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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 1,099 records · Page 61
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

AIMFAST: Alignment Implementation for Manufacturing

AIMFAST is a software code used to align facets on a dish concentrator to a specific aimpoint strategy to minimize peak fluxes and maximize system optical performance. AIMFAST uses a large monitor or projections screen to display fringe patterns, and a machine vision camera to image the reflection of these patterns in the subject dish mirrors. From these images, a detailed map of surface normals can be generated and compared to design or fitted mirror shapes. This fitted comparison is then used to develop a single vector representing the orientation of the facets relative to the design orientation, and provide near-real-time adjustment information to a communicating computer. The communicating computer can display adjustments or directly interface with adjustment tools. The software for the communicating computer is specific to the implementation and is not a part of AIMFAST.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2016

Preparation of aligned nanotube membranes for water and gas separation applications

Fabrication methods for selective membranes that include aligned nanotubes can advantageously include a mechanical polishing step. The nanotubes have their ends closed off during the step of infiltrating a polymer precursor around the nanotubes. This prevents polymer precursor from flowing into the nanotubes. The polishing step is performed after the polymer matrix is formed, and can open up the ends of the nanotubes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Vehicle to wireless power transfer coupling coil alignment sensor

A non-contacting position sensing apparatus includes at least one vehicle-mounted receiver coil that is configured to detect a net flux null when the vehicle is optimally aligned relative to the primary coil in the charging device. Each of the at least one vehicle-mounted receiver coil includes a clockwise winding loop and a counterclockwise winding loop that are substantially symmetrically configured and serially connected to each other. When the non-contacting position sensing apparatus is located directly above the primary coil of the charging device, the electromotive forces from the clockwise winding loop and the counterclockwise region cancel out to provide a zero electromotive force, i.e., a zero voltage reading across the coil that includes the clockwise winding loop and the counterclockwise winding loop.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2016

Transducer-actuator systems and methods for performing on-machine measurements and automatic part alignment

Systems and methods for performing on-machine measurements and automatic part alignment, including: a measurement component operable for determining the position of a part on a machine; and an actuation component operable for adjusting the position of the part by contacting the part with a predetermined force responsive to the determined position of the part. The measurement component consists of a transducer. The actuation component consists of a linear actuator. Optionally, the measurement component and the actuation component consist of a single linear actuator operable for contacting the part with a first lighter force for determining the position of the part and with a second harder force for adjusting the position of the part. The actuation component is utilized in a substantially horizontal configuration and the effects of gravitational drop of the part are accounted for in the force applied and the timing of the contact.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2013

IAIMFAST: Alignment Implementation for Manufacturing

AIMFAST is a software code used to align facets on a dish concentrator to a specific aimpoint strategy to minimize peak fluxes and maximize system optical performance. AIM FAST uses a large monitor to display fringe patterns, and a machine vision camera to image the reflection of these patterns in the subject dish mirrors. From these images, a detailed map of surface normals can be generated and compared to design or fitted mirror shapes. This fitted comparison is then used to develop a single vector representing the orientation of the facets relative to the design orientation, and provide near-real-time adjustment information to a communicating computer. The communicating computer can display adjustments or directly interface with adjustment tools.

Andraka, Charles E.↗
DOE OSTI2016

System and method for detecting components of a mixture including tooth elements for alignment

Examples are described including assay platforms having tooth elements. An impinging element may sequentially engage tooth elements on the assay platform to sequentially align corresponding detection regions with a detection unit. In this manner, multiple measurements may be made of detection regions on the assay platform without necessarily requiring the starting and stopping of a motor.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

Evaluation of Power Supply and Alignment Tolerances for the Advanced Photons Source Upgrade

A hybrid seven-bend-achromat lattice that features very strong focusing elements and provides an electron beam with very low emittance has been proposed for the Advanced Photon Source upgrade [1,2]. In order to be able to maintain stable operation, tight tolerances are required for various types of errors. Here we describe evaluation of the effects of various errors including magnet power supplies, alignment, and vibration.

Sajaev, V.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Automatic monitoring of the alignment and wear of vibration welding equipment

A vibration welding system includes vibration welding equipment having a welding horn and anvil, a host machine, a check station, and a welding robot. At least one displacement sensor is positioned with respect to one of the welding equipment and the check station. The robot moves the horn and anvil via an arm to the check station, when a threshold condition is met, i.e., a predetermined amount of time has elapsed or a predetermined number of welds have been completed. The robot moves the horn and anvil to the check station, activates the at least one displacement sensor, at the check station, and determines a status condition of the welding equipment by processing the received signals. The status condition may be one of the alignment of the vibration welding equipment and the wear or degradation of the vibration welding equipment.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2019

Automatic monitoring of the alignment and wear of vibration welding equipment

A vibration welding system includes vibration welding equipment having a welding horn and anvil, a host machine, a check station, and a welding robot. At least one displacement sensor is positioned with respect to one of the welding equipment and the check station. The robot moves the horn and anvil via an arm to the check station, when a threshold condition is met, i.e., a predetermined amount of time has elapsed or a predetermined number of welds have been completed. The robot moves the horn and anvil to the check station, activates the at least one displacement sensor, at the check station, and determines a status condition of the welding equipment by processing the received signals. The status condition may be one of the alignment of the vibration welding equipment and the wear or degradation of the vibration welding equipment.

Spicer, John Patrick↗
DOE OSTI2013

Structures of and methods for forming vertically aligned Si wire arrays

A structure consisting of vertically aligned wire arrays on a Si substrate and a method for producing such wire arrays. The wire arrays are fabricated and positioned on a substrate with an orientation and density particularly adapted for conversion of received light to energy. A patterned oxide layer is used to provide for wire arrays that exhibit narrow diameter and length distribution and provide for controlled wire position.

Kayes, Brendan M.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Self-Aligned, Selective Area Poly-Si/SiO2 Passivated Contacts for Enhanced Photocurrent in Front/Back Solar Cells: Preprint

Poly-Si/SiO2 passivated contact front/back solar cells suffer low Jsc due to parasitic absorption in the front poly-Si layer. We demonstrate a self-aligned, selective area front contact dry-etch technique that retains the as-deposited poly-Si beneath the metal grid lines but thins it elsewhere. Jsc improves by 0.7 mA/cm2 over our standard 40 nm thick poly-Si. Greater improvements are expected with thicker poly-Si needed for fired metal contacts. Surface passivation is slightly diminished with poly-Si thinning but can be partially restored with re-hydrogenation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Fermilab Muon $g-2$ Straw Tracking Detectors, Internal Tracker Alignment, and the Muon EDM Measurement

The $g-2$ experiment successfully completed its second data taking period (Run-2) between March and July 2019, with the analysis of Run-1 and Run-2 data currently proceeding. The final goal of the experiment is to determine the muon magnetic anomaly, $a_{\mu}=\frac{g-2}{2}$, to a precision of 140 ppb. Essential to reducing the systematic uncertainty on $a_{\mu}$ through measurements of the muon beam profile are the in-vacuum straw tracking detectors. A crucial prerequisite to obtaining accurate distributions of the beam profile is the internal alignment of the trackers, which is described here, along with the resulting beam distributions. This paper also discusses an additional measurement that will be made using the trackers: setting a new limit on the electric dipole moment (EDM) of the muon, producing a world-leading measurement.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Offset-aligned three-dimensional integrated circuit

A three-dimensional integrated circuit includes a first die having a first geometry. The first die includes a first region that operates with a first power density and a second region that operates with a second power density. The first power density is less than the second power density. The first die includes first electrical contacts disposed in the first region on a first side of the first die along a periphery of the first die. The three-dimensional integrated circuit includes a second die having a second geometry. The second die includes second electrical contacts disposed on a first side of the second die. A stacked portion of the second die is stacked within the periphery of the first die and an overhang portion of the second die extends beyond the periphery of the first die. The second electrical contacts are aligned with and coupled to the first electrical contacts.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Solid state grain alignment of permanent magnets in near-final shape

Magnet microstructure manipulation in the solid state by controlled application of a sufficient stress in a direction during high temperature annealing in a single-phase region of heat-treatable magnet alloys, e.g., alnico-type magnets is followed by magnetic annealing and draw annealing to improve coercivity and saturation magnetization properties. The solid-state process can be termed highly controlled abnormal grain growth (hereafter AGG) and will make aligned sintered anisotropic magnets that meet or exceed the magnetic properties of cast versions of the same alloy types.

Anderson, Iver E.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Evaluation of Alignment: Precision, Recall, Weighting and Limitations

In the real world, data does not come neatly packaged. Instead, it typically comes as small updates from many sources with different conventions. Building a single, cohesive knowledge-base to work from requires merging small updates from many different sources. This paper outlines methods we have investigated for scoring merging routines. Given a challenge problem consisting of a large knowledge-base and a set of smaller documents, algorithms are asked to identify alignment points between the smaller document and the knowledge base. This paper surveys options for evaluating such algorithms, providing notes on strengths, weaknesses and considerations for interpretation.

Cottam, Joseph A.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Methods for aligning a spectrometer

An example method for aligning a spectrometer is described herein. The spectrometer includes a radiation source, a crystal analyzer, and a detector that are all positioned on an instrument plane. The method includes rotating the crystal analyzer about an axis that is within the instrument plane and perpendicular to a rotation plane such that (i) a reciprocal lattice vector of the crystal analyzer is within the instrument plane or (ii) a component of the reciprocal lattice vector within the rotation plane is perpendicular to the instrument plane. An origin of the reciprocal lattice vector is located on the axis. The method further includes tilting the crystal analyzer or translating the detector such that the reciprocal lattice vector bisects a line segment that is bounded by the detector and the radiation source. Example spectrometers related to the example method are also disclosed.

Mortensen, Devon R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Aligning Electric Vehicle Customer Charging with Grid Needs

This talk to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) focuses on "Aligning Electric Vehicle Customer Charging with Grid Needs" to highlight the opportunities associated with managed electric vehicle charging and its value for consumers and the power system. Electric vehicles (EVs) are experiencing a rapid rise in popularity and adoption, and growing EV adoption offers an opportunity to increase electricity demand. With expected widespread EV adoption, supporting charging will require investments in generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Uncoordinated charging of EVs will lead to increased system peak load, possibly exceeding the maximum power that can be supported by distribution systems and generally increasing power system stress. However, vehicles are underutilized assets parked ~96% of the time: managed EV charging can satisfy mobility needs while also supporting the grid. EVs are not a burden for the grid, but a resource: The demand-side flexibility provided by managed EV charging offers significant potential benefits for the grid over multiple timescales and applications., especially for high-renewable systems. Managed charging can support power system planning and operations during normal and extreme conditions, benefitting EV owners and other electricity consumers. Managed charging is shown to consistently provide hundreds of dollars in cost savings per EV each year.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Solid state grain alignment of permanent magnets in near-final shape

Magnet microstructure manipulation in the solid state by controlled application of a sufficient stress in a direction during high temperature annealing in a single-phase region of heat-treatable magnet alloys, e.g., alnico-type magnets is followed by magnetic annealing and draw annealing to improve coercivity and saturation magnetization properties. The solid-state process can be termed highly controlled abnormal grain growth (hereafter AGG) and will make aligned sintered anisotropic magnets that meet or exceed the magnetic properties of cast versions of the same alloy types.

Anderson, Iver E.↗