A Multidisciplinary Perspective for Proposal Development in the Federal Environment
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Kolski, Alyssa Jean Christy↗
SEARCH · Search NASA
Results for “proposal”
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.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Hybrid Power Plants: Status of Operating and Proposed Plants, 2024 Edition [Slides]
Improving battery technology and the growth of variable renewable generation are driving a surge of interest in “hybrid” power plants that combine, for example, wind or solar generating capacity with co-located batteries. While most of the current interest involves pairing photovoltaic (PV) plants with batteries, other types of hybrid or co-located plants with wide-ranging configurations have been part of the U.S. electricity mix for decades. This annually updated briefing tracks and maps existing hybrid or co-located plants across the United States while also synthesizing data from power purchase agreements (PPAs) and generation interconnection queues to shed light on near- and long-term development pipelines. The scope includes “co-located hybrids” that pair two or more resources (e.g., multiple types of generation and/or generation with storage) that are operated largely independently behind a single point of interconnection, and “full hybrids” that also feature coordinated operations of the co-located resources. The focus is on plants with one megawatt (MW) or more of capacity; smaller (often behind-the-meter) projects are also increasingly common, but are not included in this data synthesis.
14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
SYS-5620-Project - Achieving Robust Laser Performance utilizing Historical Shot Experiments - A Systems Engineering Proposal
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory precisely guides, amplifies, reflects, and focuses 192 powerful laser beams into a target about the size of a pencil eraser in a few billionths of a second, delivering more than 2 million joules of ultraviolet energy and 500 trillion watts of peak power. A crucial goal of the system is to trigger precise implosions of fuel capsules. This is achieved by delivering all 192 beams at user-specified times and locations on the target, minimizing any deviation from the requested performance. Power requirements can vary substantially on each experiment and the facility supports numerous amplifier pumping configurations and their attendant nonlinear effects. To achieve the tight performance required across such a broad array of configurations, constant comparison of measured and requested power delivery are tracked and long-term trends analyzed as a guide to understanding future performance. A very common question asked is given the current state of the laser today – how well would a similar experiment from the past perform today? Additionally, if one were to specify an alternate amplifier configuration using today’s model would and damage limits be exceeded and would there be an increase in performance. The physics model used to make these predictions and equipment protection checks is called the Virtual Beamline (VBL). VBL is used with an incoming desired pulse shape and energy to be delivered on target, and then does an iterative solve to predict the needed injected pulse in the front-end of the system to achieve this result. To effectively guide and predict future NIF experiment performance, laser scientists explore current amplifier configurations and compare them with historical data utilizing a tool called the Reverify Toolbox.
42 ENGINEERING↗
UNR Grant Proposal Contribution
The work of Carrier et. al. (citation needed for Matt’s effect of surface roughness on phase transitions/ETI paper) demonstrates that 1D and 2D resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations can reliably model exploding aluminum rods driven by megaampere currents. Close agreement between simulation results and photonic Doppler velocimetry data from the Mykonos electrothermal instability (METI-II) campaign builds confidence in predictive modelling capabilities for pulsed-power HED experiments. Furthermore, 2D MHD simulations show how machined features and micro-scale surface roughness can seed the electrothermal instability (ETI). Surface roughness was observed to reduce the time of melt by 19%, with ETI growth driving the enhanced heating of the rod surface.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Proposal for Partial Core Support of the Board on Physics and Astronomy
Since the dawn of human inquiry, scientists have been driven by a relentless pursuit of understanding the universe at both the smallest and largest scales. This quest for knowledge has been one of humanity's most ambitious and challenging endeavors, demanding substantial resources and talent from the United States and the global scientific community. In this context, it is essential for the scientific community and the institutions that provide and manage resources for scientific pursuits to receive prudent, science-based advice. The Board on Physics and Astronomy (BPA) fulfills this crucial role by offering critical and independent advice.
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
Reservoir Dynamics in Proposed Operational Scenarios Where CO 2 -EOR Fields are Transitioned From CO 2 -Flood Enhanced Oil Recovery to Dedicated Carbon Storage: A Field Case Study
This study models the transition of CO 2 -enhanced oil recovery (CO 2 -EOR) fields to dedicated carbon storage using a generalized reservoir model informed by real field data, SACROC. Through scenario-based simulations, the work evaluates how reservoir depletion levels, boundary conditions, fluid properties, and domain size affect pressure buildup, CO 2 plume migration, and long-term containment performance. The results inform practices for repurposing oil fields into reliable CO 2 storage sites.
02 PETROLEUM↗
Core Model Proposal 397: Update to Hector V3.2.0
Hector V3.2.0 is the version documented in Dorheim et. al (accepted in GMD), the changes between the previous version coupled with GCAM were in response to the reviewer feedback. We corrected aerosol forcing coefficients based on Zelinka et al. (2023), enabled the permafrost module to be on by default, and recalibrated the model. These changes mean that we had to update the hector-gcam.ini file, it also causes some changes in Hector output behavior (described below) which may have implications on GCAM runs. Ultimately Hector is cooler by about 0.15 degrees, although this is scenario dependent.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
Collaborative Proposal: Improving understanding of the internal structure and dynamics of deep convection using ARM observations and large eddy simulations
Recent observational and large eddy simulation (LES) modeling studies have nearly unanimously supported the view of deep cumulus convection being composed of a series of quasi-spherical bubbles of buoyant air, known as moist thermals. Despite the prevalence of moist thermals in deep convection, a comprehensive theory for the dynamics of these structures is lacking. Most current conceptual models for cumulus convection are based on canonical scaling theories for dry thermals or plumes; however, there is considerable evidence that the behavior of moist thermals differs markedly from these theories. Furthermore, the theoretical basis for most cumulus parameterizations originates from the plume conceptual model, and therefore these parameterizations are inconsistent with the real structure of moist convection. Motivated by the aforementioned knowledge gaps, this “end-to-end” research effort use theory, observations, numerical simulations, and direct improvements to the Zhang-McFarlane (ZM) convection scheme in the global climate Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) to address the following research questions: What key environmental parameters determine whether or not shallow convection will transition into deep convection, in the context of thermal-like updrafts? What factors regulate the size of thermals within cumulus updrafts? How does vertical wind shear influence thermal behavior, and as a consequence, vertical velocity and mass flux profiles and the shallow-to-deep convective transition? What are the critical processes that determine updraft vertical velocities and their connection to the vertical mass flux profile for thermal-like updrafts? Idealized LES modeling will be used in conjunction with theoretical models for the core properties of thermal-like updrafts to better understand key processes that regulate thermal ascent rates and entrainment properties. Thermal-tracking procedures will be used to characterize the behavior of thermals within the LES, and recently developed direct measures of entrainment and detrainment will be used to quantify entrainment/detrainment rates. Building from these results, we will analyze the structure of moist thermals from hemispheric range-height indicator scans taken during the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign, and from “real case” LES of CACTI events. This combined modeling and observational analysis will provide essential validation for the existing body of research on moist thermal dynamics, which is based primarily on modeling studies. With the insight gained from the aforementioned activities, we will modify the Zhang-McFarlane convection scheme to improve its representation of updraft vertical velocity and entrainment rate profiles. These process-level changes will be tested in the Community Atmosphere Model to assess the impact on global climate simulations.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
Diversion Path Analysis: A Proposed Methodology to Develop an MC&A Approach for Liquid-Fueled Molten Salt Reactors
Nuclear material control and accounting (MC&A) is a critical element of both the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and US Department of Energy (DOE)’s domestic safeguards and security requirements. NRC licensees are required, under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 74 to establish and maintain an MC&A program that captures and records the quantities and locations of special nuclear material (SNM) at the facility. Along with physical protection, MC&A is a key element of domestic nuclear material safeguards that enables the NRC to ensure that SNM is controlled and accounted for. SNM, per 10 CFR Part 74, refers to plutonium, 233 U, and uranium enriched in the isotope 233 U or 235 U, but does not include source material. Periodic physical inventories, coupled with material balance evaluations, are effective and demonstrated tools to account for and detect theft or diversion of SNM in facilities containing SNM in bulk material form (i.e., not in discrete, countable items). Historically in the United States, these types of facilities have included fuel fabrication, conversion, and enrichment facilities. In comparison, reactors have relied on item counting of assemblies and control of SNM while in containment (e.g., a sealed reactor pressure vessel) because, to date, reactor fuel has been in item form. In liquid-fueled molten salt reactors (MSRs), unlike traditional light water reactors (LWRs) or bulk facilities, bulk SNM quantities can change significantly during operation as a result of depletion and transmutation. This introduces challenges to the use of traditional periodic physical inventories and material balance evaluations to detect theft or diversion of SNM in reactors that use SNM in bulk material form. Liquid-fueled (i.e., salt-fueled) MSR facilities are MSRs that use SNM within a salt eutectic as the fuel. The SNM is in a bulk material form any time it is outside of fresh or spent fuel storage containers. Some examples of when SNM will be in bulk form in the facility are during addition of fuel to the reactor system, while fuel is circulating in operation, and while fuel is in a drain tank. Periodic physical inventories and material balance evaluations can likely be effectively applied to many portions of an MSR facility, including all areas where depletion and transmutation are not significantly changing the quantities of SNM within the control area. Within an MSR facility, this would include fresh fuel receipt and loading, waste streams that may contain SNM, irradiated fuel storage outside of the reactor core, and any irradiated fuel processing that may happen after SNM has been removed from the reactor. All of these process steps could rely on measurements of SNM quantities compared with documented inventories. Any discrepancies from predicted (i.e., book) inventories and measured inventories could be quantified as inventory differences, consistent with traditional MC&A guidance from the NRC (e.g., in NUREG-1065 Revision 2, NUREG-2159 Revision 1, and RG 5.29 Revision 2). Within the reactor system, additions and removals to the book inventory include depletion of the SNM (e.g., fission of 235 U), which complicates the use of physical inventories. SNM control, however, can also likely be effectively applied to detect theft of SNM throughout a liquid-fueled MSR facility. To complement these approaches, prior technical reports have identified that a diversion path analysis may be a useful, risk-informed, and performance-based tool to determine suitable elements of an MC&A approach for the reactor system within a liquid-fueled MSR facility.
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
Ray-Tracing Simulations Characterizing the Performance of the Proposed 2028 HFIR HB4 Main Shutter
The Main Shutter at HB4 will serve two purposes after the HFIR Beryllium Reflector Replacement, planned to take place in 2028. First as the primary certified safety control permitting the passage of neutrons from the cold source in the HFIR pressure vessel into the cold guide hall, and second as the first set of reflecting surfaces used to guide neutrons from the source and into the individual guide starts for each instrument in the cold guide hall. This report outlines a the simulations and analyses used to conclude that the HB4 Main Shutter Insert alignment is critical to associated instrument performance. In general, the alignment of these surfaces to within +/-0.25 millimeters and +/-0.05° across all dimensions will ensure losses are no worse than 1% for any of the guide starts.
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
Assessment and Improvement Proposals for High-Pressure Rinsing Processes during Cleanroom Preparation of Superconducting Radio-Frequency Cavities for Particle Accelerators
The goal of this internship is to develop a fluid dynamics characterization of the high-pressure flow used for cleaning the internal surface of the SRF cavities. Initially, the High Pressure Rinsing (HPR) process is introduced, focusing on the problems of the SRF cavities and how this method can be used to increase their acceleration efficiency and performance. The characterization of the problem is then presented, including an introduction to the multiphase flow modeling and the analysis of the Fermilab facility for the HPR. To accomplish the goal, a preliminary estimation of the variables was performed using MATLAB. Then, multiple 2D simulations were developed with Ansys Fluent, and the influence of the main parameter was investigated. The simulation results are then presented and analysed, with a focus on the possible future developments of the HPR process fluid dynamic characterization.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
ACT University Collaboration Proposal: Role of manufacturing defects on material failure under dynamic loading for developing enhanced failure models and theories (Final Report)
Research on the tensile behavior of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel coupon specimens at increasing strain rates was conducted over the past year at Penn State. Dynamic loading rates into the 1000 1/s loading rates were performed on specimens with nearly 1.32” gage lengths. Stress-strain plots show ductile and plastic behavior well beyond 12% strain with necked specimens, having smaller effective gage lengths showing up to 56% ultimate strain. Additional tests performed on compact tension specimens helped with simulation work to understand the deformation behavior. Using finite elements, it was possible to determine the feasibility of a comprehensive experimental validation study towards an improved model for AM material failure – specifically, the Bai-Wierzbicki approach which accounts for lode angle and triaxiality. A non-significant number of tests are projected for eight specific failure nodes, with additional replicates to provide strain-rate capabilities to the existing formulation. One such correction factor is explored for quasi-static, notched specimens. Finally, stress intensity factor was explored using a set of compact-tension specimens which would also provide useful validation data for any simulation work.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Assessment and Improvement Proposals for High-Pressure Rinsing Processes
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aurigi, Niccolò [Pisa U.]↗
Hydrogen Ignition Probabilities: Current and Proposed Framework
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Ehrhart, Brian David [Sandia National Laboratories↗
Assessment and Improvement Proposals for High-Pressure Rinsing Processes during Cleanroom Preparation of Superconducting Radio-Frequency Cavities for Particle Accelerators
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aurigi, Niccolò [Fermilab]↗
Proposed Critical Thinking Metrics for Power Grid Trainees
The TRS Intro to Critical Thinking for Operational Decision-Making course for power grid operators seeks to help trainees improve their use of critical thinking skills in operation environments. To determine the effectiveness of this training, we have identified 3 categories of evaluation measures: critical thinking metrics, situation awareness (SA) evaluations, and behavioral observations. Critical thinking metrics seek to directly measure trainee’s ability to use critical thinking skills through their verbalized responses to different questions or scenarios. SA will be evaluated during various points throughout simulated exercises completed during the training. SA evaluations aim to determine the level of a trainee’s ability to perceive, comprehend and anticipate events in the operational environment. This construct will be assessed through verbalized responses to questions informed by the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT). Behavioral observations capture how trainees use the system, including which simulator displays or windows they use or actions they perform and in what order. These observations help us understand how the critical thinking training may inform operator action. We hypothesize that while these measures are correlated with each other, they provide different perspectives on each trainee’s ability to gain SA and use critical thinking skills in operation environments. By comparing these measures in a pre-assessment and a post-assessment, we can determine how much improvement a trainee gains through the training. These measures may also be used during the training as appropriate. This document specifies these 3 categories of measures, which components of these measures currently seem to be the best candidates to use in the training course, and which parts of the training course is related to each component.
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
Supplement Analysis for the Proposed Shipment of High Burnup Research Cask to Idaho National Laboratory for Research and Development Purposes
DOE needs to continue with the HBUSFDP and transfer the HBURC to a facility capable of examination and testing of HBU SNF. These types of facilities do not exist at NAPS but are available at DOE national laboratories. The removal and eventual opening of the TN-32B research cask will provide DOE with the opportunity to gather data that will support continued safe storage of SNF at existing nuclear power plants, or a future federal consolidated storage facility. This effort will also help build public trust and confidence by demonstrating DOE’s ability to safely and securely transport commercial SNF using the certified Atlas rail consist.
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
TES: Modelling Microbes to Predict Post-Fire Carbon Cycling in the Boreal Forest across Burn Severities (Exploratory Proposal)
Wildfires in boreal ecosystems represent a globally significant ecological process that is expected to be sensitive to changing climate as well as forest management strategies, but is currently insufficiently understood and represented in models. We sought to determine whether linking belowground microbial community composition, size, and activity to aboveground properties of burn severity and plant community composition (upland jack pine and upland spruce) would allow us to better model post-fire soil CO 2 fluxes using the Carbon, Organisms, Rhizosphere and Protection in the Soil Environment (CORPSE) model. We used an integrated modelling experimental approach, with mechanistic laboratory experiments designed to inform models.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗