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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

Investigation on Smart Parts with Embedded Piezoelectric Sensors via Additive Manufacturing

The goal of this proposed research is to design, fabricate, and evaluate “smart parts” with embedded sensors for energy systems. The “smart parts” will be fabricated using Electron Beam Melting (EBM) 3D printing technique with built-in piezoceramic sensors. The objectives of the proposed project are: 1) Fabricate energy system related components with embedded sensors, 2) Evaluate the mechanical properties and sensing functionalities of the “smart parts” with embedded piezoceramic sensors, and 3) Assess in-situ sensing capability of energy system parts. The second year’s research of the research is centered on fabrication of the “smart parts” with considerations of overall material property as well as demonstration of sensing functionalities. The results for the final report are presented here, including all research accomplishment, project management. Details are included such as: how the design and fabrication of sensor packaging could improve the sensor performance, demonstration of “smart parts” sensing capabilities, analysis on the elements that constitute the “smart sensors”, advanced “stop and go” fabrication process, smart injector fabrication using SLM technology, smart injector testing in combustion environments etc. Research results to date have generated several posters and papers.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

ATTIRE (analytical tools for thermal infrared engineering): A sensor simulation and modeling package

The Advanced Sensor Development Laboratory (ASDL) at the Stennis Space Center develops, maintains and calibrates remote sensing instruments for the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA). To perform system design trade-offs, analysis, and establish system parameters, ASDL has developed a software package for analytical simulation of sensor systems. This package called 'Analytical Tools for Thermal InfraRed Engineering' - ATTIRE, simulates the various components of a sensor system. The software allows each subsystem of the sensor to be analyzed independently for its performance. These performance parameters are then integrated to obtain system level information such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Noise Equivalent Radiance (NER), Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) etc. This paper describes the uses of the package and the physics that were used to derive the performance parameters.

Jaggi, S.↗

Rarefied-flow shuttle aerodynamics flight model

A model of the Shuttle Orbiter rarefied-flow aerodynamic force coefficients has been derived from the ratio of flight acceleration measurements. The in-situ, low frequency, low level acceleration measurements are made during atmospheric reentry. The experiment equipment designed and used for this task is the High Resolution Accelerometer Package (HiRAP), one of the sensor packages in the Orbiter Experiments Program. To date, 12 HiRAP reentry mission data sets spanning a period of about 10 years have been processed. The HiRAP derived aerodynamics model is described in detail. The model includes normal and axial hypersonic continuum coefficient equations as functions of angle-of-attack, body flap deflection, and elevon deflection. Normal and axial free molecule flow coefficient equations as a function of angle-of-attack are also presented, along with flight derived rarefied-flow transition bridging formulas. Comparisons are made between the aerodynamics model and data from the Orbiter Operational Aerodynamic Design Data Book, and applicable computer simulations and wind-tunnel data.

Blanchard, Robert C.↗

Rarefield-Flow Shuttle Aerodynamics Flight Model

A model of the Shuttle Orbiter rarefied-flow aerodynamic force coefficients has been derived from the ratio of flight acceleration measurements. The in-situ, low-frequency (less than 1Hz), low-level (approximately 1 x 10(exp -6) g) acceleration measurements are made during atmospheric re-entry. The experiment equipment designed and used for this task is the High Resolution Accelerometer Package (HiRAP), one of the sensor packages in the Orbiter Experiments Program. To date, 12 HiRAP re-entry mission data sets spanning a period of about 10 years have been processed. The HiRAP-derived aerodynamics model is described in detail. The model includes normal and axial hypersonic continuum coefficient equations as function of angle of attack, body-flap deflection, and elevon deflection. Normal and axial free molecule flow coefficient equations as a function of angle of attack are also presented, along with flight-derived rarefied-flow transition bridging formulae. Comparisons are made between the aerodynamics model, data from the latest Orbiter Operational Aerodynamic Design Data Book, applicable computer simulations, and wind-tunnel data.

Blanchard, Robert C.↗

Characterizing the Performance of the Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer

A Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer has been developed as a surveying tool to be incorporated into a Martian rover design. Electrostatic sensors with various protruding cover insulators are embedded into a prototype rover wheel. When these insulators come into contact with a surface, a charge develops on the cover insulator through tribocharging. A charge spectrum is created by analyzing the accumulated charge on each of the dissimilar cover insulators. This charge spectrum can be used to determine differences in Martian regolith properties. In this study, we analyzed the repeatability of the measurements for this sensor package and found that the sensor repeatability lies within one standard deviation of the noise in the signal. In addition, we tested the need for neutralizing the surface charge on the cover insulators and discovered a need to discharge the sensor cover insulators after each revolution. Future work includes an electronics redesign to reduce noise and a Martian pressure static elimination tool that can be used to neutralize the charge on the sensor cover insulators after each wheel revolution.

Johansen, M. R.↗

Characterizing the Perfonnance of the Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer

A Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer has been developed as a surveying tool to be incorporated into a planetary rover design. Electrostatic sensors with various protruding cover insulators are embedded into a prototype rover wheel. When these insulators come into contact with a surface, a charge develops on the cover insulator through tribocharging. A charge spectrum is created by analyzing the accumulated charge on each of the dissimilar cover insulators. We eventually intend to prove charge spectra can be used ~o determine differences in planetary regolith properties. We tested the effects of residual surface charge on the cover insulators and discovered a need to discharge the sensor cover insulators after each revolution. We proved the repeatability of the measurements for this sensor package and found that the sensor repeatability lies within one standard deviation of the noise in the signal.

Johansen, Michael R.↗

Thermal Design Challenges for In-Flight Exposure to an Electric Propulsion Plasma Plume Environment

The use of electric propulsion to carry out NASA in-space propulsion demands has been increasing. A big part of fulfilling this demand is the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) for NASA's Lunar Gateway. When built, the PPE will have the largest electric propulsion system to ever fly on a spacecraft, which brings new and difficult challenges. The environment created by the electric propulsion system during on-orbit operation of the thrusters has been shown to be different than those measured during operation in terrestrial vacuum facilities. Understanding the on-orbit environment created by the thrusters and its impacts on the spacecraft is the goal of the Plasma Diagnostic Package (PDP). The PDP is a sensor package, which is being developed by NASA GRC (Glenn Research Center), to fly on the PPE. The PDP will measure different aspects of the thruster plume in order to develop higher fidelity modeling of EP (Electric Power) systems. In order to capture quality measurements of the plume the PDP will need to install sensors in close proximity of it. This poses several unique thermal design challenges. Some of these challenges include: the long duration exposure to plume induced heating, the effects of plume induced erosion and sputter deposition on thermal control surfaces, and the extreme environments of a cis-lunar orbit. This paper looks to define the thermal challenges, explain modeling techniques, and offer design solutions for unique challenges of the PDP mission.

Thermal↗

Abstract - Belbas, Nicholas (EC2)

Originally, I was brought into the Design and Analysis Branch in the Crew and Thermal Systems to work on administrative tasks like archiving and scheduling. However, I ended up splitting my time between secretarial tasks and a technical project. My technical project was originally meant to be a wireless sensor package for the 20ft Spacecraft Thermal Vacuum Chamber in the B7 High Bay. I would be using a miniature wifi development board and a temperature/humidity sensor along with custom 3D modeling to accomplish this. However, after some discussion with my technical mentor, the plan was changed to a mobile autonomous self-charging sensor platform. A mobile platform will allow the sensors to be moved around without depressurizing the chamber. Also, the self-charging aspect of the package allows for almost unlimited time in the chamber. If the on-board battery runs low, the robot can easily be driven to its charging dock and continue to transmit while charging. The driving base is based around a Raspberry Pi 3 board with a 12C PMW DC Motor controller and a PWM controller driving two small gear motors. The sensor transmitter itself is a RHT03 temperature and humidity sensor and Cozir CO2 sensor connected to an ESP8266 Huzzah board. The power distribution system utilizes a pair of 3.7v 3600mah lipo batteries wired to Powerboost 500 boards. Also, the self-charging mechanism utilizes two 12v-max inductive charging coils wired into the same Powerboost boards as the battery. The Raspberry pi is running Python 3.3 for the driving base and Javascript MJPEG library for transmitting live video from the onboard camera. The sensor package is running Arduino-based C++ and the program capturing the data is running PyqtGraph Python and HTML. The shell of the robot itself is a 3D printed case that will (work in progress) snap together. The photo to the left shows the two halves separated from each other. The black shell contains the power distribution boards and connectors while the white shell contains the driving base and data systems.

Belbas, Nicholas↗

Chemical Tool Peer Review Summary.

Chemical tracers are commonly used to characterize fracture networks and to determine the connectivity between the injection and production wells. Currently, most tracer experiments involve injecting the tracer at the injection well, manually collecting liquid samples at the wellhead of the production well, and sending the samples off for laboratory analysis. While this method provides accurate tracer concentration data, it does not provide information regarding the location of the fractures conducting the tracer between wellbores. The goal of this project is to develop chemical sensors and design a prototype tool to help understand the fracture properties of a geothermal reservoir by monitoring tracer concentrations along the depth of the well. The sensors will be able to detect certain species of the ionic tracers (mainly iodide) and pH in-situ during the tracer experiment. The proposed high-temperature (HT) tool will house the chemical sensors as well as a standard logging sensor package of pressure, temperature, and flow sensors in order to provide additional information on the state of the geothermal reservoir. The sensors and the tool will be able to survive extended deployments at temperatures up to 225 °C and high pressures to provide real-time temporal and spatial feedback of tracer concentration. Data collected from this tool will allow for the real-time identification of the fractures conducting chemical tracers between wellbores along with the pH of the reservoir fluid at various depths.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Earth Radiation Budget Satellite

The Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) waqs designed to examine the thermal equilibrium between the sun, the earth, and space. The major space-based component of the experiment is the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) which was launched from Shuttle (Mission 41-G) on October 5, 1984. The ERBS is a three-axis momentum-biased spacecraft containing its own subsystems for attitude control, power generation, thermal control, and data handling. The satellite transmits data via the NASA Spacecraft Tracking and Data Network (STDN) and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The ERBS instrument package includes eight channels in two sensor packages: a nonscanning radiometer and a scanning radiometer. The combined spectral range of the two instruments is 0.2-5.0 microns and the scale of the radiometer measurements can be changed to collect regional, zonal, or global data. A series of schematic diagrams of the ERBS spacecraft and its instrument package is provided.

Dezio, J. A.↗

In situ Mars ozone detector

We propose sending a balloon-borne UV photometer sensor package to measure atmospheric ozone on Mars, and this package could be a Discovery Program sensor candidate. Past measurements of ozone on Mars are highly uncertain, perhaps a factor of 3 or so uncertain, due primarily to interference and masking by cloud and dust. In-situ balloon measurements would avoid these problems, and would provide 'ground truth' which remote sensing techniques cannot. We have explored this approach to measure ozone abundance in the terrestrial stratosphere with a balloon-borne UV absorption photometer. Atmospheric pressures and temperatures and ozone concentrations near the surface of Mars are similar to those in the terrestrial stratosphere.

Lindner, Bernhard Lee↗

Compact Lightweight Aerial Sensor System (CLASSy)

In the wake of increasingly intense wildfires, innovative solutions are imperative to enhance wildfire mitigation strategies. Current technological integrations have hit a communicative limit. Between limited flight time, computational expenses as well as financial expenses, there is a hole in the market for an effective, low-tech, and disposable solution. The Compact Lightweight Aerial Sensor System (CLASSy) is designed to revolutionize active disaster operations through comprehensive decision support. CLASSy consists of a lightweight launch mechanism and a flight body equipped with a sensor package and parachute. The assembly integrates sensor networks with data analytics to provide real-time, high-resolution information to incident commanders, directly facilitating decision-making and resource allocation. Infrared imagery and temperature differentials are processed and analyzed throughout flight, offering valuable insights into fire behavior, hotspot detection, and fire spread trajectories. CLASSy is intended to meet a variety of natural disaster mitigation needs through its variable launch height and disposability. CLASSy’s goal is to assist wildfire fighting without taking up any human or material resources. As a result, CLASSy is as lightweight as possible, easily expendable, inexpensive to manufacture, and only requires one operator for effective use. CLASSy’s integrated sensor suite, real-time analytics, and closed loop active communications empower firefighting teams to proactively address wildfire challenges. As the frequency of wildfires continues to rise, technological innovations like CLASSy are crucial to effective wildfire management systems.

Kyleigh Anderson↗

Mercury Detection Utilizing an Aquatic Animal as a Remote-Sensing Platform

Mercury species in open water, especially the accumulated methylmercury ion, pose a threat to fish and environment. Therefore, it is important to develop a small sensor package that can be integrated into a biotelemetry sensor carried by an aquatic animal, enhancing the ability to detect mercury contamination in large water areas. A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor using metal-organic framework (MOF) as sensing material was developed to detect mercury and methylmercury ions in real time based on acoustic wave perturbation. Thiol groups were introduced into the MOF UiO-66 through the organic linker to prepare the UiO-66-SH which was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy results. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted for the Hg 2+ , CH 3 Hg + , and Ca 2+ ions adsorption in the UiO-66-SH. The adsorption capacities of the mercury ions were more than an order of magnitude higher than those of the competing Ca 2+ ions at the same concentration. The frequency changes of the QCM sensor with the UiO-66-SH sensing film were an order of magnitude higher than those of the controlled baseline QCM sensor without a sensing film. Additionally, the frequency change can be tailored by adjusting the thickness of the MOF film and the adsorption properties of the sensing material. The sensor frequency change correlates well with ion adsorption capacities.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Acoustic Particle Velocity Measurements around a Tidal Current Turbine

Quantifying the underwater sound produced by tidal turbines is essential both to understand their potential environmental impacts and to understand how that sound might interfere with the intended application of the turbine (e.g., powering acoustic monitoring systems). In this project, we measured the sound radiated by a small-scale crossflow tidal turbine. The turbine was deployed from October 2023 to March 2024 in the tidal channel at the entrance to Sequim Bay, WA. Acoustic measurements were made with three different sensor packages: a commercial-off-the-shelf vector sensor (operated by PNNL), a vector sensor array (operated by Integral Consulting), and drifting hydrophones (operated by UW). Acoustic recordings from the three sensors highlight changes in the turbine acoustic signature over the course of a tidal cycle and throughout the 6-month turbine deployment. Our results also highlight the utility of acoustic vector sensors for localizing sound attributable to marine energy devices in acoustically complex environments.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Development of a Large Scale, High Speed Wheel Test Facility

Draper Laboratory, with its internal research and development budget, has for the past two years been funding a joint effort with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the development of a large scale, high speed wheel test facility. This facility was developed to perform experiments and carry out evaluations on levitation and propulsion designs for MagLev systems currently under consideration. The facility was developed to rotate a large (2 meter) wheel which could operate with peripheral speeds of greater than 100 meters/second. The rim of the wheel was constructed of a non-magnetic, non-conductive composite material to avoid the generation of errors from spurious forces. A sensor package containing a multi-axis force and torque sensor mounted to the base of the station, provides a signal of the lift and drag forces on the package being tested. Position tables mounted on the station allow for the introduction of errors in real time. A computer controlled data acquisition system was developed around a Macintosh IIfx to record the test data and control the speed of the wheel. This paper describes the development of this test facility. A detailed description of the major components is presented. Recently completed tests carried out on a novel Electrodynamic (EDS) suspension system, developed by MIT as part of this joint effort are described and presented. Adaptation of this facility for linear motor and other propulsion and levitation testing is described.

Kondoleon, Anthony↗