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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 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Nine Canyon Long-Duration Energy Storage: A Feasibility Study

The Nine Canyon Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Feasibility Study explores the technical and economic viability of deploying advanced energy storage technologies at Energy Northwest's (EN) Nine Canyon (9C) Wind Project site in Benton County, Washington. Supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity under its LDES Voucher Program, the study represents a collaborative effort between EN, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and ARES North America. At the core of this effort is the development of a generalized techno-economic modeling framework and evaluation tool designed to assess the value proposition of LDES projects across a variety of contexts. The modeling tool is technology-agnostic and accommodates user-defined parameters such as rated power, energy duration, round-trip efficiency, capital and operational costs, and dispatch constraints. It also integrates economic inputs, including market prices, energy revenue structures, and financing parameters to evaluate performance through key metrics. The tool provides utilities with a transparent, adaptable platform to support decision-making, investment prioritization, and portfolio planning for various storage technologies. To guide scenario design and interpretation, the study first surveyed the LDES technology landscape, including lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, non-hydro gravity storage, and thermo-mechanical systems, comparing cost trajectories, technical performance, safety and hazards, materials sourcing and recyclability, and spatial/siting considerations. This literature-grounded review highlights technology trade-offs and reinforces the need to align technology choice with site characteristics, use cases, and project objectives. A companion chapter examines ownership structures (EN ownership, third-party ownership, shared models) and offtake options (energy marketing, capacity/energy PPAs, time-of-use PPAs, block-delivery PPAs, and tolling), where PPAs (power purchase agreements) represent contractual arrangements for buying and selling electricity. The chapter also highlights implications for risk allocation, capital access, operational control, and revenue certainty. The study also evaluates supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and transmission interconnection pathways, options include upgrading the existing SCADA or deploying a dedicated LDES controller, with attention to protection schemes, data telemetry, cybersecurity, and regulatory coordination with BPA. In addition, an ARES-specific geotechnical and hydrology assessment presented in the appendix screens multiple corridors for slope stability, bearing capacity, cut-and-fill magnitude, and stormwater behavior.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2018

Pilot Study on the Investigation of Tear Fluid Biomarkers as an Indicator of Ocular, Neurological, and Immunological Health in Astronauts

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the collection, preparation, and analysis of tear biomarkers as a means of assessing ocular, neurological, and immunological health. At present, no published data exists on the cytokine profiles of tears from astronauts exposed to long periods of microgravity and space irradiations. In addition, no published data exist on cytokine (biomarker) profiles of tears that have been collected from irradiated non-human biological systems (primates and other animal models). A goal for the proposed pilot study is to discover novel tear biomarkers which can help inform researchers, clinicians, epidemiologist and healthcare providers about the health status of a living biological system, as well as informing them when a disease state is triggered. This would be done via analysis of the onset of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading up to the full progression of a disease (i.e. cancer, loss of vision, radiation-induced oxidative stress, cardiovascular disorders, fibrosis in major organs, bone loss). Another goal of this pilot study is to investigate the state of disease against proposed medical countermeasures, in order to determine whether the countermeasures are efficacious in preventing or mitigating these injuries. An example of an up and coming tear biomarker technology, Ascendant Dx, a clinical stage diagnostic company, is developing a screening test to detect breast cancer using proteins from tears. The team utilized Liquid Chromatography -Mass Spectrometry with Mass analysis (LC MS/MS) as a discovery platform followed by validation with ELISA to come up with a panel of protein biomarkers that can differentiate breast cancer samples from control ("cancer free") samples with results far surpassing the results of imaging techniques in use today. Continued research into additional proteins is underway to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the test and development efforts are on the way to transfer the test onto a fast, accurate and inexpensive point of care platform. In conclusion, the expected results from this proposed pilot study are to: a) establish an SOP for retrieving/storing/transporting tear fluid samples from multicentre sites b) establish a normal range for relevant biomarkers in tears; and c) establish a database (biobank) of tears of space naïve versus veteran astronauts, to establish a personal baseline for long-term ocular health monitoring

Morton, Stephen↗
DOE OSTI2023

Preserving Structurally Labile Peptide Nanosheets After Molecular Functionalization of the Self-Assembling Peptides

A significant challenge in creating supramolecular materials is that conjugating molecular functionalities to building blocks often results in dissociation or undesired morphological transformation of their assemblies. Here we present a facile strategy to preserve structurally labile peptide assemblies after molecular modification of the self-assembling peptides. Sheet-forming peptides are designed to afford a staggered alignment with the segments bearing chemical modification sites protruding from the sheet surfaces. The staggered assembly allows for simultaneous separation of attached molecules from each other and from the underlying assembly motifs. Strikingly, using PEGs as the external molecules, PEG 400 - and PEG 700 -peptide conjugates directly self-associate into nanosheets with the PEG chains localized on the sheet surfaces. In contrast, the sheet formation based on in-register lateral packing of peptides does not recur upon the peptide PEGylation. This strategy allows for fabrication of densely modified assemblies with a variety of molecules, as demonstrated using biotin (hydrophobic molecule), c(RGDfK) (cyclic pentapeptide), and nucleic acid aptamer (negatively charged ssDNA). The staggered co-assembly also enables extended tunability of the amount/density of surface molecules, as exemplified by screening ligand-appended assemblies for cell targeting. In conclusion, this study paves the way for functionalization of historically challenging fragile assemblies while maintaining their overall morphology.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Metal oxide-promoted calcium cuprate catalysts for diol oxidative dehydrocyclization to lactones

Here, this work investigates structure-function relationships in electronically tunable, redox-active, basic Cu-Ca mixed metal oxide catalysts for oxidative dehydrocyclization of liquid diols to lactones. Compositional screening identified Ni 2+ and Zn 2+ as effective promoters that increase the surface Cu 2+ population by ∼1.7× and Cu-normalized activity for liquid 1,4-butanediol conversion to γ-butyrolactone by ∼3–4×. In situ Raman spectroscopy, in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in situ diffuse-reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), and H 2 -temperature-programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR) show that Ni 2+ or Zn 2+ incorporation promotes the formation of Ca 0.82 Cu 1.00 O 2 nanoparticles under mild calcination conditions. This cuprate phase features stronger and shorter Cu–O bonds (1.90 Å) than inactive bulk CuO (1.95 Å) and square-planar Cu 2+ O 4 sites with enhanced d z2 electrophilicity, strengthening alkoxy adsorption. Pyridine-DRIFTS confirms the purely basic nature of the catalyst surface, while methanol-DRIFTS indicates Cu 2+ surface enrichment with Ni or Zn promotion, where Cu–O(Ca)–Cu sites can exist as amorphous domains or a truncation layer on crystalline nanoparticles.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Manatee County Clear Sky Assessment Process: Prioritizing Solar + Storage for Resilient Facilities & Communities

The Clear Sky Tampa Bay project was a 15-month collaborative research effort to support solar + storage deployment for community resilience in Florida. The Clear Sky Decision Support Toolkit is a collection of resources designed to support users in conducting solar + storage prioritization and feasibility screening assessments at critical facilities. The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council worked with four local governments in the region to test and apply the Toolkit. This case study series describes how each partner government used the Toolkit and highlights key insights and lessons learned that other users could follow to replicate the process. Manatee County applied the Clear Sky Decision Support Toolkit to two of the county's critical facilities: Nolan Middle School, which serves as a special needs emergency shelter, and its Public Safety Complex (PSC), which houses critical services including emergency management, communications, and medical services, traffic control, and more. The PSC serves as the Emergency Operations Center during activation events. The Clear Sky assessment process improved interagency communication and coordination and informed siting decisions for a potential solar + storage system for the Manatee County PSC.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Dynamic Profiling of β-Coronavirus 3CL Mpro Protease Ligand-Binding Sites

β-coronavirus (CoVs) alone has been responsible for three major global outbreaks in the 21st century. The current crisis has led to an urgent requirement to develop therapeutics. Even though a number of vaccines are available, alternative strategies targeting essential viral components are required as a backup against the emergence of lethal viral variants. One such target is the main protease (Mpro) that plays an indispensable role in viral replication. The availability of over 270 Mpro X-ray structures in complex with inhibitors provides unique insights into ligand–protein interactions. Herein, we provide a comprehensive comparison of all nonredundant ligand-binding sites available for SARS-CoV2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV Mpro. Extensive adaptive sampling has been used to investigate structural conservation of ligand-binding sites using Markov state models (MSMs) and compare conformational dynamics employing convolutional variational auto-encoder-based deep learning. Our results indicate that not all ligand-binding sites are dynamically conserved despite high sequence and structural conservation across β-CoV homologs. This highlights the complexity in targeting all three Mpro enzymes with a single pan inhibitor.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Studying the Collective Functional Response of a Receptor in Alchemical Ligand Binding Free Energy Simulations with Accelerated Solvation Layer Dynamics

Ligand binding free energy simulations (LB-FES) that involve sampling of protein functional conformations have been longstanding challenges in research on molecular recognition. Particularly, modeling of the conformational transition pathway and design of the heuristic biasing mechanism are severe bottlenecks for the existing enhanced configurational sampling (ECS) methods. Inspired by the key role of hydration in regulating conformational dynamics of macromolecules, this report proposes a novel ECS approach that facilitates binding-associated structural dynamics by accelerated hydration transitions in combination with the lambda-exchange of free energy perturbation (FEP). Further, two challenging protein-ligand binding processes involving large configurational transitions of the receptor are studied, with hydration transitions at binding sites accelerated by Hamiltonian-simulated annealing of the hydration layer. Without the need for pathway analysis or ad hoc barrier flattening potential, LB-FES were performed with FEP/lambda-exchange molecular dynamics simulation at a minor overhead for annealing of the hydration layer. The LB-FES studies showed that the accelerated rehydration significantly enhances the collective conformational transitions of the receptor, and convergence of binding affinity calculations is obtained at a sweet-spot simulation time scale. Alchemical LB-FES with the proposed ECS strategy is free from the effort of trial and error for the setup and realizes efficient on-the-fly sampling for the collective functional response of the receptor and bound water and therefore presents a practical approach to high-throughput screening in drug discovery.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Safe Urban Harvests Study: A Community-Driven Cross-Sectional Assessment of Metals in Soil, Irrigation Water, and Produce from Urban Farms and Gardens in Baltimore, Maryland

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests social, health, environmental, and economic benefits of urban agriculture (UA). However, limited work has characterized the risks from metal contaminant exposures faced by urban growers and consumers of urban-grown produce. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to answer community-driven questions about the safety of UA and the consumption of urban-grown produce by measuring concentrations of nine metals in the soil, irrigation water, and urban-grown produce across urban farms and gardens in Baltimore, Maryland. METHODS: We measured concentrations of 6 nonessential [arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni)] and three essential [copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn)] metals in soil, irrigation water, and 13 types of urban-grown produce collected from 104 UA sites. We compared measured concentrations to existing public health guidelines and analyzed relationships between urban soil and produce concentrations. In the absence of guidelines for metals in produce, we compared metals concentrations in urban-grown produce with those in produce purchased from farmers markets and grocery stores (both conventionally grown and U.S. Department of Agriculture–certified organic). RESULTS: Mean concentrations of all measured metals in irrigation water were below public health guidelines. Mean concentrations of nonessential metals in growing area soils were below public health guidelines for Ba, Cd, Pb, and Ni and at or below background for As and Cr. Though we observed a few statistically significant differences in concentrations between urban and nonurban produce items for some combinations, no consistent or discernable patterns emerged. DISCUSSION: Screening soils for heavy metals is a critical best practice for urban growers. Given limitations in existing public health guidelines for metals in soil, irrigation water, and produce, additional exposure assessment is necessary to quantify potential human health risks associated with exposure to nonessential metals when engaging in UA and consuming urban-grown produce. Conversely, the potential health benefits of consuming essential metals in urban-grown produce also merit further research. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9431

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2000

Nonprotective Alumina Growth in Sulfur-Doped NiAl(Zr)

The 1200 C oxidation behavior of NiAl was examined at various levels of sulfur and zirconium dopants to test the possibility of a critical S/Zr ratio required for adhesion. Cyclic furnace testing for 200 1 -hr cycles and interrupted testing for 500 hr were used as screening tests. Pure NiAl and NiAl(Zr) with 0. 14 at.% Zr were chosen as model base compositions; they exhibited normal, slow-growing scales (3 Mg/sq cm) with excellent adhesion for the Zr-doped alloys. NiAl with about 120 ppma S exhibited a substantial weight loss (-20 Mg/sq cm) in cyclic tests and a very large weight gain (+60 Mg/sq cm) in interrupted tests. The major surface phase remained as alpha -Al2O3. Sulfur doping the NiAl(Zr) alloy caused massive weight gains of 80 - 100 Mg/sq cm, swelling, cracking, and nearly complete conversion into NiAl2O4, and alpha- Al2O3. The initial objective of determining critical S/Zr ratios for adhesion was therefore unattainable. Initiation of the catastrophic attack was examined after a 10 hr exposure, revealing a few sites of broad, raised, and cracked ridges. In cross-section, the ridges appeared as modular intrusions, with a complex, fractal, oxide-metal interface. They were primarily alumina (with occasional entrapped islands of NiAl2O4 or pure Ni metal). They possessed a unique microstructure consisting of 0.3 microns lamellae, separated by 0.1 microns open channels. This allowed for rapid growth controlled by gaseous diffusion. The microstructure is discussed in terms of SO2 evolution and a sulfur-driven de-passivation process.

Smialek, James L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advances in Modeling Capabilities for Critical Mineral Separation Technologies: A PrOMMiS Overview

This is an oral presentation at the TechConnect conference on the work developed by PrOMMiS. PrOMMiS builds on and extends capabilities developed within the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Institute for the Design of Advanced Energy Systems (IDAES), Integrated Platform, and Water Treatment Technoeconomic Assessment Platform (WaterTAP), which have been successfully leveraged by other Department of Energy research areas. The open-source toolkit facilitates validation, reproducibility, and accountability, allowing for easy extension of the framework to other systems. This talk presents an overview of the PrOMMiS capabilities, including unit model library, advances in thermophysical properties models, and capital cost libraries for simulation and optimization of mineral processing technologies. The PrOMMiS applications include (1) conceptual design and superstructure optimization for screening different process configurations and identifying promising technologies; (2) dynamic modeling and optimization to enable the creation of digital twins; (3) surrogate modeling tools to leverage data when predictive thermodynamic models are not currently available; (4) technical risk reduction via uncertainty quantification and robust optimization to identify process designs that are robust to process variability and uncertainties; and (5) deployment of uncertainty quantification tools to maximize knowledge gained from experimental campaigns, while reducing the number of experiments required

critical minerals and materials↗
DOE OSTI2025

Assessment and Simulation of Particulate Transport for Delivery of Solid Amendments into the Subsurface: FY25 Status Report

For particulate-based amendments to be viable for field-scale remediation at the Hanford Site (e.g., the 200 DV-1 Operable Unit), amendment particles need to be delivered a reasonable distance away from an injection well to provide cost effective in situ treatment. Field-scale particle transport models can estimate spatial deposition of amendment particles in the subsurface, which is critical for developing an overall remediation strategy. However, field-scale particle simulations are currently limited due to insufficient simulation capability and a lack of experimental data to validate and parameterize particle transport models. During this fiscal year, the following progress has been made toward a field-scale particle transport modeling evaluation: (1) in addition to the two particle transport models implemented last FY, four additional particle transport models have been implemented within PFLOTRAN; (2) a Python-based pre-screening tool was finalized, enabling users to quickly estimate the particle radius of influence (ROI) for any given particle-amendment system; and (3) an initial compatibility assessment was completed using both particle transport simulations deployed through the pre-screening tool, in conjunction with general guidelines to (a) identify the most suitable amendment particle sizes for various Hanford sediments and (b) evaluate amendment-delivery fluid compatibility. The preliminary compatibility assessment revealed that for amendment delivery success to the various Hanford target formations, amendment particle sizes will likely need to be smaller than the amendment sizes tested in the DV-1 treatability study. It is recommended that amendment particles be decreased in size, or alternative smaller size amendments be obtained from the manufacture, prior to any further experimental testing. Also, preliminary testing suggests that xanthan gum may be the most broadly compatible delivery fluid. Planned laboratory experiments will be instrumental in validating and refining the PFLOTRAN particulate transport model formulations, ultimately enabling predictive capabilities to facilitate the design of field-scale amendment delivery systems. This work consists of acquiring new theoretical or experimental knowledge. The information associated with this report should not be used as design input or operating parameters without additional qualification.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

Transformative Materials for High-Efficiency Thermochemical Production of Solar Fuels (Final Report)

Metal oxide-based two-step solar thermochemical (STC) H 2 O and CO 2 -splitting cycles are a promising route to convert solar thermal energy into fuels. The metal oxide materials are reduced at high temperatures (Step 1), and then at low (but still elevated) temperatures, the reduced oxide is used to split H 2 O or CO 2 (Step 2). However, current applications of these cycles are limited by the efficiency of the metal oxide materials. A lower temperature for reduction is desirable, but that brings a concomitant reduction in the driving force for gas splitting. So, designing novel, high-efficiency materials is challenging. Here, we devised and performed a joint computational-experimental project, combined with materials design strategies and high-throughput approaches with the goal to quickly discover and demonstrate novel thermochemical materials with superior properties. Our approach involves an active feedback loop between experimental and computational research. We have use our previously developed materials design map, to efficiently screen results from high-throughput first- principles computation to predict new compositions and subsequently to experimentally study the properties of novel, predicted materials. Experimental measurements of the thermodynamic properties of selected materials serve as a critical benchmark, not only in evaluating the STCH properties of synthesized compounds, but also serving as a validation dataset for computational approaches. We experimentally explored a set of predicted ABO3 perovskites and focus on obtaining high quality thermodynamic properties for validation of computational prediction of enthalpy and entropy of reduction. These thermodynamic quantities play a major role in designing materials with reduced temperatures of reduction but sufficient gas-splitting rates. Finding good validation between experimental and computational data for enthalpies of reduction, we turn to promising ABO3 materials modified by A and B site substitutions, opening an enormous combinatorial space of materials. We use our high-throughput approach to “tune in” the desired solar thermochemical (STC) properties for STC. This vast composition space can only be reasonably explored using the high-throughput approaches, both computational and experimental, of this proposal. Several promising novel oxide materials have been predicted, synthesized, and verified using our materials design approach.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Experimental Test Site 300 (S300): S300 Roadway Improvements - 817 Complex Soil Sampling and Analysis Plan, Addendum 1 (June 2023)

The purpose of this addendum is to amend and update the S300 Roadway Improvements – 817 Complex [project] Soil Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) dated May 2023. Field activities to implement the SAP were completed in May 2023 except for SB-17. SB-17 is therefore included in this addendum. In addition, this addendum amends the SAP by covering an expanded scope of work and project limits. The project limits have been expanded to include areas around Building 818. Sampling at the expanded project area is addressed in this addendum by two additional borings for geotechnical and environmental analyses. The project area consists of the access gate and existing access roads for the Process Area complex. Excavation depths are anticipated to be no deeper than 5 feet from current grade. None of the proposed disturbance areas are within known areas of contamination or mapped controlled excavation area (LLNL 2008). Therefore, this addendum proposes a sampling spacing in the vicinity of Building 818 of about 172 feet (Tier 2) in accordance with the Soil Screening and Management Plan (LLNL 2022). The information contained in this addendum supersedes the May 2023 SAP. However, this addendum only addresses elements of the May 2023 SAP that were modified. Elements of the May 2023 SAP that have not been modified are relevant and will remain in effect.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Novel viruses of the family Partitiviridae discovered in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

It has been 49 years since the last discovery of a new virus family in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . A large-scale screen to determine the diversity of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses in S . cerevisiae has identified multiple novel viruses from the family Partitiviridae that have been previously shown to infect plants, fungi, protozoans, and insects. Most S . cerevisiae partitiviruses (ScPVs) are associated with strains of yeasts isolated from coffee and cacao beans. The presence of partitiviruses was confirmed by sequencing the viral dsRNAs and purifying and visualizing isometric, non-enveloped viral particles. ScPVs have a typical bipartite genome encoding an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) and a coat protein (CP). Phylogenetic analysis of ScPVs identified three species of ScPV, which are most closely related to viruses of the genus Cryspovirus from the mammalian pathogenic protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum . Molecular modeling of the ScPV RdRP revealed a conserved tertiary structure and catalytic site organization when compared to the RdRPs of the Picornaviridae . The ScPV CP is the smallest so far identified in the Partitiviridae and has structural homology with the CP of other partitiviruses but likely lacks a protrusion domain that is a conspicuous feature of other partitivirus particles. ScPVs were stably maintained during laboratory growth and were successfully transferred to haploid progeny after sporulation, which provides future opportunities to study partitivirus-host interactions using the powerful genetic tools available for the model organism S . cerevisiae .

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Polarity-Tolerant Chloride Binding in Foldamer Capsules by Programmed Solvent-Exclusion

Persistent anion binding in a wide range of solution environments is a key challenge that continues to motivate and demand new strategies in synthetic receptor design. Though strong binding in low-polarity solvents has become routine, our ability to maintain high affinities in high-polarity solvents has not yet reached the standard set by nature. Anions are bound and transported regularly in aqueous environments by proteins that use secondary and tertiary structure to isolate anion binding sites from water. Inspired by this principle of solvent exclusion, we created a sequence-defined foldameric capsule whose global minimum conformation displays a helical folded state and is preorganized for 1:1 anion complexation. The high stability of the folded geometry and its ability to exclude solvent were supported by solid-state and solution phase studies. This capsule then withstood a 4-fold increase in solvent dielectric constant (εr) from dichloromethane (9) to acetonitrile (36) while maintaining a high and solvent-independent affinity of 10 5 M –1 ; ΔG ~ 28 kJ mol –1 . This behavior is unusual. More typical of solvent-dependent behavior, Cl – affinities were seen to plummet in control compounds, such as aryl-triazole macrocycles and pentads, with their solvent-exposed binding cavities susceptible to dielectric screening. Finally, dimethyl sulfoxide denatures the foldamer by putative solvent binding, which then lowers the foldamer’s Cl – affinity to normal levels. Furthermore, the design of this capsule demonstrates a new prototype for the development of potent receptors that can operate in polar solvents and has the potential to help manage hydrophilic anions present in the hydrosphere and biosphere.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Draft ASME Code Case to qualify L-PBF 316H material for Section III, Division 5 applications

This report documents the AMMT program’s development and submission of a draft ASME Code Case to qualify Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L PBF) Type 316H stainless steel for Section III, Divi-sion 5 Class A and SM high temperature nuclear applications. It summarizes the technical basis, the comprehensive high temperature mechanical test database assembled between 2023–2026, and the proposed code language and qualification framework submitted to ASME. The work was co-ordinated across multiple national laboratories and leverages prior ASME efforts to integrate additive manufacturing into the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code. The body of the report describes the experimental database and analysis supporting the Code Case: tensile, creep, fatigue, creep fatigue, and thermal aging tests collected from multiple additive manufacturing sites, machine types, and powder lots, with material processed by a solution anneal heat treatment. The dataset — including both full size and subsized specimens and tests oriented parallel and perpendicular to build direction — shows limited tensile anisotropy, tensile properties comparable to wrought 316H, creep strength within the scatter of wrought material, but markedly reduced creep ductility above about 650 °C associated with rapid σ phase formation in L PBF microstructures. The draft Code Case itself prescribes a staged qualification model (manufacturing process qualification, component qualification, and per build witness testing), treats L PBF components as equivalent to Type 316 weld metal for design and inspection, and requires mechanical, chemical, and metallographic controls tied to ASTM/ISO 52946. Key acceptance criteria include tensile tests within a 90% prediction interval of the AMMT dataset, a creep fatigue screening test adapted from ASME Section III, Division 5, Subsection HB, HBB 2800 but with the cycle acceptance reduced to 100 for L PBF material, and double volumetric inspection of production components. The report concludes that the present data support treating L PBF 316H as analogous to conventional fusion weld metal for Division 5 design and inspection, while highlighting important caveats: the σ phase driven loss of creep ductility above ~650 °C, preliminary indications of enhanced creep fatigue sensitivity in some lots, and remaining gaps in long term aging and additional cyclic testing. Recommended next actions include completing outstanding cyclic and long duration creep/aging tests on the solution annealed condition, supporting inclusion of the 316H chemistry and heat treatment in ASTM/ISO 52946, and continuing engagement with ASME and NRC during balloting and review to enable industry adoption.

Messner, Mark C. (ORCID:0000000200404385)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Copper Reductase Activity and Free Radical Chemistry by Cataract-Associated Human Lens γ-Crystallins

Cataracts are caused by high-molecular weight aggregates of human eye lens proteins that scatter light, causing lens opacity. Metal ions have emerged as important potential players in the etiology of cataract disease, as human lens γ-crystallins are susceptible to metal-induced aggregation. Here, the interaction of Cu 2+ ions with γD-, γC-, and γS- crystallins, the three most abundant γ-crystallins in the lens, has been evaluated. Cu 2+ ions induced non-amyloid aggregation in all three proteins. Solution turbidimetry, SDS-PAGE, circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry showed that the mechanism for Cu-induced aggregation involves: i) loss of beta-sheet structure in the N-terminal domain; ii) decreased thermal and kinetic stability; iii) formation of metal-bridged species; and iv) formation of disulfide-bridged dimers. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) revealed two distinct Cu 2+ binding sites in each protein. Spin quantitation demonstrated reduction of γ-crystallin-bound Cu 2+ ions to Cu + under aerobic conditions, while X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirmed the presence of linear or trigonal Cu + binding sites in γ-crystallins. Our EPR and XAS studies revealed that γ-crystallins’ Cu 2+ reductase activity yields a protein-based free radical that is likely a Tyr-based species in human γD-crystallin. This unique free radical chemistry carried out by distinct redox-active Cu sites in human lens γ-crystallins likely contributes to the mechanism of copper-induced aggregation. Finally, in the context of an aging human lens, γ-crystallins could be acting, not only as structural proteins, but also as key players for metal and redox homeostasis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗