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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 865 records · Page 48

Optimal Power Dispatch of DGs in Radial and Mesh AC Grids: A Hybrid Solution Methodology between the Salps Swarm Algorithm and Successive Approximation Power Flow Method

In this paper, we address the problem of the optimal power dispatch of Distributed Generators (DGs) in Alternating Current (AC) networks, better known as the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem. We used, as the objective function, the minimization of power losses (P loss ) associated with energy transport, which are subject to the set of constraints that compose AC networks in an environment of distributed generation. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in solving the OPF problem in any network topology, we employed one 10-node mesh test system and three radial text systems: 10, 33, and 69 nodes. In each test system, DGs were allowed to inject 20%, 40%, and 60% of the power supplied by the slack generator in the base case. To solve the OPF problem, we used a master–slave methodology that integrates the optimization method Salps Swarm Algorithm (SSA) and the load flow technique based on the Successive Approximation (SA) method. Moreover, for comparison purposes, we employed some of the algorithms reported in the specialized literature to solve the OPF problem (the continuous genetic algorithm, the particle swarm optimization algorithm, the black hole algorithm, the antlion optimization algorithm, and the Multi-Verse Optimizer algorithm), which were selected because of their excellent results in solving such problems. The results obtained by the proposed solution methodology demonstrate its superiority and convergence capacity in terms of minimization of P loss in both radial and mesh systems. It provided the best reduction in minimum P loss in short processing times and showed excellent repeatability in each test system and scenario under analysis.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Quantum Sensing for Energy Applications: Review and Perspective

On its revolutionary threshold, quantum sensing is creating potentially transformative opportunities to exploit intricate quantum mechanical phenomena in new ways to make ultrasensitive measurements of multiple parameters. Concurrently, growing interest in quantum sensing has created opportunities for its deployment to improve processes pertaining to energy production, distribution, and consumption. Safe and secure utilization of energy is dependent upon addressing challenges related to material stability and function, secure monitoring of infrastructure, and accuracy in detection and measurement. A summary of well-established and emerging quantum sensing materials and techniques, as well as the corresponding sensing platforms that have been developed for their deployment is provided here. Specifically, the enhancement of existing advanced sensing technologies with quantum methods and materials is focused on, enabling the realization of an unprecedented level of sensitivity, placing an emphasis on relevance to the energy industry. The review concludes with a discussion on high-value applications of quantum sensing to the energy sector, as well as remaining barriers to sensor deployment.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Laboratory for Laser Energetics Targets Inertial Confinement Fusion

The University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics is targeting laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, as part of National Nuclear Security Administration’s Stockpile Stewardship Program and in the quest for clean sources of energy. The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is home to two extremely powerful lasers—OMEGA and OMEGA EP—and researchers are using them to explore laser-driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF). ICF involves compressing a small amount of fuel consisting of hydrogen isotopes, deuterium (D), and tritium (T), and heating it to temperatures greater than the center of stars. “When these conditions are reached, the fuel undergoes fusion—releasing enormous energy that can be used for research relevant to the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) and to drive carbon-free power plants,” explains Valeri Goncharov, distinguished scientist and director of the Theory Division at LLE. LLE was established at the University of Rochester in 1970 and is the largest U.S. Department of Energy university-based research program in the nation, supported by the National Nuclear Security Administration as part of its Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP). “As a center for exploring the interaction of intense radiation with matter, LLE is a unique national resource for research and education in science and technology,” says Goncharov. “Our current research includes exploring fusion for the SSP program and as a future source of energy, developing new laser and materials technologies, and pursuing a better understanding of high-energy-density phenomena.”

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Comprehensive Measurement of the Reactor Antineutrino Spectrum and Flux at Daya Bay

This Letter reports the precise measurement of the reactor antineutrino spectrum and flux based on the full dataset of 4.7 ×10 6 inverse-beta-decay candidates collected at Daya Bay near detectors. Expressed in terms of the inverse-beta-decay yield per fission, the antineutrino spectra from all reactor fissile isotopes and the specific 235 U and 239 Pu isotopes are measured with 1.3%, 3%, and 8% uncertainties, respectively, near the 3 MeV spectrum peak in reconstructed energy, reaching the best precision in the world. The total antineutrino flux and isotopic 235 U and 239 Pu fluxes are precisely measured to be 5.84 ± 0.07, 6.16 ± 0.12, and 4.16 ± 0.21 in units of 10 −43 cm 2 /fission. These measurements are compared with the Huber-Mueller model, the reevaluated conversion model based on the Kurchatov Institute measurement, and the latest summation model (SM2023). Furthermore, the Daya Bay flux shows good consistency with the Kurchatov Institute and SM2023 models but disagrees with the Huber-Mueller model. The Daya Bay spectrum, however, disagrees with all model predictions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Ultrafast radiographic imaging and tracking: An overview of instruments, methods, data, and applications

Ultrafast radiographic imaging and tracking (U-RadIT) use state-of-the-art ionizing particle and light sources to experimentally study sub-nanosecond transients or dynamic processes in physics, chemistry, biology, geology, materials science and other fields. These processes are fundamental to modern technologies and applications, such as nuclear fusion energy, advanced manufacturing, communication, and green transportation, which often involve one mole or more atoms and elementary particles, and thus are challenging to compute by using the first principles of quantum physics or other forward models. One of the central problems in U-RadIT is to optimize information yield through, e.g. high-luminosity X-ray and particle sources, efficient imaging and tracking detectors, novel methods to collect data, and large-bandwidth online and offline data processing, regulated by the underlying physics, statistics, and computing power. We review and highlight recent progress in: (a.) Detectors such as high-speed complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) cameras, hybrid pixelated array detectors integrated with Timepix4 and other application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and digital photon detectors; (b.) U-RadIT modalities such as dynamic phase contrast imaging, dynamic diffractive imaging, and four-dimensional (4D) particle tracking; (c.) U-RadIT data and algorithms such as neural networks and machine learning, and (d.) Applications in ultrafast dynamic material science using XFELs, synchrotrons and laser-driven sources. Hardware-centric approaches to U-RadIT optimization are constrained by detector material properties, low signal-to-noise ratio, high cost and long development cycles of critical hardware components such as ASICs. Interpretation of experimental data, including comparisons with forward models, is frequently hindered by sparse measurements, model and measurement uncertainties, and noise. Alternatively, U-RadIT make increasing use of data science and machine learning algorithms, including experimental implementations of compressed sensing. Machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches, refined by physics and materials information, may also contribute significantly to data interpretation, uncertainty quantification and U-RadIT optimization.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Probing the dynamics and bottleneck of the key atmospheric SO 2 oxidation reaction by the hydroxyl radical

SO 2 (Sulfur dioxide) is the major precursor to the production of sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ), contributing to acid rain and atmospheric aerosols. Sulfuric acid formed from SO 2 generates light-reflecting sulfate aerosol particles in the atmosphere. This property has prompted recent geoengineering proposals to inject sulfuric acid or its precursors into the Earth’s atmosphere to increase the planetary albedo to counteract global warming. SO 2 oxidation in the atmosphere by the hydroxyl radical HO to form HOSO 2 is a key rate-limiting step in the mechanism for forming acid rain. However, the dynamics of the HO + SO 2 → HOSO 2 reaction and its slow rate in the atmosphere are poorly understood to date. Herein, we use photoelectron spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled HOSO 2 – anion to access the neutral HOSO 2 radical near the transition state of the HO + SO 2 reaction. Spectroscopic and dynamic calculations are conducted on the first ab initio-based full-dimensional potential energy surface to interpret the photoelectron spectra of HOSO 2 – and to probe the dynamics of the HO + SO 2 reaction. In addition to the finding of a unique pre-reaction complex (HO⋯SO 2 ) directly connected to the transition state, dynamic calculations reveal that the accessible phase space for the HO + SO 2 → HOSO 2 reaction is extremely narrow, forming a key reaction bottleneck and slowing the reaction rate in the atmosphere, despite the low reaction barrier. This study underlines the importance of understanding the full multidimensional potential energy surface to elucidate the dynamics of complex bimolecular reactions involving polyatomic reactants.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Nonmonotonic-potential description of polarization effects, fusion, and nuclear rainbows in elastic scattering of 6 Li + 12 C at 4.5–600 MeV

The experimental differential cross-section (CS) and analyzing power (AP) data of the 6 Li + 12 C elastic scattering over a wide laboratory energy scale (4.5MeV≤𝐸 lab ≤600MeV) are analyzed within the framework of the optical model (OPM) using nonmonotonic (NM) nucleus–nucleus potentials. The real part of the NM potentials is derived from the Pauli-embodied energy density-functional (EDF) formalism with the sudden approximation. The real part of the noncentral spin-orbit and tensor terms, as well as the imaginary parts, are treated phenomenologically. The effect of the radius of sensitivity on the CS and AP data is found to be more important at lower energies. The diffractive and refractive scattering with Airy structures in the whole angular region of the elastic scattering across the studied energy range is successfully described within the OPM using the NM 6 Li + 12 C potential. The near- and far-side (N and F) decomposition of the total elastic-scattering amplitudes has also been studied using our NM potentials. The evolution of the Airy minima in the angular distributions, coupled with the fitting of the AP data, provides an accurate description of Airy minima of different orders. The OPM calculations with the NM potentials describe exceptionally well the CS, vector analyzing power (VAP), and tensor analyzing power data at 𝐸 lab =9.0,19.24,20,30, and 50MeV. In agreement with our past successful descriptions of CS and the opposite signs of the VAP data for the 6 Li and 7 Li elastic scattering using NM potentials in OPM, the present results appear to provide a better fit, so far, than those obtained from the coupled-channels method. The fusion cross sections of 6 Li + 12 C have been predicted in the energy range (4.5MeV≤𝐸 lab ≤20MeV), fitting the experimental data well in the range 𝐸 lab =2.97–11.77MeV. The EDF potential without any energy dependence and renormalization is also found to describe satisfactorily the experimental CS and AP data at energies up to several hundreds of MeV.

6 ≤ A ≤ 19↗

Radiative divertor detachment and impurity transport with nitrogen and neon seeding in KSTAR H-mode plasmas

Achieving core-edge compatible divertor detachment is a critical requirement for stable operation in future fusion devices. This study compares nitrogen and neon seeding in KSTAR H-mode plasmas with carbon walls, combining experiments and SOLPS-ITER modelling to evaluate their radiative dissipation and core-edge compatibility. Experimentally, N seeding achieved stronger divertor detachment, with larger reductions in target particle and heat fluxes, a higher divertor radiation fraction, and a lower core radiation fraction than Ne. In contrast, Ne seeding triggered a significant rise in core radiation followed by H–L back transitions, limiting the maximum total radiated power fraction to roughly half that of N. SOLPS-ITER simulations reproduced the experimental trends and revealed that the better core-edge compatibility of N arises from its higher divertor retention in addition to its higher cooling factor. The relative positions of the stagnation points of impurity poloidal velocity and ionization sources did not explain the different divertor compression. Instead, in the present modelling, the higher impurity parallel particle flux, resulting from the higher parallel impurity velocity, explains the stronger nitrogen impurity compression in the divertor region. The parallel temperature distribution with N was more favourable for achieving higher impurity parallel velocity than with Ne, because the impurity velocity is governed by modifications of the main ion flow due to friction and thermal forces, both of which strongly depend on the temperature. Ultimately, this behaviour is attributed to the strongly divertor-localized radiation of N. These results demonstrate that N is more effective than Ne in achieving radiative divertor detachment while maintaining low core contamination in KSTAR, consistent with observations in other present tokamaks.

KSTAR↗

Triton Field Trials (TFiT) underwater noise - University of New Hampshire Living Bridge turbine Processed Data

In July 2021, a commercial-off-the-shelf hydrophone was deployed in a free-drifting configuration to measure underwater acoustic emissions and characterize a 25 kW-rated tidal turbine at the University of New Hampshire's Living Bridge Project in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Sampling methods and analysis were performed in alignment with the recently published IEC 62600-40 Technical Specification for acoustic characterization of marine energy converters. Results from this study indicate acoustic emissions from the turbine were below ambient sound levels and therefore did not have a significant impact on the underwater noise levels of the project site. As a component of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Triton Field Trials (TFiT) described in a paper published in a Special Issue of Journal of Marine Energy Science and Engineering, this study provides a valuable use case for the IEC 62600-40 Technical Specification framework and further recommendations for cost-effective technologies and methods for measuring underwater noise at future current energy converter project sites. The paper can be accessed in the link bellow.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Prioritizing Nuclear Materials for SAM-3 Neutron Irradiation Campaign: Structural and Cladding Materials Candidates

This report outlines a framework for selecting structural and cladding materials for the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) SAM-3 neutron irradiation campaign to support the advancement of nuclear energy technologies. The document begins with an introduction that provides background context, highlights the motivations for launching a new irradiation campaign, and defines the overall objectives. The core of the report describes the design considerations for the irradiation campaign, including capsule configurations, irradiation temperature ranges, and target dose levels (defined by displacements per atom, or dpa). The material recommendation was guided by the Specimen Identification and Prioritization (SIP) Working Group, a multidisciplinary team of experts representing national laboratories, academia, industry, federal government and agency. This group played a central role in identifying candidate materials, evaluating technical justifications, and ensuring alignment with boarder programmatic goals. A detailed set of criteria for material prioritization is then presented, taking into account reactor relevance, performance gaps, advanced manufacturing methods, and emerging material classes. Based on the input of SIP working group, specific materials were selected and justified for inclusion in the irradiation campaign by the NSUF leadership and its U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) management. The final section provides recommended capsule designs, summarizing critical parameters such as material type, fabrication method, sample geometry, irradiation conditions, and specimen quantities. This report serves as a foundation for executing a focused and high-impact neutron irradiation campaign aimed at addressing key materials challenges for both existing and advanced nuclear reactors.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Basic Research Needs for High Energy Physics Detector Research & Development: Report of the Office of Science Workshop on Basic Research Needs for HEP Detector Research and Development: December 11-14, 2019

Transformative discovery in science is driven by innovation in technology. Our boldest undertakings in particle physics have at their foundation precision instrumentation. To reveal the profound connections underlying everything we see from the smallest scales to the largest distances in the Universe, to understand its fundamental constituents, and to reveal what is still unknown, we must invent, develop, and deploy advanced instrumentation. Investments in High Energy Physics (HEP) enabled by instrumentation have been richly rewarded with discoveries of the tiny masses of the neutrinos, the origin of mass itself: the enigmatic Higgs boson, and the surprising accelerating expansion of the Universe. What we have learned is remarkable, unexpected, exciting and mysterious; raising many new questions waiting to be answered. The quest to answer them drives innovation that improves the nation's health, wealth, and security, inspiring the public and drawing young people to science. Excellence and innovation come most effectively from diverse teams of people. Success, therefore, depends critically on attracting, engaging, and supporting a diverse cadre of young people to the field, and ensuring an inclusive environment at all levels. The program laid out in the 2014 Particle Physics Projects Prioritization Panel (P5) report "Building for Discovery - A Strategic Plan for U.S. Particle Physics in a Global Context" guides current and near future experiments to exploit these and other discoveries, and the instrumentation innovation they require, to push the frontiers of science into new territory. To explore this territory HEP will soon embark on planning the next generation of experiments. Realizing these experiments will require giant leaps in capabilities beyond the instrumentation of today. Accordingly, now is a pivotal moment to invest in the accelerated development of cost-effective instrumentation with greatly improved sensitivity and performance that will make measurable the unmeasurable, enabling a tool-driven revolution to open the door to future discoveries. Historic scientific opportunities await us, enabled by executing the instrumentation research plan outlined here.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Accelerating Ocean-Based Renewable Energy Educational Opportunities to Achieve a Clean Energy Future

The United Nations has named 2021–2030 the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development with goals to 'strengthen the international cooperation needed to develop the scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with the needs of society' (IOC 2019 The science we need for the ocean we want: the United Nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development (2021–2030) (Paris) p 24). Important actions that have been identified in support of sustainable development goals include capacity-building, training, and education. This includes educational opportunities for ocean-based renewable energy development in support of a healthy planet and ocean. Offshore wind is experiencing rapid development globally and, while the U.S. offshore wind market is still nascent, it is on the brink of exponential growth based on large cost reductions driven largely by European development and technology advances. Growth is also expected in wave and tidal energy with significant opportunities identified for various distributed markets through the Powering the Blue Economy™ initiative, with longer-term implications for expansion at the utility scale (LiVecchi et al 2019 Powering the blue economy; exploring opportunities for marine renewable energy in maritime markets p 207). In order to expedite progress and maximize benefits to the national, state, and local economies, these development actions will require a broad, diverse, and appropriately trained workforce. The ocean-based renewable energy workforce needs engineers and scientists to develop cost-effective technologies, as well as trade and maritime workers to eventually deploy the technologies at scale. In the United States, educational institutions, state governments, and private developers are taking action to understand job skills and capability requirements and to develop educational and training programs to meet offshore workforce needs; most are focused on offshore wind power, with gaining interest in marine energy. This article explores the workforce requirements of the growing ocean-based renewable energy industry and the current state of education and training programs to meet those requirements in order to identify gaps and make recommendations for further workforce development activities and initiatives. An international view needs to be adopted that incorporates the education and skill needs of early-stage marine energy technologies and evolving offshore wind technologies together with more market-ready offshore renewable energy markets. By accelerating educational development opportunities in ocean-based renewable energy, these growing blue economy markets can deliver significant economic and social benefits.

50 EE - Wind and Water Power Program - Water (EE-4↗

The CeBrA demonstrator for particle-γ coincidence experiments at the FSU Super-Enge Split-Pole Spectrograph

We report on a highly selective experimental setup for particle-γ coincidence experiments at the Super-Enge Split-Pole Spectrograph (SE-SPS) of the John D. Fox Superconducting Linear Accelerator Laboratory at Florida State University (FSU) using fast CeBr scintillators for γ-ray detection. Specifically, we report on the results of characterization tests for the first five CeBr 3 scintillation detectors of the CeBr 3 Array (CeBrA) with respect to energy resolution and timing characteristics. We also present results from the first particle-γ coincidence experiments successfully performed with the CeBrA demonstrator and the FSU SE-SPS. We show that with the new setup, γ-decay branching ratios and particle-γ angular correlations can be measured very selectively using narrow excitation energy gates, which are possible thanks to the excellent particle energy resolution of the SE-SPS. In addition, we highlight that nuclear level lifetimes in the nanoseconds regime can be determined by measuring the time difference between particle detection with the SE-SPS focal-plane scintillator and γ-ray detection with the fast CeBrA detectors. As a result, selective excitation energy gates with the SE-SPS exclude any feeding contributions to these lifetimes.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Optimization of selenium in CdZnTeSe quaternary compound for radiation detector applications

X- and gamma-ray detectors are increasingly becoming essential tool for science and technology in various fields include homeland security, nonproliferation, nuclear security, medical imaging, astrophysics, and high energy physics. Cd 1-x Zn x Te 1-y Se y (CZTS) is emerging as a next-generation compound semiconductor for such applications. CZTS was found to possesses a very low concentration of Te inclusions and free from sub-grain boundary networks. Being a quaternary compound with varying alloy composition, optimization of the composition was performed to determine the minimum amount of selenium required to produce CZTS with reduced defects. The optimized composition was found to be x=0.10 and y=0.02, i.e., Cd 0.9 Zn0.1Te 0.98 Se 0.02 , for excellent material properties as a radiation detector. The resulting material was free from sub-grain boundary networks and with a highly reduced concentration of Te inclusions. The bulk dark resistivity obtained was in the range of 1-3x1010 ohm-cm with the highest achieved mobility-lifetime product of ~6.6x10-3 cm2/V for the optimized CZTS composition. Impurity analyses were performed by the Glow Discharge Mass Spectroscopy (GDMS) technique, and the results showed relatively high impurity concentrations compared to commercial detector-grade CdZnTe. Thus, CZTS has room for further improvement with additional purification of the starting materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experimental evidence of non-equilibrium phase separation in supercritical fluids

Supercritical fluids (SCFs), widely utilized in many industries, have long been regarded as homogeneous single-phase media. Recent simulation studies identified different phases (more gas-like or liquid-like) in SCFs at equilibrium, expanding the previous notion but still not addressing non-equilibrium properties of SCFs. Here we reveal the existence of long-lived liquid-like clusters in non-equilibrium SCFs by time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering measurements. Since SCFs in industrial applications frequently operate under dynamic, non-equilibrium conditions rather than strict thermodynamic equilibrium, our findings offer crucial information for improving the use of SCFs in industrial settings, like semiconductor cleaning and plant thermal-hydraulic engineering.

Lee, Juho [Pohang Univ. of Science and Technology ↗

Sustainability in Directed Energy Deposition

Directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) has been recognized as an efficient and sustainable technology in the field of advanced manufacturing. In the past few years, Considerable discussion has been made by researchers to promote DED AM for better performance in manufacturing. The discussions focus on basic theoretical research, process optimization and control, technology innovation, and industrial applications. However, this technology׳s environmental and economic benefits over traditional manufacturing processes are still to be seen and its sustainability is also a mystery. Here, this chapter presents a critical overview of the environmental sustainability of DED to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of materials, processing conditions, and geometric complexities on the energy consumption and environmental impacts of DED and provide a better guide for decision-makers in terms of selecting suitable manufacturing processes. In addition, this chapter proposes a novel framework for DED AM sustainability assessment and improvement based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method and multi-objective optimization. At last, future perspectives and recommendations for the sustainability of DED AM are put forward.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Spatiotemporal structure of edge harmonic oscillation and its role in ELM-free QH-mode at KSTAR

In Quiescent H-mode (QH-mode), edge-localized modes (ELMs) are naturally replaced by a low-n edge harmonic oscillation (EHO), yet the self-regulating transport mechanism driven by the EHO remains insufficiently understood. Using high-spatiotemporal-resolution imaging diagnostics on KSTAR—electron cyclotron emission imaging and broadband electron cyclotron emission—we resolve the eigenmode structure of the EHO and elucidate its regulatory role in edge transport. The EHO is localized within the pedestal near the maximum pressure gradient, propagates in the ion-diamagnetic direction, and its radial envelope expands with increasing shear, suggesting that rotational shear is closely associated with the structural evolution of the EHO. Information-theoretic Transfer Entropy analysis identifies a distinct ‘dual-stabilization’ regulatory interaction pattern: the EHO is associated with enhanced outward energy transport to limit the pressure gradient, while the background shear flow is associated with preferential regulatory influence on the EHO saturation amplitude and energy flux. These results demonstrate that the QH-mode pedestal is sustained by a shear-associated regulation mechanism, where the coupling between rotational shear and mode structure appears closely linked to the sustained ELM-free state.

ECEI↗