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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

Technical Track on Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS): Mapping bioresources, phase 1 - Consistency check comparing Mission Innovation’s Data Visualization Tool for Bioresources and the Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Initiative Global Biomass data accessible via the US Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Knowledge Discovery Framework (KDF)

The Mission Innovation (MI) Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Mission, Technical Track on Biomass Carbon Dioxide Removal and Storage (BiCRS), has produced a biomass resource database for its members. In parallel, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) developed the International Feedstock Reporting data portal—herein referred to as the CEM Biofuture-KDF data—on behalf of the Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Initiative (CEM Biofuture), as a specific task under Biofuture’s 2024–25 Action Plan. This work was conducted at the request of CEM Biofuture and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy in support of that initiative, and it is hosted within DOE’s Knowledge Discovery Framework (KDF).

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Expedition UT-GOM2-2 Methods

Methods used during the University of Texas (UT) Deepwater Hydrate Coring Expedition (UT-GOM2-2) include work done onboard the Helix Q4000 in the offshore Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico), herein “the Gulf”, “dockside” in Salt Lake City, Utah, and some shore-based work in individual laboratories. The goal of this report is two-fold: to provide enough detail on the methods so they can be repeated by others; and to provide a reference document for the team to enhance cross-disciplinary understanding and knowledge. Methods include drilling operations, depth references and depth modification, downhole tool deployment, coring tool performance assessment, core processing, lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, as well as physical properties, including core logging and imaging, rock magnetism, dissolved methane concentration, hydrate saturation, microbiology, and geochemistry. An extensive amount of operational work and planning was required before mobilization of the expedition to permit, build mobile labs, and test downhole tools for deepwater drilling.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Disassembly and Initial Post-Irradiation Examination of the Mini99 Experiment

The Miniature Fuel Molybdenum-99 (Mini99) experiment is a first-of-a-kind experiment in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. Mini99 is the first MiniFuel irradiation experiment to use liquid metal inside the MiniFuel subcapsule for additional temperature control. In this work, the initial post-irradiation examination is reported. As-built simulations were conducted and compared with designs, and physical post-irradiation examinations were conducted to determine actual test temperatures via SiC thermometry samples, to evaluate the extent of fission gas release from the samples, and to remove the fuel from the subcapsules. As-built simulations compared well with experiment designs and were in reasonable agreement with the measured temperatures inferred from the passive SiC thermometers. Additionally, fission gas release values were relatively small (on the order of 3%); one sample reached approximately 8%. Although some of this behavior is attributable to recoil, most of the gas release was likely caused by the physics of the fuel behavior during the test. Finally, disassembly showed that at least four of the fuel samples degraded into small components and granules at some point during the test, with the state of the other two samples unproven. Additional work is planned for further examination of these samples via various microscopy techniques.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Assessing the National Off-Cycle Benefits of 2-Layer HVAC Technology Using Dynamometer Testing and a National Simulation Framework

Some CO2-reducing technologies have real-world benefits not captured by regulatory testing methods. This paper documents a two-layer heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system that facilitates faster engine warmup through strategic increased air recirculation. The performance of this technology was assessed on a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Empirical performance of the technology was obtained through dynamometer tests at Argonne National Laboratory. Performance of the vehicle across multiple cycles and cell ambient temperatures with the two-layer technology active and inactive indicated fuel consumption reduction in nearly all cases. A thermally sensitive powertrain model, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's FASTSim Hot, was calibrated and validated against vehicle testing data. The developed model included the engine, cabin, and HVAC system controls. Validation of component thermal models and engine efficiency ensured accurate thermal dynamics, fuel consumption, and two-layer benefit. The real-world benefit of the two-layer technology was calculated by simulating the validated powertrain model across a representative test matrix comparing performance with and without the two-layer system. Simulation across the test matrix revealed a real-world representative benefit of 0.0835%. Analysis of test matrix results at the regional level revealed the most benefit in cold climates and rural regions. Mean results across cycle length sensitivity simulations revealed a larger real-world benefit of 0.0872%. These benefit values can be considered a more accurate assessment of real-world technology performance. Future work is planned to explore the requisite number of drive cycles to ensure the full technology benefit is captured.

2-layer↗

NREL 25-cm2 High-Pressure Low-Temperature Electrolysis Cell Hardware (Open Source)

This data resource describes an open-source cell hardware that enables low temperature electrolysis (LTE) testing at elevated pressures. Existing commercial options have several downsides when it comes to R&D testing. They are often not designed for repeated reassembly, may not be able to accommodate porous transport layers with different thicknesses, and do not give state-of-the-art performance. Therefore, this hardware was developed specifically with LTE R&D in mind and its design is being made available to the global LTE community. This work was planned and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's H2NEW consortium (https://h2new.energy.gov/). The hardware design package (.zip file) details the drawings, auxiliary materials, and procedures required to fabricate, assemble, and operate the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) high-pressure low-temperature electrolysis cells. While the hardware itself—end plates, current collectors, flow fields, bolts and washers, tube fittings—is always the same, the assembly and operating procedures may change depending on the active materials being tested, especially for the membrane. Material-specific assembly and operating procedures will be posted to the H2NEW website as they are developed and validated. Disclaimer: The documents and drawings included in this download package describe a design for a low temperature electrolysis hardware that is intended to comply with leak testing according to ASME B31.1. Safe operation at ambient and elevated pressures is the sole responsibility of the end user, which should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for each individual cell. Factors affecting the sealing capability may depend on, for example, machining quality, cell assembly components, operating conditions, and operating history. Operation at pressure should only be performed on qualified test stands by qualified operators. NREL/ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, LLC/DOE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR USEFULNESS OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN. USE OF THIS PACKAGE IS AT THE USER’S OWN RISK.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Skylab experiment performance evaluation manual

A series of preparation analyses used for evaluating the performance of the Skylab corollary experiments under preflight, in-flight, and postflight conditions is given. Experiment continegency plan work-around procedure and malfunction analyses are presented in order to assist in making the experiment operationally succesful.

Meyers, J. E.↗

Modifications of the wideband FM TDRS system

The wideband FM scheme for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system is discussed. The technique achieves a spread-spectrum advantage against multipath and interference through the inclusion of a large deviation FM subcarrier. The signal also permits co-channel spread-spectrum multipath access (SSMA) on the downlink from mission spacecraft to TDRS. Each user is assigned a unique combination of carrier and subcarrier which allows the ground receiver to separate user signals with overlapping spectra. The system was modified by the addition of a low-deviation fine range tone to both the uplink and the downlink, separate from the wide-deviation subcarrier. The magnitude of the interference components due to other SSMA signals are analyzed. A carrier and subcarrier frequency plan was worked out based on the modified signal format. A configuration to accommodate 42 and 60 users is described. The inclusion of ambiguity resolving ranging sidetones is also discussed.

Wachsman, R. H.↗

High spatial resolution multi-color observations of Neptune during occultation by the moon

Preparations for the observation of Mars occultation using the 36 inch telescope on a C-141 airborne observatory were described, including technical improvements made to existing equipment. The abstracts of the following four publications supported by the grant were presented: (1) atmosphere composition from refractivity measurements made during occultations, (2) how big is lapetus?, (3) the diameter of Titan, (4) design and operating characteristics of voltage to frequency converters suited for occultation work. The planned observation of the April 8, 1976 occultation of the epsilon Gem star from the C-141 airborne observatory was described.

Veverka, J.↗

National Transonic Facility Fan Blade prepreg material characterization tests

The test program for the basic prepreg materials used in process development work and planned fabrication of the national transonic facility fan blade is presented. The basic prepreg materials and the design laminate are characterized at 89 K, room temperature, and 366 K. Characterization tests, test equipment, and test data are discussed. Material tests results in the warp direction are given for tensile, compressive, fatigue (tension-tension), interlaminar shear and thermal expansion.

Klich, P. J.↗

Influence of rotor blade tip shape on tip vortex shedding - An unsteady, inviscid analysis

An unsteady potential flow panel method is described based on a time-stepping procedure and using planar quadrilateral panels to represent the surface of thick blades. Each panel has a constant source and doublet distribution and a central control point where an internal Dirichlet boundary condition is applied. The method includes detail paneling around the tip edge and offers the facility of prescribing a tip-edge separation. Preliminary results are shown for four blade tip shapes which are treated as semi-span wings oscillating in pitch about a mean angle of attack of 6 deg. Further work is planned for the wake model before proceeding to higher angles of attack.

Maskew, B.↗

Test results of modified electrical charged particle generator for application to fog dispersal

Modifications to a charged particle generator for use in fog dispersal applications were made and additional testing carried out. The modified nozzle, however, did not work as planned, and reported results are the unmodified nozzle. The addition of a positive displacement pump to supply the liquid water was highly successful. Measurements of the generator output current were made with a cylindrical collector system as well as with the needle probe used in previous studies. Measurements with the cylindrical collector and the needle probe showed identical agreement within the variability of the experiment. A high-voltage prove was purchased, and measurements of the corona voltage as well as the voltage variation in the charged particle jet were made. Electric fields in the vertical direction on the order of 1,000,000 v/m were measured. The voltage distribution along the centerline of the jet was compared with the numerical solutions of the Poisson equation and showed very good agreement. Velocity measurements using a pitot tube were made. The resulting measurements were compared with theoretical and other reported experimental results. The measured data showed the appropriate trends and agreed well with reported results. Based on the measured current-to-mass ratio from the charged particle generator, a calculation of the average droplet size was made. Droplet sizes were estimated to range between 0.8 and 0.4 microns. Using measured data, an analysis of the height to which the droplet can be dispersed by the charged particle generator was made. Although the mathematical model is highly simplified, the results indicated that particles would achieve heights on the order of 80 m.

Frost, W.↗

Teleoperator human factors study

The progress made on the Teleoperator Human Factors Study program is summarized. Technical and programmatic problems that were encountered are discussed along with planned activity. Work performed, future work, problems encountered, and cost information comprise the topics addressed herein.

Source record↗

Effects of high energy radiation on the mechanical properties of epoxy-graphite fiber reinforced composites

The effects of high energy radiation on the mechanical properties and on the molecular and structural properties of graphite fiber reinforced composites were assessed so that the durability of such composites in space applications could be predicted. Investigative techniques including ESR and infrared spectroscopy, ESCA, contact angle measurements, and dynamic and static mechanical testing (3-point bending and interlaminar shear) were employed. The results using these different techniques are individually described, and the implications of the data are discussed. The proposed plan of work for the next fiscal year is outlined.

Fornes, R. E.↗

Signal Analysis of Gas Tungsten Arc Welds

Gas tungsten arc welding is a process in which the input parameters such as current, voltage and travel speed, can be easily controlled and/or monitored. However, weld quality is not solely a function of these parameters. An adaptive method of observing weld quality is desired to improve weld quality assurance. The use of dynamic electrical properties of the welding arc as a weld quality monitor was studied. The electrical properties of the arc are characterized by the current voltage transfer function. The hardware and software necessary to collect the data at a maximum rate of 45 kHz and to allow the off-line processing of this data are tested. The optimum input current waveform is determined. Bead-on-plate welds to observe such characteristics of the weld as the fundamental frequency of the puddle are studied. Future work is planned to observe changes of the arc response with changes in joint geometry, base metal chemistry, and shielding gas composition are discussed.

Eagar, T. W.↗

Space Station Freedom pressurized element interior design process

The process used to develop the on-orbit working and living environment of the Space Station Freedom has some very unique constraints and conditions to satisfy. The goal is to provide maximum efficiency and utilization of the available space, in on-orbit, zero G conditions that establishes a comfortable, productive, and safe working environment for the crew. The Space Station Freedom on-orbit living and working space can be divided into support for three major functions: (1) operations, maintenance, and management of the station; (2) conduct of experiments, both directly in the laboratories and remotely for experiments outside the pressurized environment; and (3) crew related functions for food preparation, housekeeping, storage, personal hygiene, health maintenance, zero G environment conditioning, and individual privacy, and rest. The process used to implement these functions, the major requirements driving the design, unique considerations and constraints that influence the design, and summaries of the analysis performed to establish the current configurations are described. Sketches and pictures showing the layout and internal arrangement of the Nodes, U.S. Laboratory and Habitation modules identify the current design relationships of the common and unique station housekeeping subsystems. The crew facilities, work stations, food preparation and eating areas (galley and wardroom), and exercise/health maintenance configurations, waste management and personal hygiene area configuration are shown. U.S. Laboratory experiment facilities and maintenance work areas planned to support the wide variety and mixtures of life science and materials processing payloads are described.

Hopson, George D.↗

Dynamical experiments on models of colliding disk galaxies

Collisions between galaxies can induce large morphological changes in the participants and, in the case of colliding disk galaxies, bridges and tails are often formed. Observations of such systems indicate a wide variation in color (see Larson and Tinsley, 1978) and that some of the particpants are experiencing enhanced rates of star formation, especially in their central regions (Bushouse 1986, 1987; Kennicutt et al., 1987, Bushouse, Lamb, and Werner, 1988). Here the authors describe progress made in understanding some of the dynamics of interacting galaxies using N-body stellar dynamical computer experiments, with the goal of extending these models to include a hydrodynamical treatment of the gas so that a better understanding of globally enhanced star formation will eventually be forthcoming. It was concluded that close interactions between galaxies can produce large perturbations in both density and velocity fields. The authors measured, via computational experiments that represent a galaxy's stars, average radial velocity flows as large as 100 km/sec and 400 percent density increases. These can occur in rings that move outwards through the disk of a galaxy, in roughly homologous inflows toward the nucleus, and in off center, non-axisymmetric regions. Here the authors illustrate where the gas is likely to flow during the early stages of interaction and in future work they plan to investigate the fate of the gas more realistically by using an N-body/Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics code to model both the stellar and gaseous components of a disk galaxy during a collision. Specifically, they will determine the locations of enhanced gas density and the strength and location of shock fronts that form during the interaction.

Gerber, Richard A.↗

Space Station Freedom pressurized element interior design process

The process used to develop the on-orbit working and living environment of the Space Station Freedom has some very unique constraints and conditions to satisfy. The goal is to provide maximum efficiency and utilization of the available space, in on-orbit, zero G conditions that establishes a comfortable, productive, and safe working environment for the crew. The Space Station Freedom on-orbit living and working space can be divided into support for three major functions: (1) operations, maintenance, and management of the station; (2) conduct of experiments, both directly in the laboratories and remotely for experiments outside the pressurized environment; and (3) crew related functions for food preparation, housekeeping, storage, personal hygiene, health maintenance, zero G environment conditioning, and individual privacy, and rest. The process used to implement these functions, the major requirements driving the design, unique considerations and constraints that influence the design, and summaries of the analysis performed to establish the current configurations are described. Sketches and pictures showing the layout and internal arrangement of the Nodes, U.S. Laboratory and Habitation modules identify the current design relationships of the common and unique station housekeeping subsystems. The crew facilities, work stations, food preparation and eating areas (galley and wardroom), and exercise/health maintenance configurations, waste management and personal hygiene area configuration are shown. U.S. Laboratory experiment facilities and maintenance work areas planned to support the wide variety and mixtures of life science and materials processing payloads are described.

Hopson, George D.↗