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NASA NTRS2026

Evidence of an Extended Period of Aqueous Alteration on the Bennu Parent Body Revealed By I-Xe Analyses

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission delivered to Earth 121.6 g of regolith material from asteroid Bennu on 24th September 2023. We report multi-step laser pyrolysis xenon isotopic analysis to investigate the I-Xe system in individual particles separated from aggregate material (a mixture of small particles of undefined lithology). The high sensitivity of the RELAX mass spectrometer allows us to observe small excesses of individual isotopes and separate out different components, which may not be possible using a conventional noble gas mass spectrometer. The temperature resolution of RELAX is sufficient to seek an I-Xe isochron from step heating analysis of a sample mass <100 μg, which can contribute to our understanding of the nature and timing of aqueous alteration on Bennu’s parent body. We also aim to better estimate and understand the iodine concentration of CI chondrite-like material.

S A Crowther↗

NASA NTRS2026

Artemis Suit Material Effects of Calendaring Woven Fabrics on Dust Resistance

This paper presents one element of an ongoing NASA technology-infusion effort to design, fabricate, and test a new outer shell fabric for a lunar Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit, a critical component of sustained lunar exploration. A primary challenge for suit textiles is preventing lunar dust, which is highly abrasive, electrostatically charged, and capable of infiltrating even tightly woven fabrics from penetrating the Environment Protection Garment (EPG) and compromising suit durability and astronaut safety. To enhance dust-blocking performance, the Artemis Suit Materials Team investigated calendaring, a continuous roll to roll mechanical finishing process in which fabric passes through heated rollers under high pressure to compress and flatten the weave, thereby reducing pore size and modifying surface texture without significantly affecting other properties. Targeted testing of calendared Teflon™ T-162 and Ortho Fabric samples provides new insight into how calendaring influences dust resistance, informing future material development and advancing EVA suit technology for long-duration lunar missions.

Dust↗

DOE OSTI2026

Role of ion acoustic instability in magnetic reconnection

We report on a first-principles numerical study of magnetic reconnection in plasmas with different initial ion-to-electron temperature ratios. In cases where this ratio is significantly below unity, we observe intense wave activity in the diffusion region, driven by the ion-acoustic instability. Our analysis shows that the dominant macroscopic effect of this instability is to drive substantial ion heating. In contrast to earlier studies reporting significant anomalous resistivity, we find that anomalous contributions due to the ion-acoustic instability are minimal. These results shed light on the dynamical impact of this instability on reconnection processes, offering new insights into the fundamental physics governing collisionless reconnection.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRS2026

Artemis Suit Material Effects of Calendaring Woven Fabrics on Dust Resistance

Dust↗

DOE OSTI2023

Thermal Disorder‐Induced Strain and Carrier Localization Activate Reverse Halide Segregation

The reversal of halide ions is studied under various conditions. However, the underlying mechanism of heat-induced reversal remains unclear. This work finds that dynamic disorder-induced localization of self-trapped polarons and thermal disorder-induced strain (TDIS) can be co-acting drivers of reverse segregation. Localization of polarons results in an order of magnitude decrease in excess carrier density (polaron population), causing a reduced impact of the light-induced strain (LIS – responsible for segregation) on the perovskite framework. Meanwhile, exposing the lattice to TDIS exceeding the LIS can eliminate the photoexcitation-induced strain gradient, as thermal fluctuations of the lattice can mask the LIS strain. Under continuous 0.1 W cm -2 illumination (upon segregation), the strain disorder is estimated to be 0.14%, while at 80 °C under dark conditions, the strain is 0.23%. However, in situ heating of the segregated film to 80 °C under continuous illumination (upon reversal) increases the total strain disorder to 0.25%, where TDIS is likely to have a dominant contribution. Therefore, the contribution of entropy to the system's free energy is likely to dominate, respectively. Various temperature-dependent in situ measurements and simulations further support the results. These findings highlight the importance of strain homogenization for designing stable perovskites under real-world operating conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Particle Degradation of a Ytterbium Disilicate Gas Turbine Coating in a Combustion Environment

Ytterbium disilicate (Yb2Si2O7) is a state-of-the-art topcoat material used in environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) to protect SiC-SiC composites from water vapor corrosion in gas turbine engines. However, it’s degradation by thermochemical and thermomechanical particle interactions may limit its use in next generation engine systems. Several static furnace tests have been performed on Yb2Si2O7 to elucidate methods of degradation, although dynamic testing in an engine-relevant environment has not been carried out. Ultimately, testing and evaluation of materials that incorporates all environmental damage modes will allow for an accurate assessment of long-term durability and operating lifetime. This work details the investigation of particle-induced erosion and corrosion of Yb2Si2O7 in NASA Glenn’s Erosion Burner Rig Facility. Coating durability was investigated as a function of test temperature, particle size, and deposition rate. Thermal cycling was also incorporated into testing to determine the interplay of heating/cooling cycles with particle degradation. Overall, these analyses will be used to determine coating robustness in an engine relevant environment.

Jamesa L Stokes↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Particle Degradation of a Ytterbium Disilicate Gas Turbine Coating in a Combustion Environment

Jamesa L Stokes↗

DOE OSTI1975

Nuclear Safety [Vol. 16, No. 2, March-April 1975]

Nuclear Safety covers significant developments in the field of nuclear safety. The scope is limited to topics relevant to the analysis and control of hazards associated with nuclear energy, operations involving fissionable materials, and the products of nuclear fission and their effects on the environment. Primary emphasis is on safety in reactor design, construction, and operation; however, safety considerations in regard to the entire fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, spent-fuel processing, nuclear waste disposal, handling of radioisotopes, and environmental effects of these operations, are also treated. Table of Contents for this issue follows. Table of Contents for this issue follows. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 127 Quality Assurance in the Construction of Nuclear Power Plants by Sidney A. Bernsen, 141 1974 ANS Topical Meeting on Fast Reactor Safety by M. H. Fontana; CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION: 150 GBR-4 Protection Systems: Failures and Their Consequences by Peter Burgsmüller, J. J. Dekais, Albert Krähe, Raffaello Pignatelli, and Gottfried Vieider, 162 Standby Emergency Power Systems. Part 2—The Later Plants by E. W. Hagen; PLANT SAFETY FEATURES: 180 Radiotoxic Hazard Measure for Buried Solid Radioactive Waste by J. Hamstra, 190 The Thirteenth AEC Air-Cleaning Conference by D. W. Moeller, D. W. Underhill, and M. W. First, 203 Book Review: Nuclear Criticality Safety; CONSEQUENCES OF EFFLUENT RELEASE: 204 Environmental Radiation Effects of Nuclear Facilities in New York State by M. S. Terpilak and B. L. Jorgensen, 222 Book Review: Thermal Ecology; OPERATING EXPERIENCES: 223 Set-Point Drift in Nuclear Power-Plant Safety-Related Instrumentation Adapted by the Nuclear Safety Staff, 224 Diesel-Generator Operating Experience at Nuclear Power Plants, 227 Summary of Operating U. S. Power Reactors as of Jan. 1, 1975, 232 Selected Safety-Related Occurrences Reported in November and December 1974 Compiled by William R. Casto, 235 Recent Occurrences at Nuclear Reactors and Their Causes Compiled by William R. Casto; CURRENT EVENTS: 243 General Administrative Activities Compiled by Wm. B. Cottrell, 251 Action on Power-Reactor Projects Undergoing Regulatory Review or Consideration Compiled by Wm. B. Cottrell, 266 Action on Nonreactor Projects Undergoing Regulatory Review or Consideration Compiled by Wm. B Cottrell, 268 Proposed Rule Changes as of Jan. 1, 1975; MISCELLANY: 149 Course in Italy on High-Energy Radiation Dosimetry and Protection (Announcement), 250 Course at Northwestern on Safety of Light-Water-Cooled Nuclear Power Plants (Announcement), 266 Symposium of the Combined Effects on the Environment of Radioactive, Chemical, and Thermal Releases from the Nuclear Industry (Announcement), 271 Short Course on Engineering for Extreme Winds and Tornadoes (Announcement), 272 Three 1-Week Courses at MIT on Nuclear Power-Reactor Safety (Announcement), 272 Harvard University Short Courses (Announcement).

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Simple device modification simultaneously enhances indoor passive evaporative cooling power and duration

Passive evaporative cooling from a damp cloth or vessel can be used for localized cooling of perishables such as food and medicine, drinking water, and even people. Such applications have two key objectives, which are normally in tension with each other: minimizing the water consumption rate and maximizing the cooling (steady-state temperature swing between the cool cloth and the warm surroundings). Here, we present a simple device that delivers higher performance in both metrics simultaneously by adding a perforated aluminum foil sheet suspended over a stagnant air layer to thermally shield the evaporating surface while also facilitating mass transfer. Experimental results demonstrate a simultaneous 10%–25% increase in temperature swing and 2–3× reduction in water consumption rate as compared to conventional evaporative cooling. This improvement is achieved through careful modeling to optimize the coupled heat and mass transfer through the airgap (thermally insulating and vapor permeable) and perforated foil (infrared reflective and vapor permeable).

Chen, Sarah Mizuno↗

NASA NTRS1960

A Coaxial Flow Reactor - A Gaseous Nuclear-Rocket Concept

Aspects of a new gaseous nuclear-rocket concept are considered. The principle of this type of cavity reactor is one of maintaining the separation of two coaxial streams - fuel within propellant - rather than attaining the separation of fuel propellant gases within the cavity. An acceptably low uranium consumption rate is possible if the fuel stream can be maintained at an axial velocity which is 1/100 to 1/1000 of the propellant velocity. An elementary hydrodynamic analysis for laminar incompressible flow indicates that the average uranium core velocity may only reach 2 to 11 times the initial core velocity for a typical reactor. The results of a 1-D criticality analysis for a D2O/(235)U system show that the effect of shrinking the fuel region within the reactor cavity is not serious; the effects of moderator heating and structural materials on critical mass are also shown. Overall rocket performance calculations are made for reasonable operating conditions; these results indicate that thrusts from 25,000 to 50,000 pounds and accelerations from 10(exp -1) to 3 g are possible.

Herbert Weinstein↗

DOE OSTI2024

MHONGOOSE: A MeerKAT nearby galaxy H I survey

The MHONGOOSE (MeerKAT H IObservations of Nearby Galactic Objects: Observing Southern Emitters) survey maps the distribution and kinematics of the neutral atomic hydrogen (H I) gas in and around 30 nearby star-forming spiral and dwarf galaxies to extremely low H Icolumn densities. The H Icolumn density sensitivity (3σover 16 km s −1 ) ranges from ∼5 × 10 17 cm −2 at 90″ resolution to ∼4 × 10 19 cm −2 at the highest resolution of 7″. The H Imass sensitivity (3σover 50 km s −1 ) is ∼5.5 × 10 5 M ⊙ at a distance of 10 Mpc (the median distance of the sample galaxies). The velocity resolution of the data is 1.4 km s −1 . One of the main science goals of the survey is the detection of cold accreting gas in the outskirts of the sample galaxies. The sample was selected to cover a range in H Imasses from 10 7 M ⊙ to almost 10 11 M ⊙ in order to optimally sample possible accretion scenarios and environments. The distance to the sample galaxies ranges from 3 to 23 Mpc. In this paper, we present the sample selection, survey design, and observation and reduction procedures. We compared the integrated H Ifluxes based on the MeerKAT data with those derived from single-dish measurement and find good agreement, indicating that our MeerKAT observations are recovering all flux. We present H Imoment maps of the entire sample based on the first ten percent of the survey data, and find that a comparison of the zeroth- and second-moment values shows a clear separation in the physical properties of the H Ibetween areas with star formation and areas without related to the formation of a cold neutral medium. Finally, we give an overview of the H I-detected companion and satellite galaxies in the 30 fields, five of which have not previously been cataloged. We find a clear relation between the number of companion galaxies and the mass of the main target galaxy.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

NASA NTRS1999

Solid Inflammability Boundary at Low Speed (SIBAL)

This research program is concerned with the effect of low-speed, concurrent flow on the spreading and extinction processes of flames over solid fuels. The primary objective is to verify the theoretically predicted extinction boundary, using oxygen percentage and flow velocity as coordinates. In particular, we are interested in the low-speed quenching limits and the existence of the critical oxygen flammability limit. Detailed flame spread characteristics, including flame spread rate, flame size, and flame structure are sought. Since the predicted flame behavior depends on the inclusion of flame and surface radiation, the measured results will also be used to assess the importance of radiative heat transfer by direct comparison to a comprehensive numerical model. This project passed the Science Concept Review (SCR) in 1996. As a result, the experiment continues on the flight definition path, and is currently scheduled to be performed in the Space Station Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR). We present an overview of recent and ongoing work, including selected experimental and theoretical topics.

James S T'ien↗

NASA NTRS2023

Satellite characterization of global stratospheric sulfate aerosols released by Tonga volcano

Large volcanic eruptions create an enhanced layer of sulfate aerosols in the stratosphere. These sulfuric acid droplets persist for many months, altering the climate and stratospheric chemistry. Sulfate aerosols scatter sunlight back to space, cooling the surface of the Earth and absorb outgoing thermal radiation, heating the stratosphere. The calculation of the climate impact of sulfate aerosols depends on their physical properties such as droplet size and chemical composition. These properties are not well known, and this uncertainty contributes to the errors in climate model predictions. Here we derive the first empirical formula that predicts the composition of stratospheric sulfate aerosols from volcanic eruptions from the air temperature and water vapor pressure. Measurements of atmospheric infrared transmittance of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai sulfate aerosol plume by the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) satellite were analyzed to determine composition (weight percent of sulfuric acid) and median particle radius. These data are supplemented by measurements of the Raikoke and Nabro eruptions. Our analysis allows the properties of volcanic aerosols in the stratosphere to be predicted reliably in atmospheric models.

P Bernath↗

DOE OSTI2026

STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL CHARPY TESTING FROM HIGH FLUENCE SURVEILLANCE CAPSULE

The Palisades Nuclear Generating Station included in its original surveillance program a surveillance capsule, designated A-60. The capsule was removed from its surveillance position in early 1995 and has been resident in the spent fuel pool since that time. It was harvested to perform characterization of surveillance specimens in this capsule in 2023. This capsule was irradiated to a fluence of 1.96x1020 n/cm2 (E> 1MeV) that is equivalent for more than 150 effective full power years for the current US reactor pressure vessel (RPV) fleet. This capsule contained several materials, including Charpy specimens of standard reference material (SRM) from Heavy-Section Steel Technology (HSST) A533-B Plate 01. To perform Charpy testing of this highly irradiated material, the new Charpy specimen transfer system was designed and implemented on Charpy impact testing machine in the hot cell to accommodate remote testing of these specimens. This new transfer system includes integrated environmental chamber to cool or heat Charpy specimens to the desired temperature. Testing of this highly irradiated material revealed very large shift of Charpy transition temperature, 188oC.

Sokolov, Mikhail [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000256373346)↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Bosch Carbon Catalyst Regeneration in Water I: Bosch Carbon Removal from Reacted Beads Utilizing Mechanical Agitation

The ability to recover oxygen from metabolic carbon dioxide is crucial for crewed long duration missions in which the atmosphere must be recycled. Two physiochemical methods are primarily employed for this purpose: the Bosch process and the Sabatier reaction. This paper focuses on the Bosch process. It utilizes hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to form water and solid carbon out of metabolic carbon dioxide. The solid carbon product deposits onto the catalyst and eventually causes reactor over pressurization issues. Multiple methods are currently being investigated to regenerate the catalyst’s surface and break up the pressure causing carbon clogs. This paper explores whether water and mechanical abrasion would work to remove Bosch carbon by testing multiple washing conditions. The different washing conditions involved agitation intensity, heating, duration, and volume of water. It was found that it is possible to break up the clumps of carbon formed in the reactor through agitation with room temperature water in one hour and shows promise for completely cleaning the carbon off the beads’ surface.

Agitation↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Power and Propulsion Element Steerable High Gain Antenna Lunar Transit Thermal Analysis Tracking Methodology

The Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) is an ion thruster propulsion spacecraft developed as an element of Space Reactor (SR-1) Freedom to provide propulsion, communications and power for the spacecraft. PPE was originally being developed for the use with the lunar orbiting space station Gateway as one of the first two planned elements. PPE was to be launched with the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) element in a configuration called the Co-Manifested Vehicle (CMV) that would arrive at a Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) around the Moon via a lunar transit spiral trajectory phase. The PPE communication system is equipped with two Steerable High Gain Antennas (SHGA) each steered by a two-axis gimbal (TAG) mechanism. A thermal analysis was conducted during the near-Earth spiral phase of the mission using Thermal Desktop (TD). This analysis utilized multiple axis Earth tracking articulators in combination with SINDA system internal environmental heating symbols to produce accurate Earth ground station tracking communication system temperatures. This presentation provides an overview of the communication system thermal model and the analysis methodology.

Thermal Analysis↗

NASA NTRS2026

Hydrofluoroether (HFE) Cleaning Fluid Replacement and Qualification

This NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Technical Assessment Report addresses the urgent need to identify, test, and qualify replacement cleaning solvents and technologies following 3M’s decision to discontinue production of hydrofluoroether (HFE) products, including Novec HFE-7100, by the end of 2025. HFE-7100 is widely used across NASA for precision cleaning of ground and flight hardware, especially in oxygen system components, and as a heat transfer fluid in high-power-density thermal control systems. The assessment evaluates commercially available replacement solvents, alternative cleaning technologies, and their compatibility with NASA’s operational requirements. Key findings include the identification of viable solvent replacements, their performance in contaminant removal, materials compatibility, and oxygen system safety. The report also explores novel cleaning approaches, including aqueous, supercritical CO₂, cryogenic aerosol, plasma, UV-ozone, magnetically optimized fluids, and induced charge active filtration, highlighting their merits, limitations, and readiness for NASA adoption. The NESC provides recommendations for solvent selection, facility adaptation, and continued technology maturation to ensure mission continuity and regulatory compliance.

Alternative Cleaning Technologies↗

DOE OSTI2026

Limited proteolysis of pea protein to promote aggregation/gelation: role of enzyme concentration and molecular characteristics

Limited proteolysis promotes aggregation/gelation of plant proteins, but its relationship with the molecular characteristics of hydrolysates remains poorly understood. In here, response surface methodology was employed to evaluate the effects of protein concentration, Alcalase level, and hydrolysis time on the storage modulus (G′) of pea protein hydrolysates (PPH). 7.5% protein, 1.65% Alcalase, and a 6-min reaction time resulted in the highest relative increase in G′ upon heating PPH, whereas both higher (3.55%) and lower (0.3%) Alcalase levels led to less increment. Increasing the Alcalase level increased the degree of hydrolysis while decreasing the molecular weight, surface hydrophobicity, and total sulfhydryl and disulfide bond contents of PPH. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and X-ray scattering analyses found PPH produced with 1.65% Alcalase formed interconnected aggregates with dual structural domains, but not at other Alcalase conditions. These results demonstrate the role of controlled proteolysis in governing the aggregation/gelation behavior of PPH.

X-ray scattering↗