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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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1,239 records · Page 53
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2005

Chapter 21 - Avionics

This Section presents general guidance for flight testing of avionics systems. Due to the complex and ever changing nature of avionics systems, specific detailed test methods and analysis techniques are left to current and future system specific AGARDographs such as references 21-1 and 21-2. This section will provide descriptions of test methods which are generic to most current and future avionics systems. The field of avionics systems was divided into four general categories (autopilot, navigation and communication, offensive, and defensive) and a fifth overall test category of integration. This was accomplished only for the convenience in presenting the material. These categories are not meant to encompass all avionics systems but are intended to be sufficiently general to enable a systematic discussion of the testing of the basic types of avionics systems.

Ron Mahlum↗
DOE OSTI2026

Power performance and loads characterization of laboratory-scale cross-flow rotors fabricated using additive manufacturing

Tidal energy conversion is a relatively new application for additive manufacturing (AM), where the focus has been on fabricating axial-flow turbine blades. AM techniques add material precisely where it is needed, creating more complex shapes with less waste. Cross-flow rotor geometry presents an opportunity for AM to improve rotor performance by fabricating features that cannot be created economically via conventional manufacturing. The challenges associated with using AM in cross-flow design include water resistance and degradation over time while retaining a level of quality equivalent to conventionally machined parts. In this work, AM materials were tested by environmentally conditioning samples in a seawater tank for 5 months, followed by performance and phase-resolved load testing of laboratory-scale rotors in a hydraulic flume. We found that while metals like titanium and Inconel have excellent performance in marine environments, achieving the desired geometry and performance is difficult. Thermoplastics degraded in seawater but were easier to form into desired geometries and could exceed the performance of an aluminum control rotor. Warping and surface finish were significant detractors from AM rotor performance. These results suggest that the primary benefits of using AM for cross-flow rotors is to quickly fabricate and test unconventional rotor geometries.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2026

Laser-heated diamond anvil cell synthesis and recovery of metastable MnSb 2 and YbZn 2 for post-synthesis transport studies

The creation and exploration of new materials under extreme pressure–temperature conditions has become increasingly reliant on laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) techniques, which provide direct access to previously unexplored regions of multinary phase diagrams. Whereas numerous high-pressure phases have been identified in situ, systematic recovery and post-synthesis physical property characterization of these materials remain significant challenges. In this work, we describe the setup and implementation of an LHDAC-based synthesis and recovery workflow and demonstrate its application to metastable MnSb 2 and YbZn 2 phases. Synchrotron x-ray diffraction and spatial mapping confirm dominant formation of the targeted phases, whereas laboratory-based refinement quantifies phase fractions despite intrinsic microstrain and minor secondary phases. High-pressure transport measurements on recovered samples reveal pressure-tunable electronic instabilities in both systems. In MnSb 2 , pressure suppresses two high-temperature magnetic ordering anomalies, observed in transport, by ∼5 GPa and, for higher pressures, induces a new low-temperature feature that increases with further pressure increase. In hexagonal high-pressure YbZn 2 , an electronic reconstruction emerges at ∼11 GPa, characterized by semiconducting-like behavior from ∼30 to 300 K and a broad low-temperature coherence crossover near 30 K. Our results establish LHDAC synthesis not only as a structural discovery tool but also as an experimental platform for investigating correlated quantum states stabilized far from equilibrium thermodynamic conditions.

Huyan, S. [Iowa State University, Ames, IA (United↗
NASA NTRS1977

Geochemical Zoning and Early Differentiation in the Moon

The volatile elements (e.g., Rb, Pb, Tl, Bi, Cs) seem to have been depleted at the time of lunar accretion. Accordingly, it may be assumed that the moon initially accreted from refractory material. The good correlation between volatile/involatile element ratios (e.g., Cs/U, K/La, K/Zr) in both highland and maria samples means that element distribution in lunar crustal rocks is not governed by volatility differences. This and other evidence encourages the view that the moon was accreted homogeneously. A consequence of homogeneous accretion theories is that very efficient large-scale element fractionation is required to account both for the high near-surface concentrations of refractory elements (e.g., Th, U, REE, Zr, Ba, etc.) and for the Ca-Al-rich crust.

S R Taylor↗
NASA NTRS2015

Development of Li-Metal Battery Cell Chemistries at NASA Glenn Research Center

State-of-the-Art lithium-ion battery technology is limited by specific energy and thus not sufficiently advanced to support the energy storage necessary for aerospace needs, such as all-electric aircraft and many deep space NASA exploration missions. In response to this technological gap, our research team at NASA Glenn Research Center has been active in formulating concepts and developing testing hardware and components for Li-metal battery cell chemistries. Lithium metal anodes combined with advanced cathode materials could provide up to five times the specific energy versus state-of-the-art lithium-ion cells (1000 Whkg versus 200 Whkg). Although Lithium metal anodes offer very high theoretical capacity, they have not been shown to successfully operate reversibly.

battery↗
DOE OSTI2026

Ecohydrology of urban environments

Urban watersheds include a gradient of highly managed to unmanaged ecosystems that vary in vegetation cover, built and natural drainage systems, and impervious cover. A distinct difference to undeveloped ecosystems is the dominance of material and energy import and export, the disruption of natural catenae, the covariation of soils, terrain and canopy conditions. In this chapter, we discuss the distinct characteristics of urban ecohydrology compared to non-urban systems. We also investigate emergent principles of unmanaged watersheds that underscore the promotion of ecohydrological resilience, and the need to abstract and adapt these principles to support the goal-oriented restoration of impaired urban ecosystems.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optical transparency of LiF (100) shock compressed to ∼360 GPa

High-purity [100] lithium fluoride (LiF) is the most widely used optical window in dynamic compression experiments due to its wide bandgap and well-characterized mechanical response. Recent plate-impact experiments established the [100] LiF Hugoniot to ∼230 GPa and demonstrated shock-induced melting onset at 182 GPa with complete melting by 195 GPa; theoretical models predict LiF optical transparency to nearly 900 GPa. To experimentally examine the optical transparency of [100] LiF at higher pressures and in the liquid state, laser-driven shock experiments were performed at peak stresses ranging from 223 to 363 GPa. Optical response was examined by measuring the particle velocity histories at the Kapton/LiF interface using laser interferometry at 532 and 1550 nm wavelengths; in-material particle velocities were obtained using established refractive-index corrections. Continuous photonic Doppler velocimetry fringes were observed across the entire stress range, demonstrating that LiF remains transparent to 1550 nm light throughout the multi-megabar regime investigated. At 532 nm, fringe visibility depended on the reflector coating: aluminum mirrors provided signals to ∼235 GPa, while gold mirrors extended this limit to 270.5 GPa, indicating that the shorter-wavelength response is likely sensitive to experimental configuration rather than to the loss of LiF transparency. Continued optical transparency to at least 360 GPa indicates that shock-melted LiF does not display bandgap closure over the stress range explored. Furthermore, these results provide direct experimental constraints on the high-pressure optical response and establish LiF (100) as a robust optical window material for laser-driven dynamic compression experiments approaching 400 GPa.

Renganathan, P. [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)↗
NASA NTRS2008

Spray Forming of NiTi and NiTiPd Shape-Memory Alloys

In the work to be presented, vacuum plasma spray forming has been used as a process to deposit and consolidate prealloyed NiTi and NiTiPd powders into near net shape actuators. Testing showed that excellent shape memory behavior could be developed in the deposited materials and the investigation proved that VPS forming could be a means to directly form a wide range of shape memory alloy components. The results of DSC characterization and actual actuation test results will be presented demonstrating the behavior of a Nitinol 55 alloy and a higher transition temperature NiTiPd alloy in the form of torque tube actuators that could be used in aircraft and aerospace controls.

Aero-Surface Controls↗
DOE OSTI2026

Green Era Anaerobic Digester

Green Era Educational NFP constructed and commissioned the Green Era Renewable Energy & Urban Farming Campus in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The project transformed a long-vacant brownfield site into a commercial-scale anaerobic digestion facility that converts food waste into renewable natural gas and nutrient-rich material for agricultural use. The facility can process up to 80,000 wet tons of food waste annually and supports approximately 15 permanent jobs while advancing food waste diversion, renewable energy production, nutrient recovery and community revitalization.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
NASA NTRS1985

Microgravity Science and Applications Program Tasks, 1984 Revision

This report is a compilation of the active research tasks as of the end of the fiscal year 1984 of the Microgravity Science and Applications Program, NASA-Office of Space Science and Applications, involving several NASA centers and other organizations. The purpose of the document is to provide an overview of the program scope for managers and scientists in industry, university, and government communities. The report is structured to include an introductory description of the program, strategy and overall goal; identification of the organizational structures and people involved; and a description of each research task, together with a list of recent publications. The tasks are grouped into six categories: (1) electronic materials; (2) solidification of metals, alloys, and composites; (3) fluid dynamics and transports; (4) biotechnology; (5) glasses and ceramics; and (6) combustion.

Elizabeth Pentecost↗
NASA NTRS1989

Overview of the Center for Advanced Space Propulsion

The mission of the Center for Advanced Space Propulsion (CASP), a Center for the Commercial Development of Space (CCDS), is to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in space technology, foster cooperative research with industry and government, assist industry in developing commercial products and services, and perform research in advanced space propulsion. Current areas of focus are (1) advanced chemical propulsion, including high area ratio nozzle performance, variable thrust engine performance, and spray combustion stability; (2) artificial intelligence propulsion applications, including health monitoring of rocket engines, fault pattern detection and diagnosis, and intelligent hypertext applications; (3) microgravity fluid management, including liquid storage and transfer, a subscale orbital fluid transfer experiment, and helical, two-phase flow; (4) electric propulsion, including magnetic annular arc thruster, ion thrustor, and electrostatic plasma accelerator; and (5) laser materials processing.

George W Garrison↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optical Vibrational Spectroscopic Investigation of Natural and Synthetic Analogs of Uranyl Oxyhydroxyhydrate Minerals

Uranyl oxy-hydroxy-hydrate minerals are common alteration products of uraninite (UO2+x) which is chemically and structurally analogous to uranium dioxide nuclear fuel. Therefore, structural and spectroscopic investigations of these alteration minerals and their analogous anthropogenic counterparts can provide insight into the environmental behavior of nuclear fuel cycle materials. Previously, we compiled available vibrational spectroscopic data for uranyl minerals in the Compendium of Uranium Raman and Infrared Experimental Spectra (CURIES) and found that only 37% of known uranyl oxy-hydroxy-hydrate minerals had spectra readily available in the literature and existing databases for inclusion therein. Furthermore, no available infrared spectra for this mineral group were included in CURIES. To expand our understanding of the spectroscopic features of uranyl oxy-hydroxy-hydrates and the structural origins thereof, we collected, and now include in CURIES, Raman and infrared spectra for an additional 12 uranyl hydroxide phases. To better understand the impact of structural and compositional variations of these phases on their spectroscopic features, we compare Raman spectra of different anion sheet topological groups and of analogous phases hosting different counter cations. We identify spectroscopic variations related to differences in equatorial bonding and structural changes as a result of cation substitution. We also prepare a uranyl hydroxide phase via hydrolysis of uranyl fluoride (UO2F2) as an analog of hydrolysis reactions that occur in nuclear fuel cycle materials; and we find that the alteration product of UO2F2, despite chemical and structural similarities to uranyl oxy-hydroxy-hydrate minerals, is readily distinguishable from related mineral phases using Raman spectroscopy. In this work, we provide new insights into the structural origins of spectroscopic features in uranyl oxy-hydroxy-hydrate minerals, improve the average Raman spectrum for this group of minerals, and thereby improve capabilities for identifying these mineral species and related anthropogenic phases using Raman spectroscopy.

Barth, Brodie [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000256142601)↗
NASA NTRS1985

Bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery design

The initial design for the NASA-Lewis advanced nickel-hydrogen battery is discussed. Fabrication of two 10-cell boilerplate battery stacks will soon begin. The test batteries will undergo characterization testing and low Earth orbit life cycling. The design effectively deals with waste heat generated in the cell stack. Stack temperatures and temperature gradients are maintained to acceptable limits by utilizing the bipolar conduction plate as a heat path to the active cooling fluid panel external to the edge of the cell stack. The thermal design and mechanical design of the battery stack together maintain a materials balance within the cell. An electrolyte seal on each cell frame prohibits electrolyte bridging. An oxygen recombination site and electrolyte reservoir/separator design does not allow oxygen to leave the cell in which it was generated.

Koehler, C. W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The Utilization of Advanced Composites in Military Aircraft

The purpose of this workshop was to identify the current state of the art in key issues related to compression loading and fluid effects in composite materials. In the area of compression loading, there was considerable concern over the different results obtained from various test methods. It was agreed that failure modes produced by the various test methods along with a better fundamental understanding of compression failure were key issues in the development of compression test methods. In the area of fluid effects, a lack of a comprehensive data base hampers identification of key mechanisms leading to fluid degradation. This is further complicated by the fact that interactions depend on the fluid and composite under consideration.

Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Developm↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advancements in nanocomposites for enhancing the performance of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

The benefits of nanotechnology have been realized in almost every component of lithium-ion batteries. From electrodes to electrolytes, the incorporation of nanoparticles as dopants and coatings has shown marked improvements in cell cycle life, efficiency, mechanical and thermal stabilities, and lithium-ion transport. The improvements realized depends on several factors, from processing methods, nanoparticle type, structure, and concentration, to the material into which the nanoparticulate will be incorporated. Regardless of these many factors, nanotechnology has vastly improved the performance of secondary lithium-ion batteries. Here we will highlight some of the works that demonstrate these improvements and the quantitative benefits of nanotechnology.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1992

Analysis of LDEF micrometeoroid/debris data and damage to composite laminates

A nomogram based on the number/distribution of micrometeoroid/debris hits recorded on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) is presented. The nomogram permits the user to estimate the total number of impacts that a space structure would encounter as a function of time in orbit, exposed area, and angular location associated with the LDEF. Examples are presented on the application of the nomogram to satellites and space structures of different cross-sections to that of the LDEF. The effects of altitude and orbit inclination are also discussed. To further demonstrate the usefulness of this nomogram, results are compared to impact data measured on the UTIAS polymer matrix composite experiment (AO180). The impact damage occurring on these composite materials is examined, and data on hole size, penetration depth, and delamination area are presented.

R. C. Tennyson↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Unified Scaling Framework for Comparative Analysis of Major Electrical Machine Topologies

This paper presents a unified framework for comparing major electrical machine topologies under identical output and thermal constraints, with emphasis on supply-chain-aware selection among rare-earth-intensive, reduced-rare-earth, and rare-earth-free solutions. Using power factor and air-gap flux density as the principal descriptors, the framework links topology choice to relative size, copper demand, magnet dependence, cost sensitivity, and inertia. To support robust early-stage screening, the deterministic scaling model is combined with uncertainty representation, Monte Carlo scenario propagation, and hesitationaware ranking. The results show that rare-earth-rich machines remain compact and dense, whereas reduced-rare-earth and rare-earth-free alternatives become more attractive under specific material-risk and cost scenarios.

Kumar, Praveen [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000291877857)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Enhanced Recovery of Critical Minerals and Geological Hydrogen in The Mine of the Future

invited perspective article: The rapid demand for critical minerals (CMs) and hydrogen (H2) necessitates innovative solutions beyond conventional mining. This study explores enhanced mineral recovery (EMR) and geological hydrogen production (GeoH2) by leveraging the Earth’s subsurface as a reactive platform. Using ultramafic rocks and engineered fluids, the approach simultaneously mobilizes critical resources and produces H2 through natural processes like serpentinization. This paradigm offers a transformative pathway to secure essential materials and diversify energy resources, setting a foundation for the Terrestrial Mine of the Future

Yan, Keju↗