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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

Critical technology areas of an SPS development and the applicability of European technology

Possible system development and implementation scenarios for the hypothetical European part of a cooperative Satellite Power System effort are discussed, and the technology and systems requirements which could be used as an initial guideline for further evaluation studies are characterized. Examples of advanced European space technologies are described including high power microwave amplifiers, antennas, advanced structures, multi-kilowatt solar arrays, attitude and orbit control systems, and electric propulsion.

Kassing, D.↗

Technology review of flight crucial flight control systems (application of optical technology)

The survey covers the various optical elements that are considered in a fly-by-light flight control system including optical sensors and transducers, optical data links, so-called optical actuators, and optical/electro-optical processing. It also addresses airframe installation, maintenance, and repair issues. Rather than an in-depth treatment of optical technology, the survey concentrates on technology readiness and the potential advantages/disadvantages of applying the technology. The information was assembled from open literature, personal interviews, and responses to a questionnaire distributed specifically for this survey. Not all of the information obtained was consistent, particularly with respect to technology readiness. The synthesis of information into the perception of the state-of-technology is presented.

Rediess, H. A.↗

Thermal Process Technology for Nuclear Applications - 20379

ANSTO's Synroc technology has been developed to provide a safe, secure matrix for the immobilization and final disposal of radioactive waste. Synroc technology will be used to manage radioactive wastes from the production of the radioisotope Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99). This paper shall outline various stages of the process development with specific reference to the thermal treatment technology of calcination. Calcination is a key step in the Synroc process [1-2].The rotary thermal processing system includes: an advanced heating element design for increased robustness and ease of remote operation and maintenance, an enhanced modular design of components for ease of remote maintenance in a hot cell and in compliance with hot cell radioactive environment requirements for safety, reliability and maintainability. In addition to thermal treatment of waste from nuclear medicine production, this technology provides solutions for a variety of nuclear materials processing applications including sintering UO{sub 2} pellets for reactor fuel rods, oxidation of UO{sub 2} pellets, swarf, and powder to U{sub 3}O{sub 8}, de-nitration of Uranyl nitrate and hydrofluorination of UO{sub 2} pellets. The paper will also discuss thermal processing solutions for a range of nuclear applications. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Avionics and controls in review

The article surveys the changes which will occur in avionics and controls due to microprocessor technology. Attention is given to five broadly applicable technologies: (1) flight path management technology, (2) automatic control systems, (3) crew station technology, (4) integration and interfacing technology, and (5) fundamental technologies. Areas discussed include inertial navigation, guidance, weather avoidance, propulsion control systems, display technology, flight-system management, functional integration of avionics, and airborne information processing.

Smyth, R. K.↗

Technology transfer methodology

Information on technology transfer methodology is given in viewgraph form. Topics covered include problems in economics, technology drivers, inhibitors to using improved technology in development, technology application opportunities, and co-sponsorship of technology.

Labotz, Rich↗

T/BEST: Technology Benefit Estimator Select Features and Applications

A Technology Benefit Estimator (T/BEST) system has been developed to provide a formal method to assess advanced aerospace technologies and quantify the benefit contributions for prioritization. An open-ended, modular approach is used to allow for upgrade and insertion of advanced technology modules. T/BEST's software framework, beginner-to-expert operation, interface architecture, and key analysis modules are discussed. In this paper, selected features and applications of T/BEST are demonstrated. Sample cases pertaining to structural analysis of titanium and composite blades are presented. The performance of hot and cold composite fan blades is also discussed. The cost required to manufacture titanium and composite fan blades is estimated.

Generazio, Edward R.↗

The application of space technology to geodynamics - An overview

The application of various space technologies to the study of the earth is discussed. The main problems that this technology can study are crustal movement and deformation, and earth structure and rotational dynamics. Laser and VLBI systems are used as fixed observatories and as mobile stations which can move between locations separated by 200 to 500 km. Requirements for more frequency and more densely spaced measurements can be met by the use of geodetic receivers which process signals from the Global Positioning System, and an airborne laser which ranges simultaneously to an array of passive cube corner retroreflectors. A Gravity Field Satellite is expected to survey the earth's field to a resolution of 1000 km and accuracies of one milligal. Data from the Magnetic Field Satellite are being used to develop models of the main field for the 1980 Epoch and maps of crustal anomalies.

Fischetti, T. L.↗

New Millenium Inflatable Structures Technology

Specific applications where inflatable technology can enable or enhance future space missions are tabulated. The applicability of the inflatable technology to large aperture infra-red astronomy missions is discussed. Space flight validation and risk reduction are emphasized along with the importance of analytical tools in deriving structurally sound concepts and performing optimizations using compatible codes. Deployment dynamics control, fabrication techniques, and system testing are addressed.

Mollerick, Ralph↗

Small Engine Technology Investigation

The primary objective of the small engine technology study task is to identify key, enabling jet engine component technologies for improved performance, primarily for commercial, regional subsonic aircraft. The study involved two regional engine applications: the CF34 turbofan engine, which is installed on a regional jet application and the CT7-9 turboprop, which is installed on regional turboprop applications. Technologies to improve the performance of these applications were identified. Estimates of the benefits and development costs for each technology were made. Performance sensitivities were calculated for each of the technology items identified. The technology improvements were then translated into component improvements and their impact on the aircraft economics was evaluated. A factor of merit based on sfc was calculated as the percent improvement in sfc times the probability of improvement divided by the development evaluation costs associated with that technology item. The technologies were ranked for both the turbofan and turboprop applications.

Gregory, Brent B.↗

An Historical Perspective of the NERVA Nuclear Rocket Engine Technology Program

Nuclear rocket research and development was initiated in the United States in 1955 and is still being pursued to a limited extent. The major technology emphasis occurred in the decade of the 1960s and was primarily associated with the Rover/NERVA Program where the technology for a nuclear rocket engine system for space application was developed and demonstrated. The NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application) technology developed twenty years ago provides a comprehensive and viable propulsion technology base that can be applied and will prove to be valuable for application to the NASA Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). This paper, which is historical in scope, provides an overview of the conduct of the NERVA Engine Program, its organization and management, development philosophy, the engine configuration, and significant accomplishments.

Robbins, W. H.↗

An historical perspective of the NERVA nuclear rocket engine technology program

Nuclear rocket research and development was initiated in the United States in 1955 and is still being pursued to a limited extent. The major technology emphasis occurred in the decade of the 1960s and was primarily associated with the Rover/NERVA Program where the technology for a nuclear rocket engine system for space application was developed and demonstrated. The NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application) technology developed twenty years ago provides a comprehensive and viable propulsion technology base that can be applied and will prove to be valuable for application to the NASA Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). This paper, which is historical in scope, provides an overview of the conduct of the NERVA Engine Program, its organization and management, development philosophy, the engine configuration, and significant accomplishments.

Robbins, W. H.↗

Internship at the Office of the Chief Scientist

The NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) is part of the Center Management. The OCS adds value to the organization by encouraging and facilitating innovation and value to the Agency, Nation, and the scientific community through its well-developed, diverse, and strategically formed charter. The OCS provides the Center with the oversight and advice by facilitating and evaluating the Scientific Innovation Fund (SIF) and promoting science-based research partnerships. Additionally, the Office contributes to to the Agency by organizing annual Summer Series Colloquia, Workshops, and support to the Early Career Network, which allows for international and inter-agency collaborations. Working at the OCS allowed me to further learn about the working of the Office and how the Office engages and provides guidance with rest of the Center and the Agency. As part of my internship, I am working on developing the initial infrastructure required for the organization of the Standardized Distributed Workshop and further developing the layout for the Hibernation Workshop. The Standardized Distributed System workshop will investigate the scope of developing and using standardized distributed systems for a wide range of applications including satellite systems, aerospace-oriented systems, water-based systems, automobiles, and various other robotics applications. The goal of this workshop is to determine the feasibility of developing a standardized distributed system that can be customized for different technological applications, which will enable resource sharing, openness, robustness, and fault tolerance. This workshop will bring together experts from different fields, including satellite operations, unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft operation and management, and artificial intelligence to provide a global evaluation of the aspects associated with the development and adoption of distributed systems. The workshop will also guide the participants through state of the art distributed systems, discuss some of the challenges in designing control systems with a distributed structure, and consider the future of distributed system based technologies for future applications. Additionally, I am also working on finalizing the details and documentation for the proposed Hibernation Workshop. This workshop will address the phenomenon of hibernation through three major aspects: hibernation on Earth, hibernation in space, and knowledge gaps in the approaches to future deep space exploration. The primary objective of the workshop is to explore the current state of science in the area of hibernation, and as a scientific community, explore the gaps and challenges preventing this scientific field from advancing to the next level. This workshop will consist of presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions focused on addressing this scientific field, and bringing experts from educational and commercial sectors together. As a part of my internship report, I will be document the process of planning these workshops and further provide a brief summary of my experience with the 2016 NASA Ames Summer Series and various professional visits.

ISU↗

Distributed Ledger Technology Preliminary Performance Assessment for Applications in Utilities Operational Technology

This paper provides descriptions of the key components of different distributed ledger technology platforms. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) allows for distribution of databases among different organizations and devices. The platforms use cryptographically linked “blocks” to store and verify transactional information between these organizations. DLT increases data security, data integrity, trust among its participants. Different organizations are looking to deploy this distributed and decentralized approach to avoid the single-point-of-failure vulnerabilities associated with centralized data repositories. In this study we examine twelve different DLT platforms. There is agreement within the community that of all the platforms considered here, Hyperledger and Ethereum are the most mature when it comes to privacy and permissions. These DLT platforms are being used for applications such as transactive energy, health care, and the food and goods supply chain. However, further development is required to realize the full promise of DLT. Our assessment includes a general description of each DLT and its key characteristics. Such characteristics include consensus protocol and cryptography used, public vs. private, and permissioned or permissionless. The selection and implementation of a DLT architecture depends heavily on the use case and performance requirements. During this research we found key parameters to measure performance and existing tools for assessment. Four different parameters were identified 1) consensus, 2) throughput, 3) latency, and 4) scalability. The architectures of Hyperledger Caliper and Blockbench are described as different performance assessment frameworks. From this preliminary study it is evident that there are dissimilarities on the performance assessments methods developers and users are characterizing DLT architectures. The purpose of this paper is to identify key parameters to test performance, tools that are being used and provide information on results from previous studies.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Feasibility Studies and Downselection of New Materials and Manufacturing Technologies for Nuclear Applications

This report is intended to present the results of multi-laboratory collaborative studies on the feasibility and downselection of the structural materials that are newly considered for application to future nuclear energy technologies. The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Techniques (AMMT) program has been implemented to develop cross-cutting technologies in support of a broad range of nuclear reactor technologies and to maintain U.S. leadership in materials and manufacturing technologies for nuclear energy applications. In line with these program objectives, this collaborative studies aim to explore new materials utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies. The FY23 research scope consists of the feasibility studies on new materials and relevant advanced manufacturing technologies, collection of materials properties data and knowledge through experiments and literature survey, and development and application of decision criteria matrix for downselecting candidate materials and manufacturing technologies. The three-laboratory efforts for FY23 have focused on the three new material groups including oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) materials, refractory composites and alloys, and high entropy alloys (HEAs) investigated, respectively, by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) (work package: CT-23OR130406), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) (CT-23LA130403) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) (CT-23PN130408). The execution of this multi-lab research aimed to provide the AMMT program a merit-based feasibility study identifying an accelerated development path for these materials. A collaborative approach for achieving this goal was to develop a common materials evaluation criteria matrix and apply to all new candidate materials for the evaluation and prioritization of new materials using advanced manufacturing processes. The decision criteria matrix created is a matrix of criteria which a prospective material is scored against. The evaluation criteria are divided into four categories: Application Space, Environmental Compatibility, Physical & Mechanical Properties, and Manufacturability. Materials are given a score from 1−5 for each criterion, with the highest score (5) essentially mean that a material has the most near-term potential for application. Application of the decision criteria matrix will provide guidance to the future research on new materials.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Towards controlled synthesis of 2D crystals by chemical vapor deposition (CVD)

We report the emergence of two-dimensional (2D) materials has captured the imagination of researchers since graphene was first exfoliated from graphite in 2004. Their exotic properties give rise to many exciting potential applications in advanced electronic, optoelectronic, energy and biomedical technologies. Scalable growth of high quality 2D materials is crucial for their adoption in technological applications the same way the arrival of high quality silicon single crystals was to the semiconductor industry. A huge amount of effort has been devoted to grow large-area, highly crystalline 2D crystals such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) through various methods. While CVD growth of wafer-scale monolayer graphene and TMDs has been demonstrated, considerable challenges still remain. In this perspective, we advocate for the focus on the crystal growth morphology as an underpinning for understanding, diagnosing and controlling the CVD process and environment for 2D material growth. Like snowflakes in nature, 2D crystals exhibit a rich variety of morphologies under different growth conditions. The mapping of crystal shapes in the growth parameter space “encodes” a wealth of information, the deciphering of which will lead to better understanding of the fundamental growth mechanism and materials properties. To this end, we envision a collective effort by the 2D materials community to establish the correlation between crystal shapes and the intrinsic thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for CVD reactions through integrated crystal growth experiment, database development and machine learning assisted predictive modeling, which will pave a robust path towards controlled synthesis of 2D materials and heterostructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

VentureStar(trademark) Reaping the Benefits of the X-33 Program

Major X-33 flight hardware has been delivered, and assembly of the vehicle is well underway in anticipation of its flight test program commencing in the summer of 1999. Attention has now turned to the operational VentureStar(trademark), the first single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) reusable launch vehicle. Activities are grouped under two broad categories: (1) vehicle development and (2) market/business planning, each of which is discussed. The mission concept is presented for direct payload delivery to the International Space Station and to low Earth orbit, as well as payload delivery with an upper stage to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and other high energy orbits. System requirements include flight segment and ground segment. Vehicle system sizing and design status is provided including the application of X-33 traceability and lessons learned. Technology applications to the VentureStar(trademark) are described including the structure, propellant tanks, thermal protection system, aerodynamics, subsystems, payload bay and propulsion. Developing a market driven low cost launch services system for the 21 st Century requires traditional and non-traditional ways of being able to forecast the evolution of the potential market. The challenge is balancing both the technical and financial assumptions of the market. This involves the need to provide a capability to meet market segments that in some cases are very speculative, while at the same time providing the financial community with a credible revenue stream.

Sumrall, J.↗

Flight Avionics Hardware Roadmap

The Avionics Technology Roadmap takes an 80% approach to technology investment in spacecraft avionics. It delineates a suite of technologies covering foundational, component, and subsystem-levels, which directly support 80% of future NASA space mission needs. The roadmap eschews high cost, limited utility technologies in favor of lower cost, and broadly applicable technologies with high return on investment. The roadmap is also phased to support future NASA mission needs and desires, with a view towards creating an optimized investment portfolio that matures specific, high impact technologies on a schedule that matches optimum insertion points of these technologies into NASA missions. The roadmap looks out over 15+ years and covers some 114 technologies, 58 of which are targeted for TRL6 within 5 years, with 23 additional technologies to be at TRL6 by 2020. Of that number, only a few are recommended for near term investment: 1. Rad Hard High Performance Computing 2. Extreme temperature capable electronics and packaging 3. RFID/SAW-based spacecraft sensors and instruments 4. Lightweight, low power 2D displays suitable for crewed missions 5. Radiation tolerant Graphics Processing Unit to drive crew displays 6. Distributed/reconfigurable, extreme temperature and radiation tolerant, spacecraft sensor controller and sensor modules 7. Spacecraft to spacecraft, long link data communication protocols 8. High performance and extreme temperature capable C&DH subsystem In addition, the roadmap team recommends several other activities that it believes are necessary to advance avionics technology across NASA: center dot Engage the OCT roadmap teams to coordinate avionics technology advances and infusion into these roadmaps and their mission set center dot Charter a team to develop a set of use cases for future avionics capabilities in order to decouple this roadmap from specific missions center dot Partner with the Software Steering Committee to coordinate computing hardware and software technology roadmaps and investment recommendations center dot Continue monitoring foundational technologies upon which future avionics technologies will be dependent, e.g., RHBD and COTS semiconductor technologies

Some, Raphael↗