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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Deep reinforcement learning for dynamic control of fuel injection timing in multi-pulse compression ignition engines

Conventional compression-ignition (CI) engines have long offered high thermal efficiencies and torque across a wide range of loads, but often require extensive exhaust gas treatment that decreases efficiency to meet ever-increasing emissions regulations. One strategy to decrease emissions is to split the fuel injection into a series of smaller injections. In this paper, we explore a new way of discovering optimal control strategies for the next generation of CI engines using deep reinforcement learning (DRL). We outline a DRL procedure to maximize the weighted reward of engine work while minimizing end-of-cycle NO x emissions. Through the procedure outlined in this paper, we show that the DRL agent is able to reduce NO x emissions threefold while only decreasing network by 2%. We demonstrate the use of transfer learning (TL) across hierarchies of physical models to accelerate the learning process, making this approach feasible for a range of control problems within this space. This paper presents a framework and demonstration for using DRL to design control systems in technology areas such as multi-pulse engine control where a hierarchy of models combined with multi-objective rewards are used for optimal operation.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacture Nb1Zr Development

Next generation fission and fusion nuclear reactors require materials that can withstand operating temperatures greater than 500 °C, neutron irradiation doses of up to 200 displacements per atom (dpa), and potentially corrosive coolants such as the alkali liquid metals sodium, lithium, and NaK (Na33K eutectic alloy). Refractory alloys, such as Nb1Zr (Nb-1wt%Zr) and Molybdenum alloy TZM (Mo-0.5wt%Ti-0.08wt%Zr) have been traditionally considered viable candidates for advanced fission and fusion reactor concepts. However, it is relatively difficult to generate complex geometries of interest from these alloys using traditional manufacturing methods. In addition, there needs to be a concentrated effort to address refractory metal challenges at elevated temperature operation. In order to generate complex geometries of interest, modern manufacturing techniques are considered to increase the technological readiness level (TRL), cost-effectiveness, and schedule savings. This work focused on the continued development of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) to improve both design flexibility, evaluate microstructure and properties, and ultimately accelerate the TRL and qualification of these processes and alloys for components to potentially be put into service. Niobium alloy Nb1Zr was identified through a down-selection process outlined in previous reports as a candidate to develop in L-PBF AM. Historically, Nb1Zr had been explored for high temperature fast spectrum fission reactors for both terrestrial and space applications. Molybdenum alloy TZM has also been considered for these reactor concepts due to exceptional high-temperature strength, creep resistance, and stability under irradiation. L-PBF AM of TZM has previously been investigated at LANL under the Microreactor program, NASA, ORNL, and in academia. However, due to the crack prone nature of TZM, L-PBF AM of TZM resulted in significant microcracking and additional development is required to pursue viable maturation. Other AM methods have been found to be more successful in printing TZM, and those alternatives approaches are discussed in this effort. The efforts detailed in this report focused on continued development of Nb1Zr through L-PBF and development of TZM via L-PBF and electron powder bed fusion (E-PBF). The objective of this work was to further the development of these AM techniques for the chosen refractory alloys, elucidating and addressing associated challenges through characterization of several demonstration builds. At LANL, Nb1Zr builds were completed using an EOS M290 and M400 machines, and a refractory alloy-dedicated L-PBF system, the Xact Metal XM200G, was installed. The XM200G primary purpose was to do the Nb1Zr parameter development process; however, due to difficulties associated with the machine installation and qualification process, it was decided to pivot development to the larger M400 and M290 machines. Although the supply of Nb1Zr powder was limited, it was sufficient to generate sub-scale metallographic specimens for the purpose of parameter development. This was first accomplished on the EOS M400 then the M290 due to machine schedule availability. Further development of TZM has been initiated at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) under contract with LANL to use both a heated build envelope L-PBF machine and E-PBF machine that have been found in the literature to mitigate microcracking. UTEP was provided with TZM powder and build plates to support parallel TZM parameter development across both machines. As part of the contract, UTEP will also be conducting microstructural characterization once optimized process parameters have been identified. The optimized process parameters for each machine will be used to generate a series of metallographic, mechanical, and surface finish specimens for subsequent characterization and testing. In the next section, we provide a detailed discussion of the methodology used for investigating the feasibility of leveraging these alloys for use in advanced reactor applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Niobium-tin as a transformative technology for low-beta linacs

Niobium-tin has been identified as the most promising next-generation superconducting material for accelerator cavities. This is due to the higher critical temperature (Tc = 18 K) of Nb3Sn compared to niobium (TC = 9.2 K), which leads to greatly reduced RF losses in the cavity during 4.5 K operation. This allows two important changes during cavity and cryomodule design. First, the higher Tc leads to negligible BCS losses when operated at 4.5 K, which allows for a higher frequency to be used, translating to significantly smaller cavities and cryomodules. Second, the reduced dissipated power lowers the required cryogenic cooling capacity, meaning that cavities can feasibly be operated on 5-10 W cryocoolers instead of a centralized helium refrigeration plant. These plants and distribution systems are costly and complex, requiring skilled technicians for operation and maintenance. These fundamental changes present an opportunity for a paradigm shift in how low-beta linacs are designed and operated. Fabrication challenges and first coated cavity test results are discussed.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1993

Robotic servicing on Earth orbiting satellites

An articulated calibration experiment (ACE) concept study was conducted by GSFC to prove the feasibility of instrument calibration by a resident robot on the EOS spacecraft. This study provided a basis for determining the most suitable robot design and operations concepts required to perform accurate instrument calibration on the EOS platform. During the study, the first-order dynamics of robot walking and docking motions as it moves about were evaluated to determine the accelerations and torques imparted into the spacecraft. The major perturbation to the spacecraft was the effect of robot motion and impact on the EOS platform attitude control system. If not carefully controlled, these levels could exceed the maximum allowable levels. As a result of the EOS/ACE feasibility study, a GSFC robotic ground development effort was established. This effort, as described on the paper, will identify the technology required to resolve issues associated with robot in-space servicing dynamics and its impact on spacecraft and designs. Of primary concern are those relating to robot contact loads, docking of robotic systems on space platforms, and basic motion and mobility.

Ollendorf, Stanford↗
DOE OSTI2022

Accelerated Materials Deployment in Advanced Nuclear Power Plants

The purpose of this report is to begin the development of a maximally efficient process for licensing and deploying new materials in Advanced Non-Light-Water Reactors (ANLWRs). Some new materials that are to be used in some new plants are seen as possibly introducing risks, because our understanding of those new materials’ behavior in the conditions generated by some novel plant designs is less complete than our understanding of the behavior of materials with long use histories in existing designs. In these cases, an approved code/standard or a code case to support the use of these materials in the novel design’s safety case may not exist for the regulator to utilize as part of the licensing determination. This circumstance creates the potential for an extremely long licensing process for new designs using new materials. The present strategy is to show how to manage these risks proactively, in such a way as to permit licensing decisions to be made in a timely manner, based on this risk management process. The present report outlines the gaps in the current codes to support deployment and use of novel materials and begins the development of the necessary risk management framework that is focused on the subject materials issues; it is based on risk-informed in-service surveillance practices, carried out in such a way as to compensate for current limitations in our state of knowledge. This development will enable licensing and deployment of the subject materials, conditional on the proactive surveillance process to be established. While this report is occasioned by limitations in our knowledge of certain materials issues that may arise in advanced designs, in-service surveillance is always done in order to compensate for a lack of knowledge: if we knew that components were not already failed and not trending toward failure, we would not perform surveillance, even in current-generation plants (except that prescriptive requirements would force us to do so). What is different about the surveillance program discussed here is that the issues are newer and the relevant experience base is less complete, so the surveillance presently contemplated may need to measure new things and/or measure them more often than has been traditional for surveillance coupons. The present report is devoted to the risk management framework and applies American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI, Division [1] to establish the structure of a protocol for carrying out the necessary surveillance. These documents are generic: they do not tell us how often to surveille, or what to surveille, or what to measure, but rather how to determine those things, given certain technical inputs. The Regulatory Development R&D Program [2] is currently developing the companion supporting technical basis for the materials surveillance technology that, when completed and validated, can be used by owner/operator and NRC to implement a materials degradation management program for ANLWRs. This report also outlines salient points of discussion, positive potential outcomes, and potential concerns from industry and the USNRC. These aspects of the report intend to inform future work to develop a proposed technical process for adoption by the industry and endorsement by the USNRC to allow developers to propose a risk informed and conservative approach for the use of materials where operating experience/data and codes and standards may not exist for use of a novel material in an operating reactor environment. Additionally, such a technology could be leveraged to potentially reduce part of the upfront materials data requirements from ongoing long-term materials testing so that early action on license application could be undertaken by NRC, in parallel with the continuation of long-term data collection. This could accelerate the schedule for a first-of-a-kind ANLWR deployment or a nth-of-a-kind new materials insertion for established ANLWR designs.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS2015

Iodine Satellite

The Iodine Satellite (iSat) spacecraft will be the first CubeSat to demonstrate high change in velocity from a primary propulsion system by using Hall thruster technology and iodine as a propellant. The mission will demonstrate CubeSat maneuverability, including plane change, altitude change and change in its closest approach to Earth to ensure atmospheric reentry in less than 90 days. The mission is planned for launch in fall 2017. Hall thruster technology is a type of electric propulsion. Electric propulsion uses electricity, typically from solar panels, to accelerate the propellant. Electric propulsion can accelerate propellant to 10 times higher velocities than traditional chemical propulsion systems, which significantly increases fuel efficiency. To enable the success of the propulsion subsystem, iSat will also demonstrate power management and thermal control capabilities well beyond the current state-of-the-art for spacecraft of its size. This technology is a viable primary propulsion system that can be used on small satellites ranging from about 22 pounds (10 kilograms) to more than 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms). iSat's fuel efficiency is ten times greater and its propulsion per volume is 100 times greater than current cold-gas systems and three times better than the same system operating on xenon. iSat's iodine propulsion system consists of a 200 watt (W) Hall thruster, a cathode, a tank to store solid iodine, a power processing unit (PPU) and the feed system to supply the iodine. This propulsion system is based on a 200 W Hall thruster developed by Busek Co. Inc., which was previously flown using xenon as the propellant. Several improvements have been made to the original system to include a compact PPU, targeting greater than 80 percent reduction in mass and volume of conventional PPU designs. The cathode technology is planned to enable heaterless cathode conditioning, significantly increasing total system efficiency. The feed system has been designed to include iodine compatible control valves with internal heaters and temperature sensors to coincide with the iodine-compatible thruster. A key advantage to using iodine as a propellant is that it may be stored in the tank as an unpressurized solid on the ground and before flight operations. During operations, the tank is heated to vaporize the propellant. Iodine vapor is then routed through custom flow control valves to control mass flow to the thruster and cathode assembly. The thruster then ionizes the vapor and accelerates it via magnetic and electrostatic fields, resulting in high specific impulse, characteristic of a highly efficient propulsion system. The iSat spacecraft is a 12-unit (12U) CubeSat with dimensions of about 8 inches x 8 inches x 12 inches (20 centimeters x 20 centimeters x 30 centimeters). The spacecraft frame will be constructed from aluminum with a finish to prevent iodine-driven corrosion. The iSat spacecraft includes full three-axis control and will leverage heat generated by spacecraft components and radiators for a passive thermal control system. After the CubeSat has successfully detached from its launch vehicle, it will deploy its solar panels, correct for tip-off and maintain attitude control before ground contact. An initial check-out period of two weeks is planned for testing all subsystems. The spacecraft will charge the power system while in sunlight, using momentum wheels and magnetic torque rods to rotate the vehicle to the required attitude.

iSat↗
DOE OSTI2021

Magnetic and Mechanical Analysis of a Large Aperture 15 T Cable Test Facility Dipole Magnet

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC), is funding a large bore “Cable Test Facility Magnet” for testing advanced cables and inserts in high transverse field. This is a joint effort between the Office of High Energy Physics (HEP) and the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES). The background field magnet for this facility is being developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) while the cryostat and test facility will be located and operated by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL). The Nb 3 Sn dipole magnet, which will provide the transverse background field, is designed to generate a field of 15 T in a 100 × 150 mm bore at 1.9 K. The conceptual design of a block-type dipole with flared ends and a structure based on key-and-bladder technology will be introduced. The results of the magnetic and mechanical analysis will be presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Topical Group on Application and Industry Community Engagement Frontier Snowmass 2021 (Summary Report)

HEP community leads and operates cutting-edge experiments for the DOE Office of Science which have challenging sensing, data processing, and computing requirements that far surpass typical industrial applications. To make necessary progress in the energy, material, and fundamental sciences, development of novel technologies is often required to enable these advanced detector and accelerator programs. Our capabilities include efficient co-design, which is a prerequisite to enable the deployment of advanced techniques in a scientific setting where development spans from rapid prototyping to robust and reliable production scale. This applies across the design spectrum from the low level fabrication techniques to the high level software development. It underpins the requirement for a holistic approach of innovation that accelerates the cycle of technology development and deployment. The challenges set by the next generation of experiments requires a collaborative approach between academia, industry and national labs. Just a single stakeholder will be unable to deliver the technologies required for the success of the scientific goals. Tools and techniques developed for High Energy Physics (HEP) research can accelerate scientific discovery more broadly across DOE Office of Science and other federal initiatives and also benefit industry applications.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

KIPT ADS Target Cooling Analyses by MCNP/Fluent

This report presents multi-physics analyses of the target cooling system of the accelerator driven system (ADS) of the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology (KIPT) using MCNP and Fluent computer programs. MCNP has been used to transport electrons, gammas, and neutrons, and to calculate the energy deposition in the target using a mesh-tally. The mesh-tally data have been imported in Fluent by a C subroutine that has been compiled and linked to Fluent as a user defined function. The KIPT ADS is in operation and Fluent used the CAD model from the manufacturing process of the target. The Fluent results for the reference case match very well the literature results obtained by STAR-CCM+ during the design phase. Other cases that differ from the reference one have been analyzed; in these cases, it is assumed a malfunction of the electron accelerator control or the primary water coolant pump. The target cooling system operates normally for all the analyzed cases except when the inlet water mass flow rate is decreased. If the water coolant mass flow decreases to 25%, the water maximum temperature exceeds the boiling point. However, the transient analysis showed that the target cooling system can operate for 180 seconds when the inlet water mass flow rate is decreased down by 50%.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

MOC Automation with GMSEC and the Generic Extendable Message Utility (GEMU)

Automation has become critical for ground systems, improving efficiency and reliability while reducing costs across mission operations. The Goddard Mission Services Evolution Center (GMSEC) software suite has played a significant role in enabling this automation, leveraging its publish/subscribe paradigm through a message bus architecture to facilitate seamless communication and data flow. Historically, the GMSEC suite, through components like Criteria Action Table (CAT) has been pivotal in automating ground system capabilities. However, as technology advances, limitations in automation with CAT have emerged, creating an opportunity to enhance ground system automation through the introduction of GEMU. This new GMSEC component brings new capabilities and addresses specific automation constraints that CAT could not overcome, allowing for more sophisticated, flexible, and efficient message processing. GEMU, at its core, is designed to accelerate the development of custom GMSEC-compliant applications. It enables users to construct automated message processing pipelines quickly, supporting both drag-and-drop web-based configuration and scripting through a simple domain-specific language. This advancement not only simplifies the process but also reduces the time needed for implementing automated solutions. This presentation will outline GEMU’s potential value in improving mission operations automation. It will highlight the benefits of transitioning from CAT to GEMU and offer insights into how GEMU can drive operational efficiencies. We will also provide an overview of the automation capabilities of GEMU and its potential impact on mission operations centers (MOCs).

GMSEC↗
NASA NTRS1999

Spaceliner Class Operability Gains Via Combined Airbreathing/ Rocket Propulsion: Summarizing an Operational Assessment of Highly Reusable Space Transports

In discussing a new NASA initiative in advanced space transportation systems and technologies, the Director of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Arthur G. Stephenson, noted that, "It would use new propulsion technology, air-breathing engine so you don't have to carry liquid oxygen, at least while your flying through the atmosphere. We are calling it Spaceliner 100 because it would be 100 times cheaper, costing $ 100 dollars a pound to orbit." While airbreathing propulsion is directly named, rocket propulsion is also implied by, "... while you are flying through the atmosphere." In-space final acceleration to orbital speed mandates rocket capabilities. Thus, in this informed view, Spaceliner 100 will be predicated on combined airbreathing/rocket propulsion, the technical subject of this paper. Interestingly, NASA's recently concluded Highly Reusable Space Transportation (HRST) study focused on the same affordability goal as that of the Spaceliner 100 initiative and reflected the decisive contribution of combined propulsion as a way of expanding operability and increasing the design robustness of future space transports, toward "aircraft like" capabilities. The HRST study built on the Access to Space Study and the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) development activities to identify and characterize space transportation concepts, infrastructure and technologies that have the greatest potential for reducing delivery cost by another order of magnitude, from $1,000 to $100-$200 per pound for 20,000 lb. - 40.000 lb. payloads to low earth orbit (LEO). The HRST study investigated a number of near-term, far-term, and very far-term launch vehicle concepts including all-rocket single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) concepts, two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) concepts, concepts with launch assist, rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) concepts, advanced expendable vehicles, and more far term ground-based laser powered launchers. The HRST study consisted of preliminary concept studies, assessments and analysis tool development for advanced space transportation systems, followed by end-to-end system concept definitions and trade analyses, specific system concept definition and analysis, specific key technology and topic analysis, system, operational and economics model development, analysis, and integrated assessments. The HRST Integration Task Force (HITF) was formed to synthesize study results in several specific topic areas and support the development of conclusions from the study: Systems Concepts Definitions, Technology Assessment, Operations Assessment, and Cost Assessment. This paper summarizes the work of the Operations Assessment Team: the six approaches used, the analytical tools and methodologies developed and employed, the issues and concerns, and the results of the assessment. The approaches were deliberately varied in measures of merit and procedure to compensate for the uncertainty inherent in operations data in this early phase of concept exploration. In general, rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) concepts appear to have significantly greater potential than all-rocket concepts for reducing operations costs.

Nix, Michael B.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Cryogenic storage technology readiness for First Lunar Outpost

The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: an assessment of cryogenic storage technology; cryogenic boiloff predictions; Space Shuttle/Centaur thermodynamic vent system; zero-g thermodynamic vent system; heat exchanger/mixer pump module; the thick multilayer insulation (MLI) development program; blanket geometry concept evaluations; four-inch thick MLI system on 1/4-scale test tank; combined environments of vibration, acceleration, and temperature testing (CEVAT); Centaur fixed foam insulation; insulation system design; and fixed foam on operational Atlas 2.

John R. Schuster↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Full-scale Demonstration of Pressurized Water Reactor Core Design Optimization using Multi-Cycle Optimization Methodology

The U.S. nuclear sector encounters a difficulty in upholding essential safety standards while also securing economic viability for continued operation. Safety stands as a pivotal factor across all facets of operations within light-water reactor nuclear power plants. Achieving economic feasibility alongside safety can be facilitated through the utilization of a risk-informed framework, exemplified by the ongoing development within the Risk-Informed Systems Analysis Pathway under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy's LWRS Program. This initiative advocates for a diverse array of research and development endeavors aimed at optimizing both safety and economic efficacy within nuclear power plants, particularly pertinent as many plants contemplate second license renewals. The Risk-Informed Systems Analysis Pathway has two main goals: deploy methodologies and technologies that better represent safety margins and cost and safety factors and develop advanced applications that enable cost-effective plant operation. This report assesses the potential for resolving multi-cycle plant reload challenges through real-world scenarios utilizing the Plant ReLoad Optimization (PRLO) framework. This framework offers reactor core design developers analytic tools of reactor safety and fuel performance with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance core design solutions. Multi-objective genetic algorithm alongside acceleration techniques is explored as an enabling technology for improving fuel efficiency while upholding safety thresholds. The demonstration of multi-cycle core design optimization is performed. This report investigates the practical application of the PRLO platform in addressing real-world core design challenges, supporting AI efforts, and contrasting outcomes with those derived from heuristic or conventional algorithms.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

WIRE-21 Sensor Irradiation Experiment Ready for HFIR Insertion

The ability to deploy new nuclear fuels for current or future reactor concepts requires a wealth of data regarding fuel performance during normal operation, anticipated operational occurrences, and design-basis accidents. Most of these data have historically been collected during experiments in materials test reactors, ideally with online instrumentation to collect as much data as possible. However, advanced instrumentation could also allow for in situ monitoring of fuel operating conditions during commercial reactor operation to maximize fuel utilization, reduce unnecessary conservativism in design margins, and improve operator understanding of limiting peaking factors. The latter approach would complicate fuel handling, particularly during refueling, unless the instrumentation could be placed inside the fuel rods and transmitted wirelessly to a receiver located outside the fuel’s primary pressure boundary. To this end, Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) developed wireless sensors based on inductive coupling that can transmit information regarding fuel centerline temperatures and rod internal pressures wirelessly from within a fuel rod to a nearby instrument thimble. After testing these sensors in lower-power university research reactors, the next step is to perform high neutron fluence testing to characterize the performance of these wireless sensors under conditions that are more representative of the intended application—in this case, light-water reactors (LWRs). The removable Be (RB) positions of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) provide the neutron flux, experiment volume, and access to instrument leads required to achieve these sensor testing goals. This report summarizes the design, analysis, and assembly of the Wireless Instrumented RB Experiment 2021 (WIRE-21). This is the most highly instrumented irradiation experiment ever performed in HFIR. The experiment will use seven different sensing techniques to measure temperature, pressure, neutron flux, and neutron fluence during reactor operation. In addition to WEC’s wireless temperature and pressure sensors, WIRE-21 includes an array of thermocouples, self-powered neutron detectors, spatially distributed fiber optic temperature sensors, passive SiC temperature monitors, and flux wires. The design of WIRE-21 and the cabling that was installed in HFIR also provide the infrastructure to enable accelerated, economical testing of advanced sensor technologies while leveraging the extremely high neutron flux that is available in HFIR. The containment for WIRE-21 is similar to previous RB irradiation vehicles but includes a few modifications, most notably the use of integrated compression seals to pass a larger number of sensor leads through the experiment’s pressure boundary. In addition to the sensor leads, inert gas lines are passed into the experiment to enable active temperature control and the ability to pneumatically actuate a bellows-driven pressure sensor. WIRE-21 is targeting component temperatures (300–350°C) and neutron fluence levels (~10 22 n/cm 2 ) that would be expected in the plenum region of LWR fuels, except for the active sensing region of the wireless temperature sensor, which is targeting LWR fuel centerline temperatures (~800–1,100°C). WIRE-21 was successfully assembled, passed all nondestructive examination, and was delivered to HFIR for insertion during upcoming cycle 498 (April 2022).

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of a Small-Aperture Cos-theta Dipole Insert Coil Based on Bi2212 Rutherford Cable and Stress Management Structure

The U.S. Magnet Development Program (US-MDP) is developing high-field accelerator magnets with magnetic fields beyond the limits of Nb3Sn technology based on high temperature superconductor Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8-x (Bi2212). However, Bi2212 wires and cables are sensitive to transverse stresses and strains, which are substantial in high-field accelerator magnets. To prevent large degradation of the Bi2212 coils and achieve the required field quality, an innovative design which provides turn positioning during coil fabrication and operation and manage azimuthal and radial strains/stresses in the coil has been proposed at FNAL. This paper describes the development of a small-aperture two-layer Bi2212 dipole coil with stress management. The main parameters of the Bi2212 wire and Rutherford cable, the design of coil stress management structure and its plastic model, the coil mechanical analysis in the dipole mirror configuration are presented and discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS2000

Gust Alleviation Using Direct Gust Measurement

The increasing competition in the market of civil aircraft leads to operating efficiency and passenger comfort being very important sales arguments. Continuous developments in jet propulsion technology helped to reduce energy consumption, as well as noise and vibrations due to the engines. The main problem with respect to ride comfort is, however, the transmittance of accelerations and jerkiness imposed by atmospheric turbulence from the wings to the fuselage. This 'gust' is also a design constraint: Light airplane structures help to save, energy, but are more critical to resist the loads imposed by turbulence. For both reasons, efficient gust alleviation is necessary to improve the performance of modern aircraft. Gust can be seen as a change in the angle of attack or as an additional varying vertical component of the headwind. The effect of gust can be very strong, since the same aerodynamic forces that keep the airplane flying are involved. Event though the frequency range of those changes is quite low, it is impossible for the pilot to alleviate gust manually. Besides, most of the time during the flight, the, autopilot maintains course and the attitude of flight. Certainly, most autopilots should be capable of damping the roughest parts of turbulence, but they are unable to provide satisfactory results in that field. A promising extension should be the application of subsidiary, control, where the inner (faster) control loop alleviates turbulence and the outer (slower) loop controls the attitude of flight. Besides the mentioned ride comfort, another reason for gust alleviation with respect to the fuselage is the sensibility of electrical devices to vibration and high values of acceleration. Many modern airplane designs--especially inherently instable military aircraft--are highly dependent on avionics. The lifetime and the reliability of these systems is thus essential.

Hoppe, Sven Marco↗
DOE OSTI2022

Circular economy as a climate strategy: current knowledge and calls-to-action

Existing pledges and NDC targets, even if fully achieved, are still not sufficient to meet the Paris climate goals. Considerable additional strategies and actions are urgently needed to close the emission gap. Built environment, transport, food system, and clean energy are the most relevant sectors for circular economy strategies to deliver climate change mitigation benefits. Circular economy strategies can complement decarbonization measures to further reduce GHG emissions from material production, help lower emissions from operational energy use in the built environment and transport, and cut emissions from waste management. The largest potential GHG emissions reductions through circularity come from consumption side measures and product design measures. Circular economy strategies can support a sustainable clean energy transition, by helping relieve the mineral supply pressure, increasing supply chain resilience, preventing new waste challenges, accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies, as well as maximizing their climate benefits. Furthermore, circular economy strategies can help enhance adaptation to climate change. Nine calls-to-action are put forward, for government, business, and civil society leaders to accelerate circular economy strategies with the highest potential for climate benefits, and for the research community to close critical knowledge gaps.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Upgrading Fermilab s Accelerator Control System with ACORN

The Fermilab Accelerator Complex is the largest national user facility in the Office of High Energy Physics (DOE/HEP) program and the only national user facility operating at Fermilab. Fermilab serves as the host to the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (LBNF/DUNE), the laboratory’s flagship project for neutrino science that is under construction. LBNF/DUNE will be powered by megawatt beams from an upgraded accelerator, the Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II) that will replace the laboratory’s aging linear accelerator with a new one based on superconducting radio-frequency cavities. The Accelerator Controls Operations Research Network (ACORN) Project will support LBNF/DUNE and PIP-II by modernizing the accelerator control system. The project is at the conceptual design phase and looking to achieve Critical Decision 1 (CD-1) later this year. The scope and structure of the project will be presented, along with an overview of how that has changed in the past year. Current design and technology choices will be shared. Specific challenges facing the project will be addressed, along with current thinking on solutions.

Roehrig, Christian [Fermilab]↗