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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

Using Al 3+ to Tailor Graphene Oxide Nanochannels: Impact on Membrane Stability and Permeability

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes, which form from the lamination of GO sheets, attract much attention due to their unique nanochannels. There is much interest in controlling the nanochannel structures and improving the aqueous stability of GO membranes so they can be effectively used in separation and filtration applications. This study employed a simple yet effective method of introducing trivalent aluminum cations to a GO sheet solution through the oxidation of aluminum foil, which modifies the nanochannels in the self-assembled GO membrane by increasing the inter-sheet distance while decreasing intra-sheet spacing. The Al 3+ modification resulted in an increase in membrane stability in water, methanol, ethanol, and propanol, yet decreased membrane permeability to water and propanol. These changes were attributed to strong interactions between Al 3+ and the membrane oxygenated functional groups, which resulted in an increase in membrane hydrophobicity and a decrease in the intra-sheet spacing as supported by surface tension, contact angle, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Our approach for forming Al 3+ modified GO membranes provides a method for improving the aqueous stability and tailoring the permeation selectivity of GO membranes, which have the potential to be implemented in vapor separation and fuel purification applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Screening analysis and selection of emission reduction concepts for intermittent combustion aircraft engines

An analysis was conducted to screen, evaluate, and select three engine exhaust emission reduction concepts from a group of 14 candidate alternatives. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to survey the emission reduction technology state-of-the-art and establish contact with firms working on intermittent combustion engine development and pollution reduction problems. Concept development, advantages, disadvantages, and expected emission reduction responses are stated. A set of cost effectiveness criteria was developed, appraised for relative importance, and traded off against each concept so that its merit could be determined. A decision model was used to aid the evaluators in managing the criteria, making consistent judgements, calculating merit scores, and ranking the concepts. An Improved Fuel Injection System, Improved Cooling Combustion Chamber, and a Variable Timing Ignition System were recommended to NASA for approval and further concept development. An alternate concept, Air Injection, was also recommended.

Rezy, B. J.↗

Applications of aerospace technology to petroleum exploration. Volume 1: Efforts and results

The feasibility of applying aerospace techniques to help solve significant problems in petroleum exploration is studied. Through contacts with petroleum industry and petroleum service industry, important petroleum exploration problems were identified. For each problem, areas of aerospace technology that might aid in its solution were also identified where possible. Topics selected for investigation include: seismic reflection systems; down-hole acoustic techniques; identification of geological analogies; drilling methods; remote geological sensing; and sea floor imaging and mapping. Specific areas of aerospace technology are applied to 21 concepts formulated from the topics of concern.

Jaffe, L. D.↗

Lubrication of 35-millimeter-bore ball bearings of several designs at speeds to 2.5 million DN

Parametric tests were conducted with 35mm bore, angular contact ball bearings with either a single or double-outer-land-guided cage. The bearings were either lubricated by oil jets or employed inner ring lubrication. Outer ring cooling was added in selected tests. Test conditions were a radial load of 222 N (50 lb) and/or a thrust load of 667 N (150 lb), shaft speeds to 72,000 rpm, and an oil inlet temperature of 394 K (250 F). Lubricant flow to the bearing ranged rom 300 to 1900 cc/min (0.08 to 0.50 gal/min). All bearings were successfully run at speeds to 2.5 million DN. Increasing the lubricant flow decreased bearing ring temperatures but increased bearing power loss. The power loss and race temperatures of a jet lubricated bearing with double-outer-land-guided cage were always higher than those of the single-land-guided-design at similar test conditions. The lowest bearing operating temperatures were achieved when inner ring lubrication and outer ring cooling were combined. Cage slip of a double-outer-land-guided cage was approximately twice that of a single-outer-land-guided cage.

Signer, H. R.↗

Incorporation of privacy elements in space station design

Privacy exists to the extent that individuals can control the degree of social contact that they have with one another. The opportunity to withdraw from other people serves a number of important psychological and social functions, and is in the interests of safety, high performance, and high quality of human life. Privacy requirements for Space Station crew members are reviewed, and architectual and other guidelines for helping astronauts achieve desired levels of privacy are suggested. In turn, four dimensions of privacy are discussed: the separation of activities by areas within the Space Station, controlling the extent to which astronauts have visual contact with one another, controlling the extent to which astronauts have auditory contact with one another, and odor control. Each section presents a statement of the problem, a review of general solutions, and specific recommendations. The report is concluded with a brief consideration of how selection, training, and other procedures can also help Space Station occupants achieve satisfactory levels of seclusion.

Harrison, Albert A.↗

Depth-Penetrating Temperature Measurements of Thermal Barrier Coatings Incorporating Thermographic Phosphors

Thermographic phosphors have been previously demonstrated to provide effective non-contact, emissivity-independent surface temperature measurements. Because of the translucent nature of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), thermographic phosphor-based temperature measurements can be extended beyond the surface to provide depth-selective temperature measurements by incorporating the thermographic phosphor layer at the depth where the temperature measurement is desired. In this paper, thermographic phosphor (Y2O3:Eu) fluorescence decay time measurements are demonstrated to provide through-the-coating thickness temperature readings up to 1100 C with the phosphor layer residing beneath a 100 micron thick TBC (plasma-sprayed 8wt% yttria-stabilized zirconia). With an appropriately chosen excitation wavelength and detection configuration, it is shown that sufficient phosphor emission is generated to provide effective temperature measurements, despite the attenuation of both the excitation and emission intensities by the overlying TBC. This depth-penetrating temperature measurement capability should prove particularly useful for TBC diagnostics where a large thermal gradient is typically present across the TBC thickness. The fluorescence decay from the Y2O3:Eu layer exhibited both an initial short-term exponential rise and a longer-term exponential decay. The rise time constant was demonstrated to provide better temperature indication below 500 C while the decay time constant was a better indicator at higher temperatures.

Eldridge, Jeffrey I.↗

Multimodal information Management: Evaluation of Auditory and Haptic Cues for NextGen Communication Displays

Auditory communication displays within the NextGen data link system may use multiple synthetic speech messages replacing traditional ATC and company communications. The design of an interface for selecting amongst multiple incoming messages can impact both performance (time to select, audit and release a message) and preference. Two design factors were evaluated: physical pressure-sensitive switches versus flat panel "virtual switches", and the presence or absence of auditory feedback from switch contact. Performance with stimuli using physical switches was 1.2 s faster than virtual switches (2.0 s vs. 3.2 s); auditory feedback provided a 0.54 s performance advantage (2.33 s vs. 2.87 s). There was no interaction between these variables. Preference data were highly correlated with performance.

Begault, Durand R.↗

Method for conversion of diols to olefin products

A method for converting a diol in solution to an olefin fraction, the method comprising: (i) reacting a diol of the formula HO—R—OH in solution with a carbonyl-containing molecule of the formula: in the presence of an acid catalyst to result in a dioxolane molecule of the formula: wherein R is a hydrocarbon linker containing 1-12 carbon atoms, and R 1 and R 2 are independently selected from hydrogen atom and hydrocarbon groups containing 1-12 carbon atoms, wherein R 1 and R 2 optionally interconnect; (ii) removing the dioxolane molecule from the solution by phase separation; and (iii) contacting the dioxolane molecule with a metal-loaded zeolite at a temperature of 100-500° C. to convert the dioxolane molecule to an olefin fraction.

Li, Zhenglong↗

Edge Channel Transmission through a Quantum Point Contact in the Two-Dimensional Topological Insulator Cadmium Arsenide

Cadmium arsenide (Cd 3 As 2 ) thin films feature a two-dimensional topological insulator (2D TI) phase for certain thicknesses, which theoretically hosts a set of counterpropagating helical edge states that are characteristic of a quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulator. In devices containing electrostatically defined junctions and for magnetic fields below a critical value, chiral edge modes of the quantum Hall effect can coexist with QSH-like edge modes. In this work, we use a quantum point contact (QPC) device to characterize edge modes in the 2D TI phase of Cd 3 As 2 and to understand how they can be controllably transmitted, which is important for use in future quantum interference devices. We investigate equilibration among both types of modes and find non-spin-selective equilibration. We also demonstrate the effect of the magnetic field on suppressing equilibration. We discuss the potential role of QSH-like modes in a transmission pathway that precludes full pinch-off.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Phase transitions in Schloegl's second model for autocatalysis on a Bethe lattice

Schloegl's second model (also known as the quadratic contact process) on a lattice involves spontaneous particle annihilation at rate p and autocatalytic particle creation at empty sites with n ≥ 2 occupied neighbors. The particle creation rate for exactly n occupied neighbors is selected here as n(n - 1)/[z(z - 1)] for lattice coordination number z. We analyze this model on a Bethe lattice. Precise behavior for stochastic models on regular periodic infinite lattices is usually surmised from kinetic Monte Carlo simulation on a finite lattice with periodic boundary conditions. However, the persistence of boundary effects for a Bethe lattice complicates this process, e.g., by inducing spatially heterogenous states. This motivates the exploration of various boundary conditions and unconventional simulation ensembles on the Bethe lattice to predict behavior for infinite size. Here, we focus on z = 3, and predict a discontinuous transition to the vacuum state on the infinite lattice when p exceeds a threshold value of around 0.053.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Affordable Realtime Viral Detection: Demonstrated with SARS COV-2

The near real-time detection of airborne particles-of-interest is needed for avoiding current/future threats. The incorporation of imprinted particles into a micelle-based electrochemical cell produced a signal when brought into contact with particle analytes (such as SARS-COV-2), previously imprinted onto the structure. Nanoamp scales of signals were generated from what may’ve been individual virus-micelle interactions. The system showed selectivity when tested against similar size and morphology particles. The technology was compatible with airborne aerosol sampling techniques. Overall, the application of imprinted micelle technology could provide near real-time detection methods to a host of possible analytes of interest in the field.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Hybrid position/force control of multi-arm cooperating robots

This paper extends the theory of hybrid position/force control to the case of multi-arm cooperating robots. Cooperation between n robot arms is achieved by controlling each arm such that the burden of actuation is shared between the arms in a nonconflicting way as they control the position of and force on a designated point on an object. The object, which may or may not be in contact with a rigid environment, is assumed to be held rigidly by n robot end-effectors. Natural and artificial position and force constraints are defined for a point on the object and two selection matrices are obtained to control the arms. The position control loops are designed based on each manipulator's Cartesian space dynamic equations. In the position control subspace, a feature is provided which allows the robot arms to exert additional forces/torques to achieve compression, tension, or torsion in the object without affecting the execution of the motion trajectories. In the force control subspace, a method is introduced to minimize the total force/torque magnitude square while realizing the net desired force/torque on the environment.

Hayati, Samad↗

SBIR Success Stories at NASA Glenn Research Center

This booklet of success stories summarizes the NASA Glenn Research Center's accomplishments and successes by the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These success stories are the results of selecting projects that best support NASA missions and also have commercialization potential. Each success story describes the innovation accomplished, commercialization of the technology, and further applications and usages. The company name and the NASA contact person are identified to encourage further interest and communication to occur.

Kim, Walter S.↗

CRV Escape Trajectories from the ISS

The Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) slated for use on the International Space Station (ISS) provides a safe return for up to seven crew members under various emergency conditions. One of the most demanding situations for executing the escape involves separating from a tumbling ISS Current requirements specify a maximum Root Sum Square (RSS) tumble rate of 2 degrees/second, with the additional requirement for an expedited departure from any ISS attitude. The design of a trajectory that ensures no re-contact with the ISS poses many challenges on the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) system of the vehicle. To ensure no re-contact the trajectory design employs a two burn sequence, with the first burn preventing near-term collision and the second burn preventing far-field re-contact This presentation describes the approach used to design and to evaluate trajectories for CRV departure from the baselined location on the ISS Node 3 starboard. This approach involved performing a parametric search of selected control variables vital in escaping the tumbling ISS The presentation provides a candidate targeting methodology for escape using minimal information from available navigation devices, and presents the quantitative results from the analysis.

Foti, Tony M.↗

Space Environments and Effects Program (SEE)

The need to preserve works and NASA documented articles is done via the collection of various Space Environments and Effects (SEE) related articles. (SEE) contains and lists the various projects that are ongoing, or have been conducted with the help of NASA. The goal of the (SEE) program is to make publicly available the environment technologies that are required to design, manufacture and operate reliable, cost-effective spacecraft for the government and commercial sectors. Of the many projects contained within the (SEE) program the Lunar-E Library and Spacecraft Materials Selector (SMS) have been selected for a more user friendly means to make the tools easily available to the public. This information which is still available required a person or entity to request access from a point of contact at NASA and wait for the requested bundled software DVD via postal service. Redesigning the material presentation and availability has been mapped to a single step process with faster turnaround time via Materials and Processes Technical Information System (MAPTIS) database. This process requires users to register and be verified in order to gain access to the information contained within. Aiding in the progression of making the software tools/documents available required a combination of specialized in-house data gathering software tools and software archeology.

Yhisreal-Rivas, David M.↗

High Operating Temperature Barrier Infrared Detector with Tailorable Cutoff Wavelength

A barrier infrared detector with absorber materials having selectable cutoff wavelengths and its method of manufacture is described. A GaInAsSb absorber layer may be grown on a GaSb substrate layer formed by mixing GaSb and InAsSb by an absorber mixing ratio. A GaAlAsSb barrier layer may then be grown on the barrier layer formed by mixing GaSb and AlSbAs by a barrier mixing ratio. The absorber mixing ratio may be selected to adjust a band gap of the absorber layer and thereby determine a cutoff wavelength for the barrier infrared detector. The absorber mixing ratio may vary along an absorber layer growth direction. Various contact layer architectures may be used. In addition, a top contact layer may be isolated into an array of elements electrically isolated as individual functional detectors that may be used in a detector array, imaging array, or focal plane array.

Ting, David Z.↗

Water Quality Contamination Sources and Controls for the Exploration Extra-vehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU)

NASA has been developing a new spacesuit, called the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) for over a decade. This spacesuit is underdevelopment to support missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and also to the Moon. The xEMU uses controlled evaporative cooling through a membrane to reject waste heat from the crewmember, avionics, and environmental in-leak during autonomous operation. Given the unique mass and volume constraints imposed by the spacesuit application and the opportunities presented by the selection of a given membrane, the xEMU does not possess a separate feedwater loop to feed the evaporation process, rather the feedwater for the evaporation process is fed directly from the transport loop which collects heat from the sources within the suit. This has many benefits including mass/volume reductions from a lower component count within the system but does pose some additional potential constraints on water quality within the system in order to provide a working fluid that can be pumped, filtered, and used in contact with the remainder of the system while both avoiding fouling of the membrane as well as other deleterious effects such as creating conditions for corrosion of wetted surfaces within the transport loop. The discussion will seek to address the main sources of contamination and the applied controls. Sources considered will include: self-generated via materials selection and processes applied, influent working fluid, contamination of the influent working fluid via Ground Support Equipment (GSE) or processing equipment, microbial activity, and environmental influences such as elevated ambient CO2.

Colin Campbell↗

Orientation-tunable local crystallization of Si films enabled by atomic imprint crystallization

Here, in this paper, we demonstrate area-selective crystallization of amorphous Si into tunable crystal orientations enabled by atomic imprint crystallization (AIC), where an amorphous Si layer is crystallized by solid phase epitaxy (SPE) from an externally impressed single-crystalline Si template. Using micro-patterned single-crystalline Si templates, a limited area of an amorphous Si film, where the film surface and patterned template surface are in contact, is crystallized via SPE to create an array of crystallographically aligned dots embedded in amorphous matrix. Combining AIC from the top surface and conventional SPE from the substrate, we demonstrate the fabrication of an array of crystalline dots embedded in single-crystalline matrix with tunable in-plane rotation angle. The results indicate the high tunability of the crystallization process enabled by AIC, allowing precise control of crystallographic properties of thin films with area-selectivity; such capability opens opportunities for the design of new materials for a wide range of applications in materials science.

Amorphous↗