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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

Baseline Testing of the Hybrid Electric Transit Bus

A government, industry and academic cooperative has developed a Hybrid Electric Transit Bus (HETB). Goals of the program include doubling the fuel economy of city transit buses currently in service, and reducing emissions to one-tenth of EPA standards. Unique aspects of the vehicle's power system include the use of ultra-capacitors for the energy storage system and the planned use of a natural gas fueled turbogenerator, to be developed from a small jet engine. At over 17000 kg gross weight, this is the largest vehicle to use ultra-capacitor energy storage. A description of the HETB, the results of performance testing, and future vehicle development plans are the subject of this report.

Brown, Jeffrey C.↗

Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is intended to be a how-to guide to prepare for, conduct, and close-out an Integrated Baseline Review (IBR). It discusses the steps that should be considered, describes roles and responsibilities, tips for tailoring the IBR based on risk, cost, and need for management insight, and provides lessons learned from past IBRs. Appendices contain example documentation typically used in connection with an IBR. Note that these appendices are examples only, and should be tailored to meet the needs of individual projects and contracts. Following the guidance in this handbook will help customers and suppliers preparing for an IBR understand the expectations of the IBR, and ensure that the IBR meets the requirements for both in-house and contract efforts.

Project↗

Modeling and Simulation of a Parallel Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft for the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) Program

This paper presents a parametric modeling and integrated aircraft sizing and synthesis approach for a charge depleting parallel hybrid electric architecture. The developed models are integrated within the baseline thin-haul and regional aircraft. In addition to the physical architecture, different modes of operation enabled by propulsion system electrification are also modeled parametrically. The modes of operation presented in this paper are the peak power shaving, climb power electric boost, in-flight battery recharging, and electric taxi. The sizing of the powertrain and the aircraft are performed within the multidisciplinary analysis and optimization environment, E-PASS. The consideration of the physical system and its operation together provides a holistic approach where the propulsion system and the airframe are designed under an optimized power and energy management strategy. The parametric nature of the work enables the design space exploration for electrification and lays the groundwork for future technology projection and uncertainty quantification studies. The developed capability is generic and can be applied on other aircraft classes. The work is done as part of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration program.

electrified powertrain flight demonstration↗

A systems plan for an earth and ocean dynamics satellite applications program

A system for investigating phenomena associated with the earth's dynamical and crustal motions, and the sea surface is described. The proposed observing systems include the following facilities: (1) A network of fundamental stations, whose locations and motions, including polar, variations in the earth's rotational rate, and crustal motions, are determined by very long baseline interferometry, relative to the basic reference system of radio stars. The sites are all NASA Goddard stations with the exception of Kashima, Japan, a facility which has participated extensively in the ATS program. (2) A system of Geopause spacecraft in nearly circular polar orbits, normal to the ecliptic at a distance of about five earth radii with a period on the order of two thirds of a day.

Siry, J. W.↗

Measurement of Precision Geometric Distances to Three Anchor Points in the Local Universe

We proposed a program to measure distances directly with accuracies of 5% to three anchor points in the Local Universe. We planned to accomplish this by conducting Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations of NGC 4258, M 33, and Sgr A*. These distance estimates should have a minimum of systematic uncertainty and can be used to re-calibrate several 'standard candles,' such as Cepheid and RR Lyrae variables. This will place the Galactic and extragalactic distance scales on much firmer ground. The primary contribution of our program will be to provide crucial independent checks and calibrations of extragalactic distance measurements. This will contribute to the ultimate success and impact of the HST Key Project on Extragalactic Distances and the Full-Sky Astrometric Mapping Explorer (FAME). Additionally, since distances are fundamental to astrophysics, our results will affect a large number of general projects on NASA facilities such as the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, and Next Generation Space Telescope.

Reid, Mark J.↗

Upgrading Fermilab s Accelerator Control System with ACORN

The Fermilab Accelerator Complex is the largest national user facility in the Office of High Energy Physics (DOE/HEP) program and the only national user facility operating at Fermilab. Fermilab serves as the host to the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (LBNF/DUNE), the laboratory’s flagship project for neutrino science that is under construction. LBNF/DUNE will be powered by megawatt beams from an upgraded accelerator, the Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II) that will replace the laboratory’s aging linear accelerator with a new one based on superconducting radio-frequency cavities. The Accelerator Controls Operations Research Network (ACORN) Project will support LBNF/DUNE and PIP-II by modernizing the accelerator control system. The project is at the conceptual design phase and looking to achieve Critical Decision 1 (CD-1) later this year. The scope and structure of the project will be presented, along with an overview of how that has changed in the past year. Current design and technology choices will be shared. Specific challenges facing the project will be addressed, along with current thinking on solutions.

Roehrig, Christian [Fermilab]↗

Shuttle era waste management and biowaste monitoring

The acquisition of crew biomedical data has been an important task on manned space missions. The monitoring of biowastes from the crew to support water and mineral balance studies and endocrine studies has been a valuable part of this activity. This paper will present a review of waste management systems used in past programs. This past experience will be cited as to its influence on the Shuttle design. Finally, the Shuttle baseline waste management system and the proposed Shuttle biomedical measurement and sampling systems will be presented.

Sauer, R. L.↗

Numerical aerodynamic simulation facility feasibility study, executive summary

There were three major issues examined in the feasibility study. First, the ability of the proposed system architecture to support the anticipated workload was evaluated. Second, the throughput of the computational engine (the flow model processor) was studied using real application programs. Third, the availability, reliability, and maintainability of the system were modeled. The evaluations were based on the baseline systems. The results show that the implementation of the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility, in the form considered, would indeed be a feasible project with an acceptable level of risk. The technology required (both hardware and software) either already exists or, in the case of a few parts, is expected to be announced this year.

Source record↗

Numerical aerodynamic simulation facility feasibility study

There were three major issues examined in the feasibility study. First, the ability of the proposed system architecture to support the anticipated workload was evaluated. Second, the throughput of the computational engine (the flow model processor) was studied using real application programs. Third, the availability reliability, and maintainability of the system were modeled. The evaluations were based on the baseline systems. The results show that the implementation of the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility, in the form considered, would indeed be a feasible project with an acceptable level of risk. The technology required (both hardware and software) either already exists or, in the case of a few parts, is expected to be announced this year. Facets of the work described include the hardware configuration, software, user language, and fault tolerance.

Source record↗

Mark 3 interactive data analysis system

The interactive data analysis system, a major subset of the total Mark 3 very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) software system is described. The system consists of two major and a number of small programs. These programs provide for the scientific analysis of the observed values of delay and delay rate generated by the VLBI data reduction programs and product the geophysical and astrometric parameters which are among the ultimate products of VLBI. The two major programs are CALC and SOLVE. CALC generates the theoretical values of VLBI delay rate as well as partial derivatives based on apriori values of the geophysical and astronometric parameters. SOLVE is a least squares parameters estimation program which yields the geophysical and astrometric parameters using the observed values by the data processing system and theoretical values and partial derivatives provided by CALC. SOLVE is a highly interactive program in which the user selects the exact form of the recovered parameters and the data to be accepted into the solution.

Ryan, J. W.↗

Integrated application of active controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project. Initial ACT configuration design study

The initial ACT configuration design task of the integrated application of active controls (IAAC) technology project within the Energy Efficient Transport Program is summarized. A constrained application of active controls technology (ACT) resulted in significant improvements over a conventional baseline configuration previously established. The configuration uses the same levels of technology, takeoff gross weight, payload, and design requirements/objectives as the baseline, except for flying qualities, flutter, and ACT. The baseline wing is moved forward 1.68 m. The configuration incorporates pitch-augmented stability (which enabled an approximately 10% aft shift in cruise center of gravity and a 45% reduction in horizontal tail size), lateral/directional-augmented stability, an angle of attack limiter, wing load alleviation, and flutter mode control. This resulted in a 930 kg reduction in airplane operating empty weight and a 3.6% improvement in cruise efficiency, yielding a 13% range increase. Adjusted to the 3590 km baseline mission range, this amounts to 6% block fuel reduction and a 15.7% higher incremental return on investment, using 1978 dollars and fuel cost.

Source record↗

Rotary engine performance limits predicted by a zero-dimensional model

A parametric study was performed to determine the performance limits of a rotary combustion engine. This study shows how well increasing the combustion rate, insulating, and turbocharging increase brake power and decrease fuel consumption. Several generalizations can be made from the findings. First, it was shown that the fastest combustion rate is not necessarily the best combustion rate. Second, several engine insulation schemes were employed for a turbocharged engine. Performance improved only for a highly insulated engine. Finally, the variability of turbocompounding and the influence of exhaust port shape were calculated. Rotary engines performance was predicted by an improved zero-dimensional computer model based on a model developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the 1980's. Independent variables in the study include turbocharging, manifold pressures, wall thermal properties, leakage area, and exhaust port geometry. Additions to the computer programs since its results were last published include turbocharging, manifold modeling, and improved friction power loss calculation. The baseline engine for this study is a single rotor 650 cc direct-injection stratified-charge engine with aluminum housings and a stainless steel rotor. Engine maps are provided for the baseline and turbocharged versions of the engine.

Bartrand, Timothy A.↗

Launch Vehicle Demonstrator Using Shuttle Assets

The Marshall Space Flight Center Advanced Concepts Office (ACO) has the leading role for NASA s preliminary conceptual launch vehicle design and performance analysis. Over the past several years the ACO Earth-to-Orbit Team has evaluated thousands of launch vehicle concept variations for a multitude of studies including agency-wide efforts such as the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS), Constellation, Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLLV), Heavy Lift Propulsion Technology (HLPT), Human Exploration Framework Team (HEFT), and Space Launch System (SLS). NASA plans to continue human space exploration and space station utilization. Launch vehicles used for heavy lift cargo and crew will be needed. One of the current leading concepts for future heavy lift capability is an inline one and a half stage concept using solid rocket boosters (SRB) and based on current Shuttle technology and elements. Potentially, the quickest and most cost-effective path towards an operational vehicle of this configuration is to make use of a demonstrator vehicle fabricated from existing shuttle assets and relying upon the existing STS launch infrastructure. Such a demonstrator would yield valuable proof-of-concept data and would provide a working test platform allowing for validated systems integration. Using shuttle hardware such as existing RS-25D engines and partial MPS, propellant tanks derived from the External Tank (ET) design and tooling, and four-segment SRB s could reduce the associated upfront development costs and schedule when compared to a concept that would rely on new propulsion technology and engine designs. There are potentially several other additional benefits to this demonstrator concept. Since a concept of this type would be based on man-rated flight proven hardware components, this demonstrator has the potential to evolve into the first iteration of heavy lift crew or cargo and serve as a baseline for block upgrades. This vehicle could also serve as a demonstration and test platform for the Orion Program. Critical spacecraft systems, re-entry and recovery systems, and launch abort systems of Orion could also be demonstrated in early test flights of the launch vehicle demo. Furthermore, an early demonstrator of this type would provide a stop-gap for retaining critical human capital and infrastructure while affording the current emerging generation of young engineers opportunity to work with and capture lessons learned from existing STS program offices and personnel, who were integral in the design and development of the Space Shuttle before these resources are no longer available. The objective of this study is to define candidate launch vehicle demonstration concepts that are based on Space Shuttle assets and determine their performance capabilities and how these demonstration vehicles could evolve to a heavy lift capability to low earth orbit.

Threet, Grady E., Jr.↗

Integrated Main Propulsion System Performance Reconstruction Process/Models

The Integrated Main Propulsion System (MPS) Performance Reconstruction process provides the MPS post-flight data files needed for postflight reporting to the project integration management and key customers to verify flight performance. This process/model was used as the baseline for the currently ongoing Space Launch System (SLS) work. The process utilizes several methodologies, including multiple software programs, to model integrated propulsion system performance through space shuttle ascent. It is used to evaluate integrated propulsion systems, including propellant tanks, feed systems, rocket engine, and pressurization systems performance throughout ascent based on flight pressure and temperature data. The latest revision incorporates new methods based on main engine power balance model updates to model higher mixture ratio operation at lower engine power levels.

Lopez, Eduardo↗

Extended Life Testing of Duplex Ball Bearings

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems performed bearing life testing for the Scan Mirror Motor/Encoder Assembly (SMMA), part of the Scan Mirror Assembly on-board the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) on the NASA Glory Spacecraft. The baseline bearing life test duration extended beyond the launch date for the Glory Spacecraft; a risk that the program was willing to undertake with the understanding that if any anomalies or failures occurred before the required life was achieved, then the mission objectives or operating profile could be modified on orbit to take those results into account. Even though the Glory Spacecraft failed to reach orbit during its launch in March of 2011, the bearing life testing was continued through a mutual understanding of value between Sierra Nevada Corporation and our customer; with a revised goal of testing to failure rather than completing a required number of life cycles. Life testing thus far has not only exceeded the original mission required life, but has also exceeded the published test data for Cumulative Degradation Factor (CDF) from NASA/CR-2009-215681. Many lessons were learned along the way regarding long life testing. The bearing life test has been temporarily suspended due to test support equipment issues.

Mobley, Jeffrey↗

Components Refurbishment and Chemical Analysis Facility, Hot Spot 1 SWMU #041 Year 3 Annual Performance Monitoring Report Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This Year 3 Annual Performance Monitoring Report (PMR) presents the operations, maintenance, and monitoring activities for the Hydraulic Containment System (HCS) Interim Measure (IM) at the Components Refurbishment and Chemical Analysis (CRCA) facility located at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The primary objective of the HCS is to attain hydraulic control of the dissolved-phase chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) plume, with the secondary objective to reduce concentrations of CVOCs in the high-concentration plume to support transition to monitored natural attenuation (MNA). CRCA has been designated Solid Waste Management Unit 041 under the KSC Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Program. The timeframe for activities documented in this Year 3 PMR extends from September 2021 through October 2022. Baseline sampling activities were completed in June 2019, and full-scale startup of the HCS IM was completed in July-August 2019. The operational runtime of the HCS for the Year 3 reporting period was approximately 91%, with the majority of downtime attributed to system maintenance and repair. This is generally consistent with Year 1 and Year 2 runtimes of 85% and 92%, respectively. To help reduce downtime, an anti-scaling amendment, Redux 390, has been used to reduce scaling and help maintain system design parameters. Over nine million gallons of groundwater were treated during Year 3 of HCS operations, and concentrations of the site’s contaminants of concern (trans-1,2-dichloroethene and vinyl chloride) have been reduced by over 97%. This PMR describes the activities that were performed during Year 3 to operate and monitor the HCS IM, which includes three extraction wells, seven injection wells, and conveyance piping to a modular structure containing the control panel and an air stripper. Influent and effluent sampling results from the air stripper show that the system is operating as designed and is reducing concentrations of contaminants of concern to below detection limits. In addition to HCS operation, this PMR also discusses performance monitoring that has been implemented to assess progress of the HCS IM and overall plume conditions through scheduled groundwater (quarterly and semi-annual) and sub-slab soil gas (quarterly) sampling and analysis. Two ambient air samples were also collected on a quarterly basis in the vicinity of the modular structure and the paved driveway east of the Solvent Reclamation Area during routine operation and maintenance (O&M) activities to ensure safe breathing zone air quality for on-site personnel. All sub-slab soil gas and ambient air sampling conducted during the Year 3 operational period showed results below applicable regulatory air screening limits. Predictions made during the Year 2 groundwater model updates were in close correlation to post Year 3 plume conditions. Therefore, it can be assumed that the projected path remains valid for transition to MNA in one to two years of continuous HCS operation. The contents of this Year 3 PMR were presented during the February 2023 KSC Remediation Team meeting, where Team consensus was reached on several items including continued O&M of the HCS, and continued monitoring of groundwater, ambient air, and sub-slab soil gas. Replacement of MW0019 and VMP04 was also recommended, as well as additional direct-push technology sampling to further delineate the downgradient plume and confirm overall site-wide low-concentration plume boundaries. Sampling for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances at CRCA is ongoing and will be submitted under separate cover.

K. Alex Murphy↗

Components Refurbishment and Chemical Analysis Facility, Hot Spot 1 Solid Waste Management Unit #041 Year 4 Annual Performance Monitoring Report Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This Year 4 Annual Performance Monitoring Report (PMR) presents the operations, maintenance, and monitoring activities for the Hydraulic Containment System (HCS) Interim Measure (IM) at the Components Refurbishment and Chemical Analysis (CRCA) facility located at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The primary objective of the HCS is to attain hydraulic control of the dissolved-phase chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) plume, with the secondary objective to reduce concentrations of CVOCs in the high-concentration plume to support transition to monitored natural attenuation (MNA). CRCA has been designated Solid Waste Management Unit 041 under the KSC Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Program. The timeframe for activities documented in this Year 4 PMR extends from November 2022 through September 2023. Baseline sampling activities were completed in June 2019, and full-scale startup of the HCS IM was completed in July-August 2019. The operational runtime of the HCS for the Year 4 reporting period was approximately 94%, with the majority of downtime attributed to associated groundwater sampling events, maintenance, and Hurricane Nicole. Almost five million gallons of groundwater were treated during Year 4 of HCS operations, and concentrations of the site’s contaminants of concern (trans-1,2-dichloroethene and vinyl chloride) have been reduced by over 99%. This PMR describes the activities that were performed during Year 4 to operate and monitor the HCS IM, which includes three extraction wells, seven injection wells, and conveyance piping to a modular structure containing the control panel and an air stripper. Influent and effluent sampling results from the air stripper show that the system is operating as designed and is reducing concentrations of contaminants of concern to below detection limits. In addition to HCS operation, this PMR also discusses performance monitoring that has been implemented to assess progress of the HCS IM and overall plume conditions through scheduled groundwater (quarterly and semi-annual) and sub-slab soil gas (quarterly) sampling and analysis. Two ambient air samples were also collected on a quarterly basis in the vicinity of the modular structure and the paved driveway east of the Solvent Reclamation Area during routine operation and maintenance (O&M) activities to ensure safe breathing zone air quality for on-site personnel. All sub-slab soil gas and ambient air sampling conducted during the Year 4 operational period showed results below applicable regulatory air screening limits. Predictions made during the Year 2 groundwater model updates were in close correlation to post Year 4 plume conditions. A supplemental DPT study conducted in 2022 and 2023. This study indicated that low-concentration plume conditions, where concentrations exceed State of Florida Groundwater Cleanup Target Levels, expanded westward to Kennedy Parkway North and northward to the vicinity of the railroad tracks. Based on these results, recommendations were made to install 14 wells to monitor the downgradient and boundary conditions of the expanded LCP. The contents of this Year 4 PMR were presented during the November 2023 KSC Remediation Team meeting, where Team consensus was reached on several items including continued O&M of the HCS, and continued monitoring of groundwater, ambient air, and sub-slab soil gas. Sampling for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances at CRCA is ongoing and will be submitted under separate cover.

K. Alex Murphy↗

A Measurement of the Pion-Energy Dependence of Muon Neutrino Charged-Current Scattering to Final States With One Charged Pion in NOvA

The study of neutrino oscillations is a main priority for particle physics as the most immediately tractable lever on physics beyond the Standard Model. In particular, more insight into violation of the combined symmetry of charge-conjugation plus parity could yield clues to the origin of matter-antimatter asymmetry, and in some theoretical frameworks the neutrino mass could give insights into dark matter. NOvA is a long-baseline accelerator neutrino experiment with both a near and far detector that seeks to measure several of the parameters of the neutrino mixing matrix, as well as carry out a broad program of additional physics. NOvA has innovated and developed a variety of techniques in the space of neutrino physics, including expanding the use of machine learning techniques in reconstruction. NOvA has also set the stage for the next generation US-based long baseline experiment, DUNE. This dissertation details the creation of a new neutrino interaction vertex reconstruction package for NOvA, which offers enormous improvements in accuracy above the previous vertexer it replaces. This is accomplished using a Convolutional Visual Network trained on large datasets of simulated events. The vertexer is validated thoroughly against data. This dissertation also presents a cross-section measurement for $\nu_\mu + N \rightarrow \mu^- + 1\pi^\pm + X$ (where X does not include additional charged pions) binned in pion kinetic energy, a challenging measurement in general and for NOvA in particular. Measurements like this provide crucial inputs for neutrino interaction models utilized by neutrino oscillation experiments. This measurement in particular is important to the energy ranges relevant for DUNE in a band not well-covered by any other experiment.

Ewart, Erin [Indiana U., Bloomington (main)]↗