Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a method of measuring a peak load, including the steps of placing an indenter between a first surface and a second surface, exerting a load on at least one of the first and second surfaces, measuring at least one of a width, depth, radial chord length, and cross-sectional area of an indentation formed by the indenter in at least one of the first and second surfaces; and converting the measured parameter into a load value. Certain methods further include the steps of converting the measured parameter into a load per length value and obtaining a load value by integrating along a circumferential length of the indentation. In still other methods, the exerted load is a compressive load.

Abstract: A nuclear thermoacoustic device includes a housing defining an interior chamber and a portion of nuclear fuel disposed in the interior chamber. A stack is disposed in the interior chamber and has a hot end and a cold end. The stack is spaced from the portion of nuclear fuel with the hot end directed toward the portion of nuclear fuel. The stack and portion of nuclear fuel are positioned such that an acoustic standing wave is produced in the interior chamber. A frequency of the acoustic standing wave depends on a temperature in the interior chamber.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the pH of an aqueous solution by utilizing the optical properties of a pH sensing material includes optically active nanoparticles fixed to a substrate. The optically active nanoparticles have a localized refractive index modulation over a pH range from 2.0 to 12.0 of at least 1% and, where the plurality of optically active nanoparticles have an average nanoparticle diameter of less than about 500 nanometers. The method includes contacting the pH sensing material with the aqueous solution, illuminating the pH sensing material, and monitoring an optical signal generated through comparison of incident light and exiting light to determine the optical transmission, absorption, reflection, and/or scattering of the pH sensitive material. The optical signal of the pH sensitive material varies in response to the pH of the aqueous solution, providing a means by which the pH and any changes in the pH may be analyzed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of sensor devices comprising a sensing component able to determine the presence of, detect, and/or quantify detectable species in a variety of environments and applications. The sensing components disclosed herein can comprise MOF materials, plasmonic nanomaterials, redox-active molecules, a metal, or any combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, optical properties of the plasmonic nanomaterials and/or the redox-active molecules combined with MOF materials can be monitored directly to detect analyte species through their impact on external conditions surrounding the material or as a result of charge transfer to and from the plasmonic nanomaterial and/or the redox-active molecule as a result of interactions with the MOF material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides an alloy with a density greater than 10 g/cm3, the alloy comprising a single phase solution of tungsten, nickel, and iron. Also provided is a cone liner for use in shaped charges, the liner comprised of a tungsten, nickel, iron alloy having a single phase microstructure. Substantially no precipitates or second phases exist in the alloy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary test apparatus having an autoclave head, a fretting mechanism connected on a first end to a first side of the autoclave head, a load train operably connected with a first end of the fretting mechanism, an autoclave adapter connected on a first side to a second side of the autoclave head, and a force balance assembly connected to a second side of the autoclave head and configured to equalize a pressure acting on the load train. Certain exemplary embodiments include an upper plate, a plurality of upper tie rods connected to a first side of the upper plate and a second side of the autoclave adapter, a lower plate, a plurality of lower tie rods connected to the first side of the autoclave head and a first side of the lower plate, and a pressure vessel sealingly connected to the first side of the autoclave head.

Abstract: The method disclosed receives a data stream from an MWD system and determines the response of a specific energy (SE) relationship and a rate of penetration (ROP) relationship respectively to variables controllable by the operator, in order to enable operation at a lowest SE, or a highest Rate-of-Penetration (ROP) to SE ratio. The method utilizes artificial neural networks trained by MWD data to deduce a depth-of-cut and torque based on relationships manifesting between the various data points collected, and an SE equation and a predicted ROP is evaluated over a series of probable operating points. The method continuously gathers and analyzes MWD data during the drilling operation and allows an operator to manage the controllable parameters such that operation at the lowest SE or highest ROP or ROP to SE ratio can be achieved during the drilling operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nuclear plant in which the power of a nuclear reactor is controlled via demand of a connected electric grid. A naturally circulating nuclear reactor coolant loop is linked to a water/steam loop by means of a steam generator. The water/steam loop consists of an electric power generating unit and a water recirculating and steam control system. The generator is coupled to an external power grid. As power requirements of the grid change, a controller linked to the generator and a three way valve divides steam flow between the expansion turbine and a feedwater heater to boost or retard the power output. Altering the steam flow changes the pressure and temperature in the water/steam system and thus the coolant flow rate. The change in coolant flow allows the reactor core to regulate its reactivity to reach a state of equilibrium to the demand for electric power.

Abstract: The method and system disclosed provides radionuclide contamination mitigation by applying an aqueous carrier solution comprising a cation to a surface bearing a radionuclide contaminant to cause the radionuclide contaminant to enter solution forming a laden solution, then contacting the laden solution with a sequestering agent to bind to the radionuclide contaminant to form a laden sequestering agent. The removal and sequestration of the radionuclide contaminant from the contaminated surface leads directly to a reduction in the amount of radiologically-impacted critical infrastructure and the environment. The method and system are able to be performed or utilized economically with materials quickly available in the event of a radiological dispersion event.

Abstract: A system for type-2 ghost imaging of an object located in or obstructed by a turbulent air section includes a thermal light source, a beamsplitter configured to split light from the thermal light source into two optical paths of substantially equal length, a surface divided into two regions of equal area, a first region including the object and a second region that does not include the object, a narrowband spectral filter, and at least one detector having a predetermined spatial resolution and a predetermined temporal resolution. The object is located on one side of the turbulent air section and the at least one detector is located on another side of the turbulent air section. The at least one detector may be a large area picosecond photo-detector (LAPPD) having a spatial resolution of the order of millimeters and a temporal resolution of the order of 10 to 100 picoseconds.

Abstract: A laser igniter that avoids autoignition and soot formation within the prechamber and will minimize the formation of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). The laser igniter has a laser spark plug with a microlaser and a prechamber integrally formed with the laser spark plug. The prechamber has six nozzle holes with three of the nozzle holes having a large diameter and three of the nozzle holes having a small diameter. The large and small nozzle holes are in a staggered arrangement.

Abstract: A method includes producing an amorphous precursor to a nanocomposite, the amorphous precursor comprising a material that is substantially without crystals not exceeding 20% volume fraction; performing devitrification of the amorphous precursor, wherein the devitrification comprises a process of crystallization; forming, based on the devitrification, the nanocomposite with nano-crystals that contains an induced magnetic anisotropy; tuning, based on one or more of composition, temperature, configuration, and magnitude of stress applied during annealing and modification, the magnetic anisotropy of the nanocomposite; and adjusting, based on the tuned magnetic anisotropy, a magnetic permeability of the nanocomposite.

Abstract: A Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) probe using a dove prism for the laser media. The use of a dove prism allows for the removal of two mirrors over prior art schemes. The use of the dove prism allows for the light from the spark to be analyzed from the return path.

Abstract: Materials, methods to prepare, and methods of use for partial oxidation of methane. Embodiments include delivering a metal ferrite oxygen carrier to a fuel reactor, wherein the metal ferrite oxygen carrier comprises MFexOy where 1?x?3 and 3?y?5, and where M comprise a Group II alkali earth metals; and delivering a gaseous stream that contains methane to the metal ferrite oxygen carrier in the fuel reactor and maintaining the fuel reactor at a reducing temperature sufficient to reduce some portion of the metal ferrite oxygen carrier and oxidize some portion of the methane containing gas stream. Embodiments further include generating gaseous products containing H2 and CO gas in the fuel reactor; withdrawing a product stream from the fuel reactor, where the gaseous products comprise the product stream, and where at least >50 vol.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a pelletized sorbent comprising a first component comprising Basic Immobilized Amine Sorbent, a second component comprising inorganic strength additive, and a third component comprising polymer binder, where the Basic Immobilized Amine Sorbent and solid inorganic strength additive are interconnected by the polymer binder. The pelletized sorbent is useful for removing CO2 from a gaseous mixture such as a post combustion gas stream.

Abstract: A high performance superconducting undulator magnet is provided. The superconducting undulator magnet includes inset grooves in which magnetic poles are attached. The superconducting undulator magnet also includes clips for use in winding. The superconducting wire is wound such that the each revolution of the wire has a precise position within each of the grooves, the precise position being repeated in each groove. The superconducting undulator magnet provided will have a mechanical precision to preserve uniformity of the magnetic pole width and coil grooves. The undulator system provides uniformity of the undulator gap.

Abstract: A congestion management protocol that can be used for small messages in which the last-hop switch determines the congestion of the end point. The last-hop switch drops messages when the end point is congested and schedules a retransmission. A second congestion management protocol transmits small messages in a speculative mode to avoid the overhead caused by reservation handshakes.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a metal ferrite oxygen carrier for the chemical looping combustion of solid carbonaceous fuels, such as coal, coke, coal and biomass char, and the like. The metal ferrite oxygen carrier comprises MFexOy, where MFexOy is a chemical composition with 1.5?x?2.5 and 3.5?y?4.5 and M is one of Ca, Ba, and combinations thereof. For example, MFexOy may be one of CaFe2O4, BaFe2O4, MgFe2O4. SrFe2O4 and combinations thereof. Mixing of the metal ferrite oxygen carrier and the solid carbonaceous fuel generates a product stream comprising at least 50 vol. % CO and H2. The MFexOy may be supported on an inert support. In an embodiment, the MFexOy comprises at least 30 wt. % of the metal ferrite oxygen carrier the inert support when present comprises from about 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of the metal ferrite oxygen carrier.

Abstract: A thermoelectric half-Heusler material comprising niobium (Nb), iron (Fe) and antimony (Sb) wherein the material comprises grains having a mean grain size less than one micron. A method of making a nanocomposite half-Heusler thermoelectric material includes melting constituent elements of the thermoelectric material to form an alloy of the thermoelectric material, comminuting (e.g., ball milling) the alloy of the thermoelectric material into nanometer scale mean size particles, and consolidating the nanometer size particles to form the half-Heusler thermoelectric material comprising at least niobium (Nb), iron (Fe) and antimony (Sb) and having grains with a mean grain size less than one micron.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of sensor devices comprising a sensing component able to determine the presence of, detect, and/or quantify detectable species in a variety of environments and applications. The sensing components disclosed herein can comprise MOF materials, plasmonic nanomaterials, or combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, light guides can be coupled with the sensing components described herein to provide sensor devices capable of increased NIR detection sensitivity in determining the presence of detectable species, such as gases and volatile organic compounds. In another exemplary embodiment, optical properties of the plasmonic nanomaterials combined with MOF materials can be monitored directly to detect analyte species through their impact on external conditions surrounding the particle or as a result of charge transfer to and from the plasmonic material as a result of interactions with the plasmonic material and/or the MOF material.