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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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402 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Insulating ground state and 2−𝑘 magnetic structure of candidate Weyl hydrogen-atom K2⁢Mn3⁢(AsO4)3

The ideal Weyl "hydrogen-atom" semimetal exhibits only a single pair of Weyl nodes and no other trivial states at the Fermi energy. Such a material would be a panacea in the study of Weyl quasi-particles, allowing direct unambiguous observation of their topological properties. The alluaudite-like K2⁢Mn3⁢(AsO4)3 compound was recently proposed as such a material. Here, we use comprehensive experimental work and first-principle calculations to assess this prediction. We find K2⁢Mn3⁢(AsO4)3 crystallizes in the 𝐶⁢2/𝑐 symmetry with a quasi-one-dimensional Mn sublattice, growing as small needle-like crystals. Bulk property measurements reveal magnetic transitions at ≈8 and ≈4 K, which neutron scattering experiments show correspond to two distinct magnetic orders, first a partially ordered ferrimagnetic 𝐤𝟏=(0,0,0) structure at 8 K and a second transition of 𝐤𝟐=(1,0,0) at 4 K to a fully ordered state. Below the second transition, both ordering vectors are necessary to describe the complex magnetic structure with modulated spin magnitudes. Both of the best-fit magnetic structures in this work are found to break the symmetry necessary for the generation of Weyl nodes, though one of the magnetic structures allowed by 𝐤𝟏 does preserve this symmetry. However, the crystals are optically transparent and ellipsometry measurements reveal a large band gap, undermining expectations of semimetallic behavior. Density functional theory calculations predict an insulating antiferromagnetic ground state, in contrast to previous reports, and suggest potential frustration on the magnetic sublattice. Given the wide tunability of the alluaudite structure, we consider ways to push the system closer to a semimetallic state.

Taddei, Keith M [Argonne National Laboratory]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Reduced salen in a monomeric Fe complex

We report the first monomeric formally M I transition metal salen complex without ion pairing. A combination of spectroscopy, crystallography, and computations indicates that reduction of an Fe II salen complex gives substantial reduced ligand character. We also present a computational method for accurately predicting 57 Fe Mössbauer parameters of Fe salen complexes.

Feldman, Dana M. [Yale University, New Haven, CT (↗
NASA NTRS2026

Measure sea level air pressure from space to improve knowledge and forecasting of the atmospheric state

Modern numerical weather prediction (NWP) and analysis models require globally-observed meteorological data including sea-level pressure (SLP) for accurate operations. Up until now, SLP has only been measured by in situ instruments from ships, buoys, and ocean platforms. These measurements are sparse with large gaps, leaving models starved of this critical information to constrain the atmospheric state. Recent advancements in differential absorption radar (DAR) provide a path to close this critical observation gap through spaceborne observations in the coming decade, improving the analysis models relied upon for atmospheric research and the weather forecasts depended upon daily for public safety and commerce.

Matthew L Walker McLinden↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Python Tool for Aqueous Plutonium Nitrate Density Law Input Preprocessing in MCNP6

Here, this work develops a predictive density tool in Python, named Plutonium Nitrate Solutions (PuNS), to reduce bias and uncertainty in nuclear criticality safety calculations for plutonium nitrate systems. The Pitzer method and an empirical method were implemented into the PuNS tool to generate atom densities for use in MCNP6 material cards. These material cards are directly prepared into an MCNP6 input text file and are calculated based on customizable user inputs of plutonium content, nitric acid content, temperature, and plutonium isotope weight percentages. The PuNS tool is validated and verified against the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project Handbook experiments and is observed to predict densities within a root mean square error of 0.89% for the Pitzer method and 1.82% for the empirical method. These errors in density lead to up to 1569 pcm difference in MCNP6 calculated k eff for the Pitzer method and up to a 1751 pcm difference for the empirical method when compared to experimental benchmarks. Simultaneous work is also being performed at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of New Mexico to create a similar tool for plutonium chloride solutions, named Plutonium Chloride Solution, which aims to provide the accreditation of the chlorine absorption. These capabilities will not only provide more accurate models but also facilitate an improved understanding of solution systems and a potential relaxation in the conservatism of current aqueous plutonium processing criticality safety limits.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Feasibility Study of a Carbon Dioxide Breathing, Solid-Fueled Ramjet for Martian Descent and Landing of Human Class Payloads

This study analyzes the cross-range capabilities of solid-fueled ramjets in a Martian atmosphere for applications in entry, descent, and landing. Trajectories and engine operability are characterized using Mach and dynamic pressure operational points. It is predicted that use of atmosphere-breathing propulsion will enable access to additional surface latitudes without the need for orbital plane changes. Development of an integrated design environment facilitates preliminary ramjet design and analysis, and enables sensitivity studies to identify high impact areas of technology development. In addition, additive manufacturing supports prototyping, rapid ground testing, and allows for utilization of complex geometries.

Shi Broadwell↗
NASA NTRS2007

Hubble Space Telescope Battery Capacity Update

Orbital battery performance for the Hubble Space Telescope is discussed and battery life is predicted which supports decision to replace orbital batteries by 2009-2010 timeframe. Ground characterization testing of cells from the replacement battery build is discussed, with comparison of data from battery capacity characterization with cell studies of Cycle Life and 60% Stress Test at the Naval Weapons Surface Center (NWSC)-Crane, and cell Cycle Life testing at the Marshal Space Flight Center (MSFC). The contents of this presentation includes an update to the performance of the on-orbit batteries, as well as a discussion of the HST Service Mission 4 (SM4) batteries manufactured in 1996 and activated in 2000, and a second set of SM4 backup replacement batteries which began manufacture Jan 11, 2007, with delivery scheduled for July 2008.

Hollandsworth, Roger↗
DOE OSTI2026

How efficiently can AI recognize Wireless Devices?

This poster presents a hardware benchmarking methodology for a 3-layer CNN waveform classifier deployed using ONNX Runtime on an NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin. The dataset consist of 9 signal types, -30 to +30 dB SNR with 5dB increments. Benchmarking on the Jetson AGX Orin gave an accuracy of 91.9% and GPU throughput of 107,120 predictions/sec (23× faster than CPU). The Jetson GPU reached approximately 27M samples/sec with stable performance but fell below the 40 MHz rate needed for real-time radio feeds. Sustained testing of 5 minutes confirmed stable performance with no memory leaks, establishing a reproducible benchmarking baseline for future edge-deployment optimization.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
NASA NTRS1987

International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spacecraft battery performance update

January 26, 1987 marks the ninth inflight aniversary of the IUE spacecraft, launched into an eccentric synchronous orbit. The orbital path has subjected the spacecraft to 18 solar eclipse seasons since launch. Nine years of inflight operations culminate a major milestone for battery support to a spacecraft, which is well in excess of the initial 3 year design life. A brief outline of events, power system characteristics, and papers presented a previous battery workshops are provided. The IUE battery cell performance is excellent with the exception of the third electrode anomaly and temperature delta between batteries. Data indicates that battery depth-of-discharge (DOD) may be more critical to extend battery life than small operational temperature deltas between batteries. It is predicted that several additional years of battery life may be obtained by a reduction in operational battery DOD.

Tiller, Smith E.↗
NASA NTRS2026

Development and Validation of a High-Vacuum Thermal Conductivity Testbed for Aerospace Interface Materials

Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) are critical components in spacecraft thermal management systems, where thermal performance is strongly influenced by vacuum conditions, interface contact resistance, and layered metallic joint behavior. However, manufacturer-reported thermal conductivity values are often derived under idealized conditions and may not accurately represent performance within operational aerospace applications. To address this limitation, the Testbed for Advanced Interface Materials in Vacuum (TAIMV) was developed as a modular vacuum-compatible thermal conductivity characterization platform capable of evaluating aerospace-relevant TIM configurations under both ambient and high-vacuum environments. The testbed was derived from the ASTM C1044-16 guarded hot plate methodology and incorporates interchangeable layers of stainless steel coupon geometries, independently controlled main and guard heaters, embedded resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermocouples, multi-layer insulation (MLI), and a temperature-controlled cold plate to characterize through-thickness thermal gradients across layered interfaces. In the current configuration, interface compression is limited to the nominal contact pressure generated by the experimental stack assembly. Initial experimental campaigns were conducted at ambient pressure and below 1×10-5 torr for vacuum cases using multiple interface materials including Braycote 601EF and Krytox-based greases across a range of thermal operating conditions. In parallel, a coupled numerical Python thermal model was developed to predict temperature distribution throughout the stack while accounting for conduction, radiation, and parasitic heat transfer pathways and effective interface resistance effects. Experimental measurements and numerical predictions showed consistent thermal trends across multiple operating conditions and environmental states. Results also revealed measurable differences between ambient and vacuum thermal behavior, demonstrating the importance of interface resistance, parasitic heat transfer mechanisms, and stack geometry in determining effective thermal performance within layered thermal interfaces. The presented work establishes a foundation for future thermal model correlation efforts and expanded characterization of aerospace thermal interface materials under representative environmental conditions. Future work will focus on the integration of a load cell system to enable controlled pressure-dependent characterization of thermal interface materials under compressive loading. This capability will allow investigation of the influence of contact pressure on effective thermal conductivity, interface resistance, and thermal performance within layered aerospace thermal interfaces under representative operational conditions.

Thermal Development Testing↗
DOE OSTI2024

Systematic determination of a material’s magnetic ground state from first principles

Abstract We present a self-consistent method based on first-principles calculations to determine the magnetic ground state of materials, regardless of their dimensionality. Our methodology is founded on satisfying the stability conditions derived from the linear spin wave theory (LSWT) by optimizing the magnetic structure iteratively. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method by successfully predicting the experimental magnetic structures of NiO, FePS 3 , FeP, MnF 2 , FeCl 2 , and CuO. In each case, we compared our results with available experimental data and existing theoretical calculations reported in the literature. Finally, we discuss the validity of the method and the possible extensions.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2026

Comparing the fluorination of Pb+ and Po+: insights into p-block relativistic effects for superheavy elements

It is expected that the chemical properties of the heaviest of the superheavy elements (SHEs, = 113 – 118) do not align with what is suggested by their current positions on the periodic table. Specifically, the onset of significant relativistic effects, including increased spin–orbit splitting of the p-orbitals may lead to enhanced stability of low-oxidation states. Notably, it is predicted that flerovium ( = 114) may exhibit pseudo-noble gas behavior from a electron configuration that acts as an ‘inert pair’. Even though it is expected that the – splitting becomes pronounced toward the end of the p-block’s sixth row, there is currently limited experimental evidence to confirm its extent or impact. Here, the production of gas-phase lead ( = 82) and polonium ( = 84) fluoride cations (PbF and PoF ) were compared to elucidate differences in accessible oxidation states. The PoF and PbF species were produced and identified with the FIONA spectrometer at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 88-Inch Cylctron Facility. Polonium showed notably different fluorination chemistry than lead, producing PoF and PoF as primary products compared to lead’s PbF and PbF . The distribution of PoF products observed offer insights as to the role of spin–orbit splitting for polonium. Similar studies of superheavy elements would elucidate the accessibility of their low-oxidation states as well as to inform chemical predictions for eighth-row elements not yet discovered.

Pore, Jennifer L [Nuclear Science Division, Lawren↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dimensional Reduction Guides Electronic Structure Evolution in the A n Cu 4–n SnS 4 Semiconductor Series

The search for new functional materials with tunable properties remains a central challenge in chemistry, particularly for applications in energy and electronics. In this work, we present a framework for predictive crystal design in alkali metal chalcogenides that enables controlled dimensional reduction of a parent covalent motif, yielding a broad range of electronic structures, which systematically evolve from one parent to the other. We present 11 new members of the A n Cu 4–n SnS 4 family (A = alkali metal; n = 0–4), which reduce the three-dimensional (3D) covalent network of Cu 4 SnS 4 into various 3D, 2D, 1D, and 0D [Cu 4–n SnS 4 ] n− motifs through the substitution of Cu with alkali metals of various radii. The end members of the family set the range in achievable band gaps at 0.99 eV for fully covalent Cu 4 SnS 4 (n = 0) and 3.38 eV for K 4 SnS 4 (n = 4) with 0D [SnS 4 ] n− tetrahedra. As the dimensionality of [Cu 4–n SnS 4 ] n− systematically reduces within A n Cu 4–n SnS 4 (n = 1–3), a stepwise increase in band gap energy occurs through a gradual decrease in the energy of the valence band maximum and an increase in the conduction band minimum, with an increase in the effective masses of charge carriers. Furthermore, irrespective of the alkali metal, the thermal stability decreases with decreasing [Cu 4–n SnS 4 ] n− dimensionality within the quaternary members. Most importantly, we demonstrate that predictable crystal structure and property evolution for a given composition space is possible by deriving a general formula based on substituting the covalent metals of a parent structure with alkali metals.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Reduced instability growth and improved radiation trapping with optimized shock timing in double-shell inertial confinement fusion capsules

The double shell is a volume-burn inertial confinement fusion concept consisting of two concentric shells: a low-Z outer shell that collides with and transfers momentum to a high-Z inner shell which compresses and heats the thermonuclear fuel. The increased number of capsule interfaces and severe hydrodynamic instability of the high-density pusher during its acceleration phase provide challenges to the success of the double shell. Two-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamics simulations predict the hydrodynamic instability growth on the outer surface of the pusher can be greatly reduced through appropriate timing of two shocks that cross this interface. One of these shocks, unique to multi-shell designs, arises from radiation-driven ablation of the inner shell ahead of the main shock, the second shock of concern. The shock timing is optimized by increasing the thickness of a low-Z tamper layer exterior to the pusher, resulting in only minimal changes to the implosion timing. Reducing the instability growth on the outer surface of the high-Z pusher can dramatically decrease the modulations that feedthrough to the pusher inner surface, improving the efficacy of radiation trapping in the thermonuclear fuel and increasing the predicted thermonuclear yield by ≳20×.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1973

Mariner Mars 1971 battery design, test, and flight performance

The design, integration, fabrication, test results, and flight performance of the battery system for the Mariner Mars spacecraft launched in May 1971 are presented. The battery consists of 26 20-Ah hermetically sealed nickel-cadmium cells housed in a machined magnesium chassis. The battery package weighs 29.5 kg and is unique in that the chassis also serves as part of the spacecraft structure. Active thermal control is accomplished by louvers mounted to the battery baseplate. Battery charge is accomplished by C/10 and C/30 constant current chargers. The switch from the high-rate to low-rate charge is automatic, based on terminal voltage. Additional control is possible by ground command or onboard computer. The performance data from the flight battery is compared to the data from various battery tests in the laboratory. Flight battery data was predictable based on ground test data.

Bogner, R. S.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Divergent trait controls on soluble sugars and starch underlie global strategies of tree carbohydrate storage

Nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) stores buffer tree metabolism, osmotic regulation, and defense, thereby mediating tolerance and survival under climate extremes. Yet, the functional and evolutionary determinants of interspecific variation in NSC remain elusive, limiting understanding and prediction of forest carbon allocation and mortality under global change. Here, we present a cross-species synthesis of NSC concentrations across multiple organs for 281 woody species from 102 mixed forest communities worldwide, where we quantified species-specific deviations from community means to disentangle intrinsic trait effects from environmental and methodological variation. We found phylogenetic signals in NSC deviations, with coniferous gymnosperms and evergreen species consistently maintaining lower stem soluble sugars and starch concentrations than co-occurring angiosperms and deciduous species, respectively. A global pattern emerged where greater stomatal sensitivity to leaf water potential was associated with declines in the relative concentrations of both sugars and starch. In contrast, xylem hydraulic safety traits showed weak and organ-dependent relationships with NSC concentrations. Sugars increased with photosynthetic capacity and declined with wood density, whereas starch showed the reverse pattern, which aligned with the distinct functional-metabolic roles of sugars and starch. By integrating trait-based ecology with a community-centered framework, our study provides global evidence that stomatal regulation, photosynthetic capacity, specific leaf area, and wood density jointly govern interspecific NSC variation, through contrasting effects on sugars and starch. These are among the most broadly measured traits globally, thus the emergent carbohydrate–trait relationships can have broad applications toward understanding and predicting forest growth and survival under climate change.

tropic system↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-Fidelity Building Emulator for Integrated Comfort and Energy Analysis using EnergyPlus and Radiance

The growing need for smart, energy-efficient, and occupant-centric buildings has created a demand for advanced control systems that can optimize building operations to balance energy savings, demand flexibility, and comfort. However, current building energy simulation tools, such as EnergyPlus, have limitations that hinder the development and evaluation of these complex control systems. To address this challenge, we introduce a high-fidelity building emulator that dynamically couples EnergyPlus with Radiance for enhanced daylight modeling. The introduced workflow allows researchers and practitioners to rapidly develop and evaluate innovative control solutions. An example study looking at a south-facing office zone revealed up to 67% deviation in predicted light levels, which can significantly impact building assessment.

Yu, Tammie↗
NASA NTRS1993

PC4CAST: A Tool for DSN Load Forecasting and Capacity Planning

Effectively planning the use and evolution of the Deep Space Network (DSN) is a complex problem involving many parameters. The tool that models many of these complexities, yet requires simple structured inputs and provides concise easy-to-understand metrics to aid in the planning process is discussed. The tool, PC4CAST, is used for both load forecasting (predicting how well planned that DSN resources meet expected demand) and as a decision support tool in the capacity-planning process (determining the relative benefits of capacity expansion options). It is now in use in the TDA Planning Office, has been used in numerous studies, and is also being used by the JPL Multimission Operations System Office (MOSO) as an integral part of Resource Allocation Team activities. Experience using the tool has helped to identify additional requirements that will further improve the planning process, which can be met by future PC4CAST versions.

S J Loyola↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Lunar Surface Crater Thermal Effects on Lander Radiator Performance

Lunar surface craters smaller than the spatial resolution of surface meshes used in typical Lunar surface thermal models (10 to 60 meters per pixel) may impact the accuracy of thermal model extrema predictions. The goal of this study is to investigate the thermal sensitivity of representative lander systems with realistic thermal surface orientations in bare and cratered terrain environments at relevant Artemis mission locations. This thermal analysis task investigates the impact of lunar surface craters on lander radiator performance by comparing heat rejection capability results between bare and cratered terrain environments. This study examines external body-mounted lander radiator thermal performance across varying lander heights (5.5m, 20m, 50m) and radiator orientations (horizontal, 45º tilted, and vertical) at two representative Artemis mission latitudes (-89.5ºS and -82.5ºS), spanning from the Shackleton Connecting Ridge to Mons Mouton Plateau.

Lunar Surface↗