Results for “Core Flight System” — Page 72

DOE OSTI2026

Magnetism and magnetoelastic effect in the two-dimensional van der Waals multiferroic CuCrP 2 ⁢S 6

Here, we report a magnetic and neutron diffraction study on the ground state magnetism and field evolution of single-crystal van der Waals multiferroic CuCrP 2 ⁢S 6 . The ordered moments align along the 𝑏 axis in the "𝐴-type" antiferromagnetic configuration with a spin-flop transition along the same direction. Field application along 𝑎 introduces a smooth transition to a fully polarized ferromagnetic state via in-plane spin rotation. These findings resolve the ambiguity of the ground state magnetization direction in CuCrP 2 ⁢S 6 and uncover its field responses, providing a firm basis for future magnetoelectric study. A magnetoelastic coupling effect connecting the interlayer spacing and the magnetic order was further revealed, highlighting the out-of-plane strain as an effective control knob for tuning magnetism both in this system and in related van der Waals magnets.

Guo, Jiasen [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL),↗

DOE OSTI2026

Enzymatic Nylon Deconstruction: Enzyme Discovery, Engineering, and Opportunities

Nylons are widely used synthetic polyamides valued for their strength, versatility, and durability across diverse applications. However, their petrochemical origin and energy-intensive production underscore the need for efficient, circular solutions. Conventional recycling methods remain limited by incomplete recovery, material degradation, and costly sorting requirements. Enzymatic depolymerization offers a selective, low-energy alternative capable of processing mixed waste streams under mild conditions. While significant progress has been achieved for polyesters, enzymatic degradation of polyamides is still at an early stage. The discovery of nylon hydrolases demonstrated the potential of biological systems to evolve catalysts for synthetic polyamides, yet reported depolymerization yields remain low. These limitations reflect both the structural complexity of nylons and the need for improved enzyme discovery and engineering. In conclusion, this review highlights recent advances, key challenges, and future directions for enzymatic nylon recycling, outlining its potential role enabling mixed polymer waste to be used as a green feedstock for remanufacturing.

Amides↗

DOE OSTI2026

Decadal-Scale Hydrothermal Alteration of Basalt: Implications for Long-Term Reactivity in Subsurface Technologies

Global demands to secure critical mineral supply chains and managing water resources require innovative resource management strategies. Subsurface basalt reservoirs offer a dual-purpose application, where CO2 enhanced critical metal recovery can be coupled with water remediation strategies for the extraction of economically important and environmentally relevant elements. This study utilizes static batch experiments conducted on Columbia River Basalt Group samples to evaluate long-term fluid–rock interactions relevant to coupled subsurface applications. Samples were reacted under elevated temperature and pressure conditions, for 296 and 4,061 days, providing a unique dataset to assess geochemical evolution, element partitioning, and aqueous chemistry over decadal timescales. The alteration was dominated by silicate, aluminosilicate, and oxide phases. Progressive hydrothermal alteration increased the cation exchange capacity through the formation of secondary minerals (e.g. clays and zeolites), influencing solute retention, ion exchange behavior, and aqueous chemistry. Grain-scale and bulk analyses revealed selective cation release and retention patterns, establishing a mechanistic baseline for predicting element mobility. These geochemical constraints inform the prospective use of CO2-enhanced metal recovery for critical resources (e.g. Co, Ni, Mn, Mg, Ti, Fe) and associated water-quality impacts, providing a foundation for the design and management of engineered fluid–rock systems in basalt reservoirs.

Gibson, Marie N.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Multitarget Rydberg gates via spatial blockade engineering

Multi-target gates offer the potential to reduce gate depth in syndrome extraction for quantum error correction. Although neutral-atom quantum computers have demonstrated native multi-qubit gates, existing approaches that avoid additional control or multiple atomic species have been limited to single-target gates. We propose single-control-multi-target CZ^n gates on a single-species neutral-atom platform that require no extra control and have gate durations comparable to standard CZ gates. Our approach leverages tailored interatomic distances to create an asymmetric blockade between the control and target atoms. Using a GPU-accelerated pulse synthesis protocol, we design smooth control pulses for CZZ and CZZZ gates, achieving fidelities of up to 99.55% and $99.24\%$, respectively, even in the presence of simulated atom placement errors and Rydberg-state decay. Our approach is most effective for N=2 (CZZ) and N=3 targets (CZZZ); for larger N, increasing spatial crowding of the targets introduces significant challenges for maintaining the required blockade asymmetry. This work presents a practical path to implementing low-overhead multi-target gates in single-species neutral-atom systems, significantly reducing the resource overhead for syndrome extraction. To motivate the impact of these gates, we apply a greedy scheduling algorithm and we demonstrate that our proposed gates can reduce the number of atom reconfiguration costs by up to 50% for color code syndrome extraction of code distances greater than 5.

Stein, Samuel A.↗

NASA NTRS2026

Artemis Suit Material Optical Property Testing of Dust Exposed Fabrics

This paper highlights one aspect of NASA’s ongoing technology-infusion effort to design, fabricate, and test a next-generation outer shell fabric for a lunar Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit, a critical component of sustained lunar exploration. Managing thermal loads on the Moon is essential for astronaut safety and suit performance. The suit’s exterior fabric directly influences heat gain and loss through its optical properties: low solar absorptivity minimizes sunlight absorption, while high infrared emissivity aids radiative cooling. Lunar regolith complicates this balance. Its fine, abrasive particles possess unique optical behavior that can lower reflectivity and raise emissivity when embedded in or adhered to fabric surfaces, degrading thermal control and increasing the risk of overheating or cooling inefficiency. To quantify these effects, the Artemis Suit Materials (ASM) team measured solar absorptance and infrared emissivity of clean and dust-soiled Ortho Fabric, establishing beginning-of-life (BOL) and end-of-life (EOL) benchmarks. EOL conditions were simulated with a rotary tumbler abrasion process using lunar dust simulant and ceramic media to reproduce cumulative wear expected during surface operations. Tests also included unmodified fabrics and a fabric/film laminate system containing titanium dioxide to evaluate potential improvements in dust resistance and optical performance. Results from these evaluations provide critical insight into how lunar dust alters fabric thermal behavior and inform the design of bespoke suit materials that maintain required optical properties throughout mission life, supporting safe and effective long-duration EVA on the lunar surface.

Textile↗

NASA NTRS2025

Erosion Behavior of Ti-hBN Multifunctional Coatings in A Custom-Made Planetary Test Rig at Extreme Lunar Temperatures

Spacecraft landings and takeoffs on the lunar surface, along with extreme temperature variations between day and night (-196 to 150° C), cause high-velocity dust impacts and erosion, resulting in the premature failure of structures. Ti/2 vol% hBN coatings were deposited using atmospheric (APS) and vacuum plasma spray (VPS) using cryo-milled powder feedstock to protect the structural components. The erosion performance of coatings at extreme lunar temperature regimes (-150 to 150° C) was evaluated in a custom-made planetary erosion test rig (PETR) at low (50 mph) and high impact velocities (250 mph). The mass loss of VPS coatings was reduced by 50% compared to the APS coatings and 40% compared to the Ti6Al4V substrate. The cryogenic temperature induces brittleness in the material, rendering it susceptible to extreme conditions of material loss. The particle impact-deformation behavior was captured using a high-speed camera to study the erosion mechanism. This analysis revealed chipping in substrates and brittle APS coatings, while particles rebounding and embedding were observed in VPS coatings. Energy calculations, aided by particle trajectory tracking from the high-speed camera, have conclusively shown that VPS coatings absorb 5–10% more energy than APS coatings during erosion tests. A modified erosion index was developed incorporating the fracture toughness and temperatures. New erosion models for brittle and ductile target materials are proposed for developing erosion-resistant material systems.

Abhijith Kunneparambil Sukumaran↗

NASA NTRS2026

Artemis Suit Material Optical Property Testing of Dust Exposed Fabrics

This paper highlights one aspect of NASA’s ongoing technology-infusion effort to design, fabricate, and test a next-generation outer shell fabric for a lunar Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit, a critical component of sustained lunar exploration. Managing thermal loads on the Moon is essential for astronaut safety and suit performance. The suit’s exterior fabric directly influences heat gain and loss through its optical properties: low solar absorptivity minimizes sunlight absorption, while high infrared emissivity aids radiative cooling. Lunar regolith complicates this balance. Its fine, abrasive particles possess unique optical behavior that can lower reflectivity and raise emissivity when embedded in or adhered to fabric surfaces, degrading thermal control and increasing the risk of overheating or cooling inefficiency. To quantify these effects, the Artemis Suit Materials (ASM) team measured solar absorptance and infrared emissivity of clean and dust-soiled Ortho Fabric, establishing beginning-of-life (BOL) and end-of-life (EOL) benchmarks. EOL conditions were simulated with a rotary tumbler abrasion process using lunar dust simulant and ceramic media to reproduce cumulative wear expected during surface operations. Tests also included unmodified fabrics and a fabric/film laminate system containing titanium dioxide to evaluate potential improvements in dust resistance and optical performance. Results from these evaluations provide critical insight into how lunar dust alters fabric thermal behavior and inform the design of bespoke suit materials that maintain required optical properties throughout mission life, supporting safe and effective long-duration EVA on the lunar surface.

space↗

NASA NTRS2026

The Trajectory of Recent Solid State Fusion Results

Both NASA and Google have explored and funded Low Energy Nuclear Reaction (LENR) aka Solid-State Fusion or Lattice Confinement Fusion (LCF) research. NASA has funded efforts since 1989, and Google Research began in 2014. Google, and researchers initially-funded by Google, published significant scientific papers in Nature, Nature Communications and the Journal of Applied Physics. NASA began a significant set of LENR-triggering programs in 2012 resulting in papers in Physical Review C, the Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry and the Journal of Condensed Matter Nuclear Science. Both NASA and Google engaged researchers across fields of nuclear physics, chemistry, electrochemistry, material science and more. NASA built upon early novel gas pumping experiments then followed the patented work of the US Navy SPAWAR (US8,419,919, “System and Method to Generate Particles”) and experiments with the Naval Surface Warfare Centers. Google supported researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), the University of British Columbia (UBC), MIT and others. This resulted in patent applications and two granted patents (US10264661B2, “Target structure for enhanced electron screening” and US10566094B2 “Enhanced electron screening through plasmon oscillations”). These separate efforts, unknown to the researchers at the time, provided the impetus for the DoE ARPA-E LENR program followed by the DARPA DSO “Mechanisms for Amplification of Fusion Reaction Rates in Solids” (MARRS) program. This document briefly describes the overlapping NASA and Google Research efforts in plasma loading and electron screening emphasizing the results of the latest paper in Nature Communications. The papers and patents cited are listed.

electron screening↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Battery Failure Databank

The Battery Failure Databank contains thermal runaway results gathered from nearly 300 small format fractional thermal runaway calorimetry (S-FTRC) experiments. A majority of these experiments were conducted at synchrotron facilities where high-speed x-ray videography was conducted of the cell while tested inside of the S-FTRC. The databank is a two-component system which consists of a Microsoft ExcelTM spreadsheet which provides S-FTRC results in tabular format and a radiographic video library containing the high-speed x-ray videos. Overall, the databank provides thermal results from S-FTRC experiments conducted on a mixture of commercially available lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells and specialized Li-ion test cells with varying cell format (18650, 21700, and D-cell) and trigger mechanism (heaters, heaters plus internal short circuiting device, and nail penetration). The radiography video component provides insight into the initiation and propagation of TR in the cells, in addition to consequences of TR measured by the FTRC. Fractions of mass ejected for the cell types are separated into regimes based on the different failure modes of the cells, such as purely venting, partial ejection, and total ejection. With knowledge of the rate and characterization of the internal degradation of the cells during TR, and the amounts of mass ejected and unrecovered, the extent of TR, and therefore the mitigation of TR, is revealed relative to cell types and failure modes.

Lithium-ion battery↗

DOE OSTI2025

Characterizing and modeling the mechanical behavior of an anion exchange membrane for carbon capture applications

A new direct air capture (DAC) technology uses a moisture swing (MS) process with anion exchange membranes, potentially offering a more energy-efficient way to remove CO₂ from the air. In this MS process, the membrane absorbs CO₂ as it dries and releases it when water is added. Understanding the mechanical behavior of these membranes is essential for improving the design and efficiency of DAC systems and prolonging sorbent lifetime. This study tested one anion exchange membrane, Fumasep’s FAA-3, under mechanical loading and various temperature and humidity conditions to measure its swelling, stiffness, strength, plastic deformation, and stress relaxation. Experimental results were used to identify a mechanical model for FAA-3 that can be used to predict the material’s nonlinear viscous behavior under various loads and environments. Unlike prior studies that assumed linear elastic behavior, this work incorporates humidity-dependent swelling, thermal expansion, and nonlinear viscoelasticity of FAA-3 in both the experiments and the model.

Direct air capture↗

DOE OSTI2026

A Data-Driven Method for Modeling Creep-Fatigue Stress- Strain Behavior Using Neural ODEs

In this paper, we introduce a data-driven machine learning approach for modeling one-dimensional stress–strain behavior under cyclic loading, utilizing experimental data from the nickel-based Alloy 617. The study employs uniaxial creep–fatigue test data acquired under various loading histories and compares two distinct neural network-based ODE models. The first model, known as the black-box model, comprehensively describes the strain–stress relationship using a Neural ODE equation. To interpret this black-box model, we apply the Sparse Identification of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (SINDy) technique, transforming the black-box model into an equation-based model using symbolic regression. The second model, the Neural flow rule model, incorporates Hooke’s Law for the linear elastic component, with the nonlinear part characterized by a Neural ODE. Both models are trained with experimental data to accurately reflect the observed stress–strain behavior. We conduct a detailed comparison with the standard Chaboche model, which includes three back stresses. Our results demonstrate that the neural network-based ODE models precisely capture the experimental creep–fatigue mechanical behavior, exceeding the standard Chaboche model’s accuracy. Furthermore, an interpretable model derived from the black-box neural ODE model through symbolic regression achieves accuracy comparable to the Chaboche model, enhancing its interpretability. The results highlight the potential of neural network-based ODE models to depict complex creep–fatigue behavior, eliminating the necessity for experts to define a specific, material-focused model form.

creep-fatigue↗

NASA NTRS2026

Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) Capability Maturity Levels for Ecosystems Enabling Digital Transformation

Digital engineering (DE) and integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) are widely recognized as critical enablers of faster, more affordable, and more reliable aerospace systems. However, many organizations have struggled to realize the promised return on investment (ROI) from digital initiatives. A primary reason is the absence of a shared, decision-focused framework that distinguishes simple digitization of existing workflows from true digital transformation that fundamentally changes how engineering decisions are made. This paper introduces an ICME capability maturity framework that fills this gap. The framework defines six cumulative ICME capability maturity levels (CMLs), explicitly tied to decision authority, engineering integration, optimization, and uncertainty management across material, process, structure, and performance scales. It is designed to complement established readiness metrics such as technology readiness levels (TRLs), manufacturing readiness levels (MRLs), and integration readiness levels (IRLs), by addressing a missing dimension: the conditions required for model-informed decision authority across scales. A unifying figure and capability table illustrate the six-level ICME Capability Maturity Framework, showing how organizations progress from digitization—with limited or negative ROI—to true digital transformation, where ICME-enabled workflows deliver measurable improvements in decision quality, cycle time, risk reduction, and reuse. The framework is intended for both technical practitioners and executive leadership, providing a common language to assess current state, guide roadmaps, align software ecosystem investments, and set realistic expectations for digital transformation outcomes. A regulatory-relevant statement clarifying the relationship between ICME capability and existing certification frameworks is provided.

ICME↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hot Water, Cold Reality: Experimental Analysis of Sorption Constraints in Iodine Filtration Media Under Heated-Water Conditions

Iodine has been widely employed as a residual biocide in potable water applications during crewed missions. Unlike other biocides, it is essential to remove iodine from drinking water prior to consumption, as its biocidal concentration raises health concerns. Consequently, effectively removing iodine species from water is a critical step in potable water processing. Although the non-biocided heated leg has not violated microbial specifications on the International Space Station, any wetted volume lacking biocide presents potential risks for long‑duration exploration missions and for systems that are sensitive to microbial growth/contamination. Recent assessments indicate, however, that iodine‑removal performance may degrade under elevated temperature conditions, such as those required for dispensing hot water for food preparation. This reduction in efficacy appears to stem from both the potential physical degradation of filtration media and the temperature‑dependent behavior of adsorption processes. To investigate the influence of water temperature on the efficacy of filtration media for iodine removal, a series of adsorption capacity tests were conducted at both room temperature and elevated temperatures (90 °C). These experiments aimed to benchmark the performance of the adsorbents that constitute the ACTEX filter in the ISS’s potable water dispenser. The findings of this study provide critical insights into the iodine filtration process, verify the potential performance shortfall under elevated temperature conditions, and establish the basis for defining new absorbent requirements to ensure reliable iodine removal in future mission architectures.

drinking water↗

DOE OSTI2025

Keldysh tuning of photoluminescence in a lead halide perovskite crystal

In 1964, Keldysh laid the groundwork for strong-field physics in atomic, molecular, and solid-state systems by delineating a ubiquitous transition from multiphoton absorption to quantum electron tunneling under intense AC driving forces. While both processes in semiconductors can generate carriers and result in photon emission through electron-hole recombination, the low quantum yields in most materials have hindered direct observation of the Keldysh crossover. Leveraging the large quantum yields of photoluminescence in lead halide perovskites, we show that we can not only induce bright light emission from extreme sub-bandgap light excitation but also distinguish between photon-induced and electric-field-induced processes. Our results are rationalized by the Landau-Dykhne formalism, providing insights into the non-equilibrium dynamics of strong-field light-matter interactions. These findings open new avenues for light upconversion and sub-bandgap photon detection, highlighting the potential of lead halide perovskites in advanced optoelectronic applications.

FOS: Physical sciences↗

DOE OSTI2025

From PINNs to PIKANs: recent advances in physics-informed machine learning

Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) have emerged as a key tool in Scientific Machine Learning since their introduction in 2017, enabling the efficient solution of ordinary and partial differential equations using sparse measurements. Over the past few years, significant advancements have been made in the training and optimization of PINNs, covering aspects such as network architectures, adaptive refinement, domain decomposition, and the use of adaptive weights and activation functions. A notable recent development is the Physics-Informed Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (PIKANS), which leverage a representation model originally proposed by Kolmogorov in 1957, offering a promising alternative to traditional PINNs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in PINNs, focusing on improvements in network design, feature expansion, optimization techniques, uncertainty quantification, and theoretical insights. We also survey key applications across a range of fields, including biomedicine, fluid and solid mechanics, geophysics, dynamical systems, heat transfer, chemical engineering, and beyond. Lastly, we review computational frameworks and software tools developed by both academia and industry to support PINN research and applications.

Kolmogorov-Arnold networks↗

DOE OSTI2025

Dynamic nanodomains dictate macroscopic properties in lead halide perovskites

Lead halide perovskites have emerged as promising materials for solar energy conversion and X-ray detection owing to their remarkable optoelectronic properties. However, the microscopic origins of their superior performance remain unclear. Here we show that low-symmetry dynamic nanodomains present in the high-symmetry average cubic phases, whose characteristics are dictated by the A-site cation, govern the macroscopic behaviour. We combine X-ray diffuse scattering, inelastic neutron spectroscopy, hyperspectral photoluminescence microscopy and machine-learning-assisted molecular dynamics simulations to directly correlate local nanoscale dynamics with macroscopic optoelectronic response. Our approach reveals that methylammonium-based perovskites form densely packed, anisotropic dynamic nanodomains with out-of-phase octahedral tilting, whereas formamidinium-based systems develop sparse, isotropic, spherical nanodomains with in-phase tilting, even when crystallography reveals cubic symmetry on average. We demonstrate that these sparsely distributed isotropic nanodomains present in formamidinium-based systems reduce electronic dynamic disorder, resulting in a beneficial optoelectronic response, thereby enhancing the performance of formamidinium-based lead halide perovskite devices. By elucidating the influence of the A-site cation on local dynamic nanodomains, and consequently, on the macroscopic properties, we propose leveraging this relationship to engineer the optoelectronic response of these materials, propelling further advancements in perovskite-based photovoltaics, optoelectronics and X-ray imaging.

Materials Science↗

NASA NTRS1996

Planetary and Deep Space Requirements for Photovoltaic Solar Arrays

In the past 25 years, the majority of interplanetary spacecraft have been powered by nuclear sources. However, as the emphasis on smaller, low cost missions gains momentum, more deep space missions now being planned have baselined photovoltaic solar arrays due to the low power requirements (usually significantly less than 100 W) needed for engineering and science payloads. This will present challenges to the solar array builders, inasmuch as planetary requirements usually differ from earth orbital requirements. In addition, these requirements often differ greatly, depending on the specific mission; for example, inner planets vs. outer planets, orbiters vs. flybys, spacecraft vs. landers, and so on. Also, the likelihood of electric propulsion missions will influence the requirements placed on solar array developers. This paper will discuss representative requirements for a range of planetary and deep space science missions now in the planning stages. We have divided the requirements into three categories: Inner planets and the sun; outer planets (greater than 3 AU); and Mars, cometary, and asteroid landers and probes. Requirements for Mercury and Ganymede landers will be covered in the Inner and Outer Planets sections with their respective orbiters. We will also discuss special requirements associated with solar electric propulsion (SEP). New technology developments will be needed to meet the demanding environments presented by these future applications as many of the technologies envisioned have not yet been demonstrated. In addition, new technologies that will be needed reside not only in the photovoltaic solar array, but also in other spacecraft systems that are key to operating the spacecraft reliably with the photovoltaics.

C P Bankston↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hot Water, Cold Reality: Experimental Analysis of Sorption Constraints in Iodine Filtration Media Under Heated-Water Conditions

Iodine has been widely employed as a residual biocide in potable water applications during crewed missions. Unlike other biocides, it is essential to remove iodine from drinking water prior to consumption, as its biocidal concentration raises health concerns. Consequently, effectively removing iodine species from water is a critical step in potable water processing. Although the non-biocided heated leg has not violated microbial specifications on the International Space Station, any wetted volume lacking biocide presents potential risks for long‑duration exploration missions and for systems that are sensitive to microbial growth/contamination. Recent assessments indicate, however, that iodine‑removal performance may degrade under elevated temperature conditions, such as those required for dispensing hot water for food preparation. This reduction in efficacy appears to stem from both the potential physical degradation of filtration media and the temperature‑dependent behavior of adsorption processes. To investigate the influence of water temperature on the efficacy of filtration media for iodine removal, a series of adsorption capacity tests were conducted at both room temperature and elevated temperatures (90 °C). These experiments aimed to benchmark the performance of the adsorbents that constitute the ACTEX filter in the ISS’s potable water dispenser. The findings of this study provide critical insights into the iodine filtration process, verify the potential performance shortfall under elevated temperature conditions, and establish the basis for defining new absorbent requirements to ensure reliable iodine removal in future mission architectures.

iodine↗