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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

FY23 Drone RFID (Final Report)

The Drone RFID project successfully completed proof-of-concept testing to demonstrate the potential of a drone-based inventory system for high value remote materials at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Multiple drone platforms were procured, flight authorizations were received, and the vehicles were flown demonstrating what was initially perceived as the most difficult part of the project, successfully flying drones at the lab. Three commercial RFID inventory systems were also purchased, and ground testing performed to determine their suitability. Ultimately, one system was chosen for flight testing and successfully demonstrated the drone's ability to execute inventory with great potential for a relatively low-cost implementation.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-count rate effects in event processing for XRISM/ Resolve X-ray microcalorimeter: I. Ground test

The spectroscopic performance of an X-ray microcalorimeter is compromised at high count rates. We utilize the Resolve X-ray microcalorimeter onboard the XRISM satellite to examine the effects observed during high-count rate measurements and propose modeling approaches to mitigate them. We specifically address the following instrumental effects that impact performance: CPU limit, pile-up, and untriggered electrical cross-talk. Experimental data at high count rates were acquired during ground testing using the flight model instrument and a calibration X-ray source. In the experiment, data processing not limited by the performance of the onboard CPU was run in parallel, which cannot be done in orbit. This makes it possible to access the data degradation caused by limited CPU performance. We use these data to develop models that allow for a more accurate estimation of the aforementioned effects. To illustrate the application of these models in observation planning, we present a simulated observation of GX 13+1. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial to enhancing the reliability and precision of X-ray spectroscopy in situations characterized by elevated count rates.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Strategies for the in-orbit gain tracking using the modulated X-ray sources for the Resolve microcalorimeter spectrometer on the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission

Accurate and precise correction of the gain drift is the key to achieve the required energy resolution of the Resolve microcalorimeter spectrometer on the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). Therefore, Resolve is equipped with highly configurable X-ray sources called the modulated X-ray source (MXS). The pulsed nature allows us to separate calibration and astrophysical X-rays by time interval selections. However, undesirable characteristics of the MXS, such as the afterglow X-rays, restrict the allowed configuration range. Moreover, the nonlinear and discontinuous behaviors of the calibration line count rate make the determination of the optimal setting highly complex. The MXS count rate model has been established using measurements in the spacecraft thermal vacuum test with the flight detector and MXS. A trade-off study using the model enables us to choose a few settings for the continuous use of the MXS optimized for different ranges of target gain tracking intervals. An alternative approach, where the MXS is used only intermittently, has also been developed and implemented. This new mode enables us to reconstruct the drift without having most of the undesirable effects in science data. This also forms the basis of the gain tracking under the current Resolve configuration with the closed gate valve.

Astronomy and AstroPhysics↗
DOE OSTI2022

Improving SGP4 Orbit Determination with New State Estimation Algorithm

The Simplified General Perturbations 4 Model (SGP4) is a well-known tool for performing satellite orbit determination. However, uncertainties and inaccuracies in the initial state inputs (required by SGP4) degrade the performance of the propagator. We present a new state estimation algorithm that allows for independent computation of these initial inputs using Unscented Kalman Filtering and GPS data from a satellite. The algorithm is tested on real flight data and demonstrates a notable performance improvement over the standard method of orbit determination using SGP4.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2016

Super Strypi HWIL 6DOF (Hardware-In-Loop six-degree-of-freedom) Rev. 2175

The Super Strypi HWIL is a six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) simulation for the Super Strypi Launch Vehicle. The simulation is used to test the NGC flight software including the navigation software. Aerodynamic and propulsive forces, mass properties, ACS (attitude control system) parameters are defined in input files. Output parameters are saved to a Matlab mat file.

Gilkey, Jeff C.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Quantifying Turbine-Level Risk to Golden Eagles Using a High-Fidelity Updraft Model and a Stochastic Behavioral Model

To minimize the effects of wind farms on Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) populations while enabling sustainable development of renewable energy resources, it is important to understand how eagles interact with atmospheric flows, terrain features, and anthropogenic structures. Models that predict migratory flight paths provide one tool that helps us grasp how the location of wind farms may influence interactions and impacts on migrating Golden Eagles. The current state-of-the-art in predicting migratory flight paths uses a deterministic fluid-flow analogy to predict eagle trajectory using only an orographic updraft potential computed from topographical features. This model does not take into account variables, such as thermal updrafts and time varying atmospheric conditions that are known to influence migratory behavior. In this work, we improve on the model with the objective of developing tools that advance our understanding of how atmospheric flows and terrain features affect migratory eagle behavior and their interactions with wind farms. Specifically, we 1) incorporate both orographic and thermal updraft information in simulating eagle flight paths; 2) incorporate stochasticity into eagle travel patterns to better capture the influence of exogenous factors on, and the inherent stochasticity of eagle behavior; 3) consider spatio-temporal atmospheric data at wind-farm-scale when computing updraft potential; and 4) account for how atmospheric conditions and the direction of migration change seasonally and how these changes affect eagle migratory flight behavior. We tested the model using a 50km by 50km region with 50 m resolution in the western United States. We simulated 900 independent, probabilistic eagle tracks during southerly and northerly migration, assuming eagles solely rely on orographic updrafts. The preliminary results indicate that the inclusion of finer resolution atmospheric data allows for the inclusion of realistic conditions that an eagle experiences. The stochasticity in eagle tracks provides a platform to include uncertainty in eagle decision making and help produce robust eagle presence maps. We will deploy updraft and downdraft velocities computed using a high-fidelity, wind farm scale, computational fluid dynamics solver under development at National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This work is a first step in the development of a predictive and generalizable eagle behavior model at the wind farm scale that does not rely on empirical data collection. Although the current model is intended for migratory eagles, we will extend and refine this model to inform the development of additional behavioral modes, including resident eagle behavior. This modeling approach improves our ability to understand eagle use of the landscape at a fine scale, and it is our hope that this work will ultimately help advance strategies that minimize the impact of wind development on Golden Eagle populations.

49 EE - Wind and Water Power Program - Wind (EE-4W↗
DOE OSTI2023

First flight performance of the Micro-X microcalorimeter X-ray sounding rocket

The flight of the Micro-X sounding rocket on July 22, 2018, marked the first operation of transition-edge sensors and their superconducting quantum interference device readouts in space. Here, the instrument combines the microcalorimeter array with an imaging mirror to take high-resolution spectra from extended X-ray sources. The first flight target was the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant. Although a rocket pointing malfunction led to no time on-target, data from the flight were used to evaluate the performance of the instrument and demonstrate the flight viability of the payload. The instrument successfully achieved a stable cryogenic environment, executed all flight operations, and observed X-rays from the on-board calibration source. The flight environment did not significantly affect the performance of the detectors compared with ground operation. The flight provided an invaluable test of the impact of external magnetic fields and the instrument configuration on detector performance. This flight provides a milestone in the flight readiness of these detector and readout technologies, both of which have been selected for future X-ray observatories.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

General-Purpose Heat Source Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Flight Unit 5 Refurbished (GPHS-RTG F5R) Electrically Heated Thermal Vacuum Testing

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been tasked with the evaluation and refurbishment of the General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) Flight Unit 5 (GPHS-RTG F5R or F5R) that was defueled in 2005. This paper describes the testing of F5R in the thermal vacuum chamber and evaluation of the data demonstrating the generator meets updated Cassini-Huygens requirements. The generator produced 260 We of power at the specified 4100 Wth heat source inventory. This power exceeded the power requirement for 250 We , confirming system integrity and demonstrating that the generator is capable of potential NASA missions.

30 - DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2022

AMS Thermal Cooling System (Final Report)

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) is a U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored particle physics experiment on the International Space Station (ISS). AMS is exploring some of the most fundamental questions in physics such as understanding dark matter, antimatter, the origin of cosmic rays and their characteristics as well as searching for new physics phenomena in the universe. It has recorded more than 200 billion cosmic rays since its launch in May 2011. Over time, anomalies associated with the dedicated cooling system of the AMS Silicon Tracker system were observed, leading to the discovery of progressive deterioration in the functioning of the cooling system's four redundant pumps. The Tracker is crucial to the scientific mission of AMS, as it is the only subdetector that can distinguish matter from antimatter. This report details the successful program of work for the installation of the Upgraded Tracker Thermal Pump System (UTTPS) on AMS. This program included: identifying the root cause of deterioration in the original pumps; design, production, testing, and integration of the new UTTPS cooling system; launch of the UTTPS to ISS; installation of the UTTPS in AMS across a series of four complex extra-vehicular activities (EVAs); and establishment of a dedicated Flight Simulator Laboratory to test the performance of the UTTPS under various thermal conditions. This program was critical to the success of the AMS experiment, and its successful completion will enable AMS to continue taking data through 2030.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Cosmic transients test Einstein’s Equivalence Principle out to GeV energies

The Einstein Equivalence Principle (EEP) can be probed with astrophysical sources emitting simultaneously different types of neutral particles, or particles with varying energies, by testing their time of flight through the same gravitational field. Here we use the time delays between correlated photons from cosmological transients to constrain the accuracy of the EEP. We take data from two gamma-ray bursts as an example and, as a lower limit to the theoretical time delays between different energies, we use delays arising from only the gravitational field of our own galaxy. We then show that the parameterized post-Newtonian parameter γ is the same for photons over energy ranges between eV and MeV and between MeV and GeV to a part in 10{sup −7}, which is at least one order of magnitude better than previous limits. Combining this bound on the wavelength dependence of γ with the absolute bound |γ−1|<0.3% from light-deflection measurements at optical (eV) wavelengths, we thus extend this absolute bound on γ to GeV energies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Dispersal behaviour of Euwallacea nr. fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in avocado groves and estimation of lure sampling range

Abstract Invasive ambrosia beetles in the Euwallacea nr. fornicatus species complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) threaten avocado production in multiple countries. These pests are currently monitored with lures containing quercivorol; α‐copaene was also recently discovered to be an effective attractant. We investigated dispersal behaviour of female E . nr . fornicatus in two Florida avocado groves using mark–release–recapture experiments and laboratory flight mills. Additionally, we estimated the sampling range of quercivorol and α‐copaene lures deployed alone and in tandem. The two‐component lure recaptured 31.2% of marked beetles, which was significantly more than quercivorol (11.2%) or α‐copaene (8.8%) alone. Contour analysis indicated that wind speed and direction can influence the number of females that disperse, as well as the direction and distance of their flight. Two methods were used to estimate sampling range and both of them indicated comparable effective ranges for the three lure treatments, with 80% of marked beetles being recaptured within 30–35 m of the release point. Average total flight distance in laboratory tests was 81.0 m in 24 h, with a maximum distance recorded at 400 m. The combination of quercivorol and α‐copaene lures provides the best detection of pest E . nr. fornicatus in Florida, with a recommended trap spacing of approximately 30 m in surveillance programmes for this pest in avocado groves.

Owens, David↗
DOE OSTI2015

Prospects for a measurement of the 237 U(n,f) cross section at the LANSCE Lujan Center

A new measurement of the 237 U(n, f) cross section from thermal to ≈ 100 keV is discussed, using one of the flightpaths at the LANSCE Lujan Center. Previous energy-resolved resonance-region measurements have been conducted using weapon test time-of-flight and the LANSCE Lead Slowing Down Spectrometer, the former of which is limited in its energy range, and the latter in its energy resolution and range. We present here a proposal, based on simulations of the Lujan Center neutron flux and a hypothetical experiment, that is expected to adequately address both of these issues.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2021

Time-of-Flight Estimation for Nondestructive Evaluation

Ultrasonic testing (UT) for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is a critical entity necessary to resolve both the quality and precision questions of complex parts evolving from the classical approaches to the innovative additive manufacturing (AM) process. This modality provides the essential quantitative information for acceptance and potential flaw detectionof apart under investigation. A primary ingredient in UT besides the required precision robotic hardware for theacquisition of high-qualitymeasurement data is the underlying signal processing. It is here that much of the system performance capability resides. In this report,we discuss the basic steps in UT signal processing along with current capabilities that must be achieved in order to satisfy the criticaldemands of the various LLNL programs.In itsbasic foundations, signal processing is essentially the “extraction of critical information (signals) from noisy, uncertain data.” Clearly, in a perfect world the best signal processing is none---just make a reliable, noise-free, uncertainty-free, measurement. Unfortunately, even the best of systems is still straddled within the confines and limitations of physical instrumentation. With this in mind, we discuss the development of signal processing techniques toextract the desired UT information from noisy measurement data. We start with a discussion of a simple homogeneous representation of a “part” under investigation and its insonification by an ultrasonicexcitation from a physics-based perspective. Once developed, we briefly discussthe various choices of excitation signals and their tradeoffs.Next,we discuss a simulation approach employing simple models from the signal processing perspective and then move on to the development of the basic signal processing approach to ultrasonic signal processing all based on estimating the pulse arrival estimation. Starting with simple peak detection techniques, progressing to the processing workhorse so-called “matched-filter” and finally to the more sophisticated “model-based matched filter.”The underlying pre-and post-processing of noisy measurement data along with the application of these techniques are subsequently demonstrated on experimental ultrasonic data.Finally, we present some results for processing “weld” data when the ultrasonic excitation signal is not directly available.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

Definition of Capabilities Needed for a Single Event Effects Test Facility

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is contemplating new regulations mandating testing of the vulnerability of flight-critical avionics to single event effects (SEE). A limited number of high-energy neutron test facilities currently serve the SEE industrial and institutional research community. The FAA recognizes that existing facilities have insufficient test capacity to meet new demand from such mandates; it desires more flexible irradiation capabilities to test complete, large systems and would like capabilities to address greater concerns for thermal neutrons. For this reason, the FAA funded this study by Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) staff with the ultimate aim of developing options for SEE test facilities using high-energy neutrons at the SNS complex. After an investigation of current SEE test practices and assessment of future testing requirements, three concepts were identified covering a range of test functionality, neutron flux levels, and fidelity to the atmospheric neutron spectrum. The costs and times required to complete each facility were also estimated. SEE testing is generally performed by accelerating the event rate to a point where the effects are still dominated by single events and double event causes of failures are negligible. In practice, acceleration factors of as high as 10 6 are applicable for component testing, whereas for systems testing acceleration factors of 10 4 seem to be the upper limit. It is strongly desirable that the irradiation facility be tunable over a large range of high-energy neutron fluxes of 10 2 - 10 4 n/cm²/s for systems testing and from 10 4 - 10 7 n/cm²/s for components testing. The most capable, most flexible, and highest-test-capacity option is a new stand-alone target station named the High-Energy neutron Test Station (HETS). It is also the most expensive option, with a cost to complete of approximately $100 million. Dual test enclosures would allow for simultaneous testing activity effectively doubling overall test capacity per HETS operating hour. Using about 1 kilowatt (kW) of proton power extracted from the accelerator before injection in the accumulator ring, its operation would be unnoticeable by neutron scattering users at the SNS target station. The H beam laser stripping technique would allow for control of beam power on the HETS target independent from power delivered to the SNS. Large systems with frontal areas of up to 1 x 2 m² could be accommodated with integral high-energy flux values (above 10 megaelectron-volt, or MeV) to at most 10 4 n/cm²/s; components could also be tested with flux levels to at most 10 7 n/cm²/s on beam sizes of up to 0.2 x 0.2 m². Selectable moderating material and neutron filters would allow tailoring of the neutron spectrum to user demands; charged particle deflectors could be switched to allow or deflect protons, pions, and muons. It is estimated that HETS would take 5 years to complete after award of contract, including engineering design and construction. Commissioning would take at least another 6 months. Interference with SNS principal operations was not considered in the construction time estimate; connection of the proton transport line and tunnel from the accelerator high energy beam transport (HEBT) and construction around existing site utilities would require careful planning and coordination with beam operations at the SNS. A high-energy (HE) neutron test facility using an available beam line on the SNS target station is a technically and financially attractive option. Inspired by the new ChipIR instrument on the ISIS TS 2 spallation source in the UK, a similar facility could be placed on an unused beam line in the SNS instrument hall [e.g., on beam line 8 (both A and B channels would be needed) or on beam line 10]. The performance would approach that of an HETS (~80%), but it would be operationally more limited, with only a single user at a time. Space is more limited, so the maximum system size would be about half of that in an HETS. Flexibility to tailor the spectrum would be somewhat more limited. While this concept was not as fully developed and characterized, preliminary work indicates very high HE flux levels should be possible, with ample thermal neutrons as well. Flux control would be more difficult than at HETS because proton power on target be whatever the SNS was operating at for neutron scattering. Neutron attenuation devices would have to be employed with as-yet undetermined control resolution. However, no new buildings would be needed, and the necessary utilities are already present in the SNS Experiment Hall. The estimated cost for a beam line option is around $15 million; the time to complete would be 3 years after award of contract, plus at least 6 months for commissioning. Interference of construction activities with SNS operations should be negligible. This option would require negotiation with the Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences (BES) office -- the primary stakeholder of SNS -- for an application outside the usual scope of neutron scattering sciences. Furthermore, these presently open beam lines are highly desirable locations for proposed neutron scattering instruments and obtaining one of them for an SEE test facility will come only with persuasive and timely arguments to SNS leadership and the DOE BES. The third option is a tunnel extension/target cave facility providing the most basic system-level irradiation capability with minimal flexibility. Again not as well developed a concept as HETS, it would use a laser-stripping technique like an HETS, redirecting protons to a tunnel similar to the initial HETS proton transport tunnel. Indeed, this concept is intended to be upgradable to a full HETS facility. Only a small fraction of a watt of proton power would be used in this basic configuration, though. An uncooled target and primitive shielding arrangement would provide beam on modestly sized systems that must be placed in close proximity to the target. The neutron fluence would be less uniform over the system than with the HETS or the beam line option. A data acquisition room and support area would be located on the ground level; access to the target cave would be via elevator and/or stairway. As a result of the required excavation, new tunnel construction, shielding, data acquisition building, utilities, and other items, the estimated cost is $30 million. The time to complete is expected be more than 3 years; here again construction interference with SNS operations has not been accounted for, but it could have a significant impact.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nitric oxide molecular tagging velocimetry of a free-flight model in a reflected shock tunnel

Nitric oxide molecular tagging velocimetry (NO MTV) is used to characterize the wake behind a free-flight spherical model in the test section of a free-piston reflected shock tunnel using a burst-mode laser operated at 100 kHz. A novel (to our knowledge) multi-delay timing scheme was implemented to measure velocity in a varying collisional environment in the wake of the free-flight model. Four simultaneous velocity profiles were measured in the wake of the model from -600 to 3600 m/s for flow enthalpies of 10.3 and 12.0 MJ/kg. Finally, the measured velocity distributions show good agreement when compared to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2017

A Hybrid Catalytic Route to Fuels from Biomass Syngas

LanzaTech partnered with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Imperium Aviation Fuels, InEnTec, Orochem Technologies, the University of Delaware, Michigan Technological University, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and The Boeing Company, to develop a cost-effective hybrid conversion technology for catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived syngas to sustainable alternative jet fuel (SAJF) meeting the price, quality and environmental requirements of the aviation industry. Alternative “synthetic paraffinic kerosene” (SPK) blendstock produced from syngas via “Fischer-Tropsch” (F-T) or from lipids via “hydroprocessing of esters and fatty acids” (HEFA) are currently being used in commercial jet fuel blends containing at least 50% petroleum-based fuel. This project developed an alternative route to SAJF from ethanol, a type of “alcohol to jet” (ATJ) SPK. The project objective was to demonstrate a pathway that combines syngas fermentation to ethanol with catalytic upgrading of ethanol to sustainable alternative jet fuel and shows attractive overall system economics to drive down the price of biomass-derived jet fuel. The hybrid pathway was to be demonstrated on three biomass feedstocks: corn stover, woody biomass, and third biomass feedstock, cellulosic residues. The objective also included the co-production of chemicals, exemplified by 2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BDO), which can be converted to key chemical intermediates. The team successfully demonstrated that biomass syngas fermentation followed by catalytic conversion is a viable alternative to the Fischer-Tropsch process and produces a fuel with properties comparable to F-T and HEFA SPKs. Plasma gasification and gas fermentation were successfully integrated and demonstrated in continuous fermentations on waste wood, corn stover, and cellulosic bagasse. Gas fermentation was demonstrated to produce ethanol suitable for catalytic upgrading, isolating the upgrading from variations in biomass feed, syngas composition, and impurities. Ethanol feedstocks from all three types of biomass were demonstrated to be comparable to grain derived ethanol and suitable for the LT-PNNL ATJ process. The LT-PNNL ATJ catalytic upgrading process was demonstrated at lab scale for over 2000 hours of continuous operation on a single catalyst load. LanzaTech scaled up the ATJ process, producing 4000 gallons of jet and 600 gallons of diesel for testing and a future proving flight. The LT-PNNL ATJ process, at lab and pilot scale, using commercial grain-based ethanol and steel mill waste gas-based ethanol (“Lanzanol”), produces high-quality fuel-range distillates containing primarily normal paraffins and isoparaffins. The LT-PNNL ATJ fuel has equivalent properties to previously-approved SPKs such as F-T, HEFA, and ATJ from isobutanol, and conforms with critical properties needed to blend with conventional jet fuel. The project showed that the 2,3-BDO fermentation co-product can be separated economically utilizing Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) technology. 2,3-BDO can be catalytically converted to 1,3-butadiene (BD) in a two-step process with at least 70% yield, producing a chemical intermediate suitable for downstream applications. Technoeconomic and life cycle analyses of the biomass to jet process with and without 2,3-BDO production showed that capital costs are sensitive to the proportion of the 2,3-BDO co-product and biomass feedstock. The co-product 2,3-BDO, converted through to BD, significantly reduces the cash cost of production of the hydrocarbon fuels. Life cycle GHG emissions of ATJ SPK produced from biomass using a steam gasification system are projected to be significantly lower than those of conventional jet fuel. The project demonstrated that a high quality ATJ SPK, can be produced from biomass via a hybrid gas fermentation/catalytic route. Validation of the LT-PNNL ATJ process using a variety of ethanol feedstocks demonstrated the viability of a future model of distributed ATJ production, in which ethanol may be produced at multiple facilities from local feedstocks and shipped to a central facility for conversion. The project demonstrated that co-production of chemicals has the potential to reduce jet cost of production, thereby accelerating commercial production of SAJF from biomass.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗