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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

State-of-the-art and review of condensation heat transfer for small modular reactor passive safety: Experimental studies

Here this study focused on state-of-the-art and review of condensation heat transfer for small modular reactors (SMR). Nuclear reactors adopt passive containment cooling systems (PCCS) for accident mitigation, containment integrity, and primarily to maintain the last barrier for radioactive particle release to the environment during and beyond design-basis accidents. However, improving the effectiveness of the PCCS is more critical for the SMR than for commercial reactors to ensure higher safety margins and compactness. In the PCCS of SMR, due to its smaller size containment, the filmwise condensation (FWC) is dominant. Therefore, this study emphasized the FWC. Earlier condensation studies for the PCCS did not make SMR the primary focus, so a critical review for formulating the state-of-the-art was necessary. Part-1 of this study covered the review of physics phenomena, previous experimental studies with a brief overview of associated test facilities and empirical correlations. This study identified a research gap with the condensation test data scaling relations by using the information and findings of the previous PCCS studies and applied them to the SMR system.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

State-of-the-art and review of condensation heat transfer for small modular reactor passive safety: Computational studies

The small modular reactor (SMR) is a promising option with added safety features, economical manufacturing, reliable parts, portability, and scalable energy capacity that emits no greenhouse gas during its operating lifespan. The SMR safety systems, however, need to be evaluated for design and licensing. Thus, they require the verification and validation of the physics models and correlations. This study focuses on state-of-the-art condensation heat transfer analysis and a review of previous studies related to the passive containment cooling system (PCCS) of a SMR. In the PCCS of a SMR, due to its smaller size containment, filmwise condensation is dominant and therefore emphasized in this study. Furthermore, previous condensation heat transfer studies for PCCSs did not make the SMR the primary focus, so a critical review for formulating the state-of-the-art is necessary. A previous review covered experimental condensation heat transfer studies with a brief overview of associated test facilities and empirical correlations. This review covers the empirical, resistance-layer and theoretical (numerical and commercial CFD) approaches.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Non-destructive evaluation and machine learning methods for inspection of spent nuclear fuel canisters: A state-of-the-art review

Nuclear energy is among the cleanest and most efficient energy sources currently available. The operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) produces large amounts of high-level radioactive waste known as spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Currently, large amounts of SNF is stored in dry cask storage systems (DCSSs) for extended interim storage until a permanent disposal solution becomes available. During the extended interim storage, the DCSS, particularly the SNF canisters, may degrade and abnormal conditions may occur. Therefore, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and machine learning (ML) approaches are necessary for inspection of SNF canisters. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of literature by summarizing recent progress made on the applications of NDE and ML for inspection of SNF canisters. Sixteen NDE methods are examined and compared: visual inspection, ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs), laser-based approaches, acoustic emission (AE), eddy current testing (ECT), non-invasive acoustic sensing, dynamic modal testing, cosmic ray muons tomography, neutron imaging, gamma rays detection, fiber optical sensors, through-wall communications, X-ray computed tomography (CT), vibrothermography, monoenergetic photon sources, and surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors. The technology readiness level (TRL) for each method is assessed and compared. Recent publications on ML-enhanced visual inspection, AE, non-invasive acoustic sensing, dynamic modal testing, and neutron imaging for SNF canisters are summarized and future research needs are identified. In conclusion, this review article provides a convenient reference on the state-of-the-art applications of NDE and ML methods for inspection of SNF canisters.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

How to Get the Best Gas Separation Membranes from State-of-the-Art Glassy Polymers

Herein we focus on fundamental polymer science factors in membrane-based gas separation to open another chapter on this important topic. Realistically thinking about nano and angstrom scale matrix attributes that are translatable into higher performance thin glassy polymer asymmetric membrane layers in practical large-scale devices is crucial. Such thinking should be guided by expertise in both polymer and membrane communities to advance the state of the art. Polymer structures, membrane morphologies and effects of operating conditions are discussed here, using specific examples to illustrate key issues. Rubbery polymers are not the focus of this discussion, since they lack diffusive discrimination for size-similar penetrants, which glassy polymers provide and make them the focus here. Four scalable subtopics guide necessary thinking: (i) plasticization; (ii) anti-plasticization†2; (iii) dual-mode transport involving saturation of unrelaxed free volume, and (iv) non-uniform free volume and stress profiles in thin skin glassy polymer asymmetric or composite membranes. Furthermore, using these subtopics in the context of macromolecular science we discuss issues needed to expand the state-of-the-art in gas separation membranes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Exploring the effects of molecular beam epitaxy growth characteristics on the temperature performance of state-of-the-art terahertz quantum cascade lasers

This study conducts a comparative analysis, using non-equilibrium Green’s functions (NEGF), of two state-of-the-art two-well (TW) Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers (THz QCLs) supporting clean 3-level systems. The devices have nearly identical parameters and the NEGF calculations with an abrupt-interface roughness height of 0.12 nm predict a maximum operating temperature (T max ) of ~ 250 K for both devices. However, experimentally, one device reaches a T max of ~ 250 K and the other a T max of only ~ 134 K. Both devices were fabricated and measured under identical conditions in the same laboratory, with high quality processes as verified by reference devices. The main difference between the two devices is that they were grown in different MBE reactors. Our NEGF-based analysis considered all parameters related to MBE growth, including the maximum estimated variation in aluminum content, growth rate, doping density, background doping, and abrupt-interface roughness height. From our NEGF calculations it is evident that the sole parameter to which a drastic drop in T max could be attributed is the abrupt-interface roughness height. We can also learn from the simulations that both devices exhibit high-quality interfaces, with one having an abrupt-interface roughness height of approximately an atomic layer and the other approximately a monolayer. However, these small differences in interface sharpness are the cause of the large performance discrepancy. This underscores the sensitivity of device performance to interface roughness and emphasizes its strategic role in achieving higher operating temperatures for THz QCLs. We suggest Atom Probe Tomography (APT) as a path to analyze and measure the (graded)-interfaces roughness (IFR) parameters for THz QCLs, and subsequently as a design tool for higher performance THz QCLs, as was done for mid-IR QCLs. Our study not only addresses challenges faced by other groups in reproducing the record T max of ~ 250 K and ~ 261 K but also proposes a systematic pathway for further improving the temperature performance of THz QCLs beyond the state-of-the-art.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Forward-Looking State-of-the-Art Review on Earned Value Management Systems: The Disconnect between Academia and Industry

Earned value management (EVM) is a project management approach that can enhance the probability of project success. It is applied widely across different industry sectors (e.g., energy, aerospace, construction, defense, and manufacturing), generally through the use of an earned value management system (EVMS). A holistic and up-to-date literature review on EVM and EVMS does not exist. A literature review can provide a comprehensive perspective on the topic, identifying and summarizing the existing body of knowledge, as a foundation to advance the state of practice of EVM/EVMS. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to investigate the EVM/EVMS state of the art by critically reviewing academic and industry publications, with a specific focus on the maturity of EVMS and the environment surrounding its implementation. By performing a systematic literature review, the authors identified 600 publications since the inception of the EVM concept in 1962, and then narrowed down this list to 160 relevant publications from the last decade for closer review. The findings include the discovery of eight emergent themes. Of these themes, “forecasting/prediction” constitutes the largest portion of the recent literature, followed by “application of EVMS.” One interesting finding is that EVMS maturity, although being a critical topic, is only discussed in one publication. Publications focused on EVM/EVMS have increased in the last decade and significant differences were found between academia and industry literature in terms of the limitations and extensions of EVM/EVMS, EVMS environment, and compliance. A key finding is that designing a reliable EVMS should combine both technical and social aspects of implementation. This forward-looking paper provides a state-of-the-art review while highlighting gaps in the existing EVM/EVMS body of knowledge and introducing new perspectives to support EVMS research and application.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Literature Review of NO x Emissions in Current and Future State-of-the-Art Gas Turbines

Current U.S. government policy seeks to achieve a completely carbon-free economy by 2050, with a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035 (per executive orders #14008 and #14057). To address these goals, the U.S. Department of Energy is evaluating strategies and technologies that support the production, utilization, transport, and storage of hydrogen (via initiatives such as Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Earthshot—Hydrogen and various DOE funding opportunity announcements). A carbon-free fuel such as hydrogen cannot be overvalued in a dynamic electric energy sector seeking to decarbonize. One of the most important technologies needed to achieve the goal of a carbon-free electricity sector is a 100% hydrogen-fueled gas turbine. Accommodating hydrogen-based fuels has been a key goal for various original engine manufacturers (OEMs) for many years, but much more research and development (R&D) is needed. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the current state-of-the- art of hydrogen turbine technology, especially regarding nitrogen oxide (NO X ) emissions compared to natural gas-fueled turbines. NO X is the primary criteria pollutant from thermally driven combustion turbines and should be controlled to levels that are equivalent to or below existing standards (as reported “existing standards” for hydrogen-fueled gas turbines may need to be rebaselined). Further, this paper will provide an overview of hydrogen as a fuel and various NO X emissions control techniques that are relevant for hydrogen-based fuels. A conclusion from this overview is that, with some level of R&D, NO X emissions from hydrogen-fueled gas turbines can be controlled to levels similar to those produced by state-of-the-art (SOTA) natural gas-fueled combustion turbines while remaining competitive in terms of performance and efficiency.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

ART Front End v1

Enhances accessibility of the Automated Recommendation Tool (ART), by adding on a graphical user interface, user authentication, and by exposing a REST API. Enables authenticated remote users and applications to interface with ART and to leverage remote computing resources to perform runs.

Forrer, Mark↗
DOE OSTI2024

History and State of the Art in Advanced Thermal Protection Systems

This report documents the current state of the art of thermal protection systems (TPS) relevant to missile application materials and MTCR control language. The information is intended to provide data on current TPS for determining the current state of development and identifying potential research directions. Various vehicle configurations and types of TPS are described, including the evolution of materials and systems. Vehicle configurations such as high drag rocket and capsule systems and low-drag air-breathers are discussed. TPS are complex, transitioning from often very low temperatures to temperatures exceeding 3000°C and heat fluxes of up to 30,000 W/cm 2 . They can take the form of blankets, sheets, tiles and fabricated rigid structures, and can be made from high temperature capable alloys, refractory metals, ceramics, ceramic matrix composites, ultra-high temperature ceramics, carbon-carbon composites or ablative carbonaceous materials. Current state of the art in TPS is based on materials any systems developed for the initial space program. TPS was upgraded to the point of the Space Shuttle development and has stagnated since them.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Comparison of Commercial, State-of-the-Art, Fossil-Based Ammonia Production

This NETL report provides a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of current, state-of-the-art, fossil-based ammonia production processes, explicitly utilizing natural gas as the feedstock. The study thoroughly investigates three distinct configurations: conventional Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) without carbon capture, SMR integrated with carbon capture and storage (CCS), and Autothermal Reforming (ATR) also with CCS. The analysis incorporates detailed equipment cost accounting as part of its methodology. The primary objective is to meticulously evaluate the cost and performance of these established and emerging technological pathways, considering factors such as capital expenditures, operational costs, and energy consumption. While the report acknowledges and quantifies environmental impacts, its central focus remains on the economic and technical feasibility of each process design employing these current technologies. The analysis provides a direct comparison of the Levelized Cost of Ammonia (LCOA) for each pathway, revealing how the integration of CCS within these state-of-the-art systems impacts the overall production cost. The ATR+CCS configuration, representing an advanced approach, emerged with a slightly more favorable LCOA compared to SMR+CCS. This benefit was attributed to its inherent process efficiencies, high carbon capture rates, and economy of scale advantages. The report details the energy consumption profiles for each case, including metrics like net energy consumption and thermal efficiency, which are critical for assessing the performance of these contemporary industrial processes. Sensitivity analyses further explore how variables such as natural gas price, capital costs, and capacity factors influence the LCOA across all scenarios, offering critical insights into the economic robustness and scalability of these current ammonia production technologies.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Unifying and benchmarking state-of-the-art quantum error mitigation techniques

Error mitigation is an essential component of achieving a practical quantum advantage in the near term, and a number of different approaches have been proposed. In this work, we recognize that many state-of-the-art error mitigation methods share a common feature: they are data-driven, employing classical data obtained from runs of different quantum circuits. For example, Zero-noise extrapolation (ZNE) uses variable noise data and Clifford-data regression (CDR) uses data from near-Clifford circuits. We show that Virtual Distillation (VD) can be viewed in a similar manner by considering classical data produced from different numbers of state preparations. Observing this fact allows us to unify these three methods under a general data-driven error mitigation framework that we call UNIfied Technique for Error mitigation with Data (UNITED). In certain situations, we find that our UNITED method can outperform the individual methods (i.e., the whole is better than the individual parts). Specifically, we employ a realistic noise model obtained from a trapped ion quantum computer to benchmark UNITED, as well as other state-of-the-art methods, in mitigating observables produced from random quantum circuits and the Quantum Alternating Operator Ansatz (QAOA) applied to Max-Cut problems with various numbers of qubits, circuit depths and total numbers of shots. We find that the performance of different techniques depends strongly on shot budgets, with more powerful methods requiring more shots for optimal performance. For our largest considered shot budget (10 10 ), we find that UNITED gives the most accurate mitigation. Hence, our work represents a benchmarking of current error mitigation methods and provides a guide for the regimes when certain methods are most useful.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1974

Graphic arts techniques and equipment: A compilation

Technology utilization of NASA sponsored projects involving graphic arts techniques and equipment is discussed. The subjects considered are: (1) modification to graphics tools, (1) new graphics tools, (3) visual aids for graphics, and (4) graphic arts shop hints. Photographs and diagrams are included to support the written material.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Preliminary power train design for a state-of-the-art electric vehicle

The state-of-the-art (SOTA) of electric vehicles built since 1965 was reviewed to establish a base for the preliminary design of a power train for a SOTA electric vehicle. The performance of existing electric vehicles were evaluated to establish preliminary specifications for a power train design using state-of-the-art technology and commercially available components. Power train components were evaluated and selected using a computer simulation of the SAE J227a Schedule D driving cycle. Predicted range was determined for a number of motor and controller combinations in conjunction with the mechanical elements of power trains and a battery pack of sixteen lead-acid batteries - 471.7 kg at 0.093 MJ/Kg (1040 lbs. at 11.7 Whr/lb). On the basis of maximum range and overall system efficiency using the Schedule D cycle, an induction motor and 3 phase inverter/controller was selected as the optimum combination when used with a two-speed transaxle and steel belted radial tires. The predicted Schedule D range is 90.4 km (56.2 mi). Four near term improvements to the SOTA were identified, evaluated, and predicted to increase range approximately 7%.

Ross, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Preliminary power train design for a state-of-the-art electric vehicle

Power train designs which can be implemented within the current state-of-the-art were identified by means of a review of existing electric vehicles and suitable off-the-shelf components. The affect of various motor/transmission combinations on vehicle range over the SAE J227a schedule D cycle was evaluated. The selected, state-of-the-art power train employs a dc series wound motor, SCR controller, variable speed transmission, regenerative braking, drum brakes and radial ply tires. Vehicle range over the SAE cycle can be extended by approximately 20% by the further development of separately excited, shunt wound DC motors and electrical controllers. Approaches which could improve overall power train efficiency, such as AC motor systems, are identified. However, future emphasis should remain on batteries, tires and lightweight structures if substantial range improvements are to be achieved.

Mighdoll, P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

G-38, G-39 and G-40: Art in space, a divergent exploration

The results of the Get Away Special (GAS) Arts-Science payload G-38, processed in orbit on board the Space Shuttle Challenger during mission 41-G STS 17, October 5 to 13, l984 are explained. The payload G-38 was created as a unified Arts-Science payload that simultaneously explored the process of vapor deposition in the vacuum and weightlessness of the shuttle environment and created a series of space sculptures utilizing this process. The purpose of the experiment was to test the sputter deposition process in space and to create five subtle spherical sculptures with metallic coatings of gold, silver, platinum and chrome.

Joseph W. McShane↗
NASA NTRS1989

Synesthetic art through 3-D projection: The requirements of a computer-based supermedium

A computer-based form of multimedia art is proposed that uses the computer to fuse aspects of painting, sculpture, dance, music, film, and other media into a one-to-one synthesia of image and sound for spatially synchronous 3-D projection. Called synesthetic art, this conversion of many varied media into an aesthetically unitary experience determines the character and requirements of the system and its software. During the start-up phase, computer stereographic systems are unsuitable for software development. Eventually, a new type of illusory-projective supermedium will be required to achieve the needed combination of large-format projection and convincing real life presence, and to handle the vast amount of 3-D visual and acoustic information required. The influence of the concept on the author's research and creative work is illustrated through two examples.

Mallary, Robert↗