Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Package”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13

Overview of NASA Langley's Piezoelectric Ceramic Packaging Technology and Applications

Over the past decade, NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has developed several actuator packaging concepts designed to enhance the performance of commercial electroactive ceramics. NASA LaRC focused on properly designed actuator and sensor packaging for the following reasons, increased durability, protect the working material from the environment, allow for proper mechanical and electrical contact, afford "ready to use" mechanisms that are scalable, and develop fabrication methodology applicable to any active material of the same physical class. It is more cost effective to enhance or tailor the performance of existing systems, through innovative packaging, than to develop, test and manufacture new materials. This approach led to the development of several solid state actuators that include THUNDER, the Macrofiber Composite or (MFC) and the Radial Field Diaphragm or (RFD). All these actuators are fabricated using standard materials and processes derived from earlier concepts. NASA s fabrication and packaging technology as yielded, piezoelectric actuators and sensors that are easy to implement, reliable, consistent in properties, and of lower cost to manufacture in quantity, than their predecessors (as evidenced by their continued commercial availability.) These piezoelectric actuators have helped foster new research and development in areas involving computational modeling, actuator specific refinements, and engineering system redesign which led to new applications for piezo-based devices that replace traditional systems currently in use.

Bryant, Robert G.↗

Flexible Foam Protection Materials for Portable Life Support System Packaging Study

This paper discusses the phase I effort in evaluating and selecting a light weight impact protection material for the Constellation Space Suit Element (CSSE) Portable Life Support System (PLSS) conceptual packaging study. A light weight material capable of holding and protecting the components inside the PLSS is required to demonstrate the viability of the flexible PLSS packaging concept. The material needs to distribute, dissipate, and absorb the impact energy of the PLSS falling on the lunar surface. It must also be robust to consistently perform over several Extravehicular Activity (EVA) missions in the extreme lunar thermal vacuum environment. This paper documents the performance requirements for selecting a foam protection material, and the methodologies for evaluating some commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) foam material candidates. It also presents the mechanical properties and impact drop tests results of the foam material candidates. The results of this study suggest that a foam based flexible protection system is a viable solution for PLSS packaging. However, additional works are needed to optimize COTS foam or to develop a composite foam system that will meet all the performance requirements for the CSSE PLSS flexible packaging.

Tang,Henry H.↗

Flexible Foam Protection Materials for Constellation Space Suit Element Portable Life Support Subsystem Packaging Study

This paper discusses the effort in evaluating and selecting a light weight impact protection material for the Constellation Space Suit Element (CSSE) Portable Life Support Subsystem (PLSS) conceptual packaging study. A light weight material capable of holding and protecting the components inside the PLSS is required to demonstrate the viability of the flexible PLSS packaging concept. The material needs to distribute, dissipate, and absorb the impact energy of the PLSS falling on the lunar surface. It must also be very robust and function in the extreme lunar thermal vacuum environment for up to one hundred Extravehicular Activity (EVA) missions. This paper documents the performance requirements for selecting a foam protection material, and the methodologies for evaluating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) foam protection materials. It also presents the materials properties test results and impact drop test results of the various foam materials evaluated in the study. The findings from this study suggest that a foam based flexible protection system is a viable solution for PLSS packaging. However, additional works are needed to optimize COTS foam properties or to develop a composite foam system that will meet all the performance requirements for the CSSE PLSS flexible packaging.

Tang, Henry H.↗

Compact Packaging of Photonic Millimeter-Wave Receiver

A carrier structure made from a single silicon substrate is the basis of a compact, lightweight, relatively inexpensive package that holds the main optical/electronic coupling components of a photonic millimeter-wave receiver based on a lithium niobate resonator disk. The design of the package is simple and provides for precise relative placement of optical components, eliminating the need for complex, bulky positioning mechanisms like those commonly used to align optical components to optimize focus and coupling. Although a prototype of the package was fabricated as a discrete unit, the design is amenable to integration of the package into a larger photonic and/or electronic receiver system. The components (see figure) include a lithium niobate optical resonator disk of 5-mm diameter and .200- m thickness, positioned adjacent to a millimeter- wave resonator electrode. Other components include input and output coupling prisms and input and output optical fibers tipped with ball lenses for focusing and collimation, respectively. Laser light is introduced via the input optical fiber and focused into the input coupling prism. The input coupling prism is positioned near (but not in contact with) the resonator disk so that by means of evanescent-wave coupling, the input laser light in the prism gives rise to laser light propagating circumferentially in guided modes in the resonator disk. Similarly, a portion of the circumferentially propagating optical power is extracted from the disk by evanescent-wave coupling from the disk to the output coupling prism, from whence the light passes through the collimating ball lens into the output optical fiber. The lens-tipped optical fibers must be positioned at a specified focal distance from the prisms. The optical fibers and the prisms must be correctly positioned relative to the resonator disk and must be oriented to obtain the angle of incidence (55 in the prototype) required for evanescent-wave coupling of light into and out of the desired guided modes in the resonator disk. To satisfy all these requirements, precise alignment features are formed in the silicon substrate by use of a conventional wet-etching process. These features include a 5-mm-diameter, 50- m-deep cavity that holds the disk; two trapezoidal-cross-section recesses for the prisms; and two grooves that hold the optical fibers at the correct positions and angles relative to the prisms and disk. The fiber grooves contain abrupt tapers, near the prisms, that serve as hard stops for positioning the lenses at the focal distance from the prisms. There are also two grooves for prismadjusting rods. The design provides a little slack in the prism recesses for adjusting the positions of the prisms by means of these rods to optimize the optical coupling.

Nguyen, Hung↗

Packaging Concerns/Techniques for Large Devices

This slide presentation reviews packaging challenges and options for electronic parts. The presentation includes information about non-hermetic packages, space challenges for packaging and complex package variations.

Sampson, Michael J.↗

Evaluation of 3D Plus Packaging Test Structures for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Environmental tests were performed on packaging test structures designed and manufactured for ESA and CNES by 3D PLus ELectronics. The design provided circuit elements that acted as thermal, mechanical and moisture sensors. Other design features showed the compatibility of the packaging with chip passives, bare electronic dice and plastic encapsulated microcircuits packaged together in an innovative, stacked multichip module. The NASA GSFC testing augmented long duration testing on the same units carried out by ESA and CNES. The NASA portion demonstrated packaging stability over temperature, in moisture, with voltage stress, in shock and in vibration environments.

Plante, Jeannette↗

Enabling More than Moore: Accelerated Reliability Testing and Risk Analysis for Advanced Electronics Packaging

For five decades, the semiconductor industry has distinguished itself by the rapid pace of improvement in miniaturization of electronics products-Moore's Law. Now, scaling hits a brick wall, a paradigm shift. The industry roadmaps recognized the scaling limitation and project that packaging technologies will meet further miniaturization needs or ak.a "More than Moore". This paper presents packaging technology trends and accelerated reliability testing methods currently being practiced. Then, it presents industry status on key advanced electronic packages, factors affecting accelerated solder joint reliability of area array packages, and IPC/JEDEC/Mil specifications for characterizations of assemblies under accelerated thermal and mechanical loading. Finally, it presents an examples demonstrating how Accelerated Testing and Analysis have been effectively employed in the development of complex spacecraft thereby reducing risk. Quantitative assessments necessarily involve the mathematics of probability and statistics. In addition, accelerated tests need to be designed which consider the desired risk posture and schedule for particular project. Such assessments relieve risks without imposing additional costs. and constraints that are not value added for a particular mission. Furthermore, in the course of development of complex systems, variances and defects will inevitably present themselves and require a decision concerning their disposition, necessitating quantitative assessments. In summary, this paper presents a comprehensive view point, from technology to systems, including the benefits and impact of accelerated testing in offsetting risk.

Ghaffarian, Reza↗

Telescoping Solar Array Concept for Achieving High Packaging Efficiency

Lightweight, high-efficiency solar arrays are required for future deep space missions using high-power Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP). Structural performance metrics for state-of-the art 30-50 kW flexible blanket arrays recently demonstrated in ground tests are approximately 40 kW/cu m packaging efficiency, 150 W/kg specific power, 0.1 Hz deployed stiffness, and 0.2 g deployed strength. Much larger arrays with up to a megawatt or more of power and improved packaging and specific power are of interest to mission planners for minimizing launch and life cycle costs of Mars exploration. A new concept referred to as the Compact Telescoping Array (CTA) with 60 kW/cu m packaging efficiency at 1 MW of power is described herein. Performance metrics as a function of array size and corresponding power level are derived analytically and validated by finite element analysis. Feasible CTA packaging and deployment approaches are also described. The CTA was developed, in part, to serve as a NASA reference solar array concept against which other proposed designs of 50-1000 kW arrays for future high-power SEP missions could be compared.

Mikulas, Martin↗

Book of Knowledge (BOK) for NASA Electronic Packaging Roadmap

The objective of this document is to update the NASA roadmap on packaging technologies (initially released in 2007) and to present the current trends toward further reducing size and increasing functionality. Due to the breadth of work being performed in the area of microelectronics packaging, this report presents only a number of key packaging technologies detailed in three industry roadmaps for conventional microelectronics and a more recently introduced roadmap for organic and printed electronics applications. The topics for each category were down-selected by reviewing the 2012 reports of the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductor (ITRS), the 2013 roadmap reports of the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI), the 2013 roadmap of association connecting electronics industry (IPC), the Organic Printed Electronics Association (OE-A). The report also summarizes the results of numerous articles and websites specifically discussing the trends in microelectronics packaging technologies.

Ghaffarian, Reza↗

Packaged Capacitive Pressure Sensor System for Aircraft Engine Health Monitoring

This paper describes the development of a packaged silicon carbide (SiC) based MEMS pressure sensor system designed specifically for a conventional turbofan engine. The electronic circuit is based on a Clapp-type oscillator that incorporates a 6H-SiC MESFET, a SiCN MEMS capacitive pressure sensor, titanate MIM capacitors, wirewound inductors, and thick film resistors. The pressure sensor serves as the capacitor in the LC tank circuit, thereby linking pressure to the resonant frequency of the oscillator. The oscillator and DC bias circuitry were fabricated on an alumina substrate and secured inside a metal housing. The packaged sensing system reliably operates at 0 to 350 psi and 25 to 540C. The system has a pressure sensitivity of 6.8 x 10E-2 MHzpsi. The packaged system shows negligible difference in frequency response between 25 and 400C. The fully packaged sensor passed standard benchtop acceptance tests and was evaluated on a flight-worthy engine.

Harsh environment↗

Integrated Process-Structure-Property Simulations for Additive Manufacturing Using the Open-Source Materialite Package

The microstructure and properties of additively manufactured (AM) metals are strongly dependent on process conditions. Therefore, process-structure-property (PSP) simulations are a useful tool for exploring process parameter space, studying process variations, and quantifying uncertainty in material properties. However, integrating process-structure and structure-property simulations often involves connecting multiple software packages. Each package may use unique data structures and require substantial domain knowledge. This presentation demonstrates PSP simulation capabilities of Materialite, an open-source package developed at NASA Langley Research Center. Materialite simplifies model linkages by using a common data structure and model interface, enabling straightforward simulation across a PSP model chain. Physics-based models, including kinetic Monte Carlo and crystal plasticity, are implemented within the package. The model interface is also intended to simplify implementation of new models and enable integration with external simulation tools. Example use cases include uncertainty quantification with PSP models and GPU-accelerated powder bed fusion AM process models.

additive manufacturing↗

In-Package Common-Mode Filter for GaN Power Module with Improved Radiated EMI Performance

This paper discusses the impact of parasitic inductances on the electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance at radiated frequency and provides a new concept for high-frequency wide bandgap (WBG) power module package design with integrated π-type common mode filter (π-CMF). The connection parasitic-inductances of a π-type CMF model are analyzed, and the parasitic inductances from the CMF to the CM noise source and to the heatsink are minimized to improve the CMF's EMI performance in the radiated frequency range. Therefore, placing the π-CMF closer to the power module (i.e. in-package CMF) provides a larger noise attenuation compared to placing it outside the module (i.e. external CMF). To verify the theoretical analysis, a half-bridge GaN power module with an in-package π-CMF is designed, and experiments are conducted by comparing the attenuated noise spectrums of a 70-V/1.75-A hard-switching buck converter built by the designed module with an external CMF and the power-module integrated CMF. According to the experiment results, up to 10 dBμV more attenuation is achieved by the in-package CMF than the external CMF, validating the analytical conclusion.

Xue, Lincoln↗

Identification and Quantification of Beta-Emitters in Waste Packages by Segmented Gamma-Scanning - 20114

A commonly applied method for the non-destructive characterization of the radioactive inventory of waste packages (e.g. 200-l drums) is segmented gamma-scanning. The gamma-emitting inventory is identified via their characteristic lines in the measured spectra. The corresponding net peak areas allow for quantification applying appropriate models. The identification and quantification of beta-emitters present in the waste package require further evaluation. While some of them emit gamma-rays, too, which can be used for identification and quantification, pure beta-emitters contribute to the gamma-spectra only by their Bremsstrahlung-spectra. {sup 32}P, {sup 90}Sr and {sup 90}Y are typical representatives of these isotopes. A method is developed for identification and quantification of these pure beta-emitters in radioactive waste packages. Origin of the procedure is the evaluation of the measured gamma-spectrum. After the identification of all lines present in the spectrum (characteristic gamma-lines, single- and double-escape-lines, X-ray-lines, annihilation peak etc.) this information is used together with calibration data of the detection system and further a-priori information like matrix composition, cross-section data from databases etc. to simulate the spectra without the Bremsstrahlung-components by an appropriate method. This may be Monte Carlo simulations or, like in our case, a computer code taking into account mathematical descriptions of the physical effects like photo effect, (multiple) Compton scattering, backscattering etc. and the attenuation effects of the waste matrix. In any case, the resulting spectrum must simulate the real spectrum without its Bremsstrahlung-component as good as possible. Subtracting the simulated from the measured spectrum then results in the Bremsstrahlung-components caused by the beta-emitters. Prior to evaluation, a set of Bremsstrahlung-spectra is calculated and stored for different beta-emitters in different matrices using the Bethe-Heitler equation. This data set can be extended for new conditions, if necessary, and is allocated in a data base for future application. Applying a non-linear optimization using the generalized reduced gradient method for comparing the calculated with the derived Bremsstrahlung-spectra results in the identification of the beta-emitter and a factor, which is proportional to its activity. The proportionality is determined by previous calibration measurements. The application of the method is demonstrated by measurements on a 200-l mock-up drum and a real waste package. (authors)

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Multi-package development at Fermilab with Spack

The Spack package manager has been widely adopted in the supercomputing community as a means of providing consistently-built on-demand software for the platform of interest. Members of the high-energy and nuclear physics (HENP) community, in turn, have recognized Spack’s strengths, used it for their own projects, and even become active Spack developers to better support HENP needs. Code development in a Spack context, however, can be challenging as the provision of external software via Spack must integrate with the developed packages’ build systems. Spack’s own development features can be used for this task, but they tend to be inefficient and cumbersome. \medskip We present a solution pursued at Fermilab called MPD (multi-package development). MPD aims to facilitate the development of multiple Spack-based packages in concert without the overhead of Spack’s own development facilities. In addition, MPD allows physicists to create multiple development projects with an interface that insulates users from the many commands required to use Spack well.

Knoepfel, Kyle [Fermilab] (ORCID:000000031433889X)↗

Design of a Cryogenic Assembly for Comparing Qubit Infrared Packaging Inefficiencies

It is well known that everything emits infrared (IR) light in the form of thermal radiation. IR radiation on superconducting qubits carries enough energy to cause decoherence and so-called “quasiparticle poisoning.” Therefore, proper IR shielding is needed to keep the qubit in a high-coherence state. However, trying to extract IR-specific information from a qubit is difficult, so a microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) can be used instead. We show that the IR shielding inefficiencies of MKID packages can only be compared with other packaging inefficiencies. We create a cryogenic assembly CAD design, consisting of magnetic shield cans, a copper mounting plate and mounts, and an MKID enclosure, which thermalizes the assembly to dilution refrigerator temperatures. Phase 1 of this design involves using a narrowband IR laser source to test the IR shielding of packaging at the laser’s wavelength. When the best IR shielding packaging is determined, the superconducting qubit can replace the MKID, allowing the qubit to avoid decoherence due to IR radiation and boost its performance and coherence lifetime.

Mailliard, Robert J. [Fermilab] (ORCID:00090000277↗

Design and dispatch optimization of packaged ice storage systems within a connected community

The traditional implementation of cool thermal energy storage (CTES) must be reimagined within the context of a dynamic grid and smart buildings operating as connected communities. As most buildings do not operate central chillers or connect to district cooling loops, this necessitates a broader use of packaged CTES. Our objective is to begin answering the question of how such packaged CTES should be implemented within a connected community. We do so by presenting a simulation–optimization workflow employing building energy modeling software and a mixed-integer linear program to design and dispatch a packaged CTES technology to achieve minimum total annual cost. We demonstrate this methodology on a seven-building case study using current utility rates and find that total annual cooling energy costs can be reduced by 17.8% compared to baseline, after accounting for the cost of storage. We perform three parametric sensitivity studies to evaluate modeling assumptions and obtain the prioritization of storage procurement as a function of annualized life-cycle cost of storage. We find that a community optimization approach provides significantly different results than individual building optimizations and provides greater savings compared to baseline.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Designing robust energy policy packages under deep uncertainty: A multi-metric decision support framework

The complexity of transitioning to sustainable energy systems requires policy frameworks capable of balancing multiple objectives while addressing deep uncertainty. However, existing approaches often lack systematic methods to identify combinations of policy levers that remain effective across a wide range of uncertain futures. This paper presents a novel decision support framework that guides the selection of robust policy packages based on their performance across multiple objectives under uncertainty. Our method leverages a large ensemble of scenarios and applies scenario discovery techniques to identify influential policy levers. Here, we introduce new indicators to assess the robustness of policies by evaluating their ability to mitigate adverse outcomes across metrics. These indicators support an iterative process to build a robust policy package. Finally, we map the technological and energy pathways associated with the robust policy package by leveraging an energy system optimization model. We illustrate the application of this framework to the Spanish energy system, providing insights into how specific combinations of policy levers shape decarbonization pathways under uncertainty.

Decision-support method↗

Sustainable bioplastics derived from renewable natural resources for food packaging

Food packaging is one of the leading sectors for the end use of plastics. Bioplastic is produced from natural renewable resources such as crops, wood pulp, and herbaceous fibers. This article summarizes the rational design of bioplastics from natural resources for food packaging. The bioplastic properties considered include thermal properties, mechanical performance, oxygen/moisture resistance, and biodegradability. Bioplastic degradability and technologies for handling bioplastic waste are discussed. Various aspects of the sustainability of bioplastics (e.g., environmental profile, techno-economic analysis, and societal impact) are investigated. The main challenges of bioplastic application, such as low fracture strain and inferior barrier properties, are discussed. Mitigation approaches to overcome the mechanical properties of bioplastics, such as adding plasticizers, are also discussed. Bioplastic can have properties comparable with fossil-based plastics. In conclusion, bioplastic can be an alternative to conventional plastic in most applications of food packaging, which can reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact because of its biodegradability.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗