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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Neutronic Performance of a Compact 10 MWe Nuclear Reactor with Low Enrichment (ThxU1−x)N Fuel

Abstract Recent interest in compact nuclear reactors for applications in space or in remote locations drives innovation in nuclear fuel design, especially non-oxide ceramic nuclear fuels. This work details neutronic modeling designed to support the development of a new nuclear fuel concept based on a mixture of thorium and uranium nitride. A Monte Carlo N-Particle Version 6.2 (MCNP-6) model of a compact 10 MWe reactor design which incorporates (Th x U 1− x )N fuel is presented. In this context, a “compact” reactor is a completely assembled reactor which may be emptied of coolant and transported by specialized commercial vehicle, deployed by a C130J aircraft, or launched into space. Core geometry, reflector barrels, and the heat exchange zones are designed to support reduction of overall reactor volume of core components while maintaining criticality with a fixed total fuel mass of 4500 kg. Dense mixed nitrides of thorium nitride (ThN) additions in uranium nitride (UN) in 5 wt.% increments between $$0.05 \le x \le 0.5$$ 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 have been considered for calculation of $$k_{\infty }$$ k ∞ and $$k_{{{\text{effective}}}}$$ k effective . ThN additions in UN results in a slight increase in the magnitude of the temperature coefficient of reactivity, which is negative by design. The isotopic distribution of the principal actinide inventory as a function of burnup, time, and initial fuel composition is presented and discussed within the context of the proliferation risk of this core design.

Parker, S. S. (ORCID:000000018597440X)↗
DOE OSTI2018

Compact finite difference relaxation method for chaotic and hyperchaotic initial value systems

In this paper, we present a new application of higher order compact finite differences to solve nonlinear initial value problems exhibiting chaotic behaviour. The method involves dividing the domain of the problem into multiple sub-domains, with each sub-domain integrated using higher order compact finite difference schemes. The nonlinearity is dealt using a Gauss–Seidel-like relaxation. The method is, therefore, referred to as the multi-domain compact finite difference relaxation method (MD-CFDRM). In this new application, the MD-CFDRM is used to solve famous chaotic systems and hyperchaotic systems. The main advantage of the new approach is that it offers better accuracy on coarser grids which significantly improves the computational speed of the method. The results are compared with spectral-based multi-domain method.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Non-compact oxide-island growth induced by surface phase transition of the intermetallic NiAl during vacuum annealing

Crystal structure and composition are inter-dependent and decoupling their effects on surface reactivity is challenging. Using low-energy electron microscopy to spatially and temporally resolve the oxide film growth during the oxidation of NiAl(100), we differentiate such coupled effects by monitoring oxide growth while simultaneously fine-tuning the surface structure and composition during oxidation. We demonstrate that the oxidation of chemically ordered surfaces results in compact oxide island growth whereas non-compact oxide growth during the surface phase transition. By incorporating the surface phase transition induced chemical disordering into kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, we illustrate that the non-compact oxide growth is induced by the composition effect on the surface diffusion of oxygen, which can be described by the concept of “ant in the labyrinth”.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Comparative analysis of compact heat exchangers for application as the intermediate heat exchanger for advanced nuclear reactors

A comparative evaluation of alternative compact heat exchanger designs for use as the intermediate heat exchanger in advanced nuclear reactor systems is presented in this article. Candidate heat exchangers investigated included the Printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) and offset strip-fin heat exchanger (OSFHE). Both these heat exchangers offer high surface area to volume ratio (a measure of compactness [m2/m3]), high thermal effectiveness, and overall low pressure drop. Helium–helium heat exchanger designs for different heat exchanger types were developed for a 600 MW thermal advanced nuclear reactor. The wavy channel PCHE with a 15° pitch angle was found to offer optimum combination of heat transfer coefficient, compactness and pressure drop as compared to other alternatives. The principles of the comparative analysis presented here will be useful for heat exchanger evaluations in other applications as well.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2018

A generalized family of anisotropic compact object in general relativity

Highlights: • We present model for anisotropic compact star under general relativity. • Here a 4-dimensional spacetime is embedded into the 5-dimensional flat metric. • The spherically symmetric metric has class 1 under which solution set is obtained. • Interesting and physically viable results are found out. • Investigations on the physical features of the model are performed. - Abstract: We present model for anisotropic compact star under the general theory of relativity of Einstein. In the study a 4-dimensional spacetime has been considered which is embedded into the 5-dimensional flat metric so that the spherically symmetric metric has class 1. A set of solutions for the field equations are found depending on the index n involved in the physical parameters. The interior solutions have been matched smoothly at the boundary of the spherical distribution to the exterior Schwarzschild solution which necessarily provides values of the unknown constants. We have chosen the values of n as n=2 and n=10 to 20000 for which interesting and physically viable results can be found out. The investigations on the physical features of the model include several astrophysical issues, like (i) regularity behaviour of stars at the centre, (ii) well behaved condition for velocity of sound, (iii) energy conditions, (iv) stability of the system via the following three techniques — adiabatic index, Herrera cracking concept and TOV equation, (v) total mass, effective mass and compactification factor and (vi) surface redshift. Specific numerical values of the compact star candidates LMC X-4 and SMC X-1 are calculated for central and surface densities as well as central pressure to compare the model value with actual observational data.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Scalable membrane-less microbial electrolysis cell with multiple compact electrode assemblies for high performance hydrogen production

Bioelectrochemical hydrogen production via microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) is a promising method for sustainable energy production and decarbonization of energy systems. However, the application of MECs is limited by the electrochemical performance, scalability, and the cost associated with expensive materials. Here, in this study, a scalable MEC (500 mL) with novel compact electrode assemblies and high electrode surface area to volume ratio (160 m 2 /m 3 ) was designed and constructed. The use of membranes, precious metal catalyst, and current collectors with high costs was avoided. A high current density at the steady state of 49.5 ± 5.3 A/m 2 was achieved using acetate as the substrate with phosphate buffer under the applied voltage of 1.01 V. The corresponding volumetric current density was 3948 ± 422 A/m 3 . The compact electrode assembly design limited methane production rate to 3.9 ± 0.2 L/L/D, while achieving a hydrogen production rate of 33.7 ± 1.7 L/L/D. With the suppression of microbial hydrogen consumption, the hydrogen production rate was 39.8 ± 1.9 L/L/D, higher by almost one order of magnitude than those of MECs with scaling up attempts. The compact electrode configuration reduced internal resistance to 88.5 ± 4.4 Ω cm 2 . The energy efficiency based on input electricity was 146 ± 7 % to 189 ± 9 % within the applied voltage range of 0.71 to 1.05 V. The results in this study demonstrated successful scaling up of high performance small MECs and offered a new possible approach of scaling up MECs by stacking high-performance subunits, with no trade-offs on electrochemical performance.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2021

Preferred orientation of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate compacts: Implications for creep and indentation

Nano/micro-indentation has been extensively used to examine elastic properties and creep of cement-based materials. However, there have been inconsistencies in the measured elastic moduli and debate on the creep mechanism of calcium (alumino) silicate hydrates (C-(A-)S-H). To bring new insights, we examined the deviatoric stress-induced preferred orientation of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (C-A-S-H), portlandite, and ettringite compacts, using synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction. Intense preferred orientations were observed in C-A-S-H compacts, and the c-axis of unit cells is highly aligned with the compression direction; weaker c-axis related fiber-type texture formed in portlandite and ettringite. Higher humidity, greater compacting pressure, and/or increased duration of the pressure intensified the C-A-S-H preferred orientation, which is facilitated by gel-pore water lubrication. This pressure-induced time-dependent preferential re-orientation of crystallites can contribute to the creep of cement-based materials, and it may cause overrepresentation of the soft c-axis of C-(A-)S-H unit-cell in nanoindentation experiments and underestimation of Young's modulus.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

A numerical study of the meso-structure variability in the compaction process of prepreg platelet molded composites

Compaction deformations in a thermoplastic composite system molded from chopped prepreg platelets were analyzed to obtain statistical distributions of local distortions that define the final consolidated meso-structure. This study provides an insight into and allows quantification of the intrinsic geometric variability of the composite meso-structure that controls the variability of the effective composite mechanical properties. A two-phase viscoelastic finite element model was utilized to treat the behavior of molten prepreg platelets, which were assumed to be incompressible and inextensible in the fiber direction during processing. A two-step simulation procedure with discretely modeled platelets and platelet-to-platelet contacts is proposed. The analysis begins with a drop simulation of the uncontrolled material deposition followed by a 3D finite element analysis of the preform compaction and bulk material flow. The proposed model provides a method for generating a composite meso-structure ab initio starting from a statistical sampling of the initial conditions for platelet deposition. The predicted platelet thickness distribution, intra-platelet fiber waviness and out-of-plane platelet undulations were found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements. An estimate of the volume of resin pockets was inferred from the compaction simulation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dynamic crushing of metal lattice metamaterials: Shock mode diagrams and transition to topology-independent compaction regime

Additively manufactured lattice metamaterials offer design versatility in strength and energy absorption and provide an additional degree of freedom through the selection of the lattice topology. Under quasistatic loading, the unit cell structure can strongly affect the stiffness, yield, and post-yield behavior, but whether and to what degree the effect of lattice topology persists into dynamic loading scenarios, up to the compaction shock regime, has not been established. LLNL’ s ALE3D hydrocode was used to perform a computational investigation of dynamic loading in multiple lattice types, including the gyroid, octet, Schwarz D, and rhombic dodecahedron, under impact velocities from 0.25 to 2.25 km/s. Shock Hugoniots for each lattice topology are generated and compared, suggesting that above a critical velocity, distinctions between architectures may not persevere and compacted lattices behave similarly. Here, to investigate the transition between topology-dependent quasistatic compression and the topology-independent regime above the critical velocity, a one-dimensional elastic-linear hardening plasticity-densified solid (E-LHP-DS) shock model for lattice materials was developed that relies upon confined compression to link the quasistatic and shock mechanics. Unlike similar works, the model does not assume rigid behavior prior to yield or locking behavior at densification, allowing a richer exploration of lattice mechanics. With only six parameters, the analytical model simultaneously fit quasistatic confined compression simulations for relative densities 0.1 $≤ \bar{ρ} ≤$ 0.9 and predicted dynamic compaction behavior to traverse several distinct shock modes, each defined by a critical impact speed (equivalently, critical stresses). Comparing the numerical results to the one-dimensional E-LHP-DS shock model predictions suggests that the topology-independence under strong shocks is linked to the onset of densification, which can be predicted based on quasistatic confined compression results.

Cellular material↗
DOE OSTI2021

Acoustic mapping by picosecond ultrasonics for elastic property measurement: Experimental demonstration on a TRISO fuel compact

Picosecond ultrasonics has been demonstrated on a tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel compact to measure the elastic properties of each compact layer. This technique utilizes an ultrashort pump laser pulse to excite vibrations in a gold transducer film covering the surface of each component and a second probe laser pulse to record the resulting acoustic strain induced change in optical reflectance. From the damping of this film vibration, the acoustic reflection coefficient, which couples the elastic properties of the transducer film and the sample, can be obtained, enabling a calculation of the sample’s acoustic velocity and elastic modulus. Overall, results obtained from this method are consistent with known values of elastic moduli, namely that the SiC coating is the stiffest component of the compact while the carbonaceous matrix is the most compliant. Nanoindentation was conducted as a benchmark technique on the same sample and shows satisfactory agreement with the results of picosecond ultrasonics. Compared to other methods like nanoindentation, picosecond ultrasonics is multimodal with a capability of measuring several key properties simultaneously and has potentials to be coupled into optical fibers for remote sensing. Thus, these demonstration measurements reveal the methodology to be a promising candidate for in-situ and high-throughput optical characterizations of nuclear materials.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Effect of synthesis atmosphere, wetting, and compaction on the purity of AlB₂

AlB₂ is attractive as an energetic fuel because of its large heat of combustion on a volumetric basis. The formation of AlB₂ from its elements is thermodynamically limited by decomposition into liquid aluminum and α-AlB₁₂ at temperatures approaching 950 °C, and kinetically limited in the reverse reaction, making synthesis of high-purity powders difficult. Minimizing unreacted Al and B makes AlB₂ more resistant to moisture degradation. AlB₂ yield for similarly prepared samples was observed to be significantly higher in He–6% H₂ or vacuum compared to a high-purity Ar atmosphere. Lower AlB₂ yield was generally associated with higher Al₂O₃ content in the reaction products, suggesting that poor Al wetting on oxide surfaces generated by the reaction of Al with B₂O₃ and other sources of oxygen prevented complete reaction. Compaction decreased the amount of oxygen available to the interior of the pellet, and the vacuum and He–6% H₂ environments reduced the amount of oxide impurities in the system, possibly by reducing or subliming them. By optimization of synthesis parameters the purity of AlB₂ was measured as 93 wt%, which was better than the previously reported bulk syntheses. Accounting for unreacted boron is important when using XRD to assess purity since the quantification of secondary phases, such as Al, Al₂O₃, and Al₃BC, allow the amount of boron, which is not easily detected in the scan, to be calculated. - Graphical abstract: Atmosphere and compaction pressure affect AlB₂ purity. Highlights: • Vacuum or He–6% H₂ yielded higher AlB₂ than Ar due to reduced Al₂O₃. • Compaction at 25 MPa prior to heating improved the AlB₂ yield. • XRD can be used to quantify AlB₂ if Al is used to assess the free B content. • Elimination of oxide impurities is the key to making higher purity AlB₂.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Compact FEL-driven inverse compton scattering gamma-ray source

Many research and applications areas require photon sources capable of producing gamma-ray beams in the multi-MeV energy range with reasonably high fluxes and compact footprints. Besides industrial, nuclear physics and security applications, a considerable interest comes from the possibility to assess the state of conservation of cultural assets like statues, columns etc., via visualization and analysis techniques using high energy photon beams. Computed Tomography scans, widely adopted in medicine at lower photon energies, presently provide high quality three-dimensional imaging in industry and museums. We explore the feasibility of a compact source of quasi-monochromatic, multi-MeV gamma-rays based on Inverse Compton Scattering (ICS) from a high intensity ultra-violet (UV) beam generated in a free-electron laser by the electron beam itself. This scheme introduces a stronger relationship between the energy of the scattered photons and that of the electron beam, resulting in a device much more compact than a classic ICS for a given scattered energy. As a result, the same electron beam is used to produce gamma-rays in the 10–20 MeV range and UV radiation in the 10–15 eV range, in a ~4 × 22 m 2 footprint system.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Cascading RF deflectors in compact beam spreader schemes

This study describes beam distribution schemes based on transverse electric field radio-frequency deflectors (RFD) as fast-switching devices and provides numerical relationships between their respective frequencies and phases. The adoption of compact transverse deflecting cavities represents an ideal solution for the design of high repetition rate ( > 1 MHz), compact beam distribution systems. While directly applicable to modern FEL facilities, this approach also provides opportunities for expanding existing beam delivery systems with additional experimental areas simultaneously feeding multiple beamlines. We derive the formalism for cascading RFDs by adopting the proper choice of deflector frequencies which can generate a large variety of beam switch yard topologies. Finally, we present for reference a potential application operating at an rf frequency of 325 MHz with the comparison of three possible distinct compact rf deflectors: a superconducting rf-dipole, a normal conducting rf-dipole, and a normal conducting 4-rod design.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2012

FABRICATION OF URANIUM OXYCARBIDE KERNELS AND COMPACTS FOR HTR FUEL

As part of the program to demonstrate tristructural isotropic (TRISO)-coated fuel for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP), Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) fuel is being irradiation tested in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This testing has led to improved kernel fabrication techniques, the formation of TRISO fuel particles, and upgrades to the overcoating, compaction, and heat treatment processes. Combined, these improvements provide a fuel manufacturing process that meets the stringent requirements associated with testing in the AGR experimentation program. Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) are working in conjunction with a team from Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to (a) improve the quality of uranium oxycarbide (UCO) fuel kernels, (b) deposit TRISO layers to produce a fuel that meets or exceeds the standard developed by German researches in the 1980s, and (c) develop a process to overcoat TRISO particles with the same matrix material, but applies it with water using equipment previously and successfully employed in the pharmaceutical industry. A primary goal of this work is to simplify the process, making it more robust and repeatable while relying less on operator technique than prior overcoating efforts. A secondary goal is to improve first-pass yields to greater than 95% through the use of established technology and equipment. In the first test, called “AGR-1,” graphite compacts containing approximately 300,000 coated particles were irradiated from December 2006 to November 2009. The AGR-1 fuel was designed to closely replicate many of the properties of German TRISO-coated particles, thought to be important for good fuel performance. No release of gaseous fission product, indicative of particle coating failure, was detected in the nearly 3-year irradiation to a peak burn up of 19.6% at a time-average temperature of 1038–1121°C. Before fabricating AGR-2 fuel, each fabrication process was improved and changed. Changes to the kernel fabrication process included replacing the carbon black powder feed with a surface-modified carbon slurry and shortening the sintering schedule. AGR-2 TRISO particles were produced in a 6-inch diameter coater using a charge size about 21-times that of the 2-inch diameter coater used to coat AGR-1 particles. The compacting process was changed to increase matrix density and throughput by increasing the temperature and pressure of pressing and using a different type of press. AGR-2 fuel began irradiation in the ATR in late spring 2010.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Coherent addition of high power broad-area laser diodes with a compact VBG V-shaped external Talbot cavity

In this paper, we introduced a compact V-shaped external Talbot cavity for phase locking of high power broad-area laser diodes. The length of compact cavity is ~25 mm. Near diffraction-limit coherent addition of 10 broad-area laser diodes indicated that high quality phase locking was achieved. We measured the near-field emission mode of each individual broad-area laser diode with different feedback, such as a volume Bragg grating and a high reflection mirror. Finally, we found out that the best result of phase locking broad-area laser diodes was achieved by the compact V-shaped external Talbot cavity with volume Bragg grating feedback.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2012

Determination of mercury distribution inside spent compact fluorescent lamps by atomic absorption spectrometry

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New treatments for CFL are required considering the aim of Directive 202/96/CE. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It is shown that most of the mercury introduced into a CFL is in the phosphor powder. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Experimental conditions for microwave-assisted sample digestion followed by AAS measurements are described. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer By washing the glass it is possible to reduce the concentration below legal limits. - Abstract: In this study, spent compact fluorescent lamps were characterized to determine the distribution of mercury. The procedure used in this research allowed mercury to be extracted in the vapor phase, from the phosphor powder, and the glass matrix. Mercury concentration in the three phases was determined by the method known as cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Median values obtained in the study showed that a compact fluorescent lamp contained 24.52 {+-} 0.4 ppb of mercury in the vapor phase, 204.16 {+-} 8.9 ppb of mercury in the phosphor powder, and 18.74 {+-} 0.5 ppb of mercury in the glass matrix. There are differences in mercury concentration between the lamps since the year of manufacture or the hours of operation affect both mercury content and its distribution. The 85.76% of the mercury introduced into a compact fluorescent lamp becomes a component of the phosphor powder, while more than 13.66% is diffused through the glass matrix. By washing and eliminating all phosphor powder attached to the glass surface it is possible to classified the glass as a non-hazardous waste.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nondestructive In Operando Imaging of Thin Film Composite Membrane Compaction Enhanced by AI-Based Segmentation

Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are essential for desalination and water reuse, yet their permeability declines in high-pressure applications due to membrane compaction. This study investigates the structural and functional responses of commercial brackish, seawater, and high-pressure RO membranes at applied pressures up to 120 bar using a multiscale, nondestructive in operando scanning electron microscopy (iSEM) imaging platform. The iSEM technique reveals progressive densification across the composite membrane structure, which correlates with observed declines in water and solute permeance. To quantify these structural changes with greater fidelity, we combined X-ray computed tomography with AI-based segmentation enabling precise analysis of pore size distribution and thickness of the polysulfone support layer. Compared to traditional thresholding, AI segmentation accurately delineates material phases and void spaces, enhancing the reproducibility and resolution of morphological assessments. The results demonstrate that compaction-induced reductions in porosity and thickness strongly impact membrane transport properties. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the compaction behavior of RO membranes and underscore the potential for advanced imaging and AI-driven data analysis to guide the design of next-generation membranes with improved mechanical resilience and operational longevity.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Angle between DNA linker and nucleosome core particle regulates array compaction revealed by individual-particle cryo-electron tomography

Abstract The conformational dynamics of nucleosome arrays generate a diverse spectrum of microscopic states, posing challenges to their structural determination. Leveraging cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET), we determine the three-dimensional (3D) structures of individual mononucleosomes and arrays comprising di-, tri-, and tetranucleosomes. By slowing the rate of condensation through a reduction in ionic strength, we probe the intra-array structural transitions that precede inter-array interactions and liquid droplet formation. Under these conditions, the arrays exhibite irregular zig-zag conformations with loose packing. Increasing the ionic strength promoted intra-array compaction, yet we do not observe the previously reported regular 30-nanometer fibers. Interestingly, the presence of H1 do not induce array compaction; instead, one-third of the arrays display nucleosomes invaded by foreign DNA, suggesting an alternative role for H1 in chromatin network construction. We also find that the crucial parameter determining the structure adopted by chromatin arrays is the angle between the entry and exit of the DNA and the corresponding tangents to the nucleosomal disc. Our results provide insights into the initial stages of intra-array compaction, a critical precursor to condensation in the regulation of chromatin organization.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗