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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 73 records · Page 4

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Detection and Deterrent System in Reducing Golden Eagle Fatalities at Operational Wind Facilities

The Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute (REWI) was appointed as the prime awardee of DOE award number DE-EE0007883 to lead a team of scientists, wind developers, and technology manufacturers toward the overarching goal of evaluating the effectiveness of the current DTBird system in minimizing the risk of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and other large soaring raptors from approaching the rotor-swept zone (RSZ) of operating wind turbines. As part of this goal, the team set out to 1) quantify the expected reduction in collision risk for golden eagles from operation of the detection and deterrence modules in a manner that supports the approach used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to assess and credit facility operators for their efforts to minimize predicted collision fatalities and 2) provide information to help improve the technology to maximize its effectiveness. DTBird is an automated detection and audio deterrent system created by the Spanish company Liquen, designed to discourage birds from entering the RSZ of spinning wind turbines. The system uses cameras to automatically detect airborne targets of interest, records each such event in an online database, and triggers a warning signal (loud sound) if the tracked object has moved close to the turbine. If the object moves even closer to the RSZ, a more aggressive dissuasion signal is broadcast. To meet our objectives, the team conducted a two-year experiment at the Goodnoe Hills wind facility in Washington state, in which 14 turbines were outfitted with DTBird units. Daily, each DTBird-equipped turbine was randomly assigned to a control or treatment group. Treatment turbines operated with DTBird running as intended—broadcasting warning or deterrent signals when DTBird detected a target within range. On control turbines, no sound signals were broadcast if a moving target triggered the DTBird system. The team also flew unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to coarsely mimic the general size, weight, and coloration of golden eagles in programmed flight transects across DTBird detection ranges to quantify DTBird’s ability to detect intended targets and to evaluate factors that influence the probability of detection and DTBird’s response distances. Additionally, the team evaluated the behavioral responses of in situ eagles exposed to spinning turbines alone (visual and sound influences) versus spinning turbines plus broadcasted DTBird audio deterrents, to estimate the effectiveness of deterrence by the DTBird system. The data and results from these investigations were combined with those from a pilot study conducted at the Manzana Wind Power Project in California to better evaluate DTBird’s effectiveness across different landscapes.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

ATONA TE-TIMS of minor uranium isotopes (FY25 Mid-Year Report)

Isotopic measurements of the minor isotopes of uranium ( 233 U, 234 U, 236 U) are indispensable measures for material accountability and processing history but can be particularly challenging to accurately measure due to the very low abundance of the minor isotopes relative to 238 U, or 235 U in the case of highly enriched uranium (HEU). The goal of this project is to quantify detection limits for minor uranium isotope species at environmental levels (e.g 236 U/ 238 U < 10 -7 ) utilizing an ATONA-outfitted instrument and the Total Evaporation Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TE-TIMS) method. In the first half of Fiscal Year 2025, we set out to identify a suitable experimental material (Task 1) and to optimize our TE-TIMS measurement routine (Task 2). We have successfully identified a material and are in the process of getting an aliquot shipped to LANL. Simultaneously, we began working on our measurement routine utilizing CRM 112A. The results of each task are discussed in detail below.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Comparing CRT and Pandora Tagged Tracks in ICARUS

The ICARUS Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) is used to investigate short-baseline neutrino oscillations and the possible existence of sterile neutrinos. To aid in identifying and rejecting cosmic ray backgrounds, the system is outfitted with external Cosmic Ray Taggers (CRTs). The CRT is able to measure more tracks and at a wider range of angles, useful in further detailing future calibrations. This project compared the most probable values (MPVs) of charge deposition between CRT tagged and TPC tagged tracks. The Y-Z maps of charge scale for both datasets show a strong correlation, not just in their overall structure, but also in how they reflect known detector effects. Both reconstruction paths showed similar structures in their charge distribution, such as less effective wire section or mechanical support, confirming that CRT-tagged tracks, despite being external, respond to the same calibration landscape as Pandora tracks, validating previous Pandora reconstructions and values. Overall, the analysis supports the idea that the CRT tags are a useful addition to ICARUS calibration efforts. Their broad angular range and independence from Pandora reconstruction make them a helpful secondary tool and a potential asset in extending calibration across the detector volume.

Thayer, Abigail [Colorado State U.] (ORCID:0009000↗

Remote balance weighs accurately amid high radiation

Commercial beam-type balance, modified and outfitted with electronic controls and digital readout, can be remotely controlled for use in high radiation environments. This allows accurate weighing of breeder-reactor fuel pieces when they are radioactively hot.

Eggenberger, D. N.↗

Study of an evolutionary interim earth orbit program

An evolutionary, gradual, and step-wise spacecraft systems technology development from those used on the Apollos and Skylab 1 to that required for the space station was considered. The four mission spacecraft were dry workshop versions of the Saturn 4-B stage, and each individually configured, outfitted and launched by INT-21 vehicles. These spacecraft were evaluated for crews of three, six and nine men and for mission lifetimes of one year. Two versions of the Apollo CSM, a three man and a four man crew, were considered as the logistic vehicle. The solar cell electrical power system of the first mission evolves into a light weight panel system supplemented by an operating isotope-Brayton system on the later missions. The open life support system of the first mission evolves to a system which recovers both water and oxygen on the last mission. The data handling, communications, radiation shielding, micrometeoroid protection, and orbit keeping systems were determined. The program costs were estimated and, excluding operational costs, the cost for each mission would average about $2 billion of which one-sixth would be for development, one-fourth for experiments, and the balance for vehicle acquisition.

Anderson, J. L.↗

The effect of thin turbulent shear layers on the optical quality of imaging systems

A modified C141 transport was outfitted with a 91.5-cm reflector telescope designed to view objects radiating outside the visible window in the infrared range from 1 micron to 1000 microns. The telescope is situated in a cavity which is operated open port. Spoilers were designed which reduce turbulence-induced excitation of the cavity. The aircraft was designed to operate at altitudes up to 15 km to significantly reduce the effect of the H2O and CO2. Furthermore, the optically degrading influence of the large-scale atmospheric turbulence on land-based telescopes is replaced by the effect of the turbulent shear layer resulting from the spoiler upstream of the cavity. A mathematical model was established to describe the effect of turbulent shear layers on imaging systems and to examine the parameters of interest relevant to potential wind-tunnel experimentation.

Steinmetz, W. J.↗

Some aspects of hybrid-zeppelins

To increase an airship's maneuverability and payload capacity as well as to save bouyant gas it is proposed to outfit it with a slender delta-wing, which carries about one half of the total take-off weight of the vehicle. An optimization calculation based on the data of LZ 129 (the last airship, which saw passenger-service) leads to a Hybrid-Zeppelin with a wing of aspect-ratio 1.5 and 105 m span. The vehicle carries a payload of 40% of it's total take-off weight and consumes 0.8 t fuel per ton payload over a distance of 10000 km.

Mackrodt, P. A.↗

JSC thunderstorm experiment results

To gain more insight into the various effects of lightning and thunderstorms on future shuttle vehicle launch and landing operations, an experiment was conducted to obtain data on the nature of electric fields in the vicinity of thunderstorms and particularly in the region of cumulonimbus cloud anvils during their various stages of build-up, maturity, and dissipation. These data supplement the airborne electric field data collected during the summer of 1975 in support of the Apollo Soyuz Test Project and the Viking launches. A Learjet aircraft was outfitted with four special electric field meters for collecting data. The onboard aircraft radar was also used to investigate cells embedded in large thunderstorm systems such as those found in frontal and squall line activities. Data were collected from 33 storm cells and used to establish a launch criteria to preclude triggering lightning during shuttle vehicle operations in close proximity to thunderstorms.

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A study of stall deterrent systems for general aviation aircraft

Stall deterrent concepts for general aviation aircraft have been investigated using simulation studies and flight test experiments. It was found that the simulator was suitable for the development of deterrent system concepts, but the simulator was unacceptable for pilot evaluation of system effectiveness under typical stall/spin accident conditions. A Cessna 319 was outfitted with sensors, servoactuators, and analog control logic necessary to investigate a wide range of stall deterrent systems. It was found that an acoustic stall sensor and an error control law were sufficient for stall deterrence. The pitch intervention control system prevented aircraft stall for all aircraft configurations and pilot inputs. The variable up elevator stop concept was found to be effective for slow decelerations to aircraft stall. The stall deterrent systems were evaluated by four professional pilots and three low time pilots.

Bennett, A. G.↗

Combustion characteristics of hydrogen-carbon monoxide based gaseous fuels

The results of trials with a staged combustor designed to use coal-derived gaseous fuels and reduce the NO(x) emissions from nitrogen-bound fuels to 75 ppm and 37 ppm without bound nitrogen in 15% O2 are reported. The combustor was outfitted with primary zone regenerative cooling, wherein the air cooling the primary zone was passed into the combustor at 900 F and mixed with the fuel. The increase in the primary air inlet temperature eliminated flashback and autoignition, lowered the levels of CO, unburned hydrocarbons, and smoke, and kept combustion efficiencies to the 99% level. The combustor was also equipped with dual fuel injection to test various combinations of liquid/gas fuel mixtures. Low NO(x) emissions were produced burning both Lurgi and Winkler gases, regardless of the inlet pressure and temperature conditions. Evaluation of methanation of medium energy gases is recommended for providing a fuel with low NO(x) characteristics.

White, D. J.↗

Flight test results for the Digital Integrated Automatic Landing Systems (DIALS): A modern control full-state feedback design

The Digital Integrated Automatic Landing System (DIALS) is discussed. The DIALS is a modern control theory design performing all the maneuver modes associated with current autoland systems: localizer capture and track, glideslope capture and track, decrab, and flare. The DIALS is an integrated full-state feedback system which was designed using direct-digital methods. The DIALS uses standard aircraft sensors and the digital Microwave Landing System (MLS) signals as measurements. It consists of separately designed longitudinal and lateral channels although some cross-coupling variables are fed between channels for improved state estimates and trajectory commands. The DIALS was implemented within the 16-bit fixed-point flight computers of the ATOPS research aircraft, a small twin jet commercial transport outfitted with a second research cockpit and a fly-by-wire system. The DIALS became the first modern control theory design to be successfully flight tested on a commercial-type aircraft. Flight tests were conducted in late 1981 using a wide coverage MLS on Runway 22 at Wallops Flight Center. All the modes were exercised including the capture and track of steep glidescopes up to 5 degrees.

Hueschen, R. M.↗

Concept for a commercial space station laboratory

The concept of a privately owned and operated fee-for-service laboratory as an element of a civil manned space station, envisioned as the venture of a group of private investors and an experienced laboratory operator to be undertaken with the cooperation of NASA is discussed. This group would acquire, outfit, activate, and operate the labortory on a fee-for-service basis, providing laboratory services to commercial firms, universities, and government agencies, including NASA. This concept was developed to identify, stimulate, and assist potential commercial users of a manned space station. A number of the issues which would be related to the concept, including the terms under which NASA might consider permitting private ownership and operation of a major space station component, the policies with respect to international participation in the construction and use of the space station, the basis for charging users for services received from the space station, and the types of support that NASA might be willing to provide to assist private industry in carrying out such a venture are discussed.

Wood, P. W.↗

Solid rocket booster retrieval operations

Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval operations are discussed in detail. The recovery of expended boosters and associated hardware without damage attributable to retrieval procedures is the main goal. The retrieval force consists tof ship's personnel and retrieval team members, each of whom has been trained and is highly skilled in multi-faceted operations. The retrieval force is equipped with two specially-built, highly maneuverable ships outfitted with parachute reels, retrieval cranes, towing winches, large volume-low pressure air compressors, SCUBA diving gear, inflatable boats with outboard motors and diver-operated SRB dewatering devices. The two ships are deployed in sufficient time to conduct an electronic and visual search of the impact area prior to launch. Upon search completeion, each ship takes station a safe distance from the predetermined impact point initiating both visual and electronic search in the direction of flight path, ensuring SRB acquisition at splashdown. When safe, the ships enter the impact area and commence recovery of all floating flight hardware which is subsequently returned to the Disassembly Facility for refurbishment and reuse. Retrieval techniques have evolved in parallel with equipment and flight hardware configuration changes. Additional changes have been initiated to improve personnel safety.

Rasmussen, A. M.↗

Exploration of the Solar System by Airborne Astronomy

The contributions of airborne astronomy to the knowledge of our solar system are reviewed, beginning in 1967 when planetary observations became a vigorous part of NASA's airborne astronomy initiatives using aircraft outfitted with 30 cm diameter telescopes for infrared observations at altitudes between 12 and 15 km. These early facilities and their successor, the Kuiper airborne observatory (KAO), profoundly influenced many areas of planetary science by providing optimized platforms for the conduct of certain types of remote sensing experiments that were incompatible with both ground-based and spacecraft environments. Specific topics reviewed include energy balance in the outer planets, the composition and structure of planetary atmospheres, and planetary ring systems.

Larson, H. P.↗

A home away from home

The role of the NASA-Marshall center in the development of the Space Station is discussed. The tasks of the center include the development of the life-support system; the design of the common module, which will form the basis for all pressurized Space Station modules; the design and outfit of a common module for the Material and Technology Laboratory (MTL) and logistics use; accommodations for operations of the Orbit Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) and the Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV); and the Space Station propulsion system. A description of functions and design is given for each system, with particular emphasis on the goals of safety, efficiency, automation, and cost effectiveness.

Powell, L. E.↗

Airborne lidar measurements of El Chichon stratospheric aerosols

A NASA Electra airplane, outfitted with a lidar system, was flown in January to February 1983 between the latitudes of 27 deg N and 76 deg N. One of the primary purposes of this mission was to determine the spatial distribution and aerosol characteristics of the El Chichon-produced stratospheric material. This report presents the lidar data from that flight mission. Representative profiles of lidar backscatter ratio, plots of the integrated backscattering function versus latitude, and contours of backscatter mixing ratio versus altitude and latitude are given. It addition, tables containing numerical values of the backscatter ratio and backscattering function versus altitude are supplied for each profile. The largest amount of material produced by the El Chichon eruptions of late March to early April 1982, which was measured by this flight, resided between 35 deg N and 52 deg N. Peak backscatter ratios at a wavelength of 0.6943 micro m decreased from 8 to 10 at the lower latitudes to 3 at the higher latitudes. Backscatter ratio profiles taken while crossing the polar vortex show that the high-altitude material from El Chichon arrived at the north polar region sometime after the winter polar vortex was established. This report presents the results of this mission in a ready-to-use format for atmospheric and climatic studies.

Mccormick, M. P.↗

Design and demonstrate the performance of cryogenic components representative of space vehicles: Start basket liquid acquisition device performance analysis

The objective was to design, fabricate and test an integrated cryogenic test article incorporating both fluid and thermal propellant management subsystems. A 2.2 m (87 in) diameter aluminum test tank was outfitted with multilayer insulation, helium purge system, low-conductive tank supports, thermodynamic vent system, liquid acquisition device and immersed outflow pump. Tests and analysis performed on the start basket liquid acquisition device and studies of the liquid retention characteristics of fine mesh screens are discussed.

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The international team

In view of the limited resources anticipated for the initial stages of the NASA Space Shuttle program, NASA planners have proposed a multinational partnership concept which will attempt to meet user requirements with minimum duplication of facilities and equipment. A major aspect of this concept is that the assignment of functions to as given country's laboratory module only implies that its subsystems will be tailored as necessary to the accommodation of such functions; the outfitting of the laboratory with research equipment will then be shared by all partners.

Lottmann, R. V.↗