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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 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Basket Modification Concepts for Disposal Reactivity Control of Dual Purpose Canisters

This report documents work performed supporting the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition (SFWD), Spent Fuel and Waste Science and Technology, under work breakdown structure element 1.08.01.03.05, “Direct Disposal of Dual Purpose Canisters.” In particular, this report fulfills milestone M3SF-21OR010305125, “DPC criticality analysis with fuel/basket modification,” within work package SF-21OR01030512, “DPC Reactivity and Criticality Modeling—ORNL.” This report uses three of the most reactive canisters that have been analyzed to-date using UNFST&DARDS to examine the performance of three potential reactivity suppression technologies under disposal conditions. Three already loaded canisters were analyzed using as-loaded contents including TSC-37 and MPC-32 pressurized water reactor (PWR) dual-purpose canisters (DPCs) and the MPC-89 DPCs. The reactivity suppression technologies considered were the B4C-filled disposal control rod assembly (DCRA) and the advanced neutron absorber (ANA)–based chevron insert for the PWR canisters and the ANA-based fuel channel replacement absorber for the MPC-89. For each combination of absorber concept and DPC, various insert patterns and absorber material concentrations were considered. The results of the analysis show that the DCRA concept has promise for providing reactivity hold-down for PWR DPCs, and the ANA fuel channel replacement absorber has promise for providing reactivity holddown in BWR DPCs. The ANA chevron basket insert showed mixed results, providing sufficient reactivity hold-down in the lower reactivity canister, but failing to do so in the higher reactivity canister considered herein.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2020

Technology Enabling Zero-EPZ Micro Modular Reactors: Fabrication of Zirconium Hydride with Controlled Hydrogen Loading

This report completes Milestone M2.2.2 - ZrH pellet fabricated with controlled hydride loading: ZrH1.5±0.1 single phase pellets fabricated with controlled and thermally stable hydride loading. Hydrogen content to be quantified and single-phase confirmed by X-ray diffraction. In this milestone, we report the successful fabrication of delta-phase zirconium hydride pellets using the ORNL bulk metal hydriding system. The successful deployment of zirconium hydride moderator in advanced reactors requires development of a consistent and affordable production pathway along with implementation of a hydrogen retention solution throughout the reactor life. Fabrication of delta-phase zirconium hydride is challenging since the absorption of a large amount of hydrogen into alpha-zirconium induces significant volume expansion and the present hydrogen concentration gradient results in cracking. A fully programmable hydriding system with continuous hydrogen partial pressure and flow control to facilitate processing of massive metal hydride has been developed at ORNL. In this report, the working principle of the hydriding system will be introduced. Characterization of the produced zirconium hydride includes X-ray powder diffraction to identify the present phases and X-ray Computed Tomography to visualize the internal microstructure (including cracks). The results indicate that single delta-phase zirconium hydride pellets with various sizes have been successfully produced.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1989

Research and technology plans for FY 1989 and accomplishments for FY 1988

The Objectives, FY 1989 Plans, Approach, and FY 1989 Milestones for the Structural Mechanics Division's research programs are presented. Fiscal year 1988 Accomplishments are presented where applicable. This information is useful in program coordination with other governmental organizations in areas of mutual interest.

Bales, Kay S.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Broadband Satellite Technologies and Markets Assessed

The current usage of broadband (data rate greater than 64 kilobits per second (kbs)) for multimedia network computer applications is increasing, and the need for network communications technologies and systems to support this use is also growing. Satellite technology will likely be an important part of the National Information Infrastructure (NII) and the Global Information Infrastructure (GII) in the next decade. Several candidate communications technologies that may be used to carry a portion of the increased data traffic have been reviewed, and estimates of the future demand for satellite capacity have been made. A study was conducted by the NASA Lewis Research Center to assess the satellite addressable markets for broadband applications. This study effort included four specific milestones: (1) assess the changing nature of broadband applications and their usage, (2) assess broadband satellite and terrestrial technologies, (3) estimate the size of the global satellite addressable market from 2000 to 2010, and (4) identify how the impact of future technology developments could increase the utility of satellite-based transport to serve this market.

Wallett, Thomas M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The Advanced Photovoltaic Solar Array (APSA) technology status and performance

In 1985, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory initiated the Advanced Photovoltaic Solar Array (APSA) program. The program objective is to demonstrate a producible array system by the early 1990s with a specific performance of at least 130 W/kG (beginning-of-life) as an intermediate milestone towards the long range goal of 300 W/kG. The APSA performance represents an approximately four-fold improvement over existing rigid array technology and a doubling of the performance of the first generation NASA/OAST SAFE flexible blanket array of the early 1980s.

Stella, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Space Exploration Technologies Developed through Existing and New Research Partnerships Initiatives

The Space Partnership Development Program of NASA has been highly successful in leveraging commercial research investments to the strategic mission and applied research goals of the Agency through industry academic partnerships. This program is currently undergoing an outward-looking transformation towards Agency wide research and discovery goals that leverage partnership contributions to the strategic research needed to demonstrate enabling space exploration technologies encompassing both robotic spacecraft missions and human space flight. New Space Partnership Initiatives with incremental goals and milestones will allow a continuing series of accomplishments to be achieved throughout the duration of each initiative, permit the "lessons learned" and capabilities acquired from previous implementation steps to be incorporated into subsequent phases of the initiatives, and allow adjustments to be made to the implementation of the initiatives as new opportunities or challenges arise. An Agency technological risk reduction roadmap for any required technologies not currently available will identify the initiative focus areas for the development, demonstration and utilization of space resources supporting the production of power, air, and water, structures and shielding materials. This paper examines the successes to date, lessons learned, and programmatic outlook of enabling sustainable exploration and discovery through governmental, industrial, academic, and international partnerships. Previous government and industry technology development programs have demonstrated that a focused research program that appropriately shares the developmental risk can rapidly mature low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies to the demonstration level. This cost effective and timely, reduced time to discovery, partnership approach to the development of needed technological capabilities addresses the dual use requirements by the investing partners. In addition, these partnerships help to ensure the attainment of complimenting human and robotic exploration goals for NASA while providing additional capabilities for sustainable scientific research benefiting life and security on Earth.

Nall, Mark↗
NASA NTRS2002

The Mars Technology Program

Future Mars missions require new capabilities that currently are not available. The Mars Technology Program (MTP) is an integral part of the Mars Exploration Program (MEP). Its sole purpose is to assure that required technologies are developed in time to enable the baselined and future missions. The MTP is a NASA-wide technology development program managed by JPL. It is divided into a Focused Program and a Base Program. The Focused Program is tightly tied to the proposed Mars Program mission milestones. It involves time-critical deliverables that must be developed in time for infusion into the proposed Mars 2005, and, 2009 missions. In addition a technology demonstration mission by AFRL will test a LIDAR as part of a joint NASNAFRL experiment. This program bridges the gap between technology and projects by vertically integrating the technology work with pre-project development in a project-like environment with critical dates for technology infusion. A Base Technology Program attacks higher riskhigher payoff technologies not in the critical path of missions.

technology Mars exploration lander rover sample re↗
NASA NTRS2018

Predictive Thermal Control (PTC) Technology to Enable Thermally Stable Telescopes

The Predictive Thermal Control (PTC) technology development project is a multiyear effort initiated in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, to mature the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of critical technologies required to enable ultra-thermally-stable telescopes for exoplanet science. During 2017/18 PTC has successfully progressed its three defined objectives: 1. Validate thermal optical performance models. 2. Derive thermal system stability specifications. 3. Demonstrate Predictive Thermal Control. by accomplishing or advancing three of its five quantifiable milestones: Milestone #1 (Complete): Created a high-fidelity STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) model of the1.5 meter ULE® AMTD (Advanced Mirror Technology Development)-2 mirror, including 3D CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) distribution and reflective coating, that predicts its optical performance response to steady-state and dynamic thermal gradients. Structural model was created using 3D X-Ray Computed Tomography; Milestone #2 (Complete): Derived specifications for thermal control system as a function of wavefront stability for a Vector Vortex Coronagraph; Milestone #3 (In-Process): Designed and started fabricating a predictive Thermal Control System for the AMTD-2 1.5 meter ULE® mirror that senses temperature changes and actively controls the mirror's thermal environment; Milestone #4 (In-Process): Performed preliminary STOP model validation tests of the 1.5-m ULE® mirror in a relevant thermal vacuum environment at the MSFC X-ray and Cryogenic Facility (XRCF) test facility; Milestone #5: Use validated model to perform trade studies to determine how thermo-optical performance can be optimized as a function of mirror design, material selection, mass, etc.

Stahl, H. Philip↗
NASA NTRS2006

Design and Development of a Scanning Airborne Direct Detection Doppler Lidar System

In the fall of 2005 we began developing an airborne scanning direct detection molecular Doppler lidar. The instrument is being built as part of the Tropospheric Wind Lidar Technology Experiment (TWiLiTE), a three year project selected by the NASA Earth Sun Technology Office under the Instrument Incubator Program. The TWiLiTE project is a collaboration involving scientists and engineers from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NOAA ESRL, Utah State University Space Dynamics Lab, Michigan Aerospace Corporation and Sigma Space Corporation. The TWiLiTE instrument will leverage significant research and development investments made by NASA Goddard and it's partners in the past several years in key lidar technologies and sub-systems (lasers, telescopes, scanning systems, detectors and receivers) required to enable spaceborne global wind lidar measurement. These sub-systems will be integrated into a complete molecular direct detection Doppler wind lidar system designed for autonomous operation on a high altitude aircraft, such as the NASA WB57. The WB57 flies at an altitude of 18 km and from this vantage point the nadir viewing Doppler lidar will be able to profile winds through the full troposphere. The TWiLiTE integrated airborne Doppler lidar instrument will be the first demonstration of a airborne scanning direct detection Doppler lidar and will serve as a critical milestone on the path to a future spaceborne tropospheric wind system. In addition to being a technology testbed for space based tropospheric wind lidar, when completed the TWiLiTE high altitude airborne lidar will be used for studying mesoscale dynamics and storm research (e.g. winter storms, hurricanes) and could be used for calibration and validation of satellite based wind systems such as ESA's Aeolus Atmospheric Dynamics Mission. The TWiLiTE Doppler lidar will have the capability to profile winds in clear air from the aircraft altitude of 18 km to the surface with 250 m vertical resolution and < 2mls velocity accuracy.

Gentry, Bruce↗
DOE OSTI2021

ExaSGD: 2021 Kernel Thrust Activities

The Kernel Thrust milestone ADSE22-214 covers the development of device-capable optimization algorithms and solvers technologies required by the ExaSGD project’s software stack in order to solve security-constrained alternating current optimal power flow (SC-ACOPF) problems on emerging exascale architectures. To this extent, in FY21 the main objective of the Kernel Thrust was (i) provide robust optimization solver(s) that run efficiently on hardware accelerator devices (i.e., NVIDIA and AMD GPUs) to perform intra-node computations and (ii) provide coarse-grain parallel optimization capabilities that exploit the decomposition opportunities present in the SC-ACOPF challenge problems to provide exascale-capable solvers.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

ExaSGD: 2022 Kernel Thrust Activities

The Kernel Thrust milestone ADSE22-407 covers the development of device-capable optimization algorithms and solvers technologies required by the ExaSGD project’s software stack in order to solve security-constrained alternating current optimal power flow (SC-ACOPF) problems on emerging exascale architectures. To this extent, in FY22 the main objective of the Kernel Thrust was (i) provide sparse optimization solver that runs efficiently on hardware accelerator devices (i.e., NVIDIA and AMD GPUs) to perform intra-node computations, (ii) strengthen the reliability and increase the performance of the mixed-dense sparse (MDS) solver of HiOp for deployment on the FY22 target architectures, Summit and Crusher, and (iii) increase performance by improving the mathematical algorithm and refining the parallel MPI-based implementation of the coarse-grain parallel solver HiOp-PriDec for capabilities deployment on the FY22 target architectures, Summit and Crusher. This document presents the developments and contributions done by the Kernels Thrust Team in FY22 toward completion of the above-mentioned objectives. These contributions progressed along four main development (sub)thrusts: (1) Design and implementation of a sparse optimization solver for use on hardware accelerators; (2) Improvement of the mathematical algorithm and of the parallel implementation of HiOp-PriDec to ensure readiness and efficient coarse-grain parallelism for FY23 target exascale machine; and (3) Support Software and Application Development Thrusts of the exaSGD project in their deployment of the project’s software stack on AMD- and NVIDIA-based architectures. The development of the sparse optimization solver (thrust 1 above) was new in FY22 and resulted in a new sparse solver in HiOp (available as of version 0.6). The second development thrust was a continuation of the efforts from FY21 and improved the mathematical algorithm and the communication strategy of the HiOp-PriDec solver. The last developement thrust is a large collaborative effort. Namely, the project’s teams from multiple labs (LLNL, PNNL, ORNL, and NREL) performed large-scale demonstration of the ExaSGD software stack, namely the optimization solvers of HiOp interfaced with the modeling front-end ExaGO and the stochastic sampler PowerScenarios. These demonstration efforts solved large-scale instances of the SC-ACOPF challenge problem of medium network sizes (10, 000-bus system) and large number of contingencies on Summit (NVIDIA accelerators) and Crusher (AMD accelerators) systems at ORNL.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS2011

Vacuum Nuller Testbed Performance, Characterization and Null Control

The Visible Nulling Coronagraph (VNC) can detect and characterize exoplanets with filled, segmented and sparse aperture telescopes, thereby spanning the choice of future internal coronagraph exoplanet missions. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has developed a Vacuum Nuller Testbed (VNT) to advance this approach, and assess and advance technologies needed to realize a VNC as a flight instrument. The VNT is an ultra-stable testbed operating at 15 Hz in vacuum. It consists of a MachZehnder nulling interferometer; modified with a "W" configuration to accommodate a hexpacked MEMS based deformable mirror (DM), coherent fiber bundle and achromatic phase shifters. The 2-output channels are imaged with a vacuum photon counting camera and conventional camera. Error-sensing and feedback to DM and delay line with control algorithms are implemented in a real-time architecture. The inherent advantage of the VNC is that it is its own interferometer and directly controls its errors by exploiting images from bright and dark channels simultaneously. Conservation of energy requires the sum total of the photon counts be conserved independent of the VNC state. Thus sensing and control bandwidth is limited by the target stars throughput, with the net effect that the higher bandwidth offloads stressing stability tolerances within the telescope. We report our recent progress with the VNT towards achieving an incremental sequence of contrast milestones of 10(exp 8) , 10(exp 9) and 10(exp 10) respectively at inner working angles approaching 2A/D. Discussed will be the optics, lab results, technologies, and null control. Shown will be evidence that the milestones have been achieved.

Lyon, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Humanoids for lunar and planetary surface operations

This paper presents a vision of humanoid robots as human's key partners in future space exploration, in particular for construction, maintenance/repair and operation of lunar/planetary habitats, bases and settlements. It integrates this vision with the recent plans, for human and robotic exploration, aligning a set of milestones for operational capability of humanoids with the schedule for the next decades and development spirals in the Project Constellation. These milestones relate to a set of incremental challenges, for the solving of which new humanoid technologies are needed. A system of systems integrative approach that would lead to readiness of cooperating humanoid crews is sketched. Robot fostering, training/education techniques, and improved cognitive/sensory/motor development techniques are considered essential elements for achieving intelligent humanoids. A pilot project in this direction is outlined.

information fusion↗