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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 127 records · Page 7

International Ultraviolet Explorer observations of amorphous hot galaxies

In order to better understand the nature of star formation processes in amorphous galaxies, short wavelength International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spectra of galaxies NGC 1705 and NGC 1800 were obtained. The IUE data for NGC 1705 were of excellent quality while the low signal-to-noise NGC 1800 observation was useful only as a rough guide to the ultraviolet energy distribution. It was found that NGC 1705 contains a normal mix of OB stars, which is consistent with the nearly constant recent star formation rate inferred from new optical data. The NGC 1800 is likely to have similar properties, and blue galaxies with amorphous structures thus do not show evidence for anomalies in stellar mass distributions. The UV spectra of amorphous galaxies and a variety of other hot extragalactic stellar systems have similar characteristics, which suggests OB stellar populations often are homogeneous in their properties.

Lamb, S. A.↗

Case Study: Managing Undergraduate Interns in the Context of Multidisciplinary Projects

Internship opportunities can be immensely beneficial to both the students who pursue them and the labs that employ them. However, optimal results for all stakeholders can be uncertain. Several factors compound this issue. In this case study, the highly multidisciplinary nature of the BioEngineering Instrumentation Group at NASA Ames Research Center has made productively integrating short-term summer interns challenging. In general, taking on more undergraduate interns during a given time period can lead to diminishing returns, particularly if those interns are primarily short-time interns with few long-term senior students present.Introducing a level of industry-style project management processes can help. On the one hand, extreme formality can reduce the enthusiasm that students can bring; also, time constraints on internships make extensive training in formal process an investment with comparatively little return. On the other hand, lack of process can result in many forms of wastage. A moderate, lightweight level of process i.e., simple processes with high payoff to time invested ratios, including processes to effectively handle multidisciplinary issues can yield both a far more efficient lab, and a richer educational experience for the interns. In this case study, we implemented simple processes such as brief weekly stand-up meetings, a standard action item bug tracking process, and deadline-based scheduling with prudent reserves and critical path tracking.To evaluate these steps, several parameters were considered: the number of projects the lab could successfully pursue, the number of interns that could be successfully integrated onto each project, diversity of student intern educational backgrounds, student satisfaction, student understanding of expectations, and student preparation for industry-standard work. Generally, outcomes were enhanced across the board, even with imperfectly implemented processes. Lightweight process implementation is shown to be tremendously effective in a multidisciplinary internship context.

Case Study↗

Are Soft Short Tests Good Indicators of Internal Li-ion Cell Defects?

The self discharge test at full state of charge, may not be a good one to detect subtle defects since the li-ion chemistry has the highest self discharge at full state of charge. One should characterize self discharge versus storage time for each cell manufacturer/design to differentiate between normal self discharge and that due to a subtle manufacturing defect. The various soft short test methods indicate that if this test is carried out at full discharge (0% SOC) with all capacity removed (by lowering the current load in a stepwise manner to the same end of discharge voltage), then the cells need to be placed in storage for more than 72 hours to get a good analysis on the presence of subtle defects since it takes more than 72 hours to achieve voltage stabilization. If the cells are to be charged up even to a small percentage (ex. 1%), 72 hours are sufficient to determine issues. However, the pass/fail criteria should be based on a valid OCV decline. Less than 10 mV voltage decline is not a good method to detect subtle defects. As mentioned in the first bullet, self discharge is a competing reaction when a charge is introduced and hence a characterization of the self discharge versus storage time is required to fully correlate voltage decline to a failure due to a subtle defect. Soft short test method cannot be relied on for defect detection because cells with and without voltage decline seemed to have similar defects and characteristics. Screening methods such as internal resistance and capacity as well as a 3-sigma range for OCV, mass and dimensions should be used to screen out outliers. A very critical aspect in the understanding of subtle defects is to carry out destructive analysis of cells from every lot to confirm the quality of production and screen all cells and batteries in a stringent manner to have a high quality set of flight cells. Self Discharge Test: Fully charged cells shall be placed in Open circuit stand for 72 hours (OCV measurement twice a day); continue for total of 14 days with 1 reading per day 2. Soft Short Test 1: Fully charge; cells discharged to manufacturer's end of disch. Voltage (EODV) cutoff at C/5 rate; stand for 30 minutes; discharge with C/500 to the same EODV. stand for another 30 minutes; discharge the cells again using C/1000 current to the same EODV. OCV measurements twice a day for 72 hours and then for total of 14 days (data collection same as in 1.) 3. Soft Short Test 2: Fully charge; cells discharged to the manuf. EODV with a C/13 constant current; provide a 10 hour rest, discharge again to the same EODV with a current of C/250, provide a 10 hour rest, discharge again using a C/250 rate, provide a 24 hour rest, charge using C/250 to 3.15 V (for ~12 hours). OCV measurements twice a day for at 72 hours. (data collection same as in 1.) 4. Soft Short Test 3: Fully charge; cells shall be discharged using C/10 current to manuf. EODV. Allow the cell to remain at Open circuit for 10 seconds. Discharge the cell at C/20 rate to the same EODV, hold open circuit for 24 hours. Discharge the cells at C/200 rate to the same end of voltage cutoff and hold open circuit for 24 hours. Discharge the cells one more time at C/200 rate to the same EODV and hold open circuit for 36 hours. Charge at C/200 rate to 3.15 V and hold for 3 days. Record OCV during the open circuit stand periods every 12 hours and at the beginning and end of the 3 day hold (include the 12 hour OCV recording during this time also). Capacity Cycling: Cells with declining voltages - one cell from each manufacturer chosen for cycling Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA): Cells with and without decline chosen from each lot for DPA.

Jeevarajan, J.↗

A novel equivalent circuit for GDC-based solid oxide cells considering the variations of cell resistances under load

Regarding the mixed ionic-electronic conductive electrolytes, there are several constant assumptions about cell resistances and transference numbers. In this work, the charge transport frameworks of mixed conductive SOCs are comprehensively illustrated. And the independent external current density is introduced into the equivalent circuit for considering the variations of cell resistances under load. The updated expressions of cell resistances together with transference numbers are deduced rigorously based on the equivalent circuit. Electrolyte-supported NiO-GDC/GDC/LSCF cells are tested, and the experimental results validate the variations of cell resistances, especially for the polarization resistance. The comparisons show that electron hole resistances together with transference number calculated by the updated expressions are larger than those obtained by Liu’s method. More accurate transference number and cell resistances under load can be achieved by using the proposed method in this study.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Mechanically induced thermal runaway severity analysis of Li-ion batteries and continuous energy release monitoring

The large-scale deployment of Li-ion batteries in stationary energy storage and electrical vehicle applications demands a strong focus on safety, particularly on the thermal runaway risk and severity evaluation. A standardized single-side mechanical indentation test protocol was developed to induce an internal short-circuit (ISC) and evaluate cells' thermal runaway severity at different state of charge (SOC). The observed hazard severity (OHS in five categories) and evaluated scores in this work have a comprehensive consideration of each cell's capacity, initial voltage, SOC, temperature and voltage change, allowing a better evaluation of the cells' thermal runaway potential. This method was applied to about 200 Li-ion batteries in order to build an extensive thermal runaway database covering various SOCs, capacities and chemistries. In this study, we monitored the transitions of stored electrochemical energy and applied mechanical energy into both thermal energy and acoustic emissions (AE). The surface temperature and mechanical failures were monitored by infrared imaging and AE to capture critical events within battery cells throughout the mechanical indentation tests. Furthermore, the initial temperature maps can predict two types of follow-up events: thermal runaway or gradual heat release via conduction. Analyzing each cell's severity, AEs, and leveraging the evolving database offer insights into predicting occurrences of thermal runaway. The test method, thermal runaway severity evaluation and prediction, and the corresponding database provide battery designers, manufacturers, and end-users a clear overview of Li-ion batteries' thermal runaway potential under mechanical abuse, advancing the safety design of Li-ion batteries.

Acoustic emission↗

The Effect of Cell Geometry and Trigger Method on the Risks Associated with Thermal Runaway of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Consideration of thermal runaway heat output variability is paramount for the development of safe lithium-ion battery assemblies. This study utilizes data gathered from fractional thermal runaway calorimetry (FTRC) experiments to conduct a comparative analysis of thermal runaway heat output for three cell formats (18650, 21700, and 33600) as a function of trigger method (heaters, internal short-circuiting device, and nail penetration). The analysis is based on comparisons for the calculated total energy yield, fractional energy yield, heat rate, and heat flux. This study reveals that nail penetration tends to result in higher thermal runaway heat output for larger cells (21700 & 33600); these experiments also tended to result in higher fractions of the total energy being released through the cell body. The smaller cells (18650) did not appear to have significant variation in heat output as a function of trigger method. This finding suggests that, for this cell type, worst-case scenario heat output could be achievable in assembly level testing regardless of the utilized trigger method. This study also demonstrates successful translation of FTRC results, as recorded in the Battery Failure Databank, into meaningful analysis that breaks down the influence of specific conditions on thermal runaway heat output.

calorimetry↗

Office of Nuclear Verification FY 2023 Quarterly Report TSVT Q1

This project encompasses the continued development and training of a U.S. operational team, the Test Site Verification Team (TSVT), supporting verification of nuclear testing activities. TSVT builds on decades of U.S. nuclear testing history and nuclear explosion monitoring experience. The Team maintains readiness to deploy internationally on short notice to provide field-based support of verification of declared or undeclared nuclear testing and associated activities, as well as follow-on activities including monitoring and capability disablement and dismantlement, as established by negotiated agreement or treaty. The roles and structure of the TSVT are integrated with other NA-243 deployable verification teams and the interagency. FY23 TSVT activities focus on continued capability buildup within the team, including Team trainings and exercises with a focus on missions in confined spaces (e.g., tunnels, mines, other underground facilities), increased familiarity with foreign nuclear weapons testing programs, demonstration of Team capacity to deploy, train, and practice sustained OPSEC in non-western locations, establishment of sustainable storage and maintenance of equipment, specification and procurement of additional equipment to support field observations, further evolution of concepts of operation documents (CONOPs), and mission coordination with Headquarters and associated Stakeholders. Activities will culminate with a full-scale domestic team exercise at the end of FY23 focusing on underground activities signatures/observations and safety including advanced outdoor safety and familiarity in working around explosive test environments. In addition, we will be further articulating approaches and capacity relevant to the identification of nuclear tests, as well as monitoring of nuclear testing activities and/or dismantlement of nuclear test sites and anticipate developing additional equipment requests in support of this evolution. The TSVT Team Leads will also coordinate with its Senior Advisor, the TSVT Logistics and Readiness (L&R) Training Lead, and NNSA Headquarters to draft a five-year TSVT training and exercise plan, that strategically and incrementally builds capacity and expertise in key areas of significance for the continuum of nuclear and nuclear-related testing activities that fall within the team’s mission space.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Intensity changes in the UV spectrum of Beta Cephei

Fifty eight short wavelength International Ultraviolet Explorer spectra were taken over a 152 day period. Variations in the absorption lines of C IV (1550 A), Si IV (1393 and 1404 A) and N V (1239 and 1243 A) and a Cr III feature (1208 to 1211 A) were observed. A data reduction technique was developed in order to compare the changes in the equivalent widths of these absorption lines. Periods were determined by least squares fit to a sinusoid using several combinations of the data. In one case eighteen spectra for each ion taken at approximately one day intervals were used; in another, all 58 measurements of each were used; and in a third all measurements from all the ions wee combined. Using both variable metric and interactive algorithms it was determined that for all combinations mentioned a period of 6.10 + or - .06 days is the best fit to the vector of equivalent widths versus time. No other period, with or without the 6.10 day period removed from the data, was found. Analysis of the Cr III feature near 1210 A gives the same period as the others, but in antiphase.

Fahey, R. P.↗

The missing UV absorption lines of NGC 4151

Near simultaneous high dispersion long and short wavelength International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observations of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 are discussed. Previous observations revealed a narrow absorption system in Mg II not present in Ly alpha or C IV. The new observations confirm the presence of this system in Mg II and its absence in the other lines. Possible reasons for this are discussed. Future Hubble Space Telescope studies of NGC 4151 are discussed.

Leech, K. J.↗

A Mechanical Cryogenic Cooler for the Hubble Space Telescope

This paper presents a description of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Near-Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cryo Cooler (NCC), the cutting edge technology involved, its evolution, performance, and future space applications. The NCC is the primary hardware component of the NICMOS Cooling System comprised of the NCC, an Electronics Support Module, a Capillary Pumped Loop/Radiator, and associated interface harnessing. The system will be installed during extravehicular activities on HST during Servicing Mission 3B scheduled for launch in February 2002. The NCC will be used to revive the NICMOS instrument, which experienced a reduced operational lifetime due to an internal thermal short in its dewar structure, and restore HST scientific infrared capability to operational status. The NCC is a state-of-the-art reverse Turbo-Brayton cycle cooler employing gas bearing micro turbo machinery, driven by advanced power conversion electronics, operating at speeds up to 7300 revolutions per second (rps) to remove heat from the NICMOS instrument.

Jedrich, Nicholas↗

Properties and Performance Attributes of Novel Co-Extruded Polyolefin Battery Separator Materials: Mechanical Properties - Part 1

As NASA prepares for its next era of manned spaceflight missions, advanced energy storage technologies are being developed and evaluated to address future mission needs and technical requirements and to provide new mission-enabling technologies. Cell-level components for advanced lithium-ion batteries possessing higher energy, more reliable performance and enhanced, inherent safety characteristics are actively under development within the NASA infrastructure. A key component for safe and reliable cell performance is the cell separator, which separates the two energetic electrodes and functions to prevent the occurrence of an internal short-circuit while enabling ionic transport. Recently, a new generation of co-extruded separator films has been developed by ExxonMobil Chemical and introduced into their battery separator product portfolio. Several grades of this new separator material have been evaluated with respect to dynamic mechanical properties and safety-related performance attributes. This paper presents the results of these evaluations in comparison to a current state-ofthe-practice separator material. The results are discussed with respect to potential opportunities to enhance the inherent safety characteristics and reliability of future, advanced lithium-ion cell chemistries.

Baldwin, Richard S.↗