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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2019

The Chemical Evolution of Cosmic Carbon: Laboratory Studies with the COSmIC Facility

Cosmic dust plays an essential role in our understanding of the chemical and physical evolution of the universe. Our understanding of cosmic dust relies on a combination of astronomical observations (either remote or on extraterrestrial dust samples), astrophysical modeling and laboratory studies of realistic analogs of cosmic dust grains. The COSmIC facility was developed at NASA Ames to study the evolution of cosmic carbon from circumstellar outflows to interstellar clouds to planetary atmospheres in the laboratory [1]. COSmIC stands for “Cosmic Simulation Chamber” and is dedicated to the study of neutral and ionized molecules and grain particles under the low temperature and density conditions that are required to simulate space environments. COSmIC integrates a variety of instruments that allow generating, processing, and monitoring simulated space conditions in the laboratory. It is composed of a Pulsed Discharge Nozzle (PDN) expansion that generates a plasma in a free supersonic jet expansion, coupled to high-sensitivity, complementary in situ diagnostic tools used for the detection and characterization of the species present in the expansion: Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) and fluorescence spectroscopy systems for photonic detection and an orthogonal Reflectron Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (oReTOF-MS) for mass detection. Recent advances achieved in laboratory astrophysics using COSmIC’s laboratory data in synergy with observational data will be presented. These results include the formation of dust grains and aerosols from gas-phase molecular precursors in environments as varied as circumstellar outflows of late AGB stars [2] and planetary atmospheres [3] and the evolution of our understanding of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) with applications to the ESO Diffuse Interstellar Bands Large Exploration Survey (EDIBLES [4, 5]). Plans for future laboratory developments and techniques to study the evolution of cosmic carbon molecules and grains (including NIR-MIR CRDS, laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and incandescence (LII)) will also be addressed as well as their astronomical applications.

Salama, F.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

What Is the OPP Approach to the Next Generation of Laboratory Requirements

Planetary Protection Quality Management System NASA’s Office of Planetary Protection uses a quality-based process evaluation approach to verify planetary protection bioburden compliance over a project’s life cycle. The verification strategy shifts from a comparative direct assay approach validating hardware bioburden at a “moment in time,” to one that implements a continual quality assurance demonstration of the analytical process via established data requirements, laboratory operational, and management parameters throughout the mission’s entire assembly process. Laboratory quality-based systems and management strategies are standardized and implemented across government and industry. A standardized laboratory quality system approach increases transparency throughout the project’s life cycle and aligns planetary protection analytical approaches with government and industry practices to support both NASA and commercial endeavors. Strategies include the implementation of a laboratory quality management structure that documents and routinely validates parameters critical to experimental design and data collection, provides data quality assessment parameters, and ultimately validates that the collected data is of sufficient quality and quantity to meet the specified technical goals. Planetary protection can draw on these practices to provide a systematic process-based quality approach to support planetary protection validation and compliance requirements. Quality approaches including data quality objectives, method performance, data acceptance criteria and the associated laboratory quality management system are presented to provide an overview and framework for a planetary protection laboratory quality management system.

Amy Baker↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Historical Overview of the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office’s Laboratory Optical Measurements

The NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) has used laboratory measurements to help bring ground-based measurements together with models to ascertain Earth-orbiting target parameters of interest to support various orbital debris models. In 2005, the Optical Measurement Center (OMC) was established to simulate space-based illumination conditions using equipment and techniques that recreate telescopic observations, particularly source-target-sensor orientations. The intent was to recreate light curves using known aspect angles of known targets and phase angles (angle is defined by the vertex between illumination source-object-detector) to complement telescopic observations that could be used to update the current optical size estimation model (OSEM) – a model that converts object brightness into size for orbital debris models. To support the above goals, the laboratory has undergone several equipment upgrades to increase capabilities over almost 20 years of operation. The primary instrumentation acquires reflectance measurements and includes a solar-like light source, CCD camera with astrometric filters, and robotic arm. A rotary arm was added approximately five years after full operation to allow acquisition through a full 360° range of phase angles. Another part of the OMC instrumentation is a field spectrometer, predominately used for field operations to acquire pre- and post-flight spacecraft material spectral measurements. Additionally, reflectance spectroscopy of various materials is also of interest resulting from hypervelocity impact tests, pristine spacecraft materials, or samples of materials that are used in spacecraft design. These measurements are stored in NASA’s Spectral Material Database, a resource that is still being populated today. The study of spectral measurements also enabled the development of spectral unmixing routines to support the identification of spacecraft materials from spectral data gathered by ground based telescopes. Preliminary OMC investigations focused on feasibility studies to acquire 360° rotation light curves of simple shapes at a single-phase angle and extended to measurements of representative fragments from ground-based explosion tests. To correlate the light curves with ground-based optical measurements, a focused study on high area to mass materials was conducted in support of a newly identified population (at the time) in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) consisting of multi-layered insulation. To further characterize orbital debris, a larger selection of materials was analyzed using laboratory photometric measurements that included representative targets from pristine spacecraft materials and ground-based impact tests. Around 2012, an initiative was requested to understand the feasibility of active debris removal (ADR) of larger targets using grappling methods for spent rocket bodies. Using a priori information on selected targets, scaled-down versions of rocket bodies were generated thanks to improvements in 3D printing technology and machining. These targets were studied in the OMC to understand rotation characteristics. These were compared with telescopic data to determine if the tumble and rotation angles would allow ADR. In 2013, the OMC focused on combining spectral measurements with photometric data to characterize GEO orbital debris. Several years later, NASA acquired a Titan III Transtage test article from “The Boneyard” with a high-resemblance to on-orbit Titan III Transtage rocket bodies, allowing physical access to a representative rocket body that suffered fragmentations in GEO. This prompted the creation of 3D models using lidar technology and spectral measurements of the materials. Focused research also transitioned to specific materials (i.e., solar cells) when telescopic surveys requested characterization of specific GEO targets. In the different research products presented, the focus has been to understand the various parameters that influence optical size estimation, including albedo, phase functions, and brightness variations. Work in this area continues with newer sources of data, including DebriSat, a high-fidelity 56-kg spacecraft replica representative of a modern low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite subjected to a laboratory hypervelocity impact test to understand fragmentation events and to support updates to satellite breakup models and size estimation models. Utilizing the vast population of fragments from DebriSat and prior laboratory impact experiments, the ODPO has focused on acquiring bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) data to characterize targets in the laboratory, thus removing aspect angle dependencies. Additionally, the DebriSat project has provided improved processes for measuring size via image acquisition, such that a true fragment size can be directly compared to the derived size using the OSEM. The team continues to assess BRDFs and use spectral measurement data to investigate the parameters used in the OSEM, specifically magnitudes, albedo, and phase functions.

Heather Cowardin↗
DOE OSTI2011

Safeguards Implementation: Establishment of Indonesian Safeguards Laboratory

Under the International Nuclear Safeguards and Engagement Program (INSEP), U.S. National Laboratories support the Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to ''collaborate with international partners to strengthen international safeguards at all stages of nuclear development.'' This engagement in safeguards implementation cooperation is the basis for the security and safeguards arrangement with the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BAPETEN) and includes strengthening of the State System of Accounting for and Control of Nuclear Material (SSAC). There are many components in a robust SSAC. While INSEP carries on its program in a holistic approach, it is more effective and efficient to address individual components, rather than the entire system at one time, with the objective of strengthening the system as a whole. Nuclear material accountancy is one of these components. Nuclear material accountancy necessitates that a State periodically take an inventory of its material and record changes. To better perform these activities, BAPETEN requested assistance with establishing a safeguards laboratory where its staff could perform independent material characterization, maintain nondestructive assay equipment, and facilitate hands-on training of BAPETEN safeguards inspectors. In compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines and safety series documents, INSEP and BAPETEN opened the BAPETEN Safeguards Laboratory in February 2010 to provide these competencies. BAPETEN showcased these new capabilities in July 2010 at the IAEA-sponsored Regional Workshop on Nuclear Material Accounting and Control at Facilities where hands-on activities were held at BAPETEN's Headquarters in Jakarta using the equipment supplied by INSEP. Discussions have begun on the establishment of a security and safeguards laboratory at the BAPETEN Training Center located in Cisarua. This paper describes the many steps involved with the Safeguards Laboratory Implementation Plan from its drafting in August 2007 to the completion of the laboratory in February 2010.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2015

The role of Aspo Hard Rock laboratory for the Swedish nuclear fuel and waste management's research, developing and demonstration programme for a final repository of spent nuclear fuel - 15378

The Aspo Hard Rock Laboratory (HRL), located in the Simpevarp area in the municipality of Oskarshamn in Sweden, Figure 1, constitutes an important part of the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management (SKB) work with design and construction of a deep geological repository for final disposal of spent nuclear fuel. One of the fundamental reasons behind SKB's decision to construct an underground laboratory was to create an opportunity for research, development and demonstration in a realistic and undisturbed rock environment down to repository depth. Most of the research has concerned with processes of importance for the long-term safety of a future final repository and the capability to model the processes taking place at repository depth. Demonstration addresses the performance of the engineered barriers and practical means of constructing a repository and emplacing the canisters containing spent fuel. SKB will in the coming years more focus on using the Aspo HRL for demonstrating technology for and function of important parts of the repository system before constructing and operate the spent nuclear fuel repository in Forsmark. Aspo HRL includes both a research village with office space for 100 persons and different laboratories, e.g. Chemistry and Material Science Laboratory and Bentonite Laboratory, and an underground research laboratory to a depth of 460 m. The Aspo HRL is also open for other organisations to be used for their own projects and experiments not only related to nuclear waste management research. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Status Update - Installation and Operation of GeoMelt{sup R} ICV{sup TM} Process in the NNL's Central Laboratory on the Sellafield Site - 16410

Thermal treatment of nuclear waste in the UK has seen much renewed interest recently, owing to the advantages that can be gained in terms of reduced waste volumes, compatibility with reactive metals and organics and its ability to treat mixed generic wastes. Vitrification is a treatment option which destroys organics and some hazardous inorganics such as asbestos, reduces wasteform volume, and produces a robust leach resistant wasteform. Kurion's GeoMelt{sup R} In-Container Vitrification (ICV){sup TM} is a vitrification process where the treatment vessel can serve as an interim-storage, transport, and final long-term storage vessel - thus negating the need to pour glass into a separate container, effectively leading to a much simpler system than traditional waste melters. The UK's National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) and Kurion have entered into a joint project to deploy an active waste ICV{sup TM} plant based on Kurion's GeoMelt{sup R} technology, at NNL's flagship Central Laboratory on the Sellafield site. NNL is the UK's national laboratory for civil nuclear science and technology, providing advice to government, protecting key skills, supporting industry and delivering national nuclear programs. NNL is bringing the Kurion GeoMelt{sup R} process alongside its existing capabilities in thermal waste treatment. Kurion provides technology solutions to minimize and stabilize nuclear and hazardous waste through its families of technologies: access, separation and stabilization processes. The GeoMelt{sup R} plant being installed at the NNL's Central Laboratory creates a platform to evaluate the vitrification technology for the variety of wastes from the NDA estate and creates a treatment path for problematic waste streams that currently have no disposition pathway. With the diverse facilities under NNL management coupled with the NNL's ability to import wastes from within the UK and Europe, this arrangement with Kurion provides waste owners with treatment disposition pathways for problematic wastes. The Kurion / NNL team completed non-radioactive commissioning of a GeoMelt{sup R} ICV{sup TM} treatment system in 2015. Commissioning consisted of performing two tests at NNL's Workington Laboratory. Commissioning Test 1 involved vitrification of 367 kg of glass frit over the course of approximately 18 hours. Commissioning Test 2 consisted of processing 470 kg of soil and additives in approximately 27 hours. The soil processed in the second test was non-radioactive soil from Sellafield and was used as an analog for radioactive soil to be processed during radioactive commissioning at the Central Laboratory at Sellafield. All commissioning test goals were easily achieved and all subsystems operated as designed. Radioactive commissioning will be carried out in early 2016. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

Laboratory and Field Investigations of In-Situ Remediation of Cr(VI) in the LANL Regional Aquifer - 18683

Two biogeochemical in-situ remediation strategies are currently being evaluated to help manage a Cr(VI) plume present in deep groundwater beneath Los Alamos National Laboratory. The first is the addition of a chemical reductant, sodium dithionite, and the second is the use of a bio-stimulant, molasses. This paper summarizes the results to date of laboratory and field investigations of the effectiveness of these two amendments in the Los Alamos aquifer. A semi-empirical model based on the results of laboratory batch and column experiments has been developed to describe dithionite reactions and subsequent cation exchange processes in the aquifer. The model is being used to predict the effective 'reach' of dithionite in field deployments, and so far the predictions of the model are consistent with observations in a field push-pull test involving dithionite. Contrary to what has been frequently assumed, the laboratory data suggest that the resulting Cr(VI) reduction capacity depends more strongly on the amount of dithionite consumed than on the amount of iron reduced during the treatment, and an empirical approach is being used to predict reduction capacity generated in the field test. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated a robust ability of molasses to promote biomass growth that imparts significant Cr(VI) reduction capacity to sediments. Molasses has been deployed in a field push-drift test (no active pumping) in a well in which the aquifer Darcy velocity is known to be high. To date, the molasses has not drifted out of the injection well, so it has not been possible to make comparisons with laboratory experiments. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Panel Session 37: Featured Country Canada - Whiteshell Laboratories Decommissioning Successes and Challenges (4/5)

This panel focused on the decommissioning of the AECL Whiteshell Laboratories in Pinawa, Manitoba. The discussion presented successes as well as remaining challenges, including the proposed in-situ disposal of the organic-coated nuclear reactor shell. The panel included representatives from the Owner, the operator, the Canadian regulator, the local municipality and a representative of the indigenous community in the area. Presentations proposed include: 1 - Whiteshell Laboratories - Decommissioning Successes and Challenges (Craig Michaluk, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (Canada)); 2 - Whiteshell Laboratories Decommissioning: Successes and Challenges (Kavita Murthy, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (Canada)); 3 - Successes and Challenges of the Whiteshell Laboratories Closure Project (Brian Wilcox, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (Canada)); 4 - Whiteshell Laboratories Decommissioning Successes and Challenges - Community Point of View (Blair Skinner, Local Government District of Pinawa, Manitoba (Canada))

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2026

Impedance Based Fixture Neutralization (FINE) Method to Replicate Field Environments in Laboratory Settings

Test article vibration test responses will vary from one test laboratory to another due to differences in shaker and fixture dynamic characteristics. This is also seen between the field and laboratory due to the differing dynamic characteristics between field assembly loading and boundary conditions compared to the laboratory configuration. This work introduces a technique called Impedance Fixture Neutralization which customizes input forces to cause consistent responses for the Device Under Test across different vibration testing conditions. The customized force neutralizes the dynamic variations between configurations for the Device Under Test. The device responses can be replicated in several situations: when using a different fixture with the same attachment points, when the test article mounting location on the fixture changes, when the force location changes, or any combination of these situations. Impedance Fixture Neutralization uses the uncoupled dynamic characteristics of the test article and excitation fixtures to customize the input thereby causing the same test article responses between two mounting configurations (either field to laboratory or two different laboratory configurations). The application of the technique is shown using an analytical model of a two-beam system and analytically using experimental FRFs from plate and frame component hardware characterization tests. In both cases a device under test is attached to two test fixtures wherein the dynamic differences in the configurations are neutralized.

Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2013

A Large Detector Laboratory for the Development and Testing of Radiation Detection Systems

Thousands of radiation detection systems have been deployed over the last decade to domestic and international locations, primarily at ports of entry or departure. An essential ingredient in supporting sensor deployment is the capability to develop and test emerging systems and replicate the behavior of deployed systems. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory recently designed and constructed a laboratory for developing and testing these large-scale radiation detection systems. The Large Detector Laboratory is capable of housing up to 30 fully integrated radiation portal monitoring systems and allows for complex testing scenarios that include background suppression, equipment shielding, and source cross talk between systems. The laboratory design also allows implementation of applications ranging from pedestrian screening to baggage or package inspection to vehicle and cargo inspection to standoff detection. This manuscript describes the unique attributes of this laboratory that includes reproducing operational conditions faced by integrated systems, realistic source configurations and measurements across multiple systems.

laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory Glenn T. Seaborg Institute: 2025 highlights

The Glenn T. Seaborg Institute (GTSI) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) serves as a dedicated hub for advancing actinide R&D, aimed at strengthening the United States’ capabilities in actinide science. With a focus on medical, industrial, and national security applications, the ORNL GTSI seeks to foster the next generation of scientists and engineers. Collaborating closely with corresponding Seaborg Institutes at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and Idaho National Laboratory, the ORNL GTSI leverages its unique strengths. These include unparalleled expertise in isotope production, handling of rare isotopes, and leadership in neutron and computational sciences. Notably, the ORNL GTSI is positioned as the nation’s cornerstone for actinide R&D, capitalizing on the exceptional capabilities of the High Flux Isotope Reactor—the premier reactor for isotope production—and the Hazard Category 2 Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, which supports advanced production, processing, and applications research. Furthermore, the GTSI is committed to serving as a national center of excellence for training across all levels of actinide science education. This report provides an overview of the activities, milestones, and accomplishments of the ORNL GTSI over the past year.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effects of soiling and weathering on the albedo of building envelope materials: Lessons learned from natural exposure in two European cities and tuning of a laboratory simulation practice

Chemical and physical stress, weathering, organic and inorganic matter deposition, and microbial growth over time, or “aging”, affect the optical-radiative performance of building envelope materials. Natural exposure helps to quantify these effects, but it usually requires several years. Further, the contribution of the different degradation agents cannot be isolated, and results from different campaigns cannot be easily compared because of the variability in the boundary conditions producing aging. Here in this paper we present an adaptation of the protocol implemented by ASTM as D7897-18 “Standard Practice for Laboratory Soiling and Weathering of Roofing Materials to Simulate Effects of Natural Exposure on Solar Reflectance and Thermal Emittance”. The aim is to reproduce in the laboratory the changes in albedo (solar reflectance) and thermal emittance experienced by building envelope materials in European urban areas rather than in the United States. We tuned the spraying duration and weathering cycles, and we compared the UV–vis–NIR reflectances of naturally-aged specimens (48 months in Rome and Milan) of roofing and wall finish materials to those exposed to laboratory weathering and soiling. Excluding those materials that show early physical-chemical degradation, the mean absolute deviation between natural and laboratory exposure of roofing products is equal to 0.027 in albedo. This is a lower value than the differences between two natural exposure campaigns at the same site. We clearly defined the limits of application of the protocol, providing an appraisal of the repeatability of natural aging. Moreover, we identified possible improvements in the methodology to conduct both natural and laboratory exposure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Laboratory earthquake forecasting: A machine learning competition

Earthquake prediction, the long-sought holy grail of earthquake science, continues to confound Earth scientists. Could we make advances by crowdsourcing, drawing from the vast knowledge and creativity of the machine learning (ML) community? We used Google’s ML competition platform, Kaggle, to engage the worldwide ML community with a competition to develop and improve data analysis approaches on a forecasting problem that uses laboratory earthquake data. The competitors were tasked with predicting the time remaining before the next earthquake of successive laboratory quake events, based on only a small portion of the laboratory seismic data. The more than 4,500 participating teams created and shared more than 400 computer programs in openly accessible notebooks. Complementing the now well-known features of seismic data that map to fault criticality in the laboratory, the winning teams employed unexpected strategies based on rescaling failure times as a fraction of the seismic cycle and comparing input distribution of training and testing data. In addition to yielding scientific insights into fault processes in the laboratory and their relation with the evolution of the statistical properties of the associated seismic data, the competition serves as a pedagogical tool for teaching ML in geophysics. The approach may provide a model for other competitions in geosciences or other domains of study to help engage the ML community on problems of significance.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations to Assess Spatial Variability and Optimal Ventilation Scenarios for Biological Laboratory Exposures

A significant amount of uncertainty exists regarding potential human exposure to laboratory biomaterials and organisms in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) research laboratories. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is proposed as a way to better understand potential impacts of different combinations of biomaterials, laboratory manipulations, and exposure routes on risks to laboratory workers. Here, in this study, we use CFD models to simulate airborne concentrations of contaminants in an actual BSL-2 laboratory under different configurations. Results show that ventilation configuration, sampling location, and contaminant source location can significantly impact airborne concentrations and exposures. Depending on the source location and airflow patterns, the transient and time-integrated concentrations varied by several orders of magnitude. Contaminant plumes from sources located near a return vent (or exhaust like a fume hood or ventilated biosafety cabinet) are likely to be more contained than sources that are further from the exhaust. Having a direct flow between the source and the exhaust (through-flow condition) may reduce potential exposures to individuals outside the air flow path. Designing a BSL-2 room with ventilation and airflow patterns that maximize through-flow conditions to the return/exhaust vents and minimize dispersion and mixing throughout the room is, therefore, recommended. CFD simulations can also be used to assist in characterizing the impacts of supply and return vent locations, room layout, and source locations on spatial and temporal contaminant concentrations. In addition, proper placement of particle sensors can also be informed by CFD simulations to provide additional characterization and monitoring of potential exposures in BSL-2 facilities.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗
DOE OSTI2011

Idaho National Laboratory Cultural Resource Management Plan

As a federal agency, the U.S. Department of Energy has been directed by Congress, the U.S. president, and the American public to provide leadership in the preservation of prehistoric, historic, and other cultural resources on the lands it administers. This mandate to preserve cultural resources in a spirit of stewardship for the future is outlined in various federal preservation laws, regulations, and guidelines such as the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. The purpose of this Cultural Resource Management Plan is to describe how the Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office will meet these responsibilities at the Idaho National Laboratory. This Laboratory, which is located in southeastern Idaho, is home to a wide variety of important cultural resources representing at least 13,500 years of human occupation in the southeastern Idaho area. These resources are nonrenewable; bear valuable physical and intangible legacies; and yield important information about the past, present, and perhaps the future. There are special challenges associated with balancing the preservation of these sites with the management and ongoing operation of an active scientific laboratory. The Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office is committed to a cultural resource management program that accepts these challenges in a manner reflecting both the spirit and intent of the legislative mandates. This document is designed for multiple uses and is intended to be flexible and responsive to future changes in law or mission. Document flexibility and responsiveness will be assured through annual reviews and as-needed updates. Document content includes summaries of Laboratory cultural resource philosophy and overall Department of Energy policy; brief contextual overviews of Laboratory missions, environment, and cultural history; and an overview of cultural resource management practices. A series of appendices provides important details that support the main text.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Assessment of the Impact of a New Guanidine Suppressor In NGS on F/H Laboratory Analyses For DWPF and Saltstone MCU Transfers

Implementation of the Next Generation Solvent (NGS) in the Modular Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU) will now proceed with a new suppressor compound, 1,2,3-tris(3,7-dimethyloctyl)guanidine (TiDG), replacing the originally planned suppressor for NGS, 1,3-dicyclohexyl-2-(11-methyldodecyl) guanidine (DCiTG). The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) was tasked with evaluating the potential impact to F/H Laboratory analyses supporting the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) used to qualify transfers of MCU Strip Effluent (SE) into the facility and the Saltstone WAC used to qualify transfers of Tank 50 containing Decontaminated Salt Solution (DSS) from MCU into Saltstone. This assigned scope is covered by a Task Technical and Quality Assurance Plan (TTQAP). Previous impact evaluations were conducted when the DCiTG suppressor was planned for NGS and concluded that there was no impact to either the determination of MCU SE pH nor the analysis of Isopar ® L carryover in the MCU SE and DSS streams. SRNL reported on this series of cross-check studies between the SRNL and F/H Laboratories. The change in suppressor from DCiTG to TiDG in the NGS should not impact the measurement of Isopar ® L or pH in SE or DSS necessary to satisfy DWPF and Saltstone WAC (Tank 50) criteria, respectively. A statistical study of the low bias observed in Isopar ® L measurements in both SRNL and F/H Laboratories may be necessary now that the final NGS composition is fixed in order to quantify the low bias so that a proper correction can be applied to measurements critical to the DWPF and Saltstone WACs. Depending upon the final DWPF WAC requirement put in place for SE pH, it could become necessary to implement an alternative ICP-AES measurement of boron. The current blended solvent system testing in SRNL should address any impacts to Isopar ® L carryover into either the DSS or the SE. It is recommended that SRNL monitor the current blended solvent work underway with simulants in SRNL as well as any DWPF CPC testing done with the new SE stream to ascertain whether any need develops that could result in modification of any currently planned F/H Laboratory testing protocols.

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

2024 Annual Site Environmental Report for Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, California

Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. The National Nuclear Security Administration’s Sandia Field Office administers the Prime Contract and oversees contractor operations at Sandia National Laboratories, California. Activities at this multi-program engineering and science laboratory support the nuclear weapons stockpile program, energy and environmental research, homeland security, micro- and nanotechnologies, and basic science and engineering research. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and its management and operating contractor are committed to fulfilling regulatory obligations, safeguarding the environment, assessing sustainability practices, and ensuring the validity and accuracy of the monitoring data presented in this annual site environmental report (ASER). This report provides a summary of environmental monitoring and compliance activities that occurred at Sandia National Laboratories, California, during calendar year 2024, unless noted otherwise. General site and environmental program information is also included. This report was prepared in accordance with DOE Order 231.1B, Admin Change 1, Environment, Safety and Health Reporting.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Rapid Assessment of a Lunar Surface Laboratory Module

Johnson Space Center is piloting an innovation team known as the Forge to perform rapid turnaround, concurrent engineering studies. The Forge is intended to be able to pull together a team of strategically selected domain experts to innovatively solve a specified problem within a short period of time. The Forge’s inaugural project being the development of a Lunar Surface Laboratory Module concept. The lab module is intended as an option for the Artemis program’s Lunar Architecture Team. The lab module may allow for increased science productivity and return on investment than a surface architecture with only the habitat. This paper will discuss the configuration of the Lunar Laboratory module, including the pressure vessel, its placement relative to the Surface Habitat and Pressurized Rover, and internal architecture. In order to determine the suitability of such a design, a human factors evaluation is conducted. Historically, a human factors evaluation of a habitable volume could require a month or longer, including time needed to prepare a test plan, conduct the evaluation, compile the data, and produce a report. The entire Forge effort will only last for five weeks, forcing the creation of a rapid assessment process. This rapid assessment includes three evaluation studies, all conducted and processed in the space of a single day, to determine the acceptability of the resulting design. The first evaluation is a card sort evaluation of the laboratory instruments. A brief discussion of the card sort evaluation is provided. This card sort is focused on the relative positioning of the laboratory instruments, determining whether a given instrument should be adjacent to, or separated from, another. It will use human factors personnel and both life and physical scientists as subject matter experts. The second evaluation is a science productivity tabletop evaluation. This evaluation focuses on the selection of instruments and the number of instruments, attempting to assess the amount of work the crew will be able to use the facility to do. It uses life and physical science personnel as subject matter experts. The third evaluation is a CAD or Virtual Reality human factors walkthrough evaluation. This evaluation focuses on the layout of the lab module and its connectivity to the basecamp’s pressurized elements. If possible, astronauts will be used as subject matter experts. Each of these evaluations will focus primarily on objective data with limited subjective comments, reducing the time required for processing responses. The results of each evaluation and their implications will be discussed. Based on the evaluation data, an overall acceptability of the Lunar Surface Laboratory Module produced by the Forge study can be determined. Lessons learned and recommendations for future use of the human factors rapid assessment process in early design trades will also be provided.

Lunar Laboratory↗