Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “morgantown”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

ClassNMSW- a real-time classification approach for non-recycled municipal solid waste using hyperspectral imaging

Real-time classification of non-recycled municipal solid waste (NMSW) is essential for efficient valorization. This study introduces ClassNMSW, a comprehensive framework for classifying 22 NMSW subclasses under industrial constraints by using hyperspectral imaging (HSI). A primary innovation of this work is the development of a variance-controlled spectral extraction algorithm. Unlike traditional methods that rely on simple averaging, this approach systematically investigates the extent of pixel extraction to minimize the loss of critical chemical information while maximizing data reduction thus ensuring high spectral fidelity with low computational cost. The approach developed in this work integrates automated, computer-vision-based background removal, eliminating the need for the manual thresholding common in current literature. To resolve ambiguities among chemically similar subclasses, a tiered classification and multi-camera fusion strategy (NIR17 and NIR22) is implemented. Results demonstrate that ClassNMSW achieves an object-wise weighted accuracy of 98.70% for single-sensor configurations and 100% under sensor fusion. A novel rolling-window strategy satisfies desired end-to-end latency of <2 s, satisfying the strict deterministic requirements of high-speed industrial sorting environments. The ClassNMSW framework provides a scalable foundation for advancing circularity and resource recovery in large-scale waste valorization operations.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2025

An experimental study on gas-liquid phase fluid migration in hydrate-bearing sediments during hydrate dissociation

Natural gas hydrate production tests face problems such as severe sand blockage, poor gas-liquid phase separation, and significant land subsidence. This is because of the insufficient understanding of the complex phase transition and gas-liquid multi-phase fluid migration during hydrate dissociation. In hydrate-bearing sediment systems, hydrate phase transition couples with gas-liquid fluid migration. The phase transition causes changes in pore structure, which in turn modifies porous infiltration parameters and fluid flow capacity. Meanwhile, alterations in phase interfaces affect key parameters like surface tension and wettability. Gas-liquid fluid migration influences heat and mass transfer, thus affecting phase equilibrium and dissociation rates. To bridge the gap in describing gas-liquid fluid migration during hydrate dissociation in experiments, this research innovatively integrated an unsteady-state gas displacement by water and a quantitative hydrate dissociation process, independently developed a multi-phase seepage experimental system suitable for hydrate dissociation and determined the relationship between seepage parameters and hydrate saturation under different porosity. The results are as follows: a) Core samples with higher initial porosity show a greater recovery rate of fluid flow capacity. b) The retarding effect of multi-phase fluid has a more significant impact on the migration of the wetting phase fluid (water) than that of the non-wetting phase fluid (methane). c) During hydrate dissociation, the evolution of absolute permeability shows an “S-shaped” pattern, and the evolution of relative permeability shows a “wiring-harness” pattern. In conclusion, the findings can provide a theoretical basis for preventing geological disasters and for geotechnical engineering design during hydrate production.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Innovative use of CaO in combination with amino acid salt to convert CO 2 as CaCO 3 nanoparticles under mild pH and low temperature

The increasing demand for sustainable CO 2 management has driven the development of innovative methods that can convert point source CO 2 into value-added products. In this study, CaO in combination with amino acid salt was used to convert CO 2 into CaCO 3 nanoparticles. Different from the conventional method where CO 2 diffusion presents a major challenge in reacting with CaO to form CaCO 3 , amino acid salt solvent was applied to absorb CO 2 first and then rapidly reacted with CaO to form CaCO 3 nanoparticles (∼50 nm) at a low temperature (e.g., 60 °C). Our experiments showed that at a glycine (Gly)/NaOH ratio of 2:1 or 3:1, the solution pH values during the CO 2 absorption and conversion were about 8–9 at 60 °C, while at a ratio of 1:1, the solution pH values were about 9–11; without Gly, the solution pH values were about 12. Gly-optimized solvent substantially reduced corrosion risk to reactors. In addition, the use of amino acid (i.e., Gly) led to much smaller CaCO 3 particles, distinctly different chemical phases, and fundamentally different chemical reactions. Moreover, in the presence of Gly, the solution pH was completely reversed and the solution was regenerated for cyclic use when CaO was added. The solvent was recyclable and reusable, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of this approach. The Gly-modulated CaCO 3 nanoparticles may have significant potential for industrial applications in the biomedicine, construction, plastics, and rubber industries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

An experimental and numerical investigation of HD diesel engine DOC efficiency in oxidizing NO to NO 2

Reducing pollutant emissions from heavy-duty (HD) diesel engines is critical due to their significant environmental impact, particularly concerning NOx emissions. Understanding and optimizing modern diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) performance is essential for improving exhaust aftertreatment (EAT) system efficiency to meet stringent emissions regulations. The oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) in DOC plays a key role in improving SCR efficiency in reducing NO x . This study investigates the DOC performance in oxidizing NO to NO2 and its impact on the SCR efficiency of a 2021 MY Navistar E39 HD diesel engine. The influence of engine speed, load, exhaust gas temperature, and composition on DOC efficiency is experimentally investigated. The relationships between DOC inlet temperature, oxygen availability and NO 2 /NO x ratio at the DOC inlet are examined to better understand their effects on the overall DOC efficiency. The results indicate that DOC NO oxidation efficiency is highly dependent on exhaust temperature, with optimal oxidation occurring within a specific temperature range (275-350°C). Below this threshold, the chemical reactions are kinetically limited, while at higher temperatures, thermodynamic constraints reduce the efficiency of DOC in oxidizing NO to NO 2 . The experimental data further reveal that the NO 2 /NO x ratio peaks at medium loads before declining at higher loads due to reduced residence time and mass transfer effects. Additionally, the SCR NO x conversion efficiency is significantly influenced by the NO 2 /NO x ratio, achieving peak performance when the NO 2 /NO x ratio approaches 0.5. A DOC chemistry model was developed and validated against the experimental data to predict DOC oxidation behavior under various operating conditions. The findings of this study provide insights into the interdependencies between DOC and SCR performance, contributing to the optimization of SCR systems for optimized NOx reduction.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Deep-learning-enhanced assessment of wellbore barrier effectiveness in geologic storage systems with intermediate aquifers

For geologic systems where carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is injected underground, existing wells represent potential pathways for fluid migration. Here, this study introduces a novel deep learning model to quantify the likelihood and potential magnitude of fluid migration through wellbores at sites with intermediate aquifers or thief zones between the injection units and underground drinking water sources. Synthetic datasets, generated using reservoir simulations, captured a wide range of subsurface conditions, well attributes, operational parameters, and fluid migration scenarios. Among the regression models developed to predict brine and CO 2 leakage rates and CO 2 saturations along leaky wellbores, convolutional neural network (CNN) outperformed both Light Gradient Boosting Machine and deep neural network. Additionally, a CNN-based classification model was created to predict whether brine and CO 2 would leak along a wellbore, further improving performance over regression alone. The best models were integrated into the National Risk Assessment Partnership Open-source Integrated Assessment Model for rapid, stochastic assessment of storage system containment and leakage risks. A case study demonstrated the model’s ability to simulate fluid migration through existing wells with multiple intermediate aquifers. This computationally efficient wellbore model offers value in support of site performance evaluation and risk-informed decision making by stakeholders.

CO2 leakage↗
DOE OSTI2026

Model-based economic analysis under uncertainty for PFAS treatment by granular activated carbon and ion exchange technologies

Recent drinking water regulations have imposed the need for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation. In response, treatment facilities may be required to retrofit existing treatment schemes to treat PFAS below maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). Adsorption technologies such as granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange (IX) have been demonstrated to be effective; however, there are limited techno-economic metrics available which provide guidance on technology selection and design for diverse PFAS-containing source water conditions. Process systems engineering (PSE) tools which can traditionally perform these analyses are hindered by the data availability, model validity, and understanding of treatment phenomena for emerging contaminants. This work employs published data regressions, statistical models, process models, techno-economic analyses, and other process systems tools in a model-based uncertainty framework to consider the limitations of emerging contaminant research. Through this analysis framework, economic results are provided as probabilistic distributions based on the uncertainty of the models and diverse conditions that treatment facilities experience.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unsteady- and Steady-State Relative Permeability Study with X-ray and Acoustic Monitoring for CO 2 Storage in Deep Saline Aquifers

In this study, we link the multiphase flow measurements with controls of sedimentary structures (e.g., heterogeneity and anisotropy) on relative permeability to variations in ultrasonic velocities for two deep saline aquifer formations (Entrada and Bluff Sandstones) in the San Juan Basin of the Southwestern USA. The rock specimens were extracted from outcrop sites near Durango, CO, USA. They have distinct differences in grain size, cementation composition, and individual chemical amounts, despite both formations being eolian sandstones. We performed a series of unsteady- and steady-state CO 2 -brine relative permeability experiments under capillary-controlled displacement rates. Unsteady-state experiments were conducted at 71 °C and 9.65 MPa; steady-state experiments were conducted at 85 °C and 22.8 MPa and 89 °C and 24.1 MPa for the Bluff and Entrada Sandstones, respectively. During the unsteady experiments, X-ray computed tomography was used to visualize multiphase flow in porous media and quantify saturations during brine drainage under various flow rates. Scan images and saturation profiles indicate that the CO 2 distribution in the pore volume was strongly impacted by the presence of high-angle cross-laminations, heterogeneous rock structure, and direction of bedding orientation. Those factors contribute to dramatic and quick initial breakthroughs and affect the overall saturation dynamics. Steady-state relative permeability tests were conducted at net flow rates of 1 mL/min for both brine drainage and imbibition. During the experimental steps, the CO 2 fractional flow was increased and decreased for both drainage and imbibition scenarios to mimic the front when CO 2 contacts brine and behind the front when brine enters space previously occupied by CO 2 . It was found that compressional velocity decreased, while shear waves slightly increased as brine saturation decreased. The hysteresis effects for the relative permeability and acoustic velocities were distinct. Furthermore, the CO 2 /brine front stability is quantified by applying a mobility ratio approach to spot saturations at which the boundary line between fluids becomes uneven. The results presented in this work can potentially boost the quality and precision of forecasts for the CO 2 storage projects in which the vertical and horizontal core-scale heterogeneity and anisotropy impact the plume migration within host reservoirs.

carbon dioxide (CO2)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optimal Design and Techno-Economic Analysis of 3D-Printed, Intensified Packings for Absorbers and Strippers in Solvent-Based CO 2 Capture

A potential technology for the CO 2 absorption process is utilizing intensified structured packing with embedded cooling/heating channels for continuous heat exchange, which can overcome limitations of discrete methods, such as discrete intercooling and centralized reboilers, to aid in reducing energy consumption and decreasing costs. This work investigates the modeling of intensified packing (IP) for the stripper tower, extending on previous work for the absorber, which distributes heat internally within the column, improving the thermodynamics for the solvent regeneration process. The model includes submodels for steam turbine extraction to produce steam at various qualities as well as a surrogate model for calculating steam enthalpy. A cost model for a plant-scale absorption capture process was developed, allowing for the design of the plant to be optimized, subject to minimizing capture cost using two different power plant flue gas sources. In this optimization, the placement of IP in both towers is optimized to balance the trade-off between enhanced heat transfer and reduced mass transfer volume. For natural gas combined cycle flue gas, the standard process configuration had a minimum cost of $\$$65.40/tonne CO 2 , and considering IP, the minimum capture cost is reduced to $\$$62.73/tonne, with utilization in the stripper column, which reduces yearly costs by up to $\$$2.67 MM/yr. Cooling the absorber through IP, or intercoolers, was only found to be beneficial at higher capture rates, with IP in both towers having a cost of capture of $\$$68.08/tonne at 99.9% capture, a reduction of $\$$12.64/tonne when using only intercoolers at the same capture rate. When capturing from pulverized-coal power plants, the minimum cost of capture when using IP in both towers is $\$$44.18/tonne (at 97% capture), while the standard configuration with and without intercoolers was $\$$45.69 and $\$$47.22 per tonne, respectively. This results in a reduction in yearly costs of $\$$16.98 MM/yr from the base-case configuration. At this higher CO 2 concentration, cooling in the absorber from the IP becomes extremely beneficial, reducing energy consumption by up to 6%.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Optimal Design and Operation of Intensified Absorbers with 3D-Printed Packing for Solvent-Based CO 2 Capture

Many potential solvent-based carbon capture processes suffer from a high heat of absorption of CO 2 that adversely affects the thermodynamic driving force. While interstage coolers are often used for removing a portion of the generated heat by removing the solvent or a portion of the solvent from a stage and cooling and returning it back to the absorber, they can be placed only at discrete locations in the tower. This work investigates intensified absorbers with 3D-printed packing that includes an internal cooler and therefore can be potentially used for maximizing the operational efficiency of the absorbers for CO 2 capture. The intensified absorber is modeled by using a generic, first-principles, equation-oriented absorber column model. Since the placement of these intensified packings would cause a loss of area/volume used for mass transfer, optimization of the proposed intensified absorber is performed by optimally selecting the locations at which to place these devices and designing them such that the trade-off due to the addition of the heat removal area and the resulting loss in the mass transfer area is accounted for. Results show that optimally placed and designed intensified packings can lead to a significant increase in the capture efficiency of the process in comparison to a similar column with no internal cooling. It is also observed that by optimally placing and designing intensified packings, the lean solvent flow rate to the absorber can be decreased, and the CO 2 lean loading can be increased while still maintaining the same capture efficiency. These process changes can lead to a substantial reduction in the cost of capture.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Economic Analysis of Condition-Monitoring-Based Predictive Maintenance in Power Plants under Market Elasticity

Condition-monitoring-based predictive maintenance can increase the power plant availability by preventing forced outages. However, the actual on-stream time depends on market elasticity and dynamics, which are affected by cost and penetration of other power generation technologies. This paper develops a systematic approach for the economic analysis of investment in condition monitoring technologies with due consideration of market elasticity. Focus is on corrosion monitoring in coal-fired power plants (CFFPs) since corrosion in high-temperature coal-fired boilers is a leading cause of equipment failure. Investment in sensor networks for measuring corrosion and operating conditions like metal temperature and concentrations of O 2 and SO 2 is investigated. The unscented Kalman filter is used to estimate corrosion in the waterwall section of the boiler under multiple sensor networks. Electricity produced by CFPPs in the future in the U.S. due to changes in availability under market elasticity is studied. Sensitivity of the incremental net present value to factors like the number, type, and cost of sensors is analyzed.

Electrochemistry↗
DOE OSTI2026

Economic NMPC for a Reversible Solid Oxide Cell

Reversible solid oxide fuel cells (rSOCs) offer the flexibility to operate in tandem with the electric grid by switching between fuel cell and electrolysis modes based on real-time electricity prices. However, their complex, tightly coupled dynamic behavior poses significant challenges in determining optimal operating strategies. In this work, we present an economic nonlinear model predictive control (E-NMPC) framework to optimize the operation of rSOCs. The proposed E-NMPC is applied to a detailed rSOC flowsheet model that includes a utility scale rSOC module as well as balance-of-plant equipment necessary for thermal management. Our results demonstrate that in fuel cell mode, the E-NMPC strategy reduces hydrogen consumption compared to conventional set-point tracking NMPC, while maintaining the same level of electricity output. Also, in electrolysis mode, the E-NMPC yields a marginal improvement in hydrogen production. In addition, we explore the integration of a battery with the rSOC system to enhance flexibility in meeting electricity production and consumption targets.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Toward a Better Understanding of Ni Coarsening in Solid Oxide Cells: NiH on Ni (111) Examined Using a Combined Theoretical Approach

The coarsening of the Ni particles in the hydrogen electrode of solid oxide cells (SOCs) is an important degradation mechanism. Here, in this paper, density-functional theory and kinetic Monte Carlo methods are used to explore our recent hypothesis that the surface diffusion of NiH may cause faster Ni coarsening in electrolysis cell mode under an overpotential. Using both methods, the diffusion constant or diffusivity of NiH on Ni (111) is determined as the product of the surface coverage and single-molecule diffusivity for the first time considering all possible diffusion paths. It is then determined versus overpotential at the triple-phase boundary of the hydrogen electrode assuming a typical operating temperature of the SOC. Under a significant overpotential, the diffusivity of NiH is found to be sufficiently large to support the above hypothesis that NiH may promote Ni coarsening. However, based on the adsorption configurations identified, the dissociation and reformation of NiH on Ni (111) could occur. Thus, more work is needed to develop a model of Ni coarsening considering both molecular and dissociated forms of NiH.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Theoretical Investigations of Anharmonic Effects and Phonon Transport in the Cubic Phase of Crystalline Perovskite CsPbCl 3

The role of anharmonic effects on lattice dynamics and thermal transport has been investigated in the cubic phase of the CsPbCl 3 perovskite. Limitations of the harmonic approximation, which lead to phonon instabilities in the Brillouin zone, were addressed based on self-consistent phonon theory in combination with first-principles calculations and by incorporation of frequency renormalization effects from bubble and loop diagrams. This theoretical approach demonstrates significant improvements compared to results obtained using a self-consistent phonon dynamic matrix. Both the cubic-to-tetragonal phase transition temperature as well as the predicted lattice thermal conductivity values show good agreement with selected sets of available experimental data. In conclusion, the accuracy of the predicted thermal conductivity data is also tested against systems significantly larger than those allowed by quantum calculations, by using molecular dynamic simulations with machine-learning force fields.

Lattices↗
DOE OSTI2026

Diffusion of NiH on Ni(111) and of Ni with Adsorbed H on Ni(111) in the Context of Ni Coarsening in Solid Oxide Cells

In the Ni-based hydrogen electrode of a solid oxide cell (SOC), Ni coarsening is an important degradation mechanism and could be enhanced by NiH diffusing on the Ni particle surfaces. Here, in this work, the average lifetime and diffusion distance of NiH on Ni(111) are computed using density-functional theory and kinetic Monte Carlo methods. It is found that NiH is extremely short-lived and, thus, cannot promote coarsening in the SOC. Also, the diffusion of Ni on Ni(111) is shown to be at most slightly accelerated by H along NiH dissociation paths involving the movement of Ni with a nearby H. Based on this result, coarsening is not likely to be dramatically accelerated by the diffusion of Ni with H on Ni(111). However, support is provided for the experimental procedure of measuring the product of surface coverage and single-species diffusivity of Ni on Ni(111) in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

Ni coarsening↗
DOE OSTI2025

Anisotropic Response of Defect Bound States to the Magnetic Field in Epitaxial FeSn Films

Crystal defects, whether intrinsic or engineered, drive many fundamental phenomena and novel functionalities of quantum materials. Here, we report symmetry-breaking phenomena induced by Sn vacancy defects on the surface of epitaxial Kagome antiferromagnetic FeSn films using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Near the single Sn vacancy, anisotropic quasiparticle interference patterns are observed in the differential conductance dI/dV maps, breaking the 6-fold rotational symmetry of the Kagome layer. Furthermore, the Sn vacancy defects induce bound states that exhibit anomalous Zeeman shift under an out-of-plane magnetic field, where the energy of the bound states moves linearly toward higher energy independent of the direction of the magnetic field. Under an in-plane magnetic field, the shift of the bound state energy also shows a 2-fold oscillating behavior as a function of the azimuth angle. These findings demonstrate defectenabled new functionalities in Kagome antiferromagnets for potential applications in nanoscale spintronic devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Identifying the Growth Phase of Magnetic Reconnection Using Pressure‐Strain Interaction

Abstract Magnetic reconnection often initiates abruptly and then rapidly progresses to a nonlinear quasi‐steady state. While satellites frequently detect reconnection events, ascertaining whether the system has achieved steady‐state or is still evolving in time remains challenging. Here, we propose that the relatively rapid opening of the reconnection separatrices within the electron diffusion region serves as an indicator of the growth phase of reconnection. The opening of the separatrices is produced by electron flows diverging away from the neutral line downstream of the X‐line and flowing around a dipolarization front. This flow pattern leads to characteristic spatial structures in the electron pressure‐strain interaction that could be a useful indicator for the growth phase of a reconnection event. We employ two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell numerical simulations of anti‐parallel magnetic reconnection to validate this prediction. We find that the signature discussed here, alongside traditional reconnection indicators, can serve as a marker of the growth phase. This signature is potentially accessible using multi‐spacecraft single‐point measurements, such as with NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale satellites in Earth's magnetotail. Applications to other settings where reconnection occurs are also discussed.

Barbhuiya, M. Hasan [Department of Physics and Ast↗
DOE OSTI2025

A topological superconductor tuned by electronic correlations

A topological superconductor, characterized by either a chiral order parameter or a topological surface state in proximity to bulk superconductivity, is foundational to topological quantum computing. A key open challenge is whether electron-electron interactions can tune such topological superconducting phases. Here, we provide experimental signatures of a unique topological superconducting phase in competition with electronic correlations in 10-unit-cell thick FeTe x Se 1-x films grown on SrTiO 3 substrates. When the Te content x exceeds 0.7, we observe a topological transition marked by the emergence of a superconducting surface state. Near the FeTe limit, the system undergoes another transition where the surface state disappears, and superconductivity is suppressed. Theory suggests that electron-electron interactions in the odd-parity xy− band drives this second topological transition. The flattening and eventual decoherence of d xy -derived bands track the superconducting dome, linking correlation effects directly to superconducting coherent transport. Our work establishes many-body electronic correlations as a sensitive knob for tuning topology and superconductivity, offering a pathway to engineer new topological phases in correlated materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗