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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2015

Physics Simulation Software for Autonomous Propellant Loading and Gas House Autonomous System Monitoring

1. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is developing a mobile launching system with autonomous propellant loading capabilities for liquid-fueled rockets. An autonomous system will be responsible for monitoring and controlling the storage, loading and transferring of cryogenic propellants. The Physics Simulation Software will reproduce the sensor data seen during the delivery of cryogenic fluids including valve positions, pressures, temperatures and flow rates. The simulator will provide insight into the functionality of the propellant systems and demonstrate the effects of potential faults. This will provide verification of the communications protocols and the autonomous system control. 2. The High Pressure Gas Facility (HPGF) stores and distributes hydrogen, nitrogen, helium and high pressure air. The hydrogen and nitrogen are stored in cryogenic liquid state. The cryogenic fluids pose several hazards to operators and the storage and transfer equipment. Constant monitoring of pressures, temperatures and flow rates are required in order to maintain the safety of personnel and equipment during the handling and storage of these commodities. The Gas House Autonomous System Monitoring software will be responsible for constantly observing and recording sensor data, identifying and predicting faults and relaying hazard and operational information to the operators.

Regalado Reyes, Bjorn Constant↗
DOE OSTI2024

Digital Twin Enabling Technologies for Online Condition Monitoring of Nuclear Power Plant Components

Online condition monitoring is an area of active research that may enable improved scheduling, maintenance, and safety of nuclear power plant components, reducing unnecessary derate while simultaneously improving operational capacity. Digital twins are one avenue to conduct online condition monitoring and are currently being explored by national laboratories and universities alike. Digital twins for online condition monitoring are, in essence, state concurrent models that emulate a physical process which predicts a parameter and compares it against a measured value. However, digital twins may also provide additional insights by combining and interpreting various sources of information. These insights may be used for preventative maintenance scheduling optimization or early fault detection and are projected to be valuable for meeting requirements under 10 CFR 50.55a. However, digital twin technologies are still under significant development; quantifying model uncertainties, improving unique fault identification, and multimodal sensor fusion are some areas under investigation. Therefore, in this work, we discuss and review the various enabling technologies, in the form of advanced sensors, instrumentation, and modelling methods, that may be used to implement and enhance digital twins for online condition monitoring. A potential use case for pump-motors is presented to demonstrate how these various pieces of enabling digital twin technologies may integrated together for online condition monitoring. Challenges and opportunities associated with the pump-motor digital twin enabling technologies are also identified and discussed.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Digital-Twin-Enabling Technologies for Online Condition Monitoring of Nuclear Power Plant Components

Online condition monitoring is an area of active research that may enable improved scheduling, maintenance, and safety of nuclear power plant components, reducing unnecessary derates while simultaneously improving operational capacity. Digital twins are one avenue to conduct online condition monitoring and are currently being explored by national laboratories and universities alike. Digital twins for online condition monitoring are, in essence, state concurrent models that emulate a physical process which predicts a parameter and compares it against a measured value. However, digital twins may also provide additional insights by combining and interpreting various sources of information. These insights may be used for preventative maintenance scheduling optimization or early fault detection and are projected to be valuable for meeting requirements under 10 CFR 50.55a. However, digital twin technologies are still under significant development; quantifying model uncertainties, improving unique fault identification, and multimodal sensor fusion are some areas under investigation. Therefore, in this work, we discuss and review the various enabling technologies, in the form of advanced sensors, instrumentation, and modelling methods, that may be used to implement and enhance digital twins for online condition monitoring. A potential use case for pump-motors is presented to demonstrate how these various pieces of enabling digital twin technologies may integrated together for online condition monitoring. Challenges and opportunities associated with the pump-motor digital twin enabling technologies are also identified and discussed.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1999

A Digital Tectonic Activity Map of the Earth

The subject of neotectonics, covering the structures and structural activity of the last 5 million years (i.e., post-Miocene) is a well-recognized field, including "active tectonics," focussed on the last 500,000 years in a 1986 National Research Council report of that title. However, there is a cartographic gap between tectonic maps, generally showing all features regardless of age, and maps of current seismic or volcanic activity. We have compiled a map intended to bridge this gap, using modern data bases and computer-aided cartographic techniques. The maps presented here are conceptually descended from an earlier map showing tectonic and volcanic activity of the last one million years. Drawn by hand with the National Geographic Society's 1975 "The Physical World" map as a base, the 1981 map in various revisions has been widely reproduced in textbooks and various technical publications. However, two decades of progress call for a completely new map that can take advantage of new knowledge and cartographic techniques. The digital tectonic activity map (DTM), presented in shaded relief (Fig. 1) and schematic (Fig. 2) versions, is the result. The DTM is intended to show tectonism and volcanism of the last one million years, a period long enough to be representative of global activity, but short enough that features such as fault scarps and volcanos are still geomorphically recognizable. Data Sources and Cartographic Methods The DTM is based on a wide range of sources, summarized in Table 1. The most important is the digital elevation model, used to construct a shaded relief map. The bathymetry is largely from satellite altimetry, specifically the marine gravity compilations by Smith and Sandwell (1996). The shaded relief map was designed to match the new National Geographic Society world physical map (1992), although drawn independently, from the digital elevation model. The Robinson Projection is used instead of the earlier Van der Grinten one. Although neither conformal nor equal-area, the Robinson Projection provides a reasonable compromise and retains useful detail at high latitudes.

Lowman, Paul↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantum materials for nanosensing and fault-tolerant quantum computing

New concepts of symmetry related to topological order emerged from the discovery of the fractional quantum Hall effect and high-temperature superconductivity in strongly correlated electron systems. This led to the study of quantum materials-- materials exhibiting emergent quantum phenomena with no classical analogues. While these materials have engendered exciting basic materials science and physics, realizing novel devices is a key challenge in the field. The goal of this proposal is to harness the unique properties of topological materials for quantum computing and quantum sensing applications. In this project, we investigated a variety of topological superconducting platforms and identified three technologies that can benefit from their quantum properties: quantum memory, single-photon detection, and non reciprocal electronics. The platforms developed in this work will be broadly useful to National Security and Basic Science.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2026

Gearbox bearing crack growth prognostics and uncertainty quantification with physics-informed machine learning

This paper introduces the extreme theory of functional connections (X-TFC), a physics-informed machine learning algorithm, and tailors it to estimate the remaining useful life (RUL) of wind turbine gearbox bearings experiencing fatigue crack growth. Unlike purely data-driven methods, X-TFC embeds a physics model, based on Head's theory in this work, into its training objective. The core of X-TFC is a random-projection single-layer neural network trained via an extreme learning machine, which requires only limited damage progression data and solves for output weights with a least-squares optimization algorithm. A composite loss function balances the network's fit to observed degradation data against the residuals of the governing crack growth differential equation, ensuring the learned damage trajectory remains physically plausible. When applied to a vibration-based health-index (HI) dataset measured during the growth of a crack on the inner ring of a high-speed bearing in a wind turbine gearbox (Bechhoefer and Dubé, 2020), X-TFC achieves near-zero prediction bias. Even when trained on only the first 10 %–20 % of the damage progression data, with sufficient physics weighting its predictions remain monotonic and smooth, delivering high prognosability and trendability. To quantify the epistemic uncertainty, we employ a Monte Carlo ensemble of independently initialized X-TFC models trained on noise-perturbed data, which yields confidence intervals around each RUL estimate and captures both model-parameter and epistemic uncertainty. In addition to a vibration-based HI, we demonstrate that the proposed framework can be directly applied to a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data-based HI (Eftekhari Milani et al., 2026) measured during similar wind turbine gearbox bearing crack faults, preserving its accuracy and interpretability. This extension shows the versatility of our approach, which is applicable to bearings of multiple gearbox manufacturers, models, and ratings using only SCADA data. By integrating domain knowledge with machine learning, X-TFC offers a rapid, reliable tool for crack prognostics. Its adaptability to other bearing failure modes, such as pitch bearing ring cracks, positions X-TFC as a powerful enabler of data-driven, physics-informed asset management in the wind energy sector and beyond.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Decomposition of high-rank factorized unitary coupled-cluster operators using ancilla and multiqubit controlled low-rank counterparts

The factorized form of the unitary coupled-cluster (UCC) approximation is one of the most promising methodologies to prepare trial states for strongly correlated systems within the variational quantum eigensolver framework. The factorized form of the UCC Ansatz can be systematically applied to a reference state to generate the desired entanglement. The difficulty associated with such an approach is the requirement of simultaneously entangling a growing number of qubits, which quickly exceeds the hardware limitations of today's quantum machines. In particular, while circuits for singles and double excitations can be performed on current hardware, higher-rank excitations require too many gate operations. In this work, we propose a set of schemes that trade off using extra qubits for a reduced gate depth to decompose high-rank UCC excitation operators into significantly lower depth circuits. These results will remain useful even when fault-tolerant machines are available to reduce the overall state-preparation circuit depth.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Scattering Processes from Quantum Simulation Algorithms for Scalar Field Theories

We provide practical simulation methods for scalar field theories on a quantum computer that yield improved asymptotics as well as concrete gate estimates for the simulation and physical qubit estimates using the surface code. We achieve these improvements through two optimizations. First, we consider a finite volume approach for estimating the elements of the S-matrix. This approach is appropriate in general for 1+1D and for certain low-energy elastic collisions in higher dimensions. Second, we implement our approach using a series of different fault-tolerant simulation algorithms for Hamiltonians formulated both in the field occupation basis and field amplitude basis. Our algorithms are based on either second-order Trotterization or qubitization. The cost of Trotterization in occupation basis scales as O ( λ N 7 | Ω | 3 / ( M 5 / 2 ϵ 3 / 2 ) ) where λ is the coupling strength, N is the occupation cutoff, | Ω | is the volume of the spatial lattice, M is the mass of the particles and ϵ is the uncertainty in the energy calculation used for the S -matrix determination. Qubitization in the field basis scales as O ( | Ω | 2 ( k 2 Λ + k M 2 ) / ϵ ) , where k is the cutoff in the field and Λ is a scaled coupling constant. We find in both cases that the bounds suggest physically meaningful simulations can be performed using on the order of 4 × 10 6 physical qubits and 10 12 T -gates which corresponds to roughly one day on a superconducting quantum computer with surface code and a cycle time of 100 ns. This places the simulation of scalar field theory within striking distance of the gate counts for the best available chemistry simulation results.

Hardy, Andrew [Toronto U.] (ORCID:0000000235817382↗
DOE OSTI2025

Guidance for Developing Digital Twins for Online Condition Monitoring of Nuclear Power Plant Components

Online condition monitoring is an area of active research that may enable optimized scheduling, maintenance, and safety of nuclear power plant components, reducing unnecessary derates while simultaneously improving operational capacity. Digital twins (DTs) are one avenue to conduct online condition monitoring and are currently being explored by national laboratories and universities alike. DTs for online condition monitoring are, in essence, state concurrent models that emulate a physical process which predicts a parameter and compares it against a measured value. The promise of DT is that they may provide additional insights by combining and interpreting various sources of information and may be used for preventative maintenance scheduling optimization or early fault detection. DTs for condition monitoring are projected to be valuable for meeting requirements under 10 CFR 50.55a and 10 CFR 50.65. However, DT technologies are still under significant development and the process for developing a DT for condition monitoring has not been formalized. Therefore, in this work, we present an initial framework for developing a DT, discuss and review the various challenges and considerations for DT deployment, and identify the opportunities that a DT can improve. Here, the presented framework is intended to help developers formulate a strategy when approaching DT development for condition monitoring. A DT use case for a reactor coolant pump is presented to demonstrate the proposed framework.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Overview of Advanced Stirling Convertor Dual Convertor Controller Development and Testing at NASA Glenn Research Center

For over two decades, NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been supporting the development of Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS). NASA desires higher conversion efficiency RPS options that are reliable and robust with long life design. Dynamic conversion, such as Stirling offer the potential for higher conversion efficiencies than current RPS but have yet to be demonstrated in a flight application. GRC developed a non-nuclear representation of a RPS consisting of a pair of Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASC), a Dual Convertor Controller (DCC), and associated support equipment. The DCC was designed by the Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) to actively control a pair of ASCs. Based on lessons learned, three generations of DCCs were developed over the past decade. After each generation of the DCC was completed, tests were performed to verify functionality. These tests include acceptance testing, fault testing, characterization testing, and testing with the Radioisotope Power System Systems Integration Laboratory (RSIL). Acceptance testing verifies that the DCC can control a pair of ASCs to produce full convertor power output. The fault testing verifies that the DCC can maintain control of the ASCs during either internal or external faults. Characterization testing verifies the functionality of the DCC over a range of bus voltage values. RSIL provides insight into the electrical interactions between a representative radioisotope power generator, its associated control schemes, and realistic electric system loads. The DCC design, development, lessons learned, test results, and future work are presented in this paper.

Stirling↗
NASA NTRS2009

Functional Fault Modeling of a Cryogenic System for Real-Time Fault Detection and Isolation

When setting out to model and/or simulate a complex mechanical or electrical system, a modeler is faced with a vast array of tools, software, equations, algorithms and techniques that may individually or in concert aid in the development of the model. Mature requirements and a well understood purpose for the model may considerably shrink the field of possible tools and algorithms that will suit the modeling solution. Is the model intended to be used in an offline fashion or in real-time? On what platform does it need to execute? How long will the model be allowed to run before it outputs the desired parameters? What resolution is desired? Do the parameters need to be qualitative or quantitative? Is it more important to capture the physics or the function of the system in the model? Does the model need to produce simulated data? All these questions and more will drive the selection of the appropriate tools and algorithms, but the modeler must be diligent to bear in mind the final application throughout the modeling process to ensure the model meets its requirements without needless iterations of the design. The purpose of this paper is to describe the considerations and techniques used in the process of creating a functional fault model of a liquid hydrogen (LH2) system that will be used in a real-time environment to automatically detect and isolate failures.

Ferrell, Bob↗
DOE OSTI2021

Event-modeled Risk Assessment Using Linked Diagrams

Event Modeling Risk Assessment using Linked Diagrams (EMRALD) is a software tool developed at INL for researching the capabilities of dynamic PRA (Probabilistic Risk Assessment). In order to promote the effective use of dynamic PRA by the general community, EMRALD focuses on the following key aspects: Simplifying the modeling process by providing a structure that corresponds to traditional PRA modeling methods Providing a user interface (UI) that makes it easy for the user to model and visualize complex interactions Allowing the user to couple with other analysis applications such as physics based simulations. This includes one-way communication for most applications and two-way loose coupling for customizable applications Providing the sequence and timing of events that lead to the specified outcomes when calculating results Traditional aspects of components with basic events, fault trees, and event trees are all captured in a dynamic framework of state diagrams, which are displayed.

Prescott, SteveR↗
NASA NTRS1991

Terrestrial geophysics in the SeaRISE project

Some areas of research in the SeaRISE project are briefly discussed. They are as follows: (1) Radar Sounding serves multiple purposes. The most general and obvious is mapping ice thickness and the surface and bedrock topography of the ice sheet. (2) The purpose of Seismic Shooting, in addition to water depth measurements on floating ice, is to provide information about the internal physical characteristics of the ice sheet, the rock beneath it, and the interface between the two. (3) Passive Seismic monitoring of microearthquakes can be used to study brittle fracture within the ice or the rock beneath it. Common parameters available from these studies are fault location, orientation, and displacement, as well as the size of the rupture area, stress drop, and energy released. (4) There is a large contrast in Electrical Resistivity between ice or permafrost on the one hand and liquid water or wet rock on the other hand. Thus, electrical resistivity profiles have the ability of revealing the depth to the melting point, whether it is found at the base of the ice or in the subglacial rock. (5) Gravity anomalies, especially combined with seismic measurements, are an effective tool for determining deeper crustal structure. Anomalies averaged over extensive areas are useful also for their potential to reveal isostatic imbalance, which is a measure of average glacial change over the last several hundred years.

Bentley, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS2000

The 13th Technology of Deep Space One - Abstract

On October 24th, 1998, the Deep Space One (DS-1) spacecraft launched aboard a Delta II rocket as the first step towards the bold task of testing and validating 12 new technologies for future missions. This launch also represented yet another thrilling event; namely, the successful test and validation of a 13th heretofore undisclosed technology: model-based code-generation of the spacecraft's system-level fault-protection (FP) software from behavioral state diagrams and structural models.In this paper, we describe the process we used to leverage model-based code generation from state diagrams and structural specifications to better respond to the evolving requirements and scope of DS- I's system-level fault-protection design, development, test and operation. The evolution of the high-level design and the low-level changes in the flight software architecture and interfaces contributed to multiplying the number and frequency of fault-protection software releases thereby creating a multitude of software integration issues. To address the resulting software integration issues, we broadened the scope of code -eneration to other forms of model- based analysis techniques more traditionally associated with first-principle's reasoning about physical models. Additionally, we describe our in-flight launch and initial acquisition experience.

Rouquette, Nicolas↗