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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 145 records · Page 8

Analytical and experimental studies of graphite-epoxy and boron-epoxy angle ply laminates in shear

The results of a comparison study between a test program on the inelastic response under inplane shear over a wide range of graphite-epoxy and boron-epoxy angle-ply laminates are reported. This investigation was aimed at evaluating the applicability and adequacy of these analyses to predict satisfactorily the responses of angle-ply laminates. It was observed that these analytical tools are inadequate for this purpose as they fail to predict with sufficient confidence the shape of response and in particular the strength values associated with a given laminate configuration. Consequently, they do not provide the sought-after information about failure mechanisms which trigger failure of a particular designed laminate.

Weller, T.↗

Californium-252 production at the High Flux Isotope Reactor - I: Validation study using campaign data

This paper presents a series of 252 Cf production validation and code-to-code comparison studies performed based on data from the production campaigns at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). These studies support efforts to convert HFIR from using highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. HFIR must maintain its world-class performance and missions following this conversion, and because 252 Cf is a vital neutron-emitting radioisotope used for a variety of high-impact applications (e.g., reactor startup, cancer treatment), the ability to efficiently produce 252 Cf must be preserved. In this work, the HFIRCON, Shift, ORIGEN, and TCOMP codes were deployed, and several sets of data libraries were investigated to better understand the calculation codes and the data biases. As-loaded target composition data, as-run irradiation history data, and post-irradiation measurements from recent multi-cycle irradiation campaigns of the HEU core were used to validate and determine methodology biases. Further, the findings demonstrated a good agreement, with results falling within 3 standard deviations of measurements. This paper lays the ground work for the second paper, which evaluates and compares 252 Cf production and safety metrics with the HEU core and a proposed LEU core.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Results from an international interlaboratory study on light‐ and elevated temperature‐induced degradation in solar modules

Abstract This paper reports the results of an international interlaboratory comparison study on light‐ and elevated temperature‐induced degradation (LETID) on crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules. A large global network of PV module manufacturers and PV testing laboratories collaborated to design a protocol for LETID detection and screen a large and diverse set of prototype modules for LETID. Results across labs indicate the reproducibility of LETID testing is likely within ±1% of maximum power (P MP ). In intentionally engineered LETID‐sensitive modules, mean degradation after the prescribed detection stress is roughly 6% P MP . In other module types the LETID sensitivity is smaller, and in some we observe essentially negligible degradation attributable to LETID. In LETID‐sensitive modules, both open‐circuit voltage (V OC ) and short‐circuit current (I SC ) degrade by a roughly similar magnitude. We observe, as do previous studies, that LETID affects each cell in a module differently. An investigation of the potential mismatch losses caused by nonuniform LETID degradation found that mismatch loss is insignificant compared to the estimated loss of cell I SC , which drives loss of module I SC . Overall, this work has helped inform the creation of a forthcoming standard technical specification for LETID testing of PV modules, IEC TS 63342 ED1, and should aid in the interpretation of results from that and other LETID tests.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Strategies to Improve the Accuracy of Mars-GRAM Sensitivity Studies at Large Optical Depths

The Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM) is an engineering-level atmospheric model widely used for diverse mission applications. Mars-GRAM s perturbation modeling capability is commonly used, in a Monte-Carlo mode, to perform high fidelity engineering end-to-end simulations for entry, descent, and landing (EDL). It has been discovered during the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) site selection process that Mars-GRAM when used for sensitivity studies for MapYear=0 and large optical depth values such as tau=3 is less than realistic. A comparison study between Mars atmospheric density estimates from Mars- GRAM and measurements by Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) has been undertaken for locations of varying latitudes, Ls, and LTST on Mars. The preliminary results from this study have validated the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) limb data. From the surface to 80 km altitude, Mars- GRAM is based on the NASA Ames Mars General Circulation Model (MGCM). MGCM results that were used for Mars-GRAM with MapYear=0 were from a MGCM run with a fixed value of tau=3 for the entire year at all locations. Unrealistic energy absorption by uniform atmospheric dust leads to an unrealistic thermal energy balance on the polar caps. The outcome is an inaccurate cycle of condensation/sublimation of the polar caps and, as a consequence, an inaccurate cycle of total atmospheric mass and global-average surface pressure. Under an assumption of unchanged temperature profile and hydrostatic equilibrium, a given percentage change in surface pressure would produce a corresponding percentage change in density at all altitudes. Consequently, the final result of a change in surface pressure is an imprecise atmospheric density at all altitudes. To solve this pressure-density problem, a density factor value was determined for tau=.3, 1 and 3 that will adjust the input values of MGCM MapYear 0 pressure and density to achieve a better match of Mars-GRAM MapYear=0 with MapYears 1 and 2 MGCM output at comparable dust loading. Currently, these density factors are fixed values for all latitudes and Ls. Results will be presented of the work underway to derive better multipliers by including possible variation with latitude and/or Ls. This is achieved by comparison of Mars-GRAM MapYear=0 output with TES limb data. The addition of these density factors to Mars-GRAM will improve the results of the sensitivity studies done for large optical depths. Answers may also be provided to the issues raised in a recent study by Desai(2008). Desai has shown that the actual landing sites of Mars Pathfinder, the Mars Exploration Rovers and the Phoenix Mars Lander have been further downrange than predicted by models prior to landing. Desai s reconstruction of their entries into the Martian atmosphere showed that the models consistently predicted higher densities than those found upon EDL. The solution of this problem would be important to the Mars Program since future exploration of Mars by landers and rovers will require more accurate landing capabilities, especially for the proposed Mars Sample Return mission.

Justh, Hilary L.↗

An international study on THM modelling of the full-scale heater experiment at Mont Terri laboratory

We present results from an international model comparison study of the Full-Scale Emplacement (FE) experiment in Opalinus Clay at the Mont Terri Laboratory, Switzerland. Based on a provided parameter set the teams decided which parameters they adopted for their models, whether they considered the excavation and the ventilation phase in addition to the heating phase and if they included technical features like the shotcrete or the EDZ. The teams were able to reproduce the measured parameters temperature, relative humidity and pore pressure. The modelled results for temperature agree very closely between the teams especially in the sensors in Opalinus Clay. All teams were able to reproduce the redistribution of water in the bentonite backfill due to heating. The evolution of the relative humidity showed similar trends with differences in the intensity of the dry out effect. To model the pore pressure evolution is more complex because it comprises the full interaction of the coupled THM processes. The spread between the pore pressure modelled by the teams was larger, with some teams overestimating the pressure increase due to heating and some teams overestimating the extent of drainage. The agreement of modelled results with measurements improves with larger distance to the heater. We conclude that the EDZ and the shotcrete potentially influence the behaviour of the rock causing higher differences closer to the heater. Further research is needed to better implement those influences into the models. Based on the calibrated models, the future evolution of temperature, relative humidity and pore pressure was predicted over the next 10 years following a change of the heat power applied in 2023 and 2024. Again, the predicted temperatures agree very closely between the teams. Most teams do not expect an increase in relative humidity during the next 10 years after the initial dry-out.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Perceptual and performance consequences of flight in virtual worlds

There are two primary purposes for head-mounted systems in aeronautical settings. One is for helmet-mounted sights and teleoperated (head-slaved) weapons systems. Bennett, Johnson, Perrone, and Phatak (1988) evaluated head tracking performance during passive and controlled flight. In that study, comparisons were also made of head tracking performance in sterile and relatively complex virtual worlds. That study confirmed the robustness of head tracking performance across a wide variety of visual scenes. A second use of virtual world displays is for aircraft control. Aircraft controllability using head-mounted, panel-mounted, or simulated out-the-window scenes has been systematically examined. Those studies reported the range of rotorcraft flight tasks in which head-mounted virtual worlds provided some advantages. Two studies will be reported that examine the perceptual/performance effects of virtual worlds. The first examines head tracking performance with roll-stabilized versus non-roll stabilized virtual worlds. The purpose of the study was to (1) examine display strategies used in current display systems and (2) study the adaptability of observers to estimated glide slope angles using head-slaved versus head-stabilized imagery. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of wide field-of-regards during final approaches to a runway.

Bennett, C. Thomas↗

Correlation studies on surface particle detection methods

The accurate determination of dust levels on optical surfaces is necessary to assess sensor system performance. A comparison study was made on several particle measurement methods including those based on direct imaging and light scattering. The effectiveness of removing the particles from the surface prior to determining particle size distributions was also assessed. These studies revealed that some methods, especially those requiring particle removal before analysis, are subject to large systematic errors affecting particle size distributions. Thus, an understanding of the particle measurement methods employed is necessary before any surface cleanliness or obstruction value assignments are accepted as true representations of an optical surface contamination condition.

Peterson, Ronald V.↗

Results from an International Interlaboratory Study on Light- and Elevated Temperature-Induced Degradation (LETID) in Solar Modules

This presentation reports recently submitted results from an international interlaboratory comparison study on light- and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LETID) on crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules. A large global network of PV module manufacturers and PV testing laboratories collaborated to design a protocol for LETID detection, and screen a large and diverse set of prototype modules for LETID. We summarize the range of observed degradation and provide initial conclusions on the reproducibility of results across labs. In LETID-sensitive modules, both open-circuit voltage (VOC) and short-circuit current (ISC) degrade by a roughly similar magnitude. We observe, as do previous studies, that LETID affects each cell in a module differently. An investigation of the potential mismatch losses caused by nonuniform LETID degradation found that mismatch loss is insignificant compared to the direct LETID-related losses. We summarize the conclusions drawn from the study, provide an update on a forthcoming standard technical specification for LETID testing of PV modules (IEC TS 63342 ED1), and discuss unresolved questions and potential future work on LETID in PV modules.

degradation↗

Design and development of a prototype wet oxidation system for the reclamation of water and the disposition of waste residues onboard space vehicles

Laboratory investigations to define optimum process conditions for oxidation of fecal/urine slurries were conducted in a one-liter batch reactor. The results of these tests formed the basis for the design, fabrication, and testing of an initial prototype system, including a 100-hour design verification test. Areas of further development were identified during this test. Development of a high pressure slurry pump, materials corrosion studies, oxygen supply trade studies, comparison of salt removal water recovery devices, ammonia removal investigation, development of a solids grinder, reactor design studies and bearing life tests, and development of shutoff valves and a back pressure regulator were undertaken. The development work has progressed to the point where a prototype system suitable for manned chamber testing can be fabricated and tested with a high degree of confidence of success.

Jagow, R. B.↗

Data analysis and theoretical studies of the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere

The work proposed under this grant came in three parts. The first involved extending our continuing study of electrodynamical feedback between the thermosphere/ionosphere and the magnetosphere. The second was a model-experiment comparison study of global dynamics and the third was a 'spectral energetics' analysis of tidal dissipation and energy exchange mechanisms. In the past year, progress has been made on all three topics. A paper is in press about electrodynamic feedback, and another is also in press on an element of the 'spectral energetics' analysis. Furthermore, a paper is being prepared on global dynamics variations in response to geomagnetic storms. In addition, much of the data needed for further studies on global dynamics is being prepared for inclusion in a relational database. This report is organized into several separate sections. In the next section, we present an introduction to the work that we are doing in this proposal. We discuss the progress made in our work and some results in section 3. In the last section, we summarize the work.

Burns, Alan↗

Data Analysis and Theoretical Studies of the Upper Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

Three separate tasks were proposed under this award. The first involved extending our continuing study of electrodynamical feedback between the thermosphere/ionosphere and the magnetosphere. The second was a model-experiment comparison study of global dynamics and the third was a 'spectral energetics' analysis of tidal dissipation and energy exchange mechanisms. The Earth's mesosphere and lower-thermosphere/ionosphere (MLTI), between approximately 60 and 180 km altitude, is the most poorly understood region of the Earth's atmosphere, primarily because of its relative inaccessibility. This lack of knowledge has been widely recognized and has provided important scientific rationale for the upcoming NASA TIMED mission. While the data gathered during the TIMED era will revolutionize our understanding of the MLTI region, much work can be done prior to the mission, both to develop data-analysis and modeling techniques and to study the more limited relevant experimental data from previous missions. The grant reported on here continues and extends an existing successful program of scientific research into the energetics, dynamics and electrodynamics of the MLTI, using available theoretical and data analysis tools.

Burns, Alan↗

Mars-GRAM: Increasing the Precision of Sensitivity Studies at Large Optical Depths

The Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM) is an engineering-level atmospheric model widely used for diverse mission applications. Mars-GRAM's perturbation modeling capability is commonly used, in a Monte-Carlo mode, to perform high fidelity engineering end-to-end simulations for entry, descent, and landing (EDL). It has been discovered during the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) site selection process that Mars-GRAM, when used for sensitivity studies for MapYear=0 and large optical depth values such as tau=3, is less than realistic. A comparison study between Mars atmospheric density estimates from Mars-GRAM and measurements by Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) has been undertaken for locations of varying latitudes, Ls, and LTST on Mars. The preliminary results from this study have validated the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) limb data. From the surface to 80 km altitude, Mars-GRAM is based on the NASA Ames Mars General Circulation Model (MGCM). MGCM results that were used for Mars-GRAM with MapYear=0 were from a MGCM run with a fixed value of tau=3 for the entire year at all locations. This has resulted in an imprecise atmospheric density at all altitudes. To solve this pressure-density problem, density factor values were determined for tau=.3, 1 and 3 that will adjust the input values of MGCM MapYear 0 pressure and density to achieve a better match of Mars-GRAM MapYear 0 with TES observations for MapYears 1 and 2 at comparable dust loading. The addition of these density factors to Mars-GRAM will improve the results of the sensitivity studies done for large optical depths.

Justh, Hilary L.↗

X-ray quantum efficiencies of CCD's

The X-ray quantum efficiency of a CCD was still high enough to obtain good X-ray imaging with this device. The range and response of the CCD to incident X-rays in the 5 to 14.1 KeV range were determined experimentally. Knowledge of this range and response allows direct measurement of quantum efficiency. Quantum efficiency decreased monotonically from 82% to 35% in the range studied. Comparison of experimental and theoretical quantum efficiencies allowed a determination of silicon bulk electron diffusion length. For the device studied, the electron diffusion length was 75 micrometers.

Peckerar, M.↗

Operational impacts of high penetration solar power on a real-world distribution feeder

Higher penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV), with their uncontrollable generation variability, imposes various grid stability challenges on distribution system operation. The primary problem is significant voltage rise in the distribution feeder that forces existing voltage control devices such as on-load tap-changers and line voltage regulators to operate more frequently. The consequence is the deterioration of the operating life of the voltage control mechanism. The objective of this paper is to investigate the voltage impact of increased penetration of PV systems on distribution load tap changer operations. Both steady-state and quasi-static power flow analyses have been conducted to assess the impact on load tap changes under different solar PV penetration levels. Two real-world distribution feeder circuits are used as a test system in this study. Simulations are carried out for up to one-year period with 1-minute time step using OpenDSS. A comparison study was performed to investigate potential voltage rise issues in the network by increasing total PV penetration from 0 to 100% in the feeder. Results show significant increase in the total number of tap operations as solar PV penetration increases. Impacts on nodal voltages and feeder net power are also presented.

Dong, Jin↗

Advanced Transportation System Studies. Technical Area 3: Alternate Propulsion Subsystem Concepts

The Alternate Propulsion Subsystem Concepts contract had seven tasks defined for this report. The tasks were: F-1A Restart Study, J-2S Restart Study, Propulsion Database Development, SSME Upper Stage Use, CERs for Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines, Advanced Low Cost Engines, and Tripropellant Comparison Study. The detailed study results, with the data to support the conclusions from various analyses, are being reported as a series of five separate Final Task Reports. Consequently, this volume only reports the required programmatic information concerning Computer Aided Design Documentation, and New Technology Reports. A detailed Executive Summary, covering all the tasks, is also available as Volume I of this report.

Levack, Daniel J. H.↗

X-ray diffraction studies of model compounds of thermoplastic polyimides

Several model compounds which represent aspects of the chemical structure of the Langley Research Center thermoplastic (LARC-TPI) have been synthesized for comparison studies using wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) as the discriminatory tool. The model compounds included N-phenylphthalimide, 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic diphthalimide, and N,N'-diphenyl-3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic diphthalimide. X-ray diffraction studies of appropriate model compounds can yield information to aid in the understanding of polymeric crystallographic structure. Crystallinity and physical property changes can thus be induced into materials having complicated structures by chemical and thermal processes.

Wakelyn, N. T.↗

Dataset of Generative AI Workload Power Profiles

This dataset provides a collection of high-resolution (5/10 Hz or every 0.2/0.1 seconds) power consumption profiles for generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) workloads executed on NLR's High Performance Computing (HPC) platform Kestrel. The dataset also includes examples of representative whole-facility power profiles generated using a bottom-up, event-driven, data center energy model . This dataset is designed to support research in energy modeling, infrastructure planning, energy system integration, and sustainability analysis for AI-driven computing systems. The dataset captures time-resolved electrical power measurements across a diverse set of configurations, including variations in job type (inference vs. training), workload (LLM vs. image generation), datasets, and number of compute nodes. Power traces are provided in a standardized format and include both raw/instantaneous and aggregated files. Each profile is accompanied by metadata describing workload parameters, enabling reproducibility and cross-study comparison. The dataset is intended for use in applications such as data center infrastructure planning, energy modeling, demand response and grid impact studies, and development and validation of system-level simulation tools. By making these workload-specific power profiles publicly available, this dataset aims to address the current lack of open, empirical energy data for generative AI systems and to facilitate transparent, reproducible research on the energy and environmental impacts of large-scale AI deployment. If you use this dataset, please cite the associated publication: Vercellino et al., “Measurement of Generative AI Workload Power Profiles for Whole-Facility Data Center Infrastructure Planning,” arXiv:2604.07345 (2026).

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Nuclear Safety [Vol. 37, No. 2, April-June 1996]

Nuclear Safety is a journal that covers significant issues in the field of nuclear safety. Its primary scope is safety in the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power reactors worldwide and the research and analysis activities that promote this goal, but it also encompasses the safety aspects of the entire nuclear fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, spent-fuel processing and handling, and nuclear waste disposal, the handling of fissionable materials and radioisotopes, and the environmental effects of all these activities. Table of Contents for this issue follows. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 97 The Nuclear Community and the Public: Cognitive and Cultural Influences on Thinking About Nuclear Risk, M. A. Meyer; 109 Twenty-Third Water Reactor Safety Information Meeting, D. A. Copinger; ACCIDENT ANALYSIS: 126 Analysis of a PWR LBLOCA Without SCRAM, Trevor N. Tyler, Rafael Macian-Juan and John H. Mahaffy; DESIGN FEATURES: 139 Vulnerability of Multiple-Barrier Systems, N. C. Lind; ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: 149 A Study of Wet Catalytic Oxidation of Radioactive Spent Ion Exchange Resin by Hydrogen Peroxide, Xingchao Jian, Tianbao Wu, and Guichun Yun; 157 A Comparison Study and Resolution of Differences Between Emergency Response and Safety Analysis Codes Used at the Savannah River Site, A. A. Simpkins; OPERATING EXPERIENCES: 164 Reactor Shutdown Experience, Compiled by J. W. Cletcher; RECENT DEVELOPMENTS: 167 Reports, Standards, and Safety Guides, D. S. Queener; 172 Proposed Rule Changes as of Dec. 31,1995; ANNOUNCEMENTS: 178 American Nuclear Society 1997 Annual Meeting; 178 American Nuclear Society Nuclear Criticality and Safety Division Topical Meeting; 176 The Authors.

05 NUCLEAR FUELS↗