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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 397 records · Page 22

3D Printed Structural Core with MMOD Protection

Deep space exploration requires large habitats for both orbital and surface missions. The weight of a habitat is driven largely by its structure and future vehicles require lighter weight structures to minimize launch mass and cost. Unlike honeycomb core materials used in the past, a 3D printed core can be analyzed and optimized for specific load environments, further cutting down mass of the vehicle. Multi-functional structures can integrate features into the primary structure that are traditionally added mass. MMOD (Micro Meteor and Orbital Debris) protection, for example, can be integrated directly into the primary structure of a habitat. This minimizes the mass of the structure and eliminates the need for additional MMOD layers and attachment hardware. This project seeks to develop 3D printed structural core that can be optimized for flights loads and provide integrated MMOD protection.

Hagen, Richard↗

Toward Physics-informed Neural Networks for 3D Multi-layer Cloud Mask Reconstruction

Three-dimensional (3D) cloud retrievals are critical for understanding their impact on climate and other applications such as aviation safety, weather prediction, and remote sensing. However, obtaining high-resolution and accurate vertical representation of clouds remains unsolved due to the limitations imposed by satellite instrumentation, viewing conditions, and the complexity of cloud dynamics. Cloud masks are essential for comprehending various cloud vertical properties, but deriving accurate 3D cloud masks from 2D satellite imagery data is a challenging task. To tackle these challenges, we introduce a physics-informed loss function for training deep learning models that can extend 2D cloud images into 3D cloud masks. The proposed loss, called CloudMask Loss, is composed of two domain knowledge-informed loss terms: one for evaluating cloud position and thickness, and the other for measuring the number of layers. By combining these loss terms, we improve the trainability of the deep learning models for more accurate and meaningful results. We apply the proposed loss function to different neural networks and demonstrate significant improvements in multi-layer cloud mask reconstruction. Utilizing the same neural network architecture, our proposed loss outperforms standard binary crossentropy loss in terms of multi-layer cloud classification accuracy, number of layers accuracy, and thickness mean absolute error (MAE). The proposed loss function can be readily integrated into various neural network architectures, resulting in substantial performance gains in 3D cloud mask generation.

multi-layer clouds↗

BM3DORNL

BM3DORNL is a high-performance, open-source library for removing streak and ring artifacts from computed-tomography (CT) data, developed for neutron imaging at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Spallation Neutron Source (VENUS beamline) and applicable to X-ray CT as well. Ring artifacts — concentric rings in reconstructed slices caused by detector pixel-to-pixel response non-uniformities — appear as vertical streaks in the sinogram and degrade both image quality and quantitative analysis. BM3DORNL operates in the sinogram domain using an adaptation of the BM3D (block-matching and 3D collaborative filtering) algorithm (Dabov et al., 2007). It provides a dedicated streak-removal mode, a true multi-scale BM3D variant (after Mäkinen et al., 2021) that suppresses wide streaks single-scale methods miss, and an alternative Fourier–SVD method (~2.6× faster) combining FFT-based energy detection with rank-1 SVD. The computationally intensive core is implemented in Rust with parallel (Rayon) block matching, integral-image pre-screening, and optimized transforms, and is exposed through a simple Python API (with an optional GUI) so it integrates directly into existing tomography reconstruction pipelines. It processes both 2D sinograms and 3D sinogram stacks, is pip-installable for Linux and macOS, and is documented at https://bm3dornl.readthedocs.io.

Zhang, Chen [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL),↗

Supercritical Reforming of Wet Ethanol for High Efficiency Direct-injection Heavy-duty Compression-ignition Engines

The purpose of the research was to investigate the potential of using a mature bio-fuel in heavy-duty compression ignition engines. By co-optimizing both the fuel characteristics and engine system the potential for a superior outcome was demonstrated. The use of wet bio-ethanol eliminates the majority of the energy intensive distilling and dehydrating fuel production processes, which moves the fuel towards carbon neutral and also lowers the fuel costs. The relatively high water content of the resulting fuel is leveraged in the proposed novel combustion system by incorporating an integrated high efficiency exhaust waste heat recovery system. This results in significantly higher thermal efficiency. In addition the combustion system features low criteria pollutant emissions and the potential to reduce the initial cost of the engine system hardware. Substantial societal benefits are demonstrated through the co-optimization of the fuel and engine system. A computational proof-of-concept study has been performed to demonstrate the potential benefits of a novel wet ethanol heavy-duty compression ignition combustion system featuring integrated exhaust waste heat recovery. A combined in-cylinder closed cycle 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) - 1D engine system simulation approach was used. The models were validated to baseline engine data using diesel fuel and then applied to the wet ethanol study. The original concept was to maximize exhaust waste heat recovery through supercritical reforming of the wet ethanol fuel. Phase I simulation results indicated that the optimal solution for maximum engine efficiency gains were realized through maximizing thermo-mechanical recuperation with negligible fuel reformation. The results show the potential to achieve impressive gains in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) over the base diesel engine. The potential to increase BTE up to 20.9% over the base diesel engine was demonstrated, with even larger gains possible through reduced in-cylinder heat transfer losses. The majority of the efficiency gains were realized through integrated high efficiency exhaust waste heat recovery. The concept also has the potential to achieve future ultra-low NO x emissions standards and negligible engine-out soot emissions. The mixing controlled combustion of high temperature wet ethanol features relatively low engine-out NO x emissions without the need for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The soot free combustion enabled by the relatively high oxygen content of ethanol also allows for the use of stoichiometric mixing controlled combustion, which is not practical with diesel fuel. When stoichiometric combustion is used a simple passive 3-way catalyst can be used for exhaust emissions after-treatment and near zero tailpipe emissions. The Phase I simulations results have defined the system layout and requirements in preparation for the Phase II experimental proof-of-concept study. The potential applications of the research include most current applications of diesel engines. The Phase I study focused on heavy-duty on-highway class 8 trucks. However, virtually any application that requires highly efficient clean power generation would benefit from the novel engine system proposed. The results indicate substantial fuel cost savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions with similar or reduced initial system hardware costs compared to modern diesel engine systems.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

All-multiplicity one-loop amplitudes in Born-Infeld electrodynamics from generalized unitarity

We initiate a study of non-supersymmetric Born-Infeld electrodynamics in 4d at the quantum level. Explicit all-multiplicity expressions are calculated for the purely rational one-loop amplitudes in the self-dual (+ + … +) and next-to-self-dual (- + … +) helicity sectors. Using a supersymmetric decomposition, d-dimensional unitarity cuts of the integrand factorize into tree-amplitudes in a 4d model of Born-Infeld photons coupled to a massive complex scalar. The two-scalar tree-amplitudes needed to construct the Born-Infeld integrand are computed using two complimentary approaches: (1) as a double-copy of Yang-Mills coupled to a massive adjoint scalar with a dimensionally reduced form of Chiral Perturbation Theory, and (2) by imposing consistency with low-energy theorems under a reduction from 4d to 3d and T-duality. The Born-Infeld integrand is integrated in d = 4 - 2ϵ dimensions at order Ο(ϵ 0 ) using the dimension-shifting formalism. We comment on the implications for electromagnetic duality in quantum Born-Infeld theory.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Mechanical Performance and Mesostructure Analysis of Proton-Irradiated Fused Filament Fabrication Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Material

The use of fused filament fabrication (FFF) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and other thermoplastics in radiation environments is beginning to be studied as possible replacements for traditionally manufactured parts and tools. Interlayer adhesion within the mesostructure has been shown in published literature to be an integral component in the strength of FFF ABS. Research of irradiated 3D printed polymers has primarily focused on the influence of gamma irradiation on the mechanical properties of FFF ABS samples, without evaluating its impact on the mesostructure of the samples. The purpose of this paper is to understand the mechanical damage caused by proton radiation on FFF ABS samples through the evaluation of the mesostructure of the ABS samples. To achieve this objective, proton radiation at 40 MeV was applied to FFF ABS samples at radiation doses up to 1.0 MGy at a dose rate of 1 MGy/hr. Following the irradiation, tensile testing was performed on the samples. Here, the fractured surfaces of the tested samples were subsequently observed using a scanning electron microscope. The mechanical test results show an increase in the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and a decrease in the ductility of the irradiated samples. Statistical analysis on the results shows that there is a statistically significant difference in the UTS and the ductility of unirradiated and 1.0 MGy irradiated samples and between irradiated samples and 1.0 MGy samples. In addition, the percentage elongation at break has statistically significant differences in the means between irradiated samples and 1.0 MGy samples. The UTS has statistically significant differences in the means between 0.1 MGy and 1.0 MGy. The difference in the means between the unirradiated and the 1.0 MGy samples is the most significant for both the UTS and elongation at break. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that interlayer adhesion improved as a function of radiation dose corresponding to the increase in tensile strength. The SEM results also showed that crazing and plastic deformation were reduced; aligning with the loss in ductility observed in the tensile tests results. The proton radiation is causing these mechanical and physical changes through two mechanisms: (1) dose rate effects on ionizing radiation-induced oxidative degradation; and (2) radiation heating effects of high energy (>1 MeV) charged particles.

electron microscopy↗

A 3D Full Stress Tensor Model for Oklahoma

Abstract The stress tensor is an important property for upper crustal studies such as those that involve pore fluids and earthquake hazards. At tectonic plate scale, plate boundary forces and mantle convection are the primary drivers of the stress field. In many local settings (10–100 s of km and <10 km depth) in tectonic plate interiors, we can simplify by assuming a constant background stress field that is perturbed by local heterogeneity in density and elasticity. Local stress orientation and sometimes magnitude can be estimated from earthquake and borehole‐based observations when available. Modeling of the local stress field often involves interpolating sparse observations. We present a new method to estimate the 3D stress field in the upper crust and demonstrate it for Oklahoma. We created a 3D material model by inverting multiple types of geophysical observations simultaneously. Integrating surface‐wave dispersion, local travel times and gravity observations produces a model of P‐wave velocity, S‐wave velocity, and density. The stress field can then be modeled using finite element simulations. The simulations are performed using our simplified view of the local stress field as the sum of a constant background stress field that is perturbed by local density and elasticity heterogeneity and gravitational body forces. An orientation of N82°E, for the maximum compressive tectonic force, best agrees with previously observed stress orientations and faulting types in Oklahoma. The gravitational contribution of the horizontal stress field has a magnitude comparable to the tectonic contribution for the upper 5 km of the subsurface.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

A multifunctional copper single-atom electrocatalyst aerogel for smart sensing and producing ammonia from nitrate

Despite modern chemistry’s success in providing affordable fertilizers for feeding the population and supporting the ammonia industry, ineffective nitrogen management has led to pollution of water resources and air, contributing to climate change. Here, we report a multifunctional copper single-atom electrocatalyst-based aerogel (Cu SAA) that integrates the multiscale structure of coordinated single-atomic sites and 3D channel frameworks. The Cu SAA demonstrates an impressive faradaic efficiency of 87% for NH 3 synthesis, as well as remarkable sensing performance with detection limits of 0.15 ppm for NO 3 − and 1.19 ppm for NH 4 + . These multifunctional features enable precise control and conversion of nitrate to ammonia in the catalytic process, facilitating accurate regulation of the ammonium and nitrate ratios in fertilizers. We thus designed the Cu SAA into a smart and sustainable fertilizing system (SSFS), a prototype device for on-site automatic recycling of nutrients with precisely controlled nitrate/ammonium concentrations. The SSFS represents a forward step toward sustainable nutrient/waste recycling, thus permitting efficient nitrogen utilization of crops and mitigating pollutant emissions. This contribution exemplifies how electrocatalysis and nanotechnology can be potentially leveraged to enable sustainable agriculture.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Smart Planning for Radioactive Source Transport Advanced Tools for Increased Safety and Efficiency

End-of-life (EOL) management of high-activity radioactive sources is made uniquely challenging by the inherent risks associated with storage and transportation of these sources, the complex logistics involved, and the strict requirements for regulatory compliance. Traditional methods lack comprehensive tools for accurate site assessments and precision planning for the transportation of radioactive sources. They also frequently fail to provide the adaptability required to consider diverse operational environments, resulting in inefficiencies and potential safety concerns. This paper introduces a novel software solution developed to address these issues by integrating advanced technologies such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-based 3D environment modeling, smart dynamic route planning, and customizable measurement functionalities. This software enables detailed terrain visualizations, facilitating thorough environmental assessments and enabling users to virtually navigate, analyze, and plan site-specific operations. Among the key features are a user-centric interface for virtual navigation, precise site measurement tools for site evaluations, interactive visualizations that highlight potential operational hazards, dynamic route planning capabilities, and real-time collision detection to promote safe workflows. By demonstrating the effectiveness of this tool through real-world application, the present work underscores the tool’s potential to revolutionize radioactive source EOL management by improving operational efficiencies, minimizing risk, and advancing the state of practice to achieve suitable and secure radioactive material handling.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

3D diffractive imaging of nanoparticle ensembles using an x-ray laser

Single particle imaging at x-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) has the potential to determine the structure and dynamics of single biomolecules at room temperature. Two major hurdles have prevented this potential from being reached, namely, the collection of sufficient high-quality diffraction patterns and robust computational purification to overcome structural heterogeneity. We report the breaking of both of these barriers using gold nanoparticle test samples, recording around 10 million diffraction patterns at the European XFEL and structurally and orientationally sorting the patterns to obtain better than 3-nm-resolution 3D reconstructions for each of four samples. With these new developments, integrating advancements in x-ray sources, fast-framing detectors, efficient sample delivery, and data analysis algorithms, we illuminate the path towards sub-nanometer biomolecular imaging. The methods developed here can also be extended to characterize ensembles that are inherently diverse to obtain their full structural landscape.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Designing a User Interface for Real-Time Magnetometer Data Acquisition

The Matter-wave Atomic Gradiometer Interferometric Sensor (MAGIS-100) is a next-generation quantum sensor designed to search for ultralight dark matter and explore new frontiers in quantum mechanics. Due to the experiment s sensitivity to magnetic interference, a magnetometer trolley system was developed to scan magnetic fields along a vacuum tube. Interacting with the system required command-line inputs, creating usability challenges. To improve accessibility and streamline data acquisition, I developed a graphical user interface (GUI) using Python and the customtkinter library. The GUI supports real-time data display, state/mode switching, command execution, and CSV file management. I collaborated with another intern to integrate data visualization features into the GUI, allowing users to generate 3D plots of post-acquisition magnetic field data. In the future, I aim to fix the real-time plotting feature as it results in an unresponsive GUI.

Mendez, Milagros [DuPage Coll.]↗

Interaction of a two-dimensional strip boundary layer with a three-dimensional transonic swept-wing code

A 3D inviscid transonic analysis code was combined with a 2D strip integral boundary layer technique to form an approximate interaction procedure for analyzing the flow over a high aspect ratio wing near cruise conditions. Converged results obtained using the procedure for an aspect ratio 10.3 supercritical wing are discussed. Angle of attack adjustments were made during the iterative procedure in order to compensate for the viscous lift loss. A comparison of the calculations with experimental data is presented.

Newman, P. A.↗

Tensor Fields for Use in Fractional-Order Viscoelasticity

To be able to construct viscoelastic material models from fractional0order differentegral equations that are applicable for 3D finite-strain analysis requires definitions for fractional derivatives and integrals for symmetric tensor fields, like stress and strain. We define these fields in the body manifold. We then map them ito spatial fields expressed in terms of an Eulerian or Lagrangian reference frame where most analysts prefer to solve boundary problems.

Freed, Alan D.↗

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Flight Testing a Radiosonde and 3D Sonic Anemometer Configuration on a Multi-rotor Uninhabited Aerial System (UAS)

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a uniform procedure for initialization of a radiosonde, a 3D sonic anemometer, and collection of sounding data with correct sensor integration via a multi-rotor uninhabited aerial system (UAS) within the Langley Research Center’s (LaRC) Uninhabited Aerial System Operations Office (UASOO).

Tyler L. Willhite↗

Designing a User Interface for Real-Time Magnetometer Data Acquisition

The Matter-wave Atomic Gradiometer Interferometric Sensor (MAGIS-100) is a next-generation quantum sensor designed to search for ultralight dark matter and explore new frontiers in quantum mechanics. Due to the experiment’s sensitivity to magnetic interference, a magnetometer trolley system was developed to scan magnetic fields along a vacuum tube. Interacting with the system required command-line inputs, creating usability challenges. To improve accessibility and streamline data acquisition, I developed a graphical user interface (GUI) using Python and the customtkinter library. The GUI supports real-time data display, state/mode switching, command execution, and CSV file management. I collaborated with another intern to integrate data visualization features into the GUI, allowing users to generate 3D plots of post-acquisition magnetic field data. In the future, I aim to fix the real-time plotting feature as it results in an unresponsive GUI.

Mendez, Milagros [DuPage Coll.]↗

Rapid prototyping 3D virtual world interfaces within a virtual factory environment

On-going work into user requirements analysis using CLIPS (NASA/JSC) expert systems as an intelligent event simulator has led to research into three-dimensional (3D) interfaces. Previous work involved CLIPS and two-dimensional (2D) models. Integral to this work was the development of the University of Massachusetts Lowell parallel version of CLIPS, called PCLIPS. This allowed us to create both a Software Bus and a group problem-solving environment for expert systems development. By shifting the PCLIPS paradigm to use the VEOS messaging protocol we have merged VEOS (HlTL/Seattle) and CLIPS into a distributed virtual worlds prototyping environment (VCLIPS). VCLIPS uses the VEOS protocol layer to allow multiple experts to cooperate on a single problem. We have begun to look at the control of a virtual factory. In the virtual factory there are actors and objects as found in our Lincoln Logs Factory of the Future project. In this artificial reality architecture there are three VCLIPS entities in action. One entity is responsible for display and user events in the 3D virtual world. Another is responsible for either simulating the virtual factory or communicating with the real factory. The third is a user interface expert. The interface expert maps user input levels, within the current prototype, to control information for the factory. The interface to the virtual factory is based on a camera paradigm. The graphics subsystem generates camera views of the factory on standard X-Window displays. The camera allows for view control and object control. Control or the factory is accomplished by the user reaching into the camera views to perform object interactions. All communication between the separate CLIPS expert systems is done through VEOS.

Kosta, Charles Paul↗

Power Electronics Module with Integrated Ceramic Heat Exchanger

NREL, in partnership with Synteris and Packet Digital, has developed a 3D-printable ceramic package for power electronic modules to improve their thermal management, power density, performance, and lifetime. Existing power modules contain flat ceramic substrates that serve as both the electrically insulating component and thermal conductor that transfer the large heat outputs of these devices. The team has developed an additive manufacturing process that replaces the traditional insulating metalized substrate, substrate attach, and baseplate/heat exchanger with an additively-manufactured ceramic packaging that acts as both an electrical insulator and heat exchanger for better thermal management. The design, manufacturability, and function of this power module will be discussed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗