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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 361 records · Page 20

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NASA NTRS2001

Accurate Time-Dependent Traveling-Wave Tube Model Developed for Computational Bit-Error-Rate Testing

The phenomenal growth of the satellite communications industry has created a large demand for traveling-wave tubes (TWT's) operating with unprecedented specifications requiring the design and production of many novel devices in record time. To achieve this, the TWT industry heavily relies on computational modeling. However, the TWT industry's computational modeling capabilities need to be improved because there are often discrepancies between measured TWT data and that predicted by conventional two-dimensional helical TWT interaction codes. This limits the analysis and design of novel devices or TWT's with parameters differing from what is conventionally manufactured. In addition, the inaccuracy of current computational tools limits achievable TWT performance because optimized designs require highly accurate models. To address these concerns, a fully three-dimensional, time-dependent, helical TWT interaction model was developed using the electromagnetic particle-in-cell code MAFIA (Solution of MAxwell's equations by the Finite-Integration-Algorithm). The model includes a short section of helical slow-wave circuit with excitation fed by radiofrequency input/output couplers, and an electron beam contained by periodic permanent magnet focusing. A cutaway view of several turns of the three-dimensional helical slow-wave circuit with input/output couplers is shown. This has been shown to be more accurate than conventionally used two-dimensional models. The growth of the communications industry has also imposed a demand for increased data rates for the transmission of large volumes of data. To achieve increased data rates, complex modulation and multiple access techniques are employed requiring minimum distortion of the signal as it is passed through the TWT. Thus, intersymbol interference (ISI) becomes a major consideration, as well as suspected causes such as reflections within the TWT. To experimentally investigate effects of the physical TWT on ISI would be prohibitively expensive, as it would require manufacturing numerous amplifiers, in addition to acquiring the required digital hardware. As an alternative, the time-domain TWT interaction model developed here provides the capability to establish a computational test bench where ISI or bit error rate can be simulated as a function of TWT operating parameters and component geometries. Intermodulation products, harmonic generation, and backward waves can also be monitored with the model for similar correlations. The advancements in computational capabilities and corresponding potential improvements in TWT performance may prove to be the enabling technologies for realizing unprecedented data rates for near real time transmission of the increasingly larger volumes of data demanded by planned commercial and Government satellite communications applications. This work is in support of the Cross Enterprise Technology Development Program in Headquarters' Advanced Technology & Mission Studies Division and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

Kory, Carol L.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Laboratory process control using natural language commands from a personal computer

PC software is described which provides flexible natural language process control capability with an IBM PC or compatible machine. Hardware requirements include the PC, and suitable hardware interfaces to all controlled devices. Software required includes the Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS) operating system, a PC-based FORTRAN-77 compiler, and user-written device drivers. Instructions for use of the software are given as well as a description of an application of the system.

Will, Herbert A.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Swarming Robot Design, Construction and Software Implementation

In this paper is presented an overview of the hardware design, construction overview, software design and software implementation for a small, low-cost robot to be used for swarming robot development. In addition to the work done on the robot, a full simulation of the robotic system was developed using Robot Operating System (ROS) and its associated simulation. The eventual use of the robots will be exploration of evolving behaviors via genetic algorithms and builds on the work done at the University of New Mexico Biological Computation Lab.

construction overview↗

NASA NTRS1975

Study of data entry requirements at Marshall Space Flight Computation Center

An economic and systems analysis of a data center was conducted. Current facilities for data storage of documentation are shown to be inadequate and outmoded for efficient data handling. Redesign of documents, condensation of the keypunching operation, upgrading of hardware, and retraining of personnel are the solutions proposed to improve the present data system.

Sherman, G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Space shuttle engineering and operations support. Avionics system engineering

The shuttle avionics integration laboratory (SAIL) requirements for supporting the Spacelab/orbiter avionics verification process are defined. The principal topics are a Spacelab avionics hardware assessment, test operations center/electronic systems test laboratory (TOC/ESL) data processing requirements definition, SAIL (Building 16) payload accommodations study, and projected funding and test scheduling. Because of the complex nature of the Spacelab/orbiter computer systems, the PCM data link, and the high rate digital data system hardware/software relationships, early avionics interface verification is required. The SAIL is a prime candidate test location to accomplish this early avionics verification.

Broome, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Tse computers

An ultra-high-speed computer that utilizes binary images as its basic computational entity is being developed. The basic logic components perform thousands of operations simultaneously. Technologies of the fiber optics, display, thin film, and semiconductor industries are being utilized in the building of the hardware.

Schaefer, D. H.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Design and operations technologies - Integrating the pieces

As major elements of life-cycle costs (LCC) having critical impacts on the initiation and utilization of future space programs, the areas of vehicle design and operations are reviewed in order to identify technology requirements. Common to both areas is the requirement for efficient integration of broad, complex systems. Operations technologies focus on the extension of space-based capabilities and cost reduction through the combination of innovative design, low-maintenance hardware, and increased manpower productivity. Design technologies focus on computer-aided techniques which increase productivity while maintaining a high degree of flexibility which enhances creativity and permits graceful design changes.

Eldred, C. H.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Using a modified Hewlett Packard 8410 network analyzer as an automated farfield antenna range receiver

A Hewlett Packard 8410 Network Analyzer was modified to be used as an automated far-field antenna range receiver. By using external mixers, analog to digital signal conversion, and an external computer/controller, the HP8410 is capable of measuring signals as low as -110 dBm. The modified receiver is an integral part of an automated far-field range which features computer controlled test antenna positioning, system measurement parameters, and data acquisition, as well as customized measurement file management. The system described was assembled and made operational, taking advantage of off-the-shelf hardware available at minimal cost.

Terry, John D.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The Alaska SAR processor - Operations and control

The Alaska SAR (synthetic-aperture radar) Facility (ASF) will be capable of receiving, processing, archiving, and producing a variety of SAR image products from three satellite-borne SARs: E-ERS-1 (ESA), J-ERS-1 (NASDA) and Radarsat (Canada). Crucial to the success of the ASF is the Alaska SAR processor (ASP), which will be capable of processing over 200 100-km x 100-km (Seasat-like) frames per day from the raw SAR data, at a ground resolution of about 30 m x 30 m. The processed imagery is of high geometric and radiometric accuracy, and is geolocated to within 500 m. Special-purpose hardware has been designed to execute a SAR processing algorithm to achieve this performance. This hardware is currently undergoing acceptance testing for delivery to the University of Alaska. Particular attention has been devoted to making the operations semi-automated and to providing a friendly operator interface via a computer workstation. The operations and control of the Alaska SAR processor are described.

Carande, Richard E.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Integrating Software Modules For Robot Control

Reconfigurable, sensor-based control system uses state variables in systematic integration of reusable control modules. Designed for open-architecture hardware including many general-purpose microprocessors, each having own local memory plus access to global shared memory. Implemented in software as extension of Chimera II real-time operating system. Provides transparent computing mechanism for intertask communication between control modules and generic process-module architecture for multiprocessor realtime computation. Used to control robot arm. Proves useful in variety of other control and robotic applications.

Volpe, Richard A.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Partitioning in Avionics Architectures: Requirements, Mechanisms, and Assurance

Automated aircraft control has traditionally been divided into distinct "functions" that are implemented separately (e.g., autopilot, autothrottle, flight management); each function has its own fault-tolerant computer system, and dependencies among different functions are generally limited to the exchange of sensor and control data. A by-product of this "federated" architecture is that faults are strongly contained within the computer system of the function where they occur and cannot readily propagate to affect the operation of other functions. More modern avionics architectures contemplate supporting multiple functions on a single, shared, fault-tolerant computer system where natural fault containment boundaries are less sharply defined. Partitioning uses appropriate hardware and software mechanisms to restore strong fault containment to such integrated architectures. This report examines the requirements for partitioning, mechanisms for their realization, and issues in providing assurance for partitioning. Because partitioning shares some concerns with computer security, security models are reviewed and compared with the concerns of partitioning.

Rushby, John↗

NASA NTRS2012

Method to Enhance the Operation of an Optical Inspection Instrument Using Spatial Light Modulators

For many aspheric and freeform optical components, existing interferometric solutions require a custom computer-generated hologram (CGH) to characterize the part. The overall objective of this research is to develop hardware and a procedure to produce a combined, dynamic, Hartmann/ Digital Holographic interferometry inspection system for a wide range of advanced optical components, including aspheric and freeform optics. This new instrument would have greater versatility and dynamic range than currently available measurement systems. The method uses a spatial light modulator to pre-condition wavefronts for imaging, interferometry, and data processing to improve the resolution and versatility of an optical inspection instrument. Existing interferometers and Hartmann inspection systems have either too small a dynamic range or insufficient resolution to characterize conveniently unusual optical surfaces like aspherical and freeform optics. For interferometers, a specially produced, computer-generated holographic optical element is needed to transform the wavefront to within the range of the interferometer. A new hybrid wavefront sensor employs newly available spatial light modulators (SLMs) as programmable holographic optical elements (HOEs). The HOE is programmed to enable the same instrument to inspect an optical element in stages, first by a Hartmann measurement, which has a very large dynamic range but less resolution. The first measurement provides the information required to precondition a reference wave that avails the measurement process to the more precise phase shifting interferometry. The SLM preconditions a wavefront before it is used to inspect an optical component. This adds important features to an optical inspection system, enabling not just wavefront conditioning for null testing and dynamic range extension, but also the creation of hybrid measurement procedures. This, for example, allows the combination of dynamic digital holography and Hartmann sensing procedures to cover a virtually unlimited dynamic range with high resolution. Digital holography technology brings all of the power and benefits of digital holographic interferometry to the requirement, while Hartmann-type wavefront sensors bring deflectometry technologies to the solution. The SLM can be used to generate arbitrary wavefronts in one leg of the interferometer, thereby greatly simplifying its use and extending its range. The SLM can also be used to modify the system into a dynamic Shack-Hartmann system, which is useful for optical components with large amounts of slope. By integrating these capabilities into a single instrument, the system will have tremendous flexibility to measure a variety of optical shapes accurately.

Trolinger, James↗

DOE OSTI2026

A Physics-Informed Reinforcement Learning Framework for Economic-Thermal Co-Optimization of Crypto Mining Data Centers: Preprint

The rapid expansion of cryptocurrency mining has created a new class of high-density data centers characterized by extreme thermal flux and high sensitivity to volatile economic markets. Traditional thermal management strategies, typically reliant on rule-based control, maintain static setpoints that fail to account for fluctuating electricity prices and cryptocurrency values - factors critical to mining profitability. To address this, we present a physics-informed reinforcement learning (PIRL) framework for economic-thermal co-optimization in crypto mining data centers. This framework consists of a proximal policy optimization (PPO) agent, a virtual testbed powered by high-fidelity physics-based models, and an interactive frontend dashboard. The PPO agent is trained using the virtual testbed and strict hardware safety limits. This physics-informed approach allows the agent to learn a stochastic policy that dynamically balances mining revenue against operational costs by co-optimizing HVAC cooling setpoints and IT computational hashrate. The simulation results demonstrate that the integrated framework achieved an 8.62% increase in net operational profit compared to traditional baseline strategies while strictly adhering to safety-critical temperature constraints (coolant supply temperature < 32 degrees C). This work provides a scalable template for the deployment of reinforcement learning in mission critical facilities where economic volatility and physical safety must be managed simultaneously.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

NASA NTRS2004

Space Electronic Test Engineering

The Space Power and Propulsion Test Engineering Branch at NASA Glenn Research center has the important duty of controlling electronic test engineering services. These services include test planning and early assessment of Space projects, management and/or technical support required to safely and effectively prepare the article and facility for testing, operation of test facilities, and validation/delivery of data to customer. The Space Electronic Test Engineering Branch is assigned electronic test engineering responsibility for the GRC Space Simulation, Microgravity, Cryogenic, and Combustion Test Facilities. While working with the Space Power and Propulsion Test Engineering Branch I am working on several different assignments. My primary assignment deals with an electrical hardware unit known as Sunny Boy. Sunny Boy is a DC load Bank that is designed for solar arrays in which it is used to convert DC power form the solar arrays into AC power at 60 hertz to pump back into the electricity grid. However, there are some researchers who decided that they would like to use the Sunny Boy unit in a space simulation as a DC load bank for a space shuttle or even the International Space Station hardware. In order to do so I must create a communication link between a computer and the Sunny Boy unit so that I can preset a few of the limits (such power, set & constant voltage levels) that Sunny Boy will need to operate using the applied DC load. Apart from this assignment I am also working on a hi-tech circuit that I need to have built at a researcher s request. This is a high voltage analog to digital circuit that will be used to record data from space ion propulsion rocket booster tests. The problem that makes building this circuit so difficult is that it contains high voltage we must find a way to lower the voltage signal before the data is transferred into the computer to be read. The solution to this problem was to transport the signal using infrared light which will lower the voltage signal down low enough so that it is harmless to a computer. Along with my involvement in the Space Power and Propulsion Test Engineering Branch, I am obligated to assist all other members of the branch in their work. This will help me to strengthen and extend my knowledge of Electrical Engineering.

Chambers, Rodney D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Verifying an interactive consistency circuit: A case study in the reuse of a verification technology

The work done at ORA for NASA-LRC in the design and formal verification of a hardware implementation of a scheme for attaining interactive consistency (byzantine agreement) among four microprocessors is presented in view graph form. The microprocessors used in the design are an updated version of a formally verified 32-bit, instruction-pipelined, RISC processor, MiniCayuga. The 4-processor system, which is designed under the assumption that the clocks of all the processors are synchronized, provides software control over the interactive consistency operation. Interactive consistency computation is supported as an explicit instruction on each of the microprocessors. An identical user program executing on each of the processors decides when and on what data interactive consistency must be performed. This exercise also served as a case study to investigate the effectiveness of reusing the technology which was developed during the MiniCayuga effort for verifying synchronous hardware designs. MiniCayuga was verified using the verification system Clio which was also developed at ORA. To assist in reusing this technology, a computer-aided specification and verification tool was developed. This tool specializes Clio to synchronous hardware designs and significantly reduces the tedium involved in verifying such designs. The tool is presented and how it was used to specify and verify the interactive consistency circuit is described.

Bickford, Mark↗

DOE OSTI2026

An end-to-end workflow for executing a classically bootstrapped variational quantum algorithm on an academic quantum computer

Academic quantum computing platforms often face unique challenges in executing quantum workloads due to fragmented software environments and limited engineering support. Unlike commercial ecosystems, academic devices typically evolve without full-stack integration in mind, making it difficult to run complex applications—such as variational quantum algorithms (VQA)—reliably and efficiently. Issues such as incompatible software layers and lack of automated job management significantly increase the overhead of theory-experiment collaboration. To address these challenges, we develop a modular, end-to-end workflow that decouples application-layer code from low-level hardware control, automates circuit submission and result collection, and supports fine-grained circuit-level job scheduling and recovery. The architecture employs a dual-end application programming interface (API) design, enabling robust operation across unstable or resource-constrained hardware backends. For practical use, the framework is lightweight and user-friendly, allowing rapid prototyping of full-stack workflows using basic Python tools. We validate this workflow on a high-fidelity trapped-ion quantum computer by demonstrating a variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) experiment with a classically bootstrapped ansatz initialization technique. The system successfully executed over 60,000 circuits across multiple molecular test cases with minimal human intervention, highlighting the framework’s effectiveness in enabling reproducible, resilient quantum experimentation in academic settings.

Clifford↗

DOE OSTI2026

Optimization-based approaches to control of connected and automated vehicles: Principles, complexities, applications, challenges, and outlook

Safe and optimal motion control for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) poses a fundamental optimization challenge at the intersection of system complexity, environmental uncertainty, and stringent real-time constraints. Existing surveys address this challenge in isolation – focusing either on specific control techniques or individual uncertainty sources – without providing a unified framework that characterizes the trade-offs among computational tractability, performance verifiability, and adaptive generalization across paradigms. This review addresses that gap by presenting a cohesive analytical framework concentrated on the decision-making and trajectory optimization layers of the CAV autonomy stack. We systematically analyze three major optimization paradigms – first-principles model-based optimization, data-driven methods, and hybrid synergistic architectures – evaluating each against four core complexity axes: problem formulation, constraint handling, optimality guarantees, and robustness. Key applications including platooning, trajectory planning, collision avoidance, and cooperative control are examined to reveal recurring methodological patterns and critical operational constraints that limit real-world performance. Our synthesis identifies verifiable hybrid architectures, incentive-aligned multi-agent cooperation, and hardware-algorithm co-design as the defining research frontiers, and distills a targeted agenda for developing CAV control systems that are simultaneously safe, computationally efficient, and deployable in the full complexity of real-world traffic environments.

Muzahid, Abu Jafar Md [University of Tennessee, Kn↗

NASA NTRS1986

Development and evaluation of a fault-tolerant multiprocessor (FTMP) computer

The design, development, and testing of FTMP hardware and software for use in advanced NASA vehicles are described in three previously published reports prepared for NASA. Consideration is given to the overall FTMP architecture; the system bus; the regional design and operation of processor, slave, clock-generation, and power systems; and the FTMP executive, facilities, acceptance-test/diagnostic, applications, and support softwar. Also included are a summary of test procedures and results and an executive summary characterizing the system, the reliability and availability models, and the overall performance.

Smith, T. B., III↗