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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

Data Archive and Portal (DAP) Platform for Solid Phase Processing Technologies

The scale and speed of data generated by modern scientific experiments have constantly challenged the research community to store, curate, manage and optimally use it to drive scientific discoveries. In this work, we have developed a data archive and portal (DAP) platform including analytics capabilities to collect, curate, and manage data and metadata stream for solid phase processing (SPP) techniques. We successfully hosted around ~347K files of data related to processing parameters, microscopic images, and spectroscopic data related to solid phase processing. The DAP platform for SPP will establish an enduring capability to support machine learning and grow collaboration at the intersection of materials science and data science.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Lightweight solar array blanket tooling, laser welding and cover process technology

A two phase technology investigation was performed to demonstrate effective methods for integrating 50 micrometer thin solar cells into ultralightweight module designs. During the first phase, innovative tooling was developed which allows lightweight blankets to be fabricated in a manufacturing environment with acceptable yields. During the second phase, the tooling was improved and the feasibility of laser processing of lightweight arrays was confirmed. The development of the cell/interconnect registration tool and interconnect bonding by laser welding is described.

Dillard, P. A.↗

Bosch Process Technology Development for Air Revitalization

Closed-loop Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) aim to fully recover resources needed to keep astronauts alive in space– primarily, this means reclaiming oxygen (O2) to breathe and water (H2O) to drink from metabolic products. In air revitalization, this requires reclaiming the oxygen tied up in metabolic carbon dioxide (CO2). The current state of the art for the International Space Station (ISS) uses a Sabatier reaction in a system that has demonstrated a 50% O2 recovery rate. While there are several ongoing projects to improve the recovery of the Sabatier-based process, there are also projects working on an alternative approach centered around the Bosch process. Unlike the Sabatier, which has theoretical limits on maximum O2 recovery, the Bosch process can theoretically recover all of the O2 trapped in metabolic CO2 with only solid carbon (C) as a byproduct. However, the C generated in the process poses a significant challenge, introducing issues with clogging, contamination, and catalyst degradation that ultimately make the Bosch process unfeasible for flight at the current state of development. This poster overviews the promise and challenges of the Bosch process, prior investigations conducted, and current work towards advancing the TRL of Bosch-based O2 recovery systems and dealing with the (C) buildup. It also discusses potential uses of the carbon itself, which could prove to be a useful product in in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) applications.

Lunar↗

The costs of sugar production from different feedstocks and processing technologies: Review of Industrial Sugar Production Costs

Sugar production is essential for the production of foods, biochemicals, and biofuels via biochemical or catalytic routes. Sugar-containing crops, and starch-based and cellulosic feedstocks are resources for sugar production via juice extraction, starch saccharification, and pretreatment and hydrolysis, respectively. Technologies have been developed to attain a high sugar yield; however, production costs are a major consideration in commercializing newly developed approaches to the production of sugars. In this review, the fixed capital and production costs of sugar produced from first- and second-generation crops are summarized. As expected, first-generation crops provide the lowest fixed capital costs, ranging from 0.01 to 0.13 $ kg -1 feedstock, and have production costs ranging from 0.22 to 0.55 $ kg -1 sugar. For cellulosic crops, because of their recalcitrant structure and complex processing, the fixed capital and production costs are higher, ranging from 0.02 to 1.10 $ kg -1 feedstock and 0.10 to 3.37 $ kg -1 sugar, respectively.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Bench-Scale Evaluation of Hydrothermal Processing Technology for Conversion of Wastewater Solids to Fuels

Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) and Catalytic Hydrothermal Gasification (CHG) proof-of-concept bench-scale tests were performed to assess the potential of hydrothermal treatment for handling municipal wastewater sludge. HTL tests were conducted at 300-350°C and 20 MPa on three different feeds: primary sludge, secondary sludge, and digested solids. Corresponding CHG tests were conducted at 350°C and 20 MPa on the HTL aqueous phase output using a ruthenium based catalyst. Biocrude yields ranged from 25-37%. Biocrude composition and quality were comparable to biocrudes generated from algae feeds. Subsequent hydrotreating of biocrude resulted in a product with comparable physical and chemical properties to crude oil. CHG product gas methane yields on a carbon basis ranged from 47-64%. Siloxane concentrations in the CHG product gas were below engine limits. The HTL-CHG process resulted in a chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of > 99.9% and a reduction in residual solids for disposal of 94-99%.

biocrude↗

Development of Elevated Temperature Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) Alloy and Its Processing Technology

The objective of this project was to provide a production capable cast aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC) alloy with an operating temperature capability of 250-300°C. Important industrial sectors as well as the military now seek lightweight aluminum alloy castings that can operate in temperature ranges of 250-300°C. Current needs in this temperature range are being satisfied by the use of titanium alloy castings. These have the desired strength properties but the end components are heavier and significantly more costly. Also, the energy requirements for production of titanium alloy castings are significantly higher than those required for production of aluminum alloys and aluminum alloy castings.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Stand for studying technological processes under conditions simulating space

A test stand for conducting processing experiments under conditions simulating space is described. The most important units of the stand are discussed. Tests of the stand and research studies using the stand demonstrated that it is a reliable and universal research facility which makes it possible to study processes such as metal melting, welding, and deposition.

Paton, B. Y.↗

Development program for a 200 kW, technological processes in space

Dimensionless conservation equations, are presented and the theoretical basis of fluid behavior aboard orbiting satellites are reviewed with application to the processes of manufacturing crystals in weightlessness. The small amount of gravitational acceleration is shown to increase the separation of bands of varying concentration. Natural convection is shown to have no practical effect on crystallization from realistic conductions of weightlessness. The effects of surface tension become increasingly large, and suggestions are made for further research.

Jory, H.↗

Theoretical bases for conducting certain technological processes in space

Dimensionless conservation equations are presented and the theoretical bases of fluid behavior aboard orbiting satellites with application to the processes of manufacturing crystals in weightlessness. The small amount of gravitational acceleration is shown to increase the separation of bands of varying concentration. Natural convection is shown to have no practical effect on crystallization from a liquid melt. Barodiffusion is also negligibly small in realistic conditions of weightlessness. The effects of surface tension become increasingly large, and suggestions are made for further research.

Okhotin, A. S.↗

Design, durability and low cost processing technology for composite fan exit guide vanes

A lightweight composite fan exit guide vane for high bypass ratio gas turbine engine application was investigated. Eight candidate material/design combinations were evaluated by NASTRAN finite element analyses. A total of four combinations were selected for further analytical evaluation, part fabrication by two ventors, and fatigue test in dry and wet condition. A core and shell vane design was chosen in which the unidirectional graphite core fiber was the same for all candidates. The shell material, fiber orientation, and ply configuration were varied. Material tests were performed on raw material and composite specimens to establish specification requirements. Pre-test and post-test microstructural examination and nondestructive analyses were conducted to determine the effect of material variations on fatigue durability and failure mode. Relevant data were acquired with respect to design analysis, materials properties, inspection standards, improved durability, weight benefits, and part price of the composite fan exit guide vane.

Blecherman, S. S.↗

Design, durability and low cost processing technology for composite fan exit guide vanes

A program was conducted to design, fabricate and test a durable, low cost, lightweight composite fan exit guide vane for high bypass ratio gas turbine engine application. Eight candidate material/design combinations were evaluated by NASTRAN finite element analysis. Four of these candidate systems were selected for composite vane fabrication by two vendors. A core and shell vane design was chosen in which the unidirectional graphite core fiber was the same for all candidates. The shell material, fiber orientation and ply configuration were varied. Material tests were performed on raw material and composite specimens to establish specification requirements. Composite vanes were nondestructively inspected and subsequently fatigue tested in both dry and 'wet' conditions. The program provided relevant data with respect to design analysis, materials properties, inspection standards, improved durability, weight benefits and part price of the composite fan exit guide vane.

Blecherman, S. S.↗