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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 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Exploring Geothermal Potential of Great Basin Sub-Regions

The INnovative Geothermal Exploration through Novel Investigations Of Undiscovered Systems (INGENIOUS) project aims to discover new, economically viable hidden geothermal systems in the Great Basin region by building on previous work in play fairway analysis and machine learning. A key objective of this project is to develop an exploration workflow to reduce geothermal exploration risks for hidden geothermal systems. A single preliminary play fairway workflow was developed from the assessment of the regional INGENIOUS geological, geophysical, and geochemical datasets. This workflow provided new preliminary predictive geothermal fairway maps for the INGENIOUS study area, which encompasses most of Nevada, western Utah, southern Idaho, southeastern Oregon, and easternmost California. However, a recent study (incorporating machine learning techniques) of a portion of Nevada identified four geologic domains and determined that the relative importance of individual datasets or features as indicators of geothermal potential may differ across these domains. The INGENIOUS study area includes a much larger and more geologically diverse region; therefore, additional geologic domains or sub-regions are expected. To assess the sub-regions in the INGENIOUS study area, principal component analysis and k-means clustering were applied. Preliminary results indicate that the INGENIOUS regional data cluster into groups that relate to different geologic domains in the Great Basin region. These include domains such as the Walker Lane, extensional western Great Basin region, broad lower strain region in the eastern Great Basin of western Utah and eastern Nevada, Quaternary volcanic fields, and the area adjacent to the Snake River Plain. These clusters are assessed to determine the key geologic drivers of the identified clusters. Understanding this variability can provide key insights for the exploration and characterization of hidden geothermal systems in the Great Basin region and could indicate the need to develop multiple geothermal conceptual models and play fairway workflows for the INGENIOUS study area.

exploration↗
DOE OSTI2024

Enterprise: Exploration of Concepts, Perspectives and Implications for Systems Engineering

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of ‘enterprise’ in the context of Systems Engineering (SE). The term ‘enterprise’ has been used extensively to generally describe large complex entities that have an extensive scope of operations. However, a deeper examination of ‘enterprise’ significance for SE can provide insights as our challenges continue with increasingly complex, uncertain, ambiguous, and integrated entities struggling to thrive in the future. The paper explores three central topics. First, the concept of enterprise is introduced as a central aspect of the future focus for SE, as recognized in the INCOSE SE Vision 2035. Second, a more detailed examination of the enterprise concept is developed in relationship to SE. The thrust of this examination is to understand the nature and role of ‘enterprise’ across a broad spectrum of literature and knowledge, ultimately providing a more informed perspective of enterprise for SE. As part of this exploration, a bibliometric analysis of the term ‘enterprise’ is performed. This exploration extracts key themes (clusters) in the ‘enterprise’ literature. Third, challenges for further development and inculcation of ‘enterprise’ within the SE discipline and support for realization of the SE 2035 Vision are suggested. These challenges point out the need to ‘think differently’ about ‘enterprise’ within the SE context. ‘Enterprise’ is proposed as a central, albeit different, perspective for the SE discipline. Finally, the paper closes with a first–generation perspective for ‘enterprise’ in pursuit of the SE Vision 2035.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Exploring Time-Varying Multivariate Volume Data Using Matrix of Isosurface Similarity Maps

We present a novel visual representation and interface named the matrix of isosurface similarity maps (MISM) for effective exploration of large time-varying multivariate volumetric data sets. MISM synthesizes three types of similarity maps (i.e., self, temporal, and variable similarity maps) to capture the essential relationships among isosurfaces of different variables and time steps. Additionally, it serves as the main visual mapping and navigation tool for examining the vast number of isosurfaces and exploring the underlying time-varying multivariate data set. We present temporal clustering, variable grouping, and interactive filtering to reduce the huge exploration space of MISM. In conjunction with the isovalue and isosurface views, MISM allows users to identify important isosurfaces or isosurface pairs and compare them over space, time, and value range. More importantly, we introduce path recommendation that suggests, animates, and compares traversal paths for effectively exploring MISM under varied criteria and at different levels-of-detail. A silhouette-based method is applied to render multiple surfaces of interest in a visually succinct manner. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach with case studies of several time-varying multivariate data sets and an ensemble data set, and evaluate our work with two domain experts.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Gamow Explorer: a Gamma-Ray Burst Observatory to study the high redshift universe and enable multi-messenger astrophysics

The Gamow Explorer will use Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) to: 1) probe the high redshift universe (z < 6) when the first stars were born, galaxies formed and Hydrogen was reionized; and 2) enable multi-messenger astrophysics by rapidly identifying Electro-Magnetic (IR/Optical/X-ray) counterparts to Gravitational Wave (GW) events. GRBs have been detected out to z ~ 9 and their afterglows are a bright beacon lasting a few days that can be used to observe the spectral fingerprints of the host galaxy and intergalactic medium to map the period of reionization and early metal enrichment. Gamow Explorer is optimized to quickly identify high-z events to trigger follow-up observations with JWST and large ground-based telescopes. A wide field of view Lobster Eye X-ray Telescope (LEXT) will search for GRBs and locate them with arc-minute precision. When a GRB is detected, the rapidly slewing spacecraft will point the 5 photometric channel Photo-z Infra-Red Telescope (PIRT) to identify high redshift (z < 6) long GRBs within 100s and send an alert within 1000s of the GRB trigger. An L2 orbit provides < 95% observing efficiency with pointing optimized for follow up by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and ground observatories. The predicted Gamow Explorer high-z rate is <10 times that of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The instrument and mission capabilities also enable rapid identification of short GRBs and their afterglows associated with GW events. The Gamow Explorer will be proposed to the 2021 NASA MIDEX call and if approved, launched in 2028.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

TexTonic: Interactive Visualization for Exploration and discovery of Very Large Text Collections

TexTonic is a visual analytic system for interactive exploration of very large unstructured text collections. TexTonic visualizes hierarchical clusters of representative terms, snippets, and documents in a single, multi-scale spatial layout. Exploration is supported by interacting with the visualization and directly manipulating the terms in the visualization using semantic interactions. These semantic interactions steer the underlying analytic model by translating user interactions within the visualization to contextual updates to the supporting data model. The combination of semantic interactions and information visualization at multiple levels of the data hierarchy helps users manage information overload so that they can more effectively explore very large text collections. In this paper we describe TexTonic’s data processing and analytic pipeline, user interface and interaction design principles, and the results of a user study conducted mid-development with experienced data analysts. We also discuss the implications TexTonic could have on visual exploration and discovery tasks

human centered computing, Visual analytics, Inform↗
DOE OSTI2015

Elviz – exploration of metagenome assemblies with an interactive visualization tool

Metagenomics, the sequencing of DNA collected from an entire microbial community, enables the study of natural microbial consortia in their native habitats. Metagenomics studies produce huge volumes of data, including both the sequences themselves and metadata describing their abundance, assembly, predicted functional characteristics and environmental parameters. The ability to explore these data visually is critically important to meaningful biological interpretation. Current genomics applications cannot effectively integrate sequence data, assembly metadata, and annotation to support both genome and community-level inquiry. Elviz (Environmental Laboratory Visualization) is an interactive web-based tool for the visual exploration of assembled metagenomes and their complex metadata. Elviz allows scientists to navigate metagenome assemblies across multiple dimensions and scales, plotting parameters such as GC content, relative abundance, phylogenetic affiliation and assembled contig length. Furthermore Elviz enables interactive exploration using real-time plot navigation, search, filters, axis selection, and the ability to drill from a whole-community profile down to individual gene annotations. Thus scientists engage in a rapid feedback loop of visual pattern identification, hypothesis generation, and hypothesis testing. Compared to the current alternative of generating a succession of static figures, Elviz can greatly accelerate the speed of metagenome analysis. Elviz can be used to explore both user-submitted datasets and numerous metagenome studies publicly available at the Joint Genome Institute (JGI). Elviz is freely available at http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/viz and runs on most current web-browsers.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Dual-Mode Propulsion System Enabling CubeSat Exploration of the Solar System: NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (Phase I Final Report)

It is apparent the cost of planetary exploration is rising as mission budgets declining. Currently small scientific beds geared to performing limited tasks are being developed and launched into low earth orbit (LEO) in the form of small-scale satellite units, i.e., CubeSats. These micro- and nano-satellites are gaining popularity among the university and science communities due to their relatively low cost and design flexibility. To date these small units have been limited to performing tasks in LEO utilizing solar-based power. If a reasonable propulsion system could be developed, these CubeSat platforms could perform exploration of various extra-terrestrial bodies within the solar system engaging a broader range of researchers. Additionally, being mindful of mass, smaller cheaper launch vehicles (~1,000 kgs to LEO) can be targeted. This, in effect, allows for beneficial exploration to be conducted within limited budgets. Researchers at the Center for Space Nuclear Re-search (CSNR) are proposing a low mass, radioisotope-based, dual-mode propulsion system capable of extending the exploration realm of these CubeSats out of LEO. The proposed radioisotope-based system would leverage the high specific energies [J/kg] associated with radioisotope materials and enhance their inherent low specific powers [W/g]. This is accomplished by accumulating thermal energy from nuclear decay within a central core over time. This allows for significant amounts of power to be transferred to a flowing gas over short periods of time. In the proposed configuration the stored energy can be utilized in two ways: (1) with direct propellant injection to the core, the energy can be converted into thrust through the use of a converging-diverging nozzle and (2) by flowing a working fluid through the core and subsequent Brayton engine, energy within the core can be converted to electrical energy. The first scenario achieves moderate ranges of thrust, but at a higher Isp than traditional chemical-based systems. The second scenario allows for the production of electrical power, which is then available for electric-based propulsion. Additionally, once at location the production of electrical power can be dedicated to the payload’s communication system for data transfer. Ultimately, the proposed dual-mode propulsion platform capitalizes on the benefits of two types of propulsion methods – the thrust of thermal propulsion ideal for quick orbital maneuvers and the specific impulse of electric propulsion ideal for efficient inter-planetary travel. Previous versions of this RTR-based concept have been studied for various applications [NETS 1-3]. The current version of this concept is being matured through a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I grant, awarded for FY 2014. In this study the RTR concept is being developed to deliver a 6U CubeSat payload to the orbit of the Saturnian moon - Enceladus. Additionally, this study will develop an entire mission architecture for Enceladus targeting a total allowable launch mass of 1,000 kg.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Using the D-Wave 2X Quantum Computer to Explore the Formation of Global Terrorist Networks

Social networks with signed edges (+/-) play an important role in an area of social network theory called structural balance. In these networks, edges represent relationships that are labeled as either friendly (+) or hostile (-). A signed social network is balanced only if all cycles of three or more nodes in the graph have an odd number of hostile edges. A fundamental property of a balanced network is that it can be cleanly divided into 2 factions, where all relationships within each faction are friendly, and all relationships between members of different factions are hostile. The more unbalanced a network is, the more edges will fail to adhere to this rule, making factions more ambiguous. Social theory suggests unbalanced networks should be unstable, a finding that has been supported by research on gangs, which shows that unbalanced relationships are associated with greater violence, possibly due to this increased ambiguity about factional allegiances (Nakamura et al). One way to estimate the imbalance in a network, if only edge relationships are known, is to assign nodes to factions that minimize the number of violations of the edge rule described above. This problem is known to be computationally NP-hard. However, Facchetti et al. have pointed out that it is equivalent to an Ising model with a Hamiltonian that effectively counts the number of edge rule violations. Therefore, finding the assignment of factions that minimizes energy of the equivalent Ising system yields an estimate of the imbalance in the network. Based on the Ising model equivalence of the signed-social network balance problem, we have used the D-Wave 2X quantum annealing computer to explore some aspects of signed social networks. Because connectivity in the D-Wave computer is limited to its particular native topology, arbitrary networks cannot be represented directly. Rather, they must be “embedded” using a technique in which multiple qubits are chained together with special weights to simulate a collection of nodes with the required connectivity. This limits the size of a fully connected network in the D-Wave to about 50 simulated nodes, using all of the approximately 1150 qubits in the machine. In order to keep within this limitation, while exploring a problem of potential social relevance, we constructed time series of historical network snapshots from Stanford’s Mapping Militants Project, where nodes represent militant organizations, and edges represent either alliances or rivalries between organizations. We constructed two series from different theaters – Iraq and Syria – spanning timelines from about 2000 to 2016, each with networks whose maximum size was in the 20-30 node range. Computationally, our experience suggests D-Wave technology is promising, providing fast, nearly constant scaling of computational effort in the main part of the calculation that relies on the quantum annealing cycle. However, the cost of embedding an arbitrary network of interest in the D-Wave native topology scales poorly. If the embedding cost can be amortized relative to the annealing cycle, it may be possible to gain a substantial advantage over classical computing methods, provided a large enough network can be accommodated by partitioning into subnetworks or some similar strategy. In terms of our application to networks of militant organizations, we found a rise in network imbalance in the Syrian theater that appears to correspond roughly with the entrance of the Islamic State into a milieu already populated with other groups, a phenomenon we plan to explore in more detail. In these very preliminary results, we also noticed that during at least one period where both the size and imbalance of the network increased substantially, the imbalance per edge seemed to remain fairly steady. This may suggest some adaptive behavior among the participating factions, which may also warrant further exploration.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Exploring strongly correlated quantum spin systems with quantum computers

At inception, quantum annealing leveraged quantum mechanics for classical optimization tasks. However, as machine coherence increases, the realization of quantum spin systems has emerged as an even more fruitful application of this computational model. Alternatives to the standard gate model deserve exploration, to achieve useful quantum advantage via analog quantum computing. The recent demonstration of so-called coherent quantum annealing with 1,000s of qubits, further expands the potential for this hardware to explore quantum system dynamics where the effects of quantum fluctuations can be carefully controlled and observed directly. Implementing existing celebrated spin models—or in fact new and dedicated ones—into quantum annealers will lead to observation and detection of quantum phenomena not yet observed, or not visualized directly, in experimental physics laboratories. Rather than computing or simulating quantum systems, these quantum computers allow one to simply build quantum systems, and experiment on them in an uniquely controlled way, with characterization down to the constitutive degree of freedom. This provides an unprecedented opportunity for understanding the physics of quantum spin systems. Keywords: Theoretical physics currently abounds of interesting theoretical spin models to explore frustration, strongly correlated spins, spin liquids, fractionalized excitations, and topological matter. However enticing, such models are generally only weak proxies for the properties of actual materials. In quantum annealers these models could be realized and experimented upon. Moreover, many more realistic models of such materials could be realized in quantum annealers. Employed in this way, quantum annealers provide an extraordinary versatile platform to explore quantum effects that are hard to find, detect, and characterize in natural materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1959

Global Aspects of the Exploration of Space

The interest of man in outer space began long ago among uncivilized peoples to whom the face of the sky was clock and almanac; the celestial bodies, objects of worship. Exploration was at first by visual observation, later aided by armillary spheres and quadrants, and still later by more precise measuring instruments, telescopes, and spectroscopes. The information obtained was that borne by the light that was transmitted from the distant celestial object through the atmosphere to the observing instrument on the ground. In recent years the light waves have been supplemented by radio waves as carriers of information from the stars and planets. Men of many nations have contributed through the centuries to the exploration of space by the methods of astronomy. The history of advances in astronomical knowledge and technique includes the records of Chinese, Babylonians, Greeks, Arabians, and of nearly every nation of the modern world. International cooperation was early recognized as essential and beneficial; the countless number of the stars and the vastness of space present mankind with a truly global task. The picture of the universe obtained by the astronomers early stirred the imagination of men to speculate about the existence of life elsewhere in the universe, about means of communication with distant stars, and in the last centuries about the possibility of the travel of man to the moon and planets. Some sought to apply the science and engineering of their day to describe the vehicles to be used. For example, Jules Verne published in 1865 in "From the Earth to the Moon" a description of a gun-launched projectile carrying passengers to orbit the moon. Today we have taken the first steps to bring this inspired vision to reality. The exploration of space by unmanned vehicles carrying scientific apparatus began on October 4, 1957; exploration by man will follow in due course.

Dryden, Hugh L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Exploration of the solar system

The potential achievements of solar system exploration are outlined, and a course of action is suggested which will maximize the rewards. Also provided is a sourcebook of information on the solar system and the technology being brought to bear for its exploration. The document explores the degree to which three practical questions can be answered: why it is necessary to explore the solar system, why understanding of the solar system is important to us, and why we cannot wait until all terrestrial problems are solved before an attempt is made to solve problems in space.

Henderson, A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1974

An evaluation of the suitability of ERTS data for the purposes of petroleum exploration

This investigation was undertaken to determine the types and amounts of information valuable to petroleum exploration that are extractable from ERTS data and to determine the cost of obtaining the information from ERTS relative to costs using traditional or conventional means. In particular, it was desirable to evaluate this new petroleum exploration tool in a geologically well-known area in order to assess its potential usefulness in an unknown area. In light of the current energy situation, it is felt that such an evaluation is important in order to best utilize technical efforts with customary exploration tools, by rapidly focusing attention on the most promising areas in order to reduce the time required to go through the exploration cycle and to maximize cost savings. The Anadarko Basin lies in western Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas (Figure 1). It was chosen as a test site because there is a great deal of published information available on the surface and subsurface geology of the area, there are many known structures that act as traps for hydrocarbons, and it is similar to several other large epicontinental sedimentary basins.

Everett, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Exploration for fossil and nuclear fuels from orbital altitudes

Results from the ERTS program pertinent to exploration for oil, gas, and uranium are discussed. A review of achievements in relevant geological studies from ERTS, and a survey of accomplishments oriented towards exploration for energy sources are presented along with an evaluation of the prospects and limitations of the space platform approach to fuel exploration, and an examination of continuing programs designed to prove out the use of ERTS and other space system in exploring for fuel resources.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Planetary exploration - Earth's new horizon /12th von Karman Lecture/

The article gives an account of the history of unmanned exploration of the planets of the solar system, including both earthbound exploration and exploration with spacecraft. Examples of images of the Martian surface are presented along with images obtained in Jupiter and Mercury flybys. Data are presented on the growth of US launch vehicle performance capability, navigation performance, and planetary data rate capability. Basic information regarding the nature of the scientific experiments aboard the Pioneer and Viking spacecraft is given. A case is put forward for the ongoing exploration of the planets as a worthwhile endeavor for man.

Schurmeier, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The Exploration Ethic: Its Historical-Intellectual Basis. Outlook for Space (1980 - 2000)

Principle components of the exploration ethic are discussed. Attempts were made to justify both the historical and intellectual aspects of the concept. It was noted that intellectual justification is strongly grounded on: (1) the complementarity of objective and normative inquiry as to method, and (2) interdisciplinary alliance of ethics of adaptive systems with contemporary decision sciences, as a theoretical basis. Historical exploration justification was associated with: (1) periods of civilization transition, (2) changes in the process of exploration which cause change in types of rationals used, sponsors involved, and explorers interest, and (3) the incorrectness of proven prior cost/benefit calculations.

Priscoli, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Effective planetary exploration at low cost

An overview of possibilities being explored by NASA for effective planetary exploration at low cost is presented. The Solar System Exploration Committee (SSEC) has been examining this issue, with particular attention given to the areas of observing scientific objectives using derivative designs and hardware, and limiting modifications. The Venus Radar Mapper has been endorsed by the SSEC in terms of using existing space hardware, and has proven to be cost effective. In addition, hardware developed for Galileo missions must be used. Finally, the development of a spacecraft design which can be cost-effectively reconfigured from mission to mission is underway with the Mariner Mark II Concept. It is anticipated that low cost planetary exploration methods will be the focus of study at the SSEC.

Moore, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

International solar system exploration - Opportunities and obstacles

A review is conducted of the exploration of the solar system carried out with the aid of various types of spacecraft during the past two decades, taking into account also space missions planned for thy next few years. A wealth of information has been obtained regarding the planets and their satellites. However, there remain many important questions concerning the solar system, and a continuation of space exploration for the solution of these questions appears highly desirable, particularly when the comparatively little cost of these missions is taken into account. However, major fiscal limitations within the U.S. economy have led to pressure to postpone any new solar system exploration projects unless there can be major reductions in their cost. A special committee has been studying the options for future low-cost solar system exploration missions, giving attention also to some options for international implementation. Various aspects of joint space projects are examined.

Moore, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Mars exploration in the 1990's

Science objectives for a Mars exploration program in the 1990s, set forth by NASA's Committee on Planetary Exploration, are presented. They include: an intensive study of the Martian surface, the exploration of the structure and general circulation of the atmosphere, the exploration of the nature and dynamics of the planet's interior, the nature of Mars's magnetic field, the character of the upper atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind, and the establishment of the global chemical and physical characteristics of the Martian surface. Several low cost missions, which have been suggested by the Committee for NASA's CORE program, such as the Mars Geoscience Climatology Observer, the Mars Aeronomy Orbiter, and the Mars Surface Network and Surface Probing missions are also covered. Direct Entry-Direct Return and Out-of-Orbit Entry-Orbital Rendezvous and Docking are two versions of a Mars Rover and Sample Return (MRSR) mission discussed in detail. It is concluded that a MRSR mission will require the combination of full Centaur capability, aerocapture at Mars and earth, and direct return to earth to meet major scientific goals. Further studies should be made in orbit assembly, fuel transfer technology, aeromaneuvering, terminal guidance, rover technology, and robotics.

Albee, A. L.↗