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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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DOE OSTI2025

NRIC Annual Report FY 2025

The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), established in August 2019, is a national United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) program. NRIC’s mission is to partner with industry and national laboratories to bridge the gap between concept, demonstration, and commercialization of advanced nuclear technology. NRIC accomplishes this through building or enhancing existing DOE infrastructure to support testing of components and systems that are key to successfully deploying advanced nuclear technology. NRIC’s vision is that by 2028, NRIC will be partnered with industry and accelerating the demonstration and deployment of advanced nuclear technology using DOE national laboratory infrastructure and expertise. NRIC will establish four new experimental facilities and two large reactor test beds for integrated technology demonstrations and experimentation by 2028 and complete two advanced nuclear technology tests by 2030. Achieving this vision will enable urgently needed abundant and affordable clean energy both domestically and internationally. NRIC’s success will inspire our nation and the global community to embrace the promising contribution of innovative nuclear reactor technologies to the clean energy economy and re-establish the U.S. as the global leader in advanced nuclear energy. NRIC is tasked with expediting the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies by bringing together private-sector technology developers and the world-class capabilities of the DOE national laboratory system. Through this program, the U.S. private sector is given access to the physical infrastructure available at DOE national laboratories to test and demonstrate their reactor concepts. NRIC works closely with the DOE-Nuclear Energy (NE) program that grants access to technical, regulatory, and financial support for commercializing nuclear energy. NRIC builds upon these new reactor concepts and technology successes to effectively strengthen U.S. nuclear leadership.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS2000

Experimental and Analytical Determinations of Spiral Bevel Gear-Tooth Bending Stress Compared

Spiral bevel gears are currently used in all main-rotor drive systems for rotorcraft produced in the United States. Applications such as these need spiral bevel gears to turn the corner from the horizontal gas turbine engine to the vertical rotor shaft. These gears must typically operate at extremely high rotational speeds and carry high power levels. With these difficult operating conditions, an improved analytical capability is paramount to increasing aircraft safety and reliability. Also, literature on the analysis and testing of spiral bevel gears has been very sparse in comparison to that for parallel axis gears. This is due to the complex geometry of this type of gear and to the specialized test equipment necessary to test these components. To develop an analytical model of spiral bevel gears, researchers use differential geometry methods to model the manufacturing kinematics. A three-dimensional spiral bevel gear modeling method was developed that uses finite elements for the structural analysis. This method was used to analyze the three-dimensional contact pattern between the test pinion and gear used in the Spiral Bevel Gear Test Facility at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field. Results of this analysis are illustrated in the preceding figure. The development of the analytical method was a joint endeavor between NASA Glenn, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, and the University of North Dakota.

Handschuh, Robert F.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Proceedings of the First NASA Formal Methods Symposium

Topics covered include: Model Checking - My 27-Year Quest to Overcome the State Explosion Problem; Applying Formal Methods to NASA Projects: Transition from Research to Practice; TLA+: Whence, Wherefore, and Whither; Formal Methods Applications in Air Transportation; Theorem Proving in Intel Hardware Design; Building a Formal Model of a Human-Interactive System: Insights into the Integration of Formal Methods and Human Factors Engineering; Model Checking for Autonomic Systems Specified with ASSL; A Game-Theoretic Approach to Branching Time Abstract-Check-Refine Process; Software Model Checking Without Source Code; Generalized Abstract Symbolic Summaries; A Comparative Study of Randomized Constraint Solvers for Random-Symbolic Testing; Component-Oriented Behavior Extraction for Autonomic System Design; Automated Verification of Design Patterns with LePUS3; A Module Language for Typing by Contracts; From Goal-Oriented Requirements to Event-B Specifications; Introduction of Virtualization Technology to Multi-Process Model Checking; Comparing Techniques for Certified Static Analysis; Towards a Framework for Generating Tests to Satisfy Complex Code Coverage in Java Pathfinder; jFuzz: A Concolic Whitebox Fuzzer for Java; Machine-Checkable Timed CSP; Stochastic Formal Correctness of Numerical Algorithms; Deductive Verification of Cryptographic Software; Coloured Petri Net Refinement Specification and Correctness Proof with Coq; Modeling Guidelines for Code Generation in the Railway Signaling Context; Tactical Synthesis Of Efficient Global Search Algorithms; Towards Co-Engineering Communicating Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems; and Formal Methods for Automated Diagnosis of Autosub 6000.

Denney, Ewen↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Designing a Distributed Web-based Simulation Environment for Enabling Autonomous Systems Research

In the continued pursuit of creating a future with robust Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations defined as safe and efficient air traffic operations in metropolitan environments for both piloted and autonomous systems, development of the concepts, technologies, and procedures to establish this UAM ecosystem remains an active area of research. In particular, as autonomous systems continue to grow in both complexity and use throughout UAM concepts the need for simulation environments to both test individual components and systems and to study the complex interactions between them is paramount. In this paper we address design considerations, technologies, and challenges of adapting native simulation environment application concepts to an interactive and distributed web-based framework. The proposed web-based design allows for easier and wider access for developing, testing, integrating, and studying emergent behaviors of complex autonomous systems interaction. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach by showing multi-agent interaction and emergent behavior in two scenarios: (1) autonomous urban air mobility vehicles flying in a convoy and (2) interaction of a convoy with a search and rescue operation.

Benjamin N Kelley↗
NASA NTRS2008

Testing HyDE on ADAPT

The IVHM Project in the Aviation Safety Program has funded research in electrical power system (EPS) health management. This problem domain contains both discrete and continuous behavior, and thus is directly relevant for the hybrid diagnostic tool HyDE. In FY2007 work was performed to expand the HyDE diagnosis model of the ADAPT system. The work completed resulted in a HyDE model with the capability to diagnose five times the number of ADAPT components previously tested. The expanded diagnosis model passed a corresponding set of new ADAPT fault injection scenario tests with no incorrect faults reported. The time required for the HyDE diagnostic system to isolate the fault varied widely between tests; this variance was reduced by tuning HyDE input parameters. These results and other diagnostic design trade-offs are discussed. Finally, possible future improvements for both the HyDE diagnostic model and HyDE itself are presented.

Sweet, Adam↗
NASA NTRS1977

Real time outdoor exposure testing of solar cell modules and component materials

Plastic samples, solar cell modules, and sub-modules were exposed at test sites in Florida, Arizona, Puerto Rico, and Cleveland, Ohio, in order to determine materials suitable for use in solar cell modules with a proposed 20-year lifetime. Various environments were encountered including subtropical, subtropical with a sea air atmosphere, desert, rain forest, normal urban, and urban-polluted. The samples were exposed for periods up to six months. Materials found not suitable were polyurethane, polyester, Kapton, Mylar, and UV-stabilized Lexan. Suitable materials were acrylic, FEP-A, and glass. The results of exposure of polyvinylidene fluoride were dependent on the specific formulation, but several types appear suitable. RTV silicone rubber (clear) appears to pick up and hold dirt both as a free film and as a potting medium for modules. The results indicate that dirt accumulation and cleanability are important factors in the selection of solar cell module covers and encapsulants.

Anagnostou, E.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Variable-Speed Power-Turbine Research at Glenn Research Center

The main rotors of the NASA Large Civil Tilt-Rotor (LCTR) notional vehicle operate over a wide speed-range, from 100 percent at takeoff to 54 percent at cruise. The variable-speed power turbine (VSPT) offers one approach by which to effect this speed variation. VSPT aerodynamics challenges include high work factors at cruise, wide (40 to 60 ) incidence-angle variations in blade and vane rows over the speed range, and operation at low Reynolds numbers. Rotordynamics challenges include potential responsiveness to shaft modes within the 50 percent VSPT speed-range. A research effort underway at NASA Glenn Research Center, intended to address these key aerodynamic and rotordynamic challenges, is described. Conceptual design and 3-D multistage RANS and URANS analyses, conducted internally and under contract, provide expected VSPT sizing, stage-count, performance and operability information, and maps for system studies. Initial steps toward experimental testing of incidence-tolerant blading in a transonic linear cascade are described, and progress toward development/improvement of a simulation capability for multistage turbines with low Reynolds number transitional flow is summarized. Preliminary rotordynamics analyses indicate that viable concept engines with 50 percent VSPT shaft-speed range. Assessments of potential paths toward VSPT component-level testing are summarized.

Welch, Gerard E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Assessment of Condition Monitoring Methods and Technologies for Inservice Inspection and Testing of Nuclear Power Plant Components

This report was prepared for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to explore the application of advanced technologies toward meeting the current and future regulatory requirements for maintenance and condition monitoring of structures, systems, and components. The advanced technologies considered in this work are advanced sensors and instrumentation, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI), physics-based models, and digital twins (DT). The interest in the application of advanced technologies for condition monitoring in nuclear power plants continues to grow, and current and future licensees are expected to implement advanced technologies as part of their inservice inspection (ISI) and inservice testing (IST) programs. This report delineates the outcomes of an exploratory investigation into the implementation of advanced condition monitoring technologies to address ISI and IST requirements. A thorough review was conducted of the existing regulatory requirements for ISI and IST, along with an analysis of associated industry practices. Additionally, a state-of-the-art assessment was performed on advanced condition monitoring technologies frequently employed in non-nuclear sectors. This research incorporated two nuclear-specific case studies to illustrate the application of these technologies within the current nuclear fleet. The report provides an exhaustive discussion on the technical challenges, considerations, and opportunities associated with the deployment of advanced condition monitoring technologies. The following are key considerations in the application of advanced technologies for the ISI and IST of nuclear power plant components: • Developing adequate verification and validation procedures to confirm the functional and non-functional requirements, • Developing technical capabilities to conduct real-time asset condition monitoring, • Establishing guidance and protocol for modeling and simulation tools to continuously meet regulatory requirements, • Addressing trustworthiness, explainability, and interpretability of ML/AI methods, • Evaluating maintenance activities to maintain an adequate safety margin and avoid undesirable conditions, • Establishing cybersecure condition monitoring programs associated with a computer-based software system, and • Establishing standardized evaluation metrics for advanced condition monitoring programs. Interest in the use of advanced technologies for condition monitoring in ISI and IST programs continues to grow, and the technology is expected to experience rapid and wide industry adoption in the near future. Adoption of advanced technologies for condition monitoring could have novel and unique impacts on regulatory activities associated with ISI and IST programs. The NRC is continuing to explore the regulatory aspects of advanced technologies as part of ISI and IST programs by pursuing additional research in this technical area.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

An experimental study of the behavior of a high efficiency residential heat pump in cooling mode with common installation faults imposed

Faults are believed to be common in split system air-conditioner and heat pump systems, due to operating degradation or installation problems. Common faults include improper refrigerant charge, reduced evaporator airflow, liquid line restrictions, and the presence of non-condensable gas. Laboratory tests were used to quantify fault impacts on performance of a heat pump system, and impacts on indicator variables such as refrigerant temperatures and pressures. This paper describes a large set of laboratory tests implemented on a high efficiency heat pump operating in cooling mode. This system uses R-410A refrigerant and has a rotary compressor, TXV, two accumulators, and a compensator. A small number of previous experimental studies have been done previously to study the effects of some operating faults, but none has examined a modern system with these components. The tests were conducted with a range of fault intensities and driving conditions. The results are compared to previous researchers’ experimental results. The system’s performance was found to be quite robust in the presence of faults. The TXV, accumulators, and compensator significantly reduce sensitivity to refrigerant charge and liquid line restriction faults, and other faults to a lesser extent.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS2006

Verification of Numerical Solutions for the Deployment of the Highly Nonlinear MARSIS Antenna Boom Lenticular Joints

The MARSIS antenna booms are constructed using lenticular hinges between straight boom segments in a novel design which allows the booms to be extremely lightweight while retaining a high stiffness and well defined structural properties once they are deployed. Lenticular hinges are elegant in form but are complicated to model as they deploy dynamically and require highly specialized nonlinear techniques founded on carefully measured mechanical properties. Results from component level testing were incorporated into a highly specialized ADAMS model which employed an automated damping algorithm to account for the discontinuous boom lengths formed during the deployment. Additional models with more limited capabilities were also developed in both DADS and ABAQUS to verify the ADAMS model computations and to help better define the numerical behavior of the models at the component and system levels. A careful comparison is made between the ADAMS and DADS models in a series of progressive steps in order to verify their numerical results. Different trade studies considered in the model development are outlined to demonstrate a suitable level of model fidelity. Some model sensitivities to various parameters are explored using subscale and full system models. Finally, some full system DADS models are exercised to illustrate the limitations of traditional modeling techniques for variable geometry systems which were overcome in the ADAMS model.

Mars↗
NASA NTRS2005

Human Planetary Landing System (HPLS) Capability Roadmap: Wrap Up

When and how does the full scale system and subsystems need to be qualified & Human-rated for flight? Answer: No later than 29. Full scale AEDL Flight Tests can and should be done at Earth (need to get fast turn around between multiple tests). Do we need a Full Scale Validation Flight Test at Mars? Answer: Not, specifically, but the AEDL community is very uncomfortable with the notion of the very first full scale AEDL being piloted. The full scale unpiloted AEDL advance cargo mission that immediately precedes the human landing could do the trick. What kind of precursor AEDL Flight Tests are needed at Mars? Answer: We need to validate our performance & aerodynamic models by flying a scaled (1/10th?) version of the Full Scale Mission by 22. When and how do we decide on the AEDL system to fly? Answer: No later than 2015 (earlier is harder). We need to do multi-path full scale flight simulations and subscale / component development testing starting ASAP. If we find an AEDL for a landing mass of 40 MT, will this same architecture and technology paradigm extend to landing 80 MT? 120 MT? Is there another break point? Answer: We do not know yet.

Manning, Rob↗
NASA NTRS2005

Numerical Simulation of the RTA Combustion Rig

The Revolutionary Turbine Accelerator (RTA)/Turbine Based Combined Cycle (TBCC) project is investigating turbine-based propulsion systems for access to space. NASA Glenn Research Center and GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) planned to develop a ground demonstrator engine for validation testing. The demonstrator (RTA-1) is a variable cycle, turbofan ramjet designed to transition from an augmented turbofan to a ramjet that produces the thrust required to accelerate the vehicle from Sea Level Static (SLS) to Mach 4. The RTA-1 is designed to accommodate a large variation in bypass ratios from sea level static to Mach 4 conditions. Key components of this engine are new, such as a nickel alloy fan, advanced trapped vortex combustor, a Variable Area Bypass Injector (VABI), radial flameholders, and multiple fueling zones. A means to mitigate risks to the RTA development program was the use of extensive component rig tests and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.

Davoudzadeh, Farhad↗
NASA NTRS2014

Tri-Gas Pressurization System Testing and Modeling for Cryogenic Applications

The use of Tri‐gas in rocket propulsion systems is somewhat of a new technology. This paper defines Tri‐gas as a mixture of gases composed largely of helium with a small percentage of a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. When exposed to a catalyst the hydrogen and oxygen in the mixture combusts, significantly raising the temperature of the mixture. The increase in enthalpy resulting from the combustion process significantly decreases the required quantity of gas needed to pressurize the ullage of the vehicle propellant tanks. The objective of this effort was to better understand the operating characteristics of Tri‐gas in a pressurization system with low temperature applications. In conjunction with ongoing programs at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, an effort has been undertaken to evaluate the operating characteristics of Tri‐gas through modeling and bench testing. Through improved understanding of the operating characteristics, the risk of using this new technology in a launch vehicle propulsion system was reduced. Bench testing of Tri‐gas was a multistep process that targeted gas characteristics and performance aspects that pose a risk to application in a pressurization system. Pressurization systems are vital to propulsion system performance. Keeping a target ullage pressure in propulsions tanks is necessary to supply propellant at the conditions and flow rates required to maintain desired engine functionality. The first component of testing consisted of sampling Tri‐gas sources that had been stagnant for various lengths of time in order to determine the rate at which stratification takes place. Second, a bench test was set up in which Tri‐gas was sent through a catalyst bed. This test was designed to evaluate the performance characteristics of Tri‐gas, under low temperature inlet temperatures, in a flight‐like catalyst bed reactor. The third, most complex, test examined the performance characteristics of Tri‐gas at low temperature temperatures in a test configuration built to more closely resemble a vehicle pressurization system. The results of these bench tests address various risks that all relate to underperformance of Tri‐gas pressurization systems.

Taylor, B.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Performance Characterization of Digital Optical Data Transfer Systems for Use in the Space Radiation Environment

Radiation effects in photonic and microelectronic components can impact the performance of high-speed digital optical data link in a variety of ways. This segment of the short course focuses on radiation effects in digital optical data links operating in the MHz to GHz regime. (Some of the information is applicable to frequencies above and below this regime) The three basic component level effects that should be considered are Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Displacement Damage Dose (DDD) and Single Event Effects (SEE). In some cases the system performance degradation can be quantified from component level tests, while in others a more holistic characterization approach must be taken. In Section 2.0 of this segment of the Short Course we will give a brief overview of the space radiation environment follow by a summary of the basic space radiation effects important for microelectronics and photonics listed above. The last part of this section will give an example of a typical mission radiation environment requirements. Section 3.0 gives an overview of intra-satellite digital optical data link systems. It contains a discussion of the digital optical data link and it's components. Also, we discuss some of the important system performance metrics that are impacted by radiation effects degradation of optical and optoelectronic component performance. Section 4.0 discusses radiation effects in optical and optoelectronic components. While each component effect will be discussed, the focus of this section is on degradation of passive optical components and SEE in photodiodes (other mechanisms are covered in segment II of this short course entitled "Photonic Devices with Complex and Multiple Failure Modes"). Section 5.0 will focus on optical data link system response to the space radiation environment. System level SEE ground testing will be discussed. Then we give a discussion of system level assessment of data link performance when operating in the space radiation environment.

Reed, Robert A.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Cold Weather Wind Turbines: A Joint NASA/NSF/DOE Effort in Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Renewable energy sources and their integration with other power sources to support remote communities is of interest for Mars applications as well as Earth communities. The National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and the Department of Energy (DOE) have been jointly supporting development of a 100 kW cold weather wind turbine through grants and SBIRs independently managed by each agency but coordinated by NASA. The NSF grant addressed issues associated with the South Pole application and a 3 kW direct drive unit is being tested there in anticipation of the 100 kW unit operation. The DOE-NREL contract focused on development of the 100 kW direct drive generator. The NASA SBIR focused on the development of the 100 kW direct drive wind turbine. The success of this effort has required coordination and team involvement of federal agencies and the industrial partners. Designs of the wind turbine and component performance testing results will be presented. Plans for field testing of wind turbines, based on this design, in village energy systems in Alaska and in energy production at the South Pole Station will be discussed. Also included will be a discussion of terrestrial and space use of hybrid energy systems, including renewable energy sources, such as the wind turbine, to support remote communities.

Flynn, Michael↗
DOE OSTI2021

Gear Test Assembly – Experimental Testing and Gear Analysis (FY2021 Year End Report)

The Gear Test Assembly (GTA) is an experimental apparatus designed to test mechanical components used in fuel handling systems of liquid-sodium cooled fast-spectrum nuclear reactors. The performance and lifetime of gears, bearings, and dynamic seals are the primary focus of study. Three experimental campaigns have been completed since the start of operation in 2019, and the GTA is currently assembled and ready to begin the fourth experimental campaign. Sodium operations at the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) have been paused while repairs are made to the Building 308 Alkali Metal Scrubber. This work is nearly complete, and once METL is brought back into operation the GTA will begin sodium testing immediately.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1984

Environmental and structural assessment of four year in-commercial service composite helicopter structures

This paper presents the technical background for including environmental effects in the design of helicopter composite structures. This effort was supported by test results of components and panels having up to four years of field exposure. The preceeding was part of an eight year program to evaluate in-service environmental factors for comparison with laboratory test results. Full scale static and fatigue tests were conducted on composite components removed from S-76 helicopters used in commercial operations in the Gulf Coast region of Louisiana. Small scale tests were conducted using coupons removed from panels exposed to the outdoor environment in Stratford, Connecticut and West Palm Beach, Florida. Panel configurations were representative of S-76 components. Moisture analysis and strength tests on components and panels are reported after two, three and four years of exposure. Moisture levels were compared with predicted values. Mechanical test results were compared to initial certification tests for component strength, and to baseline laboratory coupon testing.

Ezzo, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Space Shuttle Program Progress Report

A status report is presented on progress in the design, manufacturing and testing of components of the space transportation system (STS), and primarily the Space Shuttle vehicles. Project landmarks from 1969 to 1981 are indicated, fabrication of the Shuttle Orbiter and rollout of the first prototype are described, fabrication and assembly of some Orbiter parts are sketched, and some of the subsystems (thermal protection, avionics, maneuvering aids, reaction control, remote manipulator) are described. Also discussed are: Orbiter carrier aircraft, Shuttle main engine and tests, external fuel tank, solid rocket booster, launch and landing facilities. A separate section is devoted to ground tests (vibration, propulsion, electronics, avionics integration), trainers and simulators, and flight tests (captive flight, free flight, landing and approach, orbital flight).

Thompson, R. F.↗