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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 631 records · Page 35

Keeping Track Every Step of the Way

Knowledge Sharing Systems, Inc., a producer of intellectual assets management software systems for the federal government, universities, non-profit laboratories, and private companies, constructed and presently manages the NASA Technology Tracking System, also known as TechTracS. Under contract to Langley Research Center, TechTracS identifies and captures all NASA technologies, manages the patent prosecution process, and then tracks their progress en route to commercialization. The system supports all steps involved in various technology transfer activities, and is considered the premier intellectual asset management system used in the federal government today. NASA TechTracS consists of multiple relational databases and web servers, located at each of the 10 field centers, as well as NASA Headquarters. The system is capable of supporting the following functions: planning commercial technologies; commercialization activities; reporting new technologies and inventions; and processing and tracking intellectual property rights, licensing, partnerships, awards, and success stories. NASA TechTracS is critical to the Agency's ongoing mission to commercialize its revolutionary technologies in a variety of sectors within private industry, both aerospace and non- aerospace.

Source record↗

ELAS - A geobased information system that is transferable to several computers

In the early years of remote sensing, emphasis was placed on the processing and analysis of data from a single multispectral sensor, such as the Landsat Multispectral Scanner System (MSS). However, in connection with attempts to use the data for resource management, it was realized that many deficiencies existed in single data sets. A need was established to geographically reference the MSS data and to register with it data from disparate sources. Technological transfer activities have required systems concepts that can be easily transferred to computers of different types in other organizations. ELAS (Earth Resources Laboratory Applications Software), a geographically based information system, was developed to meet the considered needs. ELAS accepts data from a variety of sources. It contains programs to geographically reference the data to the Universal Transverse Mercator grid. One of the primary functions of ELAS is to produce a surface cover map.

Whitley, S. L.↗

Benefits to the nation from astronomy and astrophysics

It is argued that astronomy makes unexpectantly large contributions to formal and informal science education, given the small number of research astronomers. Technology transfer and spin-offs from astronomy have important applications in medicine, industry, defence, environmental monitoring, and consumer products. Astronomy provides unusually promising opportunities for international cooperation. Other sciences benefit from synergistic interactions with astronomy. A review is given of astronomy education and teacher training. The role of astronomy in medicine, industry, defence, energy technology, the environment, and everyday life is reviewed.

Trimble, Virginia↗

Piezo-Antenna: An Electromagnetic-Ultrasonic Data Transfer System

Electronic systems contained within sealed metallic enclosures, such as nuclear waste containers where wire penetration is not an option, require a through-wall data transfer technology to communicate. One such technology utilizes piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers to communicate through the barrier using elastic waves. Currently demonstrated ultrasonic through-wall data communication techniques have relied on having a direct interface with the ultrasonic transducers on either side. Here, this work studies the coupling of an antenna to such an ultrasonic communication system. A computationally efficient model of a piezobarrier ultrasonic communication system and antenna using a simplified antenna model and a transfer matrix piezobarrier model is utilized to perform a representative parameter space search. The system efficiency and bandwidth trends are shown for the system parameters as well as operating frequency. The tradeoff between efficiency and bandwidth is also presented. A system configuration within the parameter space is fabricated and demonstrated to achieve a data rate of up to 100 kb/s.

Antenna↗

Carbon Utilization and Storage Partnership of the Western United States

This technical report documents research conducted under DOE Award No. DE-FE0031837 focused on evaluating the feasibility of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) systems in the central and western United States. The project integrated geologic characterization, reservoir simulation, infrastructure modeling, and economic analysis to assess CO₂ storage potential near industrial sources and develop strategies for transport and sequestration. The work included subsurface modeling, risk assessment, monitoring and verification (MRV) planning, and evaluation of regulatory pathways such as EPA Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI permitting and IRS 45Q tax credit eligibility. Results demonstrate the viability of multiple storage approaches, including saline formations, enhanced coalbed methane recovery, and basalt mineralization, supported by data-driven workflows and regional analyses. The project also produced permitting templates, technology transfer activities, and stakeholder engagement efforts to support deployment readiness. These findings contribute to the development of scalable, economically viable CCUS systems and provide a repeatable framework for future carbon management projects.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Object-oriented technologies in a multi-mission data system

The Operations Engineering Laboratory (OEL) at JPL is developing new technologies that can provide more efficient and productive ways of doing business in flight operations. Over the past three years, we have worked closely with the Multi-Mission Control Team to develop automation tools, providing technology transfer into operations and resulting in substantial cost savings and error reduction. The OEL development philosophy is characterized by object-oriented design, extensive reusability of code, and an iterative development model with active participation of the end users. Through our work, the benefits of object-oriented design became apparent for use in mission control data systems. Object-oriented technologies and how they can be used in a mission control center to improve efficiency and productivity are explained. The current research and development efforts in the JPL Operations Engineering Laboratory are also discussed to architect and prototype a new paradigm for mission control operations based on object-oriented concepts.

Murphy, Susan C.↗

Personal Aircraft Point to the Future of Transportation

NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, as well as a number of Agency innovations, have helped Duluth, Minnesota-based Cirrus Design Corporation become one of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation aircraft. SBIRs with Langley Research Center provided the company with cost-effective composite airframe manufacturing methods, while crashworthiness testing at the Center increased the safety of its airplanes. Other NASA-derived technologies on Cirrus SR20 and SR22 aircraft include synthetic vision systems that help pilots navigate and full-plane parachutes that have saved the lives of more than 30 Cirrus pilots and passengers to date. Today, the SR22 is the world's top-selling Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified single-engine airplane.

Source record↗

Research in Support of the Use of Rankine Cycle Energy Conversion Systems for Space Power and Propulsion

This is the report of a Scientific Working Group (SWG) formed by NASA to determine the feasibility of using a liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor and Rankine energy conversion cycle for dual purpose power and propulsion in space. This is a high level technical report which is intended for use by NASA management in program planning. The SWG was composed of a team of specialists in nuclear energy and multiphase flow and heat transfer technology from academia, national laboratories, NASA and industry. The SWG has identified the key technology issues that need to be addressed and have recommended an integrated short term (approx. 2 years) and a long term (approx. 10 year) research and development (R&D) program to qualify a Rankine cycle power plant for use in space. This research is ultimately intended to give NASA and its contractors the ability to reliably predict both steady and transient multiphase flow and heat transfer phenomena at reduced gravity, so they can analyze and optimize designs and scale-up experimental data on Rankine cycle components and systems. In addition, some of these results should also be useful for the analysis and design of various multiphase life support and thermal management systems being considered by NASA.

Lahey, Richard T., Jr.↗

Establishing effective working relations with a potential user community - NASA Lewis Research Center experience

The NASA Lewis Research Center has held a series of six major and unique technology utilization conferences which were major milestones in planned structured efforts to establish effective working relationships with specific technology user communities. These efforts were unique in that the activities undertaken prior to the conference were extensive, and effectively laid the groundwork for productive technology transfer following, and as a direct result of, the conferences. The effort leading to the conference was in each case tailored to the characteristics of the potential user community, however, the common factors comprise a basic framework applicable to similar endeavors. The process is essentially a planned sequence of steps that constitute a technical market survey and a marketing program for the development of beneficial applications of aerospace technology beyond the aerospace field.

Foster, P.↗

Developments on Reusable TPS Materials Based Upon Shuttle Tile

The insulating tiles used on the Space Shuttler Orbiter, principally AETB (Alumina Enhanced Thermal Barrier), have been seen by new vehicle developers in the aerospace industry as a fast-track approach for fielding a reusable thermal protection system (TPS) given the extensive use by both the Orbiter program and the current Orion vehicle. NASA has, and is, supporting the industry through technology transfer and commercial crew and payloads programs. However, the reusable TPS community is rapidly encountering challenges rooted in Orbiter’s and Orion’s dependence on legacy material and processes. With the aim of alleviating these issues, improving availability of reusable TPS, and strengthening the nation’s space economy, ongoing efforts at NASA Ames have focused on understanding process-property relationships in AETB as well as novel materials and technologies for reusable TPS. The first portion of this talk will address the effects of raw materials and processing conditions on the properties of AETB-8, including the raw materials used, mixing and casting parameters, and thermal history. Understanding these relationships, and how they extend to aerothermal performance, is instrumental in alleviating supply chain constraints and improving manufacturability. The implications of these finding on development of novel TPS materials and systems will be discussed. AETB will likely continue to fill a niche of relatively high performance with associated costs. There exists, therefore, a gap in developed reusable TPS for a lower cost, moderate performing material system. The later portion of this talk will touch on current development efforts at Ames focusing on reduced cost and ease of integration, which are being pursued in addition to AETB and higher performing systems. In addition to summarizing these efforts, an outlook for these projects and collaborations will be given.

Peter Edward Marshall↗

Developments on Reusable TPS Materials Based Upon Shuttle Tile

The insulating tiles used on the Space Shuttler Orbiter, principally AETB (Alumina Enhanced Thermal Barrier), have been seen by new vehicle developers in the aerospace industry as a fast-track approach for fielding a reusable thermal protection system (TPS) given the extensive use by both the Orbiter program and the current Orion vehicle. NASA has, and is, supporting the industry through technology transfer and commercial crew and payloads programs. However, the reusable TPS community is rapidly encountering challenges rooted in Orbiter’s and Orion’s dependence on legacy material and processes. With the aim of alleviating these issues, improving availability of reusable TPS, and strengthening the nation’s space economy, ongoing efforts at NASA Ames have focused on understanding process-property relationships in AETB as well as novel materials and technologies for reusable TPS. The first portion of this talk will address the effects of raw materials and processing conditions on the properties of AETB-8, including the raw materials used, mixing and casting parameters, and thermal history. Understanding these relationships, and how they extend to aerothermal performance, is instrumental in alleviating supply chain constraints and improving manufacturability. The implications of these finding on development of novel TPS materials and systems will be discussed. AETB will likely continue to fill a niche of relatively high performance with associated costs. There exists, therefore, a gap in developed reusable TPS for a lower cost, moderate performing material system. The later portion of this talk will touch on current development efforts at Ames focusing on reduced cost and ease of integration, which are being pursued in addition to AETB and higher performing systems. In addition to summarizing these efforts, an outlook for these projects and collaborations will be given.

Thermal Protection Systems↗

Stirling Powered Van Progam overview

The Stirling Powered Van Program (SPVP) is a multiyear, multiphase program to evaluate the automotive Stirling engine (ASE) in Air Force vans under realistic conditions. The objective of the SPVP is to transfer to manufacturer and end user(s) (i.e., on the path to commercialization) the second-generation Mod 2 ASE upon completion of the Automotive Stirling Engine Program in 1987. In order to meet this objective, the SPVP must establish Stirling performance, integrity, reliability, durability and maintainability. The ASE program background leading to the van program is reviewed and plans for evaluating the kinematic Stirling engine in Air Force vans examined. Also discussed are the NASA technology transfers to industry that have been accomplished and those which are currently being developed.

Shaltens, R. K.↗

Application of remote sensing to state and regional problems

Mississippi State University was awarded a grant by NASA to effect remote sensing technology transfer in Mississippi and the Mid-South region and to demonstrate the operational uses of remoting sensing in providing the basic data and information necessary to solve problems of state and regional nature. Thus, the primary purpose of the Remote Sensing Applications Program at Mississippi State University is for members of the University community to participate in activities that improve effective communication between the scientific community engaged in remote sensing research and development, and the potential users of modern remote sensing technology. The state-of-the-art remote sensing capability is significantly beyond the present-day applications of the potential user group. The program services to accelerate the operational use of proven remote sensing technology which will help to insure reasonable pay-off from the better usage of space, high altitude, and other remote sensing products evolved by the NASA program. Outputs of this program are assisting the State of Mississippi in recognizing and solving its environmental resource planning, and socio-economic sensing system.

W Frank Miller↗

Advanced Life Systems for Extreme Environments: An Arctic Application

The problems of obtaining adequate pure drinking water and disposing of liquid and solid waste in the U.S. Arctic, a region where virtually all water is frozen solid for much of the year, has led to unsanitary solutions (U.S. Arctic Research Commission). These solutions are also damaging to the environment. Sanitation and a safe water supply are particularly problems in rural villages. About one-fourth of Alaska's 86.000 Native residents live in these communities. They are without running water and use plastic buckets for toilets. The outbreak of diseases is believed to be partially attributable to exposure to human waste. Villages with the most frequent outbreaks of disease are those in which running water is difficult to obtain (Office of Technology Assessment, 1994). Waste is emptied into open lagoons, rivers, or onto the sea coast. It does not degrade rapidly and in addition to affecting human health, can be harmful to the fragile ecology of the Arctic and the indigenous wildlife and fish populations. Advanced Life Systems for Extreme Environments (ALSEE) provides a solution to sanitation and safe water problems. The system uses an advanced integrated technology developed for Antarctic and space applications. ALSEE uses the systems approach to address more than waste and water problems. By incorporating hydroponic horticulture and aquaculture into the waste treatment system, ALSEE addresses the quality and quantity of fresh foods available to Arctic residents. A temperate climate is required for year-round plant growth. ALSEE facilities can be designed to include a climate controlled area within the structure. This type of environment is a change from the long periods of darkness and cold found in the Arctic and can help alleviate stress so often associated with these extremes. While the overall concept of ALSEE projects is advanced, system facilities can be operated by village residents with appropriate training. ALSEE provides continuing training and education as a part of the project. Not only is this desirable but necessary. There is ample evidence in "gravoyard" throughout rural Alaska of technologies which failed not because they were not applic4tble, but because they were not integrated and could not be operated or repaired by village residents. Waste streams in villages will vary depending on the human diet and the non-food waste stream. ALSEE units can be adapted to different village situations once the content of the waste stream is known. Units located in population hubs can serve as research, education. and demonstration centers. Appropriate modifications can be determined at these centers to transfer technology to more remote locations where waste stream conditions may differ.

Lewis, Carol E.↗

Program Model Checking as a New Trend

This paper introduces a special section of STTT (International Journal on Software Tools for Technology Transfer) containing a selection of papers that were presented at the 7th International SPIN workshop, Stanford, August 30 - September 1, 2000. The workshop was named SPIN Model Checking and Software Verification, with an emphasis on model checking of programs. The paper outlines the motivation for stressing software verification, rather than only design and model verification, by presenting the work done in the Automated Software Engineering group at NASA Ames Research Center within the last 5 years. This includes work in software model checking, testing like technologies and static analysis.

Havelund, Klaus↗

NASA/NOAA implementation of the USAID-sponsored satellite ground station and data processing facility for Bangladesh

A description is given of a project to transfer multiple environmental satellite data reception, processing, and interpretation capabilities from the U.S. to Bangladesh. The goal of the project is to improve the management of resources related primarily to agriculture, water development, forestry, and fisheries. It is also hoped to improve the existing cyclone/storm surge warning system. An account is given of the interagency and international cooperation underlying the project. The remote-sensing installation in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is described, and the most likely system applications are summarized. Attention is also given to the special requirements concerning this type of technology transfer, and an assessment is made of the project's practical value to Bangladesh.

Dodge, J. C.↗

Extreme-Temperature Carbon- and Ceramic-Matrix Composite Nozzle Extensions for Liquid Rocket Engines

The United States (US) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its US industry partners are developing extreme-temperature composite nozzle extensions for a variety of cryogenic liquid rocket engine propulsion systems. Applications under consideration at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) include launch vehicle (upper stage), in-space, and lunar lander descent/ascent propulsion systems. Composite material systems of interest include carbon-carbon (C-C) and carbon/silicon-carbide (C-SiC) composites, as well as modified versions of such composites (coatings, mixed matrices, oxidation inhibitors, etc.). Missions addressed include access to low Earth orbit, the lunar surface, and more distant destinations. Cryogenic upper-stage and in-space liquid rocket engines are optimized for performance through the use of high area ratio nozzles to fully expand combustion gases to low exit pressures, increasing exhaust velocities. As a result of the large size of such nozzles, and the related engine performance requirements, composite nozzle extensions are being considered to reduce mass impacts. Currently, metallic and foreign composite nozzle extensions used on the Atlas V, Delta IV, Falcon 9, and Ariane 5 launch vehicles represent the state-of-the-art. Such extensions are limited to use at or slightly above 2000°F (1093°C). Materials under development by MSFC and its industry partners have the potential to operate at temperatures up to (or above) 4250°F (2343°C). Marshall Space Flight Center efforts are aimed at (a) further developing the technology and databases needed to enable the use of composite nozzle extensions on cryogenic liquid rocket engines, (b) developing and demonstrating low-cost capabilities for testing and qualifying such nozzle extensions, and (c) advancing the US domestic supply chain for nozzle extensions. Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs, low-level internal MSFC research projects, and teaming arrangements with domestic industry partners, composite material design, development, hot-fire test, and evaluation efforts are progressing. Hot- fire engine tests of subscale hardware have been conducted using oxygen/hydrogen (LOX/H2), oxygen/methane (LOX/CH4), and oxygen/kerosene (LOX/RP-1) propellants. These engine tests at MSFC have enabled the evaluation of both heritage and state-of-the-art material systems, demonstrating the initial capabilities of the extreme temperature materials and their fabrication methods. Recent, ongoing, and potential future work supporting cryogenic propulsion systems development will be presented. The composite nozzle extension technology and test capabilities being developed are intended to support both NASA and US Department of Defense requirements, as well as those of the broader Commercial Space industry.

Valentine, Peter G.↗

A Compact Prototype of an Optical Pattern Recognition System

In the Technology 2006 Case Studies/Success Stories presentation, we will describe and demonstrate a prototype of a compact optical pattern recognition system as an example of a successful technology transfer and continuuing development of state-of-the-art know-how by the close collaboration among government, academia, and small business via the NASA SBIR program. The prototype consists of a complete set of optical pattern recognition hardware with multi-channel storage and retrieval capability that is compactly configured inside a portable 1'X 2'X 3' aluminum case.

MSF↗