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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2015

Evaluating the Utility of Satellite Soil Moisture Retrievals over Irrigated Areas and the Ability of Land Data Assimilation Methods to Correct for Unmodeled Processes

Earth's land surface is characterized by tremendous natural heterogeneity and human-engineered modifications, both of which are challenging to represent in land surface models. Satellite remote sensing is often the most practical and effective method to observe the land surface over large geographical areas. Agricultural irrigation is an important human-induced modification to natural land surface processes, as it is pervasive across the world and because of its significant influence on the regional and global water budgets. In this article, irrigation is used as an example of a human-engineered, often unmodeled land surface process, and the utility of satellite soil moisture retrievals over irrigated areas in the continental US is examined. Such retrievals are based on passive or active microwave observations from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E), the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2), the Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission, WindSat and the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT). The analysis suggests that the skill of these retrievals for representing irrigation effects is mixed, with ASCAT-based products somewhat more skillful than SMOS and AMSR2 products. The article then examines the suitability of typical bias correction strategies in current land data assimilation systems when unmodeled processes dominate the bias between the model and the observations. Using a suite of synthetic experiments that includes bias correction strategies such as quantile mapping and trained forward modeling, it is demonstrated that the bias correction practices lead to the exclusion of the signals from unmodeled processes, if these processes are the major source of the biases. It is further shown that new methods are needed to preserve the observational information about unmodeled processes during data assimilation.

land data↗
NASA NTRS1993

Users manual for the NASA Lewis three-dimensional ice accretion code (LEWICE 3D)

A description of the methodology, the algorithms, and the input and output data along with an example case for the NASA Lewis 3D ice accretion code (LEWICE3D) has been produced. The manual has been designed to help the user understand the capabilities, the methodologies, and the use of the code. The LEWICE3D code is a conglomeration of several codes for the purpose of calculating ice shapes on three-dimensional external surfaces. A three-dimensional external flow panel code is incorporated which has the capability of calculating flow about arbitrary 3D lifting and nonlifting bodies with external flow. A fourth order Runge-Kutta integration scheme is used to calculate arbitrary streamlines. An Adams type predictor-corrector trajectory integration scheme has been included to calculate arbitrary trajectories. Schemes for calculating tangent trajectories, collection efficiencies, and concentration factors for arbitrary regions of interest for single droplets or droplet distributions have been incorporated. A LEWICE 2D based heat transfer algorithm can be used to calculate ice accretions along surface streamlines. A geometry modification scheme is incorporated which calculates the new geometry based on the ice accretions generated at each section of interest. The three-dimensional ice accretion calculation is based on the LEWICE 2D calculation. Both codes calculate the flow, pressure distribution, and collection efficiency distribution along surface streamlines. For both codes the heat transfer calculation is divided into two regions, one above the stagnation point and one below the stagnation point, and solved for each region assuming a flat plate with pressure distribution. Water is assumed to follow the surface streamlines, hence starting at the stagnation zone any water that is not frozen out at a control volume is assumed to run back into the next control volume. After the amount of frozen water at each control volume has been calculated the geometry is modified by adding the ice at each control volume in the surface normal direction.

Bidwell, Colin S.↗
DOE OSTI2025

In situ Detection of Plasma Induced Surface Interaction based on Deep Learning based Visual Diagnostics (Technical Report)

It is characteristic for many plasma devices to undergo plasma-material interaction leading to surface erosion. These processes, often not easily detectable, lead to changes in device performance and lifespan. State-of-the-art lifetime tests and wear experiments require over 1000s hours. A self-consistent model for accurately predicting the erosion's effects is not available. In situ detection of these processes is not a trivial task since the surface variations at the early stages have a micron scale. Such limitations not only restrict testing and prediction capabilities but also slow the development of new thrusters and limit mission duration. To address these challenges, an in-situ diagnostic for real-time erosion assessment has been developed, aiming to expedite lifetime testing and broaden experimental campaigns. Several works were dedicated to real-time and in situ monitoring of material erosion during plasma exposure using laser holography, microscopy, and with telemicroscopes. However, the applicability of these approaches is limited due to complexity, cost and less flexibility as they often require placing diagnostic equipment inside the vacuum chamber. In collaboration with Princeton Collaborative Research Facility (PCRF), Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), a new diagnostic approach is developed, where geometry modifications to the ceramic channel walls were introduced that would result in accelerated channel erosion. We employed Long-distance microscope (LDM) imagery, combined with Deep-Learning based Shape from focus or depth from focus (DFF or SFF) approach, that provides an accessible and cost-effective solution. LDM employs focus variation techniques to continuously capture multiple images of the target object at distinct focal planes. DFF, an optical focus variation method, generates a 3D topographical surface depth map from a sequence of variably focused images. Combined with the developed diagnostic, this approach offers a controllable means to study erosion under accelerated conditions. In this work, we develop Neural Network-based DFF algorithm applicable for LDM data to quantitatively evaluate plasma induced surface modification from LDM data. Next, we develop Deep Learning-based super-resolution depth map image reconstruction technique to increase the resolution of depth maps obtained from DFF algorithm to improve the accuracy of erosion measurements. Thirdly, we develop several image processing techniques to remove noise and improve the quality of depth map image. Here we report the results of initial tests for this approach. An experimental setup designed and built in PPPL was employed that consists of a 3-cm gridded ion source that produces a neutralized argon beam with energies up to 600 eV. A hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) ceramic target, designed based on computational predictions, was used. Tests were conducted to reconstruct the complex geometry of the target under the lighting conditions of the operated ion source.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1999

Low-Boom SR-71 Modified Signature Demonstration Program

A flight program using the SR-71 airplane to validate sonic boom technologies for High-Speed Commercial Transport (HSCT) operation and potentially for low- or softened-boom design configurations is described. This program employs a shaped signature modification to the SR-71 airplane which is designed to demonstrate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) design technology at a full-scale HSCT operating condition of Mach 1.8 at 48,000 feet altitude. Test plans call for measurements in the near-field, at intermediate propagation altitudes, and through the more turbulent boundary layer near the Earth surface. The shaped signature modification to the airplane is comprised of added cross-section areas on the underside of the airplane forward of the wing and engine nacelles. Because the flight demonstration does not approach maximum SR-71 altitude or Mach number, the airplane provides more than adequate performance and maneuver margins for safe operation of the modified airplane. Probe airplane measurements in the near-field will use fast response pressure sensors. Far-field and ground-based boom measurements will use high response microphones or conventional sonic boom field recorders. Scope of the planned demonstration flights also includes ground level measurements during conditions which cause minimal signature distortion and conditions which cause high distortion of the signature.

David Lux↗
DOE OSTI2025

Chemistry and Interfacial Structure Promoting Quasi-van der Waals Epitaxial Growth of WS 2 Nanosheets on Sapphire for Prospective Application in Field-Effect Transistors

How do chemical and structural modifications to the supporting crystal surface affect the subsequent van der Waals (vdW) or quasi(Q)-vdW epitaxial growth of 2D nanocrystals? Developing an atomic-scale picture of such an interfacial system is crucial for understanding its impact on the physical and chemical properties of the supported 2D materials. The elucidation of the interfacial structure and chemistry needed to promote the Q-vdW epitaxial growth of 2D tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) nanocrystals contributes to the growth mechanism understanding, thus pushing forward the integration of such atomically thin semiconductors toward real field-effect transistor applications. In addition to an atomic-force microscopy top view, we showcase a combination of X-ray techniques for a top-to-bottom investigation of the complexities of the buried interface structures. Furthermore, this approach uses X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray standing wave excited X-ray fluorescence, and crystal truncation rod scattering to produce a highly resolved chemical-state-specific 3D atomic map for the extended interface structure of WS 2 /α-Al 2 O 3 (001). Employing these detailed analysis methods, along with density functional theory to further refine the picoscale structure, we demonstrate how two different types of interface engineering during the pregrowth stage lead to significant differences in the chemical and structural modifications to the terminal surface of c-face sapphire, which in turn leads to substantial differences in the submonolayer growth of supported WS 2 2D nanocrystals in terms of lateral domain sizes, epitaxial registry, vdW gaps, and stability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1989

Surface composition of solid-rocket exhausted aluminum oxide particles

Particulate samples of aluminum oxide were collected on Teflon filters from the exhaust plume of the Space Shuttle (STS-61A, October 30, 1985) over the altitude interval 4.6-7.6 km immediately after launch. These particles were analyzed using SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy, and conventional wet-chemical techniques. The samples were 0.6-1.0 percent surface-chlorided (chlorided meaning predominantly aluminum chlorides and oxychlorides, possibly including other adsorbed forms of chloride) by weight. This level of chloriding is about one-third of the amount determined previously from laboratory-prepared alumina and surface site samples of solid-rocket-produced alumina (SRPA) after both had been exposed to moist HCl vapor at temperatures down to ambient. This level is equivalent to previous laboratory results with samples exposed to moist HCl at temperatures above the boiling point of water. It is suggested that the present lower chloriding levels, determined for samples from a 'dry' Shuttle exhaust cloud, underscore the importance of a liquid water/hydrochloric acid phase in governing the extent of surface chloriding of SRPA. The reduced chloriding is not trivial with respect to potential physical/chemical modification of the SRPA particle surfaces and their corresponding interaction with the atmosphere.

Cofer, Wesley R., III↗
NASA NTRS1979

A modification to linearized theory for prediction of pressure loadings on lifting surfaces at high supersonic Mach numbers and large angles of attack

A new linearized-theory pressure-coefficient formulation was studied. The new formulation is intended to provide more accurate estimates of detailed pressure loadings for improved stability analysis and for analysis of critical structural design conditions. The approach is based on the use of oblique-shock and Prandtl-Meyer expansion relationships for accurate representation of the variation of pressures with surface slopes in two-dimensional flow and linearized-theory perturbation velocities for evaluation of local three-dimensional aerodynamic interference effects. The applicability and limitations of the modification to linearized theory are illustrated through comparisons with experimental pressure distributions for delta wings covering a Mach number range from 1.45 to 4.60 and angles of attack from 0 to 25 degrees.

Carlson, H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Aeolian processes on Venus

This review assesses the potential aeolian regime on Venus as derived from spacecraft observations, laboratory simulations, and theoretical considerations. The two requirements for aeolian processes (a supply of small, loose particles and winds of sufficient strength to move them) appear to be met on Venus. Venera 9, 10, 13, and 14 images show particles considered to be sand and silt size on the surface. In addition, dust spurts (grains 5 to 50 microns in diameter) observed via lander images and inferred from the Pioneer-Venus nephalometer experiments suggest that the particles are loose and subject to movement. Although data on near surface winds are limited, measurements of 0.3 to 1.2 m/sec from the Venera lander and Pioneer-Venus probes appear to be well within the range required for sand and dust entrainment. Aeolian activity involves the interaction of the atmosphere, lithosphere, and loose particles. Thus, there is the potential for various physical and chemical weathering processes that can effect not only rates of erosion, but changes in the composition of all three components. The Venus Simulator is an apparatus used to simulate weathering under venusian conditions at full pressure (to 112 bars) and temperature (to 800 K). In one series of tests, the physical modifications of windblown particles and rock targets were assessed and it was shown that particles become abraded even when moved by gentle winds. However, little abrasion occurs on the target faces. Thus, compositional signatures for target rocks may be more indicative of the windblown particles than of the bedrock. From these and other considerations, aeolian modifications of the venusian surface may be expected to occur as weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition of surficial materials. Depending upon global and local wind regimes, there may be distinctive sources and sinks of windblown materials. Radar imaging, especially as potentially supplied via the Magellan mission, may enable the identification of such areas on Venus.

Greeley, Ronald↗
NASA NTRS1986

Preliminary control law and hardware designs for a ride quality augmentation system for commuter aircraft. Phase 2

The continued investigation of the design of Ride Quality Augmentation Systems (RQAS) for commuter aircraft is described. The purpose of these RQAS is the reduction of the vertical and lateral acceleration response of the aircraft due to atmospheric turbulence by the application of active control. The current investigations include the refinement of the sample data feedback control laws based on the control-rate-weighting and output-weighting optimal control design techniqes. These control designs were evaluated using aircraft time simulations driven by Dryden spectra turbulence. Fixed gain controllers were tested throughout the aircrft operating envelope. The preliminary design of the hardware modifications necessary to implement and test the RQAS on a commuter aircraft is included. These include a separate surface elevator and the flap modifications to provide both direct lift and roll control. A preliminary failure mode investigation was made for the proposed configuration. The results indicate that vertical acceleration reductions of 45% and lateral reductions of more than 50% are possible. A fixed gain controller appears to be feasible with only minor response degradation.

Davis, D. J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Selective Covalent Basal Plane Modification as a Probe of Hydroxide Ion Conduction Pathways in Magnesium Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxides

Understanding ionic conduction in layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is a crucial step towards utilizing them as solid, hydroxide ion‐conducting electrolytes in energy conversion applications. We selectively modified the interlayer and external surfaces of MgAl LDHs with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS) ligands. By adjusting the concentration of the TRIS surface modifier, the LDH basal plane surfaces could be functionalized everywhere (internally and externally) or only externally. External modification resulted in loss of OH‐conductivity compared to pristine LDHs, confirming that external platelet surfaces are the primary ion conduction pathway.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Surface Atomic Rearrangement with High Cation Ordering for Ultra-Stable Single-Crystal Ni-Rich Co-Less Cathode Materials

It is crucial to minimize cobalt content in Ni-rich layered single-crystal cathodes due to their high price and limited availability, yet it will inevitably lead to cation disordering, capacity degradation, and thermal issues. Herein, to overcome the intrinsic trade-off between performance and composition of Ni-rich Co-less single-crystal cathodes, a precursor engineering strategy with an epitaxially grown cobalt enrichment on the surface is innovatively proposed. In contrast to traditional coating modifications with random orientation and rigid surface-bulk boundary, the epitaxially enriched surface cobalt layer on the precursor undergoes rapid interdiffusion with the internal Ni 3+ during the optimized sintering process. This interdiffusion eliminates the surface-bulk boundary, promoting the uniform distribution of cobalt and synergistically addressing the Li/Ni intermixing. Moreover, an enhanced surface Li + diffusion is obtained, thereby suppressing the Li + concentration gradient and intragranular cracks generation. Consequently, the modified LiNi 0.7 Co 0.07 Mn 0.23 O 2 exhibits impressive cycling stability with increased capacity retention in both coin-type half-cells and pouch-type full-cells (91% after 1000 cycles), even under the harsh condition of high-temperature, surpassing the majority of previously reported Ni-rich cathodes. Finally, this work opens new avenues toward the low cost, high energy density, thermal stability, and long cyclic life for Ni-rich Co-less cathodes and sheds light on large-scale commercial production.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1991

Convection in a two-layer fluid system

Experimental results are presented, and preliminary computations are performed on a system of two immiscible liquid layers with a temperature gradient applied parallel to the interface. The experiments reflect the combined contribution of buoyancy and surface-tension-induced (Marangoni) convection. It is concluded that buoyancy effects appear to be dominant and mask any surface-tension-induced convection present. Numerical computations show significant modification of pure buoyant convection by surface-tension gradients. The results are of interest in connection with the liquid encapsulation of GaAs melts in a microgravity environment.

Prakash, A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Effect of Thermal Oxidation on the Structure, Surface Texturing, and Microstructure Evolution in Nanocrystalline Ga-O-N Films

An extensive examination of the nanoscale, crystallographic growth dynamics of the system, which is impacted by the thermal energy given to the GaN, is carried out to derive a deeper understanding of the growth kinetics, morphology and microstructure evolution, chemical bonding, and optical properties of Ga-O-N films. Thermal annealing of GaN films is performed in the temperature range of 900–1200 °C. Crystal structure, phase formation, chemical composition, surface morphology, and microstructure evolution of Ga-O-N films are investigated as a function of temperature. Increasing temperature induces surface oxidation, which results in the formation of stable β-Ga2O3 phase in the GaN matrix, where the overall film composition evolves from nitride (GaN) to oxynitride (Ga-O-N). While GaN surfaces are smooth, planar, and featureless, oxidation induced granular-to-rod shaped morphology evolution is seen with increasing temperature to 1200 °C. The considerable texturing and stability of the nanocrystalline Ga-O-N on Si substrates can be attributed to the surface and interface driven modification because of thermal treatment. Corroborating with structure and chemical changes, Raman spectroscopic analyses also indicate that the chemical bonding evolution progresses from fully Ga-N bonds to Ga-O-N. While the GaN oxidation process starts with the formation of β-Ga 2 O 3 at an annealing temperature of 1000 °C, higher annealing temperatures induce structural distortion with the potential formation of Ga-O-N bonds. The structure-phase-chemical composition correlation, which will be useful for nanocrystalline materials for selective optoelectronic applications, is established in Ga-O-N films made by thermal treatment of GaN.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enhancing the Multifunctional Photocatalytic Activity of Sustainable Magnetic Nanoparticles

The development of efficient photocatalytic materials has intensified in response to increasing emphasis on sustainable energy conversion and environmental restoration. However, the excessive use and indiscriminate release of heavy metals from photocatalytic nanoparticles pose potential environmental risks. This study provides insights into optimizing visible-light-active photocatalysts to enhance their photocatalytic properties and stability. Specifically, cobalt doping and controlled pH modulation are employed on the modified Fe 3 O 4 , forming two distinct samples: Co@Fe 3 O 4 -B (base-treated) and Co@Fe 3 O 4 -A (acid-treated) nanoparticles. Microscopic characterization reveals that Co@Fe 3 O 4 -A undergoes a phase transition to hematite, whereas Co@Fe 3 O 4 -B retains its mixed-phase configuration. Spectroscopic analyses confirm that the cobalt dopants decorate the outskirts of each nanoparticle, forming a core–shell structure. However, Co@Fe 3 O 4 -B exhibit Co 2+ states with a high oxygen vacancy content, whereas Co@Fe 3 O 4 -A contain mixed Co 2+/3+ states. The high density of defect states in the Co@Fe 3 O 4 -B results in superior photocatalytic efficiency, achieving near-complete oxidation of furfuraldehyde (97% conversion) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (94% conversion), as well as effective degradation of toluene (78% conversion). This study demonstrates that the combined approach of doping and pH treatment is promising for the surface-defect engineering of photocatalysts, enhancing their multifunctional performance and reusability for sustainable energy conversion.

Fe3 O4 nanoparticles↗
DOE OSTI2026

Cave-based chronology of valley incision in the glaciated Northern Carpathians

While glaciers leave a mark on mountain landscapes, the importance of glacial erosion in mountains at a global scale remains insufficiently constrained despite over a century of research aimed at quantifying the rates and magnitudes of such erosion. Measuring rates of landscape change across the Quaternary in repeatedly glaciated mountain landscapes requires the ability to accurately partition the relative role of glacial versus fluvial processes in forming relief; however, the modification of landforms by surface erosion hinders quantification of process rates over the last few million years. This study presents 32 paired 26 Al and 10 Be cosmogenic nuclide burial ages from allochthonous, quartz-bearing sediment deposited within a paleophreatic karst system in the northern Carpathians. These data quantify Pliocene-to-present timing of valley incision and karst system reactivation, as well as erosion rates over time. Post-burial, muon production-correction yields 24 fully resolved ages, six minimum ages, and two unresolvable ages. Burial ages are interpreted to document the tempo of valley incision via phreatic passage formation and reveal that ∼80% of current valley relief (∼700 m) had developed by approximately 1.6 Ma. Paleoerosion rates derived from this dataset suggest little change in the processes generating sediment washed into the karst networks since the Pliocene. These results suggest that river incision dominated relief creation in Carpathian valleys that bear the imprint of glaciation. Our findings suggest the importance of investigating other mid-latitude mountainous regions worldwide to determine if they have similar erosion and topographic histories.

Carpathians↗
DOE OSTI2025

Physical properties of intergrowth compound Eu 2 CuZn 2 P 3

Here, the physical properties of single-crystalline Eu 2 ⁢CuZn 2 ⁢P 3 were inspected via thermodynamic, transport, and neutron diffraction measurements. Eu 2 ⁢ CuZn 2⁢ P 3 is composed of EuCuP and EuZn 2 ⁢ P 2 motifs stacked in a one-to-one ratio. The magnetic response of Eu 2 ⁢ CuZn 2 ⁢ P 3 is similar to that of EuZn 2 ⁢ P 2 in its A-type antiferromagnetic (semiconducting) state. A Néel temperature of T N = 40.3K is obtained from the specific heat capacity. Single-crystal neutron diffraction reveals a (001) magnetic propagation vector, with primarily in-plane moments coupled along [001] in an up-up-down-down pattern. This spin structure retains the ferromagnetic EuCuP motifs and antiferromagnetic coupling across the EuZn 2 ⁢P 2 motifs. The electrical resistivity is characterized by metallic behavior above 100 K, an increase in ρ upon cooling below ≈ 75K, and a large negative magnetoresistance below T N . First principles calculations evidence a narrow band gap for antiferromagnetic ordering and semimetallic behavior for the ferromagnetic state. This is consistent with the observed effect of magnetic field on the electrical resistivity. Hall effect measurements reveal a field-induced, negative anomalous Hall effect that increases on cooling down to 2 K. Also, an unconventional contribution to the Hall effect dominates the low-field Hall signal, particularly near T N , and is similar in appearance to a topological Hall effect. However, further work is necessary to understand if any of the transport properties have topological origins or if magnetism-induced modifications to the Fermi surface induce these unusual Hall effect signals in this and related materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1985

Shock-free turbomachinery blade design

A computational method for designing shock-free, quasi-three-dimensional, transonic, turbomachinery blades is described. Shock-free designs are found by implementing Sobieczky's fictitious gas principle in the analysis of a baseline shape, resulting in an elliptic solution that is incorrect in the supersonic domain. Shock-free designs are obtained by combining the subsonic portion of this solution with a characteristic calculation of the correct supersonic flow using the sonic line data from the fictitious elliptic solution. This provides a new, shock-free blade design. Examples presented include the removal of shocks from two blades in quasi-three-dimensional flow and the development of a series of shock-free two-dimensional stators. The new designs all include modifications to the upper surface of an experimental stator blade developed at NASA Lewis Research Center. While the designs presented here are for inviscid flow, the same concepts have been successfully applied to the shock-free design of airfoils and three-dimensional wings with viscous effects. The extension of the present method to viscous flows is straightforward given a suitable analysis algorithm for the flow.

Beauchamp, P. P.↗