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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

Atmospheric noise temperature measurements

Radiometric microwave noise temperature measurements were used to estimate atmospheric transmission loss. The following lumped element model expression is used for the noise temperature contribution, T double prime = T sub p (1 - 1/L). This relationship is used to estimate the transmission loss L in terms of T double prime and the atmosphere effective physical temperature T sub p. This report evaluates T sub p in terms of assumed distributed loss and temperature models. Simplified expressions are presented for low loss applications. For these applications L was determined directly and accurately without integration or iteration.

Stelzried, C.↗

Effect of volume fraction and size of fine-gamma prime particles on raising the creep strength of a DS nickel-base superalloy

The creep behavior of a directionally solidifified nickel-base superalloy, DKS3, has been investigated as a function of the volume fraction and size of the gamma-prime phase at 760 and 950 C. The dislocation structure and morphology of gamma-prime was examined by transmission electron microscopy at the primary, secondary and tertiary creep stages at 73.8 kgf/sq mm. Experimental results are described in terms of a high temperature creep model in the range of temperatures and applied stresses where shearing of the gamma-prime phase does not control the straining process.

Lin, D. L.↗

Plasma separation

This process employs a thermal plasma for the separation and production of oxygen and metals. It is a continuous process that requires no consumables and relies entirely on space resources. The almost complete absence of waste renders it relatively clean. It can be turned on or off without any undesirable side effects or residues. The prime disadvantage is its high power consumption.

Steurer, Wolfgang↗

Calculation of Operations Efficiency Factors for Mars Surface Missions

For planning of Mars surface missions, to be operated on a sol-by-sol basis by a team on Earth (where a "sol" is a Martian day), activities are described in terms of "sol types" that are strung together to build a surface mission scenario. Some sol types require ground decisions based on a previous sol's results to feed into the activity planning ("ground in the loop"), while others do not. Due to the differences in duration between Earth days and Mars sols, for a given Mars local solar time, the corresponding Earth time "walks" relative to the corresponding times on the prior sol/day. In particular, even if a communication window has a fixed Mars local solar time, the Earth time for that window will be approximately 40 minutes later each succeeding day. Further complexity is added for non-Mars synchronous communication relay assets, and when there are multiple control centers in different Earth time zones. The solution is the development of "ops efficiency factors" that reflect the efficiency of a given operations configuration (how many and location of control centers, types of communication windows, synchronous or non-synchronous nature of relay assets, sol types, more-or-less sustainable operations schedule choices) against a theoretical "optimal" operations configuration for the mission being studied. These factors are then incorporated into scenario models in order to determine the surface duration (and therefore minimum spacecraft surface lifetime) required to fulfill scenario objectives. The resulting model is used to perform "what-if" analyses for variations in scenario objectives. The ops efficiency factor is the ratio of the figure of merit for a given operations factor to the figure of merit for the theoretical optimal configuration. The current implementation is a pair of models in Excel. The first represents a ground operations schedule for 500 sols in each operations configuration for the mission being studied (500 sols was chosen as being a long enough time to capture variations in relay asset interactions, Earth/Mars time phasing, and seasonal variations in holidays). This model is used to estimate the ops efficiency factor for each operations configuration. The second model in a separate Excel spreadsheet is a scenario model, which uses the sol types to rack up the total number of "scenario sols" for that scenario (in other words, the ideal number of sols it would take to perform the scenario objectives). Then, the number of sols requiring ground in the loop is calculated based on the soil types contained in the given scenario. Next, the scenario contains a description of what sequence of operations configurations is used, for how many days each, and this is used with the corresponding ops efficiency factors for each configuration to calculate the "ops duration" corresponding to that scenario. Finally, a margin is applied to determine the minimum surface lifetime required for that scenario. Typically, this level of analysis has not been performed until much later in the mission, and has not been able to influence mission design. Further, the notion of moving to sustainable operations during Prime Mission - and the effect that that move would have on surface mission productivity and mission objective choices - has not been encountered until the most recent rover missions (MSL and Mars 2018).

Layback, Sharon L.↗

Distinct Seasonality in Aerosol Responses to Emission Control Over Northern China

Despite intensive research exploring how aerosols respond to emission control over Northern China, efforts mostly focus on the environmental benefit, especially in winter. Here we found that unlike the most substantial PM 2.5 concentration reduction in winter, aerosol optical depth (AOD) declines more than 2 times faster in summer, causing an increase in aerosol radiative effects of 1.2 (5.7)Wm -2 on all-sky (clear-sky) conditions over 2013–2019 and largely shaping the climate impact. Low-level aerosols are shown to be the prime contributor under the synergetic effects of aerosol composition and ambient relative humidity (RH). The dominance of the highly hygroscopic sulfate combined with high RH enables a strong extinction efficiency of the reduced summertime aerosols, while the insignificant AOD decline in wintertime result from the dominance of organic aerosols with weak hygroscopicity, and is further offset by the increased frequencies of extremely high RH. We show the environmental and climatic responses of aerosols to emission control exhibit distinctively different seasonality.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Effects of heat treating PM Rene' 95 slightly below the gamma' solvus

An investigation was performed on as-hot-isostatically-pressed (As-HIP) Rene' 95 to obtain additional information on the variation of the amount of gamma prime with solutioning temperatures near the gamma prime solvus temperature and the resulting effects on tensile and stress rupture strength of As-HIP Rene' 95. The amount of gamma prime phase was found to increase at a rate of about 0.5% per degree Celsius as the temperature decreased from the solvus temperature to about 50 C below the gamma prime solvus temperature. The change in the amount of gamma prime phase with decreasing solutioning temperature was observed to be primarily associated with decreasing solubilities of Al+Ti+Nb and increasing solubility of Cr in the gamma phase.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NIR Color vs Launch Date: A 20-Year Analysis of Space Weathering Effects on the Boeing 376 Spacecraft

The Boeing HS‐376 spin stabilized spacecraft was a popular design that was launched continuously into geosynchronous orbit starting in 1980 with the last launch occurring in 2002. Over 50 of the HS‐376 buses were produced to fulfill a variety of different communication missions for countries all over the world. The design of the bus is easily approximated as a telescoping cylinder that is covered with solar cells and an Earth facing antenna that is despun at the top of the cylinder. The similarity in design and the number of spacecraft launched over a long period of time make the HS‐376 a prime target for studying the effects of solar weathering on solar panels as a function of time. A selection of primarily non‐operational HS‐376 spacecraft launched over a 20 year time period were observed using the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope on Mauna Kea and multi‐band near‐infrared photometry produced. Each spacecraft was observed for an entire night cycling through ZYJHK filters and time‐varying colors produced to compare near‐infrared color as a function of launch date. The resulting analysis shown here may help in the future to set launch date constraints on the parent object of unidentified debris objects or other unknown spacecraft.

Frith, James↗

An Analysis of 20 Years of Space Weathering Effects on the Boeing 376 Spacecraft

The Boeing HS-376 spin stabilized spacecraft was a popular design that was launched continuously into geosynchronous orbit starting in 1980, with the last launch occurring in 2003. Over 50 of the HS-376 buses were produced to fulfill a variety of different communication missions for countries all over the world. The design of the bus is easily approximated as a telescoping cylinder that is covered with solar cells and an Earth-facing antenna that is despun at the top of the cylinder. The similarity in design and the number of spacecraft launched over a long period of time make the HS-376 a prime target for studying the effects of solar weathering on solar panels as a function of time. A selection of primarily non-operational HS-376 spacecraft launched over a 20-year time period were observed using the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope on Mauna Kea and multi-band, near-infrared photometry produced. Each spacecraft was observed for an entire night cycling through ZYJHK filters and time-varying colors produced to compare near-infrared color as a function of launch date. The resulting analysis shown here may help in the future to set launch date constraints on the parent object of unidentified debris objects or other unknown spacecraft.

Frith, James↗

mRNA-LNP HIV-1 trimer boosters elicit precursors to broad neutralizing antibodies

Germline-targeting (GT) HIV vaccine strategies are predicated on deriving broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) through multiple boost immunogens. However, as the recruitment of memory B cells (MBCs) to germinal centers (GCs) is inefficient and may be derailed by serum antibody–induced epitope masking, driving further B cell receptor (BCR) modification in GC-experienced B cells after boosting poses a challenge. Using humanized immunoglobulin knockin mice, we found that GT protein trimer immunogen N332-GT5 could prime inferred-germline precursors to the V3-glycan–targeted bnAb BG18 and that B cells primed by N332-GT5 were effectively boosted by either of two novel protein immunogens designed to have minimum cross-reactivity with the off-target V1-binding responses. The delivery of the prime and boost immunogens as messenger RNA lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) generated long-lasting GCs, somatic hypermutation, and affinity maturation and may be an effective tool in HIV vaccine development.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

The reverse quantum limit and its implications for unconventional quantum oscillations in YbB12

Abstract The quantum limit in a Fermi liquid, realized when a single Landau level is occupied in strong magnetic fields, gives rise to unconventional states, including the fractional quantum Hall effect and excitonic insulators. Stronger interactions in metals with nearly localized f -electron degrees of freedom increase the likelihood of these unconventional states. However, access to the quantum limit is typically impeded by the tendency of f -electrons to polarize in a strong magnetic field, consequently weakening the interactions. In this study, we propose that the quantum limit in such systems must be approached in reverse, starting from an insulating state at zero magnetic field. In this scenario, Landau levels fill in the reverse order compared to regular metals and are closely linked to a field-induced insulator-to-metal transition. We identify YbB 12 as a prime candidate for observing this effect and propose the presence of an excitonic insulator state near this transition.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The reverse quantum limit and its implications for unconventional quantum oscillations in YbB 12

The quantum limit in a Fermi liquid, realized when a single Landau level is occupied in strong magnetic fields, gives rise to unconventional states, including the fractional quantum Hall effect and excitonic insulators. Stronger interactions in metals with nearly localized $f$-electron degrees of freedom increase the likelihood of these unconventional states. However, access to the quantum limit is typically impeded by the tendency of $f$-electrons to polarize in a strong magnetic field, consequently weakening the interactions. In this study, we propose that the quantum limit in such systems must be approached in reverse, starting from an insulating state at zero magnetic field. In this scenario, Landau levels fill in the reverse order compared to regular metals and are closely linked to a field-induced insulator-to-metal transition. We identify YbB 12 as a prime candidate for observing this effect and propose the presence of an excitonic insulator state near this transition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Evaluating the Impact of Off-Design CHP Performance on the Optimal Sizing and Dispatch on Hybrid Renewable-CHP Distributed Energy Resources

The maturation of distributed energy resources (DER) has prompted the exploration of their deployment in commercial building applications due to their potential to supply energy at lower costs and emissions rates compared to centralized generation. While several software tools exist for evaluating the techno-economic potential of integrated renewable energy and combined heat and power (CHP) systems for distributed generation applications, many suffer from poor accuracy in capturing off-design (part load and changes in ambient air temperature and pressure) performance characteristics of microturbines, combustion turbines, or internal combustion engines. Thus, this paper presents a methodology for integrating these off-design characteristics in the mixed-integer linear program within REopt, a hybrid DER screening tool. The economic impact of the CHP off-design performance is observed through several application studies of various hybrid system configurations in different climates. Each study indicates how CHP off-design performance influences optimal sizing and dispatch decisions and therefore overall system economic value. We observe through case studies that modeling without the off-design effects, depending on the CHP prime mover and site, can result in Net Present Value predictions of hybrid systems that can be overoptimistic in frequently hot climates (up to 52%), too conservative in frequently cold climates (up to 11%), or unaffected (+/-1%) in temperate climates. Cases also highlight several advantages of hybrid systems relative to non-hybrid systems such as total economic value and the systems' ability to mitigate potentially negative consequences attributed to off-design performance.

ambient de-rate↗

Observation of spatially resolved Rashba states on the surface of CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 single crystals

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) are prime candidates for studying Rashba effects due to the heavy metal and halogen atoms in their crystal structure coupled with predicted inversion symmetry breaking. Nevertheless, observation of the Rashba effect in cubic CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 single crystals that possess bulk inversion symmetry is the subject of extensive debate due to the lack of conclusive experiments and theoretical explanations. In this work, we provide experimental evidence that Rashba state in cubic CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 single crystals at room temperature occurs exclusively on the crystal surface and depends on specific surface termination that results in local symmetry breaking. We demonstrate this using a suite of spatially resolved and depth-sensitive techniques, including circular photogalvanic effect, inverse spin Hall effect, and multiphoton microscopy, that are supported by first principle calculations. Our work suggests using surface Rashba states in these materials for spintronic applications.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Superallowed Nuclear Beta Decays and Precision Tests of the Standard Model

For many decades, the main source of information on the top-left corner element of the Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa quark mixing matrix, V ud , was superallowed nuclear β decays with an impressive 0.01% precision. This precision, apart from experimental data, relies on theoretical calculations in which nuclear structure–dependent effects and uncertainties play a prime role. This review is dedicated to a thorough reassessment of all ingredients that enter the extraction of the value of V ud from experimental data. We try to keep balance between historical retrospect and new developments, many of which occurred in just the past 5 years. They have not yet been reviewed in a complete manner, not least because new results are forthcoming. This review aims to fill this gap and offers an in-depth yet accessible summary of all recent developments.

ab initio methods↗

An oxide dispersion strengthened Ni-W-Al alloy with superior high temperature strength

Oxide dispersion strengthened alloys based on the WAZ-20 nickel-base alloy were prepared by the mechanical alloying process described by Benjamin (1973), and evaluated. The results of microstructural examinations and mechanical property determinations are discussed. It is shown that WAZ-20, a high gamma-prime fraction alloy having a high gamma-prime solvus temperature, can be effectively dispersion strengthened. The strengths obtained were outstanding, especially at 1150 and 1205 C. The strength is attributed to a combination of highly alloyed matrix, elongated grain structure, and hard phase dispersion. Tensile ductility can be improved by post-recrystallization heat treatment. The new alloy shows some potential for low stress post-extrusion forming.

Glasgow, T. K.↗

Thermal energy management process experiment

The thermal energy management processes experiment (TEMP) will demonstrate that through the use of two-phase flow technology, thermal systems can be significantly enhanced by increasing heat transport capabilities at reduced power consumption while operating within narrow temperature limits. It has been noted that such phenomena as excess fluid puddling, priming, stratification, and surface tension effects all tend to mask the performance of two-phase flow systems in a 1-g field. The flight experiment approach would be to attack the experiment to an appropriate mounting surface with a 15 to 20 meter effective length and provide a heat input and output station in the form of heaters and a radiator. Using environmental data, the size, location, and orientation of the experiment can be optimized. The approach would be to provide a self-contained panel and mount it to the STEP through a frame. A small electronics package would be developed to interface with the STEP avionics for command and data handling. During the flight, heaters on the evaporator will be exercised to determine performance. Flight data will be evaluated against the ground tests to determine any anomalous behavior.

Ollendorf, S.↗

Configuration study for a 30 GHz monolithic receive array, volume 1

Gregorian, Cassegrain, and single reflector systems were analyzed in configuration studies for communications satellite receive antennas. Parametric design and performance curves were generated. A preliminary design of each reflector/feed system was derived including radiating elements, beam-former network, beamsteering system, and MMIC module architecture. Performance estimates and component requirements were developed for each design. A recommended design was selected for both the scanning beam and the fixed beam case. Detailed design and performance analysis results are presented for the selected Cassegrain configurations. The final design point is characterized in detail and performance measures evaluated in terms of gain, sidelobe level, noise figure, carrier-to-interference ratio, prime power, and beamsteering. The effects of mutual coupling and excitation errors (including phase and amplitude quantization errors) are evaluated. Mechanical assembly drawings are given for the final design point. Thermal design requirements are addressed in the mechanical design.

Nester, W. H.↗

Modeling, simulation and control for a cryogenic fluid management facility, preliminary report

The synthesis of a control system for a cryogenic fluid management facility was studied. The severe demand for reliability as well as instrumentation and control unique to the Space Station environment are prime considerations. Realizing that the effective control system depends heavily on quantitative description of the facility dynamics, a methodology for process identification and parameter estimation is postulated. A block diagram of the associated control system is also produced. Finally, an on-line adaptive control strategy is developed utilizing optimization of the velocity form control parameters (proportional gains, integration and derivative time constants) in appropriate difference equations for direct digital control. Of special concern are the communications, software and hardware supporting interaction between the ground and orbital systems. It is visualized that specialist in the OSI/ISO utilizing the Ada programming language will influence further development, testing and validation of the simplistic models presented here for adaptation to the actual flight environment.

Turner, Max A.↗