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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1998

Minimization of Retinal Slip Cannot Explain Human Smooth-Pursuit Eye Movements

Existing models assume that pursuit attempts a direct minimization of retinal image motion or "slip" (e.g. Robinson et al., 1986; Krauzlis & Weisberger, 1989). Using occluded line-figure stimuli, we have previously shown that humans can accurately pursue stimuli for which perfect tracking does not zero retinal slip (Neurologic ARCO). These findings are inconsistent with the standard control strategy of matching eye motion to a target-motion signal reconstructed by adding retinal slip and eye motion, but consistent with a visual front-end which estimates target motion via a global spatio-temporal integration for pursuit and perception. Another possible explanation is that pursuit simply attempts to minimize slip perpendicular to the segments (and neglects parallel "sliding" motion). To resolve this, 4 observers (3 naive) were asked to pursue the center of 2 types of stimuli with identical velocity-space descriptions and matched motion energy. The line-figure "diamond" stimulus was viewed through 2 invisible 3 deg-wide vertical apertures (38 cd/m2 equal to background) such that only the sinusoidal motion of 4 oblique line segments (44 cd/m2 was visible. The "cross" was identical except that the segments exchanged positions. Two trajectories (8's and infinity's) with 4 possible initial directions were randomly interleaved (1.25 cycles, 2.5s period, Ax = Ay = 1.4 deg). In 91% of trials, the diamond appeared rigid. Correspondingly, pursuit was vigorous (mean Again: 0.74) with a V/H aspect ratio approx. 1 (mean: 0.9). Despite a valid rigid solution, the cross however appeared rigid in 8% of trials. Correspondingly, pursuit was weaker (mean Hgain: 0.38) with an incorrect aspect ratio (mean: 1.5). If pursuit were just minimizing perpendicular slip, performance would be the same in both conditions.

Stone, Leland S.↗
NASA NTRS2001

DC Control Effort Minimized for Magnetic-Bearing-Supported Shaft

A magnetic-bearing-supported shaft may have a number of concentricity and alignment problems. One of these involves the relationship of the position sensors, the centerline of the backup bearings, and the magnetic center of the magnetic bearings. For magnetic bearings with permanent magnet biasing, the average control current for a given control axis that is not bearing the shaft weight will be minimized if the shaft is centered, on average over a revolution, at the magnetic center of the bearings. That position may not yield zero sensor output or center the shaft in the backup bearing clearance. The desired shaft position that gives zero average current can be achieved if a simple additional term is added to the control law. Suppose that the instantaneous control currents from each bearing are available from measurements and can be input into the control computer. If each control current is integrated with a very small rate of accumulation and the result is added to the control output, the shaft will gradually move to a position where the control current averages to zero over many revolutions. This will occur regardless of any offsets of the position sensor inputs. At that position, the average control effort is minimized in comparison to other possible locations of the shaft. Nonlinearities of the magnetic bearing are minimized at that location as well.

Gerald V Brown↗
NASA NTRS2016

Design Concept for a Minimal Volume Spacecraft Cabin to Serve as a Mars Ascent Vehicle Cabin and Other Alternative Pressurized Vehicle Cabins

The Evolvable Mars Campaign is developing concepts for human missions to the surface of Mars. These missions are round-trip expeditions, thereby requiring crew launch via a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). A study to identify the smallest possible pressurized cabin for this mission has developed a conceptual vehicle referred to as the minimal MAV cabin. The origin of this concept will be discussed as well as its initial concept definition. This will lead to a description of possible configurations to integrate the minimal MAV cabin with ascent vehicle engines and propellant tanks. Limitations of this concept will be discussed, in particular those that argue against the use of the minimal MAV cabin to perform the MAV mission. However, several potential alternative uses for the cabin are identified. Finally, recommended forward work will be discussed, including current work in progress to develop a full scale mockup and conduct usability evaluations.

Howard, Robert L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

On the Myth of Fuel Consumption Minimization of a Lunar Lander

Many articles have based the solution of trajectory optimization of a lunar lander on minimizing fuel consumption. This optimization is attempted by minimizing the burn-time of the descent engine, or by maximizing the total mass of the vehicle during the maneuver. The general myth, is that minimizing fuel is possible. However, the first law of thermodynamics cannot be violated. Therefore, the work that the descent engine must do to dissipate the energy of the vehicle from orbit to landing is constant. The higher the power setting of the engine, the less time it takes to dissipate the total mechanical energy, but it does not save any fuel.

Guidance↗
DOE OSTI2025

Preliminary modeling of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures using RELAP5-3D

With the United States Department of Energy (DOE)’s goal of quadrupling the nation’s nuclear energy supply by 2050, and with the Advanced Fuels Campaign pushing for new types of advanced reactor fuels and geometries, the need has arisen for new nuclear fuel designs. One such design is to swap out current nuclear fuel geometries in exchange for another type of geometry, called a Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS). TPMSs are self-supporting, infinitely repeating lattices—attributes that lend themselves well to additive manufacturing. These surfaces also possess enhanced heat transfer properties thanks to their internal area changes and large surface-area-to-volume ratios. Their drawback, however, is an increased pressure drop. Given the small amount of correlations and data (Reynolds numbers in the 2,000–8,000 range), and the minimal amount of experience so far obtained by modeling TPMS structures using 1D systems codes such as the Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program (RELAP5-3D), further research into this topic was needed. Using data from the University of Wisconsin - Madison (UW), curve fits were created for both a Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) correlation and a Darcy friction factor empirical coefficient correlation. The curves’ coefficients and multipliers were then output and utilized in RELAP5-3D models of two upcoming experiments—Flow Loop for INFLUX Pressure drop (FLIP) and Microreactor Agile Non-nuclear Experimental Test (MAGNET)—aimed at increasing the available data for Reynolds numbers to the 16,000–36,000 range for TPMS structures. The models were run under the conditions utilized by a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis performed by another group at Idaho National Laboratory. Only CFD pressure drop values were obtained from the FLIP test, and those values showed that the RELAP5-3D models had a lower rate of pressure increase in comparison to the CFD values. In addition, there seemed to be a vertical shift upward in the pressure drop for both models whenever the TPMS porosity decreased, and the RELAP5-3D models showed a higher vertical shift in comparison to the CFD values. The MAGNET results did not correspond to any CFD or experimental results against which they could be compared, so they were instead compared against the proposed CFD input conditions. These values were then compared with each other to make sure the model seemed to be performing as expected, paving the way for future tests that can be run for the purpose of further analyses and comparisons. The pressure drop increased with temperature and mass flow rate independently. The temperature change would decrease with increasing mass flow rate and temperature, which was just as we expected based on the fact that the lower viscosity and decreased density would result in higher friction and churning losses. The last metric that was assessed was the enthalpy flow change, which increased with increasing mass flow rate and decreasing temperature.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Concept Design a 1.4 MW Inverter for Rotor Loss Minimization in a Partially Superconducting Motor

Partially superconducting machines with cryocooler-cooled rotors are a potential near term technology that can achieve the motor performance needed by future fixed wing electric aircraft. For this type of machine, minimizing cryogenic heat load is one of the keys for enabling high machine performance. Rotor eddy current loss is often the most difficult cryogenic heat load to mitigate due to current ripple from the motor drive. This paper presents the concept design for a 20 kW/kg, 99.5 percent efficient motor drive that has sufficiently low current ripple to enable high performance partially superconducting machines by minimizing eddy current loss in the rotor. The motor drive concept design uses a resonant, interleaved, and multilevel topology to achieve these high-performance metrics with little current ripple. Rotor magnetic loss analysis using NASA’s 1.4 MW High Efficiency Megawatt Motor (HEMM) is used in the design process to down select the motor drive topology and show that the final design generates less than 5 W of magnetic loss in the rotor.

Concept design↗
DOE OSTI2025

Floatable Protective Layers: a Strategy to Minimize Solid Electrolyte Interphase Growth and Maximize the Lithium Utilization

Abstract Maximizing lithium (Li) utilization is crucial for enhancing the long‐term stability of Li‐based batteries. In anode‐free Li batteries (AFLBs), although the initial formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is beneficial on limiting further reaction between Li and electrolyte, large volume change of Li metal anode (LMA) during cycling often leads to continuous breakdown and re‐formation of SEI and formation of inactive Li, hindering its efficiency. In this study, a novel strategy is presented to protect Li metal by applying a floatable protection layer (FPL) on a copper substrate, enabling large Li particles to be primarily deposited below FPL, but SEI to be primarily formed above FPL. This approach effectively minimizes the direct contact between electrolyte and freshly deposited Li, therefore mitigating the continuous side reactions and early failure of AFLBs. As a result, Li consumption is minimized, and the overall stability of the battery is significantly enhanced. Further development of this approach can also be used to improve the performance of other Li‐based batteries for large‐scale applications.

Lim, Hyung‐Seok [Energy and Environment Directorat↗
DOE OSTI2025

Informed total-error-minimizing priors: Interpretable cosmological parameter constraints despite complex nuisance effects

While Bayesian inference techniques are standard in cosmological analyses, it is common to interpret resulting parameter constraints with a frequentist intuition. This intuition can fail, for example, when marginalizing high-dimensional parameter spaces onto subsets of parameters, because of what has come to be known as projection effects or prior volume effects. We present the method of informed total-error-minimizing (ITEM) priors to address this problem. An ITEM prior is a prior distribution on a set of nuisance parameters, such as those describing astrophysical or calibration systematics, intended to enforce the validity of a frequentist interpretation of the posterior constraints derived for a set of target parameters (e.g., cosmological parameters). Our method works as follows. For a set of plausible nuisance realizations, we generate target parameter posteriors using several different candidate priors for the nuisance parameters. We reject candidate priors that do not accomplish the minimum requirements of bias (of point estimates) and coverage (of confidence regions among a set of noisy realizations of the data) for the target parameters on one or more of the plausible nuisance realizations. Of the priors that survive this cut, we select the ITEM prior as the one that minimizes the total error of the marginalized posteriors of the target parameters. As a proof of concept, we applied our method to the density split statistics measured in Dark Energy Survey Year 1 data. We demonstrate that the ITEM priors substantially reduce prior volume effects that otherwise arise and that they allow for sharpened yet robust constraints on the parameters of interest.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Minimal implicit-solvent coarse-grained simulation of Pluronic block copolymers with ionic liquids

Pluronic block copolymers, composed of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) in a triblock structure (PEO–PPO–PEO), are well known for their amphiphilic character and ability to self‐assemble into micelles in aqueous solution. The addition of ionic liquids (ILs) can further modulate the core–shell structures of these copolymers, influencing their stability, critical micellization temperature, and size. However, fully atomistic simulations often become prohibitively expensive due to the size and complexity of these systems. In this work, coarse‐grained simulations using a minimal implicit‐solvent model were performed to examine how two classes of ILs, namely, 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ([C n C 1 im]) and 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylpyrrolidinium ([C n C 1 pyrr]), change the micellization of Pluronic block copolymers in aqueous solution. The effects of IL concentration and alkyl group length were investigated, and the model greatly improved the efficiency of simulating large‐scale micelle systems. Furthermore, the numerical simulations are qualitatively compared with experimental investigations. Our results show that adding ILs expands the micelle core by embedding IL tails among the PPO blocks, thereby increasing overall micelle size. Less polar ILs generally induce more pronounced micellar growth. However, the effect of IL tail length on conformation and micellar packing is non‐monotonic. Up to moderate chain lengths (around C8–C10), the IL tails can extend sufficiently to increase local separation within the micelle; at longer tail lengths, enhanced hydrophobic clustering and steric hindrance cause the tails to bend or fold, capping further expansion. In addition, although block copolymer chains tend to pack more closely in the presence of longer‐tailed ILs, the random coil size of an individual polymer chain does not necessarily shrink. Meanwhile, these insights provide a deeper understanding of how Pluronic/IL systems interact, informing applications in drug delivery, cosmetics, food, and environmental engineering. Finally, our minimal implicit‐solvent model can be applied to larger systems and longer timescales, substantially reducing computational cost while reproducing key structural trends observed experimentally.

Atomistic simulations↗
DOE OSTI2026

ReMU: regional minimal updating for model-based derivative-free optimization

Derivative-free optimization (DFO) problems are optimization problems where derivative information is unavailable or extremely difficult to obtain. Model-based DFO solvers have been applied extensively in scientific computing. Powell's NEWUOA (2004) [Powell, The NEWUOA software for unconstrained optimization without derivatives, in Large-Scale Nonlinear Optimization, Nonconvex Optimization and its Applications Vol. 83, G. Di Pillo and M. Roma, eds., Springer, 2006, pp. 255–297] and Wild's POUNDerS (2014) [Wild, Solving derivative-free nonlinear least squares problems with POUNDERS, in Advances and Trends in Optimization with Engineering Applications, T. Terlaky, M.F. Anjos, and S. Ahmed, eds., SIAM, 2017, pp. 529–540] explore the numerical power of the minimal norm Hessian (MNH) model for DFO and contributed to the open discussion on building better models with fewer data to achieve faster numerical convergence. Another decade later, we propose the regional minimal updating (ReMU) models, and extend the previous models into a broader class, including the H 2 norm models [Xie and Yuan, Least H 2 norm updating of quadratic interpolation models for derivative-free trust-region algorithms, IMA J. Numer. Anal. 46 (2025), pp. 21–50]. This paper shows motivation behind ReMU models, computational details, theoretical and numerical results on particular extreme points and the barycentre of ReMU's weight coefficient region, and the associated KKT matrix error and distance. Novel metrics, such as the truncated Newton step error, are proposed to numerically understand the new models' properties. A new algorithmic strategy, based on iteratively adjusting the ReMU model type, is also proposed, and shows numerical advantages by combining and switching between the barycentric model and the classic least Frobenius norm model in an online fashion.

derivative-free trust-region methods↗
DOE OSTI2025

An iterative CMB lensing estimator minimizing instrumental noise bias

Noise maps from cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments are generally statistically anisotropic, due to scanning strategies, atmospheric conditions, or instrumental effects. Any mismodeling of this complex noise can bias the reconstruction of the lensing potential and the measurement of the lensing power spectrum from the observed CMB maps. We introduce a new CMB lensing estimator based on the maximum (MAP) reconstruction that is minimally sensitive to these instrumental noise biases. By modifying the likelihood to rely exclusively on correlations between CMB map splits with independent noise realizations, we minimize autocorrelations that contribute to biases. In the regime of many independent splits, this maximum closely approximates the optimal MAP reconstruction of the lensing potential. In simulations, we demonstrate that this method is able to determine lensing observables that are immune to any noise mismodeling with a negligible cost in signal-to-noise ratio. Our estimator enables unbiased and nearly optimal lensing reconstruction for next-generation CMB surveys.

Legrand, Louis [University of Cambridge (United Ki↗
DOE OSTI2026

Towards a Quintic Ginzburg-Landau Description of the (2,7) Minimal Model

We discuss dimensional continuation of the massless scalar field theory with the 𝑖⁢𝜙 5 interaction term. It preserves the so-called 𝒫⁢𝒯 symmetry, which acts by 𝜙 →−𝜙 accompanied by 𝑖 →−𝑖. Below its upper critical dimension 10/3, this theory has interacting infrared fixed points. We argue that the fixed point in 𝑑 = 2 describes the nonunitary minimal conformal model 𝑀⁡(2,7). We identify the operators 𝜙 and 𝜙 2 with the Virasoro primaries 𝜙 1,2 and 𝜙 1,3 , respectively, and 𝑖⁢𝜙 3 with a quasiprimary operator, which is a Virasoro descendant of 𝜙 1,3 . Our identifications appear to be consistent with the operator product expansions and with considerations based on integrability. Using constrained Padé extrapolations, we provide estimates of the critical exponents in 𝑑 = 3. We also comment on possible lattice descriptions of 𝑀⁡(2,7) and discuss RG flows to and from this conformal field theory (CFT). Finally, we conjecture that the minimal models 𝑀⁡(2,2⁢𝑛 +1) are described by the massless scalar field theories with the 𝑖⁢𝜙 2⁢𝑛−1 interaction terms.

Conformal field theory↗
DOE OSTI2026

Minimal dark 𝑆⁢𝑈⁡(2) origin of a massless Dirac neutrino

We propose a gauge-symmetry origin of a rank-two Dirac neutrino mass matrix that enforces one exactly massless neutrino, while being consistent with the oscillation data, as well as cosmological constraints. The mechanism relies on a minimal dark 𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(2) 𝐷 gauge symmetry under which one right-handed neutrinolike Weyl fermion is charged, thereby forbidding its Standard Model Yukawa coupling. Quantum consistency then fixes the minimal dark-sector completion: Cancellation of the Witten anomaly requires a second fermionic 𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(2) 𝐷 doublet, while a discrete 𝑍 4 symmetry that forbids Majorana masses allows the two dark doublets to form a vectorlike pair. This anomaly-free completion gives rise to a secluded, confining dark sector that can contain a potential dark matter candidate, linking the protected neutrino texture to dark infrared dynamics.

confinement↗
DOE OSTI2025

Decaying scalar dark matter in the minimal left-right symmetric model

In the minimal left-right symmetric theory, the dark matter candidate is usually ascribed to the lightest right-handed neutrino. Here we present an alternative decaying dark matter candidate in this model in terms of the lightest neutral scalar from the 𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(2) 𝑅 -triplet field. This setup requires a vast hierarchy between the scalar mass and the left-right symmetry breaking scale, which renders the scalar dark matter sufficiently stable on cosmological time scales. The stability of the dark matter imposes constraints on the right-handed neutrino mass, which has consequences for the neutrino mass generation, as well as for leptogenesis. Although somewhat fine-tuned, it provides a very economical scenario wherein the minimal left-right model can simultaneously explain dark matter, neutrino masses, and the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the Universe.

baryogenesis↗
DOE OSTI2025

AmeriFlux FLUXNET-1F US-HB4 Minim Creek Brackish Impoundment

This is the AmeriFlux Management Project (AMP) created FLUXNET-1F version of the carbon flux data for the site US-HB4 Minim Creek Brackish Impoundment. This is the FLUXNET version of the carbon flux data for the site US-HB4 Minim Creek Brackish Impoundment produced by applying the standard ONEFlux (1F) software. Site Description - An impounded, brackish wetland that is a historic rice field and adjacent to a tidal creek that is managed for water level and vegetation for waterfowl habitat.

O'Halloran, Tom [Clemson University]↗
DOE OSTI2025

AmeriFlux FLUXNET-1F US-MN2 Morris: Corn-Soybean-Wheat with Cover Crops, Minimal Tillage

This is the AmeriFlux Management Project (AMP) created FLUXNET-1F version of the carbon flux data for the site US-MN2 Morris: Corn-Soybean-Wheat with Cover Crops, Minimal Tillage. This is the FLUXNET version of the carbon flux data for the site US-MN2 Morris: Corn-Soybean-Wheat with Cover Crops, Minimal Tillage produced by applying the standard ONEFlux (1F) software. Site Description - Cropland, 3-year rotation (corn-soybean-wheat), cover crops (winter camelina and pennycress), minimum tillage, nutrient management by soil tests, uniform pest management, tile drainage

Helseth, Christina [USDA-ARS LTAR]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Wino and Real Minimal Dark Matter Excluded by Fermi Gamma-Ray Observations

We show that minimal, fermionic dark matter (DM) models in the $n$-dimensional representation of the weak force with zero hypercharge that make up 100% of the DM under the standard cosmological history are strongly excluded for $n < 9$. This includes the thermal wino, which we show is ruled out even allowing for DM core sizes up to $\sim$6.7 kpc with the preferred local DM density or $\sim$3.7 kpc in addition to the local DM density being half the preferred value, at less than $0.2$ GeV/cm$^3$. We reach these conclusions through dedicated searches with 14 years of Fermi gamma-ray data in the inner Galaxy between 30 GeV and 2 TeV for the continuum gamma-rays produced in the decays of unstable particles produced in DM annihilation and bound-state formation processes. We consider a variety of Milky Way DM profiles in our analyses, including those motivated by modern hydrodynamic cosmological simulations, and show that all the $n < 9$ minimal DM models are disfavored even under the most conservative assumptions for these density profiles. While wino, quintuplet ($n=5$), and $n = 7$ DM models are strongly disfavored by our analyses under the standard cosmology, we discuss how non-standard cosmological histories or DM sub-fractions could still allow for these particles to be realized in nature, with discovery opportunities at next-generation particle colliders and gamma-ray telescopes.

Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics (astro-ph.C↗