Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a seashell-inspired coating that can protect materials from mechanical, shock, and thermal insults. The coating is made from thin layers of confectioners' sugar, silica, and carbon black, and has been shown to be lightweight, mechanically strong, and thermally stable.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have explored the physical properties of cycloalkanes, finding they may reduce condensation trail formation and soot emissions compared to current fuels. This could lead to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change impacts on global security.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a tiny device that can shunt excess electricity in a few billionths of a second, protecting the nation's electric grid from electromagnetic pulses. The diode operates at a record-breaking 6,400 volts and has potential to operate up to 20,000 volts.
Sandia researchers have demonstrated that neuromorphic computers can solve more complex problems than artificial intelligence and may earn a place in high-performance computing. The findings show that neuromorphic simulations can track X-rays, disease spreading, information flowing through social networks, and financial markets.
Solid-state batteries with little liquid electrolyte are safer than lithium-ion batteries in many cases. However, they also have limitations, such as slow lithium ion movement from the solid electrolyte to electrodes.
A machine-learning algorithm named MAD3 can predict mechanical properties of metals without performing physical tests, cutting testing time by 1,000 times. The algorithm replaces traditional simulation software, enabling faster research and development with minimal resources.
A powerful Sandia National Laboratories supercomputer simulation model called SNAP captures the melting of diamond under extreme pressures and temperatures, cracking and recrystallizing its rigid carbon lattice. The work could aid understanding of carbon-based exoplanets and has implications for nuclear fusion efforts.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories developed a precision diagnostic to detect and describe problems in quantum computing hardware. Using gate set tomography, they discovered new innovations that improve the reliability and accuracy of quantum processors.
Scientists at Sandia National Labs invent a new yardstick for benchmarking performance of quantum computers. The mirror-circuit method is faster and more accurate than conventional tests, revealing the true potential and limitations of quantum processors.
A team at Sandia National Laboratories tested specially designed stainless-steel containers for fire safety and found they did not split open even when heated to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The containers developed small pinholes instead, allowing superheated gas to escape without pressurizing the container.
The Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement mobile facility has relocated from Oliktok Point in Alaska to the southeastern United States. This move will allow for continued research on climate and weather models with a new fixed observatory at Utqiaġvik, formerly known as Barrow.
Researchers examine how heat affects salt and brine in underground tests to refine computer models and inform policymakers about spent nuclear fuel disposal. The understanding gained will help assess the viability of salt beds as a safe storage option for radioactive waste.
A new method uses carbon dioxide, water, and food-grade citric acid to extract rare-earth metals from coal ash without damaging the environment. This technique increases a national resource while making coal ash cleaner and less toxic.
The new EQUIPS workflow provides a more accurate and reliable way to process 3D images for computer simulations. It uses machine learning to automate the drawing process and produces a range of simulation outcomes, allowing decision-makers to consider best- and worst-case scenarios.
A study published by Sandia National Laboratories reveals that older solar farms are more susceptible to extreme weather events, while snowstorms have the highest impact on electricity production. Machine learning analysis also found that low sunlight levels due to cloud cover and geographical features of the farm are significant factors.
Sandia National Laboratories completed the first production unit of a weapon assembly responsible for key operations of the W88 nuclear warhead. The new arming, fuzing and firing assembly ensures the system works as intended when authorized, with rigorous testing conducted to validate its design.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have designed a new class of molten sodium batteries that operate at lower temperatures and use low-cost materials. The new battery design has the potential to significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency in grid-scale energy storage.
A new testing capability has been developed at Sandia National Laboratories to simulate multiple environments on a full-scale weapons system, producing richer data and improving test repeatability. This allows engineers to validate weapon design and systems performance more efficiently.
Scientists have long struggled to make reliable lithium-metal batteries due to high failure rates and safety issues. New nanoscale images reveal a hard buildup of solid electrolyte interphase, which tears holes in the separator and allows metal deposits to form a short, leading to catastrophic device failure.
The Perovskite Photovoltaic Accelerator for Commercializing Technologies Center aims to overcome challenges in perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies. The center will test at least 30 perovskite modules outside and eventually expand performance testing to 50 kilowatts.
Researchers have created tables of responses for gold and platinum to extreme pressure, providing a standard for future researchers to calibrate the responses of other metals. The data generated by these experiments can aid in understanding exoplanets, planetary impacts, and moon formation.
Researchers successfully reduced uranium, vanadium, and molybdenum levels in groundwater by more than ten-thousandfold using a 'sponge-like' mineral called calcium apatite. The technology has been shown to be effective and long-lasting without negative side effects.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have built the world's smallest acoustic amplifier, exceeding previous versions by over 10 times. The device uses sound waves to process radio signals, paving the way for smaller and more sophisticated wireless technology.
The new software suite Quest helps utility companies and businesses evaluate energy storage scenarios and model its potential. Energy storage systems increase grid stability and reliability by capturing energy when produced and saving it when needed.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories used advanced computer simulations to study the spread of COVID-19 through droplets in the air. Their findings show that protective measures like masks and social distancing are crucial in reducing transmission. The studies also revealed that even with face coverings, smaller particles can pe...
Researchers created detailed maps of prehistoric human migration to Australia, identifying 'superhighways' that aligned with earliest known archaeological sites. The approach could help forecast modern-day human migration and inform the search for undiscovered archaeological sites.
Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories used 22-foot-wide tethered balloons to collect dust samples, confirming the new solar-power technology's safety. The technology stores heat in heated particles, which can store energy for days or weeks, stabilizing power output.
Sandia National Laboratories has successfully analyzed the first seafloor dataset from under Arctic sea ice using a new underwater technique. The team detected natural and human-caused activities, including ice quakes and transportation activities, while also monitoring for climate signals and marine life.
Researchers developed a system to identify seismic events related to oil and gas activities, using sound signals and machine learning. They created 3D-printed rocks with controlled mineral layers to study fault failures and fracture types.
The study used thin films of PETN, grown on different surfaces, to determine how surface cleanliness affects film properties. The research team also developed a specialized setup to visualize shock waves using schlieren imaging, which revealed that gaps around the size of a human hair could stop detonations from continuing.
A new study on submarine permafrost suggests that frozen land beneath rising sea levels traps significant amounts of methane and organic carbon, with potential impacts on climate. Researchers estimate that submarine permafrost could release up to 500 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere over hundreds of years.
Researchers use the Z machine to apply extreme gravitational pressures on super-Earths, determining which might support life. A data-supported table reveals when a planet's interior would be solid, liquid or gaseous under various pressures and temperatures.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new tool to study wind power and its potential as a source of distributed energy. The custom-built wind turbine emulator mimics actual wind turbines, allowing for real-time simulations of various weather conditions and load demands.
A Sandia Labs research team used machine learning to complete materials science calculations 42,000 times faster than normal, accelerating the creation of new technologies for optics, aerospace, and energy storage.
Sandia National Laboratories successfully completed the first flight test of the B61-12 nuclear bomb on the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, demonstrating its compatibility and versatility. The test was part of a larger program to increase confidence in the bomb's reliability and effectiveness.
The $2.5 million DOE grant project will investigate a newly designed molten salt valve to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs in concentrating solar power systems. The advanced valve design aims to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, reducing material stress and fatigue.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new device that more efficiently processes information using non-volatile computer memory. The breakthrough could revolutionize technologies like voice recognition, image processing, and autonomous driving by reducing energy consumption.
A partnership between Sandia National Laboratories and BioBright LLC aims to improve synthetic biology equipment security. The team is developing countermeasures to risks, protecting America's bioeconomy and digital infrastructure from potential data theft or targeted attacks.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a machine-learning technique to improve the control of nuclear fusion reactions, which could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly energy production. By modifying reactor walls using computer-generated data, they aim to reduce damage from plasma interactions and i...
Sandia's successful full-scale crash test marks a significant achievement for the nuclear deterrence program, delivering results despite COVID-19 challenges. The test involved propelling a semitruck into a prototype transporter, gathering over 400 channels of data to ensure its safety and security.
The partnership aims to bring energy resiliency, security, and stability to New Mexico and the US. Sandia will focus on advanced technologies for grid modernization and energy storage.
A researcher at Sandia National Laboratories has won an Early Career Research Program award to develop methods for applying physics laws to observe large-scale physical events. The project aims to achieve a millionfold change in scale, from meter- to microscale features.
The Combined Engineering Judgment review by Sandia's Delegated Chief Engineer for Nuclear Weapons Ernie Wilson validated the lab's work on the B61-12 Life Extension Program, ensuring the weapon meets safety and security requirements. The program aims to extend the bomb's service life by decades through refurbishment and modernization.
The B61-12's compatibility with the F-15E was successfully demonstrated through a series of flight tests. The tests showed that the refurbished bomb worked as expected, with precision accuracy and proper functionality, increasing confidence in its reliability. The results meet all requirements for performance and safety.
Sandia will be one of the first DOE laboratories to receive Fujitsu's new A64FX processor, optimized for memory-speed bottleneck breakage. The 48-core processor provides greater fractions of usable peak performance and supports collaboration with the Japanese supercomputing community.
VoroCrust generates accurate digital representations of complex objects using Voronoi-cell meshes that conform to models without needing manual fixes. This software could save scientists hours of work and improve the efficiency of simulations for aerospace and other industries.
Sandia's Resilient Energy Systems campaign aims to defend large electrical utility systems against cyberhacks, electromagnetic disturbances, and natural disasters. The Assured Survivability and Agility with Pulsed Power research campaign explores technologies to simulate nuclear explosions without actual tests, aiming to maintain the U...
Sandia National Laboratories has received funding to develop a patient-friendly brain imager that uses quantum sensors for more accurate and accessible measurements. The new system aims to enable people with chronic pain and motor disorders to participate in MEG scans, improving the accuracy of diagnoses.
A thermosyphon cooling unit installed at Sandia National Laboratories' supercomputer center saved 554,000 gallons of water during its first six months of operation. The unit also reduced electricity consumption by 195,000 kilowatt hours, making it a cost-effective solution for cooling large servers.
Tina Nenoff, a materials scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, has been elected AAAS fellow for her work on nanoporous materials that can detect hazardous nuclear fission gases. Her research focuses on designing and synthesizing materials that adsorb specific chemicals, such as iodine, to enable multiple cycles of measurements.