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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
DOE OSTI2024

Urban morphology and urban water demand evolution in the Los Angeles region

Detailed description of the dataset sources used in this study, the experimental workflow, and plotting for the paper figures provided at the associated GitHub Meta Repo: https://github.com/IMMM-SFA/Ferencz_et_al_2024_ERL The future water demand projections from this study are hypothetical future water demands that reflect the population and urban land cover changes represented by the scenarios considered. The intent and emphasis of this work is investigating the interactions between population change, evolution of urban morphology, and water demand. These projections are not meant to be likely future demands for specific water providers or the LA region and should not be interpreted as such. The folders contain input and output data for each step of the "Recreate my Experiment" workflow described in the associated GitHub meta-repository as well as data used for plotting Figures for the paper that this dataset supports. Description of each folder's contents and use: Step_1a: Inputs to the associated python script provided on the GitHub repo. Step_1b: Inputs (downscaled population rasters) used by the associated python script provided on the GitHub repo. Original 1-km squared rasters that were downscaled also provided. Step_1c: Urban growth projection rasters corresponding to SSP3 and SSP5 population scenarios are provided in separate subfolders as well as the water provider boundaries used for analysis. Outputs of data processing also provided. Associated python script provided on GitHub. Step_1d: Description of Inputs used by the QGIS Model Builder GUI that automates geospatial processing and clipping the of the high-resolution 60 cm land cover data for each urban land class footprint within a defined polygon boundary. The Model Builder is provided on the GitHub repo and can be used by QGIS. The outputs of this step are in "Clipped Provider Hi Res Landcover". If the user wants to use The Model Builder for different regions of LA or to test our outputs, they will need to download the hi resolution landcover raster listed in the Readme and in Ref [2] of the GitHub Page. Step_1e: All necessary inputs to generate average monthly demand over the 2017-2021 period and the minimum and maximum demands over the 2014-2021 for each water provider. Associated python scripts are on GitHub. Step 2: Output data about land cover metrics (areas and fractions) for each urban land class for each water provider. Associated python script on GitHub. Uses outputs from Step 1d "Clipped Provider Hi Res Landcover" Step 3: Both the Inputs for and Outputs from the urban projection raster analysis Python script on GitHub. The inputs are urban land class rasters for specific SSP and zoning scenarios (low, medium, high) from Step 1c. The outputs are rasters of urban pixels that were converted to a higher land class and the number of land class units that changed (Values of 1, 2, or 3). For example, a value of 2 could be LC 21 -> 23 or LC 22 -> 24. These maps are label "intensification." The other outputs are "urban growth" rasters showing the conversion of non urban to urban land, which are indicated by pixel values of 1. These are used for the urban growth change maps in Figure 3. Step 4: Output projections of indoor and outdoor annual and monthly demands for each water provider for the average, minimum, and maximum monthly demand scenarios for each of the four urban growth scenarios (SSP3 med, SSP5 low, SSP5 med, and SSP5 high). The outputs also include metrics on each water provider used for the demand sensitivity analysis presented in Figure 8. Outputs from Step 4 are used for Figures 4 - 8 of the paper. Figures: This folder has data used for plotting Figures 1 through 5, and 8. Data for Figures 6 and 7 are sourced directly from folders associated with the Processing and Analysis Steps 1 - 4. The GitHub meta repository provides descriptions of how each figure was made and the associated plotting scripts used.

Los Angeles↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evolution of a Geological Model for Co-Producing Electricity at the Blackburn Oil Field, Nevada: Preprint

Oil fields characterized by significant proportions of hot water in the reservoir offer a unique opportunity for geothermal energy co-production and utilization. Development of an accurate geological model is essential in understanding the subsurface. However, this is a challenge at the preliminary stages of resource assessment when data on the subsurface parameters and subterranean fault network is scarce. Our focus in this paper is to explore a methodology for developing an accurate conceptual geological model of the complexly faulted reservoir at the Blackburn Field, Nevada, to create a numerical simulation that will eventually be used to assess the potential of co-producing electricity. There are four steps to the evolution of this model: (1) collection of public data and research on the geological setting of the system; (2) digitization of seismic time-interpretation and cross-sections to create the most representative model of the subsurface; and (3) creation of a natural-state numerical model to simulate the thermal gradient through the subsurface. Utilizing publicly available data of the geological system and Leapfrog conceptual modeling software, we refined a preliminary model to be more representative of the subsurface geology of an active geothermal exploration stage project. The conceptual geological model developed has been imported into VOLSUNG reservoir modeling software to create a natural-state model, further characterizing the Blackburn Field reservoir's thermal gradient. In the future, new seismic data will be utilized to further evolve the conceptual geological model for numerical simulations.

Basin and Range province↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geothermal Collegiate Competition: Evolution and Impact

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the launch of its inaugural National Geothermal Student Competition. The competition was open to all colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions in the United States, and was labeled as the first-ever to address geothermal education. The GeoVision, published in 2019 by the Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), stated that improving geothermal energy education and outreach is critical in reducing risks and costs of geothermal technology deployment. The key actions included improving public education and outreach about geothermal energy and providing resources intended to attract and inform a skilled geothermal workforce. Student competitions in particular have the ability to increase awareness of renewable energy fields by engaging multi-disciplinary students in compelling design challenges to prepare them for careers in renewable energy. GTO, in partnership with an administration team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), currently supports the Geothermal Collegiate Competition (GCC), with the main objective of advancing and cultivating collegiate student knowledge and career interest in geothermal energy. The administrating team works toward growing the number of students and collegiate institutions engaged, as well as diversifying the scope of the student design challenges. The main intentions of this publication are documenting the competition’s evolution, setting a baseline for future GCC impact analysis and serving as a guide to other students’ competition design committees looking for ideas to capture and increase the interest of students in collegiate competitions.

Geothermal Collegiate Competition↗
DOE OSTI2024

Graphene-transition metal catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

Functionalized catalysts for use in a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) contain nanoparticles containing a transition metal enveloped in layers of graphene, which renders the nanoparticles resistant to passivation while maintaining an optimal ratio of transition metal and transition metal oxide in the nanoparticles. The catalysts can be utilized with anionic exchange polymer membranes for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis.

Mukerjee, Sanjeev↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Evolution of of Radioisotope Thermal Generators

Introduction The advancement of space exploration started in 1957 with the launch of Sputnik 1 which was quickly followed by the launch of Explorer 1 in 1958. The advancement in space exploration had much to do about the development of nuclear power in space. Enabling satellites to draw more power than before and carry out long term mission. The Radio Isotopic thermal generator (RTG) was first invented in 1954 and earned its place in the inventor’s hall of fame in 2015. The RTG has been the key to our success in the exploration of deep space. With in this paper the evolution of the RTG will be covered including the missions they facilitated. In addition, the ever present political and public view of nuclear material will play a role in the history of the RTG and the modern possibilities for nuclear power in space.

Belian, Olivia↗
DOE OSTI2026

Probing and Tuning Spatiotemporal pH Evolution in Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) offer a combination of safety and low cost, but they suffer from dynamic pH fluctuations that drive parasitic reactions and capacity fading. In this review, we report the current mechanistic understanding of the dynamic pH evolution across the electrolyte-electrode interface and its role in triggering interphase instability. We summarize advanced strategies to regulate pH, including electrolyte engineering, electrode surface modification, and interphase construction. We further discuss current methods for probing pH dynamics and outline potential future approaches for gaining deeper mechanistic and design insights.

Zheng, Xueli [SLAC]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Resonance- and Width-aware Parton Shower Evolution and NLO Matching

We introduce a technique for the next-to-leading order accurate simulation of $e^+e^-\to W^+W^-b\bar{b}$ that respects the resonant nature of the process above and near the top-quark pair production threshold. The parton-shower evolution, infrared subtraction and NLO matching account in particular for finite width effects beyond the Breit-Wigner structure considered in resonance-aware approaches. We present first phenomenological results relevant to a potential future electron-positron collider and provide a publicly available simulator based on the ALARIC parton shower and the SHERPA event generator.

Höche, Stefan [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000213706059)↗
DOE OSTI2025

In-situ ion irradiation of a spent UO2 fuel: evolution of fission products and nanograins with radiation dose

This study investigates the behavior of fission gas bubbles, five metal precipitates (5MPs) (Mo, Ru, Rh, Tc, Pd) and nanograins in spent uranium dioxide (UO2) fuel under various ion irradiation doses, temperatures, and flux conditions. Utilizing in-situ ion irradiation and advanced transmission electron microscopy, we analyzed the evolution of fission gas bubbles, 5MPs and nanograins in UO2 samples from the Belgium Reactor 3 (BR-3). Our findings reveal significant shrinkage of fission gas bubbles and 5MPs with increasing irradiation dose, accompanied by a decrease in pair density. The study also reveals nanograin coarsening under irradiation. We demonstrate that ion irradiation induces a homogeneous re-solution process where individual atoms are ejected from bubbles and precipitates, leading to their dissolution and subsequent re-precipitation in the matrix. This study provides critical insights into the dynamic behavior of fission products and nanograins under irradiation, facilitating the development of predictive models and contributing to the optimization of nuclear fuel performance and safety.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2026

American Made Infrastructure: Evolution of Federal Incentives and Requirements

Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) restrictions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) represent the latest evolution of a multi-year legislative trajectory responding to national security concerns about foreign control – and particularly FEOC control – of energy infrastructure. Beginning with Executive Order 14017 (February 2021), which initiated comprehensive federal review of critical supply chain vulnerabilities in semiconductors, battery energy storage systems, and critical minerals, policymakers have progressively expanded restrictions on foreign participation. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2019 established precedent for component-level prohibitions on foreign information and communications technology procurement, while NDAA 2024 extended these restrictions to six major People’s Republic of China (PRC) battery manufacturers. Complementary measures such as the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) introduced domestic content thresholds and FEOC eligibility criteria for federal funding programs. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 2022 further operationalized FEOC restrictions through electric vehicle tax credit requirements, creating a scalable framework for excluding foreign-controlled components. Recent executive actions and state-level policies have reinforced this trajectory, reflecting sustained alignment across federal and state governments. Collectively, these developments demonstrate a bipartisan policy approach that pairs incentives for advanced energy deployment with safeguards designed to prevent subsidizing adversaries or entities that present foreign-sourcing risk.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Friction surface layer deposition of triple-phase Al 10 Cr 12 Fe 35 Mn 23 Ni 20 high entropy alloy: Process optimization and microstructural evolution

A high-strength Co-free triple-phase Al 10 Cr 12 Fe 35 Mn 23 Ni 20 high-entropy alloy (HEA) was successfully fabricated using Friction Surface Layer Deposition (FSLD), a bulk manufacturing method. Multiple single-layer deposits were produced by varying forging force (F) and traverse speeds (T r ) to optimize the process parameters. The optimized conditions (F = 40 kN & T r = 200 mm/min) were then applied to manufacture a scaled-up multi-layer specimen. The initial microstructure of the HEA consisted of coarse grains of the soft FCC-phase, long columnar dendrites of the hard BCC-phase, and small precipitates of the harder B2-phase within the BCC-dendrites. During FSLD, the FCC-matrix underwent continuous dynamic recrystallization due to high-temperature severe plastic deformation, forming finer equiaxed grains. Simultaneously, the BCC-dendrites fractured into smaller fragments, some of which experienced partial growth and coarsening under applied stress, resulting in an hourglass morphology. In contrast, the small B2-precipitates within the BCC-fragments dissolved during the elevated temperatures of FSLD and reprecipitated as substantially finer precipitates during continuous cooling post-FSLD. Additionally, the orientation relationships between the FCC and BCC/B2 phases were completely destroyed by the severe thermoplastic deformation inherent to FSLD. The microstructural refinements led to a substantial improvement in hardness from 177 HV to 283 HV, driven by Hall-Petch strengthening. The increased number of interfaces, including coherent BCC-B2 interfaces, potentially enhances the sink strength and radiation tolerance of the HEA, making it a promising candidate for nuclear applications. In conclusion, this study also highlights FSLD as a versatile technique for achieving tunable properties in HEAs, with detailed schematics illustrating the complex mechanisms of phase transformations during processing.

Additive Manufacturing↗
DOE OSTI2024

Orange carotenoid proteins: structural understanding of evolution and function

Cyanobacteria uniquely contain a primitive water-soluble carotenoprotein, the orange carotenoid protein (OCP). Nearly all extant cyanobacterial genomes contain genes for the OCP or its homologs, implying an evolutionary constraint for cyanobacteria to conserve its function. Genes encoding the OCP and its two constituent structural domains, the N-terminal domain, helical carotenoid proteins (HCPs), and its C-terminal domain, are found in the most basal lineages of extant cyanobacteria. These three carotenoproteins exemplify the importance of the protein for carotenoid properties, including protein dynamics, in response to environmental changes in facilitating a photoresponse and energy quenching. Furthermore, we review new structural insights for these carotenoproteins and situate the role of the protein in what is currently understood about their functions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Protocol for engineering poly(ethylene terephthalate) hydrolases via directed evolution using a high-throughput screening assay

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) hydrolases, which depolymerize PET to its monomers, have gained attention for their potential to facilitate bio-industrial recycling of this waste plastic. Here, we present a protocol for screening large, random mutagenesis enzyme libraries simultaneously for enhanced activity, solubility, and stability. We outline steps for library construction, screening using plate-based split GFP and model substrate assays, and determination of enzyme thermostability. We then detail procedures for validation assays on PET substrates and characterization of final variants.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dirhodium(II,II) Complexes as Panchromatic Single-Molecule Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution

The growing global energy demand and climate change have prompted a shift from carbon-based fuels to sustainable energy sources. Hydrogen production by harnessing solar energy and using abundant proton sources represents an attractive approach to addressing this crisis. Single-molecule single-chromophore photocatalysts, capable of both absorbing the incident photon and catalyzing the chemical transformation, are able to circumvent energy losses present in multicomponent systems that require a photosensitizer and a catalyst, often employing additional redox relay molecules. Here, the series of complexes derived from cis-[Rh 2 (μ-DPhF) 2 (μ-bncn) 2 ] 2+ (1; DPhF = N,N′-diphenylformamidinate, bncn = benzo[c]cinnoline) discussed in this Account presents robust and air-stable single-molecule photocatalysts with panchromatic absorption from the ultraviolet spectral region to the near-infrared (NIR), with high turnover frequencies of ∼20 to 30 h –1 under red light irradiation. For comparison, other single-molecule hydrogen-evolving photocatalysts reported to date exhibit low photocatalytic efficiency, are not operable in the visible or NIR regions, and are unstable under an ambient atmosphere.

Absorption↗