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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 487 records · Page 27

Statistical Framework for Planning a Shelf Life Program with Binary Performance Data

This document outlines a statistical framework for establishing a shelf-life program for components whose performance is measured by a binary response, usually ‘pass’ or ‘fail.’ The approach applies to both single measurement devices and repeated measurement devices. The high-level objective of these plans is to quickly detect any sizeable increase in fraction defective as the product ages. The statistical approach is to choose a sample size and monitoring technique that alarms when the fraction defective increases to an unacceptably high level, but does not alarm when the process is at nominal. The nominal (acceptable) fraction defective is used, and an increased fraction defective (unacceptable) is assumed as part of the control chart design. The control chart recommended for this problem is the Bernoulli Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) control chart.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Superfluid Helium On-Orbit Transfer Flight Experiment - Performance estimates

Several components on the Superfluid Helium On-Orbit Transfer Flight Experiment are analyzed with respect to expected performance. The interaction of the components is then used to calculate an expected transfer efficiency. Steady state conditions are assumed. Transfer efficiencies based on the thermomechanical pump range from 96 to 99 percent plus. Transfer line parasitics lead to lower efficiencies at low flow rates.

Dipirro, M. J.↗

Effect of Tool Temperature on Microstructure and Properties of Tailored Hot Stamping Components

Traditional boron steel hot stamping technology can achieve components with full martensite and tensile strength of 1500 MPa. However, fully martensitic hot stamped components exhibit very low level of ductility and are rarely used in energy absorbing structures. Hot stamping with segmented heating and cooling tool can obtain multiphase quenched structures and the tailored mechanical properties. Hot stamping experiment of U-shape component was performed with segmented heating and cooling tool. Mechanical properties of the formed component were measured, and scanning electron microscope and color tint etching were used to quantify the quenched phases achieved under different tool temperatures. The results showed that hardness value decreased from 470 to 230 HV and tensile strength reduced about 50% from 1406 to 730 MPa and elongation increased from 4.19 to 10.20% as tool temperatures increased from 25 to 500 °C. Meanwhile, martensite decreased from 85 to 30% and bainite increased from 12 to 55%, and there was also a small increase in ferrite. In order to get the influence of quenched phases on the strength and hardness of tailored hot stamped component, linear fitting optimization was used to establish mathematical models for area fraction of quenched phases and strength and hardness.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Quantum Key Distribution for Critical Infrastructures: Towards Cyber-Physical Security for Hydropower and Dams

Hydropower facilities are often remotely monitored or controlled from a centralized remote control room. Additionally, major component manufacturers monitor the performance of installed components, increasingly via public communication infrastructures. While these communications enable efficiencies and increased reliability, they also expand the cyber-attack surface. Communications may use the internet to remote control a facility’s control systems, or it may involve sending control commands over a network from a control room to a machine. The content could be encrypted and decrypted using a public key to protect the communicated information. These cryptographic encoding and decoding schemes become vulnerable as more advances are made in computer technologies, such as quantum computing. In contrast, quantum key distribution (QKD) and other quantum cryptographic protocols are not based upon a computational problem, and offer an alternative to symmetric cryptography in some scenarios. Although the underlying mechanism of quantum cryptogrpahic protocols such as QKD ensure that any attempt by an adversary to observe the quantum part of the protocol will result in a detectable signature as an increased error rate, potentially even preventing key generation, it serves as a warning for further investigation. In QKD, when the error rate is low enough and enough photons have been detected, a shared private key can be generated known only to the sender and receiver. We describe how this novel technology and its several modalities could benefit the critical infrastructures of dams or hydropower facilities. The presented discussions may be viewed as a precursor to a quantum cybersecurity roadmap for the identification of relevant threats and mitigation.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Experience with integrally-cast compressor and turbine components for a small, low-cost, expendable-type turbojet engine

Experiences with integrally-cast compressor and turbine components during fabrication and testing of four engine assemblies of a small (29 cm (11 1/2 in.) maximum diameter) experimental turbojet engine design for an expendable application are discussed. Various operations such as metal removal, welding, and re-shaping of these components were performed in preparation of full-scale engine tests. Engines with these components were operated for a total of 157 hours at engine speeds as high as 38,000 rpm and at turbine inlet temperatures as high as 1256 K (1800 F).

Dengler, R. P.↗

Experience with integrally-cast compressor and turbine components for a small, low-cost, expendable-type turbojet engine

A discussion regarding experiences with integrally-cast compressor and turbine components during fabrication and testing of four engine assemblies of a small (29 cm (11-1/2 in.) maximum diameter) experimental turbojet engine design for an expendable application is presented. Various operations such as metal removal, welding, and re-shaping of these components are performed in preparation of full-scale engine tests. Engines with these components have been operated for a total of 157 hours at engine speeds as high as 38,000 rpm and at turbine inlet temperatures as high as 1256 K (1800 F).

Dengler, R. P.↗

Computer aided system engineering and analysis (CASE/A) modeling package for ECLS systems - An overview

An overview of the CASE/A-ECLSS series modeling package is presented. CASE/A is an analytical tool that has supplied engineering productivity accomplishments during ECLSS design activities. A components verification program was performed to assure component modeling validity based on test data from the Phase II comparative test program completed at the Marshall Space Flight Center. An integrated plotting feature has been added to the program which allows the operator to analyze on-screen data trends or get hard copy plots from within the CASE/A operating environment. New command features in the areas of schematic, output, and model management, and component data editing have been incorporated to enhance the engineer's productivity during a modeling program.

Dalee, Robert C.↗

Dopant for improving casting and electroplating performance

Systems, methods, components, and parts are provided for improving casting and electroplating performance of a plated cast part by doping a semiconductor material with an electrically active dopant before mixing the semiconductor material into a base material. The doped semiconductor material improves the castability of the base material and has an improved electrical conductivity which is closer to that of the base material such that a consistency of a subsequent plating on the part is improved.

Young, Barbara Diane↗

Specialized data analysis of SSME and advanced propulsion system vibration measurements

The basic objectives of this contract were to perform detailed analysis and evaluation of dynamic data obtained during Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) test and flight operations, including analytical/statistical assessment of component dynamic performance, and to continue the development and implementation of analytical/statistical models to effectively define nominal component dynamic characteristics, detect anomalous behavior, and assess machinery operational conditions. This study was to provide timely assessment of engine component operational status, identify probable causes of malfunction, and define feasible engineering solutions. The work was performed under three broad tasks: (1) Analysis, Evaluation, and Documentation of SSME Dynamic Test Results; (2) Data Base and Analytical Model Development and Application; and (3) Development and Application of Vibration Signature Analysis Techniques.

Coffin, Thomas↗

Ceramic component development for the AGT101 gas turbine engine

Under DOE/NASA sponsorship, a team is developing the AGT101, a highly efficient gas turbine engine for automotive application. The regenerated engine will operate at a maximum of 1370 C (2500 F) and 100,000 rpm, and will utilize a variety of Si3N4, SiC, lithium aluminum silicate and ceramic fiber insulation components. Engine design has been performed to consider the fabrication and material characteristics of these ceramic materials for both the static and rotating hot section components. Component fabrication has been performed, components have been screened in thermal and mechanical tests, and initial engine testing has been performed.

Carruthers, W. D.↗

Cell module and fuel conditioner development

The efforts performed to develop a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) stack design having a 10 kW power rating for operation at higher than atmospheric pressure based on the existing Mark II design configuration are described. The work involves: (1) Performance of pertinent functional analysis, trade studies and thermodynamic cycle analysis for requirements definition and system operating parameter selection purposes, (2) characterization of fuel cell materials and components, and performance testing and evaluation of the repeating electrode components, (3) establishment of the state-of-the-art manufacturing technology for all fuel cell components at Westinghouse and the fabrication of short stacks of various sites, and (4) development of a 10 kW PAFC stack design for higher pressure operation utilizing the top down systems engineering approach.

Feret, J. M.↗

SRNL Coulometer for LANL - SRNL-Testing 2020 (Final Report)

SRNL fabricated two coulometers that have been delivered to LANL. All testing for electrical components is performed by R&D engineering and the results are attached to this report. Instrument testing for the first instrument was completed on August 2018 and installation at LANL was completed February 2019. This report addresses testing performed at FH Analytical Laboratory for the second instrument that arrived at LANL on June 5th, 2020. The testing is performed using Plutonium working standards. The instrument was kept in a radiologically clean area. The component calibration of the second LANL coulometer was completed in SRNL Building 723-A.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Sizing and Performance Analysis of a MW-Class Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) System for a Parallel Hybrid Turboprop Concept

Aircraft electrification has emerged as a pivotal research and development focus in the 21st century, gaining international momentum as a strategic approach to curtail fuel consumption and emissions in the civil aviation sector. Through the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project, NASA is collaborating with industry partners to develop and demonstrate Megawatt (MW) class Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) systems using regional turboprops, as well as single-aisle commercial transports. With the rapid emergence of novel EAP concepts, current efforts are focused on developing the capabilities to evaluate the impacts of electrification on vehicle-level performance. This requires parametric modeling at the conceptual design stage, using uncertainty propagation techniques to account for the high variability in EAP system architecture. This paper details an integrated approach to parametric sizing of multi-MW EAP systems in a large turboprop freighter concept with a parallel hybrid configuration. The primary goal is to assess vehicle-level performance sensitivities, such as range and fuel burn reduction, to variations in electrical system component-level performance metrics, including specific power, efficiency, and energy density, based on near-term EAP technology levels.

electrified aircraft propulsion↗

Inter-Procedural Resource Sharing in High Level Synthesis through Function Proxies

Modular design is becoming increasingly important in High Level Synthesis (HLS) flows. Current HLS flows generate hierarchical and modular designs that mimic the structure and call graph of input specification translating functions into modules. Function calls are translated instantiating the callee module in the data-path of its caller, allowing for resource sharing when the same function is called multiple times. However, if two different callers invoke the same function, current HLS flows cannot share the instance of the module between the two callers, even if they invoke the function in a mutually exclusive way. In this paper, we propose a methodology that enables sharing of (sub)modules across modules boundaries. Sharing is obtained through function proxies, which act as forwarders of function calls in the original specification to shared modules without adding performance penalties. Building on the concept of function proxies, we propose a methodology and the related components to perform HLS of function calls through function pointers, without requiring complete static knowledge of the alias set (point-to set). We show that module sharing through function proxies provides valuable area savings without significant impacts on the execution delays, and that our synthesis approach for function pointers enables dynamic polymorphism.

HLS, function proxy, FPGA, modular HLS,↗

Organic solvents, electrolytes, and lithium ion cells with good low temperature performance

Multi-component organic solvent systems, electrolytes and electrochemical cells characterized by good low temperature performance are provided. In one embodiment, an improved organic solvent system contains a ternary mixture of ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. In other embodiments, quaternary systems include a fourth component, i.e, an aliphatic ester, an asymmetric alkyl carbonate or a compound of the formula LiOX, where X is R, COOR, or COR, where R is alkyl or fluoroalkyl. Electrolytes based on such organic solvent systems are also provided and contain therein a lithium salt of high ionic mobility, such as LiPF.sub.6. Reversible electrochemical cells, particularly lithium ion cells, are constructed with the improved electrolytes, and preferably include a carbonaceous anode, an insertion type cathode, and an electrolyte interspersed therebetween.

Smart, Marshall C.↗

International Test Program for Synergistic Atomic Oxygen and VUV Exposure of Spacecraft Materials

Spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) are subject to degradation in thermal and optical performance of components and materials through interaction with atomic oxygen and vacuum ultraviolet radiation which are predominant in LEO. Due to the importance of LEO durability and performance to manufacturers and users, an international test program for assessing the durability of spacecraft materials and components was initiated. Initial tests consisted of exposure of samples representing a variety of thermal control paints and multilayer insulation materials that have been used in space. Materials donated from various international sources were tested alongside a material whose performance is well known such as Teflon FEP or Kapton H for multilayer insulation, or Z-93-P for white thermal control paints. The optical, thermal or mass loss data generated during the test was then provided to the participating material supplier. Data was not published unless the participant donating the material consented to publication. This paper presents a description of the types of tests and facilities that have been used for the test program as well as some examples of data that have been generated. The test program is intended to give spacecraft builders and users a better understanding of degradation processes and effects to enable improved prediction of spacecraft performance.

Rutledge, Sharon↗