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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Modeling Salt-Material Interactions in Molten Salt Reactors: Opportunities and Path Forward

A revitalized interest in molten salt reactor technology has resulted in a concerted effort across US based national laboratories and universities to investigate and overcome the remaining scientific and engineering questions facing the industry. This report provides a detailed description of the atomistic modelling techniques that could be employed to investigate the atomic-level forces and behaviors governing salt chemistry and thermodynamics, and the corrosion of container materials in these systems. The molten salt environment is broken down into three unique regions in which atomic behaviors are governed by separate processes and forces. A discussion is given on how each region can be modelled using different computational methods. The objective of the models presented for each region is to understand and quantify the individual atom-to-atom forces driving corrosion processes and changes in salt chemistry. Once these fundamental mechanisms are better understood, larger models, which connect the regions, can be designed to investigate the long-term non-equilibrium behaviors exhibited by these molten salt systems. With a large enough computational effort, employing the modeling techniques discussed in this report to supplement experimental investigations, a greater understanding of the degradation of salt-facing structural materials can be gained, enabling more accurate lifetime prediction, greater safety and regulatory compliance, and faster material innovation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Quantum Optimization: Potential, Challenges, and the Path Forward

Recent advances in quantum computers are demonstrating the ability to solve problems at a scale beyond brute force classical simulation. As such, a widespread interest in quantum algorithms has developed in many areas, with optimization being one of the most pronounced domains. Across computer science and physics, there are a number of algorithmic approaches, often with little linkage. This is further complicated by the fragmented nature of the field of mathematical optimization, where major classes of optimization problems, such as combinatorial optimization, convex optimization, non-convex optimization, and stochastic extensions, have devoted communities. With these aspects in mind, this work draws on multiple approaches to study quantum optimization. Provably exact versus heuristic settings are first explained using computational complexity theory — highlighting where quantum advantage is possible in each context. Then, the core building blocks for quantum optimization algorithms are outlined to subsequently define prominent problem classes and identify key open questions that, if answered, will advance the field. The effects of scaling relevant problems on noisy quantum devices are also outlined in detail, alongside meaningful benchmarking problems. We underscore the importance of benchmarking by proposing clear metrics to conduct appropriate comparisons with classical optimization techniques. Lastly, we highlight two domains – finance and sustainability – as rich sources of optimization problems that could be used to benchmark, and eventually validate, the potential real-world impact of quantum optimization.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dark SRF, a cavity-based search for the Dark Photon: new exclusion limit and path forward

The dark photon is a hypothesized particle in extension to the Standard Model (SM) that would weakly interact with ordinary SM photons. An effective way to search for hidden sector photons in a laboratory set up is through light-shining-through-wall (LSW) schemes.We present here the first results of Dark SRF, a LSW experiment that leverages ultra-high quality factor superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities to search for dark photons. The use of Nb SRF cavities combined with a strict calibration and measurement protocol increased sensitivity to dark photons by several orders of magnitude compared to other LSW experiments, as demonstrated by our new exclusion limit on the dark photon mixing angle.In addition to the results of the search conducted in liquid helium using 1.3GHz SRF cavities, we also present the first steps of the second phase of the experiment, which will take place in a dilution refrigerator using 2.6GHz SRF cavities.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

2024 OES-Environmental 2024 State of the Science Report, Chapter 11: Summary and Path Forward

The 2024 State of the Science report has brought together the most up-to-date information on potential environmental effects of marine renewable energy (MRE) development on marine animals, habitats, and ecosystem processes, as well as social and economic systems, using information that is publicly available as well as expert input. The report has been reviewed by over 56 experts. The reviewers provided in excess of one thousand comments during the drafting of the report that have been addressed in this version. The OES-Environmental country representatives from the 16 participating countries helped to scope the entirety of the report and provided valuable contributions to all chapters. The input from these contributors and reviewers has resulted in the most complete compendium of research and monitoring findings possible. While there is new and exciting research underway that should further illuminate the risks of MRE stressor-receptor interactions in the near future, suppositions and incomplete results from unpublished studies were not included in order to maintain the integrity, and decrease the uncertainty, of the messages in this report

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2024

Model Diagnostics for Equation Oriented Models: Roadblocks and the Path Forward

This poster was presented at the Foundations of Computer Aided Process Design (FOCAPD) 2024 conference with a paper describing efforts to develop a unified workflow and toolbox for diagnosing issues in equation-oriented models as part of the IDAES modeling framework. The poster presents the work currently underway within the IDAES project to develop and integrate cutting edge model analysis techniques into a common toolbox and workflow for model developers to use.

Lee, Andrew↗
DOE OSTI2025

Integrated Hydro-terrestrial Modeling 2.0: Progress and Path Forward on Building a National Capability

It is the role of the U.S. federal government and its supporting agencies, including academia and future scientists, to ensure that its people have sustained and equitable freshwater services, as well as the critical knowledge necessary to make decisions about the future as it relates to freshwater services. Clear and consistent information and guidance from federal agencies is critical. Integrated Hydro-Terrestrial Modeling (IHTM), as a United States (U.S.) national capability, focuses on understanding, quantifying, and managing the replenishment of water supply through hydrologic cycle processes and their governing forces. To provide that information, we need enhanced IHTM capabilities that capitalize on the strengths of each U.S. governmental agency and its core mission. The first IHTM workshop was held in 2019, and its subsequent report was published in 2020. The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and member agencies held a second IHTM workshop (IHTM 2.0) from October 31 to November 2, 2023 in Reston, Virginia. The IHTM 2.0 workshop focused on the need to support a multiscale framework to accelerate research insights, better integrate operational and planning perspectives, and bridge national-to-regional capabilities to address major interdependent societal water challenges. The workshop was organized according to a “WHAT” and “HOW” framework, with the common underlying “WHY” being the integrated water resource challenges and the “WHO” defined through interagency and cooperating academic partners. The report provides a summary of plenary presentations and breakout discussions, and a road map that focuses on near-term activities.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Shared Understanding and Paths Forward for Community Benefit Mechanisms: Workshop Summary Report

On October 7-8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory hosted an in-person workshop focused on research needs and strategies for community benefit mechanisms (CBMs) used in the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure. Community benefit mechanisms (such as community benefit agreements, funds, and donations) are used to provide increased benefits and/or mitigate negative impacts of energy development for the communities that are impacted. The workshop aimed to assess the current state of knowledge, tools, practices, and lessons learned, as well as to identify research and other work needed to improve the impact and effective implementation of CBMs. This report describes the purpose and structure of the workshop and summarizes key themes, questions, issues, and ideas that arose from the workshop.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗