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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

A Spacelab Expert System for Remote Engineering and Science

NASA's space science program is based on strictly pre-planned activities. This approach does not always result in the best science. We describe an existing computer system that enables space science to be conducted in a more reactive manner through advanced automation techniques that have recently been used in SLS-2 October 1993 space shuttle flight. Advanced computing techniques, usually developed in the field of Artificial Intelligence, allow large portions of the scientific investigator's knowledge to be "packaged" in a portable computer to present advice to the astronaut operator. We strongly believe that this technology has wide applicability to other forms of remote science/engineering. In this brief article, we present the technology of remote science/engineering assistance as implemented for the SLS-2 space shuttle flight. We begin with a logical overview of the system (paying particular attention to the implementation details relevant to the use of the embedded knowledge for system reasoning), then describe its use and success in space, and conclude with ideas about possible earth uses of the technology in the life and medical sciences.

Groleau, Nick↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Aircraft Morphing Program

In the last decade smart technologies have become enablers that cut across traditional boundaries in materials science and engineering. Here we define smart to mean embedded actuation, sensing, and control logic in a tightly coupled feedback loop. While multiple successes have been achieved in the laboratory, we have yet to see the general applicability of smart devices to real aircraft systems. The NASA Aircraft Morphing program is an attempt to couple research across a wide range of disciplines to integrate smart technologies into high payoff aircraft applications. The program bridges research in seven individual disciplines and combines the effort into activities in three primary program thrusts. System studies are used to assess the highest- payoff program objectives, and specific research activities are defined to address the technologies required for development of smart aircraft systems. In this paper we address the overall program goals and programmatic structure, and discuss the challenges associated with bringing the technologies to fruition.

Wlezien, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Active Flow Effectors for Noise and Separation Control

New flow effector technology for separation control and enhanced mixing is based upon shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) technology. The technology allows for variable shape control of aircraft structures through actively deformable surfaces. The flow effectors are made by embedding shape memory alloy actuator material in a composite structure. When thermally actuated, the flow effector def1ects into or out of the flow in a prescribed manner to enhance mixing or induce separation for a variety of applications, including aeroacoustic noise reduction, drag reduction, and f1ight control. The active flow effectors were developed for noise reduction as an alternative to fixed-configuration effectors, such as static chevrons, that cannot be optimized for airframe installation effects or variable operating conditions and cannot be retracted for off-design or fail-safe conditions. Benefits include: Increased vehicle control, overall efficiency, and reduced noise throughout all f1ight regimes, Reduced flow noise, Reduced drag, Simplicity of design and fabrication, Simplicity of control through direct current stimulation, autonomous re sponse to environmental heating, fast re sponse, and a high degree of geometric stability. The concept involves embedding prestrained SMA actuators on one side of the chevron neutral axis in order to generate a thermal moment and def1ect the structure out of plane when heated. The force developed in the host structure during def1ection and the aerodynamic load is used for returning the structure to the retracted position. The chevron design is highly scalable and versatile, and easily affords active and/or autonomous (environmental) control. The technology offers wide-ranging market applications, including aerospace, automotive, and any application that requires flow separation or noise control.

Turner, Travis L.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of self-sensing materials for extreme environments based on metamaterial concept and additive manufacturing

Structural health monitoring of an engineered component in a harsh environment is critical for multiple DOE missions including nuclear fuel cycle, subsurface energy production/storage, and energy conversion. Supported by a seeding Laboratory Directed Research & Development (LDRD) project, we have explored a new concept for structural health monitoring by introducing a self-sensing capability into structural components. The concept is based on two recent technological advances: metamaterials and additive manufacturing. A self-sensing capability can be engineered by embedding a metastructure, for example, a sheet of electromagnetic resonators, either metallic or dielectric, into a material component. This embedment can now be realized using 3-D printing. The precise geometry of the embedded metastructure determines how the material interacts with an incident electromagnetic wave. Any change in the structure of the material (e.g., straining, degradation, etc.) would inevitably perturbate the embedded metastructures or metasurface array and therefore alter the electromagnetic response of the material, thus resulting in a frequency shift of a reflection spectrum that can be detected passively and remotely. This new sensing approach eliminates complicated environmental shielding, in-situ power supply, and wire routing that are generally required by the existing active-circuit-based sensors. The work documented in this report has preliminarily demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed concept. The work has established the needed simulation tools and experimental capabilities for future studies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Multi-Level Information Storage Using Engineered Electromechanical Resonances of Piezoelectric Wafers: A Concept Piezoelectric Quick Response (PQR) Code

A piezoelectric-based method for information storage is presented. It involves engineering the polarization profiles of multiple piezoelectric wafers to enhance/suppress specific electromechanical resonances. These enhanced/suppressed resonances can be used to represent multiple frequency-dependent bits, thus enabling multi-level information storage. This multi-level information storage is demonstrated by achieving three information states for a ternary encoding. Using the three information states, we present an approach to encode and decode information from a 2-by-3 array of piezoelectric wafers that we refer to as a concept Piezoelectric Quick Response (PQR) code. The scaling relation between the number of wafers used and the cumulative number of information states that can be achieved with the proposed methodology is briefly discussed. Potential applications of this methodology include tamper-evident devices, embedded product tags in manufacturing/inventory tracking, and additional layers of security with existing information storage technologies.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2011

GPM Avionics Module Heat Pipes Design and Performance Test Results

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission is an international network of satellites that provide the next-generation global observations of rain and snow. The GPM core satellite carries an advanced radar / radiometer system to measure precipitation from space and serve as a reference standard to unify precipitation measurements from a constellation of research and operational satellites. Through improved measurements of precipitation globally, the GPM mission will help to advance our understanding of Earth's water and energy cycle, improve forecasting of extreme events that cause natural hazards and disasters, and extend current capabilities in using accurate and timely information of precipitation to directly benefit society. The avionics module on the core satellite contains a number of electronics boxes which are cooled by a network of aluminum/ammonia heat pipes and a honeycomb radiator which contains thirteen embedded aluminum/ammonia heat pipes. All heat pipes were individually tested by the vendor (Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.) prior to delivery. Following delivery to NASA, the flight avionics radiator and the flight spare transport heat pipes were mounted to flight-like test structure and a system level thermal vacuum test was performed. This test, which used simulators in place of all electronics boxes, was done to verify the operation of the thermal control system as a whole. This presentation will discuss the design of the avionics module heat pipes, and then discuss performance tests results for the individual heat pipes prior to delivery and for the system level thermal vacuum test. All heat pipes met their performance requirements. However, it was found that the power was too low in some instances to start all of the smaller radiator spreader heat pipes when they were tested in a reflux configuration (which is the nominal test configuration). Although this lowered the efficiency of the radiator somewhat, it did not impact the operating temperatures of the electronics boxes.

Ottenstein, Laura↗
DOE OSTI2020

Dual Material System for Polymer Large Scale Additive Manufacturing

Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) technology allows for manufacturing of large-scale objects with a potential to reduce energy embedded in products, reduce or eliminate energy necessary for transportation of goods along with reducing the lead time and cost in some cases. Over the last few years, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been focusing on large-scale printing of single material systems, typically un-reinforced or short fiber reinforced polymers, in order to address needs in stiffness-limited applications. This paper describes the development of a multi-material large-scale AM system through a collaboration with Cincinnati Inc. and Performance Feed Screw Inc. Modifications to the Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system includes a new extruder design to accommodate a dual feed system, an expanded two-dryer system with a capacity of 273 kg/dryer, and a system that is capable of mixing pelletized materials up to 60Kg/hr. This article highlights the advantages and limitations of the multi-material system as well as potential applications.

Smith, Tyler↗
DOE OSTI2021

A comprehensive review of proppant embedment in shale reservoirs: Experimentation, modeling and future prospects

This paper provides a comprehensive review on the application of proppants to maintain fracture permeability over the lifetime of a well based on published observations from experiments and modeling. The review identifies and describes important processes occurring during proppant embedment, during hydraulic fracturing, laboratory testing of fracture conductivity, proppant embedment and modeling of proppant embedment. Lastly, this paper identifies the challenges and knowledge gaps that also provide future avenues of research and opportunities for collaborative technological development which requires an interdisciplinary approach of science, engineering in academia, government, and private sector.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
NASA NTRS2018

Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) Preparation for MISSE-11 Launch

The dusty surfaces of the Moon, Mars, and various asteroids present a significant challenge to NASA’s manned and unmanned space exploration efforts. The fine, electrostatically charged dust is difficult to remove and has resulted in vision obscuration, false instrument readings, contamination, elevated temperatures, performance reduction, and equipment failure. To alleviate these problems, NASA KSC’s Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory (ESPL) is developing active dust mitigation systems for solar system exploration and in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Part of KSC’s Swamp Works system, the lab emphasizes fast-paced, hands-on, cost-effective, and collaborative innovation. The Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) is an ESPL technology being developed to prevent dust accumulation on space components. It consists of a dielectric substrate embedded with parallel electrodes which, when applied with high voltage out-of-phase waveforms, produce a traveling electric field wave that scatters dust particles from its surface via dielectrophoretic and electrostatic forces. The EDS is currently fully functional and has been tested for scalability and endurance in reduced gravity/pressure flight. Next, it will be part of the May 2019 Materials International Space Station Experiment-11 (MISSE-11) payload, which will test small shield samples for performance durability with exposure to the harsh space environment. The summer objective was to test EDS functionality before active and passive dust shield samples launch on MISSE-11, in order to screen for good flight/control samples as well as to compare pre-flight and post-flight clearing efficiencies. I imaged glass and Kapton shields of 2-phase and 3-phase electrode configurations with the Keyence VHX-5000 digital microscope to check for damage before and after all testing for a qualitative pre-flight baseline; helped with vacuum testing of high-voltage shield breakdown; assembled shields and wires using Electrobond 004 silver epoxy; and helped with vacuum and cryogenic dust clearance testing of assembled EDS systems. I learned CAD (computer-aided design) and 3D printing skills to create parts for a shaker table/motor assembly, which will allow for repeatable experiments by evening out EDS dust distribution in a consistent manner prior to dust scattering testing. I will also be improving the interfacing with Alpha Space’s prototype Data Communications Unit (DCU), a payload component to control power to the EDS and store data, by mapping the DCU structure upon power-up and writing shell scripts to improve various processes. Finally, I also CADed and 3D-printed plastic supports for three different geometries of the Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP), a project that aims to use high voltage electrodes to charge and filter out dust from the Martian atmosphere drawn for ISRU devices. This work on dust mitigation technologies will help to support future robotic and human space exploration missions, including NASA’s Journey to Mars; the EDS has especially significant applications to spacecraft solar panels, thermal radiators, viewports, and astronaut visors. This opportunity has also allowed me to become more familiar with various lab equipment and hardware testing, develop key modeling skills in SolidWorks, explore past and present components critical to America’s space program, work with inspiring peers and mentors, and ascertain my dream of working permanently for NASA.

space↗
NASA NTRS2015

The Use of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) in Small Satellite Communication Systems

This paper will describe the use of digital Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) to contribute to advancing the state-of-the-art in software defined radio (SDR) transponder design for the emerging SmallSat and CubeSat industry and to provide advances for NASA as described in the TAO5 Communication and Navigation Roadmap (Ref 4). The use of software defined radios (SDR) has been around for a long time. A typical implementation of the SDR is to use a processor and write software to implement all the functions of filtering, carrier recovery, error correction, framing etc. Even with modern high speed and low power digital signal processors, high speed memories, and efficient coding, the compute intensive nature of digital filters, error correcting and other algorithms is too much for modern processors to get efficient use of the available bandwidth to the ground. By using FPGAs, these compute intensive tasks can be done in parallel, pipelined fashion and more efficiently use every clock cycle to significantly increase throughput while maintaining low power. These methods will implement digital radios with significant data rates in the X and Ka bands. Using these state-of-the-art technologies, unprecedented uplink and downlink capabilities can be achieved in a 1/2 U sized telemetry system. Additionally, modern FPGAs have embedded processing systems, such as ARM cores, integrated inside the FPGA allowing mundane tasks such as parameter commanding to occur easily and flexibly. Potential partners include other NASA centers, industry and the DOD. These assets are associated with small satellite demonstration flights, LEO and deep space applications. MSFC currently has an SDR transponder test-bed using Hardware-in-the-Loop techniques to evaluate and improve SDR technologies.

Varnavas, Kosta↗
NASA NTRS1987

NAECON 87; Proceedings of the IEEE National Aerospace and Electronics Conference, Dayton, OH, May 18-22, 1987. Volumes 1, 2, 3, & 4

The present conference discusses topics in VLSI components and their packaging, signal processing, uses of cartographic data, data transmission, advanced avionics architectures, fiber-optics, information control and display, image processing, airborne radar and fire control, navigation, air data, Kalman filtering, power generation and control, spacecraft power structures, aircraft flying qualities, flight management, fault-tolerant computer architectures, actuation technologies, self-repairing flight control system technology, multivariable control, stability and control methods, and AFTI/F-16 flight test reports. Also discussed are the ADA/JOVIAL language and its applications, software acquisition and testing, advanced software concepts, software management, computer graphics and visual systems softwear, ADA in embedded avionics, 16- and 32-bit architectures, voice interaction applications, human/machine systems analysis, human factors and AI, mental workloads and displays, pilot acceleration protection research, communications system technology, space communications, reliability and maintainability, managerial techniques, engineering management, EM compatibility and nuclear hardening, expert systems, AI language/knowledge representation, expert system implementation, machine vision/optical processing, and advanced AI concepts and architectures.

Avionics↗
DOE OSTI2024

FARM supervisory capabilities for thermal energy storage

The FARM (Feasible Actuator Range Modifier) module is a component of the RAVEN-based FORCE framework for the analysis of Integrated Energy Systems (IES). FARM aids HERON in the solution of the power dispatch problem by evaluating feasible set-point signals to be issued to the control systems of the different IES unit components. Set-points need to satisfy limits on both production variables (i.e., the variables to be optimized such as the electrical power, etc.) and process variables tied to the service life of equipment (e.g., steam flowrate, vessel pressure, turbine firing temperature, etc.). To enforce all these limits, a two-stage approach is adopted. First, the power dispatcher algorithm in HERON module estimates set-points that meet the constraints on the production variables, e.g., power levels and power ramp rate limits. These constraints are called explicit constraints. Then, if necessary, FARM adjusts these set-points to ensure the respect of the limits on the process variables of interest, given the knowledge of the system dynamics acquired through machine learning algorithms. These constraints are called implicit constraints. From this standpoint, FARM constitutes a bridge between the HERON power dispatcher that adopts a simplified description of the IES unit (low-resolution physics) and the HYBRID high-fidelity models (high-resolution physics). In this report, an overview of the major capabilities of the latest release of FARM is provided, along with a summary of the tool demonstration campaign conducted at the Dynamic Energy Technology and Integration Laboratory (DETAIL) facility. These results assess the performance of the control system architecture embedding FARM both as a Validator of the HERON power dispatcher and as a real time Supervisory control scheme. Additionally, the report outlines the areas that FARM might benefit from, along with proposed solutions.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS2004

Sensor Web for Spatio-Temporal Monitoring of a Hydrological Environment

The Sensor Web is a macroinstrument concept that allows for the spatio-temporal understanding of an environment through coordinated efforts between multiple numbers and types of sensing platforms, including, in its most general form, both orbital and terrestrial and both fixed and mobile. Each of these platforms, or pods, communicates within its local neighborhood and thus distributes information to the instrument as a whole. The result of sharing and continual processing of this information among all the Sensor Web elements will result in an information flow and a global perception of and reactive capability to the environment. As illustrated, the Sensor Web concept also allows for the recursive notion of a web of webs with individual distributed instruments possibly playing the role of a single node point on a larger Sensor Web instrument. In particular, the fusion of inexpensive, yet sophisticated, commercial technology from both the computation and telecommunication revolutions has enabled the development of practical, fielded, and embedded in situ systems that have been the focus of the NASA/JPL Sensor Webs Project (http://sensorwebs.jpl.nasa.gov/). These Sensor Webs are complete systems consisting of not only the pod elements that wirelessly communicate among themselves, but also interfacing and archiving software that allows for easy use by the end-user. Previous successful deployments have included environments as diverse as coastal regions, Antarctica, and desert areas. The Sensor Web has broad implications for Earth and planetary science and will revolutionize the way experiments and missions are conceived and performed. As part of our current efforts to develop a macrointelligence within the system, we have deployed a Sensor Web at the Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project (CAVSARP) facility located west of Tucson, AZ. This particular site was selected because it is ideal for studying spatio-temporal phenomena and for providing a test site for more sophisticated hydrological studies in the future.

Delin, K. A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Wireless Inductive Power Device Suppresses Blade Vibrations

Vibration in turbomachinery can cause blade failures and leads to the use of heavier, thicker blades that result in lower aerodynamic efficiency and increased noise. Metal and/or composite fatigue in the blades of jet engines has resulted in blade destruction and loss of lives. Techniques for suppressing low-frequency blade vibration, such as gtuned circuit resistive dissipation of vibratory energy, h or simply "passive damping," can require electronics incorporating coils of unwieldy dimensions and adding unwanted weight to the rotor. Other approaches, using vibration-dampening devices or damping material, could add undesirable weight to the blades or hub, making them less efficient. A wireless inductive power device (WIPD) was designed, fabricated, and developed for use in the NASA Glenn's "Dynamic Spin Rig" (DSR) facility. The DSR is used to simulate the functionality of turbomachinery. The relatively small and lightweight device [10 lb (approx.=4.5 kg)] replaces the existing venerable and bulky slip-ring. The goal is the eventual integration of this technology into actual turbomachinery such as jet engines or electric power generators, wherein the device will facilitate the suppression of potentially destructive vibrations in fan blades. This technology obviates slip rings, which require cooling and can prove unreliable or be problematic over time. The WIPD consists of two parts: a remote element, which is positioned on the rotor and provides up to 100 W of electrical power to thin, lightweight piezoelectric patches strategically placed on/in fan blades; and a stationary base unit that wirelessly communicates with the remote unit. The base unit supplies inductive power, and also acts as an input and output corridor for wireless measurement, and active control command to the remote unit. Efficient engine operation necessitates minimal disturbance to the gas flow across the turbine blades in any effort to moderate blade vibration. This innovation makes it possible to moderate vibration on or in turbomachinery blades by providing 100 W of wireless electrical power and actuation control to thin, lightweight vibration-suppressing piezoelectric patches (eight actuation and eight sensor patches in this prototype, for a total of 16 channels) positioned strategically on the surface of, or within, titanium fan blades, or embedded in composite fan blades. This approach moves significantly closer to the ultimate integration of "active" vibration suppression technology into jet engines and other turbomachinery devices such as turbine electrical generators used in the power industry. The novel feature of this device is in its utilization of wireless technology to simultaneously sense and actively control vibration in rotating or stationary turbomachinery blades using piezoelectric patches. In the past, wireless technology was used solely for sensing and diagnostics. This technology, however, will accomplish much more, in terms of simultaneously sensing, suppressing blade vibration, and making it possible for detailed study of vibration impact in turbomachinery blades.

Morrison, Carlos R.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Analyzing Risks and Vulnerabilities of Various Computer Systems and Undergoing Exploitation using Embedded Devices

Security is one of the most if not the most important areas today. After the several attacks on the United States, security everywhere has heightened from airports to communication among the military branches legionnaires. With advanced persistent threats (APTs) on the rise following Stuxnet, government branches and agencies are required, more than ever, to follow several standards, policies and procedures to reduce the likelihood of a breach. Attack vectors today are very advanced and are going to continue to get more and more advanced as security controls advance. This creates a need for networks and systems to be in an updated, patched and secured state in a launch control system environment. Attacks on critical systems are becoming more and more relevant and frequent. Nation states are hacking into critical networks that might control electrical power grids or water dams as well as carrying out advanced persistent threat (APTs) attacks on government entities. NASA, as an organization, must protect its self from attacks from all different types of attackers with different motives. Although the International Space Station was created, there is still competition between the different space programs. With that in mind, NASA might get attacked and breached for various reasons such as espionage or sabotage. My project will provide a way for NASA to complete an in house penetration test which includes: asset discovery, vulnerability scans, exploit vulnerabilities and also provide forensic information to harden systems. Completing penetration testing is a part of the compliance requirements of the Federal Information Security Act (FISMA) and NASA NPR 2810.1 and related NASA Handbooks. This project is to demonstrate how in house penetration testing can be conducted that will satisfy all of the compliance requirements of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as outlined in FISMA. By the end of this project, I hope to have carried out the tasks stated above as well as gain an immense knowledge about compliance, security tools, networks and network devices, as well as policies and procedures.

Penetration Testing↗
DOE OSTI2023

Light detection with power and signal transmission over fiber

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is a next generation long baseline (1300 km) neutrino oscillation experiment. The neutrino beam measurements will be performed by a near detector and far detector. The far detector will consist of four modules, installed 1.5 km deep underground, based on Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) technology to detect particles. The Vertical Drift (VD) LArTPC is a recent technology proposed by the DUNE collaboration for the second FD module. In VD, light collection will be optimized by embedding photon detectors within the LArTPC cathode, which is biased at −300 kV. As a result, power must arrive to the Photon Detection System and signal must be transmitted via non-conductive material. The proposed solution is to use Power-over-Fiber and Signal-over-Fiber. An intense validation of the system is being performed by the collaboration at the CERN Neutrino Platform. The design of the system and the results of the validation collected over the first half of 2022 are presented here.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Optically Active Spin Defects in Few-Layer Thick Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Optically active spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are promising quantum systems for the design of two-dimensional quantum sensing units offering optimal proximity to the sample being probed. In this Letter, we first demonstrate that the electron spin resonance frequencies of boron vacancy centers ($V$$^{–}_{B}$) can be detected optically in the limit of few-atomic-layer thick hBN flakes despite the nanoscale proximity of the crystal surface that often leads to a degradation of the stability of solid-state spin defects. We then analyze the variations of the electronic spin properties of $V$$^{–}_{B}$ centers with the hBN thickness with a focus on (i) the zero-field splitting parameters, (ii) the optically induced spin polarization rate and (iii) the longitudinal spin relaxation time. Furthermore, this Letter provides important insights into the properties of $V$$^{–}_{B}$ centers embedded in ultrathin hBN flakes, which are valuable for future developments of foil-based quantum sensing technologies.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗