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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 NTRS1997

Process for controlling morphology and improving thermal-mechanical performance of high performance interpenetrating and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks

In the process of the present invention, a non-polar, aprotic solvent is removed from an oligomer/polymer solution by freeze-drying in order to produce IPNs and semi-IPNs. By thermally quenching the solution to a solid in a short length of time, the size of the minor constituent-rich regions is greatly reduced as they are excluded along with the major constituent from the regions of crystallizing solvent. The use of this process sequence of controlling phase morphology provides IPNs and semi-IPNs with improved fracture toughness, microcracking resistance, and other physical-mechanical properties as compared to IPNs and semi-IPNs formed when the solvent is evaporated rather than sublimed.

Pater, Ruth H.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Mode Selection for a Single-Frequency Fiber Laser

A superstructured fiber-grating-based mode selection filter for a single-frequency fiber laser eliminates all free-space components, and makes the laser truly all-fiber. A ring cavity provides for stable operations in both frequency and power. There is no alignment or realignment required. After the fibers and components are spliced together and packaged, there is no need for specially trained technicians for operation or maintenance. It can be integrated with other modules, such as telescope systems, without extra optical alignment due to the flexibility of the optical fiber. The filter features a narrow line width of 1 kHz and side mode suppression ratio of 65 dB. It provides a high-quality laser for lidar in terms of coherence length and signal-to-noise ratio, which is 20 dB higher than solid-state or microchip lasers. This concept is useful in material processing, medical equipment, biomedical instrumentation, and optical communications. The pulse-shaping fiber laser can be directly used in space, airborne, and satellite applications including lidar, remote sensing, illuminators, and phase-array antenna systems.

Liu, Jian↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hydrodynamic expansion and near-infrared absorption of x-ray heated aluminum plasmas

We use x-ray pulses from dense argon plasmas at the Z Machine (Sandia National Laboratories) to generate hypersonic aluminum plasmas akin to material ejecta during proposed planetary defense missions, fusion reactor wall excursions, and other high-energy density processes. Near-infrared absorption is used to diagnose the controlled expansion of the plasmas through cylindrical cavities following their generation from x-ray heating of solid aluminum 7075 alloy. The data are compared to multidimensional radiation hydrodynamics simulations utilizing the ALEGRA multiphysics code, accounting for the dynamics of radiation scattering, material phase change, plasma expansion, thermal re-irradiation, and interactions with the cavity and with the infrared beams. To allow for accurate simulation, density functional theory is used to apply the Hagen–Rubens relation for the far-infrared and is adjoined with a detailed configuration accounting model using the Propaceos code, producing opacities spanning 10 −1 –10 4 eV photon energy for aluminum 7075 alloy, and in comparison with pure aluminum. The model is found to agree with experimental data in the higher-fluence regime when the Hagen–Rubens relation is applied. The ejected material, which is observed to travel up to 55 km/s, is comprised of a strongly ionized, non-LTE plasma front at ∼10 eV temperature followed by a weakly ionized LTE gas at higher density. The present findings lend some confidence to the broad-range equation of state and infrared opacity models for weakly ionized aluminum plasmas while demonstrating an approach to their future refinement, with potential application to astrophysical plasmas and other extreme processes.

Adiabatic process↗
DOE OSTI2026

Reacting CO 2 with Light Alkanes to Value-Added Products

Catalytic conversion of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into value-added products is a promising strategy to mitigate global carbon emissions. Concurrently, the shale gas revolution has provided an abundant supply of light alkanes (methane, ethane, propane, and butane), presenting a unique opportunity to employ these underutilized hydrocarbons as an effective, low-cost hydrogen source for CO 2 reduction. In this Perspective, we summarize past efforts, current state, and future opportunities for reacting CO 2 with light alkanes to generate a diverse range of value-added products. Compared with direct alkane conversion, the introduction of CO 2 fundamentally alters reaction thermodynamics and kinetics, enabling selective C–H and C–C bond activation while suppressing catalyst deactivation from coke formation. Building on decades of research in dry reforming and CO 2 -assisted dehydrogenation, recent advances in catalyst design have enabled CO 2 -assisted dehydrogenation processes that approach chemical equilibrium for the selective production of olefins and syngas. Importantly, advances in catalyst design and reactor engineering have further expanded the product scope beyond gas-phase (syngas and olefins) to include liquid-phase (oxygenates and aromatics), and solid-phase products (carbon nanomaterials). We highlight key catalyst design principles for controlling reaction pathways and discuss major challenges and opportunities in developing selective and versatile platforms for the simultaneous upgrading of CO 2 and light alkanes.

CO2↗
DOE OSTI2026

Additive Manufacturing of Cryogenic Austenitic Steel JK2LB via Wire-Fed Directed Energy Deposition (DED) for Fusion Energy Applications

This study explores the feasibility of fabricating cryogenic austenitic steel JK2LB via both laser-based directed energy deposition (laser-DED) and arc-based directed energy deposition (arc-DED) additive manufacturing processes for potential application in fusion reactors. JK2LB, a low-nickel, high-manganese stainless steel developed for ITER, offers excellent cryogenic toughness, radiation resistance, and decay-to-clearance characteristics. Although JK2LB was originally designed to endure cyclic stresses at cryogenic temperatures in tokamaks, its low-temperature mechanical integrity and radiation tolerance also make it a promising candidate for structural components, such as the coil case/support structure in nonplanar high-temperature superconducting magnet assemblies in stellarators. Directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing was selected for this study due to its capability to fabricate large structures with complex geometries. Here, to address the long lead time and high cost associated with acquiring conventional JK2LB solid wire, JK2LB powder-cored wire was developed as the feedstock material. Testing blocks were then fabricated using both wire-fed laser-DED and arc-DED processes. Microstructural and compositional analyses revealed that both DED approaches yield fully austenitic phase and columnar grain structures. Mechanical testing at room temperature revealed that both DED routes achieved yield strength and elongation comparable to those of conventionally processed JK2LB via vacuum melting, electroslag remelting, extrusion, and drawing, though ultimate tensile strength was reduced due to Mn loss and large columnar grains. As a study mainly focusing on the additive manufacturing process, this work demonstrates the potential of additive manufacturing for fusion energy applications and provides a basis for optimization and future cryogenic mechanical evaluation.

Cryogenic steel↗
NASA NTRS2000

A New Digital Holographic Instrument for Measuring Microphysical Properties of Contrails in the SASS (Subsonic Assessment) Program

SPEC incorporated designed, built and operated a new instrument, called a pi-Nephelometer, on the NASA DC-8 for the SUCCESS field project. The pi-Nephelometer casts an image of a particle on a 400,000 pixel solid-state camera by freezing the motion of the particle using a 25 ns pulsed, high-power (60 W) laser diode. Unique optical imaging and particle detection systems precisely detect particles and define the depth-of-field so that at least one particle in the image is almost always in focus. A powerful image processing engine processes frames from the solid-state camera, identifies and records regions of interest (i.e. particle images) in real time. Images of ice crystals are displayed and recorded with 5 micron pixel resolution. In addition, a scattered light system simultaneously measures the scattering phase function of the imaged particle. The system consists of twenty-eight 1-mm optical fibers connected to microlenses bonded on the surface of avalanche photo diodes (APDs). Data collected with the pi-Nephelometer during the SUCCESS field project was reported in a special issue of Geophysical Research Letters. The pi-Nephelometer provided the basis for development of a commercial imaging probe, called the cloud particle imager (CPI), which has been installed on several research aircraft and used in More than a dozen field programs.

Lawson, R. Paul↗
NASA NTRS2001

NASA Tech Briefs, February 2001

The topics include: 1) Application Briefs; 2) National Design Engineering Show Preview; 3) Marketing Inventions to Increase Income; 4) A Personal-Computer-Based Physiological Training System; 5) Reconfigurable Arrays of Transistors for Evolvable Hardware; 6) Active Tactile Display Device for Reading by a Blind Person; 7) Program Automates Management of IBM VM Computer Systems; 8) System for Monitoring the Environment of a Spacecraft Launch; 9) Measurement of Stresses and Strains in Muscles and Tendons; 10) Optical Measurement of Temperatures in Muscles and Tendons; 11) Small Low-Temperature Thermometer With Nanokelvin Resolution; 12) Heterodyne Interferometer With Phase-Modulated Carrier; 13) Rechargeable Batteries Based on Intercalation in Graphite; 14) Signal Processor for Doppler Measurements in Icing Research; 15) Model Optimizes Drying of Wet Sheets; 16) High-Performance POSS-Modified Polymeric Composites; 17) Model Simulates Semi-Solid Material Processing; 18) Modular Cryogenic Insulation; 19) Passive Venting for Alleviating Helicopter Tail-Boom Loads; 20) Computer Program Predicts Rocket Noise; 21) Process for Polishing Bare Aluminum to High Optical Quality; 22) External Adhesive Pressure-Wall Patch; 23) Java Implementation of Information-Sharing Protocol; 24) Electronic Bulletin Board Publishes Schedules in Real Time; 25) Apparatus Would Extract Water From the Martian Atmosphere; 26) Review of Research on Supercritical vs Subcritical Fluids; 27) Hybrid Regenerative Water-Recycling System; 28) Study of Fusion-Driven Plasma Thruster With Magnetic Nozzle; 29) Liquid/Vapor-Hydrazine Thruster Would Produce Small Impulses; and 30) Thruster Based on Sublimation of Solid Hydrazine

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1998

Process-Parameter-Dependent Optical and Structural Properties of ZrO2MgO Mixed-Composite Films Evaporated from the solid Solution

The process-parameter-dependent optical and structural properties of ZrO2MgO mixed-composite material have been investigated. Optical properties were derived from spectrophotometric measurements. By use of atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis, and energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis, the surface morphology, grain size distributions, crystallographic phases, and process-dependent material composition of films have been investigated. EDX analysis made evident the correlation between the oxygen enrichment in the films prepared at a high level of oxygen pressure and the very low refractive index. Since oxygen pressure can be dynamically varied during a deposition process, coatings constructed of suitable mixed-composite thin films can benefit from continuous modulation of the index of refraction. A step modulation approach is used to develop various multilayer-equivalent thin-film devices.

Sahoo, N. K.↗
DOE OSTI2026

All-organic self-separating three-dimensionally nanoarchitected electrochemical energy storage devices

This work realizes a three-dimensionally (3D) nanoarchitected, all organic, "self-separating" lithium-ion electrochemical energy storage (EES) device that is cycled as a solid-state full cell. The device is enabled by a monolithic carbon anode with a co-continuous pore network, derived from the structure direction of resols by an ultra-large molar mass block copolymer (BCP), poly(styrene-block-2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (SA). Electropolymerization of a single-phase conductive and redox-active material, poly((2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-2-yl)methyl 9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2-carboxylate) (PAQEDOT), into the pore space provides the cathode of the cell. The device is electronically contacted to the relevant electrode network enabled by the co-continuous nature of each electrode. Electrochemical processing via cycling against external lithium in an electrolyte generates a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) as a separator and lithiates the cell electrodes, after which the EES device is cycled in the solid state. While the full cell does not demonstrate high cyclability, the best full cell demonstrates a discharge capacity of 267 milliamp hours per gram (mAh/g). This work marks, to the best of knowledge of the authors, the first example of an all-organic materials derived 3D nanoarchitected EES device, as well as the first design of "self-separating" cell fabrication. Furthermore, generalization of the design to another co-continuous carbon form factor is demonstrated.

FOS: Physical sciences↗
DOE OSTI2025

Decision-tree structures utilizing a phase-transition material

The rich internal physics due to competing electronic phases present in phase-transition materials such as VO2 offer the potential for compact building block design for emerging non-von Neumann computing technologies. Here, based on the relaxation dynamics of an insulator-metal phase transition, we demonstrate experimentally a decision-tree classifier embedded within a single volatile resistive switching device. The tree is constructed by the combination of the voltage pulse and relaxation time and can adapt to different tasks. We use machine learning to analyze the relaxation process, enabling a predictive voltage-relaxation time phase diagram for the electrical resistance state. Classification of the etiology of the chronic cough is presented as a proof-of-principle use case. Further, our approach can be generalized to broader classes of solid-state and solid-liquid interfacial systems that demonstrate a variety of phase relaxations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1990

Ignition transient analysis of solid rocket motor

To predict pressure-time and thrust-time behavior of solid rocket motors, a one-dimensional numerical model is developed. The ignition phase of solid rocket motors (time less than 0.4 sec) depends critically on complex interactions among many elements, such as rocket geometry, heat and mass transfer, flow development, and chemical reactions. The present model solves the mass, momentum, and energy equations governing the transfer processes in the rocket chamber as well as the attached converging-diverging nozzle. A qualitative agreement with the SRM test data in terms of head-end pressure gradient and the total thrust build-up is obtained. Numerical results show that the burning rate in the star-segmented head-end section and the erosive burning are two important parameters in the ignition transient of the solid rocket motor (SRM).

Han, Samuel S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Rapid solidification of high-conductivity copper alloys

The main objective was to develop improved copper alloys of high strength and high thermal and electric conductivity. Chill block melt spinning was used to produce binary alloys of Cu-Cr and Cu-Zr, and ternary alloys of Cu-Cr-Ag. By quenching from the liquid state, up to 5 atomic percent of Cr and Zr were retained in metastable extended solid solution during the rapid solidification process. Eutectic solidification was avoided and the full strengthening benefits of the large volume fraction of precipitates were realized by subsequent aging treatment. The very low solid solubility of Cr and Zr in Cu result in a high conductivity Cu matrix strengthened by second phase precipitates. Tensile properties on as-cast and aged ribbons were measured at room and elevated temperatures. Precipitate coarsening of Cr in Cu was studied by changes in electrical resistance during aging. X-ray diffraction was used to measure the lattice parameter and the degree of supersaturation of the matrix. The microstructures were characterized by optical and electron microscopy.

Bloom, Theodore Atlas↗
NASA NTRS1992

Titan's organic chemistry: Results of simulation experiments

Recent low pressure continuous low plasma discharge simulations of the auroral electron driven organic chemistry in Titan's mesosphere are reviewed. These simulations yielded results in good accord with Voyager observations of gas phase organic species. Optical constants of the brownish solid tholins produced in similar experiments are in good accord with Voyager observations of the Titan haze. Titan tholins are rich in prebiotic organic constituents; the Huygens entry probe may shed light on some of the processes that led to the origin of life on Earth.

Sagan, Carl↗
NASA NTRS2004

Aqueous Alteration Mineralogy in CM Carbonaceous Chondrites

Iron-nickel sulfides are found in most or all solar system environments, and are probably the only minerals found in all extraterrestrial materials on hand. Despite the ubiquity, they have not received the attention they deserve. The most common Fe-Ni sulfides in chondrites are troilite (FeS), pyrrhotite (Fe1- XS) and pentlandite (Fe,Ni)9S8. Troilite is believed to have resulted from sulfidation of metal (Fe-Ni) grains in an H2Scontaining environment. Pyrrhotite is produced when friable troilite grains, which are exfoliated from the metal nucleus, are submitted to continued sulfidation [1]. Some asteroids are known to have experienced aqueous alteration, forming products including new generations of sulfides (pyrrhotite and pentlandite). Pentlandite in particular is known to form during such alteration [1]. However, experimental work by Lauretta has indicated that pentlandite may also have been formed during the initial sulfidation process [2], due to the faster diffusion rate of nickel into the forming sulfide, as compared to iron. Finally, there is considerable evidence [1,3&4] for a family of phases intermediate between pyrrhotite and pentlandite, following the trend of the high temperature monosulfide solid solution [5], something not encountered in terrestrial rocks.

Chokai, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ultramicrowave communications system, phase 3

The ultramicrowave communications system program investigated the feasibility of a solid state system that meets the projected space to space requirements, while using the advantages of the 100 to 200 GHz band. The program successfully demonstrated a laboratory model of a high frequency communications system operating between 100 to 200 GHz. In the process, vendor claims for performance specifications of discrete components were evaluated, and a window was provided into system design and integration problems.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2025

Interface morphogenesis with a deformable secondary phase in solid-state lithium batteries

Here, the complex morphological evolution of lithium metal at the solid-state electrolyte interface limits performance of solid-state batteries, leading to inhomogeneous reactions and contact loss. Inspired by biological morphogenesis, we developed an interfacial self-regulation concept in which a deformable secondary phase dynamically aggregates at the interface in response to local electro-chemo-mechanical stimuli, enhancing contact. The stripping of a lithium electrode that contains 5 to 20 mole % electrochemically inactive sodium domains causes spontaneous sodium accumulation across the interface, with the sodium deforming to attain intimate electrical contact without blocking lithium transport. This process, characterized with operando x-ray tomography and electron microscopy, mitigates voiding and improves cycling at low stack pressures. The counterintuitive strategy of adding electrochemically inactive alkali metal to improve performance demonstrates the utility of interfacial self-regulation for solid-state batteries.

Yoon, Sun Geun [Georgia Institute of Technology, A↗
NASA NTRS1996

Interaction of Peroxynitric Acid with Solid H2O Ice

The uptake of peroxynitric acid (PNA), HO2NO2 or HNO4, on solid H2O ice at 193 K (-80 C) was studied using a fast flow-mass spectrometric technique. An uptake coefficient of 0.15 +/- 0.10 was measured, where the quoted uncertainty denotes 2 standard deviations. The uptake process did not result in the production of gas phase products. The composition of the condensed phase was investigated using programmed heating (3 K/min) of the substrate coupled with mass spectrometric detection of desorbed species. Significant quantities of HNO, and HNO3 desorbed from the substrates at temperatures above 225 K and 246 K, respectively. The desorbed HNO3, which was less than 9% of the desorbed HNO, and remained unchanged upon incubation of the substrate, was likely due to impurities in the HNO4 samples rather than reaction of HNO, on the substrate. The onset temperatures for HNO4 desorption increased with increasing H2O to HNO4 ratios, indicating that HNO4, like HNO3, tends to be hydrated in the presence of water. These observations suggest possible mechanisms for removal of HNO4 or repartitioning of total odd nitrogen species in the Earth's upper troposphere and stratosphere.

Li, Zhuangjie↗
NASA NTRS2003

NASA Tech Briefs, February 2003

opics covered include: Integrated Electrode Arrays for Neuro-Prosthetic Implants; Eroding Potentiometers; Common/Dependent-Pressure-Vessel Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries; 120-GHz HEMT Oscillator With Surface-Wave-Assisted Antenna; 80-GHz MMIC HEMT Voltage-Controlled Oscillator; High-Energy-Density Capacitors; Microscale Thermal-Transpiration Gas Pump; Instrument for Measuring Temperature of Water; Improved Measurement of Coherence in Presence of Instrument Noise; Compact Instruments Measure Helium-Leak Rates; Irreversible Entropy Production in Two-Phase Mixing Layers; Subsonic and Supersonic Effects in Bose-Einstein Condensate; Nanolaminate Mirrors With "Piston" Figure-Control Actuators; Mixed Conducting Electrodes for Better AMTEC Cells; Process for Encapsulating Protein Crystals; Lightweight, Self-Deployable Wheels; Grease-Resistant O Rings for Joints in Solid Rocket Motors; LabVIEW Serial Driver Software for an Electronic Load; Software Computes Tape-Casting Parameters; Software for Tracking Costs of Mars Projects; Software for Replicating Data Between X.500 and LDAP Directories; The Technical Work Plan Tracking Tool; Improved Multiple-DOF SAW Piezoelectric Motors; Propulsion Flight-Test Fixture; Mechanical Amplifier for a Piezoelectric Transducer; Swell Sleeves for Testing Explosive Devices; Linear Back-Drive Differentials; Miniature Inchworm Actuators Fabricated by Use of LIGA; Using ERF Devices to Control Deployments of Space Structures; High-Temperature Switched-Reluctance Electric Motor; System for Centering a Turbofan in a Nacelle During Tests; Fabricating Composite-Material Structures Containing SMA Ribbons; Optimal Feedback Control of Thermal Networks; Artifacts for Calibration of Submicron Width Measurements; Navigating a Mobile Robot Across Terrain Using Fuzzy Logic; Designing Facilities for Collaborative Operations; and Quantitating Iron in Serum Ferritin by Use of ICP-MS.

Source record↗