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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 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Development and fabrication of a solar cell junction processing system

Experiments were completed which indicate that single-pulse, liquid-phase epitaxial regrowth is the optimum technique for pulsed electron beam annealing of ion implantation damage in silicon wafers. An electron beam which covers the entire area of the wafer was chosen for the solar cell processor. Beam control experiments to improve beam propagation and to test the concept of partial space charge and current neutralization were initiated. The electrical parameters of the pulsed electron beam subsystem were chosen on the basis of computer calculations and past experience in pulsed electron accelerator design and operation. The pulser, designated SPI-PULSE 7000, is designed to anneal 10 cm diameter silicon wafers at a rate of 30 per minute. The preliminary design of the major elements of the SPI-PULSE 7000 was completed, and the detailed design of many of the components begun. These elements include a capacitive energy store and charging system, an electron accelerator, a beam control system, a wafer handling system and pressure and vacuum assemblies.

Halvason, W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Dynamic simulation of compressor and gas turbine performance

Dynamic simulation of compressor and gas turbine performance is useful in a variety of design, analysis, and test applications. Mathematical models employing estimated or experimentally-derived component characteristics have been widely used, especially for near-design-point studies of acceleration and deceleration transients and control strategies. With recent progress in simulation methods and computational power, it has become possible to build models with detail at the stage level, and with fundamental fluid mechanics input. Such models are more useful because of the ability to study the details of inter-component flow property behavior during machine transients, even including stall and surge. Dynamic performance simulation models are discussed with emphasis on the fundamental principles of the models and the methods used to represent component and stage flow characteristics. Results of several simulations of the dynamic behavior of multistage compressors are shown with comparisons to experimental data. Possibilities for advanced computational techniques for near-real-time simulations of compressors and gas turbines are reviewed.

Walter F O'Brien↗
DOE OSTI2024

IB3A Helium Recovery System

An evaluation of the Fermilab's helium cryogenics test facilities has identified a pressing need for a helium recovery system in the Technical Division's Industrial Building 3a (IB3A). The IB3A facility, which plays a crucial role in testing components for various research projects, including the High-Luminosity LHC Accelerator Upgrade and Mu2e, currently vents helium into the air. Implementing recovery practices is essential due to helium's non-renewable nature and the goal of sustaining the Fermilab's scientific operations long-term. This poster covers benefits helium recovery for Fermilab and highlights the most important aspects of current helium recovery effort.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacture Nb1Zr Development

Next generation fission and fusion nuclear reactors require materials that can withstand operating temperatures greater than 500 °C, neutron irradiation doses of up to 200 displacements per atom (dpa), and potentially corrosive coolants such as the alkali liquid metals sodium, lithium, and NaK (Na33K eutectic alloy). Refractory alloys, such as Nb1Zr (Nb-1wt%Zr) and Molybdenum alloy TZM (Mo-0.5wt%Ti-0.08wt%Zr) have been traditionally considered viable candidates for advanced fission and fusion reactor concepts. However, it is relatively difficult to generate complex geometries of interest from these alloys using traditional manufacturing methods. In addition, there needs to be a concentrated effort to address refractory metal challenges at elevated temperature operation. In order to generate complex geometries of interest, modern manufacturing techniques are considered to increase the technological readiness level (TRL), cost-effectiveness, and schedule savings. This work focused on the continued development of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) to improve both design flexibility, evaluate microstructure and properties, and ultimately accelerate the TRL and qualification of these processes and alloys for components to potentially be put into service. Niobium alloy Nb1Zr was identified through a down-selection process outlined in previous reports as a candidate to develop in L-PBF AM. Historically, Nb1Zr had been explored for high temperature fast spectrum fission reactors for both terrestrial and space applications. Molybdenum alloy TZM has also been considered for these reactor concepts due to exceptional high-temperature strength, creep resistance, and stability under irradiation. L-PBF AM of TZM has previously been investigated at LANL under the Microreactor program, NASA, ORNL, and in academia. However, due to the crack prone nature of TZM, L-PBF AM of TZM resulted in significant microcracking and additional development is required to pursue viable maturation. Other AM methods have been found to be more successful in printing TZM, and those alternatives approaches are discussed in this effort. The efforts detailed in this report focused on continued development of Nb1Zr through L-PBF and development of TZM via L-PBF and electron powder bed fusion (E-PBF). The objective of this work was to further the development of these AM techniques for the chosen refractory alloys, elucidating and addressing associated challenges through characterization of several demonstration builds. At LANL, Nb1Zr builds were completed using an EOS M290 and M400 machines, and a refractory alloy-dedicated L-PBF system, the Xact Metal XM200G, was installed. The XM200G primary purpose was to do the Nb1Zr parameter development process; however, due to difficulties associated with the machine installation and qualification process, it was decided to pivot development to the larger M400 and M290 machines. Although the supply of Nb1Zr powder was limited, it was sufficient to generate sub-scale metallographic specimens for the purpose of parameter development. This was first accomplished on the EOS M400 then the M290 due to machine schedule availability. Further development of TZM has been initiated at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) under contract with LANL to use both a heated build envelope L-PBF machine and E-PBF machine that have been found in the literature to mitigate microcracking. UTEP was provided with TZM powder and build plates to support parallel TZM parameter development across both machines. As part of the contract, UTEP will also be conducting microstructural characterization once optimized process parameters have been identified. The optimized process parameters for each machine will be used to generate a series of metallographic, mechanical, and surface finish specimens for subsequent characterization and testing. In the next section, we provide a detailed discussion of the methodology used for investigating the feasibility of leveraging these alloys for use in advanced reactor applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fitness for Service Assessment of a Corroded Heat Exchanger

Fermilab s Main Injector Accelerator has used shell & tube heat exchangers to cool various beamline components since its construction in the late 1990s. Many of the heat exchangers still around today are original to the machine. Untreated pond water has been used to exchange heat with the Low Conductivity Water. Throughout the lifetime of Fermilab s heat exchangers, they have undergone significant material degradation in the carbon steel end channels due to corrosion. Wall thickness measurements (per API 510) of each heat exchanger were used to generate a 3D model of the corroded surfaces. In order to continue their safe and reliable operation, ASME FFS-1/API 579 (Fitness-For-Service) was implemented to address their integrity. The assessments consisted of finite element analysis techniques outlined in ASME Section VIII Div. 2 (design by analysis methods for pressure vessels), in accordance with the requirements of ASME FFS-1 Part 4: General Metal Loss, Part 5: Local Metal Loss, and Part 9: Crack Like Flaws. The assessments concluded that each heat exchanger is coined Fit For Service . The Fitness-For-Service standard offers a unique opportunity to facilities and institutions within the DOE National Lab complex to properly and safely assess the integrity of aging equipment necessary to conduct science and research. This poster demonstrates the assessment process and techniques used to determine the heat exchangers are fit for service.

Humenik, Alex [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Defining quantum-ready primitives for hybrid HPC-QC supercomputing: a case study in Hamiltonian simulation

As computational demands in scientific applications continue to rise, hybrid high-performance computing (HPC) systems integrating classical and quantum computers (HPC-QC) are emerging as a promising approach to tackling complex computational challenges. One critical area of application is Hamiltonian simulation, a fundamental task in quantum physics and other large-scale scientific domains. This paper investigates strategies for quantum-classical integration to enhance Hamiltonian simulation within hybrid supercomputing environments. By analyzing computational primitives in HPC allocations dedicated to these tasks, we identify key components in Hamiltonian simulation workflows that stand to benefit from quantum acceleration. To this end, we systematically break down the Hamiltonian simulation process into discrete computational phases, highlighting specific primitives that could be effectively offloaded to quantum processors for improved efficiency. Our empirical findings provide insights into system integration, potential offloading techniques, and the challenges of achieving seamless quantum-classical interoperability. We assess the feasibility of quantum-ready primitives within HPC workflows and discuss key barriers such as synchronization, data transfer latency, and algorithmic adaptability. These results contribute to the ongoing development of optimized hybrid solutions, advancing the role of quantum-enhanced computing in scientific research.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1977

Hybrid propulsion system with a gyro component for economic and dynamic operation

The design of a hybrid drive with gyro components is described and its drive components for a medium class private car are discussed. The gyro component affects the short-period output of the drive by accelerating and slowing down and -- because of the mechanical transfer of kinetic energy between the gyro and the vehicle -- it affects also the energy balance in the case of intermittent operation. Energy can be taken in as desired either in the form of fuel or as fuel and current. A high energy recovery efficiency as well as the favorable operating range of the interval combustion engine makes it possible to reduce the fuel consumption per unit distance travelled to almost half that for a private car with a traditional engine.

Giera, B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A new approach to active control of rotorcraft vibration

A state-variable feedback approach is utilized for active control of rotorcraft vibration. Fuselage accelerations are passed through undamped second-order filters with resonant frequencies at N/rev. The resulting outputs contain predominantly the N/rev vibration components, phase shifted by 180 deg, and are used to drive the blade pitch to cancel this component of fuselage vibration. The linear-quadratic-gaussian (LQG) method is used to design a feedback control system utilizing these filtered accelerations. The design is based on a nine-degree-of-freedom linear model of the Rotor System Research Aircraft (RSRA) in hover and is evaluated on a nonlinear blade-element simulation of the RSRA for this flight condition. The system is shown to essentially eliminate vibrations at N/rev in all axes. The required blade-pitch amplitude is within the capability of conventional actuators at the N/rev frequency.

Gupta, N. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The spatial distribution of 6 centimeter gyroresonance emission from a flaring X-ray loop

Simultaneous high resolution soft X-ray, and 6-cm images of the decay phase of an M3 X-ray flare in Hale Region 16413 have been compared. The X-ray images were obtained with a sounding rocket flown on November 7, 1979 and the 6-cm observations were made with the VLA. A large loop system approximately 1.3 arc min in length, with an average temperature of about 8,000,000 K made up the X-ray flare structure. The peak 6-cm emission seemed to originate from a region below the X-ray loop, and its predicted flux due to thermal bremsstrahlung was approximately one order of magnitude less than observed. The expected gyroresonance absorption is examined through a loop geometry model, and it is found that thermal gyroresonance emission requiring large azimuthal or radial field components, or non-thermal gyrosynchrotron emission which involves continuous electron acceleration, may explain the observations.

Kahler, S. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Life cycle cost assessment of future low heat rejection engines

The Adiabatic Diesel Engine Component Development (ADECD) represents a project which has the objective to accelerate the development of highway truck engines with advanced technology aimed at reduced fuel consumption. The project comprises three steps, including the synthesis of a number of engine candidate designs, the coupling of each with a number of systems for utilizing exhaust gas energy, and the evaluation of each combination in terms of desirability. Particular attention is given to the employed evaluation method and the development of this method. The objective of Life Cycle Cost (LCC) evaluation in the ADECD program was to select the best from among 42 different low heat rejection engine (LHRE)/exhaust energy recovery system configurations. The LCC model is discussed along with a maintenance cost model, the evaluation strategy, the selection of parameter ranges, and a full factorial analysis.

Petersen, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Chromospheric-coronal coupling during solar flares: Current systems and particle acceleration

Two-dimensional (three velocity) electrostatic particle simulations are used to investigate the particle heating and acceleration associated with the impulsive phase of a solar flare. A crossfield current in the high corona (which is presumably driven by reconnection processes) is used to initiate the flare. Due to the differential motion of the electrons and ions, currents, and associated quasi-static electric fields are generated with the primary current and balancing return current being on adjacent field lines. These currents extend from the corona down into the chromosphere. Electrons can be accelerated to energies exceeding 100 keV on short time scales via the quasi-static fields and wave-particle interactions. The spectra of these electrons has a broken power-law distribution which hardens in time. The spatially separate primary and return currents are closed by the cross-field acceleration of the ambient ions into the primary current regions. These ions are then accelerated upwards into the corona by the same quasi-static electric field accelerating the electrons downwards. This acceleration can account for the broadened stationary and weak blue shifted component seen in soft x ray line emissions and enhancements in heavy ion abundances seen in the solar wind in associations with solar flares.

Winglee, Robert M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Spacecraft on-orbit coupled loads analysis

A method is presented for coupled loads analysis of on-orbit spacecraft systems. Discrete models are coupled then reduced using the Craig-Bampton technique. Coupled system transient response is determined as well as substructure interface forces and center-of-gravity accelerations. Typical results are presented for a spacecraft system having three components and being subjected to rocket motor thrust.

Tinker, Michael L.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Analysis of RXTE data on Clusters of Galaxies

This grant provided support for the reduction, analysis and interpretation of of hard X-ray (HXR, for short) observations of the cluster of galaxies RXJO658--5557 scheduled for the week of August 23, 2002 under the RXTE Cycle 7 program (PI Vahe Petrosian, Obs. ID 70165). The goal of the observation was to search for and characterize the shape of the HXR component beyond the well established thermal soft X-ray (SXR) component. Such hard components have been detected in several nearby clusters. distant cluster would provide information on the characteristics of this radiation at a different epoch in the evolution of the imiverse and shed light on its origin. We (Petrosian, 2001) have argued that thermal bremsstrahlung, as proposed earlier, cannot be the mechanism for the production of the HXRs and that the most likely mechanism is Compton upscattering of the cosmic microwave radiation by relativistic electrons which are known to be present in the clusters and be responsible for the observed radio emission. Based on this picture we estimated that this cluster, in spite of its relatively large distance, will have HXR signal comparable to the other nearby ones. The planned observation of a relatively The proposed RXTE observations were carried out and the data have been analyzed. We detect a hard X-ray tail in the spectrum of this cluster with a flux very nearly equal to our predicted value. This has strengthen the case for the Compton scattering model. We intend the data obtained via this observation to be a part of a larger data set. We have identified other clusters of galaxies (in archival RXTE and other instrument data sets) with sufficiently high quality data where we can search for and measure (or at least put meaningful limits) on the strength of the hard component. With these studies we expect to clarify the mechanism for acceleration of particles in the intercluster medium and provide guidance for future observations of this intriguing phenomenon by instrument on GLAST. The details of the nonthermal particle population has important implications for the theories of cluster formation, mergers and evolution. The results of this work were first presented at the High Energy Division meeting of the American astronomical Society at Mt. Tremblene, Canada (Petrosian et al. 2003). and in an invited review talk at the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union at Sydney, Australia (Petrosian, 2003). A paper describe the observations, the data analysis and its implication is being prepared for publication in the Astrophysical Journal.

Petrosian, Vahe↗
NASA NTRS1993

Development of a piezopolymer pressure sensor for a portable fetal heart rate monitor

A piezopolymer pressure sensor has been developed for service in a portable fetal heart rate monitor, which will permit an expectant mother to perform the fetal nonstress test, a standard predelivery test, in her home. Several sensors are mounted in an array on a belt worn by the mother. The sensor design conforms to the distinctive features of the fetal heart tone, namely, the acoustic signature, frequency spectrum, signal amplitude, and localization. The components of a sensor serve to fulfill five functions: signal detection, acceleration cancellation, acoustical isolation, electrical shielding, and electrical isolation of the mother. A theoretical analysis of the sensor response yields a numerical value for the sensor sensitivity, which is compared to experiment in an in vitro sensor calibration. Finally, an in vivo test on patients within the last six weeks of term reveals that nonstress test recordings from the acoustic monitor compare well with those obtained from conventional ultrasound.

Heart Rate, Fetal/physiology↗
NASA NTRS2003

Effect of High Impact or Non-impact Loading Activity on Bone Bending Stiffness and Mineral Density

Material properties of conical bone, including mineral density (BMD) and its geometry is closely related to its load-carrying capacity. These two primary components determine the strength of conical bone. High impact loading involving acceleration and deceleration movements used in gymnastics induce higher BMD of the affected bone compared to the non-impact acceleration and deceleration movements used in swimming. Study of these two groups of athletes on bone bending stiffness has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in bone bending stiffness and BMD between competitive female synchronized swimmers and female gymnasts. Thirteen world class female synchronized swimmers (SYN) and 8 female gymnasts (GYM), mean age 21 +/- 2.9 yr. were recruited for this study. We used a mechanical response tissue analyzer (Gaitscan, NJ) to calculate EI, where E is Young's modulus of elasticity and I is the cross-sectional moment of inertia. EI was obtained from tissue response to a vibration probe placed directly on the skin of the mid-region of tibia and ulna. BMD of the heel and wrist were measured with a probe densitometer (PIXI, Lunor, WI). The SYN were taller than (p < 0.05) the GYM but weighed the same as the GYM. EI obtained from tibia and ulna of the SYN (291 +/- 159 and 41 +/- 19.4, respectively) were not significantly different from thc GYM (285 +/- 140 and 44 +/- 18.3, respectively). BMD of the heel and wrist in GYM were higher than in SYN (p < 0.001). High impact weight-bearing activities promote similar bone strength but greater BMD response than non-impact activities performed in a buoyant environment.

Liang, Michael T. C.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Calculating the Motion and Direction of Flux Transfer Events with Cluster

We use multi-point timing analysis to determine the orientation and motion of flux transfer events (FTEs) detected by the four Cluster spacecraft on the high-latitude dayside and flank magnetopause during 2002 and 2003. During these years, the distances between the Cluster spacecraft were greater than 1000 km, providing the tetrahedral configuration needed to select events and determine velocities. Each velocity and location will be examined in detail and compared to the velocities and locations determined by the predictions of the component and antiparallel reconnection models for event formation, orientation, motion, and acceleration for a wide range of spacecraft locations and solar wind conditions.

Collado-Vega, Yaireska M.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Calculating the Motion and Direction of Flux Transfer Events with Cluster

For many years now, the interactions of the solar wind plasma with the Earth's magnetosphere has been one of the most important problems for Space Physics. It is very important that we understand these processes because the high-energy particles and also the solar wind energy that cross the magneto sphere could be responsible for serious damage to our technological systems. The solar wind is inherently a dynamic medium, and the particles interaction with the Earth's magnetosphere can be steady or unsteady. Unsteady interaction include transient processes like bursty magnetic reconnection. Flux Transfer Events (FTEs) are magnetopause signatures that usually occur during transient times of reconnection. They exhibit bipolar signatures in the normal component of the magnetic field. We use multi-point timing analysis to determine the orientation and motion of ux transfer events (FTEs) detected by the four Cluster spacecraft on the high-latitude dayside and flank magnetopause during 2002 and 2003. During these years, the distances between the Cluster spacecraft were greater than 1000 km, providing the tetrahedral configuration needed to select events and determine velocities. Each velocity and location will be examined in detail and compared to the velocities and locations determined by the predictions of the component and antiparallel reconnection models for event formation, orientation, motion, and acceleration for a wide range of spacecraft locations and solar wind conditions.

Collado-Vega, Y. M.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Development of Multi-Physics Dynamics Models for High-Frequency Large-Amplitude Structural Response Simulation

An analytic approach is demonstrated to reveal potential pyroshock-driven dynamic effects causing power losses in the Thermo-Electric (TE) module bars of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG). This study utilizes high-fidelity finite element analysis with SIERRA/PRESTO codes to estimate wave propagation effects due to large-amplitude suddenly-applied pyro shock loads in the MMRTG. A high fidelity model of the TE module bar was created with approximately 30 million degrees-of-freedom (DOF). First, a quasi-static preload was applied on top of the TE module bar, then transient tri-axial acceleration inputs were simultaneously applied on the preloaded module. The applied input acceleration signals were measured during MMRTG shock qualification tests performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. An explicit finite element solver in the SIERRA/PRESTO computational environment, along with a 3000 processor parallel super -computing framework at NASA AMES, was used for the simulation. The simulation results were investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. The predicted shock wave propagation results provide detailed structural responses throughout the TE module bar, and key insights into the dynamic response (i.e., loads, displacements, accelerations) of critical internal spring/piston compression systems, TE materials, and internal component interfaces in the MMRTG TE module bar. They also provide confidence on the viability of this high-fidelity modeling scheme to accurately predict shock wave propagation patterns within complex structures. This analytic approach is envisioned for modeling shock sensitive hardware susceptible to intense shock environments positioned near shock separation devices in modern space vehicles and systems.

Shock Waves↗