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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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853 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

The Telecommunications and Data Acquisition Report

This quarterly publication provides archival reports on developments in programs managed by JPL's Office of Telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA). In space communications, radio navigation, radio science, and ground-based radio and radar astronomy, it reports on activities of the Deep Space Network (DSN) in planning, supporting research and technology, implementation, and operations. Also included are standards activity at JPL for space data and information systems and reimbursable DSN work performed for other space agencies through NASA. The preceding work is all performed for NASA's Office of Space Communications (OSC). The TDA Office also performs work funded by another NASA program office through and with the cooperation of OSC. This is the Orbital Debris Radar Program with tile Office of Space Systems Development. The TDA Office is directly involved in several tasks that directly support the Office of Space Science (OSS), with OSC funding DSN operational support. In radio science, The TDA Progress Report describes the spacecraft radio science program conducted using tile DSN. For the High-Resolution Microwave Survey (HRMS), the report covers implementation and operations for searching the microwave spectrum. In solar system radar, it reports on the uses of the Goldstone Solar System Radar for scientific exploration of the planets, their rings and satellites, asteroids, and comets. In radio astronomy, the areas off support include spectroscopy, very long baseline interferometry, and astrometry.

Edward C Posner↗
DOE OSTI2026

Biocatalyst discovery and design for plastics deconstruction: A multi‐scale perspective

Plastic waste accumulation poses significant environmental challenges due to a lack of economical solutions for the molecular deconstruction of diverse synthetic polymers. Biological‐based degradation offers promise but is hindered by the crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and additive complexity of plastics, which restrict biocatalyst access and activity. To address these problems, we propose a multi‐scale framework that combines detailed materials characterization, optimization of plastic‐biomolecular interfacial interactions, and enhancement of biocatalytic kinetics to develop effective plastic‐deconstructing enzymes. This approach leverages principles from reaction kinetics, transport and interfacial phenomena, and enzyme engineering to systematically address barriers across diverse plastic types. Our framework aims to accelerate the discovery and optimization of biocatalysts capable of scalable, selective, and efficient deconstruction of plastic waste. These advances hold potential to enable sustainable biological recycling and upcycling pathways, contributing to global efforts in mitigating plastic pollution and promoting circular material economies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2025

On the Stability Analysis of Astrophysical Cooling Functions

To model the temperature evolution of optically thin astrophysical environments at MHD scales, radiative and collisional cooling rates are typically either pretabulated or fit into a functional form and then input into MHD codes as a radiative loss function. Thermal balance requires estimates of the analogous heating rates, which are harder to calculate, and due to uncertainties in the underlying dissipative heating processes these rates are often simply parameterized. The resulting net cooling function defines an equilibrium curve that varies with density and temperature. Such cooling functions can make the gas prone to thermal instability (TI), which will cause departures from equilibrium. There has been no systematic study of thermally unstable parameter space for nonequilibrium states. Motivated by our recent finding that there is a related linear instability, catastrophic cooling instability, that can dominate over TI, here we carry out such a study. We show that Balbus instability criteria for TI can be used to define a critical cooling rate, Λc, that permits a nonequilibrium analysis of cooling functions through the mapping of TI zones. We furthermore illustrate how thermal conduction modifies the shape of TI zones. Upon applying a Λc-based stability analysis to coronal loop simulations, we find that loops undergoing periodic episodes of coronal rain formation are linearly unstable to catastrophic cooling instability, while TI is stabilized by thermal conduction.

Amanda Stricklan↗
DOE OSTI2025

Gauge theory of giant phonon magnetic moment in doped Dirac semimetals

Here, we develop a quantitative theory of phonon magnetic moment in doped Dirac semimetals. Our theory is based on an emergent gauge field approach to the electron-phonon coupling, applicable to gapless systems. We find that the magnetic moment is directly proportional to the electrical Hall conductivity through the phonon Hall viscosity. Our theory is combined with the first-principles calculations, allowing us to quantitatively implement it to realistic materials. Magnetic moments are found to be of the order of a Bohr magneton for Raman-active phonon modes in graphene and Cd 3 ⁢As 2 . Our results provide practical guidance for the dynamical generation of large magnetization in quantum materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tensorized Interior Radiative Heat Transfer for a Scalable and Calibrated Building Energy Simulator

Building energy simulation is a critical tool for developing and testing advanced control strategies, such as Reinforcement Learning (RL), to provide demand flexibility and affordable energy costs. The recently introduced Smart Buildings Control Suite (sbsim) provides a lightweight, scalable, and data-calibrated simulation environment based on a 2D finite-difference model. However, the initial model primarily focused on conductive and convective heat transfer, neglecting the significant impact of long-wave radiative heat exchange between interior surfaces. This paper presents a significant extension to the sbsim framework by incorporating a physically-grounded model for interior radiative heat transfer. Our primary contribution is the development and integration of a fully tensorized radiative heat transfer module, which preserves the computational efficiency and scalability of the original simulator. This was achieved by developing a pipeline for view factor calculation, including an algorithm to identify directly seeing surfaces within complex floor plans, and formulating the net radiation equations for efficient execution on modern hardware accelerators. We validate the numerical accuracy of our tensorized implementation by comparing its results against a traditional iterative approach, demonstrating identical outcomes. This enhancement increases the physical fidelity of sbsim, enabling more accurate training of RL agents for building energy optimization.

Ham, Sang woo↗
DOE OSTI2025

A quality-agnostic combinatoric cost estimation model for large-format directed energy deposition metal additive manufacturing

Directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) processes are amenable to synergistic combination into multi-process AM systems due to similar requirements for automation and energy sources. This work analyzes the economic performance of such DED AM systems from a quality-agnostic combinatoric standpoint with a model that calculates lowest-cost system combinations based on part geometry and process performance metrics. Common DED AM systems research focuses on a single process and does not consider the process, system, and application in the context of all possible system combinations (e.g., the combined set of process selection(s), motion system(s), and process hardware), leading to limited applicability of the resulting DED AM systems to cost-sensitive components such as those found in energy generation applications. The model developed herein incorporates the capital, material, and energy costs associated with DED AM system combinations into a predictive tool for estimating part and system cost, the output of which is intended to guide deployment of finite research and development resources towards DED AM system combinations with the lowest costs and greatest likelihood of economic impact. The DED AM systems identified by this framework may enable domestic production of the large conventionally cast and forged components necessary for energy generation.

Shanafield, Alexandra [ORNL]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Time Correlations from Steady-State Expectation Values

Recovering properties of correlation functions is typically challenging. On the one hand, experimentally, it requires measurements with a temporal resolution finer than the system’s dynamics. On the other hand, analytical or numerical analysis requires solving the system evolution. Here, we use recent results of quantum metrology with continuous measurements to derive general lower bounds on the relaxation and second-order correlation times that are both easy to calculate and measure. These bounds are based solely on steady-state expectation values and their derivatives with respect to a system parameter, and can be readily extended to the autocorrelation of arbitrary observables. We validate our method on two examples of critical quantum systems: a critical driven-dissipative resonator, where the bound matches analytical results for the dynamics, and the infinite-range Ising model, where only the steady state is solvable, and thus the bound provides information beyond the reach of existing analytical approaches. Our results can be applied to the experimental characterization of ultrafast systems and to the theoretical analysis of many-body models whose dynamics are hard to compute.

Górecki, Wojciech [INFN, Pavia] (ORCID:00000001991↗
DOE OSTI2026

Scalable slot-die coating of phyllosilicate membranes for selective ion separations

Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) materials have recently drawn attention as candidate materials for molecular-scale membrane separations due to their tunable nanoscale interlayer properties. Phyllosilicates, a broad class of naturally abundant 2D clay minerals, offer significant advantages over synthetic 2D materials, including low cost, stability, and environmental compatibility. While these properties make phyllosilicates attractive for industrial-scale nanofiltration applications, phyllosilicate-based membranes have, to date, only been fabricated at the lab scale via vacuum filtration. Scalable fabrication methods are essential to advance the technical maturity of phyllosilicate membranes and bring these promising materials closer to large-scale adoption. Herein, we have successfully scaled up phyllosilicate (vermiculite) membrane fabrication via slot-die coating and roll-to-roll coating of an ethylenediamine–vermiculite (EDAVM) mixture onto nylon. The coated membranes are 1–2 μm $ \unicode{x03BC} \mathrm{m} $ mu m in thickness and exhibit similar structure and performance to vacuum-filtered EDAVM membranes. The membranes also show selectivity for monovalent ions over multivalent ions in binary salt mixtures. This work represents a major step toward scaling up phyllosilicate membranes for industrial ion separation applications such as resource recovery from water.

Booth, Austin [Princeton University]↗
NASA NTRS1994

Advanced nickel-hydrogen spacecraft battery development

Eagle-Picher currently has several advanced nickel-hydrogen (NiH2) cell component and battery designs under development including common pressure vessel (CPV), single pressure vessel (SPV), and dependent pressure vessel (DPV) designs. A CPV NiH2 battery, utilizing low-cost 64 mm (2.5 in.) cell diameter technology, has been designed and built for multiple smallsat programs, including the TUBSAT B spacecraft which is currently scheduled (24 Nov. 93) for launch aboard a Russian Proton rocket. An advanced 90 mm (3.5 in.) NiH2 cell design is currently being manufactured for the Space Station Freedom program. Prototype 254 mm (10 in.) diameter SPV batteries are currently under construction and initial boilerplate testing has shown excellent results. NiH2 cycle life testing is being continued at Eagle-Picher and IPV cells have currently completed more than 89,000 accelerated LEO cycles at 15% DOD, 49,000 real-time LEO cycles at 30 percent DOD, 37,800 cycles under a real-time LEO profile, 30 eclipse seasons in accelerated GEO, and 6 eclipse seasons in real-time GEO testing at 75 percent DOD maximum. Nickel-metal hydride battery development is continuing for both aerospace and electric vehicle applications. Eagle-Picher has also developed an extensive range of battery evaluation, test, and analysis (BETA) measurement and control equipment and software, based on Hewlett-Packard computerized data acquisition/control hardware.

Coates, Dwaine K.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Vasomotion in Human Fingers

Introduction: We describe methods by which vasomotion can be recorded in awake and anesthetized human subjects without significant interference from other spontaneous vascular oscillations. Methods: In three separate studies, we used photoplethysmography (PPG) to record vasomotion in fingertips. In Study 1, we induced chemical sympathectomy in the studied hand of 11 awake subjects who received intravenous dexmedetomidine infusions. In Study 2, we administered four progressively increasing intravenous dexmedetomidine infusions to 16 awake volunteers. In Study 3, we recorded vasomotion simultaneously from 6 fingers of 7 patients who were under dexmedetomidine-based anesthesia. Five-minute epochs of PPG recordings that displayed slow vascular oscillations were analyzed for frequency and amplitude. Results: In Study 1, vasomotion frequencies were 0.025 ± 0.008 Hz. In Study 2, vasomotion frequencies were 0.033 ± 0.006 Hz, and 0.032 ± 0.008 Hz during the two highest dexmedetomidine infusion steps. In Study 3, vasomotion frequencies ranged from 0.020 to 0.037 Hz and were observed in all 6 fingers, with no synchrony between the six fingers. Conclusion: The vascular oscillations we observed without significant interference from other spontaneous oscillations are independent of neural activity (Study 1), local in nature (Study 3), and associated with alpha-2-adrenoceptor activation, consistent with known properties of vasomotion.

Cardiovascular System & Cardiology↗
DOE OSTI2027

From zonal to nodal capacity expansion planning: Spatial aggregation impacts on a realistic test-case

Solving power system capacity expansion planning (CEP) problems at realistic spatial resolutions is computationally challenging. Thus, a common practice is to solve CEP over zonal models with low spatial resolution rather than over full-scale nodal power networks. Due to improvements in solving large-scale stochastic mixed integer programs, these computational limitations are becoming less relevant, and the assumption that zonal models are realistic and useful approximations of nodal CEP is worth revisiting. Here, this work is the first to conduct a systematic computational study on the assumption that spatial aggregation can reasonably be used for ISO-scale CEP. By considering a realistic, large-scale test network based on the state of California with over 8000 buses, we find that well-designed small spatial aggregations can yield good approximations but that coarser zonal models may result in large distortions of investment decisions, e.g., capacity under-investment of up to 41% for the lowest resolution model considered.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Energy-Optimal Vehicle Longitudinal Motion Control via Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle and Ultra-Local Model

Longitudinal vehicle motion control is essential for enhancing performance and optimizing a vehicle’s energy usage. However, it remains a challenging task due to the nonlinear and uncertain nature of vehicle dynamics, along with varying driving conditions. This paper presents a novel ultra-local optimal control approach based on Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle (PMP) that circumvents the need for detailed system identification by employing an ultra-local model. The control objective is to minimize the total energy consumption under boundary conditions while ensuring smooth traction force generation. The proposed approach is evaluated using a high-fidelity vehicle model in three representative scenarios: (i) nominal driving, (ii) a change in tire road friction coefficient (TRFC) from 0.5 to 0.65 and road slope from 0% to 5% during the maneuver, with target velocity unchanged, and (iii) a change in target velocity from 20 m/s to 0 m/s during the maneuver, while maintaining nominal TRFC and slope conditions. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method delivers robust performance, effectively balancing consumption and tracking accuracy in all tested scenarios.

Waleed khan, Muhammad [The University of Texas at ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Pressure induced modification of electronic and magnetic properties of MnCrNbAl and MnCrTaAl

Spin-gapless semiconductor (SGS) is a new class of material that has been studied recently for potential applications in spintronics. This material behaves as an insulator for one spin channel, and as a gapless semiconductor for the opposite spin. In this work, we present results of a computational study of two quaternary Heusler alloys, MnCrNbAl and MnCrTaAl that have been recently reported to exhibit spin-gapless semiconducting electronic structure. In particular, using density functional calculations we analyze the effect of external pressure on electronic and magnetic properties of these compounds. It is shown that while these two alloys exhibit nearly SGS behavior at optimal lattice constants and at negative pressure (expansion), they are half-metals at equilibrium, and magnetic semiconductors at larger lattice constant. At the same time, reduction of the unit cell volume has a detrimental effect on electronic properties of these materials, by modifying the exchange splitting of their electronic structure and ultimately destroying their half-metallic/semiconducting behavior. Thus, our results indicate that both MnCrNbAl and MnCrTaAl may be attractive for practical device applications in spin-based electronics, but a potential compression of the unit cell volume (e.g. in thin-film applications) should be avoided.

Materials Science↗
DOE OSTI2025

Polaron catastrophe within quantum acoustics

The quantum acoustic framework has recently emerged as a nonperturbative, coherent approach to electron–lattice interactions, uncovering rich physics often obscured by perturbative methods with incoherent scattering events. Here, we model the strongly coupled dynamics of electrons and acoustic lattice vibrations within this framework, representing lattice vibrations as coherent states and electrons as quantum wave packets, in a manner distinctively different from tight-binding or discrete hopping-based approaches. We derive and numerically implement electron backaction on the lattice, providing both visual and quantitative insights into electron wave packet evolution and the formation of acoustic polarons. We investigate polaron binding energies across varying material parameters and compute key observables—including mean square displacement, kinetic energy, potential energy, and vibrational energy—over time. Our findings reveal the conditions that favor polaron formation, which is enhanced by low temperatures, high deformation potential constants, slow sound velocities, and high effective masses. Additionally, we explore the impact of external electric and magnetic fields, showing that while polaron formation remains robust under moderate fields, it is weakly suppressed at higher field strengths. These results deepen our understanding of polaron dynamics and pave the way for future studies into nontrivial transport behavior in quantum materials.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Li-ion Battery Aging with Hybrid Physics-Informed Neural Networks and Fleet-wide Data

In this work, we propose a hybrid model for Li-ion battery discharge and aging prediction that leverages fleet-wide data to predict future capacity drops.The model is built upon an hybrid approach merging physics-based and empirical equations, as well as neural network models in a recurrent neural network cell. The hybrid physics-informed neural network can predict voltage discharge cycles given the loading profile, and estimate the used capacity of the battery under random-loading conditions by tracking aging parameters connected to the residual capacity of the battery. By merging information on the battery aging parameters with existing fleet-wide aging data, the model can predict the future residual capacity of the battery that is being monitored, and therefore enable predictions of voltage discharge curves far ahead in the battery life cycle. We validated the approach using the NASA Prognostics Data Repository Battery data-set, which contains experimental data on Li-ion batteries discharged at random loading conditions in a controlled environment. The approach also allows the identification of discrepancies between the battery aging trend and the trend observed at the fleet level, so that batteries behaving differently from the rest of the fleet can be subject to closer monitoring and further testing to refine predictions.

PINN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimizing Deep Geothermal Drilling for Energy Sustainability in the Appalachian Basin

This study investigates the geological and geomechanical characteristics of the MIP 1S geothermal well in the Appalachian Basin to optimize drilling and address the wellbore stability issues encountered. Data from well logs, sidewall core analysis, and injection tests were used to derive elastic and rock strength properties, as well as stress and pore pressure profiles. A robust 1D-geomechanical model was developed and validated, correlating strongly with wellbore instability observations. This revealed significant wellbore breakout, widening the diameter from 12 ¼ inches to over 16 inches. Advanced technologies like Cerebro Force™ In-Bit Sensing were used to monitor drilling performance with high accuracy. This technology tracks critical metrics such as bit acceleration, vibration in the x, y, and z directions, Gyro RPM, stick-slip indicators, and bending on the bit. Cerebro Force™ readings identified hole drag caused by poor hole conditions, including friction between the drill string and wellbore walls and the presence of cuttings or debris. This led to higher torque and weight on bit (WOB) readings at the surface compared to downhole measurements, affecting drilling efficiency and wellbore stability. Optimal drilling parameters for future deep geothermal wells were determined based on these findings.

Environmental Sciences & Ecology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Strategies for Fabricating Molybdenum Structures Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Advances in manufacturing techniques are viewed as enabling technologies for development of high performance nuclear fuel forms that couple high uranium density with improvements to key properties such as thermal conductivity unattainable through conventional fabrication routes. Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of complex fuel geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve using conventional manufacturing methods. Melting-based AM processes, such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), provide high geometric resolution (>200 µm depending on the feature) across a variety of metal alloys, including those suitable for high-temperature fuel cladding applications, such as Nb, W, and Mo. Molybdenum is particularly attractive due to its high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, and excellent mechanical stability at elevated temperatures. However, its high melting temperature and brittle nature at low temperatures pose significant challenges during LPBF processing. Rapid solidification inherent to LPBF induces high residual stresses, often leading to post-solidification cracking, which limits the manufacturability of Mo components via this method.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Oversizing and Part-Load Problems

Oversizing, the common engineering practice of specifying devices with capacity exceeding the actual load requirement, is a widespread practice across virtually all building technologies end-use categories, including HVAC, electrical systems, lighting, appliances, and plug loads. This practice, driven by factors like design uncertainty, institutional pressures, and risk aversion, results in wasted capital investment, control difficulties, and excessive energy consumption due to inefficient part-load operation. Part-load operation, where devices run below maximum capacity, is the dominant operating mode in most energy systems and presents a complex design challenge. Solutions to match output to load fall into three broad categories: constraining the output, adjusting the device’s internal behavior, and linking output to energy storage or other waste-heat reuse applications. The energy implications of part-load are critical, as efficiency often drops sharply as load decreases across a wide diversity of devices. To quantify the extent of this problem, we derive a dimensionless Part-Load Metric (PLM) based on device efficiency and its frequency distribution of operating hours at various output levels. The PLM quantifies the deviation of a device's actual efficiency from its maximum design efficiency. This metric also serves as a measure of "capital inefficiency," enabling engineers to compare the impact of different part-load solutions and providing a unified framework for evaluating performance across various devices and systems.

Meier, Alan↗