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DOE OSTI2026

Classical-Quantum Algorithm for Solving Stochastic Programs

Stochastic programming provides a rigorous mathematical framework for making decisions under uncertainty in a risk-aware manner. Two-stage stochastic programming is, perhaps, the simplest form of this framework. Here the first-stage variables represent decisions that must be made "here and now" in the face of uncertainty, while the second-stage variables are decisions made after uncertain events. However, the broad adoption of stochastic programming has been hindered by computational challenges caused by the two-stage stochastic programming formulation which requires solving an ensemble of optimization problems. Using quantum amplitude estimation (QAE), quantum computers have shown the theoretic ability to compute expectations with Monte-Carlo methods with quadratically fewer samples than classical methods. In this work, we present a quantum algorithm for computing the expectation term using QAE for given first-stage decisions. Further, we detail methods of computing gradient information from the quantum calculation enabling the application of classical gradient-based optimization techniques. The result is a classical-quantum hybrid method of solving two-stage stochastic programs. These techniques are demonstrated with computational experiments based an engineering optimization problem.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2026

Polarized target nuclear magnetic resonance measurements with deep neural networks

Continuous-wave Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CW-NMR) operated in constant-current mode has served as a foundational technique for polarization measurement in solid-state dynamically polarized targets within nuclear and high-energy physics experiments for several decades, and it remains an essential tool. Conventional Q-meter-based phase-sensitive detection is critical for precise real-time determination of target polarization during scattering runs. However, the accuracy and reliability of these measurements are frequently compromised by elevated noise levels, baseline drift, and systematic uncertainties arising from signal isolation and fitting, ultimately degrading the overall experimental figure of merit. In this work, we report the first successful application of neural network architectures to continuous-wave NMR polarization metrology. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques for signal extraction and denoising, we achieve a substantial reduction of fitting uncertainties under a variety of realistic simulated and experimental conditions. These improvements translate directly into more robust real-time (online) polarization monitoring and higher precision in subsequent offline analysis. By reducing analysis-induced uncertainty, the resulting methodology can improve the effective figure of merit for scattering experiments employing dynamically polarized targets and provides a new toolset for NMR-based polarimetry in high-energy and nuclear physics.

Metrology↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Characterization of the Mechanical Trash Compactor Bag Removal Force

Managing trash accumulation is a critical challenge in human space explorations since the trash volume and mass can significantly influence launch cost and operational efficiency. This study aids the development of a Mechanical Trash Compactor (Mpactor) by testing the removal force required to remove a “trash bag” from the Mpactor. To do this, a Pneumatic Pressure Mandrel System was designed to simulate the normal force trash would exerts on the trash bag and subsequently the sidewalls of the Mpactor. For various levels of sidewall normal force, the removal force required to remove the simulated trash bag from the Mpactor compaction chamber was measured. This testing is used to identify optimal bag materials. Additionally, testing was done on both the native stainless steel walls of the compaction chamber as well as the walls after being Teflon lined. Split-plot ANOVA, simple main effects analysis, Holm’s post hoc comparisons for interaction, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the influence of trash bag and sidewall materials on the required removal force. It was found that Teflon reduced the force required to remove the trash bag as well as reduced material-dependent variation in removal force. Testing showed that Teflon reduced the required removal force with a Polyvinylidene Fluoride , an unidentified Ethylene acrylate - Low Density Polyethylene copolymer, and a Polyvinyl Chloride all requiring significantly less removal force than the other materials tested.

pressure mandrel↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Natural Fiber Simulations and Analysis for Composites

As the U.S. government and the aviation industry strive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the Sustainable Manufacturing of Aircraft (SUMAC) project, supported by the Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), aims to develop sustainably derived thermoplastic composites and manufacturing technologies for future aviation. A multidisciplinary team of experts drives this initiative through a collective effort. The team’s key focus areas are sustainably derived thermoplastic resins, natural fiber reinforcement, composite manufacturing, structural health monitoring, computational materials modeling, and systems analysis. This presentation will give an overview of the SUMAC project. Fiber-scale microscopy analysis characterized fiber cross sections finding that hemp and flax fibers are very deformable and non-circular (circularities of 0.2 were observed), and diameters range from submicron to 20 μm. Fiber shapes range from flattened, with aspect ratios Rlong/Rshort up to 5, to round, Rlong/Rshort =1. And Fiber core perimeters, which likely drives deformability, were calculated Pcore=7 μm. Explicit-fiber yarn simulations, parameterized from single-fiber measurements, resolved and identified slack as a cause for yarn strain-hardening tensile behavior. The bonded network model of PLA, PHA and PA11 resins captures tensile behavior, and can model an infused weave. Computational models of the weave unit cells matched the pattern (including plain, twill and triaxial braid), yarn ply (1to 2), and yarn twist from optical microscopy.

thermoplastic↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Natural Fiber Simulations and Analysis for Composites

thermoplastic↗

DOE OSTI2025

Twist Engineering of Anisotropic Excitonic and Optical Properties of a Two-Dimensional Magnetic Semiconductor

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnetic semiconductors are a new class of quantum materials for studying the emergent physics of excitons and spins in the 2D limit. Twist engineering provides a powerful tool to manipulate the fundamental properties of 2D vdW materials. Here, in this work, we show that twist engineering of the anisotropic ferromagnetic monolayer semiconductor CrSBr leads to bilayer magnetic semiconductors with continuously tunable magnetic moment, dielectric anisotropy, exciton energy, and linear dichroism. We furthermore provide a model for exciton energy in the media with tunable anisotropy. These results advance fundamental studies of 2D vdW materials and open doors to applications to nano-optics, twistronics, and spintronics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2026

Aerodynamic Performance and Acoustic Impacts of Varying Tip Speeds and Tripping Conditions on Small Rotors in an Anechoic Hover Chamber

Performance and acoustic measurements were taken in a hover chamber for various optimum hovering rotors (OPT2) and a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) rotor. A total of 10 rotors are included in this report, all of which have two blades and a tip radius of 0.1905 m (7.5 in.). For the OPT2, results for three additive manufacturing methods of fabrication are presented: stereolithography(SLA) using Accura Xtreme, SLA using FormLabs 10K resin, and selective laser sintering (SLS) using mineral-filled PA12 nylon material. All but one set of rotors were designed with a trailing edge bluntness that is 3% of the chord length, and one set was designed with a bluntness that is 1% of the chord length. Spanwise boundary layer trips were applied to the SLA, FormLabs and COTS rotors. Performance comparisons between untripped and tripped configurations demonstrate the impact of boundary layer state on rotor efficiency. Acoustic results, including periodic and broadband noise components, are presented. The effects of tripping these rotors near the leading edge are also presented. For some of the rotors, acoustic spectra of tip speed sweeps are presented to show how the frequency content changes with tip speed. Amplitude and frequency scaling methods are used to collapse broadband spectra at various tip speeds towards a unified curve. These findings contribute to the understanding of small rotor aeroacoustics and provide valuable datasets for computational model validation in urban air mobility applications.

eVTOL↗

DOE OSTI2025

Cold Spray Cobalt Magnetostrictive Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers for High Temperature Structure Monitoring

The Department of Energy’s Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation program seeks to develop and qualify advanced sensors for the nuclear industry. Reliable high temperature and high radiation sensors for detection and characterization of structural flaws in pipes, vessels, and structurally critical components is a weakness for both conventional light water reactors with coolant T-hot approaching 350oC, and for advanced reactors with T-hot temperatures in excess of 500 to 800oC. Magnetostrictive Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers using a cold spray cobalt coating have been proposed as a sensor design that can withstand these kinds of temperatures and radiation levels to serve as online sensors to detect flaws before cracks, pits, or erosion/corrosion flaws progress to through-wall failures. This report tests cold spray cobalt as part of a magnetostrictive EMAT for high temperature service. Cobalt is known to have strong magnetostrictive properties however the effect of cold spray application is not well studied. This program was surprised to discover that cold sprayed cobalt exhibited little or no magnetostrictive behavior until it was thermally annealed. Following annealing to 650oC however, cold spray cobalt did exhibit a magnetostrictive response. Work to date prior to this milestone report publication showed that magnetostrictive EMAT was successfully tested to 400oC with an alnico permanent magnet. The program plans to extend testing with an electromagnet to higher temperatures. This follow-on work will be reported under subsequent publications or as a revision to this report.

Glass, Samuel W.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Electrodynamic Tethers. 1: Power Generator in LEO. 2: Thrust for Propulsion and Power Storage

An electrodynamic tether consists of a long insulated wire in space whose orbital motion cuts across lines of magnetic flux to produce an induce voltage that in typical low orbits averages about 200 v/km. Such a system should be capable of generating substantial electrical power, at the expense of IXB drag acting on its orbital energy. If a reverse current is driven against the induced voltage, the system should act as a motor producing IXB thrust. A reference system was designed, capable of generating 20 KW of power into an electrical load located anywhere along the wire at the expense of 2.6N (20,000 J/sec) drag on the wire. In an ideal system, the conversion between mechanical and electrical energy would reach 100% efficiency. In the actual system part of the 20 KW is lost to internal resistance of the wire, plasma and ionosphere, while the drag force is increased by residual air drag. The 20 KW PMG system as designed is estimated to provide 18.7 KW net power to the load at total drag loss of 20.4 KJ/sec, or an overall efficiency of 92%. Similar systems using heavier wire appear capable of producing power levels in excess of 1 Megawatt at voltages of 2-4 KV, with conversion efficiency between mechanical and electrical power better than 95%. The hollow cathode based system should be readily reversible from generator to motor operation by driving a reverse current using onboard power.

James E Mccoy↗

DOE OSTI2026

A stable high-humidity bubbler design to supply steam for solid oxide electrolysis cells

A stable steam supply is required for the operation of solid oxide electrolysis cells. Heated water bubblers are the most common method due to the simplicity and inherent safety of the method, however, several design challenges hinder effective implementation. Here, a stable and validated bubbler design is presented, capable of achieving very high steam concentrations, relatively high flow rates, and continuous operation. A piping and instrumentation diagram and bill of materials are provided to enable easy duplication. Critical design parameters are discussed, including safety considerations and materials requirements, which are applicable to any bubbler design. The practical implementation of bubblers is also presented, including methods to prevent condensation instability and reduce backpressure to achieve a stable steam supply. The 3″ x 6″ (7.6 cm × 15.2 cm) bubbler achieves up to 98% steam balance hydrogen at 200 sccm and up to 1 slpm at 96% steam.

08 - HYDROGEN↗

NASA NTRS1997

NASA Microgravity Combustion Science Program

Combustion is a key element of many critical technologies used by contemporary society. For example, electric power production, home heating, surface and air transportation, space propulsion, and materials synthesis all utilize combustion as a source of energy. Yet, although combustion technology is vital to our standard of living, it poses great challenges to maintaining a habitable environment. For example, pollutants, atmospheric change and global warming, unwanted fires and explosions, and the incineration of hazardous wastes are major problem areas which would benefit from improved understanding of combustion. Effects of gravitational forces impede combustion studies more than most other areas of science since combustion involves production of high-temperature gases whose low density results in buoyant motion, vastly complicating the execution and interpretation of experiments. Effects of buoyancy are so ubiquitous that their enormous negative impact on the rational development of combustion science is generally not recognized. Buoyant motion also triggers the onset of turbulence, yielding complicating unsteady effects. Finally, gravity forces cause particles and drops to settle, inhibiting deconvoluted studies of heterogeneous flames important to furnace, incineration and power generation technologies. Thus, effects of buoyancy have seriously limited our capabilities to carry out 'clean' experiments needed for fundamental understanding of flame phenomena. Combustion scientists can use microgravity to simplify the study of many combustion processes, allowing fresh insights into important problems via a deeper understanding of elemental phenomena also found in Earth-based combustion processes and to additionally provide valuable information concerning how fires behave in microgravity and how fire safety on spacecraft can be enhanced.

Merrill K King↗

NASA NTRS2026

The Trajectory of Recent Solid State Fusion Results

Both NASA and Google have explored and funded Low Energy Nuclear Reaction (LENR) aka Solid-State Fusion or Lattice Confinement Fusion (LCF) research. NASA has funded efforts since 1989, and Google Research began in 2014. Google, and researchers initially-funded by Google, published significant scientific papers in Nature, Nature Communications and the Journal of Applied Physics. NASA began a significant set of LENR-triggering programs in 2012 resulting in papers in Physical Review C, the Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry and the Journal of Condensed Matter Nuclear Science. Both NASA and Google engaged researchers across fields of nuclear physics, chemistry, electrochemistry, material science and more. NASA built upon early novel gas pumping experiments then followed the patented work of the US Navy SPAWAR (US8,419,919, “System and Method to Generate Particles”) and experiments with the Naval Surface Warfare Centers. Google supported researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), the University of British Columbia (UBC), MIT and others. This resulted in patent applications and two granted patents (US10264661B2, “Target structure for enhanced electron screening” and US10566094B2 “Enhanced electron screening through plasmon oscillations”). These separate efforts, unknown to the researchers at the time, provided the impetus for the DoE ARPA-E LENR program followed by the DARPA DSO “Mechanisms for Amplification of Fusion Reaction Rates in Solids” (MARRS) program. This document briefly describes the overlapping NASA and Google Research efforts in plasma loading and electron screening emphasizing the results of the latest paper in Nature Communications. The papers and patents cited are listed.

electron screening↗

DOE OSTI2026

Tunable Conversion of Poly(Acrylic Acid) to Vinyl Methyl Ether Copolymers via Electrochemical Decarboxylation

Recognizing the potential of polymer-to-polymer transformations for plastics valorization, a new electrochemical strategy for the decarboxylative functionalization of polyacrylates has been developed. In contrast to most electrochemical approaches to plastic waste valorization that use small-molecule mediators or only form deconstruction products, this report describes one of the first direct electrochemical redox upconversions of a commodity polymer and involves activation of poly(acrylic acid), a material commonly found in disposable diapers and other personal hygiene products. Via electrochemical decarboxylation, poly(acrylic acid) is converted to methyl ether-containing copolymers. Although methods to prepare the 1:1 regularly alternating poly(vinyl methyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride) are known, routes to generate copolymers with variable levels of vinyl methyl ether and acrylate moieties are unknown, but such polymers may have utility in similar applications, such as dentifrices. Tunable conversions with up to 62 mol% vinyl methyl ether content were achieved via controlled-current electrolyses at >100 mA. This approach enables efficient access to copolymers with broad range of comonomer content from a common waste polymer starting material.

Dauzvardis, Fabian [University of Delaware, Newark↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Engineering the Interface: Advanced Surface Technologies for Lunar Dust Management and Equipment Longevity

Through the Artemis program, NASA intends to develop a sustainable human foothold on the Moon, ultimately paving the way for crewed exploration of Mars. The Moon's hostile environment poses numerous obstacles, including exposure to radiation, temperature extremes, micrometeoroid threats, and particularly the persistent problem of lunar dust. Lunar dust impacts nearly every aspect of surface operations through adhesion and abrasion mechanisms, with contamination from anthropogenic activities (landing, rovers) far outweighing natural phenomena. Multiple adhesion pathways contribute to surface contamination in the lunar environment, including van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces, chemical reaction, and magnetic forces from elemental iron deposits. Sharp asperities from micrometeoroid bombardment and atmospheric absence increase interaction potential and enable mechanical interlocking. Low cohesion between dust particles exacerbates these challenges, as minimal interaction potential between dust and nearby surfaces overcomes particle cohesion, causing contamination. Lunar dust adhesion mitigation technologies can be categorized as either active, requiring external energy, or passive, relying on intrinsic material properties. Ultrasonic and electrodynamic technologies have been developed to the highest technology readiness level for active approaches. Passive strategies primarily focus on surface chemistry and topography modifications. At NASA Langley Research Center, approaches include surface migration agents to reduce surface energy, topographical modification using laser ablation patterning, and tailored surface conductivity to reduce intrinsic adhesion force. Performance has been evaluated using custom-built ultrasonic and centrifuge instruments. Plume-surface interactions from lunar landers can propel micrometer-sized particles at velocities up to 1000 m s-1.8 These particles pose risks to landers, habitats and infrastructure, leading to erosion, degradation, and reduced component lifespan. A panel recovered from Surveyor III was determined to have been severely abraded because of lunar dust displaced from the Apollo 12 lunar module that landed 160 m away. The performance of metallic surfaces has been evaluated via high velocity single particle impact using the laser-induced project impact test (LIPIT) facility at the University of Utah. Peridynamics modeling, a form of continuum mechanics that uses a nonlocal approach enabling greater simulation capabilities of crack initiation and fracture, has also been utilized to gain greater insight into material response during impact events. Lunar dust contamination challenges extend to power generation systems and moving equipment. Cables, rotation stages, and other mechanisms may experience limited range of motion and reduced lifetime due to dust infiltration. NASA Langley Research Center has evaluated traditional aerospace alloys, softgoods, wear resistant ceramics, and several polymer and polymer composite materials. Test methods have included traditional techniques like Taber abrasion testing, as well as designed test configurations developed in the DUSTE (dust, ultraviolet radiation, and space thermal environmental) chamber that reproduce mechanism functions in operational environment. Beyond laboratory experiments, several flight experiments have been conducted. Materials were exposed to the low Earth orbit environment on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) and to the lunar surface environment through the Aegis Aerospace Regolith Adherence Characterization (RAC) payload and the Honeybee Robotics PlanetVac payload. Determining lunar dust's impact on surface exploration and habitation requires comprehensive experimental and computational capabilities combined with lessons learned from initial lunar activities. Identifying the greatest environmental challenges and developing mitigation technologies provides the clearest path toward successfully, expeditiously, and efficaciously completing NASA's mission. This presentation will discuss ongoing efforts at NASA Langley Research Center and collaborator contributions to these critical objectives.

Surface Engineering↗

DOE OSTI2024

A novel digital lifecycle for Material‐Process‐Microstructure‐Performance relationships of thermoplastic olefins foams manufactured via supercritical fluid assisted foam injection molding

Abstract This research significantly enhances the applicability of thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) in the automotive industry using supercritical N 2 as a physical foaming agent, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional chemical agents. It merges experimental results with simulations to establish detailed material‐process‐microstructure‐performance (MP2) relationships, targeting 5–20% weight reductions. This innovative approach labeled digital lifecycle (DLC) helps accurately predict tensile, flexural, and impact properties based on the foam microstructure, along with experimentally demonstrating improved paintability. The study combines process simulations with finite element models to develop a comprehensive digital model for accurately predicting mechanical properties. Our findings demonstrate a strong correlation between simulated and experimental data, with about a 5% error across various weight reduction targets, marking significant improvements over existing analytical models. This research highlights the efficacy of physical foaming agents in TPO enhancement and emphasizes the importance of integrating experimental and simulation methods to capture the underlying foaming mechanism to establish material‐process‐microstructure‐performance (MP2) relationships. Highlights Establishes a material‐process‐microstructure‐performance (MP2) for TPO foams Sustainably produces TPO foams using supercritical (ScF) N 2 with 20% lightweighting Shows enhanced paintability for TPO foam improved surface aesthetics Digital lifecycle (DLC) that predicts both foam microstructure and properties DLC maps process effects & microstructure onto FEA mesh for precise prediction

Engineering↗

DOE OSTI2024

High-Density Capacitive Energy Storage in Low-Dielectric-Constant Polymer PMMA/2D Mica Nanofillers Heterostructure Composite

The ubiquitous, rising demand for energy storage devices with ultra-high storage capacity and efficiency has drawn tremendous research interest in developing energy storage devices. Dielectric polymers are one of the most suitable materials used to fabricate electrostatic capacitive energy storage devices with thin-film geometry with high power density. In this work, we studied the dielectric properties, electric polarization, and energy density of PMMA/2D Mica nanocomposite capacitors where stratified 2D nanofillers are interfaced between the multiple layers of PMMA thin films using two heterostructure designs of the capacitors, PMMA/2D Mica/PMMA (PMP) and PMMA/2D Mica/PMMA/2D Mica/PMMA (PMPMP). The incorporation of a 2D Mica nanofiller in the low-dielectric-constant PMMA leads to an enhancement in the dielectric constant, with ∆ε ~ 15% and 53% for PMP and PMPMP heterostructures at room temperature. Additionally, a significant improvement in discharged energy density was measured for the PMPMP capacitor (Ud ~ 38 J/cm3 at 825 MV/m) compared to the pristine PMMA (Ud ~ 9.5 J/cm3 at 522 MV/m) and PMP capacitors (Ud ~ 19 J/cm3 at 740 MV/m). This excellent capacitive and energy storage performance of the PMMA/2D Mica heterostructure nanocomposite may inform the fabrication of thin-film, high-density energy storage capacitor devices for potential applications in various platforms.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

DOE OSTI2025

Unveiling the lithium-ion transport mechanism in Li{sub 2}ZrCl{sub 6} Solid-State Electrolyte {ital via} deep learning-accelerated molecular dynamics simulations.

Lithium zirconium chlorides (LZCs) present a promising class of cost-effective solid electrolytes for next-generation all-solid-state batteries. The unique crystal structure of LZCs plays a crucial role in facilitating lithium-ion mobility, which further affects the electrochemical performance. To understand the underlying mechanism governing ion transport, we employed deep learning-accelerated molecular dynamics simulation on Li2ZrCl6 (trigonal alpha- and monoclinic beta-LZC), focusing specifically on the zirconium coordination environment. Our results reveal that disordered alpha-LZC exhibits the highest ionic conductivity, while beta-LZC demonstrates significantly lower conductivity, closely aligning with experimental findings. The study confirms that across all phases, lithium migration proceeds via the site-to-site hopping mechanism, where variations in site residence times critically impact the overall ionic conductivity. In alpha-LZCs, lithium ions prefer to anisotropically diffuse across interlayers as the result of a lower energy barrier, driven primarily by collective diffusion. In contrast, lithium ions in beta-LZC primarily isotropically diffuse within the intralayer, hindered by higher energy barriers and determined by individual diffusion. The variation in ZrCl6 2- octahedral unit softening, induced by the specific layered arrangement of zirconium atoms, emerges as a critical determinant of the energy barriers across the LZC phases. These atomic-scale insights into the transport processes provide valuable guidance for the rational design and optimization of LZCs-based electrolytes, accelerating their practical application in advanced energy storage technologies.

Guo, Hanzeng↗

DOE OSTI1968

Kryptonate Hydrogen Detection System (Final Report)

A prototype model of a multipurpose instrument which demonstrates the applicability of the Kryptonate® technique for detecting hydrogen gas was developed. This report describes the construction of the instrument and presents a laboratory evaluation of its performance. Performance was excellent. The instrument was designed to detect hydrogen in air at concentrations of 0-3% by volume, and to detect hydrogen in nitrogen or other inert gas at concentrations of 0-10% by volume. Other detection levels (both higher and lower) could be set if required. Ultimate response times can be made of the order of 0.5 seconds. The instrument is an all solid state device operating from 120V 60 Hz power source. The instrument has been designed to enable modifications to be made with a minimum amount of difficulty.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗