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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Characterization of voids formed during liquid impregnation of nonwoven multifilament glass networks as related to composite processing

A technique based on matching the refractive index of an invading liquid to that of a fiber mat was used to study entrapment of air ('voids') that occurs during forced in-plane radial flow into nonwoven multifilament glass networks. The usefulness of this technique is demonstrated in quantifying and mapping the air pockets. Experiments with a series of fluids with surface tensions varying from 28 x 10(exp -3) to 36 x 10(exp -3) N/m, viscosities from 45 x 10(exp -3) to 290 x 10(exp -3) Pa.s, and inlet flow rates from 0.15 x 10(exp -6) to 0.75 x 10(exp -6) m(exp 3)/s, showed that void content is a function of the capillary number characterizing the flow process. A critical value of capillary number, Ca = 2.5 x 10(exp -3), identifies a zone below which void content increases exponentially with decreasing capillary number. Above this critical value, negligible entrapment of voids is observed. Similar experiments carried out on surface treated nonwoven mats spanning a range of equilibrium contact angles from 20 deg to 78 deg showed that there is a critical contact angle above which negligible entrapment is observed. Below this value, there is no apparent effect of contact angle on the void fraction - capillary number relationship described earlier. Studies on the effect of filament wettability, and fluid velocity and viscosity on the size of the entrapment (voids) were also carried out. These indicate that larger sized entrapments which envelop more than one pore are favored by a low capillary number in comparison to smaller, pore level bubbles. Experiments were carried out on deformed mats - imposing high permeability spots at regular intervals on a background of low permeability. The effect of these spatial fluctuations in heterogeneity of the mat on entrapment is currently being studied.

Mahale, Anant D.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Extension of Clad Damage Propagation Model for Fission Gas Dispersal and Two-Phase Flow Effects in MOOSE SubChannel Module

This report presents an extension of the Clad Damage Propagation (CDAP) model implemented in the MOOSE SubChannel Module (SCM) to capture post-failure fission-gas dispersal and two-phase flow effects in sodium-cooled fast reactor assemblies. The extended model tracks discharged gas axially and radially, computes channel-averaged flow quality and void fraction using a Lockhart–Martinelli framework, evaluates two-phase frictional pressure-drop multipliers, determines inlet mass-flow degradation under fixed core pressures, and applies an intensified-void-based heat-transfer degradation to affected fuel pins. Radial plume expansion is parameterized using mineral-oil jet experiments mapped to sodium conditions via Reynolds–Weber similarity. Implementation details are documented, along with the new methods and user inputs needed to control plume mapping and two-phase behavior. Demonstration simulations for 19- and 37-pin bundles show that breach size and inlet velocity strongly influence propagation potential: small breaches (≤0.5 mm) produce limited degradation while larger breaches (~1 mm) can drive oscillatory temperature spikes and enhanced failure propagation, especially at higher velocities. These results demonstrate that the extended CDAP model provides a more complete framework for quantifying cladding damage propagation and evaluating propagation potential in transient scenarios. The approach remains computationally efficient, consistent with subchannel-level analysis, yet incorporates sufficient physics to bridge localized post-failure effects with bundle- and assembly-scale degradation.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Broad range material-to-system screening of metal–organic frameworks for hydrogen storage using machine learning

Hydrogen is pivotal in the transition to sustainable energy systems, playing major roles in power generation and industrial applications. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising mediums for efficient hydrogen storage. However, identifying potential candidates for deployment is challenging due to the vast number of currently available synthesized MOFs. This study integrates molecular simulations, machine learning, and techno-economic analysis to evaluate the performance of MOFs across broad operation conditions for hydrogen storage applications. While previous screenings of MOF databases have predominantly emphasized high hydrogen capacities under cryogenic conditions, this study reveals that optimal temperatures and pressures for cost minimization depend on the raw price of the MOF. Specifically, when MOFs are priced at $15/kg, among the 9720 MOFs tested, 9692 MOFs achieve the lowest cost at temperatures between 170 K and 250 K and a pressure of 150 bar. Under these optimal conditions, 362 MOFs deliver a lower levelized cost of storage than 350 bar compressed gas hydrogen storage. Furthermore, this study reveals key material properties that result in low system cost, such as high surface areas (>3000 m2/g), large void fractions (>0.78), and large pore volumes (>1.1 cm3/g).

Hydrogen storage↗
DOE OSTI2025

An investigation on machine learning predictive accuracy improvement and uncertainty reduction using VAE-based data augmentation

The confluence of ultrafast computers with large memory, rapid progress in Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, and the availability of large datasets place multiple engineering fields at the threshold of dramatic progress. However, a unique challenge in nuclear engineering is data scarcity because experimentation on nuclear systems is usually more expensive and time-consuming than most other disciplines. One potential way to resolve the data scarcity issue is deep generative learning, which uses certain ML models to learn the underlying distribution of existing data and generate synthetic samples that resemble the real data. In this way, one can significantly expand the dataset to train more accurate predictive ML models. In this study, our objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of data augmentation using variational autoencoder (VAE)-based deep generative models. We investigated whether the data augmentation leads to improved accuracy in the predictions of a deep neural network (DNN) model trained using the augmented data. Additionally, the DNN prediction uncertainties are quantified using Bayesian Neural Networks (BNN) and conformal prediction (CP) to assess the impact on predictive uncertainty reduction. To test the proposed methodology, we used TRACE simulations of steady-state void fraction data based on the NUPEC Boiling Water Reactor Full-size Fine-mesh Bundle Test (BFBT) benchmark. Here, we found that augmenting the training dataset using VAEs has improved the DNN model’s predictive accuracy, improved the prediction confidence intervals, and reduced the prediction uncertainties.

Bayesian neural network↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effect of deposition rate on microstructure and mechanical properties of 17-4 PH stainless steel fabricated by laser engineered net shaping

Laser engineered net shaping (LENS) is an additive manufacturing technique for fabricating and repairing metallic components. However, the relationships between its process parameters and the resulting mechanical properties of alloys such as 17-4 precipitation-hardening (PH) stainless steel require further investigation to enable reliable application. This study examines the specific effect of LENS deposition rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 17-4 PH stainless steel. Specimens were fabricated at two different deposition rates (8.47 and 9.31 mm s−1), subjected to subsequent solution and H900 aging treatment, and then evaluated via tensile testing, hardness measurements, and microscopy. A higher deposition rate results in a finer grain structure but increased porosity, leading to greater ultimate tensile strength (∼1294 MPa) yet lower ductility (strain at failure ∼5.8%) compared to the slower deposition rate (∼1266 MPa, ∼9.0% strain). Hardness follows the same trend as tensile strength. Tensile fracture surfaces for both conditions exhibited a mixed mode of ductile dimples and brittle quasi-cleavage regions, with chromium/silicon oxide particles identified within dimples. Complementary finite element modeling indicates that small void fractions primarily reduce ductility by enhancing localized plasticity, with only a marginal decrease in tensile strength. These integrated experimental and numerical results elucidate the mechanical properties linked to deposition rate, providing insight into tailoring LENS processes to achieve desired properties of 17-4 PH stainless steel.

17-4 PH stainlesssteel↗
DOE OSTI2025

Small-scale validation tests for MFIX-Exa CFD-DEM

This report describes several bench-scale fluidization experiments that can be used to validate the CFD-DEM method as encapsulated in the MFIX-Exa code. The five cases considered are the cold-flow fluidized beds of Müller et al., Link et al. (spout-fluid), and Goldschmidt et al. (bi-disperse), the hot fluidized bed of Patil et al., and the adsorbing fluidized bed of Li et al. and Janssen. In most cases, MFIX-Exa with “standard” or “typical” CFD-DEM settings, the Gidaspow drag model, and the Gunn heat transfer provide a relatively good prediction of the quantities considered: mean void fraction profiles, mean velocity profiles, fluctuating velocity profiles, mean particle temperature and segregation index. These results, with other verification and validation tests reported elsewhere, contribute to a body of work providing confidence and credibility in CFD predictions from the MFIX-Exa code.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

MOSCATO Development and Integration in Fiscal Year 2025: Implementation of Multiphase, Multiphysics Modeling Capabilities for Molten Salt Systems

MOSCATO (Molten Salt Chemistry and Transport) is a multiphysics code that provides high-fidelity, coupled simulations of fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transfer, chemistry, electrochemical phenomena, and alloy corrosion for molten salt systems. In FY25, significant developments were made to the code package, enhancing its capabilities for modeling all relevant phenomena within operating moltens salt reactors (MSRs). The developments and activities in FY25 included: 1. Implementation of Level-Set methods to enable modeling of single-bubble behavior in molten salts. In FY25, the Level-Set two-phase flow modeling implementation was improved to simulate single bubble behavior with molten salt media. The large density and viscosity ratios between typical gases and molten salt liquids present challenges for these types of numerical solvers. With enhancements to the pressure projection method, MOSCATO’s Level-Set solver was able to be successfully validated to experiments related to helium bubble rise in stagnant molten salt. The simulated bubble rising velocity showed reasonable good agreement with experimental measurements. The bubble shape and dynamics were also visually compared with experimental snapshots, demonstrating a good qualitative match. 2. Generation of mass transfer correlations for multiphase flow systems. To enable calculations of the tritium transport across the interface between gas bubbles and salt, we modeled high- Schmidt-number mass transfer around a sphere across a broad range of Reynolds numbers. The mesh near the sphere surface was highly refined to resolve steep concentration gradients caused by the low diffusion coefficient. Literature-based mass transfer correlations were compared with the numerical results, and modifications were proposed to improve agreement, particularly at higher Schmidt numbers. These mass transfer correlations were subsequently provided to other national laboratories to help enable high quality mass transfer simulations using lower-order solvers under development within the NEAMS program. 3. Preliminary implementation of a bubbly flow solver. To model bubbly flow in molten salt, we implemented a bubbly flow solver for void fractions less than 5%. To do so, an algebraic relative velocity model that assumes small bubbles with rapid momentum equilibration was added to MOSCATO to compute bubble velocities. Preliminary comparisons with experimental data showed reasonable agreement, and further improvements are underway. 4. Generation of mass transfer correlations for MSRE subchannel The Molten-Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) was a landmark historical project that demonstrated the feasibility of molten-salt reactor technology. The MSRE campaign also generated a significant body of experimental data and reports that continue to support molten-salt–related research. In this report, the MSRE core subchannel was used as the reference geometry for a mass transfer study performed with MOSCATO. The geometry and computational mesh were adapted from a previous study, providing adequate resolution for the relatively low Reynolds number in this case. Additional mesh refinement was applied to reach higher Schmidt numbers, enabling the derivation of a reliable mass-transfer correlation for the present scenario. 5. Simulations of oxygen ingressions into molten salt. In the previous fiscal year, we initiated a study to simulate oxygen ingression in stagnant salt. As oxygen enters the salt through its surface, it reacts with Ce 3+ to form solid CeO 2 and other reaction products. To more fully capture the complex diffusion-convection-reaction mechanisms, capabilities for modeling natural convection in the salt vessel were added. These were needed as the flow of the ingressed gas induced flow in the salt caused by surface shear and non-isothermal effects. With these updated physics in place, we were able to successfully reproduce the experimental results for the rate of change of CeCl 3 concentrations versus time. 6. Flow corrosion model validation. In FY24, MOSCATO’s corrosion model was validated against static corrosion experiments. In FY25, this work was extended to a flow corrosion experiment, where FLiNaK salt was driven by natural convection, with initial salt impurities to initiate corrosion. Despite uncertainties in parameters such as elemental diffusion coefficients in the alloy and unknown H + concentrations, the simulations achieved good agreement with experimental results, especially in predicting sample mass losses.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1978

Bubbly flow model for the dynamic characteristics of cavitating pumps

The recent experimental transfer matrices obtained by Ng and Brennen (1978) for some axial flow pumps revealed some dynamic characteristics which were unaccounted for by any existing theoretical analysis; their visual observations suggested that the bubbly cavitating flow in the blade passages could be responsible for these effects. A theoretical model of the dynamic response of this bubbly blade-passage flow is described in the present paper. Void-fraction fluctuations in this flow result not only from pressure fluctuations but also because the fluctuating angle of attack causes fluctuations in the rate of production of bubbles near the leading edge. The latter causes kinematic waves which interact through the boundary conditions with the dynamic waves caused by pressure fluctuation. The resulting theoretical transfer functions which results are in good qualitative agreement with the experiments; with appropriate choices of two parameters good quantitative agreement is also obtained. The theoretical model also provides one possible explanation of the observation that the pump changes from an essentially passive dynamic element in the absence of cavitation to a progressively more active element as the extent of cavitation increases.

Brennen, C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Acoustic velocities of two-phase mixtures of cryogenic fluids

Calculated values of the acoustic velocity are presented for single-component and two-component, two-phase mixtures. Three different analytic models were employed. For purposes of comparison, all three models were used in making acoustic-velocity calculations for single-component, equivalent bubbly two-phase mixtures (with insoluble gas) of oxygen and helium and hydrogen and helium. In all cases the results are shown graphically so that the effects of variation in quality or void fraction, temperature and pressure are illustrated.

Griggs, E. I.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Structure of nonevaporating sprays. II - Drop and turbulence properties

This is the second part of a study reporting structure measurements in the dilute portion of axisymmetric nonevaporating sprays. Measurements are compared with predictions of three typical methods for analyzing sprays: (1) locally homogeneous flow (LHF) analysis, where slip between the phases is neglected; (2) deterministic separated flow (DSF) analysis, where slip is considered but effects of drop interactions with turbulence are ignored; and (3) stochastic separated flow (SSF) analysis, where both slip and effects of drop interactions with turbulence are considered. This part of the study reports measurements of mean and fluctuating drop velocities, the variation of Sauter mean diameter, and gas-phase turbulence properties in the dilute portion of the sprays. Best agreement between predictions and measurements was obtained with the SSF analysis. For present measurements in the dilute region (void fraction greater than 99.1 percent), effects of drops on gas-phase turbulence properties (turbulence modulation) were small. However, as the dense spray regions near the injector were approached, the measurements indicated modification of turbulence properties by drop motion.

Solomon, A. S. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Buoyancy effects on smoldering combustion

The effect of buoyancy on the rate of spread of a concurrent smolder reaction through a porous combustible material is investigated theoretically and experimentally. In the experiments, buoyant forces are controlled by varying the density difference, and the smolder rate spread through porous alpha cellulose (0.83 void fraction) is measured as a function of the ambient air pressure. The smolder velocity is found to increase with the ambient pressure; extinction occurs when the buoyancy forces cannot overcome the drag forces, indicating that diffusion by itself cannot support the spread of a smolder reaction. Theoretical predictions are found to be in good qualitative agreement with the experimental results.

Dosanjh, S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Fiber optic sensors; Proceedings of the Meeting, Cannes, France, November 26, 27, 1985

The conference presents papers on distributed sensors and sensor networks, signal processing and detection techniques, temperature measurements, chemical sensors, and the measurement of pressure, strain, and displacements. Particular attention is given to optical fiber distributed sensors and sensor networks, tactile sensing in robotics using an optical network and Z-plane techniques, and a spontaneous Raman temperature sensor. Other topics include coherence in optical fiber gyroscopes, a high bandwidth two-phase flow void fraction fiber optic sensor, and a fiber-optic dark-field microbend sensor.

Arditty, Herve J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Reduced gravity boiling and condensing experiments simulated with the COBRA/TRAC computer code

A series of reduced-gravity two-phase flow experiments has been conducted with a boiler/condenser apparatus in the NASA KC-135 aircraft in order to obtain basic thermal-hydraulic data applicable to analytical design tools. Several test points from the KC-135 tests were selected for simulation by means of the COBRA/TRAC two-fluid, three-field thermal-hydraulic computer code; the points were chosen for a 25-90 percent void-fraction range. The possible causes for the lack of agreement noted between simulations and experiments are explored, with attention to the physical characteristics of two-phase flow in one-G and near-zero-G conditions.

Cuta, Judith M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A microgravity boiling and convective condensation experiment

A boiling and condensing test article consisting of two straight tube boilers, one quartz and one stainless steel, and two 1.5 m long glass-in-glass heat exchangers, on 6 mm ID and one 10 mm ID, was flown on the NASA KC-135 0-G aircraft. Using water as the working fluid, the 5 kw boiler produces two phase mixtures of varying quality for mass flow rates between 0.005 and 0.1 kg/sec. The test section is instrumented at eight locations with absolute and differential pressure transducers and thermocouples. A gamma densitometer is used to measure void fraction, and high speed photography records the flow regimes. A three axis accelerometer provides aircraft acceleration data (+ or - 0.01G). Data are collected via an analog-to-digital conversion and data acquisition system. Bubbly, annular, and slug flow regimes were observed in the test section under microgravity conditions. Flow oscillations were observed for some operating conditions and the effect of the 2-G pullout prior to the 0-G period was observed by continuously recording data throughout the parabolas. A total fo 300 parabolas was flown.

Kachnik, Leo↗
NASA NTRS1991

Thermoplastic coating of carbon fibers

Using a continuous powder coating process, more than 1500 meters of T 300/LaRC-TPI prepreg were produced. Two different types of heating sections in the coating line, namely electrical resistance and convection heating, were utilized. These prepregs were used to fabricate unidirectional composites. During composite fabrication the cure time of the consolidation was varied, and composites samples were produced with and without vacuum. Under these specimens, the effects of the different heating sections and of the variation of the consolidation parameters on mechanical properties and void content were investigated. The void fractions of the various composites were determined from density measurements, and the mechanical properties were measured by tensile testing, short beam shear testing and dynamic mechanical analysis.

Edie, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Two-phase flow bubbly mixing for liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic energy conversion

Experiments aimed at improving mixer design and investigating the effects of surfactants on the two-phase mixture in two-phase liquid metal MHD (LMMHD) energy conversion systems are described. In addition to conventional photography, flash X-ray imaging was used as a diagnostic tool. It was demonstrated that a high void fraction (0.8) and low velocity slip ratio (1.2) two-phase homogeneous bubbly mixture can be created. It is expected that such a two-phase mixture can be further expanded in a LMMHD generator while maintaining low velocity slip. In such a way, high generator and overall system efficiency would be achieved, making LMMHD systems competitive for a number of commercial applications.

Fabris, G.↗