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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 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Simultaneous Boundary-Layer Transition, Tip Vortex, and Blade Deformation Measurements of a Rotor in Hover

This paper describes simultaneous optical measurements of a sub-scale helicopter rotor in the U.S. Army Hover Chamber at NASA Ames Research Center. The measurements included thermal imaging of the rotor blades to detect boundary layer transition; retro-reflective background-oriented schlieren (RBOS) to visualize vortices; and stereo photogrammetry to measure displacements of the rotor blades, to compute spatial coordinates of the vortices from the RBOS data, and to map the thermal imaging data to a three-dimensional surface grid. The test also included an exploratory effort to measure flow near the rotor tip by tomographic particle image velocimetry (tomo PIV)an effort that yielded valuable experience but little data. The thermal imaging was accomplished using an image-derotation method that allowed long integration times without image blur. By mapping the thermal image data to a surface grid it was possible to accurately locate transition in spatial coordinates along the length of the rotor blade.

Rotorcraft↗
NASA NTRS1994

Planetary Topography Map Generation

The planetary community is particularly challenged in pursuing digital elevation model generation due to: (1) limited multi-look observations and (2) the dynamic nature of the observation which introduces complex geometeric relationships between observed body, spacecraft position, and sensor orientation.

surface topography↗
NASA NTRS1976

Investigation of the use of an electronic multifunction display and an electromechanical horizontal situation indicator for guidance and control of powered-lift short-haul aircraft

The use which pilots make of a moving map display from en route through the terminal area and including the approach and go-around flight phases was investigated. The content and function of each of three primary STOLAND displays are reviewed from an operational point of view. The primary displays are the electronic attitude director indicator (EADI), the horizontal situation indicator (HSI), and the multifunction display (MFD). Manually controlled flight with both flight director guidance and raw situation data is examined in detail in a simulated flight experiment with emphasis on tracking reference flight plans and maintaining geographic orientation after missed approaches. Eye-point-of-regard and workload measurements, coupled with task performance measurements, pilot opinion ratings, and pilot comments are presented. The experimental program was designed to offer a systematic objective and subjective comparison of pilots' use of the moving map MFD in conjunction with the other displays.

Clement, W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A strategy to rotate the Mars Observer orbit node line to advance the mapping schedule

The Mars Observer (MO) spacecraft was successfully launched on September 25, 1992 and will arrive at Mars on August 24, 1993. At Mars, the spacecraft will study the planet's surface, atmosphere, and gravitational and magnetic fields. In order to achieve these scientific objectives, MO will be placed in a 2 PM (descending node) sun-synchronous orbit. Upon arrival at Mars, however, the longitude of the descending node will be approximately 15 deg greater than the desired value. The baseline plan requires a 59 day `waiting' period for the correct solar orientation to occur. During this period, 28 days are required for scientific experimentation but the remaining 30.6 days potentially could be eliminated. The strategy developed in this study examined the possibility of using any `excess' Delta-V available at Mars arrival to rotate the node line to the desired value and thus allow mapping to begin earlier. A preliminary analysis completed prior to launch is described that examined the entire launch period including the required Delta-V to perform the needed nodal rotation. A more detailed study performed after launch is also summarized.

Pernicka, Henry J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Diurnal movements of cotton leaves expressed as thermodynamic work and entropy changes

It is pointed out that some important agricultural crops show heliotropic leaf movements. In these species, the proclivity of leaves to orient either perpendicularly or parallel or in some combination of these positions with respect to the sun is controlled by the leaf turgor and the availability of water. Such an orientational response is particularly noticeable for cotton. Schutt et al. (1985) have detailed leaf trajectories using three angles. The present investigation applies the three-angle representation to leaf trajectory mapping and to the calculation of the phase angle 'gamma' between the individual leaf normals and the solar direction. Using gamma, the thermodynamic work and entropy functions are evaluated and used to distinguish between the behavior of water-stressed and well watered cotton canopies.

Schutt, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

An examination of vertical circulations associated with heavy snow events along the East Coast

Observational data are presented to show how a particular orientation of upper-level jet streaks (ULJS) associated with a diffluent trough near the East Coast of the U.S. can lead to heavy snowfalls. Surface fronts, precipitation and isobar maps, vertical motion vectors, and geostrophic wind streamlines preceding and during snowstorms on February 11, 1983, February 19, 1979, January 20, 1978, and January 13, 1964 are examined. The interaction of a direct vertical ageostrophic circulation within the confluent entrance of a ULJS over the northeastern U.S. or southeastern Canada and an indirect circulation within the exit region of a ULJS accompanying a trough nearing the East Coast are demonstrated to be conducive to heavy snowfall on the East Coast.

Kocin, Paul J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Poincaré beams from a free electron laser

Poincaré beams are light beams that have spatially inhomogeneous polarization structure that spans a finite portion of the Poincaré sphere. This feature bestows the beams with intriguing topological properties and has led to a surge in research on their fundamental characteristics, their controlled generation and on emerging applications. Here we present an experimental demonstration of a Poincaré beam generated in the extreme ultraviolet (16.7 nm) at the FERMI free electron laser (FEL). The ‘star’ type Poincaré beam is generated by exploiting the phase and intensity structure intrinsic to FEL radiation without relying on optical elements. Here, we controlled the spatial polarization distribution through a precise overlap and power balance between two FEL pulses, each with different transverse phase distributions and orthogonal circular polarizations. The spatial polarization structure was mapped in detail and shows extensive coverage of the Poincaré sphere, in agreement with analytic predictions. This method of in situ Poincaré beam production in FELs enables straightforward flexibility in the orientation and balance of polarization states, and can readily be extended to other vector beams and to shorter wavelengths enabling novel science applications in modern light sources.

Morgan, Jenny [SLAC National Accelerator Laborator↗
NASA NTRS1974

Phobos - Control network analysis

Initial analysis of the Mariner 9 high resolution pictures of Phobos surface features has been completed. A control network of 38 landmarks has been established and used to determine the physical size, shape, orientation, libration, and topography properties of Phobos. The results verified the synchronous rotation of Phobos and revealed a libration of approximately 5 deg in the orbit plane of Phobos. A preliminary map of Phobos, based on the control network analysis, is given.

Duxbury, T. C.↗
NASA NTRS1997

POLAR-UVI and other Coordinated Observations of a Traveling Convection Vortex Event Observed on 24 July 1996

Coordinated analysis of data from the POLAR UVI instrument, ground magnetometers, incoherent scatter radar, solar wind monitors IMP-8 and WIND, and DMSP satellite is focused on a traveling convection vortex (TCV) event on 24 July 1966. Starting at 10:48 UT, ground magnetometers in Greenland and eastern Canada measure pulsations consistent with the passing overhead of a series of alternating TCV field-aligned current pairs. Sondrestrom incoherent scatter radar measures strong modulation of the strength and direction of ionospheric plasma flow, The magnetometer pulsations grow in magnitude over the next hour, peaking in intensity at 11:39 UT, at which time the UVI instrument measures a localized intensification of auroral emissions over central and western Greenland. Subsequent images show the intensification grow in strength and propagate westward (tailward) until approximately 11:58 UT at which time the emissions fade. These observations are consistent with the westward passage of two pairs of moderately intense TCVs over central Greenland followed by a third very intense TCV pair. The intensification of auroral emissions at 11:39 UT is associated with the trailing vortex of the third TCV pair, thought to be the result of an upward field-aligned current. Measurements of the solar wind suggest that a pressure change may be responsible for triggering the first two pairs of TCVS, and that a subsequent sudden change in orientation of the IMF may have produced the intensification of the third TCV pair and the associated aurora] brightening. DMSP particle data indicate that the TCVs occur on field lines which map to the boundary plasma sheet or outer edge of the low latitude boundary layer.

Clauer, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Visualization of Subsurface Defects in Composites using a Focal Plane Array Infrared Camera

A technique for enhanced defect visualization in composites via transient thermography is presented in this paper. The effort targets automated defect map construction for multiple defects located in the observed area. Experimental data were collected on composite panels of different thickness with square inclusions and flat bottom holes of different depth and orientation. The time evolution of the thermal response and spatial thermal profiles are analyzed. The pattern generated by carbon fibers and the vignetting effect of the focal plane array camera make defect visualization difficult. An improvement of the defect visibility is made by the pulse phase technique and the spatial background treatment. The relationship between a size of a defect and its reconstructed image is analyzed as well. The image processing technique for noise reduction is discussed.

Plotnikov, Yuri A.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Identification and Reconfigurable Control of Impaired Multi-Rotor Drones

The paper presents an algorithm for control and safe landing of impaired multi-rotor drones when one or more motors fail simultaneously or in any sequence. It includes three main components: an identification block, a reconfigurable control block, and a decisions making block. The identification block monitors each motor load characteristics and the current drawn, based on which the failures are detected. The control block generates the required total thrust and three axis torques for the altitude, horizontal position and/or orientation control of the drone based on the time scale separation and nonlinear dynamic inversion. The horizontal displacement is controlled by modulating the roll and pitch angles. The decision making algorithm maps the total thrust and three torques into the individual motor thrusts based on the information provided by the identification block. The drone continues the mission execution as long as the number of functioning motors provide controllability of it. Otherwise, the controller is switched to the safe mode, which gives up the yaw control, commands a safe landing spot and descent rate while maintaining the horizontal attitude.

Unmanned aerial system↗
DOE OSTI2025

Surrogate Model Integration with MOOSE XFEM for Creep Crack Growth

Ferritic-martensitic steels are key structural materials for advanced reactors but experience time-dependent deformation and damage under prolonged high temperature and irradiation, leading to creep-driven crack initiation and growth. High-fidelity models—crystal plasticity with irradiation mechanisms, phase-field for microstructural evolution, and continuum-damage viscoplasticity—capture the underlying physics but are too computationally intensive for broad design-space exploration and uncertainty quantification. This milestone advances a scalable alternative by integrating a microstructure-sensitive surrogate creep model into the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) finite element framework and extending it to fracture via the extended finite element method (XFEM). The surrogate model, developed with collaborators at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, maps relevant microstructural descriptors to the viscoplastic response of HT9. We embed this surrogate within a coupled deformation-damage workflow in MOOSE/XFEM to simulate creep-driven crack initiation and propagation. Implementation enhancements include updates to the material interface, a plastic correction phase involving microstructure evolution, and fracture criteria to ensure numerical robustness and compatibility with the surrogate structure. Demonstrations on canonical creep benchmarks spanning uniaxial and multiaxial states show that the surrogate reproduces key trends of high-fidelity models while substantially reducing computational cost. The resulting capability bridges physics fidelity and performance, providing a practical path to a predictive, microstructure-aware assessment of creep and fracture in reactor materials.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1993

Venus gravity and topography: 60th degree and order model

We have combined the most recent Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) and Magellan (MGN) data with the earlier 1978-1982 PVO data set to obtain a new 60th degree and order spherical harmonic gravity model and a 120th degree and order spherical harmonic topography model. Free-air gravity maps are shown over regions where the most marked improvement has been obtained (Ishtar-Terra, Alpha, Bell and Artemis). Gravity versus topography relationships are presented as correlations per degree and axes orientation.

Konopliv, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Flight Simulation Scenarios for Commercial Pilot Training and Crew State Monitoring

NASA Langley researchers addressed the Commercial Aviation Safety Team Safety Enhancement 211 through a series of studies to address "Attention-related Human Performance Limiting States" which include channelized attention, diverted attention, startle/surprise, and confirmation bias. The present report focuses on the development of improved training scenarios for operationally realistic Line-Oriented Flight Training scenarios. Areas addressed in the report include: (1) Highlights of events in the LOFT scenario used; (2) Interesting findings with implications for simulator motion; (3) Eye-tracking heat maps in proximity to failure events; (4) Researcher observations of crews as test subjects versus a pilot and a research team co-pilot; and (5) The results of a follow-up questionnaire completed by pilot participants regarding their usual training as well as the scenarios employed in the SHARP studies. These pilot ratings and comments are of value to simulation training developers.

James R. Comstock, Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Utilization of ERTS-1 data to monitor and classify eutrophication of inland lakes

The author has identified the following significant results. Significant findings are: (1) one acre lakes and one acre islands are detectable; (2) circular lakes of 7.5 acres and greater reach full density; (3) long channels 100 ft wide are detectable; (4) orientation of lakes is independent of scan direction; (5) lake features are observable in enlargements of CCT imagery produced in the Bendix Earth Resources Data Center; and (6) a decision surface water outline map is presented that was produced from ERTS-1 CCT. A water color literature review, baseline water quality data of the test lakes, and a discussion of geometric corrections of the CCT decision water surface outline map are also presented.

Chase, P. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Application of remote sensor data to geologic analysis of the Bonanza test site, Colorado

The author has identified the following significant results. The Hayden Pass (Orient mine area) includes 60 sq miles of the northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado. Based on interpretation of the remote sensor data, a geologic map was prepared and compared with a second geologic map, prepared from interpretation of both remote sensor data and field data. Comparison of the two maps gives an indication of the usefulness and reliability of the remote sensor data. The relative utility of color and color infrared photography was tested. The photography was used successfully to locate 75% of all faults in a portion of the geologically complex Bonanza volcanic center and to map and correctly identify 93% of all quaternary deposits and 62% of all areas of tertiary volcanic outcrop. Using a filter wheel photometer, more than 8,600 measurements of band reflectance of several sedimentary rocks were performed. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) the typical spectral reflectance curve shows a gradual increase with increasing wavelength; (2) the average band reflectance is about 0.20; and (3) within a formation, the minimum natural variation is about 0.04, or about 20% of the mean band reflectance.

Lee, K.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Atomic-Scale Scanning of Domain Network in the Ferroelectric HfO 2 Thin Film

Ferroelectric HfO 2 -based thin films have attracted much interest in the utilization of ferroelectricity at the nanoscale for next-generation electronic devices. However, the structural origin and stabilization mechanism of the ferroelectric phase are not understood because the film is typically nanocrystalline with active yet stochastic ferroelectric domains. Here, in this study, electron microscopy is used to map the in-plane domain network structures of epitaxially grown ferroelectric Y:HfO 2 films in atomic resolution. The ferroelectricity is confirmed in free-standing Y:HfO 2 films, allowing for investigating the structural origin for their ferroelectricity by 4D-STEM, high-resolution STEM, and iDPC-STEM. At the grain boundaries of <111>-oriented Pca2 1 orthorhombic grains, a high-symmetry mixed-(R3m, Pnm2 1 ) phase is induced, exhibiting enhanced polarization due to in-plane compressive strain. Nanoscale Pca2 1 orthorhombic grains and their grain boundaries with mixed-(R3m, Pnm2 1 ) phases of higher symmetry cooperatively determine the ferroelectricity of the Y:HfO 2 film. It is also found that such ferroelectric domain networks emerge when the film thickness is beyond a finite value. Furthermore, in-plane mapping of oxygen positions overlaid on ferroelectric domains discloses that polarization is suppressed at vertical domain walls, while it is active when domains are aligned horizontally with subangstrom domain walls. In addition, randomly distributed 180° charged domain walls are confined by spacer layers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1988

Asteroid shapes and pole orientations from visual and infrared photometry

The aim was to obtain visual and infrared lightcurves of Pluto-Charon mutual eclipse event lightcurves and to analyze them to derive models of the Pluto-Charon system, including separations, relative sizes, some orbital parameters, system density, and an albedo map of the hemisphere of Pluto facing Charon. Researchers obtained observations of Pluto-Charon mutual events with the Palomar 1.5 and 5-meter, Kitt Peak 1.3-meter, and NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) 3-meter telescope. IRAS survey observations of Pluto were combined with the results of eclipse models to show that the thermal flux observed by IRAS cannot be explained using the standard thermal model for atmospherless solar system bodies but can be explained if Pluto behaves as an isothermal body, e.g., as would be the case if it had a thermally significant atmosphere (Tedesco et al., 1987). A water frost spectrum of Charon was obtained (Buie et al., 1987) and IR lightcurves of two asteroids were used to demonstrate that their visual lightcurves were due primarily to their irregular shapes (Lebofsky et al., 1988.

Tedesco, Edward F.↗