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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

Modeling complex chemical effects in turbulent nonpremixed combustion

Virtually all of the energy derived from the consumption of combustibles occurs in systems which utilize turbulent fluid motion. Since combustion is largely related to the mixing of fluids and mixing processes are orders of magnitude more rapid when enhanced by turbulent motion, efficiency criteria dictate that chemically powered devices necessarily involve fluid turbulence. Where combustion occurs concurrently with mixing at an interface between two reactive fluid bodies, this mode of combustion is called nonpremixed combustion. This is distinct from premixed combustion where flame-fronts propagate into a homogeneous mixture of reactants. These two modes are limiting cases in the range of temporal lag between mixing of reactants and the onset of reaction. Nonpremixed combustion occurs where this lag tends to zero, while premixed combustion occurs where this lag tends to infinity. Many combustion processes are hybrids of these two extremes with finite non-zero lag times. Turbulent nonpremixed combustion is important from a practical standpoint because it occurs in gas fired boilers, furnaces, waste incinerators, diesel engines, gas turbine combustors, and afterburners etc. To a large extent, past development of these practical systems involved an empirical methodology. Presently, efficiency standards and emission regulations are being further tightened (Correa 1993), and empiricism has had to give way to more fundamental research in order to understand and effectively model practical combustion processes (Pope 1991). A key element in effective modeling of turbulent combustion is making use of a sufficiently detailed chemical kinetic mechanism. The prediction of pollutant emission such as oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)) and sulphur (SO(x)) unburned hydrocarbons, and particulates demands the use of detailed chemical mechanisms. It is essential that practical models for turbulent nonpremixed combustion are capable of handling large numbers of 'stiff' chemical species equations.

Smith, Nigel S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Intelligent systems technology infrastructure for integrated systems

A system infrastructure must be properly designed and integrated from the conceptual development phase to accommodate evolutionary intelligent technologies. Several technology development activities were identified that may have application to rendezvous and capture systems. Optical correlators in conjunction with fuzzy logic control might be used for the identification, tracking, and capture of either cooperative or non-cooperative targets without the intensive computational requirements associated with vision processing. A hybrid digital/analog system was developed and tested with a robotic arm. An aircraft refueling application demonstration is planned within two years. Initially this demonstration will be ground based with a follow-on air based demonstration. System dependability measurement and modeling techniques are being developed for fault management applications. This involves usage of incremental solution/evaluation techniques and modularized systems to facilitate reuse and to take advantage of natural partitions in system models. Though not yet commercially available and currently subject to accuracy limitations, technology is being developed to perform optical matrix operations to enhance computational speed. Optical terrain recognition using camera image sequencing processed with optical correlators is being developed to determine position and velocity in support of lander guidance. The system is planned for testing in conjunction with Dryden Flight Research Facility. Advanced architecture technology is defining open architecture design constraints, test bed concepts (processors, multiple hardware/software and multi-dimensional user support, knowledge/tool sharing infrastructure), and software engineering interface issues.

Lum, Henry↗
NASA NTRS2021

NASA SpaceCube Edge TPU SmallSat Card for Autonomous Operations and Onboard Science-Data Analysis

Using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI)frameworks onboard spacecraft is challenging because common spacecraft processors cannot provide comparable performance to datacenters with server-grade CPUs and GPUs available for terrestrial applications and advanced deep-learning networks. This limitation makes small, lo w-p o we r AI microchip architectures, such as the Google Coral Edge Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), attractive for space missions where the application-specific design enables both high-performance and power-efficient computing for AI applications. To address these challenging considerations for space deployment, this research introduces the design and capabilities of a CubeSat-sized Edge TPU-based co-processor card, known as the SpaceCube Low-power Ed g e Artificial Intelligence Resilient Node (SC-LEARN). This design conforms to NASA’s CubeSat Card Specification (CS2) for integration into next-generation SmallSat and CubeSat systems. This paper describes the overarching architecture and design of the SC-LEARN, as well as, the supporting test card designed for rapid prototyping and evaluation. The SC-LEARN was developed with three operational modes: (1) a high-performance parallel-processing mode,(2)a fault-tolerant mode for onboard resilience, and (3) a power-saving mode with cold spares. Importantly, this research also elaborates on both training and quantization of Tensor Flow models for the SC-LEARN for use onboard with representative, open-source datasets. Lastly, we describe future research plans, including radiation-beam testing and flight demonstration.

Advanced avionics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Global warming potential estimates of mass timber constructions beyond the first life: A dynamic radiative forcing modeling approach

In the face of a warming planet, steps must be taken to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with our building industry, which is a significant contributor to global emissions. Large, prefabricated wood elements such as mass timber panels (MTP) have great potential to achieve these reductions as they help displace high-embodied‑carbon materials like concrete and steel. Furthermore, storing the wood's biogenic carbon in buildings benefits the climate because it delays the eventual release of the carbon into the atmosphere. While these climate impacts have been assessed for the construction phase of mass timber buildings, relatively few life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have evaluated the climate impacts for the buildings' end-of-life (EOL) phase. This research estimates the climate impacts of four EOL scenarios for MTP: reusing as MTP, recycling into particleboard, incinerating, and landfilling. Using dynamic radiative forcing modeling and factoring in temporal GHG emissions and biogenic carbon storage, the global warming potential impacts are calculated for construction, deconstruction, and EOL processing of hybrid mass timber buildings in the U.S. Pacific Northwest for 160 years (GWP 160 ). The 160-year temporal scale used in this paper is an arbitrary scale, with the first 80 years being the assumed life of the building, followed by a series of reuse, recycle, or disposal scenarios over the second 80 years of that temporal scale. Of the four EOL scenarios considered in this paper, the ‘reuse’ scenario has the lowest net GWP 160 impact (calculated by summing the GWP 160 and carbon storage benefits, i.e., GWP$^{bioCS}_{160}$ ), emerging as a climate-preferred scenario, followed by ‘landfill’, ‘incinerate’, and ‘recycle’ scenarios. The lower net GWP 160 impact associated with the reuse scenario is due to the low fossil carbon emissions during EOL processing, as well as the biogenic carbon storage benefits. The results of this study also highlight the importance of efficient reuse and recycling strategies for wood in MTP.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Novel RF Architecture for Simultaneous Communication, Navigation, and Remote Sensing with Software-Defined Radio

The rapid growth of SmallSat and CubeSat missions at NASA has necessitated a re-evaluation of communication and remote-sensing architectures. Novel designs for CubeSat-sized single-board computers can now include larger Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and faster System-on-Chip (SoCs) devices. These components substantially improve onboard processing capabilities so that varying subsystems no longer require an independent processor. By replacing individual Radio Frequency (RF) systems with a single software-defined radio (SDR) and processor, mission designers have greater control over reliability, performance, and efficiency. The presented architecture combines individual processing systems into a single design and establishes a modular SDR architecture capable of both remote-sensing and communication applications. This new approach based on a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) SDR features a scalable architecture optimized for Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C), with sufficient noise performance and phase-coherence to enable both remote-sensing and navigation applications, while providing a communication solution for simultaneous S-band and X-band transmission. This SDR design is developed around the NASA CubeSat Card Standard (CS2) that provides the required modularity through simplified backplane and interchangeable options for multiple radiation-hardened/tolerant processors. This architecture provides missions with a single platform for high-rate communication and a future platform to develop cognitive radio systems.

Advanced Avionics, Hybrid Processing, Data Process↗
NASA NTRS2020

NASA SpaceCube Intelligent Multi-Purpose System for Enabling Remote Sensing, Communication, and Navigation in Mission Architectures

New, innovative CubeSat mission concepts demand modern capabilities such as artificial intelligence and autonomy, constellation coordination, fault mitigation, and robotic servicing –all of which require vastly more processing resources than legacy systems are capable of providing. Enabling these domains within a scalable, configurable processing architecture is advantageous because it also allows for the flexibility to address varying mission roles, such as a command and data-handling system, a high-performance application processor extension, a guidance and navigation solution, or an instrument/sensor interface. This paper describes the NASA SpaceCube Intelligent Multi-Purpose System (IMPS), which allows mission developers to mix-and-match 1U (10 cm × 10 cm) CubeSat payloads configured for mission-specific needs. The central enabling component of the system architecture to address these concerns is the SpaceCube v3.0 Mini Processor. This single-board computer features the 20nm Xilinx Kintex UltraScale FPGA combined with a radiation-hardened FPGA monitor, and extensive IO to integrate and interconnect varying cards within the system. To unify the re-usable designs within this architecture, the CubeSat Card Standard was developed to guide design of 1U cards. This standard define spinout configurations, mechanical, and electrical specifications for 1U CubeSat cards, allowing the backplane and mechanical enclosure to be easily extended. NASA has developed several cards adhering to the standard (System-on-Chip, power card, etc.), which allows the flexibility to configure a payload from a common catalog of cards.

Advanced Avionics, Hybrid Processing, Data Process↗
DOE OSTI2024

Breaking Barriers in Chalcogenide Perovskite Synthesis: A Generalized Framework for Fabrication of BaMS 3 (M═Ti, Zr, Hf) Materials

Abstract Chalcogenide perovskites have garnered increasing attention as stable, non‐toxic alternatives to lead halide perovskites. However, their conventional synthesis at high temperatures (>1000 °C) has hindered widespread adoption. Recent studies have developed low‐to‐moderate temperature synthesis methods (<600 °C) using reactive precursors, yet a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal factors affecting reproducibility and repeatability remains elusive. This study delineates the critical factors in the low‐temperature synthesis of BaMS 3 (M═Zr, Hf, Ti) compounds and presents a generalized framework. Innovative approaches are developed for synthesizing BaMS 3 compounds using this framework involving organometallics for solution deposition. The molecular precursor routes, employing metal acetylacetonates to generate soluble metal–sulfur bonded complexes and metal–organic compounds to produce soluble metal‐thiolate, metal‐isothiocyanate, and metal‐trithiocarbonate species, are demonstrated to yield carbon‐free BaMS 3 . These methods have achieved the most contiguous films of BaZrS 3 and BaHfS 3 using solution deposition to date. Furthermore, a hybrid solution processing method involving stacking sputter‐deposited Zr and solution‐deposited BaS layers is employed to synthesize a contiguous, oxygen‐free BaZrS 3 film. The diffuse reflectance measurements indicate a direct bandgap of ≈ 1.85 eV for the BaZrS 3 films and ≈ 2.1 eV for the BaHfS 3 film under investigation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Thermokinetic mixing compounding for polymer composites – a comprehensive review

High-speed thermokinetic mixers (K-mixers) represent an advanced compounding technology that employs intense shear and friction to convert kinetic energy directly into thermal energy. This mechanism enables rapid mixing cycles, often under one minute, facilitating exceptional filler dispersion while minimizing the material’s thermal history. This is particularly effective for compounding challenging materials, including heat-sensitive biopolymers, wet filler feedstocks, and nanofillers prone to agglomeration. As the first comprehensive review of this technology, this article synthesizes the fundamental principles of thermokinetic mixing (K-mixing) and surveys recent advances in polymer composite fabrication. We contrast the working principles of K-mixers with conventional twin-screw extrusion, highlighting distinct advantages in dispersing nanoscale fillers, exfoliating layered materials, and processing wet cellulosic feedstocks and ultra-high filler loadings (e.g., 85 wt%). Furthermore, strategies to optimize filler–matrix interfacial bonding under rapid-processing constraints, such as the kinetic selection of compatibilizers and fiber surface treatments, are evaluated. Finally, we analyze key structure-processing-property relationships and outline future directions in scaling up, reactive processing, and hybrid material development.

Zhang, Xuefeng [University of Maine]↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Survey on the Expanding Scope and Interdisciplinary Opportunities for Processing-in-Memory Techniques

Processing-in-Memory (PIM) is emerging as a practical path to overcome the limitations of traditional von Neumann architectures. At its core, PIM systems implement computing primitives such as logic operations and multiply-accumulate acceleration through compute-in-memory, near-memory processing, or hybrid designs. The role of memory cells varies widely across technologies, acting as inputs, outputs, or analog accumulators through bit-lines and sense amplifiers. This diversity creates trade-offs in precision, bandwidth, latency, and programmability, making it difficult to build a unified understanding on the progress of the field. In this survey, we organize recent advances of PIM into three areas. First, we discuss the progress on the architectural optimizations of PIM and its integration with both DRAM and emerging non-volatile memories. Second, we examine how PIM is being used to accelerate key computing domains, including generative AI workloads and high-performance kernels, along with new approaches. Third, we highlight the growing adoption of PIM in computational sciences, where it is being applied to solve interdisciplinary problems such as genome analysis, mRNA quantification, mass spectrometry, quantum circuit simulation, wave modeling, and secure computation. Finally, we synthesize the major challenges that continue to slow PIM adoption, including manufacturing constraints, power delivery, thermal reliability, data consistency, runtime and memory-management coordination, and the difficulty of building portable software abstractions without sacrificing commercial viability. This work provides an updated, structured perspective on PIM’s potential across computing and computational sciences and the barriers that must be solved for it to reach its full impact.

Asifuzzaman, Kazi [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Additively Manufactured Nanocrystalline Aluminum via Cryomilling and Cold Spray

In this study, nanocrystalline (NC) aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg)-doped Al bulk components were fabricated using a hybrid manufacturing process that combines cryomilling and high-pressure cold spray (HPCS) additive deposition techniques. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was also added during the HPCS process to improve deposition efficiency and build-up thickness via peening. The evolution of morphology, crystallite size, and elemental composition of both cryomilled powders and cold-sprayed (CS’ed) components was systematically characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Mechanical characterization was performed using Vickers microhardness and uniaxial tensile testing, while the tribological behavior was assessed using sliding wear tests under dry/lubricated conditions. XRD analysis revealed that increased cryomilling duration led to significant crystallite refinement, which directly correlated with enhanced hardness and strength. This mechanical strengthening was accompanied by an increase in coefficient of friction (COF) and lower wear rates. The results also showed that the Mg-doped Al exhibited superior hardness, tensile strength, and tribological performance compared to pure Al. The study further explores the underlying mechanisms responsible for these enhancements, highlighting the potential of solute-assisted grain boundary stabilization in tailoring high-performance NC Al alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1967

Microelectronic packaging

Hybrid assembly processes for packaging of thin film and semiconductor microelectronic devices

THIN FILM↗
NASA NTRS1968

Digital-computer interface systems.

Digital computer interface systems design for simulation, control, instrumentation and data processing, discussing hybrid computer linkages

Korn, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

ECUT: Energy Conversion and utilization Technologies program biocatalysis research activity. Generation of chemical intermediates by catalytic oxidative decarboxylation of dilute organic acids

A rhodium-based catalyst was prepared and preliminary experiments were completed where the catalyst appeared to decarboxylate dilute acids at concentrations of 1 to 10 vol%. Electron spin resonance spectroscoy was used to characterize the catalyst as a first step leading toward modeling and optimization of rhodium catalysts. Also, a hybrid chemical/biological process for the production of hydrocarbons has been assessed. These types of catalysts could greatly increase energy efficiency of this process.

Distefano, S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Highly Non-Linear Optical (NLO) organic crystals and films. Electrooptical organic materials

Devices employing nonlinear optics (NLO) hold great promise for important applications in integrated optics, optical information processing and telecommunications. Properly designed organics possess outstanding optical and electrooptical properties which will substantially advance many technologies including electrooptical switching, optical amplification for communications, and parallel processing for hybrid optical computers. A brief comparison of organic and inorganic materials is given.

Mcmanus, Samuel P.↗
NASA NTRS1997

An Overview-NASA LeRC Structures Program

The Structures and Acoustics Division of the NASA Lewis Research Center has its genesis dating back to 1943. It has been an independent Division at Lewis since 1979. Its two primary capabilities are performance and life analysis of static and dynamic systems such as those found in aircraft and spacecraft propulsion systems and experimental verification of these analyses. Research is conducted in-house, through university grants and contracts, and through cooperative programs with industry. Our work directly supports NASA's Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST), Smart Green Engine, Fast Quiet Engine, High-Temperature Materials and Processing (HiTEMP), Hybrid Hyperspeed Propulsion, Rotorcraft, High-Speed Research (HSR), and Aviation Safety Program (AvSP). A general overview is given discussing these programs and other technologies that are being developed at NASA LeRC.

Zaretsky, Erwin V.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Design of Flight Vehicle Management Systems

As the operation of large systems becomes ever more dependent on extensive automation, the need for an effective solution to the problem of design and validation of the underlying software becomes more critical. Large systems possess much detailed structure, typically hierarchical, and they are hybrid. Information processing at the top of the hierarchy is by means of formal logic and sentences; on the bottom it is by means of simple scalar differential equations and functions of time; and in the middle it is by an interacting mix of nonlinear multi-axis differential equations and automata, and functions of time and discrete events. The lecture will address the overall problem as it relates to flight vehicle management, describe the middle level, and offer a design approach that is based on Differential Geometry and Discrete Event Dynamic Systems Theory.

Meyer, George↗