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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 NTRSDate not supplied

Development of Aluminum Feedstock for Additive Manufacturing

The rapid evolution of materials science and manufacturing technologies in recent years has offered new pathways to manipulate materials for bespoke manufacturing. Here we aim to develop feedstocks for applications such as radiator panels, fuel tanks, and structural components for outfitting. As a strong, light weight and thermally conductive material aluminum is ideal for these applications. An often-overlooked source of aluminum waste is food packaging used on the International Space Station. Reusing this waste stream will reduce the cost and logistics of regular sparing. In Space Manufacturing (ISM) will utilize this technology is such areas as sparing and outfitting. However, processing aluminum can present challenges, especially in the context of additive manufacturing and sintering, due to its high reactivity and tendency to form a tenacious oxide layer. Identifying appropriate binders and sintering profiles can overcome these challenges. Herein we present our work on obtaining aluminum powder derived from food packaging, binder selection for aluminum feedstock, and a demonstration of bound metal deposition printing.

aluminum↗
DOE OSTI2022

Multilayer Chitin–Chitosan–Cellulose Barrier Coatings on Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Currently, effective barrier properties over a wide range of humidity are achieved by layering multiple plastics, resulting in structures that are nearly impossible to recycle through current systems. There is strong interest in developing barriers that are recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable. Chitin and cellulose nanomaterials are promising alternatives because of their high crystallinity, renewable sourcing, strong electrostatic interactions, and potential for biodegradation or composting. In this paper, we explore the potential to create multilayer materials with effective oxygen and water vapor barrier properties at elevated humidity by combining recyclable poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films with single-layer and bilayer coatings of chitin nanowhiskers (ChNWs), chitosan (CS), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The addition of CS to the ChNW suspension improved the gas barrier properties of ChNW coatings, likely by filling voids, and short ChNWs (SChNW, 114 nm) performed better than long ChNWs (LChNW, 230 nm). At the optimal mass ratio of 1:1 SChNW/CS, the oxygen permeability (OP) of SChNW/CS-coated PET films was 5.1 cm 3 μm m –2 day –1 kPa –1 versus 15.9 cm 3 μm m –2 day –1 kPa –1 for neat PET. To take advantage of electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding, CNC was first coated on the PET, followed by coating with ChNW/CS, resulting in an OP as low as 3.6 cm 3 μm m –2 day –1 kPa –1 at 50% relative humidity (RH), and 6.4 cm 3 μm m –2 day –1 kPa –1 at 80% RH. Furthermore, after thermal treatment (120 °C, 2.5 h), the OP dropped to 2.2 cm 3 μm m –2 day –1 kPa –1 (50% RH) and 4.8 cm 3 μm m –2 day –1 kPa –1 (80% RH). The ChNW/CS and CNC coating can be efficiently removed with alkali treatment enabling possible recycling of the coated PET films.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

MARIE: A Python-Based Framework for Comprehensive Fuel Recycling Modeling

One of the most pressing challenges to the continued deployment of nuclear energy systems is in the ultimate management and disposition of discharged fuel assemblies. While reprocessing and recovery of valuable materials from UNF assemblies has been considered as part of an overall strategy for minimization of the volume of reactor-based wastes to be managed, the deployment of commercial-scale reprocessing facilities presents an enormous economic challenge. The MARIE software package has been developed as a means of confronting this challenge. Representing components of a generic fuel reprocessing operation as individual physical processes, MARIE is designed as a modular framework intended to allow for analysis and cost-optimization for a hypothetical reprocessing facility while realistically accounting for the physical characteristics of the used fuel source term, such as decay heat, activity, and radiation dose (informing corresponding shielding requirements). Capabilities supported by MARIE include head-end operations such as fuel shearing, voloxidation, and dissolution; generic solvent extraction operations informed by available open-literature data; a suite of unit operations intended to represent electrochemical processing of used fuel assemblies (i.e., oxide reduction, electrorefining, and electrowinning); and finally, accounting for both costs and physical features of discharged waste streams, which can be used to inform follow-on analyses such as the feasibility of deep-borehole disposal of HLW. This paper presents an overview of the MARIE software capabilities, including how individual unit operations are implemented to enable a larger-scale optimization of a hypothetical reprocessing operation on aspects such as cost and recovery of valuable materials.

Skutnik, Steve [ORNL] (ORCID:000000016441135X)↗
DOE OSTI2025

A comprehensive review on valorization of chestnut processing wastes into bio‐based composites and bioplastics

Abstract This review examines the characterization and utilization of chestnut processing wastes (35%) in the production of bioplastics and biocomposites. In this review, a Web of Science search without any publishing year restriction on the biochemical compositions of all the components of Castanea sativa . The obtaining of bioplastics and biocomposites based on C. sativa was reviewed. First, it highlights the biochemical composition and antioxidant properties of chestnut fruit, shell, burrs, leaves, flowers, and wood focusing on the most important compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, Klason lignin, cellulose, and glucan, which can enhance the properties of these materials. Then the review covers using several chestnut extracts and fillers in bioplastics production through solvent casting technique. The mechanical, structural, bioactive properties, and moisture content were optimized through the composition and production. The color, UV absorption, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity were also discussed. Biocomposites reinforced with chestnut burs, shells, or wood flour increased the intended properties. The enhancements in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and the effects of a pre‐treatment were evaluated. Additionally, it discusses material recovery, recycling, and reuse, particularly how it affects the biodegradability of composites incorporating chestnut waste residues. Highlights Chestnut fruit, shells, and burrs are rich in starch, lignin, and cellulose. The waste of chestnut processing can be used in bioplastics and biocomposites. Chestnut‐based films and biocomposites exhibit promising mechanical properties. The antimicrobial activity, making films, and composites proper for food packaging. New techniques boost performance, offering alternatives to conventional plastics.

Silva, Simão B. [REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic ↗
NASA NTRS1975

Energy conservation and the transportation sector

The present status of the energy implications of the transportation systems in the United States was illustrated, with primary emphasis on the technologies and methods for achieving a substantial reduction in the associated energy price (approximately 25% of the nation's energy is consumed directly in the operation of these systems). These technologies may be classified as follows: (1) improvement of system efficiency (system operations or technological), (2) substitution for scarce energy resources (electrification, alternate fuels, use of man power, recycling), (3) curtailment of end use (managed population growth rate, education of citizenry, alternatives to personal transportation, improved urban planning, reduced travel incentives). Examples and illustrations were given. Thirty-four actions were chosen on the basis of a preliminary filtering process with the objective of: (1) demonstrating a methodological approach to arrive at logical and consistent conservation action packages, (2) recommending a viable and supportable specific set of actions.

Source record↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Managing spacecraft waste

Waste is a universal problem, on Earth, in spacecraft, and for any closed ecological system. Waste must be processed and is often recycled to recover resources. Many different approaches and technologies are used. Spacecraft waste is derived from the spacecraft logistics supplies, the materials provided for use by the crew. The composition of spacecraft logistics and the resulting waste depend on the mission and its duration and use of recycling. Spacecraft waste is a more serious problem on long duration missions because of the large logistics supplies consumed and the difficulty of storing or disposing of waste. The quantity and composition of waste can vary and may require flexible management. Most missions will produce about two kilograms per crewmember per day of trash, consisting of food waste, plastic, paper, packaging, hygiene wipes and many other supplies used and discarded by the crew. The waste is bulky, messy and difficult to store since the wet waste can decompose and produce odors and an accumulation of pathogenic bacteria. Many different methods have been proposed for managing spacecraft waste.

Harry W Jones↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluating the potential of plastic waste upcycling using thermochemical technologies: A case study in Spain

A plastic waste upcycling value chain model has been applied to assess the potential of processing packaging waste in Spain using thermo-chemical technologies to produce low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP), which are highly valuable materials. The model projects an annual profit of 120.6 M$\$$/yr, with a capital investment of 789.3 M$\$$, generating 3285 jobs and contributing 65.5 M$\$$/yr to Spain’s economy. The achieved circularity rate of the waste processing infrastructure exceeds 40 %, incorporating recycled HDPE and PET. Despite these advantages, regulatory gaps and market hesitancy toward recycled materials due to quality concerns hinder adoption. Additionally, economies of scale remain underutilized in Spain due to lower plastic waste collection levels compared to countries such as the United States. This network, while less profitable, is environmentally superior, yielding upcycled products with a Global Warming Potential 20–35 % lower than their virgin, fossil-fuel counterparts, confirming this as a viable and sustainable alternative.

Chemical upcycling↗
DOE OSTI2023

Quantifying the environmental benefits of a solvent-based separation process for multilayer plastic films

Food packaging often appears in the form of multilayer (ML) plastic films, which leverage the functional properties of different polymers to achieve specific food protection goals (e.g., oxygen, water, and temperature barriers). These properties are essential to enable long shelf lives, reduce refrigeration usage, mitigate food waste, and increase food accessibility. However, ML film production processes generate large amounts of plastic waste that cannot be mechanically recycled. Recently, we have proposed a process, called solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation (STRAP), that enables the separation and recycling of the constituent polymers of ML films. This technology uses a series of solvent washes that selectively dissolve and precipitate target polymers. Quantifying the environmental benefits of STRAP over virgin resin production is essential for the commercial deployment of this technology. Further, this work uses life cycle assessment (LCA) methods to evaluate these impacts in terms of carbon footprint, energy use, water use, and toxicity. We analyze three STRAP process variants that use antisolvent and temperature-driven precipitation to treat different ML films. Our analysis reveals that the STRAP-A and STRAP-B process variants can provide environmental benefits over virgin film production. Furthermore, it gives valuable insight into the critical components of ML films (specific polymers) and of the STRAP processes (equipment) that are responsible for the highest impacts. Ultimately, we believe that the proposed analysis framework can lead to the design of more environmentally-friendly ML films and recycling processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1980

Preliminary design data package, appendices C1 and C2

The HYBRID2 program which computes the fuel and energy consumption of a hybrid vehicle with a bi-modal control strategy over specified component driving cycles is described. Fuel and energy consumption are computed separately for the two modes of operation. The program also computes yearly average fuel and energy consumption using a composite driving cycle which varies as a function of daily travel. The modelling techniques are described, and subroutines and their functions are given. The composition of modern automobiles is discussed along with the energy required to manufacture an American automobile. The energy required to scrap and recycle automobiles is also discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2012

Mission Benefits Analysis of Logistics Reduction Technologies

Future space exploration missions will need to use less logistical supplies if humans are to live for longer periods away from our home planet. Anything that can be done to reduce initial mass and volume of supplies or reuse or recycle items that have been launched will be very valuable. Reuse and recycling also reduce the trash burden and associated nuisances, such as smell, but require good systems engineering and operations integration to reap the greatest benefits. A systems analysis was conducted to quantify the mass and volume savings of four different technologies currently under development by NASA fs Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Logistics Reduction and Repurposing project. Advanced clothing systems lead to savings by direct mass reduction and increased wear duration. Reuse of logistical items, such as packaging, for a second purpose allows fewer items to be launched. A device known as a heat melt compactor drastically reduces the volume of trash, recovers water and produces a stable tile that can be used instead of launching additional radiation protection. The fourth technology, called trash ]to ]supply ]gas, can benefit a mission by supplying fuel such as methane to the propulsion system. This systems engineering work will help improve logistics planning and overall mission architectures by determining the most effective use, and reuse, of all resources.

Ewert, Michael K.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Mission Benefits Analysis of Logistics Reduction Technologies

Future space exploration missions will need to use less logistical supplies if humans are to live for longer periods away from our home planet. Anything that can be done to reduce initial mass and volume of supplies or reuse or recycle items that have been launched will be very valuable. Reuse and recycling also reduce the trash burden and associated nuisances, such as smell, but require good systems engineering and operations integration to reap the greatest benefits. A systems analysis was conducted to quantify the mass and volume savings of four different technologies currently under development by NASA s Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Logistics Reduction and Repurposing project. Advanced clothing systems lead to savings by direct mass reduction and increased wear duration. Reuse of logistical items, such as packaging, for a second purpose allows fewer items to be launched. A device known as a heat melt compactor drastically reduces the volume of trash, recovers water and produces a stable tile that can be used instead of launching additional radiation protection. The fourth technology, called trash-to-gas, can benefit a mission by supplying fuel such as methane to the propulsion system. This systems engineering work will help improve logistics planning and overall mission architectures by determining the most effective use, and reuse, of all resources.

Ewert, Michael K.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Characterization of Volume F Trash from Four Recent STS Missions: Microbial Occurrence, Numbers, and Identifications

The fate of space-generated solid wastes, including trash, for future missions is under consideration by NASA. Several potential treatment options are under active technology development. Potential fates for space-generated solid wastes: Storage without treatment; storage after treatment(s) including volume reduction, water recovery, sterilization, and recovery plus recycling of waste materials. For this study, a microbial characterization was made on trash returned from four recent STS missions. The material analyzed were 'Volume F' trash and other bags of accompanying trash. This is the second of two submitted papers on these wastes. This first one covered trash content, weight and water content. Upon receipt, usually within 2 days of landing, trash contents were catalogued and placed into categories: drink containers, food waste, personal hygiene items, and packaging materials, i.e., plastic film and duct tape. Microbial counts were obtained with cultivatable counts on agar media and direct counts using Acridine Orange fluorescent stain (AODC). Trash bag surfaces, 25 square cm , were also sampled. Direct counts were approximately 1 x 10(exp 6) microbes/square cm and cultivatable counts ranged from 1 x 10 to 1 X 10(exp 4) microbes/ square cm-2. Aerobic microbes, aerobic sporeformers, and yeasts plus molds were common for all four missions. Waste items from each category were placed into sterile ziplock bags and 1.5 L sterile DI water added. These were then dispersed by hand shaking for 2 min. prior to inoculation of count media or determining AODC. In general, cultivatable microbes were found in drinks, food wastes, and personal hygiene items. Direct counts were usually higher than cultivatable counts. Some pathogens were found: Staphylococcus auerus, Escherichia coli (fecal wastes). Count ranges: drink pouches - AODC 2 x 10(exp 6) to 1 X 10(exp 8) g(sub fw) (exp -1); cultivatable counts variable between missions; food wastes: Direct counts were close to aerobic plate counts. Counts ranged from 10(exp 6) to 10(exp 9) per g(sub fw). Identities of isolates from cultivation media were obtained using a Biolog Microbial ID System or microSEQ molecular ID methodology using an ABI3130 gene analyzer.

Strayer, Richard F.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Numerical assessment of the new V-shape small-angle slot divertor on DIII-D

The small-angle slot (SAS) divertor of the DIII-D tokamak, and its upcoming upgrade, the V-shape small-angle slot (SAS-V) divertor, are numerically investigated using the SOLPS-ITER code package, including the effect of particle drifts, for a range of plasma density, heating power, strike point position in the slot, and for both magnetic field directions. The simulations show that the electron temperature near the strike point is reduced in SAS-V compared to SAS, for both magnetic field directions, such that SAS-V achieves divertor detachment at a lower value of the outboard mid-plane separatrix electron density. The detachment threshold is lower because the V-shape focuses recycling neutrals on the V-end, densifying and cooling the plasma in the slot. At sufficiently high density, the V-shape also reduces the radial gradient of the temperature profile at the target, which in turns reduces the radial electric field and the E x B drift velocities, further densifying and cooling the plasma in the slot and leading to detachment. The V-shape effect, however, is reduced for higher heating power. With more heating power, the detachment density increases, reducing the ionization mean free path of recycled neutrals, which therefore become less sensitive to target shape changes. Furthermore, this suggests that in a fusion reactor, where the heating power is high, optimization of the divertor target shape needs to be combined with other strategies to lower the detachment density, such as in-slot injection of low-Z impurities.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Reduce, reuse, reinterpret: An end-to-end pipeline for recycling particle physics results

Searches for new physics at the Large Hadron Collider have constrained many models of physics beyond the Standard Model. Many searches also provide resources that allow them to be reinterpreted in the context of other models. We describe a reinterpretation pipeline that examines previously untested models of new physics using supplementary information from ATLAS Supersymmetry (SUSY) searches in a way that provides accurate constraints even for models that differ meaningfully from the benchmark models of the original analysis. The public analysis information, such as public analysis routines and serialized probability models, is combined with common event generation and simulation toolkits MADGRAPH, PYTHIA8, and DELPHES into workflows steered by TOML configuration files, and bundled into the mapyde Python package. The use of mapyde is demonstrated by constraining previously untested SUSY models with compressed sleptons and electroweakinos using ATLAS results.

Stark, Giordon↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of Acoustic Mufflers for Cabin Noise Reduction in Orion Spacecraft

Controlling cabin acoustic noise levels in the Crew Module (CM) of the Orion spacecraft is critical to ensure adequate speech intelligibility, to avoid fatigue, and prevent any possibility of temporary and permanent hearing loss to the crew. The primary source of cabin noise for the on-orbit phase of the mission is from the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) which recycles and conditions breathing air and maintains cabin pressurization through its duct network and components. Unfortunately, as a side effect, noise from the ECLSS fans propagates through theses ducts and emanate into the cabin habitable volume via the ECLSS inlet and outlets. To mitigate excessive duct-borne noise, two ECLSS mufflers have been designed to provide significant acoustic transmission loss (TL) so that the cabin noise requirements can be met. Each muffler is meant to be installed in the ducting of the ECLSS air inlet and outlet sides, respectively. Packaging constraints and tight volume requirements necessitated the mufflers to be of complex geometry and compatible with the bends of the ECLSS duct layout. To design and characterize the acoustic performance of the inlet and outlet mufflers, computational acoustic models were developed using the Finite Element Method (FEM) with 𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒଺ vibroacoustic software. Characterization of the acoustic material and perforations in the mufflers were addressed with poroelastic theory. Once the mufflers were designed on paper and its TL predicted, prototypes of these mufflers were created using additive manufacturing. The muffler prototypes were subsequently tested for acoustic TL in the laboratory with various con-figurations of acoustic materials. Comparing the analytical predictions to the test performance yielded excellent correlation for acoustic TL and demonstrated significant broadband noise attenuation. The ECLSS mufflers are currently scheduled to be installed on the Artemis II Crew Module (CM) of the Orion spacecraft and will provide significant cabin comfort to crew during the mission.

Indranil Dandaroy↗
DOE OSTI2024

AMPP-4 Metric Dashboard

The AMPP-4 Metric Dashboard is an interactive tool used for visualizing key performance indicators and milestones for the various teams in the Material Recovery & Recycle (AMPP-4) group. This dashboard provides current group data for FY25 tracking purposes. The dashboard is organized by various chapters: 1) AMPP-4 overview, 2) Scheduling, and 3) individual chapters for each team. AMPP-4 supports 7 teams, where the day- and swing-shift aqueous demolition teams are treated as one team for the purpose of metric tracking. The dashboard is used internally to monitor the success and health of the AMPP-4 teams. Additionally, the dashboard can be used externally to support programmatic reporting to sponsors and aid in future milestone and work package planning.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Natural fibers as promising core materials of vacuum insulation panels

To reduce energy consumption in buildings, this paper investigates the feasibility of using natural fibers as cost-effective, environmentally sustainable core materials for vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). First, a comprehensive experimental study was conducted for 10 potential natural fiber candidates. The thermal conductivities of the 10 natural fiber mats at various vacuum pressures were measured; their compression and morphology properties were quantified. In addition, an analytical model was used to explore the major factors that influence the thermal conductivity of natural fibers as a function of internal air pressure. Results show that recycled cotton, kapok, and bamboo fibers are ideal candidates for VIP core materials; at <0.05 Pa, their thermal conductivities varied between 2 and 4 mW/(m∙K). Furthermore, for some fibers, thermal conductivity was inversely proportional to fiber density. For the selection of fiber materials for VIP cores, the ideal fiber candidate has a small fiber diameter and a low fiber mat density. Based on thermal measurements, even though the internal air pressure of 5 Pa was enough to attain the minimum thermal conductivity, obtaining internal air pressure below 5 Pa is recommended for prolonged service life, considering small leaks of VIP package barrier films and potential off-gassing from fibers. The simulation results predicting the effective thermal conductivities matched the experimental results well. These findings indicate that natural fiber–based VIPs have the potential to be a sustainable, inexpensive alternative to the current technologies in building insulation materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extrusion Processing for Enhancing Physical Properties of High-Density Polyethylene by Flow-Induced Crystallization

The evolution of crystallinity resulting from stress imposed on a melt, known as flow-induced crystallinity, can strongly influence the mechanical and physical properties of semicrystalline polymers. This study investigates shear-induced crystallization by applying an ultrasonic field to the melt flow as it passes through dies with various geometries. A custom-built sonication die is employed for controlling the dynamic temperature and shear environment, resulting in molecular alignment and potential for flow-induced crystallization. Application of both conventional and ultrasonic shear rates at the equilibrium melt temperature of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was investigated to accelerate crystallinity and manipulate the crystal morphology across the film in pursuit of improved mechanical and gas barrier properties without the need for additives or other polymer layers. The relationships among ultrasonic-assisted extrusion processing, polymer structure, and performance were analyzed using wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS), tensile testing, and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) analysis. Multiple linear regression models were implemented to predict the correlation among HDPE structure, process, and properties. Structural analysis revealed that both conventional and ultrasonic shear rates had the most significant influence on lamellar spacing and redistribution of rigid and soft amorphous fractions within the crystalline domains, ultimately dictating the mechanical and physical properties of the films. The goal is to explore the potential of the ultrasonic-assisted high crystallinity monolayer that can replace some of the functionality of complex, heterogeneous multilayer packaging with a single-material film having enhanced oxygen barrier properties.

crystallinity↗