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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 505 records · Page 28

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NASA NTRS1998

GSFC Cutting Edge Avionics Technologies for Spacecraft

With the launch of NASA's first fiber optic bus on SAMPEX in 1992, GSFC has ushered in an era of new technology development and insertion into flight programs. Predating such programs the Lewis and Clark missions and the New Millenium Program, GSFC has spearheaded the drive to use cutting edge technologies on spacecraft for three reasons: to enable next generation Space and Earth Science, to shorten spacecraft development schedules, and to reduce the cost of NASA missions. The technologies developed have addressed three focus areas: standard interface components, high performance processing, and high-density packaging techniques enabling lower cost systems. To realize the benefits of standard interface components GSFC has developed and utilized radiation hardened/tolerant devices such as PCI target ASICs, Parallel Fiber Optic Data Bus terminals, MIL-STD-1773 and AS1773 transceivers, and Essential Services Node. High performance processing has been the focus of the Mongoose I and Mongoose V rad-hard 32-bit processor programs as well as the SMEX-Lite Computation Hub. High-density packaging techniques have resulted in 3-D stack DRAM packages and Chip-On-Board processes. Lower cost systems have been demonstrated by judiciously using all of our technology developments to enable "plug and play" scalable architectures. The paper will present a survey of development and insertion experiences for the above technologies, as well as future plans to enable more "better, faster, cheaper" spacecraft. Details of ongoing GSFC programs such as Ultra-Low Power electronics, Rad-Hard FPGAs, PCI master ASICs, and Next Generation Mongoose processors.

Luers, Philip J.↗

DOE OSTI2016

Nondestructive Examination Guidance for Dry Storage Casks

In this report, an assessment of NDE methods is performed for components of NUHOMS 80 and 102 dry storage system components in an effort to assist NRC staff with review of license renewal applications. The report considers concrete components associated with the horizontal storage modules (HSMs) as well as metal components in the HSMs. In addition, the report considers the dry shielded canister (DSC). Scope is limited to NDE methods that are considered most likely to be proposed by licensees. The document, ACI 349.3R, Evaluation of Existing Nuclear Safety-Related Concrete Structures, is used as the basis for the majority of the NDE methods summarized for inspecting HSM concrete components. Two other documents, ACI 228.2R, Nondestructive Test Methods for Evaluation of Concrete in Structures, and ORNL/TM-2007/191, Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Structure--Overview of Methods and Related Application, supplement the list with additional technologies that are considered applicable. For the canister, the ASME B&PV Code is used as the basis for NDE methods considered, along with currently funded efforts through industry (Electric Power Research Institute [EPRI]) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop inspection technologies for canisters. The report provides a description of HSM and DSC components with a focus on those aspects of design considered relevant to inspection. This is followed by a brief description of other concrete structural components such as bridge decks, dams, and reactor containment structures in an effort to facilitate comparison between these structures and HSM concrete components and infer which NDE methods may work best for certain HSM concrete components based on experience with these other structures. Brief overviews of the NDE methods are provided with a focus on issues and influencing factors that may impact implementation or performance. An analysis is performed to determine which NDE methods are most applicable to specific components.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

NASA NTRS1975

Performance analysis of the advanced thermal control flight experiment

Flight data for the different operational modes of the advanced thermal control flight experiment are presented and compared with ground-test data. Performance of the system with feedback control is compared to performance without such control, and performances of the individual components are analyzed. Finally, changes in performance from launch through March 31, 1975, are discussed and analyzed. All thermal control components are performing as predicted for the existing flight environment. However, the daily reservoir and radiator temperatures during peak solar input are greater than those experienced in ground acceptance tests. These increased temperatures have resulted in a loss of control by the feedback-controlled variable-conductance heat pipe for several hours around the period of maximum insolation. The higher temperatures are apparently due to contamination and/or degradation of the second-surface mirrors which cover the reservoir and radiator.

Kirkpatrick, J. P.↗

DOE OSTI2016

Interfacing VPSC with finite element codes. Demonstration of irradiation growth simulation in a cladding tube

This Milestone report shows good progress in interfacing VPSC with the FE codes ABAQUS and MOOSE, to perform component-level simulations of irradiation-induced deformation in Zirconium alloys. In this preliminary application, we have performed an irradiation growth simulation in the quarter geometry of a cladding tube. We have benchmarked VPSC-ABAQUS and VPSC-MOOSE predictions with VPSC-SA predictions to verify the accuracy of the VPSCFE interface. Predictions from the FE simulations are in general agreement with VPSC-SA simulations and also with experimental trends.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Reducing the matrix effect in mass spectral imaging of biofilms using flow-cell culture

The interactions between soil microorganisms and soil minerals play a crucial role in the formation and evolution of minerals and the stability of soil aggregates. Due to the heterogeneity and diversity of the soil environment, the under-standing of the functions of bacterial biofilms in soil minerals at the microscale is limited. A soil mineral-bacterial biofilm system was used as a model in this study, and it was analyzed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to acquire molecular level information. Static culture in multi-wells and dynamic flow-cell culture in microfluidics of biofilms were investigated. Our results show that more characteristic molecules of biofilms can be observed in SIMS spectra of the flow-cell culture. In contrast, biofilm signature peaks are buried under the mineral components in SIMS spectra in the static culture case. Spectral overlay was used in peak selection prior to performing Principal component analysis (PCA). Comparisons of the PCA results between the static and flow-cell culture show more pronounced molecular features and higher loadings of organic peaks of the dynamic cultured specimens. For example, fatty acids secreted from bacterial biofilm extracellular polymeric substance are likely to be responsible for biofilm dispersal due to mineral treatment up to 48 h. Such findings suggest that the use of microfluidic cells to dynamically culture biofilms be a more suitable method for reducing the matrix effect arisen from the growth medium and minerals as a perturbation fac-tor for improved spectral and multivariate analysis of complex mass spectral data in ToF-SIMS. These results show that the interaction mechanism between biofilms and soil minerals at the molecular level can be better studied using the flow-cell culture and advanced mass spectral imaging techniques like ToF-SIMS.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2015

Sandia_HighTemperatureComponentEvaluation_2015

The objective of this project is to perform independent evaluation of high temperature components to determine their suitability for use in high temperature geothermal tools. Development of high temperature components has been increasing rapidly due to demand from the high temperature oil and gas exploration and aerospace industries. Many of these new components are at the late prototype or first production stage of development and could benefit from third party evaluation of functionality and lifetime at elevated temperatures. In addition to independent testing of new components, this project recognizes that there is a paucity of commercial-off-the-shelf COTS components rated for geothermal temperatures. As such, high-temperature circuit designers often must dedicate considerable time and resources to determine if a component exists that they may be able to knead performance out of to meet their requirements. This project aids tool developers by characterization of select COTS component performances beyond published temperature specifications. The process for selecting components includes public announcements of project intent (e.g., FedBizOps), direct discussions with candidate manufacturers,and coordination with other DOE funded programs.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS2008

NEXT Ion Thruster Performance Dispersion Analyses

The NEXT ion thruster is a low specific mass, high performance thruster with a nominal throttling range of 0.5 to 7 kW. Numerous engineering model and one prototype model thrusters have been manufactured and tested. Of significant importance to propulsion system performance is thruster-to-thruster performance dispersions. This type of information can provide a bandwidth of expected performance variations both on a thruster and a component level. Knowledge of these dispersions can be used to more conservatively predict thruster service life capability and thruster performance for mission planning, facilitate future thruster performance comparisons, and verify power processor capabilities are compatible with the thruster design. This study compiles the test results of five engineering model thrusters and one flight-like thruster to determine unit-to-unit dispersions in thruster performance. Component level performance dispersion analyses will include discharge chamber voltages, currents, and losses; accelerator currents, electron backstreaming limits, and perveance limits; and neutralizer keeper and coupling voltages and the spot-to-plume mode transition flow rates. Thruster level performance dispersion analyses will include thrust efficiency.

Soulas, George C.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Research in extreme ultraviolet and far ultraviolet astronomy

Analysis and interpretation continued on data generated by the flight of 27.086 in April of 1986 and by the successful UVX mission. Optical and mechanical design of the 1 meter EUV telescope, planned for launch with the large SPARTAN type carrier, ASTRO-SPAS, was also continued. The major effort centered on the preparation of flight 27.106, scheduled to launch in September, 1986. Work which was performed included: design of the skins and bulkheads; completion of the optical, mechanical, and electrical design; purchase of the major components of the instruments; assemblage of the electrical components; and performance of theoretical work, to support the data interpretation.

Bowyer, C. S.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Working Fluid Trade Study for a Two-Phase Mechanically Pumped Loop Thermal Control System

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is investigating a two-phase mechanically pumped fluid loop (MPFL) technology for spacecraft thermal control for future planetary space science mission concepts. The two-phase technology combines the potential of single-phase MPFL and the passive two-phase heat pipe systems. Previous two-phase MPFL studies at JPL have identified an evaporator system with a separated flow architecture as providing a robust light mass thermal control system with very high spatial and temporal thermal stability required by the science instruments on these missions. These studies have further identified the thermophysical properties of the working fluid to be key to the performance of a two-phase fluid loop. This paper describes the methodology used in the selection of the working fluids for optimizing the performance of the two-phase MPFL. A high level model was developed that includes the constraints and boundaries driven by the system components. The performance of fluids from the REFPROP database are investigated and rated for this system. The working fluid attributes such as cost, hazardous properties, and heritage were taken into account in this selection. A typical spacecraft dissipating 1000 W and a fluid loop consisting of an evaporator, accumulator, radiator, and associated tubing components is used as an example in this study.

Daimaru, Takuro↗

NASA NTRS2018

Working Fluid Trade Study for a Two-Phase Mechanically Pumped Loop Thermal Control System

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is investigating a two-phase mechanically pumped fluid loop (MPFL) technology for spacecraft thermal control for future planetary space science mission concepts. The two-phase technology combines the potential of single-phase MPFL and the passive two-phase heat pipe systems. Previous two-phase MPFL studies4,5 at JPL have identified an evaporator system with a separated flow architecture as providing a robust light mass thermal control system with very high spatial and temporal thermal stability required by the science instruments on these missions. These studies have further identified the thermophysical properties of the working fluid to be key to the performance of a two-phase fluid loop. This paper describes the methodology used in the selection of the working fluids for optimizing the performance of the two-phase MPFL. A high level model was developed that includes the constraints and boundaries driven by the system components. The performance of fluids from the REFPROP database were investigated and rated for this system. The working fluid attributes such as cost, hazardous properties, and heritage were taken into account in this selection. A typical spacecraft dissipating 1000 W and a fluid loop consisting of an evaporator, accumulator, radiator, and associated tubing components was used as an example in this study.

Daimaru, Takuro↗

DOE OSTI2021

High-impact innovations for high-salinity membrane desalination

Significance Researchers lack the tools for quantitatively evaluating the impact of their research on technology costs, especially when those technologies comprise multiple components or when the component costs are highly uncertain. We propose a suite of tools to aid in evaluating technology platforms, setting system- and component-level research targets and identifying high-impact innovation trajectories. These tools are applicable to any technology composed of multiple components whose performance or cost will benefit from innovation, but they are especially valuable for membrane systems in which the high interdependence in components amplifies or dampens the effects of innovation in nonintuitive ways.

Dudchenko, Alexander V.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Elevating SolTrace's Capabilities for the Next Generation of Concentrating Solar Analysis

SolTrace is an open-source Monte Carlo ray tracing software developed at NREL. SolTrace can characterize concentrating solar thermal (CST) collector optical performance and is CST technology agnostic. Shown in Fig. 1, SolTrace is a foundational tool in NREL's CST system and component modeling suite. SolTrace's generic surface elements can flexibly model novel collector and receiver designs to predict spatial and temporal flux distributions - critical to understand for CST component design, performance prediction, and system integration. Since its initial development, SolTrace has over 1,650 references on Google Scholar, over 9,800 downloads since 2017, and has served the CST research and development community as a benchmark of 3rd party verification. SolTrace provides users with many options for defining surface shape and boundaries. However, SolTrace provides limited documentation which can result in a steep learning curve for new users. Additionally, SolTrace lacks the computational performance required to evaluate optical performance of a CST system over the course of a year and/or iteratively over design parameters in a timely manner. To address this, we are working towards a new release of SolTrace that enables increased computational throughput by implementing ray tracing acceleration structures and enabling GPU parallelization. Additionally, we are working to improve SolTrace's usability, accessibility, and maintainability by (1) automating solar position time-dependent simulation processes, (2) creating general CST collector templates of grouped elements, (3) updating the user interface to better visualize model inputs and outputs, and (4) creating a user support network through forums, "how to" videos, and documentation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2016

Software Dependability

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief introduction of Software Dependability and a summary of lessons learned. The components of Software Dependability vary among standards, however there is agreement among the standards that reliability, availability and maintainability are some the main components of dependability. Safety is also a main component is safety systems. Although reliability and safety are similar there is an additional difference, safety can withstand some level of fault tolerance. For the purposes of this discussion Software Dependability includes reliability, availability, maintainability and safety. Software Dependability: Trustworthiness of a computer system such that reliance can be justifiably placed on the service it delivers. Reliability, availability, and maintainability are aspects of dependability. Reliability: The ability of a system or component to perform its required functions under stated conditions for a specified period of time. Availability: The degree to which a system or component is operational and accessible when required for use. Often expressed as a probability. Maintainability: Speed and ease with which a program can be corrected or changed. Safety: a measure of the length of time the software system can be expected to run before failing in such a way as to cause a system hazard. (author)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2016

Improved low-cost, non-hazardous, all-iron cell for the developing world

A low-cost, non-hazardous personal-power system based on an aqueous all-iron electrochemical cell is demonstrated in this paper. The system is intended to be assembled and operated by developing-world households that lack sufficient access to electricity, thereby enabling LED lighting or mobile phone charging on demand. Lab-scale hardware is used to assess the performance of individual cell components. It is found that coffee filter paper is an effective low-cost separator. Carbon felt is a low-cost electrode material, and its performance and wetting by the electrolyte solution is greatly improved by pre-treatment with sulfuric acid. The carbon felt does not degrade after a week of daily use. By using these components, performance of the system is significantly improved over the previous baseline, with power density more than doubling to 40 mW cm -2 , and iron utilization improving from 78% to 88%. The operating cost is estimated to be less than US$0.03 per mobile phone charge. Based on the lab-scale results, a stand-alone prototype consumer product is designed, fabricated, and tested. It successfully provides 2.5 h of LED illumination while consuming 200 mL of electrolyte solution via gravity feed. Finally, we anticipate these results will enable deployment of this innovative system to energy-impoverished individuals in the developing world.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2016

Progress in developing laser based post irradiation examination infrastructure

To be able to understand the performance of reactor fuels and materials, irradiated materials must be characterized effectively and efficiently in high rad environments. This characterization work is performed remotely and in environments generally hostile to instrumentation. Laser based characterization techniques provide the ability to operate remotely and robustly in a hot-cell environment. Laser based instrumentation also can provide high spatial resolution suitable for scanning and imaging large areas. The INL is currently developing three laser based Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) stations for the Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF) at the INL. These laser based systems will characterize irradiated materials and fuels. The characterization systems are the following: -) laser shock, -) laser based ultrasonic C-scan system and -) gas assay, sample and recharge system (GASR, up-grade to an existing system). The laser shock technique will characterize material properties and failure loads/mechanisms in various materials such as Light Water Reactor (LWR) fuel, plate fuel, and next generation fuel forms in high radiation areas. The laser shock-technique induces large amplitude shock waves to mechanically characterize interfaces such as the fuel-clad bond. As part of the laser shock system, a laser-based ultrasonic C-scan system will be used to detect and characterize de bonding caused by the application of the laser shock as well as performing classical non-destructive evaluation testing and imaging functions such as microstructure characterization, flaw detection and dimensional metrology. A spectroscopy capability can be added later as the salient components to perform Light Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy will be in place. Additional fiber ports in the feed-through will also enable future spectroscopic techniques to be efficiently installed and operated. The purpose of the GASR is to measure the pressure/volume of the plenum of an irradiated fuel element/capsule and obtain fission gas samples for analysis. The study of pressure and volume in the plenum of an irradiated fuel element/capsule and the analysis of fission gases released is important to understanding the performance of reactor fuels and materials. The main function of the laser in this application is to puncture the fuel rod or plate to allow the fission gas to escape and if necessary to weld the hole close. This system may also be used to measure the pressure/volume of other components (such as control blades) and obtain gas samples from these components for analysis. The GASR upgrade will match the functionality of the current system and provide these important functions on fuels made from current and future engineered materials. The GASR station will also have the inherent capability to perform cutting welding and joining functions within a hot-cell. The extra fiber ports built into the hot cell feed-through will also enable the efficient installation of future laser processing work benches. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel Before and After Neutron Irradiation (FY21)

This report presents the materials property data of additively manufactured (AM) 316L stainless steel (SS) accumulated for the assessment of core materials in the Transformational Challenge Reactor (TCR) program. The TCR manufacturing approach includes using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) method for metallic (316L and Inconel 718) components. To assess the mechanical performance of printed components in reactor-relevant conditions and build a property database for the AM materials, mechanical tests and evaluations were performed before and after neutron irradiation. Miniature tensile specimens were irradiated in the High Flux Isotope Reactor to 0.2, 2, 8, and 10 dpa at target temperatures of 300 and 600°C. Postirradiation evaluation for the 0.2 and 2 dpa specimens was performed during FY20 and FY21, and the results are presented and discussed in this document.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

NASA NTRS1985

Icing flight research: Aerodynamic effects of ice and ice shape documentation with stereo photography

Aircraft icing flight research was performed in natural icing conditions. A data base consisting of icing cloud measurements, ice shapes, and aerodynamic measurements is being developed. During research icing encounters the icing cloud was continuously measured. After the encounter, the ice accretion shapes on the wing were documented with a stereo camera system. The increase in wing section drag was measured with a wake survey probe. The overall aircraft performance loss in terms of lift and drag coefficient changes was obtained by steady level speed/power measurements. Selective deicing of the airframe components was performed to determine their contributions to the total drag increase. Engine out capability in terms of power available was analyzed for the iced aircraft. It was shown that the stereo photography system can be used to document ice shapes in flight and that the wake survey probe can measure increases in wing section drag caused by ice. On one flight, the wing section drag coefficient (c sub d) increased approximately 120 percent over the uniced baseline at an aircraft angle of attack of 6 deg. On another flight, the aircraft darg coefficient (c sub d) increased by 75 percent over the uniced baseline at an aircraft lift coefficient (C sub d) of 0.5.

Mikkelsen, K. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Icing flight research - Aerodynamic effects of ice and ice shape documentation with stereo photography

Aircraft icing flight research was performed in natural icing conditions. A data base consisting of icing cloud measurements, ice shapes, and aerodynamic measurements is being developed. During research icing encounters the icing cloud was continuously measured. After the encounter, the ice accretion shapes on the wing were documented with a stereo camera system. The increase in wing section drag was measured with a wake survey probe. The overall aircraft performance loss in terms of lift and drag coefficient changes were obtained by steady level speed/power measurements. Selective deicing of the airframe components was performed to determine their contributions to the total drag increase. Engine out capability in terms of power available was analyzed for the iced aircraft. It was shown that the stereo photography system can be used to document ice shapes in flight and that the wake survey probe can measure increases in wing section drag caused by ice. On one flight, the wing section drag coefficient (c sub d) increased approximately 120 percent over the uniced baseline at an aircraft angle of attack of 6 deg. On another flight, the aircraft drag coefficient (c sub d) increased by 75 percent over the uniced baseline at an aircraft lift coefficient (c sub d) of 0.5.

Mikkelsen, K. L.↗