operator methods with large upsampling factors (e.g., 8x and 15x) and fine grid resolutions (e.g., 2 km × 2 km wind speed). 2. We examine whether neural operator layers provide unique advantages when testing downscaling models on upsampling factors higher than those seen during training, i.e., zero-shot downscaling. Our results instead show the surprising success of an approach that combines a powerful transformer-based model with a parameter-free interpolation step at zero-shot weather downscaling. 3. We find that this Swin-Transformer-based approach mostly outperforms all neural operator models in terms of average error metrics, whereas an enhanced super-resolution generative adversarial network (ESRGAN)-based approach is better than most models in capturing the physics of the system, and suggests their use in future work as strong baselines. However, these approaches still do not capture variations at smaller spatial scales well, including the physical characteristics of turbulence in the HR data. This suggests a potential for improvement in transformer or GAN-based methods and neural-operator-based methods for zero-shot weather downscaling.

Sinha, Saumya [National Renewable Energy Laborator↗
DOE OSTI2024

Exploring Fission–Fusion Synergies to Accelerate Compatibility Understanding

To address the significant commercial interest in fusion energy, it will be necessary to accelerate the compatibility research associated with liquid breeders including Li, eutectic Pb–Li and LiF-BeF 2 (FLiBe) molten salt. Particularly for FLiBe, compatibility understanding is limited especially for fusion relevant materials such as reduced activation ferritic-martensitic steels, SiC and V alloys. The historical knowledge associated with molten salt reactors (MSRs) and recent work to commercialize MSRs can benefit fusion research. Recent experimental and modeling work has improved understanding and this knowledge can be applied to fusion relevant materials. For liquid metals (LMs), the comparisons to Li and Pb–Li are less direct but nevertheless can help guide the pathway toward commercialization. For Pb–Li, Al-rich coatings have been shown to inhibit dissolution and potentially increase operating temperatures. For commercialization, the experience with sensors and on-line cleanup can help guide future developments. Thus, it is worth considering the potential for fission-related research with LMs and molten salts to help accelerate fusion research.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Observation and Modeling of Dynamic Fracture Behaviors of Battery Cell Under Impact Loading Using Enhanced Representative Volume Element Concept

The burgeoning electric automobile industry has increased interest in battery safety. Battery cells experience significant mechanical stress during operation, including the impact of accidents and vibrations from driving. The potential for thermal runaway reactions in battery cells raises safety concerns. Although numerous researchers have defined the dynamic behavior of battery cells and proposed numerical models to describe it, few studies have focused on the high-strain rate mechanical impact phase correlated with the onset of fracture. In this study, we describe the dynamic behavior of pouch battery cells and propose a modeling method to study their mechanical failure under impact situations. Impact tests are conducted at various velocities and heights. To overcome numerical issues commonly encountered under rapid deformation scenarios, a new finite element model is developed based on the representative volume element model. The proposed approach efficiently simulates continuous crack propagation and brittleness behavior during impact by permitting the individual behavior of the cell components. Therefore, engineers can reliably design safer electric vehicle battery cells by measuring the properties of the cell components.

ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Error field identification through torque balance on a saturated island in DIII-D

Measurement of the electromagnetic torque on a magnetic island could be an attractive method for error field identification in the early phase of ITER operation. Previous DIII-D experiments (Strait 2014 Nucl. Fusion 54 073004; Shiraki et al 2015 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 57 025016) have demonstrated the principle of this approach using a stationary or slowly rotating island, while recent developments in magnetic data analysis (Sweeney and Strait 2019 Phys. Plasmas 26 012509) allow the field of a rapidly rotating island to be readily distinguished from that of the wall currents induced by its rotation. In a recent experiment, a rotating n = 1 magnetic perturbation forced a saturated magnetic island to rotate, thus sampling all toroidal phases periodically in a single discharge. The phase and amplitude of the error field are inferred from analysis of the time-dependent torque balance on the island, including torques from the error field, the applied magnetic perturbation, and the wall currents induced by rotation of the applied perturbation and the island. Furthermore, results agree well with those from more conventional methods.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Improving noisy free-energy measurements by adding more noise

Estimating free-energy differences using nonequilibrium work relations, such as the Jarzynski equality, is hindered by poor convergence when work fluctuations are large. For systems governed by overdamped Langevin dynamics, we propose the counterintuitive approach of adding noise in order to increase the precision of such calculations. Here, by introducing additional stochastic fluctuations to the system and rescaling its potential energy accordingly, we leave the thermodynamics of the system unchanged while increasing its relaxation rate. For a given time-dependent protocol this modification reduces the dissipated reduced work, leading to more accurate free-energy estimates. The method is designed to be used in experiment, and we illustrate its operation using computer simulations applied to two model systems. However, the regime of applicability of this strategy is likely limited, because it requires control of the system's potential energy in a way that is feasible in only a few experimental settings.

Whitelam, Stephen [Lawrence Berkeley National Labo↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantum Network Repeater Simulation Package (QNPack) v1.0.0

Existing quantum network testbeds and prototypes are typically implemented in laboratory experiments with limited functionality and operate in a tightly coupled manner. These characteristics make it difficult to evaluate the behavior of emerging quantum platforms and protocols beyond local resource limitations. The QNPack software enables full-stack modeling of quantum repeater networks that allows researchers to simulate new approaches, and understand emergent behaviors, from local to national scales. Novel capabilities include: (1) performant and accurate quantum models that can be executed as independent simulations, which will allow users to characterize specific analog quantum processes, quantum devices, and protocols, (2) a modular and extensible approach to the simulation architecture to accommodate new quantum technologies, protocols, and topologies as they are developed across the quantum repeater generations under evaluation, and (3) a focus on managing the interactions between the simulation framework sub-components so that they may be re-used and composed in flexible ways.

Kissel, Ezra [Lawrence Berkeley National Laborator↗
DOE OSTI2024

Observation of a Synchro-Betatron Instability in Fermilab Booster

In preparation for PIP-II, there has been interest in running the Fermilab Booster at a higher current more indicative of the PIP-II era operation. In July 2023, an experiment was performed to study collective instabilities over the transition crossing at the Fermilab Booster. Over the transition crossing, the synchrotron tune becomes small and synchro-betatron instabilities become possible. During the experiment, an intensity threshold was observed, above which a dipole instability with losses concentrated in the tail of the bunch. These losses are consistent with the Convective Instability

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Expanding Scientific Horizons Through High Field Dynamic Nuclear Polarization with Advanced Organic BiRadicals

This project aimed to advance the capabilities of high-field Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at 800 MHz through the synthesis and evaluation of novel biradicals. While the targeted HyTEK biradical synthesis faced significant challenges, alternative efforts focused on synthesizing intermediate compounds and exploring alternative biradicals. A portion of the BDPA precursor was successfully converted into BDPA-TEMPO, though further DNP testing could not be completed within the project timeline. Benchmarking experiments with existing biradicals, including TEKPol and M-TinyPol, were conducted to evaluate their performance under high-field conditions. These efforts provided valuable insights into DNP enhancements, refined operational protocols for high-field experiments, and established benchmarks for future polarizing agent development.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluating the Accuracy of Machine Learning Forecasts

To improve the accuracy of forecasting in machine learning, we must investigate multiple machine learning models and see how accurately they can predict values after training. We used seven machine learning models to try and get more accurate predictions. The models that were used were ARIMA, SES, MLP, CART, LightGBM, and XGBoost. We used a processed dataset from a Terminal at LAX that had the number of people traveling through terminal X every hour in March from 2015-2019. We trained our models with the dates March 6 - March 19 to predict the value for March 20th and the hours 6:00 am to 6:00 pm since those are the most popular traveling hours. By using the different models, we had varying results of accuracy when estimating the amount of people traveling through terminal X on March 20th. We know that machine learning models are helpful for forecasting and by seeing how accurately these models can predict, we can see how forecasting can be helpful for other issues. Using these methods, airports can use forecasting to predict the amount of people coming in and out and can use these predictions to prepare their resource management, operational efficiency, and overall passenger experience.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Heavy-Duty Hydrogen Station Equipment Performance Device (HD HyStEP) Specifications and Design Considerations

The original Hydrogen Station Equipment Performance (HyStEP) device was commissioned in 2015 and was critical for the rapid validation of light-duty (LD) hydrogen fueling stations. As applications for hydrogen as a heavy-duty (HD) transportation fuel continue to grow, new heavy-duty stations are being developed to fuel these vehicles that require larger onboard storage tank systems to meet HD transportation demands and drive cycles. The differences in size and geometry from LD vehicles have driven the creation of new hydrogen fueling protocols that will enable safe and economical fueling of HD vehicles. With the new requirements that are set out in HD fueling protocols like SAE J601-5, a new HyStEP-like device is needed to evaluate the capabilities of high-flow hydrogen stations to fuel HD vehicles to the new protocol standard. To create a heavy-duty HyStEP (HD HyStEP) device, an effort has been undertaken to evaluate the requirements that would form the basis for the design of a successful HD HyStEP device. The primary design goal of this HD HyStEP device is its capability of following a test methodology similar to what is outlined in CSA HGV 4.3, which guides the validation of LD fueling dispensers but with adjustments to verify adherence to the HD fueling protocols (SAE J2601-5) for 70 MPa and 35 MPa pressure class vehicles rather than the LD fueling protocols (SAE J2601). The design presented here aims to provide information that enables the creation of an HD HyStEP device that achieves the primary design goal while being informed by the years of experience from the current HyStEP operators.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Two-Way Coupled CFD/DEM Simulation of Electromagnetic Heating in a Fluidized Bed Reactor

A set of tools has been developed to couple a multiphase reacting computational fluid dynamics solver (MFIX) with two computational electromagnetic solvers (COMSOL and Elmer). In contrast to several recent investigations, which calculate a single static EM field prior to the CFD calculation, in the present work the electromagnetic field is periodically updated during the simulation. This enables the EM field and associated EM heating predictions to reflect the effects of evolving material properties (temperature, composition, size etc.) and the evolving distribution of material in the system. The present work uses effective medium theory (EMT) for the electromagnetic field calculations since the goal is to apply the tool for industrial scale reacting systems. Predictions using MFIX/COMSOL and MFIX/Elmer are compared to in bed thermocouple measurements from a fluidized bed experiment and recent simulation predictions and recent experiments performed at NETL. The NETL experiments also include packed bed operating conditions. Coupled MFIX/COMSOL simulations at these conditions are compared with similar simulations using only COMSOL to measure errors due to the solver coupling approach.

CFD↗
DOE OSTI2024

Observation of a Synchro-betatron Instability in Fermilab Booster

In preparation for PIP-II, there has been interest in running the Fermilab Booster at a higher current more indicative of the PIP-II era operation. In July 2023, an experiment was performed to study collective instabilities over the transition crossing at the Fermilab Booster. Over the transition crossing, the synchrotron tune becomes small and synchro-betatron instabilities become possible. During the experiment, an intensity threshold was observed, above which a dipole instability with losses concentrated in the tail of the bunch. These losses are consistent with the Convective Instability.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Two-Way Coupled CFD/DEM Simulation of Electromagnetic Heating in a Fluidized Bed Reactor - Extended Abstract

A set of tools has been developed to couple a multiphase reacting computational fluid dynamics solver (MFIX) with two computational electromagnetic solvers (COMSOL and Elmer). In contrast to several recent investigations, which calculate a single static EM field prior to the CFD calculation, in the present work the electromagnetic field is periodically updated during the simulation. This enables the EM field and associated EM heating predictions to reflect the effects of evolving material properties (temperature, composition, size etc.) and the evolving distribution of material in the system. The present work uses effective medium theory (EMT) for the electromagnetic field calculations since the goal is to apply the tool for industrial scale reacting systems. Predictions using MFIX/COMSOL and MFIX/Elmer are compared to in bed thermocouple measurements from a fluidized bed experiment and recent simulation predictions and recent experiments performed at NETL. The NETL experiments also include packed bed operating conditions. Coupled MFIX/COMSOL simulations at these conditions are compared with similar simulations using only COMSOL to measure errors due to the solver coupling approach.

CFD↗
DOE OSTI2026

First light from beam neutrinos on an LAPPD in ANNIE

The Accelerator Neutrino Neutron Interaction Experiment (ANNIE) is both a physics experiment and a technology testbed for next-generation light-based neutrino detection. In this paper, we report the first demonstration of a fully integrated Large Area Picosecond Photodetector (LAPPD) operating in a running neutrino beam experiment. Particular focus is given to the design, commissioning, and successful deployment of the Packaged ANNIE LAPPD (PAL), a waterproof, self-triggering module incorporating fast waveform digitization and precision timing synchronized to the ANNIE detector subsystems. We identify beam-correlated LAPPD data frames consistent with charged-current neutrino interactions observed in multiple detector subsystems, establishing the first detection of neutrino-induced Cherenkov light with an LAPPD. These results validate the system-level performance of LAPPDs under realistic experimental conditions — including long-term stability, timing synchronization, and event matching with conventional PMT and muon detector systems — marking a critical step toward their deployment in future large-scale neutrino and particle detectors.

Cherenkov detectors↗
DOE OSTI2026

Transient uncertainty quantification and Global Sensitivity Analysis of the open-source Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE) using GP-PCA surrogate models

Uncertainties in the thermophysical properties of molten salts impact both the steady-state and transient behavior of Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs). In this work, we aim to quantify the influence of such uncertainties on the transient operation of the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE), utilizing the open-source specifications provided for this reactor. Seven representative transient scenarios are considered. For each scenario, we evaluate the impact of thermophysical property uncertainties on four key multiphysics model output variables of interest (VoIs): maximum power density, maximum fuel temperature, maximum reflector temperature, and average fuel velocity magnitude. In addition, we perform a Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) by computing Sobol’ indices for the uncertain input parameters to determine their contribution to the variability of each VoI. Conducting GSA is computationally intensive due to the large number of required evaluations of the high-fidelity multiphysics model. To mitigate this cost, we develop a surrogate modeling framework that combines Gaussian Process (GP) regression with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), enabling efficient sample generation for the GSA. Our results show that for energy-related VoIs, thermal conductivity is the dominant contributor to uncertainty. In contrast, for flow-related VoIs, density and dynamic viscosity are the primary sources of uncertainty. The specific heat of the fuel salt was found to play a secondary role in the transient analyses.

42 - ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Technological developments and accelerator improvements for the FRIB beam power ramp-up

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) began operation with 1 kW beam power for scientific users in May 2022 upon completion of 8 years of project construction. The ramp-up to the ultimate beam power of 400 kW, planned over a 6-year period, will enable the facility to reach its full potential for scientific discovery in isotope science and applications. In December 2023, a record-high beam power of 10.4 kW uranium was delivered to the target. Technological developments and accelerator improvements are being made over the entire facility and are key to completion of the power ramp-up. Major technological developments entail the phased deployment of high-power beam-intercepting systems, including the charge strippers, the charge selection systems, the production target, and the beam dump, along with support systems, including non-conventional utilities (NCU) and remote handling facilities. Major accelerator improvements include renovations to aging legacy systems associated with experimental beam lines and system automation for improved operational efficiency and better machine availability. Experience must be gained to safely handle the increased radiological impacts associated with high beam power; extensive machine studies and advanced beam tuning procedures are needed to minimize uncontrolled beam losses for the desired operating conditions. This paper discusses the technological developments and accelerator improvements with emphasis on major R&D efforts.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗