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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
NASA NTRS1990

High resolution infrared spectroscopy of planetary molecules using diode lasers and Fourier transform spectrometers

Modern observations of infrared molecular lines in planets are performed at spectral resolutions which are as high as those available in the laboratory. Analysis of such data requires laboratory measurements at the highest possible resolution, which also yield accurate line positions and intensities. For planetary purposes the spectrometer must be coupled to sample cells which can be reduced in temperature and varied in pressure. An approach which produces the full range of required molecular line parameters uses a combination of tunable diode lasers and Fourier transform spectrometers (FTS). The FTS provides board spectral coverage and good calibration accuracy, while the diode laser can be used to study those regions which are not resolved by the FTS.

Jennings, Donald E.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Mars Science Laboratory Interplanetary Navigation Analysis

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is a NASA rover mission that will be launched in late 2011 and will land on Mars in August of 2012. This paper describes the analyses performed to validate the navigation system for launch, interplanetary cruise, and approach. MSL will use guidance during its descent into Mars in order to minimize landing dispersions, and therefore will be able to use smaller landing zones that are closer to terrain of high scientific interest. This will require a more accurate delivery of the spacecraft to the atmospheric entry interface, and a late update of the state of the spacecraft at entry. During cruise and approach the spacecraft may perform up to six trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs), to target to the desired landing site with the required flight path angle at entry. Approach orbit determination covariance analyses have been performed to evaluate the accuracy that can be achieved in delivering the spacecraft to the entry interface point, and to determine how accurately the state of the spacecraft can be predicted to initialize the guidance algorithm. In addition, a sensitivity analysis has been performed to evaluate which factors most contribute to the improvement or degradation of the navigation performance, for both entry flight path angle delivery and entry state knowledge.

orbit determination↗
NASA NTRS2011

Mars Science Laboratory interplanetary navigaton analysis

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is a NASA rover mission that will be launched in late 2011 and will land on Mars in August of 2012. This paper describes the analyses performed to validate the navigation system for launch, interplanetary cruise, and approach. MSL will use guidance during its descent into Mars in order to minimize landing dispersions, and therefore will be able to use smaller landing zones that are closer to terrain of high scientific interest. This will require a more accurate delivery of the spacecraft to the atmospheric entry interface, and a late update of the state of the spacecraft at entry. During cruise and approach the spacecraft may perform up to six trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs), to target to the desired landing site with the required flight path angle at entry. Approach orbit determination covariance analyses have been performed to evaluate the accuracy that can be achieved in delivering the spacecraft to the entry interface point, and to determine how accurately the state of the spacecraft can be predicted to initialize the guidance algorithm. In addition, a sensitivity analysis has been performed to evaluate which factors most contribute to the improvement or degradation of the navigation performance, for both entry flight path angle delivery and entry state knowledge.

Wong, Mau C.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Capability of the Gas Analysis and Testing Laboratory at the NASA Johnson Space Center

The Gas Analysis and Testing Laboratory is an integral part of the testing performed at the NASA Johnson Space Center. The Gas Analysis and Testing Laboratory is a high performance laboratory providing real time analytical instruments to support manned and unmanned testing. The lab utilizes precision gas chromatographs, gas analyzers and spectrophotometers to support the technology development programs within the NASA community. The Gas Analysis and Testing Laboratory works with a wide variety of customers and provides engineering support for user-specified applications in compressed gas, chemical analysis, general and research laboratory

Broerman, Craig↗
NASA NTRS2012

Capability of the Gas Analysis and Testing Laboratory at the NASA Johnson Space Center

The Gas Analysis and Testing Laboratory is an integral part of the testing performed at the NASA Johnson Space Center. The Gas Analysis and Testing Laboratory is a high performance laboratory providing real time analytical instruments to support manned and unmanned testing. The lab utilizes precision gas chromatographs, gas analyzers and spectrophotometers to support the technology development programs within the NASA community. The Gas Analysis and Testing Laboratory works with a wide variety of customers and provides engineering support for user-specified applications in compressed gas, chemical analysis, general and research laboratory.

Broerman, Craig↗
DOE OSTI2016

Compilation of PRF Canyon Floor Pan Sample Analysis Results

On September 28, 2015, debris collected from the PRF (236-Z) canyon floor, Pan J, was observed to exhibit chemical reaction. The material had been transferred from the floor pan to a collection tray inside the canyon the previous Friday. Work in the canyon was stopped to allow Industrial Hygiene to perform monitoring of the material reaction. Canyon floor debris that had been sealed out was sequestered at the facility, a recovery plan was developed, and drum inspections were initiated to verify no additional reactions had occurred. On October 13, in-process drums containing other Pan J material were inspected and showed some indication of chemical reaction, limited to discoloration and degradation of inner plastic bags. All Pan J material was sealed back into the canyon and returned to collection trays. Based on the high airborne levels in the canyon during physical debris removal, ETGS (Encapsulation Technology Glycerin Solution) was used as a fogging/lock-down agent. On October 15, subject matter experts confirmed a reaction had occurred between nitrates (both Plutonium Nitrate and Aluminum Nitrate Nonahydrate (ANN) are present) in the Pan J material and the ETGS fixative used to lower airborne radioactivity levels during debris removal. Management stopped the use of fogging/lock-down agents containing glycerin on bulk materials, declared a Management Concern, and initiated the Potential Inadequacy in the Safety Analysis determination process. Additional drum inspections and laboratory analysis of both reacted and unreacted material are planned. This report compiles the results of many different sample analyses conducted by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on samples collected from the Plutonium Reclamation Facility (PRF) floor pans by the CH2MHill’s Plateau Remediation Company (CHPRC). Revision 1 added Appendix G that reports the results of the Gas Generation Rate and methodology. The scope of analyses requested by CHPRC includes the determination of common anions, gamma spectrometry, metals, corrosivity, organics and alpha spectrometry (note: alpha spectrometry was cancelled during the performance of this work with concurrence from CHPRC). Results may help elucidate the components that led to the unexpected reaction in the canyon as well as inform the radiological and hazardous characteristics. The specific anions, gamma emitters, organics and metals requested by CHPRC are provided in the analytical reports sections. The individual analyses were conducted under the Plutonium Finishing Plant (PFP) Floor Pan Evaluation Project Quality Assurance Project Plan (PFP Floor Pan Evaluation QAPP, Revision 0.) developed by PNNL specifically for this project. The final reports for each analysis set are included in this compilation of the results. Each package was reviewed under the PFP Floor Pan Evaluation Project Quality Assurance Project Plan so no additional reviews were conducted in this compilation task. The Gas Generation Rates in Appendix G were conducted under the PNNL “How Do I…” quality assurance program and were NOT conducted under the Plutonium Finishing Plant (PFP) Floor Pan Evaluation Project Quality Assurance Project Plan (PFP Floor Pan Evaluation QAPP, Revision 0.).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Environmental Swipe (ES) Streamline Protocol—ORNL Testing Fiscal Year 2016 Report

As a sub-section of the NA241 project entitled “Faster, Simpler, Lower-Cost Laboratory Analysis of Environmental Samples,” Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was to function as a Network Analytical Laboratory (NWAL) for validation, verification, and review of analytical methods developed under the auspices of this project. ORNL would also provide technical input on alternative analytical protocols for analyzing bulk environmental samples submitted for uranium (U) and/or plutonium (Pu) determinations by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The final ORNL task would then be to summarize findings as stated in this end-of year report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Application of Indirect Quantification of 133mXe to Calibration of HPGe Detector

The INL Noble Gas Laboratory provides intercomparison samples for the noble gas analysis laboratories as part of the CTBTO PrepCom IMS. Xe-133m is one of the four relevant radionuclides in nuclear explosion monitoring. Without commercially available Xe-133m calibration standards laboratories must create and improve calibration methods. Improvements in calibration methods at the INL NGL benefit the CTBTO PrepCom through better certified values for Xe-133m intercomparison samples. Calibration of High Purity Germanium detectors for Xe-133m quantification is complicated by the coexistence of Xe-133 in samples under analysis. Xe-133 is typically produced in larger quantities, has higher gamma emission probabilities, and its gammas are detected more efficiently than Xe-133m. Xe-133m activity of samples can be indirectly inferred through the 133:133m activity ratio of a batch of material, and the Xe-133 counts in the assay of a small aliquot of the same material. This indirect quantification method can be leveraged to perform detector calibrations for quantification of Xe-133m. Calibrations can be performed by inferring the Xe-133m to certify the sample, and direct counting to determine detector efficiency. A comparison of method results will be shown.

133mXe↗
NASA NTRS2006

Development of In Situ Instruments for Planetary Exploration - Unique Challenges in Design, Development, and Execution

A viewgraph presentation describing in situ instruments for NASA missions is shown. The topics include: 1) In Situ Instrumentation; 2) Planetary Extremes; 3) Mars Surface Environment; 4) Lunar Precursor Mission Environment; 5) Europa Surface Analogue; 6) Other Parameters; 7) Space In Situ Instrumentation still in its Infancy; 8) Needed Capabilities For In Situ Science; 9) Framework For Putting The Pieces Together; 10) The Wild World of Astrobiology; 11) Timeline; 12) Example: MOD; 13) In Situ Sample Analysis Laboratories are more complex; 14) technologies In Situ Sample Analysis Requires Integration of Many Emerging Advanced Concepts; 15) Supporting technologies for In Situ Laboratories; 16) Micro-laboratory example; 17) In Situ Instrument Classes; and 18) Key for Analytical Instrument:Sample Preparation.

In Situ Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2026

Block Island’s Energy Roadmap to 2040

This report documents an electricity planning study "Energy Roadmap to 240" for the community of New Shoreham, Rhode Island (aka Block Island), conducted under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) by a national laboratory analysis team comprising staff from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2014

A Laser-Based Method for On-Site Analysis of UF6 at Enrichment Plants

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA’s) long-term research and development plan calls for more cost-effective and efficient safeguard methods to detect and deter misuse of gaseous centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs). The IAEA’s current safeguards approaches at GCEPs are based on a combination of routine and random inspections that include environmental sampling and destructive assay (DA) sample collection from UF6 in-process material and selected cylinders. Samples are then shipped offsite for subsequent laboratory analysis. In this paper, a new DA sample collection and onsite analysis approach that could help to meet challenges in transportation and chain of custody for UF6 DA samples is introduced. This approach uses a handheld sampler concept and a Laser Ablation, Laser Absorbance Spectrometry (LAARS) analysis instrument, both currently under development at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. A LAARS analysis instrument could be temporarily or permanently deployed in the IAEA control room of the facility, in the IAEA data acquisition cabinet, for example. The handheld PNNL DA sampler design collects and stabilizes a much smaller DA sample mass compared to current sampling methods. The significantly lower uranium mass reduces the sample radioactivity and the stabilization approach diminishes the risk of uranium and hydrogen fluoride release. These attributes enable safe sample handling needed during onsite LAARS assay and may help ease shipping challenges for samples to be processed at the IAEA’s offsite laboratory. The LAARS and DA sampler implementation concepts will be described and preliminary technical viability results presented.

LAARS↗
DOE OSTI2018

On-Line Monitoring and Real-Time Characterization of Low Level Waste and Off-Gas Condensate Samples using Raman Spectroscopy

The demand for Hanford waste property analysis is expected to significantly increase as the U.S. Department of Energy River Protection Project progresses toward transferring waste to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. The analysis of waste includes chemical, radionuclide, and physical property characterizations, with the goal of achieving safe/informed transfer and processing. Waste sampling followed by offline laboratory analysis is the current baseline analytical approach. The addition of field-deployed/in situ instruments has the potential to provide improvements and benefits over offline analysis in the areas of 1) Worker Safety: by reducing the need for sampling and thereby reducing the need for worker interaction with waste during sample handling; 2) Operational Efficiency: by reducing analysis turnaround times and offsetting demand on analytical laboratories; and 3) Accuracy: continuous analysis of a flowing waste stream allows cumulative results to be produced for the batch, which is likely to be more representative than discrete samples of batch properties. This paper describes the development and application of an online monitor to provide chemical characterizations; specifically, Raman spectroscopy is utilized to identify and quantify tank components. Accurate quantification is achieved through the use of chemometric analysis, which can be configured to provide real-time analysis in field deployment settings.

Lines, Amanda M.↗
DOE OSTI2019

On-Line Monitoring and Real-Time Characterization of Low Level Waste and Off-Gas Condensate Samples using Raman Spectroscopy - 19274

The demand for Hanford waste property analysis is expected to significantly increase as the U.S. Department of Energy River Protection Project progresses toward transferring waste to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. The analysis of waste includes chemical, radionuclide, and physical property characterizations, with the goal of achieving safe/informed transfer and processing. Waste sampling followed by offline laboratory analysis is the current baseline analytical approach. The addition of field-deployed/in situ instruments has the potential to provide improvements and benefits over offline analysis in the areas of 1) Worker Safety: by reducing the need for sampling and thereby reducing the need for worker interaction with waste during sample handling; 2) Operational Efficiency: by reducing analysis turnaround times and offsetting demand on analytical laboratories; and 3) Accuracy: continuous analysis of a flowing waste stream allows cumulative results to be produced for the batch, which is more representative than discrete samples of batch properties. This paper describes the development and application of an online monitor to provide chemical characterizations; specifically, Raman spectroscopy is utilized to identify and quantify tank components. Accurate quantification is achieved through the use of chemometric analysis, which can be configured to provide real-time analysis in field deployment settings. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Intermediate-Scale Hydraulic Fracturing in a Deep Mine - kISMET Project Summary 2016

In support of the U.S. DOE SubTER Crosscut initiative, we established a field test facility in a deep mine and designed and carried out in situ hydraulic fracturing experiments in the crystalline rock at the site to characterize the stress field, understand the effects of rock fabric on fracturing, and gain experience in monitoring using geophysical methods. The project also included pre- and post-fracturing simulation and analysis, laboratory measurements and experiments, and we conducted an extended analysis of the local stress state using previously collected data. Some of these activities are still ongoing. The kISMET (permeability (k) and Induced Seismicity Management for Energy Technologies) experiments meet objectives in SubTER’s “stress” pillar and the “new subsurface signals” pillar. The kISMET site was established in the West Access Drift of SURF 4850 ft (1478 m) below ground (on the 4850L) in phyllite of the Precambrian Poorman Formation. We drilled and cored five near-vertical boreholes in a line on 3 m spacing, deviating the two outermost boreholes slightly to create a five-spot pattern around the test borehole centered in the test volume at ~1528 m (5013 ft). Laboratory measurements of core from the center test borehole showed P-wave velocity heterogeneity along each core indicating strong, fine-scale (~1 cm or smaller) changes in the mechanical properties of the rock. The load-displacement record on the core suggests that the elastic stiffness is anisotropic. Tensile strength ranges between 3-7.5 MPa and 5-12 MPa. Permeability measurements are planned, as are two types of laboratory miniature hydraulic fracturing experiments to investigate the importance of rock fabric (anisotropy and heterogeneity) on near-borehole hydraulic fracture generation. Pre-fracturing numerical simulations with INL’s FALCON discrete element code predicted a fracture radius of 1.2 m for a corresponding injection volume of 1.2 L for the planned fractures, and negligible microseismicity. Field measurements of the stress field by hydraulic fracturing showed that the minimum horizontal stress at the kISMET site averages 21.7 MPa (3146 psi) pointing approximately N-S (356 degrees azimuth) and plunging slightly NNW at 12°. The vertical and horizontal maximum stress are similar in magnitude at 42-44 MPa (6090-6380 psi) for the depths of testing which averaged approximately 1530 m (5030 ft). Hydraulic fractures were remarkably uniform suggesting core-scale and larger rock fabric did not play a role in controlling fracture orientation. Monitoring using ERT and CASSM in the four monitoring boreholes, and passive seismic accelerometer-based measurements in the West Access Drift, was carried out during the generation of a larger fracture (so-called stimulation test) at a depth of 40 m below the invert. ERT was not able to detect the fracture created, nor were the accelerometers in the drift, but microseismicity was detected for first (deepest) hydraulic-fracturing stress measurement. The CASSM data have not yet been analyzed. Analytical solutions suggest fracture radius of the large fracture (stimulation test) was more than 6 m, depending on the unknown amount of leak-off. The kISMET results for stress state are consistent with large-scale mid-continent estimates of stress. Currently we are using the orientation of the stress field we determined to interpret a large number of borehole breakouts recorded in nearby boreholes at SURF to generate a more complete picture of the stress field and its variations at SURF. The efforts on the project have prompted a host of additional follow-on studies that we recommend be carried out at the kISMET site.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2018

Pressure-Based Inversion and Data Assimilation System (PIDAS) for CO 2 Leakage Detection (Final Report)

This project aims to develop a Pressure-based Inversion and Data Assimilation System (PIDAS) for detecting CO 2 leakage from storage formations. Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) has the potential to enable deep reductions in global carbon emissions if high storage efficiency can be achieved. A major hurdle to industrial-scale implementation of geological carbon sequestration (GCS) projects is the potential migration of fluids (either brine or injected CO 2 ) from the storage formations and the resulting legal and financial liabilities. The capability to accurately identify leakage pathways by which stored CO 2 could leak, has leaked, or is leaking from the targeted storage zone is thus of paramount importance to site licensees and regulators. Although many MVA techniques have been devised, pressure-based monitoring technology remains the most sensitive and reliable technique for early detection. Pressure-based monitoring has consistently received the highest score in terms of benefit/cost ratio and it provides the greatest potential for leakage detection with broad areal coverage. Under this project we have (a) demonstrated the utility of the proposed well testing technique for leakage detection through integrated theoretical and numerical analysis, laboratory experiments, and field tests; (b) developed effective data analysis and inversion algorithms for identifying leakage pathways by fusing data generated during well testing; (c) provided a designing tool for maximizing the utility of the developed PIDAS tool for early leakage detection.

02 PETROLEUM↗
NASA NTRS1994

BSM Delta Qualification 2, volume 3, book 2

This report, presented in three volumes, provides the results of a two-motor Delta Qualification 2 program conducted in 1993 to certify the following enhancements for incorporation into booster separation motor (BSM0 flight hardware: vulcanized-in-place nozzle aft closure insulation; new iso-static ATJ bulk graphite throat insert material, adhesive EA9394 for bonding the nozzle throat, igniter grain rod/centering insert/igniter case; deletion of the igniter adapter insulator ring; deletion of the igniter adapter/igniter case interface RTV; and deletion of loctite from igniter retainer plate threads. The enhancements above directly resulted from (1) the BSM total quality management (TQM) team initiatives to enhance the BSM producibility, and (2) the necessity to qualify new throat insert and adhesive systems to replace existing materials that will not be available. Testing was completed at both the component and motor levels. Component testing was accomplished to screen candidate materials (e.g., throat materials, adhesive systems) and to optimize processes (e.g., aft closure insulator vulcanization approach) prior to their incorporation into the test motors. Motor testing--consisting of two motors, randomly selected by USBI's on-site quality personnel from production lot AAY, which were modified to accept the enhancements -- was completed to provide the final qualification of the enhancements for incorporation into flight hardware. Volume 3, Book 2 provides various supporting documentation to the previous volumes with regards to the testing of the two Delta qualification units: data acceptance records, thermal conditioning analysis, igniter adapter thermal flake analysis, laboratory adhesive (EA-9394) qualification report, throat insert thermal/structural analysis, Delta Qualification Nonconformance Reports (NCR's), O-ring seating tests, and interim test report for vulcanization process qualification.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2025

ECE 4396 (Final Report)

In the summer of 2025, I was fortunate enough intern at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was hired into the Southwest Analysis Laboratories for Semiconductor Advancement (SALSA) intern program. In this internship, I applied my knowledge and skills in electrical engineering to conduct hardware failure analysis. I utilized various failure analyze techniques involving the use of Infrared Thermography (IRT) and Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSM) to test different Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) chips that are available in the public market.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1975

Failure analysis of electronic parts: Laboratory methods

Failure analysis test methods are presented for use in analyzing candidate electronic parts and in improving future design reliability. Each test is classified as nondestructive, semidestructive, or destructive. The effects upon applicable part types (i.e. integrated circuit, transitor) are discussed. Methodology is given for performing the following: immersion tests, radio graphic tests, dewpoint tests, gas ambient analysis, cross sectioning, and ultraviolet examination.

Anstead, R. J.↗