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DOE OSTI2026

Mechanistic mass transfer in hollow fiber membrane solvent extraction for bio-based isobutanol

Membrane solvent extraction (MSE) has emerged as a promising method for selectively recovering bioproducts from complex aqueous streams. Bio-isobutanol, a next-generation feedstock for biofuel, remains challenging to recover because of its low concentration and the presence of inhibitory substances. This study explores the potential of hollow fiber (HF) MSE for bio-isobutanol recovery and systematically examines the coupled effects of fiber packing, shell-side flow dynamics, and aqueous chemistry on performance. A resistance-in-series model is applied to understand mass transfer in the HF MSE modules, quantify local resistances, and validate overall performance. The results show that increasing the fiber packing provides a larger interfacial area but induces poor flow distribution and channeling, hindering effective isobutanol transport. Meanwhile, increasing the shell-side velocity improves isobutanol recovery due to reductions in the boundary layer thickness. The presence of salts, added to mimic fermentation broth, increases the partition coefficient through salting-out effects, further improving isobutanol flux. A modified correlation for the shell-side mass transfer coefficient (k s,ϕ+v ), integrating geometric and hydrodynamic effects, was developed and validated. The proposed model achieves highly predictive accuracy (r 2 = 0.9808) across a wide range of conditions, outperforming previous models. The findings provide mechanistic insight into the interaction of geometric packing, hydrodynamics, and chemistry in governing mass transfer in HF MSE. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of HF MSE for efficient bio-isobutanol recovery and also provides practical guidelines on critical factors (packing fraction, partition coefficient, and shell-side velocity), aiding in the design and scaling of MSE systems for resource recovery.

Aqueous chemistry↗

DOE OSTI2025

Convergence study of wakefield simulations with GdfidL and ECHO3D

The interaction of charged particle beams with vacuum chamber components gives rise to electromagnetic wakefields, whose frequency-domain representation is known as beam coupling impedance. Geometric impedance arising from discontinuities and transitions in the vacuum chamber is the focus of this study. Minimizing this impedance is essential to mitigate adverse collective effects in modern storage rings operating with high-intensity particle beams. Accurate and reliable impedance simulations is a key factor of the vacuum chamber design. This paper presents the results of a convergence study of two widely used electromagnetic solvers, GdfidL and ECHO3D, applied to key vacuum-chamber components of the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) storage ring. Detailed comparisons are performed for several geometries, including flange absorbers, RF bellows, button-type beam position monitors, and an in-vacuum undulator (IVU). The results show notable differences in convergence and computational efficiency between the two codes. While GdfidL provides highly resolved results and serves as a common benchmark tool, ECHO3D yields consistent results with coarser meshes, significantly reducing simulation time and memory demands. Simulations with a full-geometry IVU model demonstrate that simplified taper-transition models can miss important impedance contributions. In conclusion, these findings provide practical guidelines for efficient and accurate impedance modeling to optimize design of vacuum chamber components for accelerators.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Thin-Film Fracture Behavior for Diketopyrrolopyrrole Semiconducting Polymeric Films

Fracture energy, which quantifies a material’s resistance to the propagation of a pre-existing crack, is a key parameter for ensuring the mechanical reliability of stretchable organic electronic devices. However, most existing methods, such as a four-point bending fracture energy, utilized for measuring the fracture energy of semiconducting polymeric thin films are complicated by substrate effects, making it challenging to isolate the intrinsic behavior of the film from interfacial influences. In this study, we employed a pseudo free-standing pure shear method to systematically investigate the cohesive fracture energy of poly(diketopyrrolopyrrole-terthiophene) P(DPP-T)-based thin films to examine the effects of nanoconfinement, side chain length, degree of crystallinity, and strain rates. This method effectively eliminates substrate interference, enabling a direct assessment of the cohesive fracture energy of P(DPP-T) thin films. We found that thinner films and those with lower molecular weights exhibited significantly reduced fracture energies due to diminished chain entanglements. Additionally, films with shorter side chains displayed notably higher fracture energies, which were attributed to an increase in the degree of crystallinity. Finally, slower strain rates led to higher fracture energies, consistent with an enhanced stress relaxation. These insights offer practical guidelines for designing mechanically robust semiconducting polymers, contributing to the advancement of reliable, durable, flexible, and wearable electronic devices.

Zhang, Song [Univ. of Southern Mississippi, Hattie↗

DOE OSTI2025

Reticular Structural Diversification of Zirconium Metal–Organic Frameworks Through Angular Ligand Configuration Control

Reticular chemistry offers practical guidelines for enlarging and enriching the arsenal of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). However, reticular expansion to access mesoporous structures remains challenging due to limitations in achieving precise control over both the size and configuration during building units’ extension. Herein, we combine ligand isomerization and functionalization strategies to regulate the ligand configuration by systematically replacing aryl C–H groups with N atoms, resulting in angular dicarboxylate ligands with various symmetries. The assembly between a 4,4′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)dibenzoic acid ligand (1N, C 2 symmetry) and 12-connected Zr 6 cluster leads to the formation of a pseudo ftw topology framework (NU-2611), where one pair of nose-to-nose 1N ligands resembles a tetra-topic ligand. When a 6,6′-(1,3-phenylene)dinicotinic acid ligand (2N, C S symmetry) was used, another pseudo ftw network NU-2612 was obtained with a 2-fold framework interpenetration. Interestingly, the planar [2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine]-5,5″-dicarboxylic acid ligand (3N, C 2V symmetry) yielded an intriguing mesoporous Zr-MOF with kag topology. NU-2613 represents the first example of kag Zr-MOF designed to include large, well-defined mesopores. The diversity of these MOFs was further enhanced through post-synthetic metalation of linkers. Particularly, metalation of the chelating 3N ligand with Fe 3+ in NU-2613 enables efficient catalytic transformation within the functionalized channels. This work contributes insight into the reticular expansion of Zr-MOFs by finely-tuning the ligand planarity, advancing the structure diversification of mesoporous frameworks for specific applications.

Cluster chemistry↗

DOE OSTI2025

Global and regional perspectives on optimizing thermo-responsive dynamic windows for energy-efficient buildings

Architectural thermo-responsive dynamic windows offer an autonomous solution for solar heat regulation, thereby reducing building energy consumption. Previous work has emphasized the significance of thermo-responsive windows in hot climates due to their role in solar heat control and subsequent energy conservation; conversely, our study provides a different perspective. Through a global-scale analysis, we explore over 100 material samples and execute more than 2.8 million simulations across over two thousand global locations. World heatmap results, derived from well-trained artificial neural network models, reveal that thermo-responsive windows are especially useful in climates where buildings demand both heating and cooling energy, whereas thermo-responsive windows with optimal transition temperatures show no dynamic features in most of low-latitude tropical regions. Additionally, this study provides a practical guideline and an open-source mapping tool to optimize the intrinsic properties of thermo-responsive materials and evaluate their energy performance for sustainable buildings at various geographical scales.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2026

Causes and consequences of experimental variation in Nicotiana benthamiana transient expression

Infiltration of Agrobacterium tumefaciens into Nicotiana benthamiana has become a foundational technique in plant biology, enabling efficient delivery of transgenes in planta with technical ease, robust signal, and relatively high throughput. Despite transient expression’s prevalence in disciplines such as synthetic biology, little work has been done to describe and address the variability inherent in this system, a concern for experiments that rely on highly quantitative readouts. In a comprehensive analysis of N. benthamiana agroinfiltration experiments, we model sources of variability that affect transient expression. Our findings emphasize the need to validate normalization methods under the specific conditions of each study, as distinct normalization schemes do not always reduce variation either within or between experiments. Using a dataset of 1915 plants collected over three years, we develop a model of variation in N. benthamiana transient expression, using power analysis to determine the number of individual plants required for a given effect size. Drawing on our longitudinal data, these findings inform practical guidelines for minimizing variability through strategic experimental design and power analysis, providing a foundation for more robust and reproducible use of N. benthamiana in quantitative plant biology and synthetic biology applications.

Tang, Sophia N. [Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI),↗

DOE OSTI2024

A bending test protocol for characterizing the mechanical performance of flexible photovoltaics

Flexible photovoltaics (PV) represents a promising research field with great potential for wearable, portable, and indoor applications. Significant progress has been made in recent years, with flexible emerging PV reporting power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 24%. Yet, there is a need for a unifying protocol to assess PV performance, compare research results, and evaluate the state- of-the-art achievements in flexible PV. In this paper, a consensus protocol is presented for measuring PCE over 1,000 bending cycles under 1% strain. Moreover, several good practice guidelines are proposed including bending procedures, flexibility testing with and without encapsulation, and ambient conditions during testing (e.g., temperature, humidity, illumination). Notably, the importance of uniform application of bending radius and the testing of parallel and perpendicular orientations of bending axis with respect to the direction of the electric current are emphasized. These recommendations aim to promote consistency in device comparison and allow for better reproducibility.

Fukuda, Kenjiro↗

DOE OSTI2026

Phase Drifts and Signal Dispersion in Coaxial Cables

Phase reference distribution is a critical challenge in modern linear particle accelerators, such as European Spallation Source (ESS), European X-ray Free Electron Laser (E-XFEL), or Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II). Similar issues may also arise in other RF systems that need to synchronize many independent circuits. Achieving low phase drift of the reference signal requires careful selection of cables and their environmental operating conditions. Due to the limited data provided by cable manufacturers, it is necessary to characterize the cable performance. This article investigates the phase drifts in coaxial cables and presents a dedicated measurement methodology. The dispersion characteristics of the cables are also examined. The measurement results of various coaxial cables are presented, along with conclusions and practical guidelines for designers of phase reference distribution lines.

coaxial cables↗

DOE OSTI2026

Multi‐Model Ensembles in Ecosystem Modeling: Challenges and Best Practices for Decision‐Making

Ecosystem models are increasingly central to the decision-making for environmental policy, conservation planning, and climate-related investments. Yet, the growing reliance on Multi-Model Ensembles (MMEs) of ecosystem models by practitioners and policymakers, sometimes under tight timelines and imperfect information, has frequently outpaced the scientific rigor required to ensure ensemble reliability. Here, MMEs refer to approaches that combine targeted predictions from multiple models with the expectation of improving robustness and quantifying predictive uncertainty. Poorly designed MMEs may create a false sense of confidence and lead to suboptimal policy and market decisions. This perspective argues that robust decision-making-relevant MMEs must be grounded on two pillars: (1) rigorous Model Intercomparison Projects (MIPs), which identify inter-model agreement and disagreement, characterize model uncertainties, and evaluate robustness with observationally based benchmarks—MIPs' diagnostic evaluation is so critical that it must be needed to drive MME's decision in model selection and weighting, especially when only a limited number of models available; and (2) co-design by both stakeholders and scientists to ensure that scenarios, metrics and uncertainty requirements provide decision-relevant information. Building upon the past success and lessons from the existing MIPs-MMEs efforts (e.g., climate/Earth system/crop), we derived the theoretical basis for MMEs, addressed their specific challenges in ecosystem modeling, and highlighted proper consideration of model numbers and diversity, risk of model inter-dependence, effective calibration of model parameters, possible overdue of some ecosystem model development, critical roles of open benchmark data across a wide range of conditions, and suggested use of Artificial Intelligence to support MIPs-MMEs. We highlighted the under-recognized opportunity for MIPs and MMEs to drive scientific progress and innovation through identifying better performing models, systematic benchmarking, feedback loops, and targeted model improvement. By following actionable best practice guidelines, MMEs can evolve from ad hoc aggregation of models into a trusted backbone of environmental policy and decision-making.

ecosystem modeling↗

DOE OSTI2025

Characterizing the Impact of GPU Power Management on an Exascale System

As GPU-accelerated high-performance computing (HPC) systems approach exascale performance, controlling energy consumption without compromising throughput is essential. Architectures such as the AMD MI250X-based Frontier supercomputer provide runtime mechanisms like frequency and power capping, enabling energy tuning without modifying application code. Although both target energy reduction, they operate via distinct hardware control paths and influence workloads differently. We present a comprehensive evaluation of these strategies on a leadership-class system using diverse HPC proxy applications representative of production workloads. Our study analyzes performance–energy trade-offs across multiple capping levels, node counts (1 and 32), and application profiles. Results show that frequency capping generally achieves higher energy efficiency and scalability, with gains of up to 13.2% without performance loss, while power capping is more effective for single-node runs or bursty GPU utilization. We also provide practical guidelines to help system administrators and users balance energy efficiency and performance in large-scale scientific workloads.

Costa, Mariana [Universidade Federal do Rio Grande↗

DOE OSTI2026

Exploring altermagnetism in RuO 2 : from conflicting experiments to emerging consensus

Altermagnetism has recently emerged as a new class of magnetic order that combines the advantages of both ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. The compensated antiparallel spin structure, in combination with crystallographic rotational symmetry, gives rise to distinct magnetic properties, opening new opportunities for next-generation spintronic applications. In this review, we introduce a variety of experimental approaches—including electronic, optical, and particle-based spectroscopies—used to probe theoretically suggested altermagnetism. In particular, we review recent studies on the altermagnetic candidate RuO 2 , whose magnetic ground state remains under debate with conflicting experimental results, organizing the discussion according to the experimental techniques. Furthermore, we highlight recent findings on fully strained RuO 2 thin films that emphasize the critical role of strain in the emergence of altermagnetism. We believe that this review will provide not only practical guidelines for investigating altermagnetic systems but also valuable insights toward reaching consensus on the ongoing controversies surrounding RuO 2 ’s altermagnetism.

altermagnet↗

DOE OSTI2024

PV Performance Modeling and Stakeholder Engagement (Final Technical Report)

This core capability project’s objective is to increase the value of photovoltaic (PV) performance models by improving their functionality, demonstrating, and quantifying their validity, and offering a wide range of stakeholder engagement opportunities. In FY22-24, we developed new and improved modeling algorithms and functions to represent PV performance more accurately in a variety of environments and conditions. The “Model parameter toolkit” was developed and includes functions to translate between different module temperature models, incidence angle modifier models, and single-diode models. A new modeling capability named “PV Atlas” was also developed leveraging Sandia’s High Performance Computing resources. This capability allows us to investigate several questions and provide climate-specific best practices and geographic data files; all these are hosted on an interactive website on Sandia’s GitHub and can be used for training, system optimization, or to provide best practices for uncertainty reduction. For model validation, we published high-quality PV performance, and weather data; these data are well documented, filtered, and processed for quality and include examples on how to run PV simulations. We also developed well documented, standardized methods for validating PV models and ran independent model validation and 2 blind modeling intercomparisons engaging with 49 organizations from 17 countries. We co-led and contributed to a growing, well documented and maintained suite of open-source functions for PV modeling (i.e., the pvlib-python) and we outreached to the PV modeling stakeholders via the PVPMC workshops and web resources. In addition, this project supported US representation and leadership for the International Energy Agency (IEA) PVPS Task 13; specifically, members of our team led and supported 3 subtasks on: 1) Best practices for the optimization of bifacial photovoltaic tracking, 2) Extreme weather events and their multiple impact on PV power plants: Risks, failure mechanisms and mitigation strategies, and 3) Best practice guidelines for the use of economic and technical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This project resulted in the publications of 14 peer reviewed journal papers, 37 conference presentations, 6 SAND reports, 5 public datasets and 6 new webpages on the PVPMC website. It supported the release of 13 pvlib-python versions where 28 enhancements were from this PV Performance Modeling project. We co-organized 5 PVPMC workshops in FY22-24 with the participation of 214 unique institutions and around 700 participants. The PVPMC website was redesigned, and its reliability was improved; it receives over 50,000 visitors/year from 202 unique countries.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1989

Improving software maintenance through measurement

A practical approach to improving software maintenance through measurements is presented. This approach is based on general models for measurement and improvement. Both models, their integration, and practical guidelines for transferring them into industrial maintenance settings are presented. Several examples of applications of the approach to real-world maintenance environments are discussed.

Rombach, H. Dieter↗

NASA NTRS1994

The Network Operations Control Center upgrade task: Lessons learned

This article synthesizes and describes the lessons learned from the Network Operations Control Center (NOCC) upgrade project, from the requirements phase through development and test and transfer. At the outset, the NOCC upgrade was being performed simultaneously with two other interfacing and dependent upgrades at the Signal Processing Center (SPC) and Ground Communications Facility (GCF), thereby adding a significant measure of complexity to the management and overall coordination of the development and transfer-to-operations (DTO) effort. Like other success stories, this project carried with it the traditional elements of top management support and exceptional dedication of cognizant personnel. Additionally, there were several NOCC-specific reasons for success, such as end-to-end system engineering, adoption of open-system architecture, thorough requirements management, and use of appropriate off-the-shelf technologies. On the other hand, there were several difficulties, such as ill-defined external interfaces, transition issues caused by new communications protocols, ambivalent use of two sets of policies and standards, and mistailoring of the new JPL management standard (due to the lack of practical guidelines). This article highlights the key lessons learned, as a means of constructive suggestions for the benefit of future projects.

Sherif, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Ten Commandments of Formal Methods...Ten Years Later

More than a decade ago, in "Ten Commandments of Formal Methods," we offered practical guidelines for projects that sought to use formal methods. Over the years, the article, which was based on our knowledge of successful industrial projects, has been widely cited and has generated much positive feedback. However, despite this apparent enthusiasm, formal methods use has not greatly increased, and some of the same attitudes about the infeasibility of adopting them persist. Formal methodists believe that introducing greater rigor will improve the software development process and yield software with better structure, greater maintainability, and fewer errors.

Bowen, Jonathan P.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Direct Field Acoustic Testing

This paper presents an update to the methods and procedures used in Direct Field Acoustic Testing (DFAT). The paper will discuss some of the recent techniques and developments that are currently being used and the future publication of a reference standard. Acoustic testing using commercial sound system components is becoming a popular and cost effective way of generating a required acoustic test environment both in and out of a reverberant chamber. This paper will present the DFAT test method, the usual setup and procedure and the development and use of a closed-loop, narrow-band control system. Narrow-band control of the acoustic PSD allows all standard techniques and procedures currently used in random control to be applied to acoustics and some examples are given. The paper will conclude with a summary of the development of a standard practice guideline that is hoped to be available in the first quarter of next year.

Larkin, Paul↗

NASA NTRS2009

Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors as Predictors of Cardiovascular Events in the U.S. Astronaut Corps

Risk prediction equations from the Framingham Heart Study are commonly used to predict the absolute risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary heart disease (CHD) related death. Predicting CHD-related events in the U.S. astronaut corps presents a monumental challenge, both because astronauts tend to live healthier lifestyles and because of the unique cardiovascular stressors associated with being trained for and participating in space flight. Traditional risk factors may not hold enough predictive power to provide a useful indicator of CHD risk in this unique population. It is important to be able to identify individuals who are at higher risk for CHD-related events so that appropriate preventive care can be provided. This is of special importance when planning long duration missions since the ability to provide advanced cardiac care and perform medical evacuation is limited. The medical regimen of the astronauts follows a strict set of clinical practice guidelines in an effort to ensure the best care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of the Framingham risk score (FRS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein levels, blood pressure, and resting pulse as predictors of CHD-related death and MI in the astronaut corps, using Cox regression. Of these factors, only two, LDL and pulse at selection, were predictive of CHD events (HR(95% CI)=1.12 (1.00-1.25) and HR(95% CI)=1.70 (1.05-2.75) for every 5-unit increase in LDL and pulse, respectively). Since traditional CHD risk factors may lack the specificity to predict such outcomes in astronauts, the development of a new predictive model, using additional measures such as electron-beam computed tomography and carotid intima-media thickness ultrasound, is planned for the future.

Halm, M. K.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Enhancements to TetrUSS for NASA Constellation Program

The NASA Constellation program is utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) predictions for generating aerodynamic databases and design loads for the Ares I, Ares I-X, and Ares V launch vehicles and for aerodynamic databases for the Orion crew exploration vehicle and its launch abort system configuration. This effort presents several challenges to applied aerodynamicists due to complex geometries and flow physics, as well as from the juxtaposition of short schedule program requirements with high fidelity CFD simulations. NASA TetrUSS codes (GridTool/VGRID/USM3D) have been making extensive contributions in this effort. This paper will provide an overview of several enhancements made to the various elements of TetrUSS suite of codes. Representative TetrUSS solutions for selected Constellation program elements will be shown. Best practices guidelines and scripting developed for generating TetrUSS solutions in a production environment will also be described.

Pandya, Mohagna J.↗