A breakthrough at PNNL could free friction stir from current constraints—and open the door for increased use of the advanced manufacturing technique on commercial assembly lines.

By combining computational modeling with experimental research, scientists identified a promising composition that reduces the need for a critical material in an alloy that can withstand extreme environments.

PNNL researchers have developed a new, physics-informed machine learning model that accurately predicts how heat accumulates and dissipates during friction stir processing.

PNNL and collaborators developed new models—recently approved by the U.S. Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC)—to help utilities understand how new grid-forming inverter technology will enhance grid stability.

If you’re not sure whether rooftop solar panels and battery energy storage systems are right for you, start with this new guide from PNNL researchers.

Senior Advisor Isabella van Rooyen shares her journey from child to internationally recognized scientist in nuclear materials and manufacturing.

Understanding the risk of compound energy droughts—times when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow—will help grid planners understand where energy storage is needed most.

PNNL will lead support to one of six community teams chosen today by the U.S. Department of Energy to receive a total of up to $25 million.

PNNL led one of five Pathway Summer School programs nationwide, with a specific focus on engaging students from Native American or Indigenous backgrounds.

PNNL researchers developed a new model to help power system operators and planners better evaluate how grid-forming, inverter-based resources could affect the system stability.

Rotational Hammer Riveting, developed by PNNL, joins dissimilar materials quickly without preheating rivets. The friction-based riveting enables use of lightweight magnesium rivets and also works on aluminum and speeds manufacturing.

PNNL licensed two technologies to generate hydrogen. One, a reactor design, generates hydrogen from natural gas. The second innovation uses a 3D printing method to economically manufacture the generator.

Electrical engineer Tom McDermott has been named the winner of a power distribution engineering award.

Study says planners need to account for climate impacts on renewable energy during capacity development planning to fully understand investment implications to the power sector.

PNNL researchers simulated residential battery use and found in-home energy storage can benefit both the power grid and homeowners.

Twelve energy-related technologies developed at PNNL have been selected for additional technology maturation funding to help move them from the laboratory and field tests to the marketplace.

PNNL researchers are developing the only tool that can control large-scale distributed energy resources in real time.

Superman may be known as the "Man of Steel," but scientific superheroes at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are developing a novel approach for manufacturing metals with superior strength.

A PNNL study that evaluated the use of friction stir technology on stainless steel has shown that the steel resists erosion more than three times that of its unprocessed counterpart.

PNNL is advancing scientific frontiers and addressing challenges in energy, the environment and national security. So, in no particular order, here are PNNL's top 10 research accomplishments of 2018