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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Using Earth-based Operational Field Tests as High-Fidelity Analogs for Planetary Surface Exploration

NASA is preparing to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon within the next decade and establish a permanent sustainable human presence before sending humans onto Mars. To ensure the success of these missions, NASA has performed operational testing in terrestrial, aquatic, and laboratory analog environments that simulate Lunar and Martian environmental characteristics to evaluate exploration concepts of operations (ConOps), engineering design requirements, science support needs, mission operations techniques, and crew training. Terrestrial analogs include Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS), Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains (BASALT), and Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP)Habitat Ground Testing. Aquatic analogs include NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) and Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP).Laboratory analogs include the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), Active Response Gravity Offload System(ARGOS), rock yards, and virtual and hybrid reality simulation environments. While no single Earth-based analog environment is perfect for simulating all characteristics of other planetary surfaces, testing across multiple locations leverages the strengths of each to provide an integrated understanding of how to best conduct real spaceflight surface exploration missions.

B A Janoiko↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Using Earth-based Operational Field Tests as High-Fidelity Analogs for Planetary Surface Exploration

NASA is preparing to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon within the next decade and establishing a permanent sustainable human presence before sending humans onto Mars. To ensure the success of these missions, NASA has performed operational testing in terrestrial, aquatic, and laboratory analog environments that simulate Lunar and Martian environmental characteristics to evaluate exploration concepts of operations (ConOps), engineering design requirements, science support needs, mission operations techniques, and crew training.

B. A. Janoiko↗
DOE OSTI2025

Challenges in Continuous In-Field Critical Current Testing of High-Temperature Superconducting Tapes: Thermal and Mechanical Perspectives

High-temperature superconductors (HTS) are essential for ultra-high-field applications requiring exceptional current-carrying capacity under extreme conditions. However, systematic characterization of critical current in long-length conductors remains challenging due to complex thermal, electromag netic, and mechanical interactions during continuous testing. This study reports the development of a continuous in-field magnetization testing system for position-dependent critical current measurement in HTS tapes at 20 K under 7.5 T fields applied normal to the tape plane, enabling identification of performance-limiting regions that could compromise magnet stability. Here, the system addresses two fundamental challenges inherent to cryogenic reel to-reel testing. First, thermal management requires continuous cooling of a moving conductor to 20 K, achieved through liquid nitrogen precooling combined with a 100 W@20 K Gifford McMahon cryocooler. Second, screening currents in high fields generate Lorentz forces that induce twisting, bowing, and potential delamination. To mitigate these risks, we propose mechanical reinforcement and active current density suppression strategies. Numerical simulations using the stream function formulation reveal four primary failure modes: frictional heating at guide interfaces, unstable equilibria causing deformation, transverse current-induced stresses at guide transitions, and unsupported forces in vertical spans. Our mitigation strategies include PTFE coated guides to minimize friction, spring-loaded stabilization mechanisms to maintain tape alignment, controlled pre-heating using the liquid nitrogen thermal jacket to suppress critical current at stress points, and optimized guide positioning to minimize force accumulation. The experimental system is nearing completion, with testing planned to commence within two months. Preliminary validation at 65 K under 0.5 T demonstrates strong correlation between simulation-predicted mechanical instabilities and observed critical current variations during conductor tran sitions through the measurement region. These findings establish a robust foundation for quality assurance protocols essential to next-generation superconducting magnet applications.

Chen, Siwei [Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (↗
DOE OSTI2024

Field-Scale Testing of a High-Efficiency Membrane Reactor (MR)—Adsorptive Reactor (AR) Process for H2 Generation and Pre-Combustion CO2 Capture

The study objective was to field-validate the technical feasibility of a membrane- and adsorption-enhanced water gas shift reaction process employing a carbon molecular sieve membrane (CMSM)-based membrane reactor (MR) followed by an adsorptive reactor (AR) for pre-combustion CO2 capture. The project was carried out in two different phases. In Phase I, the field-scale experimental MR-AR system was designed and constructed, the membranes, and adsorbents were prepared, and the unit was tested with simulated syngas to validate functionality. In Phase II, the unit was installed at the test site, field-tested using real syngas, and a technoeconomic analysis (TEA) of the technology was completed. All project milestones were met. Specifically, (i) high-performance CMSMs were prepared meeting the target H2 permeance (>1 m3/(m2.hbar) and H2/CO selectivity of >80 at temperatures of up to 300 °C and pressures of up to 25 bar with a <10% performance decline over the testing period; (ii) pelletized adsorbents were prepared for use in relevant conditions (250 °C < T < 450 °C, pressures up to 25 bar) with a working capacity of >2.5 wt.% and an attrition rate of <0.2; (iii) TEA showed that the MR-AR technology met the CO2 capture goals of 95% CO2 purity at a cost of electricity (COE) 30% less than baseline approaches.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1984

Ferm cathode operation in the test bed ion engine

A rapid start hollow cathode has been developed for high power ion thruster application. Using no low work function insert or heater, the Field Enhanced Refractory Metal (FERM) cathode electron emission occurs from a refractory metal tube concentric with the cathode barrel. Results are presented for FERM cathode operation in the high field strength Test Bed Ion Engine. Using a controlled glow discharge heating technique, cathode start up times of 1-2 secs are shown. Cathode V-I curves up to 35 ampere emission are presented and life limiting component erosion mechanisms, at these high current levels, are discussed.

Aston, G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Prediction of field-time-dependent gate-oxide breakdown in MOS devices

The model for field-time-dependent breakdown in the gate oxide of MOS devices is extended and verified with experimental data. The model permits accelerated tests at high fields which can be used to predict gate-oxide breakdowns at much longer times at normal operating fields.

Li, S. P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Ground zero and up; Nebraska's resources and land use

A one-semester high school course was developed about the use of remote sensing techniques for land earth resources planning and management. The slide-tape-workbook program was field tested with high school students to show a substantial increase in gain of knowledge and an attitude change in application of remote sensing techniques.

Edwards, D. M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Testing Capabilities for Superconducting Magnets at Fermilab

This presentation will focus on the current testing capabilities for superconducting magnets at Fermilab, highlighting existing systems, recent upgrades, and future plans. The Vertical Magnet Test Facility (VMTF) remains a cornerstone for testing superconducting magnets in R&D applications, maintaining its established capabilities. Stand 4 continues to support the Hi-Lumi AUP production line of magnets in cryostats and has achieved significant improvements through a redesign of lead connections, resolving issues with liquid helium levels and resistance, culminating in a successful endurance test without interruption. Similarly, Stand 7 underwent commissioning and a lead redesign to reduce heat load, while its core testing capabilities remain unchanged. Looking forward, Stand 3 is undergoing a redesign, with plans to restart and begin commissioning by the end of 2025, introducing new features such as background magnetic field testing and upgraded power supplies. Fermilab is also advancing the High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF), designed to support the fusion and magnet R&D program, with commissioning scheduled for 2025 and critical components, including the cryostat and power supplies, being delivered. Enhancing all operations, the newly commissioned IB1 cryoplant now offers automated overnight helium production and efficient transfer to a 10,000-liter dewar, streamlining support across all test stands. This talk will provide a comprehensive overview of testing capabilities, and showcasing how Fermilab is advancing its capabilities to meet the evolving demands of superconducting magnet testing.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

AUP First Pre-Series Cryo-Assembly Design Production and Test Overview

New high field and large-aperture quadrupole magnets for the low-beta inner triplets (Q1, Q2, Q3) have been built and tested as part of the high-luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC). These new quadrupole magnets are based on Nb3Sn superconducting technology. The US Accelerator Upgrade Project (US-AUP) is producing the Q1 and Q3 Cryo-Assemblies: a pair of ~5 m long magnet structures installed in a stainless-steel helium vessel (Cold Mass) and surrounded by cryostat shields, piping, and a vacuum vessel. In conclusion, this paper gives an overview of the design, production, and the results of the horizontal test of the first pre-series Q1/Q3 Cryo-Assembly.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1975

Investigations of a bearing fault detector for railroad bearings

The laboratory tests are described which were conducted on new and damaged bearings to determine the feasibility of using high-frequency vibration as a diagnostic tool. A high-frequency band pass filter and demodulator was assembled to permit field measurements of the high-frequency vibrations. Field tests were conducted on an actual truck and on an axle assembly run in a grease test rig. These field tests were directed toward demonstration of the suitability and capabilities of the high-frequency technique for field application. Two specific areas of field application were identified as being cost effective for railroad use. One area is the examination of railroad roller bearings at a derailment site, and the second is as a wayside detector to supplement present hot box detectors for defective roller bearings.

Wilson, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Evaluation of Niobium as Candidate Electrode Material for DC High Voltage Photoelectron Guns

The field emission characteristics of niobium electrodes were compared to those of stainless steel electrodes using a DC high voltage field emission test apparatus. A total of eight electrodes were evaluated: two 304 stainless steel electrodes polished to mirror-like finish with diamond grit and six niobium electrodes (two single-crystal, two large-grain, and two fine-grain) that were chemically polished using a buffered-chemical acid solution. Upon the first application of high voltage, the best large-grain and single-crystal niobium electrodes performed better than the best stainless steel electrodes, exhibiting less field emission at comparable voltage and field strength. In all cases, field emission from electrodes (stainless steel and/or niobium) could be significantly reduced and sometimes completely eliminated, by introducing krypton gas into the vacuum chamber while the electrode was biased at high voltage. Of all the electrodes tested, a large-grain niobium electrode performed the best, exhibiting no measurable field emission (< 10 pA) at 225 kV with 20 mm cathode/anode gap, corresponding to a field strength of 18:7 MV/m.

BastaniNejad, M.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Reverberation Chamber Uniformity Validation and Radiated Susceptibility Test Procedures for the NASA High Intensity Radiated Fields Laboratory

The NASA Langley Research Center's High Intensity Radiated Fields Laboratory has developed a capability based on the RTCA/DO-160F Section 20 guidelines for radiated electromagnetic susceptibility testing in reverberation chambers. Phase 1 of the test procedure utilizes mode-tuned stirrer techniques and E-field probe measurements to validate chamber uniformity, determines chamber loading effects, and defines a radiated susceptibility test process. The test procedure is segmented into numbered operations that are largely software controlled. This document is intended as a laboratory test reference and includes diagrams of test setups, equipment lists, as well as test results and analysis. Phase 2 of development is discussed.

Koppen, Sandra V.↗
NASA NTRS2010

TPSAS-NF1676L-10746-DND

This paper presents the design, development, and field testing of a high sensitivity ground-based Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) system that was developed under the NASA Instrument Incubator Program. The investigation presents a significant advancement towards the development of future CO2 profiling capability as it incorporates key elements of technologies needed for a future development of global CO2 measuring systems including: (1) 2-μm laser technologies that have been developed under a number of NASA programs including the Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) (2) A novel high quantum efficiency (QE), high gain (without excess noise factor), and low noise phototransistor, and (3) Direct detection DIAL system using a large collection area receiver that is insensitive to speckle and coherence length effects from atmospheric turbulence that influences heterodyne detection systems. The objective of the project was a system TRL of 4, and the goal was TRL 5. Development and testing of the laser, new detector, and receiver systems during the project, integration into a complete lidar system into a trailer, field testing of system at West Branch, IA and comparison of the lidar CO2 measurements with in situ sensors advanced the system to a TRL of 5. The system demonstrated high vertical resolution CO2 profiling capability within the boundary layer and column measurements to long ranges. This is the first direct detection demonstration of a 2-micron CO2 DIAL high vertical resolution capability from instrument concept to field demonstration.

Syed Ismail↗