NTRC Landing Page

Delivering Innovation

The National Transportation Research Center (NTRC), established in 2000, is the Department of Energy’s only designated user facility focused on performing early-stage research and development in transportation technologies. Research focuses on advanced energy storage and electric drive systems, including fast wired and wireless charging; lightweight materials and multi-material structures for harsh environments; advanced combustion engines and alternative biofuels; data science, analysis, and vehicle cybersecurity; vehicle systems integration; and intelligent mobility systems.

The NTRC comprises a 65,000 sq. ft. facility that integrates a uniquely broad and comprehensive set of capabilities, from novel diagnostics to component and vehicle evaluation to data analytics and cybersecurity. The facility is dedicated to accelerating the pace of research and development for new materials in next-generation systems, providing decision making tools for sustainable transportation systems, and creating economic opportunity by improving the energy efficiency of vehicles to support a robust transportation system for people and commerce.

NTRC Map

Contact

Josh A Pihl
Buildings and Transportation Science Division Director
pihlja@ornl.gov
Photograph of Josh Pihl

Materials

Working with advanced composites and carbon fiber and the joining of dissimilar materials, focusing on developing lightweight and advanced materials for engines and powertrain.

Neutrons

Using neutrons to investigate and understand the structure and properties of materials, measuring pressure changes and the impact of near-nozzle spray.

Computational Science

Deploying high performance computing for combustion, materials and batteries research, developing evolutionary algorithms and optimizing neural networks.

Data Analytics

Delivering comprehensive data on transportation trends, freight, energy use, and more as well as analyses of fuel economy and fleets.

Advanced Manufacturing

Utilizing additive manufacturing to develop strong lightweight materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber, for more efficient transportation applications, reducing fuel consumption.

Virtual/Physical Research

Integrating virtual and physical hardware for research, utilizing foundational science and complex integrated mobility systems, operating across multiple laboratory locations in simulated environments.

Current Research