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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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1,521 records · Page 64
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Systematic Construction of Time-Dependent Hamiltonians for Microwave-Driven Josephson Circuits

Time-dependent electromagnetic drives are fundamental for controlling complex quantum systems, including superconducting Josephson circuits. In these devices, accurate time-dependent Hamiltonian models are imperative for predicting their dynamics and designing high-fidelity quantum operations. Existing numerical methods, such as black-box quantization (BBQ) and energy-participation ratio (EPR), excel at modeling the static Hamiltonians of Josephson circuits. However, these techniques do not fully capture the behavior of driven circuits stimulated by external microwave drives, nor do they include a generalized approach to account for the inevitable noise and dissipation that enter through microwave ports. Here, we introduce numerical techniques that leverage classical microwave simulations, efficiently executable in finite-element solvers, to obtain the time-dependent Hamiltonian of microwave-driven superconducting circuits with arbitrary geometries under charge, flux, or mixed electromagnetic modulation. Importantly, our techniques do not rely on a lumped-element description of the superconducting circuit, in contrast to previous approaches to tackling this problem. We demonstrate the versatility of our approach by characterizing the driven properties of realistic circuit devices in complex electromagnetic environments, including coherent dynamics due to charge and flux modulation, as well as drive-induced relaxation and dephasing. Our techniques offer a powerful toolbox for optimizing circuit designs and advancing practical applications in superconducting quantum computing.

Lu, Yao [Yale U.; Yale U. (main); Fermilab] (ORCID↗
NASA NTRS2026

NASA Talks: Space Shuttle Columbia - Lessons Learned: Columbia Reconstruction, Investigation, Causes and Key Takeaways

On February 25, 2026, this NASA Talk was held regarding the Space Shuttle Columbia (Columbia Launch & Recovery, Columbia Reconstruction, Investigation, Causes & Key Takeaways). Crew & Thermal System Division (EC) partnered with Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Engineering Directorate (EA) to bring these talks to Johnson Space Center (JSC) centering on what led up to and transpired after the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. Some recovered debris was on exhibit during the talks. NASA Mishap Program Specialist David Erickson presented this talk. Mr. Erickson supports NASA mishap investigations and assists with the development of NASA's new Columbia Learning Center at KSC. This talk was timely and a solemn reminder of the critical importance of diligence, safety, and excellence in our work. EA Director Julie Kramer White welcomed the 400+ center-wide in-person audience, and EC Division Chief Rubik Sheth introduced the speakers. This event was held in the JSC Teague Auditorium, recorded, and executed by the EC in-house STAR Productions team. This record includes an mp4 video with a run time of 32 min. 31 sec.; in color; with sound.

NASA Talks↗
DOE OSTI2026

Induction Melter Processing Alternatives for High Level Radioactive Wastes – 26198

This work investigates the potential to vitrify nuclear fuel directly, as well as the vitrification potential associated with experimental dissolver solutions. Greater understanding of the exothermicity is needed to quantify processing risk, especially with respect to potential phase changes and associated explosion hazards present in some systems. Thermal analysis was carried out on various simulants to elucidate the exothermic reaction potential from solid metal dissolution in glass and from the drying of alternative process dissolver solutions. Results from experimental testing of simulants to demonstrate vitrification potential and compatibility indicate that alternative dissolver flowsheets suppress the heat released during processing and that common silicate- and phosphate- based glass systems are potential candidates for direct vitrification. Direct vitrification (conversion) of fuel simulants was assessed using laboratory scale glass melts to obtain qualitative information on dissolution rates and waste loadings. Initial tests were successful to dissolve and incorporate metal directly into glass, although the kinetics and limits of dissolution and incorporation into glass are not fully understood.

Amoroso, Jake [Savannah River National Laboratory ↗
DOE OSTI2026

A New Era for Modern Bubble Chamber Technology: Cooling and Real-Time Control for the MAMBA Neutrino Bubble Chamber∗

Future neutrino experiments such as DUNE will be limited less by statistics than by how well neutrino--nucleus interactions are understood, and the cleanest way to improve that understanding is to measure interactions with light nuclei such as hydrogen or deuterium. The detector best suited to the job, the bubble chamber, has not been built for a neutrino beam in about fifty years. MAMBA (Modern Adaptive Modular Bubble chamber Archetype) is a small prototype at Fermilab intended to bring the technology back with modern cryogenics and automation, cycling continuously at 1~Hz. This paper summarizes my work on two of its subsystems during a summer internship. A new solid copper thermal link brought the coldhead to 21.3~K in a commissioning cooldown, near the 20~K operating target. An Industrial Shields Raspberry Pi programmable logic controller (PLC) running OpenPLC was characterized at a median round-trip response of 0.64~ms over 20,000 trials, with 0.66\% of trials exceeding 1~ms. Both results support continuous cycling.

Williams, Nicholas [Fermilab; DuPage Coll.]↗
NASA NTRS2025

Radiation-Resistant Ti/BN Coatings: Insights From 171 Days Exposure to Space Radiation and Atomic Oxygen in Low Orbit

Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) and Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) techniques were used to develop Ti/2 vol.% hBN coatings, for extreme space environments and tested aboard the International Space Station as part of the MISSE-17 (Materials International Space Station Experiments) program. The coatings were exposed to atomic oxygen, space radiation, and low-orbit thermal cycling. VPS coatings showed a 56% increase in microhardness, a 26% rise in elastic modulus, minimal porosity and crack density changes compared to APS coatings. The change in mechanical properties is attributed to the formation of TiO, TiO₂ and TiN from nitrogen retention, alongside radiation-induced dislocations, which enhanced surface hardening. The oxidation of titanium led to the formation of TiO and TiO₂, while boron nitride was retained and underwent transmutation in VPS coatings. XPS and EDS analyses confirmed the enhanced space-environment resistance of VPS coatings, making them ideal for long-term spacecraft protection in lunar and Martian conditions.

Abhijith Kunneparambil Sukumaran↗
DOE OSTI2026

Metrology and Standards Gaps and FY27 Work Focusing on Impact

This work focuses on the Heliostat Consortium (HelioCon) optical measurements and characterization, testing and modeling capabilities and infrastructure at NLR and Sandia supporting heliostat technology research, development, validation, and deployment in relevant industries. The development of standards in HelioCon requires a collective effort across the global heliostat community of industry, researchers, academia and other stakeholders.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Integrated Simulation of Weld Residual Stress Evolution and Crack Propagation Using XFEM

Nuclear power plant components operate in environments that promote multiple degradation mecha- nisms, several of which involve crack initiation and growth. An ongoing effort in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program is developing a general capability within the Multiphysics Object Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework for simulating three-dimensional crack growth under a range of driving conditions, including fatigue, stress corrosion cracking (SCC), brittle fracture, and stress-relaxation cracking. This report demonstrates an end-to-end workflow that uses this capability to model weld-residual-stress-driven SCC in the J-groove weld of a pressurized-water reactor control rod drive mechanism penetration in the vessel head. The workflow consists of a thermomechanical welding simulation with temperature-dependent plasticity, followed by cooldown to ambient conditions, and a restart of the simulation using the MOOSE extended finite element method (XFEM) module to propagate a three-dimensional crack through the residual stress field. New welding capabilities were developed to properly initialize newly activated elements in the weld region, and robustness improvements were made to the mesh-based algorithm for defining cutting planes in the 3D XFEM algorithm, allowing it to handle complex crack fronts and stress fields. Together these advances allowed the simulated SCC crack to grow from an initial elliptical flaw in the weld, across the weld, through the tube wall, and almost to the triple point (where the weld, tube, and reactor pressure vessel head intersect) over roughly 36 years of simulated service. These results demonstrate a workflow that can be extended to fully three-dimensional welding simulations and more complex crack interaction problems.

42 - ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2026

Diamond-Loaded Polyimide Aerogel Scattering Filters and Their Applications in Astrophysical and Planetary Science Observations

Infrared-blocking, aerogel-based scattering filters have a broad range of potential applications in astrophysics and planetary science instruments in the far-infrared, sub-millimeter, and microwave regimes. This paper demonstrates the ability of conductively-loaded, polyimide aerogel filters to meet the mechanical and science instrument requirements for several experiments, including the Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS), the Experiment for Cryogenic Large-Aperture Intensity Mapping (EXCLAIM), and the Sub-millimeter Solar Observation Lunar Volatiles Experiment (SSOLVE). Thermal multi-physics simulations of the filters predict their performance when integrated into a cryogenic receiver. Prototype filters have survived cryogenic cycling to 4 K with no degradation in mechanical properties. Measurement of total hemispherical reflectance and transmittance, as well as cryogenic tests of the aerogel filters in a full receiver context, allow estimates of the integrated infrared emissivity of the filters. Knowledge of the emissivity will help instrument designers incorporate the filters into future experiments in planetary science, astrophysics, and cosmology.

Kyle R Helson↗
NASA NTRS1990

Satellite Material Contaminant Optical Properties

The Air Force Wright Research and Development Center and the Arnold Engineering Development Center are continuing a program for measuring optical effects of satellite material outgassing products on cryo-optic surfaces. Presented here are infrared (4000 to 700 cm -1 ) transmittance data for contaminant films condensed on a 77 K geranium window. From the transmittance data, the contaminant film refractive and absorptive indices (n, k) were derived using an analytical thin-film interference model with a nonlinear least-squares algorithm. To date 19 materials have been studied with the optical contents determined for 13 of those. The materials include adhesives, paints, composites, films, and lubricants. This program is continuing and properties for other materials will be available in the future.

B E Wood↗
DOE OSTI2026

Direct observation of diamond formation in a shock-compressed high explosive

Understanding the formation timescale and structure of carbonaceous reaction products is critical for modeling the high-pressure equation-of-state of organic materials. We use the National Ignition Facility to shock-compress polycrystalline TATB (C 6 H 6 N 6 O 6 ) samples to ~70–130 GPa and ~4000–5500 K, employing in situ nanosecond X-ray diffraction to probe reaction products and velocimetry to measure transmitted compression wave profiles. Our diffraction data is consistent with the formation of diamond over timescales less than ~60 ns. This represents carbon condensation from a molecular explosive on timescales three times faster than previously reported and the earliest observation of diamond produced from reacting TATB. Reactive flow simulations with explicit chemistry reproduce the observed temporal structure within wave profiles to inform the distribution of P-T states. These findings provide direct evidence of ultrafast diamond formation in a reactive system at extreme conditions and provide new constraints for models of shock and detonation chemistry.

Clarke, Samantha M. [Lawrence Livermore National L↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluating Crystallinity in Thermoplastic composites

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) offer many benefits for the aerospace industry due to their potential for weight reduction when compared to metal or ceramic based materials. Most PMCs currently in flight use thermoset matrices, however, thermoplastic resins are being explored as alternatives due to their ability to be remelted, which is of particular interest due to the potential for in-situ repair and manufacturing required in space. Most thermoplastic resins are semicrystalline polymers. The properties of semicrystalline thermoplastics are largely influenced by their crystallinity, which can vary due to many factors including thermal treatments, environmental conditions, and mechanical deformation. Monitoring the crystallinity of thermoplastic composites is key to ensuring these materials reliably meet the high demands required by space exploration. This talk discusses the use of multiple techniques such as Polarized Light Optical Microscopy and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to characterize the crystallinity in various thermoplastic composites, including carbon fiber reinforced PMCs and novel bio-based Martian and Lunar regolith composites designed for in-situ manufacturing. This work aims to provide the fundamental data necessary to understand the effects of crystallinity on thermoplastic PMCs, which is key to advancing their use in space applications.

Thermoplastics↗
NASA NTRS2026

Parabolic Deformable Mirror Project Development and Device Characterization

Existing state-of-the-art wavefront sensing and control setups for the imaging of exoplanets utilize two high-actuator count flat deformable mirrors (DMs) to control both phase and amplitude aberrations. One of the objectives of the Exoplanet Spectroscopy (ExoSpec) project at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is to improve upon this regime through the development of parabolic deformable mirrors (PDMs), which can address several of the key limitations in existing setups. Specifically, the need for flat DMs to be located in conjugate pupil planes drives unique packaging challenges that can be overcome by allowing the off-axis imaging elements to be controllable as well. In addition, simulations show that the use of deformable powered elements will increase the overall controllable bandwidth, up to 35% over 5-12 lambda/D. To pursue this effort, the ExoSpec group has begun testing a first-generation parabolic DM, which is already informing a second generation design. This paper will provide a comprehensive update on its characterization, including influence function measurements, linearity analysis, closed-loop wavefront control performance, and thermal stability assessment.

spectroscopy↗
NASA NTRS1993

Charge-exchange erosion studies of accelerator grids in ion thrusters

A particle simulation model is developed to study the charge-exchange grid erosion in ion thrusters for both ground-based and space-based operations. Because the neutral gas downstream from the accelerator grid is different for space and ground operation conditions, the charge-exchange erosion processes are also different. Based on an assumption of now electric potential hill downstream from the ion thruster, the calculations show that the accelerator grid erosion rate for space-based operating conditions should be significantly less than experimentally observed erosion rates from the ground-based tests conducted at NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). To resolve this erosion issue completely, we believe that it is necessary to accurately measure the entire electric potential field downstream from the thruster.

Xiaohang Peng↗
NASA NTRS2026

Parameterization of Nuclear Electric Propulsion Trajectories for Outer Solar System Science Missions Methodology

This manuscript addresses the methodology used to create a database of low thrust missions to outer planets. This database utilizes previous work modeling NEP systems to determine the maximum delivered mass to outer planets based on a range of mission parameters, such as time of flight, launch vehicle, and power system mass. Trajectories were selected which best utilized NEP benefits. Additionally, a discussion on the database outputs for missions to Saturn is included, such as time of flight based on trajectory type and maximum payload, given a specific launch vehicle. The purpose of this work was to create a basis for future mission design, and a tool to investigate general trends across mission options.

Outer Planets↗
NASA NTRS2026

The Hyperspectral Microwave Photonic Instrument (HyMPI) and its NEDT Performance

This work presents an overview of a hyperspectral microwave-photonic spectrometer and demonstrates the system end-to-end noise equivalent delta temperature (NEDT) performance. The system aims at augmenting the remote sensing capability from space, with a focus on the Earth’s planetary boundary layer (PBL) thermal microwave (MW) spectral region (0-200 GHz). Combining a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) channelizer and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) spectrometer, the PIC & ASIC (PICASIC) module is capable of processing 40 GHz spectra at hyperspectral (4 MHz) resolution. The photonic technology is agnostic to the spectral region and multiple photonic modules can cover the entire 200 GHz spectrum. Measured results of the end-to-end system NEDT agree with predicted values confirming that the NEDT is primarily dominated by the noise figure of the MW front-end, with the optical link adding no significant noise. The data also demonstrate that a single module enables simultaneous super- and hyper-spectral resolution channel analysis across a 40 GHz range.

spectrometer↗
DOE OSTI2026

Lake sediment heatwaves under global warming

Lake sediment heatwaves, driven by rising global temperatures, pose emerging threats to freshwater ecosystems by altering sediment thermal regimes and intensifying sediment biogeochemical processes. Here we present a global-scale assessment of lake sediment heatwaves, examining their historical patterns and projecting future trends under various climate scenarios in 41,499 representative lakes worldwide. Using daily simulated lake sediment temperatures from 1981 to 2010 and future (2071-2100) projections under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP126, SSP370, SSP585), we investigate lake sediment heatwave characteristics, including their duration, intensity, frequency, and seasonal timing, worldwide. Our results show that lake sediment heatwaves are generally more persistent and frequent than lake surface heatwaves, with sediment heatwaves in pelagic regions experiencing a significant lag relative to surface conditions. Under future climate scenarios, sediment heatwaves are projected to intensify, with their duration and frequency increasing substantially, particularly under SSP585. These shifts could exacerbate the production of greenhouse gases like methane and increase sediment respiration rates in lakes. This study highlights the need to account for sediment heatwaves in freshwater ecosystem management and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate future impacts.

Limnology↗
DOE OSTI2026

Structure of Self-Generated Magnetic Fields in Laser-Solid Interaction from Proton Tomography

Self-generated magnetic fields in laser-solid interactions are experimentally characterized to reveal the 3D location and local field strength, rather than path-integrated quantities, using multi-view proton radiography and tomographic inversion. We infer magnetic fields that extend several millimeters off the target into the hot, rarefied corona, sufficient to strongly magnetize the plasma (Ω e τ e ≫ 1). The data are compared to MHD simulations incorporating recent improvements in modeling magnetic field generation and transport; the volume-averaged coronal field strength and magnetic flux agree to within 25% using a model with magnetic re-localization of transport, although the near-target morphology is not reproduced. This work demonstrates tomographic proton radiography as a valuable tool for investigating magnetic fields in laser-produced plasmas.

High-energy-density plasmas↗
DOE OSTI2026

Machine Learning for Multipactor Susceptibility Prediction in Planar RF Gaps

Multipactor discharge is a nonlinear electron avalanche that limits the performance of high-power radio-frequency (RF) and vacuum electronic devices. Predicting multipactor susceptibility traditionally relies on Monte Carlo or particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, which become computationally expensive for large parametric studies. In this work, we present a supervised machine-learning (ML) framework for prediction of multipactor susceptibility in a two-surface planar geometry. The models are trained using high-fidelity PIC simulation generated susceptibility data and learn the relationship between operational parameters, geometry, and material-dependent secondary electron emission properties. The proposed approach enables rapid reconstruction of susceptibility charts while preserving the physical structure of multipactor growth regions.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗