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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Hole-doped room-temperature superconductivity in H 3 S 1-x Z (Z=C, Si)

We examine the effects of the low-level substitution of S atoms by C and Si atoms on the superconductivity of H 3 S with the Im3¯m structure at megabar pressures. The hole doping can fine-tune the Fermi energy to reach the electronic density-of-states peak maximizing the electron-phonon coupling. This can boost the critical temperature from the original 203 K to 289 K and 283 K, respectively, for H 3 S 0.962 C 0.038 at 260 GPa and H 3 S 0.960 Si 0.040 at 230 GPa. The former may provide an explanation for the recent experimental observation of room-temperature superconductivity in a highly compressed CeSeH system. Our work opens a new avenue for substantially raising the critical temperatures of hydrogen-rich materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Editorial: Deep-sea observation equipment and exploration technology

The increasing interest in deep-sea exploration is a crucial catalyst for driving advancements in deep-sea observation technology research. Numerous sophisticated sensors have been developed to facilitate comprehensive studies in deep-sea physics, chemistry, and geology. For example, cutting-edge small and compact seabed samplers are now employed on various platforms, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Human-Operated Vehicles (HOVs), enabling observation of the hadal zone. Additionally, Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors are routinely utilized for ocean wave observation. This Research Topic aims to foster new insights into ocean exploration and observation technology, including ocean sensor technology, ocean observation platforms, and ocean observation reliability technology.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mesoscale Convective Systems Represented in High Resolution E3SMv2 and Impact of New Cloud and Convection Parameterizations

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) play an important role in modulating the global hydrological cycle, general circulation, and radiative energy budget. In this study, we evaluate MCS simulations in the second version of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SMv2). E3SMv2 atmosphere model (EAMv2) is run at the uniform 0.25? horizontal resolution. We track MCSs consistently in the model and observations using the PyFLEXTRKR algorithm, which defines MCS based on both cloud-top brightness temperature (Tb) and surface precipitation. Results from using Tb only to define MCS, commonly used in previous studies, are also discussed. Furthermore, sensitivity experiments are performed to examine the impact of new cloud and convection parameterizations developed for EAMv3 on simulated MCSs. Our results show that EAMv2 simulated MCS precipitation is largely underestimated in the tropics and contiguous United States. This is mainly attributed to the underestimated precipitation intensity in EAMv2. In contrast, the simulated MCS frequency becomes more comparable to observations if MCSs are defined only based on cloud-top Tb. The Tb-based MCS tracking method, however, includes many cloud systems with very weak precipitation which conflicts with the MCS definition. This result illustrates the importance of accounting for precipitation in evaluating simulated MCSs. We also find that the new physics parameterizations help increase the relative contribution of convective precipitation to total precipitation in the tropics, but the simulated MCS properties are generally not improved. This suggests that simulating MCSs will remain a challenge for the next version of E3SM.

Zhang, Meng↗
DOE OSTI2026

Observational Data for Next-Generation Climate Model Evaluation: Requirements, Considerations, and Best Practices

Climate model simulations are an important source of information about our planet’s climate system and also enable informed decision-making under different future scenarios. As a new archive of results from the next generation of climate models is anticipated to become available with the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 7 (CMIP7), the need to develop efficient and robust methods to evaluate models is paramount. Observations are an integral part of model evaluation, providing a means to quantify and understand the degree to which climate models can faithfully reproduce Earth system processes. Such analysis is critical for constraining climate projections, identifying areas of focus for model development, and assisting analysts in deciphering the utility of models for specific applications. Observations of Earth system come from a diversity of sources, span different space–time domains, and are produced by different communities, and each dataset features different data structures and formats, metadata standards, and its own unique uncertainties. Uncertainties in an observational dataset may stem from gaps in temporal and spatial coverage, instrumentation errors, or assumptions in retrieval and processing methods. How then does one ensure that observational data are ready for use and utilized in the most appropriate way for robust, rapid, and routine climate model evaluation? The CMIP7 Model Benchmarking Task Team with input from the broader climate modeling, model evaluation, and observational data communities present a vision and considerations for best practices toward the optimal and appropriate use of observational data to support next-generation climate model evaluation.

Climate models↗
DOE OSTI2025

Estimating time in quantum chaotic systems and black holes

We characterize new universal features of the dynamics of chaotic quantum many-body systems, by considering a hypothetical task of "time estimation". Most macroscopic observables in a chaotic system equilibrate to nearly constant late-time values. Intuitively, it should become increasingly difficult to estimate the precise value of time by making measurements on the state. We use a quantity called the Fisher information from quantum metrology to quantify the minimum uncertainty in estimating time. Due to unitarity, the uncertainty in the time estimate does not grow with time if we have access to optimal measurements on the full system. Restricting the measurements to act on a small subsystem or to have low computational complexity leads to results expected from equilibration, where the time uncertainty becomes large at late times. With optimal measurements on a subsystem larger than half of the system, we regain the ability to estimate the time very precisely, even at late times. Hawking's calculation for the reduced density matrix of the black hole radiation in semiclassical gravity contradicts our general predictions for unitary quantum chaotic systems. Hawking's state always has a large uncertainty for attempts to estimate the time using the radiation, whereas our general results imply that the uncertainty should become small after the Page time. This gives a new version of the black hole information loss paradox in terms of the time estimation task. By restricting to simple measurements on the radiation, the time uncertainty becomes large. This indicates from a new perspective that the observations of computationally bounded agents are consistent with the semiclassical effective description of gravity.

Black holes↗
DOE OSTI2026

Multi‐Objective Urban Observational Strategies: A Risk‐Based Framework for Expanding Flood Sensor Networks

In coupled human and natural systems, developing an observation strategy which maximizes insight into both the natural system and the human system is a challenging multi-objective optimization problem. In this article, we describe the expansion of a flood risk observation system in Southeast Texas designed to improve our understanding of both physical and socioeconomic exposure to hydrological hazards at fine spatial scales, in the context of a structured hazard-exposure-vulnerability risk framework. We describe a new approach for assessing the spatial extent through which a flood sensor's observations can be assumed to be relevant, and estimate the population served within each sensor's area of information using downscaled socio-demographic data. As hydrological observations and modeling move to ever finer scale, assessing the information they contain in the context of both social and natural systems becomes increasingly important for developing actionable scientific insights.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Updated Parameters and a New Transmission Spectrum of HD 97658b

Recent years have seen increasing interest in the characterization of sub-Neptune-sized planets because of their prevalence in the Galaxy, contrasted with their absence in our solar system. HD 97658 is one of the brightest stars hosting a planet of this kind, and we present the transmission spectrum of this planet by combining four Hubble Space Telescope transits, 12 Spitzer/IRAC transits, and eight MOST transits of this system. Our transmission spectrum has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than those from previous works, and the result suggests that the slight increase in transit depth from wavelength 1.1–1.7 μm reported in previous works on the transmission spectrum of this planet is likely systematic. Nonetheless, our atmospheric modeling results are inconclusive, as no model provides an excellent match to our data. Nonetheless, we find that atmospheres with high C/O ratios (C/O ≳ 0.8) and metallicities of ≳100× solar metallicity are favored. We combine the mid-transit times from all of the new Spitzer and MOST observations and obtain an updated orbital period of P = 9.489295 ± 0.000005, with a best-fit transit time center at T {sub 0} = 2456361.80690 ± 0.00038 (BJD). No transit timing variations are found in this system. We also present new measurements of the stellar rotation period (34 ± 2 days) and stellar activity cycle (9.6 yr) of the host star HD 97658. Finally, we calculate and rank the Transmission Spectroscopy Metric of all confirmed planets cooler than 1000 K and with sizes between 1 R {sub ⊕} and 4 R {sub ⊕}. We find that at least a third of small planets cooler than 1000 K can be well characterized using James Webb Space Telescope, and of those, HD 97658b is ranked fifth, meaning that it remains a high-priority target for atmospheric characterization.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Extratropical Cloud Feedback Constrained by Cloud Sources and Sinks in Cyclones

Constraining cloud feedback in global climate models (GCMs) using observations is important for establishing accurate predictions of future climate. Uncertainty in shortwave cloud feedback (SW FB ) dominates uncertainty in total cloud feedback. Recent studies show a shift toward more positive extratropical SW FB in the latest generations of GCMs leading to the emergence of very high equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS). In this study, we use precipitation efficiency and albedo susceptibility to constrain liquid water path (LWP) response to warming and SW FB in the Southern Ocean (SO; 50°–80°S). We analyze precipitation in extratropical cyclones (ECs) to learn about extratropical condensed water sink processes, combined with observations of clouds and moisture convergence, and use the analysis to better understand and constrain SW FB . We utilize a perturbed parameter ensemble (PPE) hosted in the Community Atmosphere Model, version 6 (CAM6), to provide a constraint on SW FB based on observations from Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) and Multisensor Advanced Climatology of LWP (MAC-LWP). We apply Gaussian process regression to emulate the model response to all parameters perturbed in the PPE. Confronting the emulator output with observations provides a new estimated response of Earth to global warming. Furthermore, our new estimates of SO LWP reduce the PPE range by 66%–72%, which results in a shortwave cloud radiative effect estimated range that is 27%–34% less than the PPE range. Observations suggest a more positive SO SW FB than the Community Earth System Model, version 2 (CESM2), and consequently do not reject the high climate sensitivity GCMs emerging from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6).

Atmosphere↗
DOE OSTI2023

Psychrometric Analysis for New NuMI Evaporator Weather Station

Tritium (H-3) is a weakly radioactive isotope of hydrogen and is a byproduct of accelerator operations at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). The Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) target produced tritiated condensate exhausted via the MI-65 building evaporators. Re-condensation of tritium evaporate was observed on the MI-65 rooftop, on nearby buildings, and on the surrounding grounds due to inefficiency of the existing evaporator system. A new evaporator system is being designed to eliminate re-condensation, and psychrometric data (temperature, humidity and dew point) plays a vital role in determining the location of a weather station to control the new evaporator system.

Alvarado-Anderson, Chase↗
DOE OSTI2025

Atomic-Scale Dynamics of Five-Fold Twin Mediated Coalescence: Pathway-Dependent and Defect-Governed Nonclassical Growth Mechanisms

Defective crystals with distinct properties have been discovered in many systems. However, the growth mechanism of defective crystals is still poorly understood. Here, in this work, using a 5-fold twinned gold (Au) nanocrystal (NC) as a model system, three new coalescence pathways involving detwinning or twinning have been uncovered through atomic-scale dynamic observations in an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope coupled with atomistic simulations. This demonstrates that beyond crystal size, coalescence growth dynamics involving 5-fold twins (5-FTs) are highly dependent on crystal defect density and the approach pathways of the crystals. When a 5-FT encounters a smaller 5-FT or a smaller NC in a face-to-face way, a new, larger 5-FT is produced at a relatively fast coalescence growth rate; while in a corner-to-corner way, the coalescence dynamics are more retarded and sluggish, which is conducive to the formation of complex multitwined structures rather than 5-FTs. This highlights that the planar defect density and crystal approach pathway influence the coalescence dynamics of crystals containing 5-FT. Moreover, a column-by-column grain boundary (GB) migration mechanism, which results in bent GBs, was also unveiled during the crystal coalescence process. These results enrich the general understanding of the crystal growth theory and provide new insights into the controllable fabrication of 5-FTs by crystal coalescence mechanisms.

crystallization↗
DOE OSTI2024

Long-lived topological time-crystalline order on a quantum processor

Abstract Topologically ordered phases of matter elude Landau’s symmetry-breaking theory, featuring a variety of intriguing properties such as long-range entanglement and intrinsic robustness against local perturbations. Their extension to periodically driven systems gives rise to exotic new phenomena that are forbidden in thermal equilibrium. Here, we report the observation of signatures of such a phenomenon—a prethermal topologically ordered time crystal—with programmable superconducting qubits arranged on a square lattice. By periodically driving the superconducting qubits with a surface code Hamiltonian, we observe discrete time-translation symmetry breaking dynamics that is only manifested in the subharmonic temporal response of nonlocal logical operators. We further connect the observed dynamics to the underlying topological order by measuring a nonzero topological entanglement entropy and studying its subsequent dynamics. Our results demonstrate the potential to explore exotic topologically ordered nonequilibrium phases of matter with noisy intermediate-scale quantum processors.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2023

Change Detection Applications in the Earth Sciences Using UAS-Based Sensing: A Review and Future Opportunities

Over the past decade, advancements in collection platforms such as unoccupied aerial systems (UAS), survey-grade GNSS, sensor packages, processing software, and spatial analytical tools have facilitated change detection analyses at an unprecedented resolution over broader spatial and temporal extents and in environments where such investigations present challenges. These technological improvements, coupled with the accessibility and versatility of UAS technology, have pushed the boundaries of spatial and temporal scales in geomorphic change detection. As a result, the cm-scale analysis of topographic signatures can detect and quantify surface anomalies during geomorphic evolution. This review focuses on the use of UAS photogrammetry for fine spatial (cm) and temporal (hours to days) scale geomorphic analyses, and it highlights analytical approaches to detect and quantify surface processes that were previously elusive. The review provides insight into topographic change characterization with precise spatial validations applied to landscape processes in various fields, such as the cryosphere and geosphere, as well as anthropogenic earth processes and national security applications. This work sheds light on previously unexplored aspects of both natural and human-engineered environments, demonstrating the potential of UAS observations in change detection. Our discussion examines the emerging horizons of UAS-based change detection, including machine learning and LIDAR systems. In addition, our meta-analysis of spatial and temporal UAS-based observations highlights the new fine-scale niche of UAS-photogrammetry. This scale advancement sets a new frontier in change detection, offering exciting possibilities for the future of land surface analysis and environmental monitoring in the field of Earth Science.

Andresen, Christian G.↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-Speed and High-Power Ferroelectric Switching Current Measurement Instrument for Materials with Large Coercive Voltage and Remanent Polarization

A high-speed and high-power current measurement instrument is described for measuring rapid switching of ferroelectric samples with large spontaneous polarization and coercive field. Instrument capabilities (±200 V, 200 mA, and 200 ns order response) are validated with a LiTaO 3 single crystal whose switching kinetics are well known. The new instrument described here enables measurements that are not possible using existing commercial measurement systems, including the observation of ferroelectric switching in large coercive field and large spontaneous polarization Al 0.7 Sc 0.3 N thin films.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Stellar and Accretion Disk Parameters of the Close Binary HD 50526

We present a photometric and spectroscopic study of HD 50526, an ellipsoidal binary member of the group Double Periodic Variable stars. Performing data mining in photometric surveys and conducting new spectroscopic observations with several spectrographs during 2008–2015, we obtained orbital and stellar parameters of the system. The radial velocities were analyzed with the genetic PIKAIA algorithm, whereas Doppler tomography maps for the Hα and Hβ lines were constructed with the Total Variation Minimization code. An optimized simplex algorithm was used to solve the inverse problem adjusting the light curve with the best stellar parameters for the system. We find an orbital period of 6.ͩ701 ± 0.ͩ001 and a long photometric cycle of 191 ± 2 days. We detected the spectral features of the coldest star and modeled it with a logg=2.79±0.02 dex giant of mass 1.13 ± 0.02 M {sub ⊙} and effective temperature 10500 ± 125 K. In addition, we determine a mass ratio q = 0.206 ± 0.033 and that the hot star is a B-type dwarf of mass 5.48 ± 0.02 M {sub ⊙}. The V-band orbital light curve can be modeled including the presence of an accretion disk around the hotter star. This fills the Roche lobe of the hotter star and has a radius 14.74 ± 0.02 R {sub ⊙} and the temperature at the outer edge is 9400 K. Two bright spots located in the disk account for the global morphology of the light curve. The Doppler tomography maps of Hα and Hβ reveal complex structures of mass fluxes in the system.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Interactions Observed Between Torus and Solenoid Superconducting Magnets at JLab

The Jefferson Lab 12 GeV Upgrade of Experimental End Station Hall B required a new detector system that would be more sensitive to forward going particles and able to handle higher luminosity. This new detector is CLAS12 and includes two superconducting iron-free magnets – a torus and an actively-shielded solenoid. The torus magnet consists of 6-trapezoidal racetrack-type coils while the solenoid is an actively shielded 5 T magnet. The torus and the solenoid are located in close proximity to one another and are surrounded by sensitive particle detectors. In this work, the torus and solenoid, operating at 3770 A and 2416 A respectively, were commissioned successfully and are operating normally. This paper presents observed electromagnetic interactions which include induced static mechanical loads and inductive coupling as well as a summary of some of the cryogenic interactions and how they are mitigated.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Optimal Voltage Control in Low-Observable Unbalanced Distribution Systems

The increased integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in distribution systems brings both advantages and technical challenges. High levels of DERs can often cause over/under voltage problems. Classical voltage control algorithms are based on full knowledge of voltage states across all nodes in the system. However, this may not be a practical assumption since many locations in distribution systems are unobservable. Therefore, this paper proposes a new model predictive control (MPC) based control algorithm that accounts for system unobservability to efficiently eliminate voltage violations with as low as 50% fraction of observable nodes. Additionally, an analytical voltage sensitivity framework is employed to quickly determine the change in voltage states due to PV injections. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated via simulations on the unbalanced IEEE 37 node test system.

Abujubbeh, Mohammad↗
DOE OSTI2024

EGS Reservoir Modeling for Developing Geothermal District Heating at Cornell University: Preprint

Cornell University is pursuing development of an enhanced geothermal system (EGS) for providing heating to its main campus in Upstate New York. A ~10,000 ft (~3 km) deep vertical observation well ("CUBO") was drilled in 2022 to characterize the subsurface using wellbore logging, borehole imaging, fluid sampling, mini-frac tests, coring and drill cutting analysis. Down-hole temperatures measured at 3 km depth are about 80 degrees C, sufficiently high for direct-use heating. The well drilled through generally low porosity and low permeability Paleozoic sedimentary formations and into metamorphic basement rock, encountered at about 9,400 ft depth. Leveraging subsurface data obtained through CUBO, we investigated technical feasibility and design requirements of a doublet well system with horizontal laterals connected to a fracture network created through hydraulic fracturing. The EGS reservoir is sized to provide a nominal heat output in the range 5 to 10 MWth of continuous heating over a 15 year-lifetime with limited thermal drawdown. We applied the Gringarten Multiple parallel fracture model, the Cornell Discrete Fracture Simulator FOXFEM and the commercial simulator ResFrac to estimate required heat transfer area and design a potential hydraulic stimulation treatment. Reservoir simulations indicate that, depending on fluid flow rate and injection temperature, 2 to 3 km2 of effective fracture heat transfer area is required to supply the target heat output of 5 to 10 MWth over 15 years.

district heating↗
DOE OSTI2025

EGS Reservoir Modeling for Developing Geothermal District Heating at Cornell University

Cornell University is pursuing development of an enhanced geothermal system (EGS) for providing heating to its main campus in Upstate New York. A ~10,000 ft (~3 km) deep vertical observation well ('CUBO') was drilled in 2022 to characterize the subsurface using wellbore logging, borehole imaging, fluid sampling, mini-frac tests, coring and drill cutting analysis. Down-hole temperatures measured at 3 km depth are about 80 degrees C, sufficiently high for direct-use heating. The well drilled through generally low porosity and low permeability Paleozoic sedimentary formations and into metamorphic basement rock, encountered at about 9,400 ft depth. Leveraging subsurface data obtained through CUBO, we investigated technical feasibility and design requirements of a doublet well system with horizontal laterals connected to a fracture network created through hydraulic fracturing. The EGS reservoir is sized to provide a nominal heat output in the range 5 to 10 MWth of continuous heating over a 15 year-lifetime with limited thermal drawdown. We applied the Gringarten Multiple parallel fracture model, the Cornell Discrete Fracture Simulator FOXFEM and the commercial simulator ResFrac to estimate required heat transfer area and design a potential hydraulic stimulation treatment. Reservoir simulations indicate that, depending on fluid flow rate and injection temperature, 2 to 3 km2 of effective fracture heat transfer area is required to supply the target heat output of 5 to 10 MWth over 15 years.

district heating↗