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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.

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At least 181 records · Page 10

PILBCP-IL Composite Ionomers for High Current Density Performance

Wide-spread commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles using proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) power sources requires that several existing limitations be addressed. These include: (1) a reduction in platinum (Pt) loading in the catalytic electrodes, (2) improvements in reactant and electronic mobility throughout the catalytic electrodes, (3) reduction in the reliance on materials derived from polluting “forever chemicals”, and (4) a significant improvement in the operational longevity of catalytic electrode components. In this project, a team of two universities, Drexel University and Texas A&M University, one national lab, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and one company, General Motors, collaborated to develop a new cathode ionomer chemistry that would address these limitations and result in an improvement in performance over existing ionomer materials. The key technology developed through this collaborative project was a composite cathode ionomer encompassing an ionic liquid interlayer between Pt catalysts and a sulfonated polymerized ionic liquid block co-polymer (S-PILBCP) that possess the orthogonal properties of protonic conductivity and ionic liquid enhanced kinetics and durability (see schematic in Figure 1). The composite S-PILBCP ionomer eliminates many of the existing issues with perfluorosulfonic acid-based ionomers including active site blocking by sulfonate specific adsorption, restricted O 2 transport through ionomer films, limited humidity tolerance and active area loss for carbon pore confined catalyst particles, and use of polluting “forever chemicals”. Following successful integration of the developed composite ionic liquid into a PEMFC cathode catalyst layer, we demonstrate enhanced performance over Nafion containing cathodes with Pt/C and PtCo/C at both low and high current density. The performance with our composite S-PILBCP ionomer meets the Department of Energy (DOE) targets for light duty vehicle applications

08 HYDROGEN↗

Examining Microalgae Growth with Respect to Cell Count and Salinity

In recent years, microalgae have been identified as potential source of biofuel due to their ability to grow abundantly in little time. As photosynthetic organisms, microalgae only need water, light, micronutrients, and carbon dioxide to yield algal biomass. Several applications for this biomass are being studied, such as the extraction of biofuel (Zhang et al. 2022) as well as wastewater treatment (Rude et al. 2022). Two specific microalgae species have been identified as uniquely prolific: Picochlorum celeri, a saltwater species, and Chlorella sorokiniana 1116, a freshwater species. Both species showcased survival in less-than-ideal conditions and showcased hardiness in their respective waters (Krishnan et al. 2021), making them popular specimen to be studied for a variety of applications. This project involved two components, the first component focusing on the development of a growth curve for P. celeri and the second studying varying salt concentration in both species.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Advanced Computing Annual Report 2025 [Slides]

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) continued to advance computing as a cornerstone of energy innovation, expanding the Kestrel high-performance computing (HPC) system to 56 peak petaflops. This growth strengthened Kestrel's role as a national asset for applied energy research, enabling larger, more complex simulations and accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) methods across the laboratory's computing portfolio. In FY 2025, AI was a component of most projects running on Kestrel, underscoring its central role in modern energy science and engineering. Kestrel supported a broad and diverse set of 507 modeling and simulation projects, engaging 855 researchers across the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) portfolio and other offices, as well as partners from industry, academia, and utilities. These efforts span critical materials discovery, energy systems modeling, grid modernization, advanced manufacturing, and other areas essential to strengthening U.S. energy security and competitiveness. Together, these collaborations produced 708 technical outputs, including 293 peer-reviewed publications, reflecting both the depth and impact of the science enabled by NLR's computing capabilities. This year's report highlights the growing importance and benefit of AI throughout NLR's research programs and features work by early career researchers who are helping shape the future of computing-enabled energy innovation. Explore these sections and the many project successes captured in the pages that follow.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Investigating lab-scaled offshore wind aerodynamic testing failure and developing solutions for early anomaly detections

As offshore wind systems become more complex, the risk of human error or equipment malfunction increases during experimental testing. This study investigates a lab-scale incident involving a 1 : 50 scale 5 MW wind turbine, where a generator failure led to rotor overspeed and a blade–tower strike. To improve early fault detection, we propose a data-driven method based on multivariate long short-term memory (LSTM) models. High-frequency measurements are projected onto principal components, and anomalies are identified using reconstruction error and its time derivative. Two models are trained on different healthy datasets and tested using single- and multi-principal component (1PC and MPC) variations. Results show that combining both error and error derivative improves detection accuracy. The 1PC model detects faults faster, has a higher recall rate, and achieves a 43 % improvement in anomaly detection accuracy, while the MPC model yields higher precision. This approach provides a simple and effective tool for early anomaly detection in lab-scale experiments, helping to reduce the risk of future failures during the testing of new technologies.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Future higher performance O2/H2 engine combustion cycle alternatives

The status of current and projected advanced O2/H2 rocket engine configurations for high-efficiency engine designs is examined. Particular attention is given to engine cycle configurations, operating pressures, and performance characteristics which can be foreseen for the engine configurations past the 1980 era for single-stage-to-orbit boosters and advanced space engines. The discussion covers potential O2/H2 performance gains achievable, engine cycle improvements, and projected O2/H2 engine component efficiency, weight, and other improvements foreseen through future development.

Wagner, W. R.↗

Definition, analysis and development of an optical data distribution network for integrated avionics and control systems

The potential and functional requirements of fiber optic bus designs for next generation aircraft are assessed. State-of-the-art component evaluations and projections were used in the system study. Complex networks were decomposed into dedicated structures, star buses, and serial buses for detailed analysis. Comparisons of dedicated links, star buses, and serial buses with and without full duplex operation and with considerations for terminal to terminal communication requirements were obtained. This baseline was then used to consider potential extensions of busing methods to include wavelength multiplexing and optical switches. Example buses were illustrated for various areas of the aircraft as potential starting points for more detail analysis as the platform becomes definitized.

Burns, R. R.↗

NASA electronic message experiment and study: Detailed test plans

A methodology for evaluating the utility of high speed digital facsimile as a component of the projected NASA-wide electronic message network is presented. Equipment checkout, operator familiarization, pretest calibration, and the development of procedures are addressed. An experimental test program of the facsimile message service which will carry duplicates of the actual messages sent by other means is highlighted. Also, an operational test program during which messages will be sent on a regular basis in order to accumulate the information that will be used to evaluate system performance and project future growth is described.

Source record↗

A bandpass filter for the enhancement of an X-ray reconstruction of the tissue in the spinal canal

In this communication, a new bandpass reconstruction filter is developed to partially remove the low spatial frequencies of the bone and the soft tissue in an X-ray reconstruction of a lumbar spine. This partial removal of the low frequencies suppresses the bony vertebral body and the soft tissue components within the projections of actual clinical data. It also has the effect of enhancing the sharp edges of the fatty tissue surrounding the spinal cord region. The intent of this effort is to directly visualize the spinal cord without the need for water-soluble contrast (e.g., metrizamide) to be installed through lumbar punctures.

Reed, I. S.↗

Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT)

The development and progress of the Advanced Gas Turbine engine program is examined. An analysis of the role of ceramics in the design and major engine components is included. Projected fuel economy, emissions and performance standards, and versatility in fuel use are also discussed.

Source record↗

Quantitative simulation of extraterrestrial engineering devices

This is a multicomponent, multidisciplinary project whose overall objective is to build an integrated database, simulation, visualization, and optimization system for the proposed oxygen manufacturing plant on Mars. Specifically, the system allows users to enter physical description, engineering, and connectivity data through a uniform, user-friendly interface and stores the data in formats compatible with other software also developed as part of this project. These latter components include: (1) programs to simulate the behavior of various parts of the plant in Martian conditions; (2) an animation program which, in different modes, provides visual feedback to designers and researchers about the location of and temperature distribution among components as well as heat, mass, and data flow through the plant as it operates in different scenarios; (3) a control program to investigate the stability and response of the system under different disturbance conditions; and (4) an optimization program to maximize or minimize various criteria as the system evolves into its final design. All components of the system are interconnected so that changes entered through one component are reflected in the others.

Arabyan, A.↗

An integrated database with system optimization and design features

A customized, mission-specific relational database package was developed to allow researchers working on the Mars oxygen manufacturing plant to enter physical description, engineering, and connectivity data through a uniform, graphical interface and to store the data in formats compatible with other software also developed as part of the project. These latter components include an optimization program to maximize or minimize various criteria as the system evolves into its final design; programs to simulate the behavior of various parts of the plant in Martian conditions; an animation program which, in different modes, provides visual feedback to designers and researchers about the location of and temperature distribution among components as well as heat, mass, and data flow through the plant as it operates in different scenarios; and a control program to investigate the stability and response of the system under different disturbance conditions. All components of the system are interconnected so that changes entered through one component are reflected in the others.

Arabyan, A.↗

Laser transmitter for Lidar In-Space Technology Experiment

The Lidar In-Space Technology Experiment (LITE) Laser Transmitter Module (LTM) flight laser optical architecture has been space qualified by extensive testing at the system, subsystem and component level. The projected system output performance has been verified using an optically and electrically similar breadboard version of the laser. Parasitic lasing was closely examined and completely suppressed after design changes were implemented and tested. Oscillator and amplifier type heads were separately tested to 150 million shots. Critical subassemblies have undergone environmental testing to Shuttle qualification levels. A superior three color anti-reflection coating was developed and tested for use on 14 surfaces after the final amplifier.

Chang, John↗

Upgrading NASA/DOSE laser ranging system control computers

Laser ranging systems now managed by the NASA Dynamics of the Solid Earth (DOSE) and operated by the Bendix Field Engineering Corporation, the University of Hawaii, and the University of Texas have produced a wealth on interdisciplinary scientific data over the last three decades. Despite upgrades to the most of the ranging station subsystems, the control computers remain a mix of 1970's vintage minicomputers. These encompass a wide range of vendors, operating systems, and languages, making hardware and software support increasingly difficult. Current technology allows replacement of controller computers at a relatively low cost while maintaining excellent processing power and a friendly operating environment. The new controller systems are now being designed using IBM-PC-compatible 80486-based microcomputers, a real-time Unix operating system (LynxOS), and X-windows/Motif IB, and serial interfaces have been chosen. This design supports minimizing short and long term costs by relying on proven standards for both hardware and software components. Currently, the project is in the design and prototyping stage with the first systems targeted for production in mid-1993.

Ricklefs, Randall L.↗

High Tc superconducting bolometric and nonbolometric infrared (IR) detectors

The workplan for the period August 1994 through August 1995 includes the following: (1) expand the Applied Superconductivity Laboratory to include stand-alone optical response and noise measurement setups; (2) pursue studies of the low frequency excess electrical noise in YBCO films; and (3) enhance the academic support component of the project through increased student and faculty participation.

Lakeou, Samuel↗

High Tc superconducting bolometric and nonbolometric infrared (IR) detectors

Activities carried out during the reporting period are summarized. The workplan for the period August 1994 to August 1995 included the following: (1) expansion of the Applied Superconductivity Laboratory to include stand-alone optical response and noise measurement setups; (2) study the low frequency excess electrical noise in YBCO films; and (3) enhancement of the academic support component of the project through increased student and faculty participation. Abstracts of papers submitted for publication during this reporting period are included as attachments.

Lakeou, Samuel↗

Operational characteristics of a 200 C LC parallel resonant circuit

Research efforts are currently underway at the NASA Lewis Research Center to design and demonstrate an inverter capable of operating with a baseplate temperature of 200 C. In support of this project, various electrical components including capacitors, inductors, transformers, cables, and semiconductor switches are being developed or evaluated for integration into the inverter. In this work, a parallel LC resonant circuit was constructed and evaluated under simultaneous electrical and thermal stressing. The tests were performed in the temperature range of 25 to 200 C with an applied voltage of up to 90 V, 20 kHz. The individual components were comprised of high temperature film capacitors and powder core inductors developed in-house. The circuit was characterized in terms of the component currents and case temperatures as well as frequency of resonance as a function of applied bias and temperature. The results obtained, which have indicated good functional stability up to 200 C, are presented and discussed.

Baumann, Eric D.↗

[Ribosomal RNA Evolution]

It is generally believed that an RNA World existed at an early stage in the history of life. During this early period, RNA molecules are seen to be potentially involved in both catalysis and the storage of genetic information. Translation presents several interrelated themes of inquiry for exobiology. First, it is essential, for understanding the very origin of life, how peptides and eventually proteins might have come to be made on the early Earth in a template directed manner. Second, it is necessary to understand how a machinery of similar complexity to that found in the ribosomes of modern organisms came to exist by the time of the last common ancestor (as detected by 16S rRNA sequence studies). Third, the ribosomal RNAs themselves likely had a very early origin and studies of their history may be very informative about the nature of the RNA World. Moreover, studies of these RNAs will contribute to a better understanding of the potential roles of RNA in early evolution.During the past year we have ave conducted a comparative study of four completely sequenced bacterial genoames. We have focused initially on conservation of gene order. The second component of the project continues to build on the model system for studying the validity of variant 5S rRNA sequences in the vicinity of the modern Vibrio proteolyticus 5S rRNA that we established earlier. This system has made it possible to conduct a detailed and extensive analysis of a local portion of the sequence space. These core methods have been used to construct numerous mutants during the last several years. Although it has been a secondary focus, this work has continued over the last year such that we now have in excess of 125 V. proteolyticus derived constructs which have been made and characterized. We have also continued high resolution NMR work on RNA oligomers originally initiated by G. Kenneth Smith who was funded by a NASA Graduate Student Researcher's Fellowship Award until May of 1996. Mr. Smith developed synthesis & purification protocols in order to obtain large quantities of RNA oligomers for NMR studies. He succeeded in obtaining preliminary one dimensional spectra for an analog of the helix II/loop B/helix III domain of 5S rRNAs well as a 29mer which includes helix III and the highly characteristic 13 nucleotide loop C. Significant progress in laying the required groundwork for this work has been accomplished during the past year. A plasmid, pLeuS-1, carrying the E. coli leucine tRNA synthetase gene (LeuRS) has been obtained and used to overexpressed the leucine synthetase. A T7 runoff transcription has been established in our laboratory and successfully used to make both minihelix RNAs and tRNAs. In addition, encapsulation studies have been conducted and we have successfully encapsulated tRNA in lipid vesicles. Initial efforts to obtain peptide bond synthesis will be underway over the next several moths.

Source record↗

Development Activities on Airbreathing Combined Cycle Engines

Contents include the following: Advanced reusable transportation(ART); aerojet and rocketdyne tests, RBCC focused concept flowpaths,fabricate flight weigh, test select components, document ART project, Istar (Integrated system test of an airbreathing rocket); combined cycle propulsion testbed;hydrocarbon demonstrator tracebility; Istar engine system and vehicle system closure study; and Istar project planning.

McArthur, J. Craig↗