Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “embedding technology”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

A Beehive Inspired Hydrogen Photocatalytic Device Integrating a Carbo–Benzene Triptych Material for Efficient Solar Photo–Reduction of Seawater

The dream to produce green, clean and sustainable hydrogen from earth-abundant and free resources such as seawater and sunlight is highly motivating because of the interest for desirable economical and societal applications in energy. However, it remains challenging to develop an efficient and unassisted photocatalytic device to split seawater molecules with just sunlight without any external bias. For the first time, a such novel hierarchical material has been developed, based on thin film technology that integrates TiO 2 semiconductor layers, embedded gold nanoparticles and a photosensitive carbo-benzene layer. The design of the triptych device placing the photocatalyst in be-to-be increases the photoactive surface area by a factor 2. Its stability (>120 successive hours of hydrogen production and >5 days in a day/night representative alternation) and efficiency (STH 0.06%) are measured in NaCl-salted water. Here, the chloride ions act as hole scavengers and induce an increase of pH increasing in turn the sun-driven hydrogen production rate.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Midgap state requirements for optically active quantum defects

Abstract Optically active quantum defects play an important role in quantum sensing, computing and communication. The electronic structure and the single-particle energy levels of these quantum defects in the semiconducting host have been used to understand their optoelectronic properties. Optical excitations that are central for their initialization and readout are linked to transitions between occupied and unoccupied single-particle states. It is commonly assumed that only quantum defects introducing levels well within the band gap and far from the band edges are of interest for quantum technologies as they mimic an isolated atom embedded in the host. In this perspective, we contradict this common assumption and show that optically active defects with energy levels close to the band edges can display similar properties. We highlight quantum defects that are excited through transitions to or from a band-like level (bound exciton) such as the T center and Se S i + in silicon. We also present how defects such as the silicon split-vacancy in diamond can involve transitions between localized levels that are above the conduction band or below the valence band. Loosening the commonly assumed requirement on the electronic structure of quantum defects offers opportunities in quantum defects design and discovery especially in smaller band gap hosts such as silicon. We discuss the challenges in terms of operating temperature for photoluminescence or radiative lifetime in this regime. We also highlight how these alternative type of defects bring their own needs in terms of theoretical developments and fundamental understanding. This perspective clarifies the electronic structure requirement for quantum defects and will facilitate the identification and design of new color centers for quantum applications especially driven by first principles computations.

Xiong, Yihuang (ORCID:0000000178096047)↗
NASA NTRS2004

Integration of Propulsion-Airframe-Aeroacoustic Technologies and Design Concepts for a Quiet Blended-Wing-Body Transport

This paper summarizes the results of studies undertaken to investigate revolutionary propulsion-airframe configurations that have the potential to achieve significant noise reductions over present-day commercial transport aircraft. Using a 300 passenger Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) as a baseline, several alternative low-noise propulsion-airframe-aeroacoustic (PAA) technologies and design concepts were investigated both for their potential to reduce the overall BWB noise levels, and for their impact on the weight, performance, and cost of the vehicle. Two evaluation frameworks were implemented for the assessments. The first was a Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) process that used a Pugh Evaluation Matrix coupled with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). This process provided a qualitative evaluation of the PAA technologies and design concepts and ranked them based on how well they satisfied chosen design requirements. From the results of the evaluation, it was observed that almost all of the PAA concepts gave the BWB a noise benefit, but degraded its performance. The second evaluation framework involved both deterministic and probabilistic systems analyses that were performed on a down-selected number of BWB propulsion configurations incorporating the PAA technologies and design concepts. These configurations included embedded engines with Boundary Layer Ingesting Inlets, Distributed Exhaust Nozzles installed on podded engines, a High Aspect Ratio Rectangular Nozzle, Distributed Propulsion, and a fixed and retractable aft airframe extension. The systems analyses focused on the BWB performance impacts of each concept using the mission range as a measure of merit. Noise effects were also investigated when enough information was available for a tractable analysis. Some tentative conclusions were drawn from the results. One was that the Boundary Layer Ingesting Inlets provided improvements to the BWB's mission range, by increasing the propulsive efficiency at cruise, and therefore offered a means to offset performance penalties imposed by some of the advanced PAA configurations. It was also found that the podded Distributed Exhaust Nozzle configuration imposed high penalties on the mission range and the need for substantial synergistic performance enhancements from an advanced integration scheme was identified. The High Aspect Ratio Nozzle showed inconclusive noise results and posed significant integration difficulties. Distributed Propulsion, in general, imposed performance penalties but may offer some promise for noise reduction from jet-to-jet shielding effects. Finally, a retractable aft airframe extension provided excellent noise reduction for a modest decrease in range.

Hill, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Embedded Resistors and Capacitors in Organic and Inorganic Substrates

Embedded resistors and capacitors were purchased from two technology; organic PWB and inorganic low temperature co-fire ceramic (LTCC). Small groups of each substrate were exposed to four environmental tests and several characterization tests to evaluate their performance and reliability. Even though all passive components maintained electrical performance throughout environmental testing, differences between the two technologies were observed. Environmental testing was taken beyond manufacturers' reported testing, but general not taken to failure. When possible, data was quantitatively compared to manufacturer's data.

printed circuit board (PCB)↗
DOE OSTI2023

In situ embedment of type K sheathed thermocouples with directed energy deposition

Advanced nuclear reactor systems require new technologies for heat transfer and system monitoring. Additive manufacturing (AM) offers the design flexibility to allow in-situ sensor embedment through smart manufacturing for real-time monitoring, and performance of these systems. Here, this study focuses on experiments investigating the feasibility of in-situ sensor embedment using directed energy deposition (DED). Type K thermocouples are embedded into 316L stainless steel (SS) samples using two different configurations (e.g., exposed and embedded tips) and two designs (e.g., flush to substrate) within an AM base. Embedded sensor samples are analyzed via in-situ measurements and high-temperature performance validation tests at 350ºC and 900ºC. Temperature performance results at both temperature tests show good agreement with manufacturer specifications proving that these sensors could still capture accurate temperature readings after in-situ embedment during DED processing. An additional optimization experiment was conducted on the exposed tip configuration using a surrogate thermocouple to improve tolerances and the embedment process. Results improved tolerances, lower porosity, smaller gaps between the sensor and base, and better junction contact for the sensor. Although further optimization of this embedment strategy is necessary to improve the structural stability and tolerances within the component, this research strategy provides a proof-of-feasibility for DED embedment with commercial sheathed thermocouples. This research provides early impact on embedment of sensor for multiple materials and complex geometric components..

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Graphene Quantum Dot Composites Embedded with CoZn Alloy Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions

Developing efficient and durable electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) is crucial for energy conversion technologies. In this study, core–shell graphene quantum dot (GQD) composites embedded with Co, Zn, and CoZn alloy nanoparticles were synthesized using a solid-state microwave synthesis method and systematically investigated for their electrochemical performance. The structural and compositional analyses confirm that the integration of transition metal nanoparticles enhances the electronic properties of GQDs, providing abundant active sites and facilitating charge transfer. Electrochemical characterization reveals that GQD-CoZn-3 (GQD:Co:Zn = 10.5:0.5:0.5) exhibits superior ORR and OER catalytic activities, achieving the highest current densities of 205 A g–1 and 102 A g–1 at 100 mV s–1, respectively. These performance values surpass those of pristine GQDs and single-metal (Co or Zn) embedded counterparts, emphasizing the strong synergistic effect between the CoZn alloy and the functionalized carbon framework. Impedance measurements further reveal a substantial reduction in charge-transfer resistance, while chronoamperometry tests demonstrate excellent catalytic stability and CO tolerance, highlighting the robustness of the core–shell GQD structure. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of advanced carbon-based electrocatalysts for energy applications.

Panda, Pradeep Kumar↗
NASA NTRS2009

Advanced Embedded Active Assemblies for Extreme Space Applications

This work describes the development and evaluation of advanced technologies for the integration of electronic die within membrane polymers. Specifically, investigators thinned silicon die, electrically connecting them with circuits on flexible liquid crystal polymer (LCP), using gold thermo-compression flip chip bonding, and embedding them within the material. Daisy chain LCP assemblies were thermal cycled from -135 to +85degC (Mars surface conditions for motor control electronics). The LCP assembly method was further utilized to embed an operational amplifier designed for operation within the Mars surface ambient. The embedded op-amp assembly was evaluated with respect to the influence of temperature on the operational characteristics of the device. Applications for this technology range from multifunctional, large area, flexible membrane structures to small-scale, flexible circuits that can be fit into tight spaces for flex to fit applications.

lead bonding↗
DOE OSTI2023

Embedding thermocouples in SS316 with laser powder bed fusion

Recent advances in manufacturing technologies have enabled the fabrication of complex geometries for a wide range of applications, including the energy, aerospace, and civil sectors. The ability to integrate sensors at critical locations within these complex components during the manufacturing process could benefit process monitoring and control by reducing reliance on models to relate surface measurements to internal phenomena. This study investigated embedding thermocouples in a SS316 matrix using laser powder bed fusion. Under optimal processing conditions, embedded thermocouples were characterized post-building, finding good bonding to the matrix with no melt pool penetration to the sensing elements. Futher, the embedded thermocouple performed similarly to an identical non-embedded thermocouple during thermal testing to 500 °C with only a slight difference in response time, which was attributed to the differences in mass and the associated thermal time constants.

image analysis↗
DOE OSTI2024

Electrifying Critical Mineral Refinement in the US (CRADA Final Report)

The technical founder of Aepnus Technology Inc. was competitively selected for support by Cyclotron Road, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP) through an approved merit review process. Through this program, Aepnus Technology has collaborated with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to develop and validate a novel electrolysis platform targeting the recycling of sodium sulfate waste, a pervasive byproduct in the battery supply chain. The platform aims to address inefficiencies in conventional electrolysis by leveraging Aepnus' proprietary gas diffusion electrode (GDE) technology, which replaces precious metal catalysts, such as iridium, to achieve high efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced durability.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Residential HVAC Fault Data Collection Plan – Refrigerant Undercharge and Overcharge Faults

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can develop faults due to poor installation practices or gradual wear and tear, leading to decreased HVAC system’s efficiency, compromised thermal comfort, and shortened equipment lifespan (EERE, 2018). Automated fault detection and diagnosis (AFDD) technologies offer a solution by identifying energy-wasting HVAC faults, such as inadequate indoor airflow and incorrect refrigerant charge, and guiding technicians to enhance system efficiency. In the realm of residential HVAC, AFDD can be implemented through various fault detection and diagnosis capabilities, sensor configurations, and target applications. These technologies typically fall into three categories: smart diagnostic tools, original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-embedded tools, and add-on tools. Smart diagnostic tools employ temporarily installed sensors to directly measure HVAC system characteristics, while OEM-embedded tools utilize factory-installed sensors to identify faults or assess system performance. However, both these types of AFDD technologies are often only accessible for high-end HVAC equipment or require additional sensor installation by qualified technicians, resulting in high investment costs and limited applicability for low-income residential buildings. On the other hand, add-on tools rely solely on data from smart thermostats and meters to detect faults by continuously analyzing equipment runtime or energy usage. As smart thermostat and meter costs decrease and their prevalence increases, these tools can be readily deployed in low-income residential buildings. However, they possess limited capabilities as they rely solely on basic trend analysis. Enhancing such tools with advanced machine learning algorithms can significantly improve their effectiveness.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Strongly Correlated States of Transition Metal Spin Defects: The Case of an Iron Impurity in Aluminum Nitride

We investigate the electronic properties of an exemplar transition metal impurity in an insulator, with the goal of accurately describing strongly correlated defect states. Here, we consider iron in aluminum nitride, a material of interest for hybrid quantum technologies, and we carry out calculations with quantum embedding methods, density matrix embedding theory (DMET) and quantum defect embedding theory (QDET), and with spin-flip time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). We show that both DMET and QDET accurately describe the ground state and low-lying excited states of the defect and that TDDFT yields photoluminescence spectra in agreement with experiments. In addition, we provide a detailed discussion of the convergence of our results as a function of the active space used in the embedding methods, thus defining a protocol to obtain converged data directly comparable with experiments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

The ultrafast pixel array camera system and its applications in high energy density physics

Diagnostics in high energy density physics, shock physics, and related fields are primarily driven by a need to record rapidly time-evolving signals in single-shot events. These measurements are often limited by channel count and signal degradation issues on cable links between the detector and digitizer. Here we present the Ultrafast Pixel Array Camera (UPAC), a compact and flexible detector readout system with 32 waveform-recording channels at up to 10 Gsample/s and 1.8 GHz analog bandwidth. The compact footprint allows the UPAC to be directly embedded in the detector environment. A key enabling technology is the PSEC4A chip, an eight-channel switch-capacitor array sampling device with up to 1056 samples/channel. The UPAC system includes a high-density input connector that can plug directly into an application-specific detector board, programmable control, and serial readout, with less than 5 W of power consumption in full operation. We present the UPAC design and characterization, including a measured timing resolution of ~20 ps or better on acquisitions of sub-nanosecond pulses with minimal system calibrations. Example applications of the UPAC are also shown to demonstrate operation of a solid-state streak camera, an ultrafast imaging array, and a neutron time-of-flight spectrometer.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Tunable White Light for Elders (TWLITE): A Protocol Demonstrating Feasibility and Acceptability for Deployment, Remote Data Collection, and Analysis of a Home-Based Lighting Intervention in Older Adults

Sleep disturbances are common in older adults and may contribute to disease progression in certain populations (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). Light therapy is a simple and cost-effective intervention to improve sleep. Primary barriers to light therapy are: (1) poor acceptability of the use of devices, and (2) inflexibility of current devices to deliver beyond a fixed light spectrum and throughout the entirety of the day. However, dynamic, tunable lighting integrated into the native home lighting system can potentially overcome these limitations. Herein, we describe our protocol to implement a whole-home tunable lighting system installed throughout the homes of healthy older adults already enrolled in an existing study with embedded home assessment platforms (Oregon Center for Aging & Technology—ORCATECH). Within ORCATECH, continuous data on room location, activity, sleep, and general health parameters are collected at a minute-to-minute resolution over years of participation. This single-arm longitudinal protocol collected participants’ light usage in addition to ORCATECH outcome measures over a several month period before and after light installation. The protocol was implemented with four subjects living in three ORCATECH homes. Technical/usability challenges and feasibility/acceptability outcomes were explored. The successful implementation of our protocol supports the feasibility of implementing and integrating tunable whole-home lighting systems into an automated home-based assessment platform for continuous data collection of outcome variables, including long-term sleep measures. Challenges and iterative approaches are discussed. This protocol will inform the implementation of future clinical intervention trials using light therapy in patients at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2005

Comparison of Fiber Optic Strain Demodulation Implementations

NASA Langley Research Center is developing instrumentation based upon principles of Optical Frequency-Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) for the provision of large-scale, dense distribution of strain sensors using fiber optics embedded with Bragg gratings. Fiber Optic Bragg Grating technology enables the distribution of thousands of sensors immune to moisture and electromagnetic interference with negligible weight penalty. At Langley, this technology provides a key component for research and development relevant to comprehensive aerospace vehicle structural health monitoring. A prototype system is under development that includes hardware and software necessary for the acquisition of data from an optical network and conversion of the data into strain measurements. This report documents the steps taken to verify the software that implements the algorithm for calculating the fiber strain. Brief descriptions of the strain measurement system and the test article are given. The scope of this report is the verification of software implementations as compared to a reference model. The algorithm will be detailed along with comparison results.

Quach, Cuong C.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Impact of Device Scaling on Deep Sub-micron Transistor Reliability: A Study of Reliability Trends using SRAM

As microelectronics are scaled in to the deep sub-micron regime, users of advanced technology CMOS, particularly in high-reliability applications, should reassess how scaling effects impact long-term reliability. An experimental based reliability study of industrial grade SRAMs, consisting of three different technology nodes, is proposed to substantiate current acceleration models for temperature and voltage life-stress relationships. This reliability study utilizes step-stress techniques to evaluate memory technologies (0.25mum, 0.15mum, and 0.13mum) embedded in many of today's high-reliability space/aerospace applications. Two acceleration modeling approaches are presented to relate experimental FIT calculations to Mfr's qualification data.

CMOS integrated circuits↗
NASA NTRS2011

Enhanced Communication Network Solution for Positive Train Control Implementation

The commuter and freight railroad industry is required to implement Positive Train Control (PTC) by 2015 (2012 for Metrolink), a challenging network communications problem. This paper will discuss present technologies developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to overcome comparable communication challenges encountered in deep space mission operations. PTC will be based on a new cellular wireless packet Internet Protocol (IP) network. However, ensuring reliability in such a network is difficult due to the "dead zones" and transient disruptions we commonly experience when we lose calls in commercial cellular networks. These disruptions make it difficult to meet PTC s stringent reliability (99.999%) and safety requirements, deployment deadlines, and budget. This paper proposes innovative solutions based on space-proven technologies that would help meet these challenges: (1) Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) technology, designed for use in resource-constrained, embedded systems and currently in use on the International Space Station, enables reliable communication over networks in which timely data acknowledgments might not be possible due to transient link outages. (2) Policy-Based Management (PBM) provides dynamic management capabilities, allowing vital data to be exchanged selectively (with priority) by utilizing alternative communication resources. The resulting network may help railroads implement PTC faster, cheaper, and more reliably.

Policy-Based Management (PBM)↗
NASA NTRS2014

Enabling Technologies for Entrepreneurial Opportunities in 3D printing of SmallSats

A consortium of innovative experts in additive manufacturing (AM) comprising Northrup Grumman Technical Services, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Configurable Space Microsystems Innovations & Applications Center (COSMIAC), NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), and Youngstown State University, have made significant breakthroughs in the goal of creating the first complete 3D printed small satellite. Since AM machines are relatively inexpensive, this should lead to many entrepreneurial opportunities for the small satellite community. Our technology advancements are focused on the challenges of embedding key components within the structure of the article. We have demonstrated, using advanced fused deposition modeling techniques, complex geometric shapes which optimize the spacecraft design. The UTEP Keck Center has developed a method that interrupts the printing process to insert components into specific cavities, resulting in a spacecraft that has minimal internal space allocated for what traditionally were functional purposes. This allows us to increase experiment and instrument capability by provided added volume in a confined small satellite space. Leveraging initial progress made on a NASA contract, the team investigated the potential of new materials that exploit the AM process, producing candidate compositions that exceed the capabilities of traditional materials. These "new materials" being produced and tested include some that have improved radiation shielding, increased permeability, enhanced thermal properties, better conductive properties, and increased structural performance. The team also investigated materials that were previously not possible to be made. Our testing included standard mechanical tests such as vibration, tensile, thermal cycling, and impact resistance as well as radiation and electromagnetic tests. The initial results of these products and their performance will be presented and compared with standard properties. The new materials with the highest probability to disrupt the future of small satellite systems by driving down costs will be highlighted, in conjunction with the electronic embedding process.

Communications↗
DOE OSTI2022

Leveraging SETS resilience capabilities for safe-to-fail infrastructure under climate change

As the rehabilitation of infrastructure is outpaced by changes in the profile, frequency, and intensity of extreme weather events, infrastructure’s service disruptions and failures become increasingly likely. Safe-to-fail approaches for infrastructure planning and design improve the capacity of cities to adapt for uncertain climate futures by identifying social, ecological, and technological systems (SETS) capabilities to prepare for potential failure scenarios. In this work, we argue for transforming infrastructure planning and design to effectively utilize safe-to-fail approaches by navigating the opportunities and trade-offs of SETS resilience capabilities. From a technological vantage point, traditional infrastructure planning approaches account for social and ecological domains as external design conditions rather than embedded system characteristics. Safe-to-fail approaches directly challenge the isolation of the technological domain by necessitating a recognition that SETS domains are interconnected and interdependent in infrastructure systems, as such risks and system capabilities for resilience must be managed cohesively.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗