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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 325 records · Page 18

Singular perturbation analysis of AOTV-related trajectory optimization problems

The problem of real time guidance and optimal control of Aeroassisted Orbit Transfer Vehicles (AOTV's) was addressed using singular perturbation theory as an underlying method of analysis. Trajectories were optimized with the objective of minimum energy expenditure in the atmospheric phase of the maneuver. Two major problem areas were addressed: optimal reentry, and synergetic plane change with aeroglide. For the reentry problem, several reduced order models were analyzed with the objective of optimal changes in heading with minimum energy loss. It was demonstrated that a further model order reduction to a single state model is possible through the application of singular perturbation theory. The optimal solution for the reduced problem defines an optimal altitude profile dependent on the current energy level of the vehicle. A separate boundary layer analysis is used to account for altitude and flight path angle dynamics, and to obtain lift and bank angle control solutions. By considering alternative approximations to solve the boundary layer problem, three guidance laws were derived, each having an analytic feedback form. The guidance laws were evaluated using a Maneuvering Reentry Research Vehicle model and all three laws were found to be near optimal. For the problem of synergetic plane change with aeroglide, a difficult terminal boundary layer control problem arises which to date is found to be analytically intractable. Thus a predictive/corrective solution was developed to satisfy the terminal constraints on altitude and flight path angle. A composite guidance solution was obtained by combining the optimal reentry solution with the predictive/corrective guidance method. Numerical comparisons with the corresponding optimal trajectory solutions show that the resulting performance is very close to optimal. An attempt was made to obtain numerically optimized trajectories for the case where heating rate is constrained. A first order state variable inequality constraint was imposed on the full order AOTV point mass equations of motion, using a simple aerodynamic heating rate model.

Calise, Anthony J.↗

The Development of Models for Carbon Dioxide Reduction Technologies for Spacecraft Air Revitalization

Through the respiration process, humans consume oxygen (O2) while producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as byproducts. For long term space exploration, CO2 concentration in the atmosphere must be managed to prevent hypercapnia. Moreover, CO2 can be used as a source of oxygen through chemical reduction serving to minimize the amount of oxygen required at launch. Reduction can be achieved through a number of techniques. NASA is currently exploring the Sabatier reaction, the Bosch reaction, and co- electrolysis of CO2 and H2O for this process. Proof-of-concept experiments and prototype units for all three processes have proven capable of returning useful commodities for space exploration. All three techniques have demonstrated the capacity to reduce CO2 in the laboratory, yet there is interest in understanding how all three techniques would perform at a system level within a spacecraft. Consequently, there is an impetus to develop predictive models for these processes that can be readily rescaled and integrated into larger system models. Such analysis tools provide the ability to evaluate each technique on a comparable basis with respect to processing rates. This manuscript describes the current models for the carbon dioxide reduction processes under parallel developmental efforts. Comparison to experimental data is provided were available for verification purposes.

Swickrath, Michael J.↗

Understanding the Unique Reactivity of Cu for Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction with a 3-Site Model

Cu-based catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO 2 and CO exhibit a perplexingly unique reactivity toward multicarbon based products compared to other studied electrocatalysts. Here, in this study, we use insights gained from a recent phenomenological 3-site microkinetic model and grand-canonical density functional theory calculations to clarify the importance of an underemphasized aspect critical to Cu’s unique reactivity: a population of so-called “reservoir” sites. Using model Cu surface motifs, we discuss how these types can be represented by undercoordinated structural defects like step edges and grain boundaries which form a network of highly anisotropic migration channels. These pathways are found to be amenable for feeding *CO over time to reactive sites like Cu adatoms more active toward C–C coupling. These results highlight an often overlooked aspect of catalyst optimization: reservoir site engineering, which exploits surface mobility and presents an equally important avenue for electrocatalyst engineering oversimply maximizing active site densities.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

The Development of Models for Carbon Dioxide Reduction Technologies for Spacecraft Air Revitalization

Through the respiration process, humans consume oxygen (O2) while producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as byproducts. For long term space exploration, CO2 concentration in the atmosphere must be managed to prevent hypercapnia. Moreover, CO2 can be used as a source of oxygen through chemical reduction serving to minimize the amount of oxygen required at launch. Reduction can be achieved through a number of techniques. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently exploring the Sabatier reaction, the Bosch reaction, and co-electrolysis of CO2 and H2O for this process. Proof-of-concept experiments and prototype units for all three processes have proven capable of returning useful commodities for space exploration. While all three techniques have demonstrated the capacity to reduce CO2 in the laboratory, there is interest in understanding how all three techniques would perform at a system-level within a spacecraft. Consequently, there is an impetus to develop predictive models for these processes that can be readily re-scaled and integrated into larger system models. Such analysis tools provide the ability to evaluate each technique on a comparable basis with respect to processing rates. This manuscript describes the current models for the carbon dioxide reduction processes under parallel developmental e orts. Comparison to experimental data is provided were available for veri cation purposes.

Swickrath, Michael J.↗

ACRRF High-Bay Dose Calculations using MCNP (Part B)

ACRR radiation outputs through vertical cavities have been documented in two reports. In Part B, the maximum dose from the unshielded central cavity, FREC-II, and NRS is calculated to inform the safety basis. The maximum dose is ≈1430 mrem per 300 MJ, or ≈40,930 rem/hr for full-power operation. A verification study completes the V&V of the modeling. Supplementary studies of variance-reduction techniques, model sensitivities, and aircraft dose above the ACRRF are included.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

A model-independent data assimilation (MIDA) module and its applications in ecology

Models are an important tool to predict Earth system dynamics. An accurate prediction of future states of ecosystems depends on not only model structures but also parameterizations. Model parameters can be constrained by data assimilation. However, applications of data assimilation to ecology are restricted by highly technical requirements such as model-dependent coding. To alleviate this technical burden, we developed a model-independent data assimilation (MIDA) module. MIDA works in three steps including data preparation, execution of data assimilation, and visualization. The first step prepares prior ranges of parameter values, a defined number of iterations, and directory paths to access files of observations and models. The execution step calibrates parameter values to best fit the observations and estimates the parameter posterior distributions. The final step automatically visualizes the calibration performance and posterior distributions. MIDA is model independent, and modelers can use MIDA for an accurate and efficient data assimilation in a simple and interactive way without modification of their original models. We applied MIDA to four types of ecological models: the data assimilation linked ecosystem carbon (DALEC) model, a surrogate-based energy exascale earth system model: the land component (ELM), nine phenological models and a stand-alone biome ecological strategy simulator (BiomeE). The applications indicate that MIDA can effectively solve data assimilation problems for different ecological models. Additionally, the easy implementation and model-independent feature of MIDA breaks the technical barrier of applications of data–model fusion in ecology. MIDA facilitates the assimilation of various observations into models for uncertainty reduction in ecological modeling and forecasting.

Earth system dynamics↗

A Study of the Effectiveness of Various Methods of Vibration Reduction on Simplified Scale Models of the Nimbus Spacecraft

The results of an experimental investigation of the effectiveness of various isolation and damping methods in reducing the dynamic response of simplified scaled models of the Nimbus spacecraft to vibratory inputs are presented. Experimental mode shapes and natural frequencies of the simulated solar panels were determined and found to compare well with calculated values. Appreciable reductions of structural responses to vibratory-input motions were measured for independent inputs along the roll, pitch, and yaw axes for the cases in which distributed damping and/or isolation was utilized. A comparison of the response of the model with the full-scale spacecraft for inputs along the pitch axis is presented. Also included are the effects of stiffness between the control and sensory sections on the response of the model to vibratory inputs.

NIMBUS SATELLITE↗

Modeling of Carbon Nanotube Schottky Barrier Reduction for Holes in Air

A model is proposed for the recently observed lower Schottky barrier for holes in air than in vacuum at a metallic electrode - semiconducting carbon nanotube (CNT) junction. In air, the CNT is oxidized. The oxygen molecules on the CNT surface will attract negative charges and will be negatively charged. The negative charges on the solid surface generally enhance the surface dipole and provide stronger electron confinement within the solid. Thus the CNT work function will increase in air. Then the Schottky barrier for holes will have to increase in air according to the standard band-alignment theory, but this is against the experiment. In order to overcome this difficulty, we propose a new Schottky barrier model, assuming that there is a transition region between the electrode and the CNT, where an appreciable potential can drop. We assume that electrodes are placed at the side of the CNT and the contact is formed via the van der Waals interaction. Since the electrode surface is not atomically flat in practical situations, the contact will not be intimate and there will be a transition region before the usual metallic bulk structure starts. In this view, the Schottky barrier is determined not only by the work function difference of the electrodes and the CNT, but also by the potential drop in the transition region. The oxidation increases the potential drop and leads to a lower Schottky barrier for holes. This relation will be demonstrated in a graphical manner by expressing the potential drop as a function of CNT band bending. The potential drop is comparable to the CNT band gap when, e.g., the transition region is about a few Angstroms thick, the oxygen molecule coverage is about 10 %, and an oxygen molecule is charged by about 0.01-0.1 of the unit charge (1-10 % of molecules are charged). The proposed mechanism prevails for both p - and n-CNTs. The model consistently explains the CNT oxidation experiments reported so far.

Yamada, Toshishige↗

Modeling of Carbon Nanotube Schottky Barrier Reduction for Holes in Air

A model is proposed for the previously reported lower Schottky barrier for holes Phi(sub Bh) in air than in vacuum at a metallic electrode - semiconducting carbon nanotube (CNT) junction. We consider that there is a transition region between the electrode and the CNT, and an appreciable potential can drop there. The role of the oxidation is to increase this potential drop with negatively charged oxygen molecules on the CNT, leading to lower Phi(sub Bh) after oxidation. The mechanism prevails in both p- and n-CNTs, and the model consistently explains the key experimental findings.

Yamada, Toshishige↗

Online Small-Sat Knowledge Repositories and Modeling Tools for Risk Reduction and Enhanced Mission Success

Developers of small satellites face the challenges of a short development schedule, incomplete information about parts from vendors, and limited budgets. The situation is complicated by the need to use commercial electronic parts rather than radiation hardened parts to meet performance and budget constraints. Fortunately, a number of organizations are standing up new modeling and data resources that are available for free online. Motivation for sharing models, part data, and lessons learned include shorter development times, increased mission success likelihood, and training the next generation of space professionals. The purpose of this paper is to make these resources and their complementary capabilities known to the small satellite community.

Small Satellites↗

Automated Calibration for Rapid Optical Spectroscopy Sensor Development for Online Monitoring

An automated platform has been developed to assist researchers in the rapid development of optical spectroscopy sensors to quantify species from spectral data. This platform performs calibration and validation measurements simultaneously. Real-time, in situ monitoring of complex systems through optical spectroscopy has been shown to be a useful tool; however, building calibration models requires development time, which can be a limiting factor in the case of radiological or otherwise hazardous systems. While calibration time can be reduced through optimized design of experiments, this study approached the challenge differently through automation. The ATLAS (Automated Transient Learning for Applied Sensors) platform used pneumatic control of stock solutions to cycle flow profiles through desired calibration concentrations for multivariate model construction. Additionally, the transients between desired concentrations based on flow calculations were used as validation measurements to understand model predictive capabilities. This automated approach yielded an incredible 76% reduction in model development time and a 60% reduction in sample volume versus estimated manual sample preparation and static measurements. The ATLAS system was demonstrated on two systems: a three-lanthanide system with Pr/Nd/Ho representing a use case with significant overlap or interference between analyte signatures and an alternate system containing Pr/Nd/Ni to demonstrate a use case in which broad-band corrosion species signatures interfered with more distinct lanthanide absorbance profiles. Both systems resulted in strong model prediction performance (RMSEP < 9%). Lastly, ATLAS was demonstrated as a tool to simulate process monitoring scenarios (e.g., column separation) in which models can be further optimized to account for day-to-day changes as necessary (e.g., baseline correction). Ultimately, ATLAS offers a vital tool to rapidly screen monitoring methods, investigate sensor fusion, and explore more complex systems (i.e., larger numbers of species).

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Model tests of airframe noise reduction concepts

Trailing-edge flap and leading-edge slat models were modified to reduce their acoustic response to convected turbulence. These components were tested on an 0.3-m chord wing at 70.7 and 100 m/sec velocities in an acoustic wind tunnel. Noise radiation from the side edges of the 40 deg deflected flap was reduced by use of porous and perforated surface treatment along the leading- and side-edge region. Up to 2 to 3 dB reduction of total flap noise was achieved over a 3-octave range of frequency. Leading-edge slat noise was reduced about 2 dB by use of a perforated trailing-edge region on the slat. These reductions were retained when the modified slat and flaps were tested together.

Fink, M. R.↗

Model-based iterative reconstruction with adaptive regularization for artifact reduction in electron tomography

Obtaining high-quality 3D reconstructions from electron tomography of crystalline particles embedded in lighter support elements is crucial for various material systems such as catalysts for fuel cell applications. However, significant challenges arise due to the limited tilt range, sparse and low signal-to-noise ratio of the measurements. In addition, small metal particles can cause strong streaking and shading artifacts in the 3D reconstructions when using conventional reconstruction algorithms due to the presence of Bragg diffraction and the large scattering cross-section difference between the materials of the particles and the background support regions. These artifacts lead to errors in the downstream characterization affecting extraction of critical features such as the size of the metal particles, their distribution and the volume of the lighter support regions. In this paper, we present a two-stage algorithm based on metal artifact reduction, utilizing model-based iterative reconstruction methods with adaptive adjustment of regularization parameters. Our approach yields high-quality 3D reconstructions compared to traditional algorithms, accurately capturing both the metal particles as well as the background support. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm through simulated and experimental bright-field electron tomography data, showing significant improvements in reconstruction quality compared to traditional methods.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Aerodynamic Measurements of a Gulfstream Aircraft Model With and Without Noise Reduction Concepts

Steady and unsteady aerodynamic measurements of a high-fidelity, semi-span 18% scale Gulfstream aircraft model are presented. The aerodynamic data were collected concurrently with acoustic measurements as part of a larger aeroacoustic study targeting airframe noise associated with main landing gear/flap components, gear-flap interaction noise, and the viability of related noise mitigation technologies. The aeroacoustic tests were conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel with the facility in the acoustically treated open-wall (jet) mode. Most of the measurements were obtained with the model in landing configuration with the flap deflected at 39º and the main landing gear on and off. Data were acquired at Mach numbers of 0.16, 0.20, and 0.24. Global forces (lift and drag) and extensive steady and unsteady surface pressure measurements were obtained. Comparison of the present results with those acquired during a previous test shows a significant reduction in the lift experienced by the model. The underlying cause was traced to the likely presence of a much thicker boundary layer on the tunnel floor, which was acoustically treated for the present test. The steady and unsteady pressure fields on the flap, particularly in the regions of predominant noise sources such as the inboard and outboard tips, remained unaffected. It is shown that the changes in lift and drag coefficients for model configurations fitted with gear/flap noise abatement technologies fall within the repeatability of the baseline configuration. Therefore, the noise abatement technologies evaluated in this experiment have no detrimental impact on the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft model.

Neuhart, Dan H.↗

Noise reduction studies for the Cessna model 337 (0-2) airplane

A study was undertaken to determine the noise reduction potential of the 0-2 airplane in order to reduce its aural detection distance. Static and flyover noise measurements were made to document the noise signature of the unmodified airplane. The results show that significant reductions in aural detection distance can be achieved by the combination of propeller geometry changes and the addition of engine exhaust mufflers. The best results were estimated for the aircraft equipped with a six-blade propeller operating at 3/4 engine speed in combination with a 3.49 cubic foot exhaust muffler installed on each engine. Detection distance for the modified aircraft is estimated to be reduced from about 4-1/4 miles to about 1-1/2 miles when the aircraft is operating at an altitude of 1,000 ft over grassy terrain. Reducing the altitude to 300 ft over a leafy jungle ground cover should reduce the aural detection distance to 0.9 miles. Reduced aural detection distances were also indicated for a modification utilizing a direct-drive six-blade propeller of reduced radius along with smaller exhaust mufflers.

Hilton, D. A.↗