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At least 919 records · Page 51

A conflict of water and fire: Remote sensing imagery of the Uinkaret Volcanic Field, Grand Canyon, Arizona

The sedimentary geology of the western Grand Canyon consists of gently northeast dipping sandstones, shales, and carbonates. However, due to facies changes within the units, the geomorphology varies from that seen by visitors at the National Park Headquarters. There, the cliff and slope expression of the rocks is replaced in the west by a series of mesas, ridges, and horizontal platforms. The largest of these occurs on the Esplanade Sandstone within the Supai Formation. The Esplanade is formed by slope retreat of the overlying units and resistance to erosion by the underlying limestones. It is onto this platform that the lavas of the Uinkaret Plateau were emplaced. The Uinkaret lava field lies 120 km south of St. George, Utah and is tectonically defined by two major normal faults -- the Hurricane to the west and the Toroweap to the east. The purpose of this investigation was to collect visible, near and thermal infrared data at different periods of the day and year. It is expected that these data will provide the ability to retrieve water temperatures; monitor sediment loads; map and examine any changes in the near shore vegetation communities and understand some of the intricacies of the geology. This paper will serve, to some degree, as a progress report on the Grand Canyon study, since only a fraction of the data has been received and processed thus far. Data from the Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) and the Landsat Thematic Mapper simulator (NS001) were acquired simultaneously on April 4, 1994. A second data acquisition occurred on August 27, 1994. Initial analysis of the TIMS data indicates a remarkably noise-free data set with minimal atmospheric attenuation. environments is evident.

Ramsey, Michael S.↗

High tensile alloy of copper to mitigate current collector deformation in silicon electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

The volumetric changes of silicon electrodes, along with the strong adhesive properties of certain binders, can lead to plastic deformation of the current collector and create damage in the electrode coating. Here, in this study, we report a detailed study of silicon coatings on a high-tensile alloy (HTA) foil of copper with strength over twice that of conventional copper foils. The HTA current collectors with high mechanical strength can mitigate plastic deformation upon continuous cycling. At moderate areal capacities (2.5–3 mAh cm −2 ), conventional copper foils show significant wrinkling after only a few electrochemical cycles, whereas the HTA foils remain intact. We demonstrate viability of the HTA foils in large format xx6395 pouch cells, in which the HTA current collectors remain intact even at an areal capacity of 4.5 mAh cm −2 ; in contrast, wrinkles form in conventional copper current collectors increasing the likelihood of lithium plating. Computational studies show that stresses generated during cycling of silicon electrodes are very high in the current collector and at the current collector-coating interface, explaining the wrinkling of conventional Cu foils. Our studies highlight importance of current collector to solve the electrochemical and chemo-mechanical performance challenges associated with high-loading silicon electrodes.

Chemo-mechanical degradation↗

The Use of Statistically Based Rolling Supply Curves for Electricity Market Analysis: A Preliminary Look

In light of the changing electricity resource mixes across the United States, an important question in electricity modeling is how additions and retirements of generation, including additions in variable renewable energy (VRE) generation could impact markets by changing hourly wholesale energy prices. Instead of using resource-intensive production cost models (PCMs) or building and using simple generator supply curves, this analysis uses a 'top-down' approach based on regression analysis of hourly historical energy and load data to estimate the impact of supply changes on wholesale electricity prices, provided the changes are not so substantial that they fundamentally alter the market and dispatch-order driven behavior of non-retiring units. The rolling supply curve (RSC) method used in this report estimates the shape of the supply curve that fits historical hourly price and load data for given time intervals, such as two-weeks, and then repeats this on a rolling basis through the year. These supply curves can then be modified on an hourly basis to reflect the impact of generation retirements or additions, including VRE and then reapplied to the same load data to estimate the change in hourly electricity price. The choice of duration over which these RSCs are estimated has a significant impact on goodness of fit. For example, in PJM in 2015, moving from fitting one curve per year to 26 rolling two-week supply curves improves the standard error of the regression from 16 dollars/MWh to 6 dollars/MWh and the R-squared of the estimate from 0.48 to 0.76. We illustrate the potential use and value of the RSC method by estimating wholesale price effects under various generator retirement and addition scenarios, and we discuss potential limits of the technique, some of which are inherent. The ability to do this type of analysis is important to a wide range of market participants and other stakeholders, and it may have a role in complementing use of or providing calibrating insights to PCMs.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Mock Truss-Braced Wing Loads Calibration Research Utilizing Fiber-Optic Sensors

In support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Advanced Air Transonic Transport Truss-Braced Wing structural research, the Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory is performing pathfinder tests on a small, scaled test article (dubbed the mock Truss-Braced Wing) to study the application of a loads calibration on a truss-braced wing structure. The addition of a truss to the wing structure, as opposed to a purely cantilever beam setup, changes the strain-gage-based loads calibration techniques. In a truss-braced configuration, the internal shear and moments, inboard of the truss-wing connection, are not directly representative of the external aerodynamic loading as is the case for a traditional cantilever configuration. A 3-axis load cell was used at the wing-to-strut interface to estimate the load sharing between the two structural members. Crosstalk within the 3-axis load cell is added to the measurement uncertainties of the calibration effort, and the results, including crosstalk uncertainties, are presented. The calibration tests presented in this report are used as a pathfinder for developing an understanding how to perform loads calibration on a truss-braced wing structural configuration. The use of distributed fiber-optic strain sensors is leveraged to provide a near-full-span strain profile along the leading and trailing edge of the wing structure for strain-based loads calibration.

Francisco Peña↗

Nontraditional Approaches To Enable High-Energy and Long-Life Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

In this study, lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are promising for automotive applications due to their high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh/kg). In addition, the natural abundance of sulfur could mitigate the global raw material supply chain challenge of commercial lithium-ion batteries that use critical elements, such as nickel and cobalt. However, due to persistent polysulfide shuttling and uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth, Li-S batteries using nonencapsulated sulfur cathodes and conventional ether-based electrolytes suffer from rapid cell degradation upon cycling. Despite significant improvements in recent decades, there is still a big gap between lab research and commercialization of the technology. To date, the reported cell energy densities and cycling life of practical Li-S pouch cells remain largely unsatisfactory. Traditional approaches to improving Li-S performance are primarily focused on confining polysulfides using electronically conductive hosts. However, these micro- and mesoporous hosts suffer from limited pore volume to accommodate high sulfur loading and the associated volume change during cycling. Moreover, they fail to balance adsorption-conversion of polysulfides during charge-discharge, leading to the formation of massive dead sulfur. Such hosts are themselves electrochemically inactive, which decreases the practical energy density. In contrast, a series of nontraditional approaches, paired with advances in multiscale mechanistic understanding, have recently demonstrated exciting performance outcomes not only in conventional coin cells but also in practical pouch cells. In this Account, we first introduce our novel cathode design strategies to overcome polysulfide shuttling and sluggish redox kinetics in thick S cathodes via selenium-sulfur chemistry and cathode host engineering. Next, we gain a mechanistic understanding of Li-S batteries in various types of electrolytes via a series of spectroscopic, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electrochemical methods. Meanwhile, a novel cathode solid electrolyte interphase encapsulation strategy via nonviscous highly fluorinated ether-based electrolyte is introduced. The established selection rule by investigating how solvating power retards the shuttle effect and induces robust cathode/solid-electrolyte interphase formation is also included. We then discuss how the synergistic interactions between rational cathode structures and electrolytes can be exploited to tailor the reaction pathways and kinetics of S cathodes under high mass loading and lean electrolyte conditions. In addition, a novel interlayer design to simultaneously overcome degradation processes (polysulfide shuttling and lithium dendrite formation) and accelerate redox reaction kinetics is presented. Finally, this Account concludes with an overview of the challenges and strategies to develop Li-S pouch cells with high practical energy density, long cycle life, and fast-charging capability.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Ion Exchange Testing with SRF Resin FY2012

Ion exchange using spherical resorcinol-formaldehyde (SRF) resin has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of River Protection (DOE-ORP) for use in the Pretreatment Facility (PTF) of the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) and for potential application in at-tank deployment. Numerous studies have shown SRF resin to be effective for removing 137Cs from a wide variety of actual and simulated tank waste supernatants (Adamson et al. 2006; Blanchard et al. 2008; Burgeson et al. 2004; Duignan and Nash 2009; Fiskum et al. 2006a; Fiskum et al. 2006b; Fiskum et al. 2006c; Fiskum et al. 2007; Hassan and Adu-Wusu 2003; King et al. 2004; Nash et al. 2006). Prior work at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has focused primarily on the loading behavior for 4 to 6 M Na solutions at 25 to 45°C. Recent proposed changes to the WTP ion exchange process baseline indicate that loading may include a broader range of sodium molarities (0.1 to 8 M) and higher temperatures (50°C) to alleviate post-filtration precipitation issues. This report discusses ion exchange loading kinetics testing activities performed in accordance with Test Plan TP-WTPSP-002, Rev. 3.0, which was prepared and approved in response to the Test Specification 24590 PTF-TSP-RT-09-002, Rev. 0 (Lehrman 2010) and Test Exception 24590 PTF TEF RT-11-00003, Rev. 0 (Meehan 2011). This testing focused on column tests evaluating the impact of elevated temperature on resin degradation over an extended period of time and batch contacts evaluating the impact on Cs loading over a broad range of sodium concentrations (0.1 to 5 M). These changes may be required to alleviate post-filtration precipitation issues and broaden the data range of SRF resin loading under the conditions expected with the new equipment and process changes.

Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Pl↗

Ion Exchange Testing with SRF Resin FY 2012

Ion exchange using spherical resorcinol-formaldehyde (SRF) resin has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of River Protection (DOE-ORP) for use in the Pretreatment Facility (PTF) of the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) and for potential application in at-tank deployment. Numerous studies have shown SRF resin to be effective for removing 137Cs from a wide variety of actual and simulated tank waste supernatants (Adamson et al. 2006; Blanchard et al. 2008; Burgeson et al. 2004; Duignan and Nash 2009; Fiskum et al. 2006a; Fiskum et al. 2006b; Fiskum et al. 2006c; Fiskum et al. 2007; Hassan and Adu-Wusu 2003; King et al. 2004; Nash et al. 2006). Prior work at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has focused primarily on the loading behavior for 4 to 6 M Na solutions at 25 to 45°C. Recent proposed changes to the WTP ion exchange process baseline indicate that loading may include a broader range of sodium molarities (0.1 to 8 M) and higher temperatures (50°C) to alleviate post-filtration precipitation issues. This report discusses ion exchange loading kinetics testing activities performed in accordance with Test Plan TP-WTPSP-002, Rev. 3.01, which was prepared and approved in response to the Test Specification 24590-PTF-TSP-RT-09-002, Rev. 0 (Lehrman 2010) and Test Exception 24590-PTF-TEF-RT-11-00003, Rev. 0 (Meehan 2011). This testing focused on column tests evaluating the impact of elevated temperature on resin degradation over an extended period of time and batch contacts evaluating the impact on Cs loading over a broad range of sodium concentrations (0.1 to 5 M). These changes may be required to alleviate post-filtration precipitation issues and broaden the data range of SRF resin loading under the conditions expected with the new equipment and process changes.

Ion exchange↗

AE33 Aethalometer Records at RMBL [AMF2] from April 2022 to October 2023

The dataset presents atmospheric mass loadings of black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC), during the Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory (SAIL) campaign that took place from 2021 – 2023 in Gothic, CO. A Magee Scientific aethalometer (model AE33) was deployed at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, 200 m north of AMF2 to monitor mass loadings of optically absorbing aerosols. The instrument inlet was equipped with a BGI SCC 1.829 ambient cyclone with a particle cutoff of 2.5 μm and placed 5 m above ground level. The dataset reports hour-resolved BC mass loadings at 370, 470, 520, 590, 660, 880, and 950 (BC370, BC470, BC 520, BC590, BC660, BC880, BC950 in ng/m3) reported by the instrument built-in algorithm, which calculates mass loadings from the rate of change of the attenuation of light transmitted through the aerosol-laden filter. BC880 is the operationally defined reference of the BC concentration. Hour-resolved absorbance at each wavelength were calculated from their respective mass absorption cross-section in inverse megameters (Mm-1). The absorption Angstrom exponent (AAE) for BrC and BC were calculated for each hour. BrC AAE (AAE_BrC) was calculated from the slope of Log(wavelength) versus Log(absorbance) based on the measurements at 370, 470, and 520 nm. BC AAE (AAE_BrC) was calculated from the slope of Log(wavelength) versus Log(absorbance) based on the measurements at 590, 660, 880, and 950 nm. The aethalometer record spans time periods of 4/5/2022 – 10/3/2022 and 12/8/2022 – 10/9/2023. The ambient CO2 concentration recorded by a Vaisala CARBOCAP carbon dioxide probe GMP343 is also reported in ppm.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Demand Response Pilot Event Conducted August 25, 2011 (Summary Report)

Energy management in a commercial facility can be segregated into two areas: energy efficiency and demand response (DR). Energy efficiency focuses on steady-state load minimization. Demand response reduces load for event driven periods during the peak load. Demand-response-driven changes in electricity use are designed to be short-term in nature, centered on critical hours during the day when demand is high or when the electricity supplier's reserve margins are low. Due to the recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 745, Demand Response Compensation in Organized Wholesale Energy Markets the potential annual compensation to Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) from performing DR ranges from $\$$300K to $\$$2,400K. While the current energy supply contract does not offer any compensation for participating in DR, there is benefit in understanding the issues and potential value in performing a DR event. This Report will be helpful in upcoming energy supply contract negotiations to quantify the energy savings and power reduction potential from DR at SNL. On August 25, 2011 the Facilities Management and Operations Center (FMOC) performed the first DR pilot event at SNL/NM. This report describes the details and results of this DR event.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Verification of voltage/frequency requirement for emergency diesel generator in nuclear power plant using dynamic modeling

One major cause of the plant shutdown is the loss of electrical power. The study is to comprehend the coping action against station blackout including emergency diesel generator, sequential loading of safety system and to ensure that the emergency diesel generator should meet requirements, especially voltage and frequency criteria using modeling tool. This paper also considered the change of the sequencing time and load capacity only for finding electrical design margin. However, the revision of load list must be verified with safety analysis. From this study, it is discovered that new load calculation is a key factor in EDG localization and in-house capability increase.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Integration of Electric Vehicle Charging Loads in Residential Building Stock Energy Modeling

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has resulted in significant new household electric loads that have the potential to change how energy costs are incurred by homeowners and the landscape of utility operations and energy infrastructure. Whereas adoption patterns and magnitudes of residential building and EV charging loads are influenced by distinct factors, the loads themselves are tightly coupled with the behavior of the individual occupants and EV owners.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Progressive Damage Analysis of Laminated Composite (PDALC)-A Computational Model Implemented in the NASA COMET Finite Element Code

A method for analysis of progressive failure in the Computational Structural Mechanics Testbed is presented in this report. The relationship employed in this analysis describes the matrix crack damage and fiber fracture via kinematics-based volume-averaged variables. Damage accumulation during monotonic and cyclic loads is predicted by damage evolution laws for tensile load conditions. The implementation of this damage model required the development of two testbed processors. While this report concentrates on the theory and usage of these processors, a complete list of all testbed processors and inputs that are required for this analysis are included. Sample calculations for laminates subjected to monotonic and cyclic loads were performed to illustrate the damage accumulation, stress redistribution, and changes to the global response that occur during the load history. Residual strength predictions made with this information compared favorably with experimental measurements.

Lo, David C.↗

Progressive Damage Analysis of Laminated Composite (PDALC) (A Computational Model Implemented in the NASA COMET Finite Element Code)

A method for analysis of progressive failure in the Computational Structural Mechanics Testbed is presented in this report. The relationship employed in this analysis describes the matrix crack damage and fiber fracture via kinematics-based volume-averaged damage variables. Damage accumulation during monotonic and cyclic loads is predicted by damage evolution laws for tensile load conditions. The implementation of this damage model required the development of two testbed processors. While this report concentrates on the theory and usage of these processors, a complete listing of all testbed processors and inputs that are required for this analysis are included. Sample calculations for laminates subjected to monotonic and cyclic loads were performed to illustrate the damage accumulation, stress redistribution, and changes to the global response that occurs during the loading history. Residual strength predictions made with this information compared favorably with experimental measurements.

Coats, Timothy W.↗

Nanoindentation Characterization of FeCrAl C26M Welds

The present report summarizes the initial mechanical characterization of a welded FeCrAl alloy, C26M, with comparison to two other welded specimens, C35M and C37M. The welded C26M showed a larger fusion and heat-affected zone than either the C35M or C37M welds. Nanoindentation hardness measurements using a Berkovich tip showed no major changes in the hardness and modulus between the fusion zone, heat-affected zone, and unaffected C26M tube. Nanoindentation strain-rate sensitivity tests were also performed and showed no changes between each of the regions in the C26M weld. Spherical nanoindentation tests were carried out to evaluate the nanoindentation modulus and nanoindentation yield strength in each of the regions of the C26M weld sample. No significant changes in strength from welding were observed with an average nanoindentation yield strength of ~1 GPa and nanoindentation modulus of ~220 GPa. Nanoindentation tests all show that the C26M does not change significantly after welding and that further characterization with some form of tensile loading is necessary to determine if any significant change has occurred.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Improving Bone-Health Monitoring in Astronauts: Recommended Use of Quantitative Computed Tomography [QCT] for Clinical and Operational Decisions by NASA

DXA measurement of areal bone mineral density [aBMD,g/cm2] is required by NASA for assessing skeletal integrity in astronauts. Due to the abundance of population-based data that correlate hip and spine BMDs to fragility fractures, BMD is widely applied as a predictor of fractures in the general aging population. In contrast, QCT is primarily a research technology that measures three-dimensional , volumetric BMD (vBMD,mg/cm3) of bone and is therefore capable of differentiating between cortical and trabecular components. Additionally, when combined with Finite Element Modeling [FEM], a computational tool, QCT data can be used to estimate the whole bone strength of the hip [FE strength] for a specific load vector. A recent report demonstrated that aBMD failed to correlate with incurred changes in FE strength (for fall and stance loading) by astronauts over typical 180-day ISS (International Space Station) missions. While there are no current guidelines for using QCT data in clinical practice, QCT increases the understanding of how bone structure and mineral content are affected by spaceflight and recovery on Earth. In order to understand/promote/consider the use of QCT, NASA convened a panel of clinicians specializing in osteoporosis. After reviewing the available, albeit limited, medical and research information from long-duration astronauts (e.g., data from DXA, QCT, FEM, biochemistry analyses, medical records and in-flight exercise performance) the panelists were charged with recommending how current and future research data and analyses could inform clinical and operational decisions. The Panel recommended that clinical bone tests on astronauts should include QCT (hip and lumbar spine) for occupational risk surveillance and for the estimation of whole hip bone strength as derived by FEM. FE strength will provide an improved index that NASA could use to select astronauts of optimal bone health for extended duration missions, for repeat missions or for specific mission operations.

Sibonga, J. D.↗

Effect of cyclic loading and temper condition on the tensile behavior of boron-aluminum

Experimental results from monotonic and cyclic tension tests on six different 6061 boron-aluminum laminates show that the strength of fiber dominated laminates is decreased and the strength of matrix dominated laminates is increased by T6 heat treatment. Cyrogenic exposure and cyclic loading are shown to have little influence on strength. Cyclic loading is also shown to produce small reductions in modulus for some laminates and some temper conditions. The results are discussed in light of expected metallurgical and residual stress changes due to temperature excursions and loading cycles.

Herakovich, C. T.↗

Microcracking in composite laminates under thermal and mechanical loading

Composites used in space structures are exposed to both extremes in temperature and applied mechanical loads. Cracks in the matrix form, changing the laminate thermoelastic properties. The goal of the present investigation is to develop a predictive methodology to quantify microcracking in general composite laminates under both thermal and mechanical loading. This objective is successfully met through a combination of analytical modeling and experimental investigation. In the analysis, the stress and displacement distributions in the vicinity of a crack are determined using a shear lag model. These are incorporated into an energy based cracking criterion to determine the favorability of crack formation. A progressive damage algorithm allows the inclusion of material softening effects and temperature-dependent material properties. The analysis is implemented by a computer code which gives predicted crack density and degraded laminate properties as functions of any thermomechanical load history. Extensive experimentation provides verification of the analysis. AS4/3501-6 graphite/epoxy laminates are manufactured with three different layups to investigate ply thickness and orientation effects. Thermal specimens are cooled to progressively lower temperatures down to -184 C. After conditioning the specimens to each temperature, cracks are counted on their edges using optical microscopy and in their interiors by sanding to incremental depths. Tensile coupons are loaded monotonically to progressively higher loads until failure. Cracks are counted on the coupon edges after each loading. A data fit to all available results provides input parameters for the analysis and shows them to be material properties, independent of geometry and loading. Correlation between experiment and analysis is generally very good under both thermal and mechanical loading, showing the methodology to be a powerful, unified tool. Delayed crack initiation observed in a few cases is attributed to a lack of preexisting flaws assumed by the analysis. Some interactions between adjacent ply groups are attributed to local stress concentrations. These two effects are not captured by the analysis due to its global nature. The analysis is conservative in these cases and agrees well with data after the observed onset of cracking.

Maddocks, Jason R.↗