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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2013

Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods of Assembling Same

A method of assembling an energy harvesting system is provided. The method includes coupling at least one energy storage device in flow communication with at least one apparatus that is configured to generate thermal energy and to transfer the thermal energy into at least one fluid stream. The energy storage device is configured to store the fluid stream. Moreover, the method includes coupling at least one fluid transfer device downstream from the energy storage device. The fluid transfer device receives the fluid stream from the energy storage device. A bladeless turbine is coupled in flow communication with the fluid transfer device, wherein the bladeless turbine receives the fluid stream to generate power.

Cepeda-Rizo, Juan↗
NASA NTRS1981

Reliable aerial thermography for energy conservation

A method for energy conservation, the aerial thermography survey, is discussed. It locates sources of energy losses and wasteful energy management practices. An operational map is presented for clear sky conditions. The map outlines the key environmental conditions conductive to obtaining reliable aerial thermography. The map is developed from defined visual and heat loss discrimination criteria which are quantized based on flat roof heat transfer calculations.

Jack, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Graphite/copper alloy interfacial energies determined using the sessile drop method

Graphite surfaces are not wet by pure copper. This lack of wetting is responsible for a debonding phenomenon that was found in continuous graphite fiber/copper matrix composites materials subjected to elevated temperatures. By suitably alloying copper, its capability to wet graphite surfaces can be enhanced. In situ measurements of graphite/copper alloy wetting angles were made using the sessile drop method. Interfacial energy values were calculated based upon these measurements.

Devincent, Sandra M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Method and system for in vivo measurement of bone tissue using a two level energy source

Methods and apparatus are provided for radiologically determining the bone mineral content of living human bone tissue independently of the concurrent presence of adipose and other soft tissues. A target section of the body of the subject is irradiated with a beam of penetrative radiations of preselected energy to determine the attenuation of such beam with respect to the intensity of each of two radiations of different predetermined energy levels. The resulting measurements are then employed to determine bone mineral content.

Cameron, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS2013

A Method for Localizing Energy Dissipation in Blazars Using Fermi Variability

The distance of the Fermi-detected blazar gamma-ray emission site from the supermassive black hole is a matter of active debate. Here we present a method for testing if the GeV emission of powerful blazars is produced within the sub-pc scale broad line region (BLR) or farther out in the pc-scale molecular torus (MT) environment. If the GeV emission takes place within the BLR, the inverse Compton (IC) scattering of the BLR ultraviolet (UV) seed photons that produces the gamma-rays takes place at the onset of the Klein-Nishina regime. This causes the electron cooling time to become practically energy independent and the variation of the gamma-ray emission to be almost achromatic. If on the other hand the -ray emission is produced farther out in the pc-scale MT, the IC scattering of the infrared (IR) MT seed photons that produces the gamma-rays takes place in the Thomson regime, resulting to energy-dependent electron cooling times, manifested as faster cooling times for higher Fermi energies. We demonstrate these characteristics and discuss the applicability and limitations of our method.

Dotson, Amanda↗
NASA NTRS1993

Development of deterministic transport methods for low energy neutrons for shielding in space

Transport of low energy neutrons associated with the galactic cosmic ray cascade is analyzed in this dissertation. A benchmark quality analytical algorithm is demonstrated for use with BRYNTRN, a computer program written by the High Energy Physics Division of NASA Langley Research Center, which is used to design and analyze shielding against the radiation created by the cascade. BRYNTRN uses numerical methods to solve the integral transport equations for baryons with the straight-ahead approximation, and numerical and empirical methods to generate the interaction probabilities. The straight-ahead approximation is adequate for charged particles, but not for neutrons. As NASA Langley improves BRYNTRN to include low energy neutrons, a benchmark quality solution is needed for comparison. The neutron transport algorithm demonstrated in this dissertation uses the closed-form Green's function solution to the galactic cosmic ray cascade transport equations to generate a source of neutrons. A basis function expansion for finite heterogeneous and semi-infinite homogeneous slabs with multiple energy groups and isotropic scattering is used to generate neutron fluxes resulting from the cascade. This method, called the FN method, is used to solve the neutral particle linear Boltzmann transport equation. As a demonstration of the algorithm coded in the programs MGSLAB and MGSEMI, neutron and ion fluxes are shown for a beam of fluorine ions at 1000 MeV per nucleon incident on semi-infinite and finite aluminum slabs. Also, to demonstrate that the shielding effectiveness against the radiation from the galactic cosmic ray cascade is not directly proportional to shield thickness, a graph of transmitted total neutron scalar flux versus slab thickness is shown. A simple model based on the nuclear liquid drop assumption is used to generate cross sections for the galactic cosmic ray cascade. The ENDF/B V database is used to generate the total and scattering cross sections for neutrons in aluminum. As an external verification, the results from MGSLAB and MGSEMI were compared to ANISN/PC, a routinely used neutron transport code, showing excellent agreement. In an application to an aluminum shield, the FN method seems to generate reasonable results.

Ganapol, Barry↗
NASA NTRS2002

Design of a Dual Waveguide Normal Incidence Tube (DWNIT) Utilizing Energy and Modal Methods

This report investigates the partition design of the proposed Dual Waveguide Normal Incidence Tube (DWNIT). Some advantages provided by the DWNIT are (1) Assessment of coupling relationships between resonators in close proximity, (2) Evaluation of "smart liners", (3) Experimental validation for parallel element models, and (4) Investigation of effects of simulated angles of incidence of acoustic waves. Energy models of the two chambers were developed to determine the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) drop across the two chambers, through the use of an intensity transmission function for the chamber's partition. The models allowed the chamber's lengthwise end samples to vary. The initial partition design (2" high, 16" long, 0.25" thick) was predicted to provide at least 160 dB SPL drop across the partition with a compressive model, and at least 240 dB SPL drop with a bending model using a damping loss factor of 0.01. The end chamber sample transmissions coefficients were set to 0.1. Since these results predicted more SPL drop than required, a plate thickness optimization algorithm was developed. The results of the algorithm routine indicated that a plate with the same height and length, but with a thickness of 0.1" and 0.05 structural damping loss, would provide an adequate SPL isolation between the chambers.

Betts, Juan F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Dependence of the average spatial and energy characteristics of the hadron-lepton cascade on the strong interaction parameters at superhigh energies

A method for calculating the average spatial and energy characteristics of hadron-lepton cascades in the atmosphere is described. The results of calculations for various strong interaction models of primary protons and nuclei are presented. The sensitivity of the experimentally observed extensive air showers (EAS) characteristics to variations of the elementary act parameters is analyzed.

Boyadjian, N. G.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Some methods in high energy cosmic ray measurement

Problems concerning ion chamber and emulsion detection techniques for high energy cosmic ray measurement are investigated. The calculation of the average energy actually deposited in an ion chamber by an ultra-high energy particle of large mass and charge is examined. A calculational scheme already applied successfully to particles of charge 1 is extended. Also, the calibration of a plate of plastic scintillator for measurement of the position of a cosmic ray shower passing through it is discussed. The method of calibration is to inject pulses of flight at known positions on the plate and record the responses of photomultiplier tubes at the corner of the plate.

Shand, J. B., Jr.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Low-Energy Hydrogen Separation Method Using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Closed-Loop ECLSS Air Revitalization (CLEAR)

The State-of-the-Art (SOA) air revitalization architecture onboard the International Space Station (ISS) recovered approximately 50% of the oxygen (O 2 ) from metabolic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) via the Sabatier process from 2011 to 2017. O 2 recovery is currently constrained by the limited availability of reactant hydrogen (H 2 ) preventing complete conversion of CO 2 to H 2 O. Increasing O 2 recovery within Closed-Loop ECLSS is essential to reducing resupply mass for long-duration manned missions; specifically focusing on water (H 2 O) which supplies H 2 for Sabatier via water electrolysis. Past ground test endeavors at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) have attempted to recover H 2 from Sabatier-produced CH 4 using technologies such as carbon vapor deposition (CVD) and plasma pyrolysis. The byproducts of these technologies can act as a catalyst poison or reactor deadload to the Sabatier reactor. Hydrogen separation techniques must be utilized to maintain the Sabatier catalyst during gas recycling and must be scalable, non-energy intensive, and safe to operate in a habitation setting. Research indicated that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could meet these criteria and were tested for their capability to capture the various carbon-based gaseous products of CVD and plasma pyrolysis such as acetylene (C 2 H 2 ), ethylene (C 2 H 4 ), ethane (C 2 H 6 ), and carbon monoxide (CO) which would purify the hydrogen gas stream passing through the MOF. A sub-scale adsorption column was developed by Marshall Space Flight Center to test three MOF candidates against a synthetic gas mixture comprised of process-relevant carbonous gases and hydrogen to evaluate the separation capability of the MOFs. The results of the hydrogen separation capability, isothermal desorption capability, and demonstrated cyclic reuse of the MOF are presented in this paper.

Kagen Crawford↗
NASA NTRS1979

Aluminium or copper substrate panel for selective absorption of solar energy

A method for making panels which selectively absorb solar energy is disclosed. The panels are comprised of an aluminum substrate, a layer of zinc thereon, a layer of nickel over the zinc layer and an outer layer of solar energy absorbing nickel oxide or a copper substrate with a layer of nickel thereon and a layer of solar energy absorbing nickel oxide distal from the copper substrate.

Roberts, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Methods of reducing energy consumption of the oxidant supply system for MHD/steam power plants

An in-depth study was conducted to identify possible improvements to the oxidant supply system for combined cycle MHD power plants which would lead to higher thermal efficiency and reduction in the cost of electricity, COE. Results showed that the oxidant system energy consumption could be minimized when the process was designed to deliver a product O2 concentration of 70 mole percent. The study also led to the development of a new air separation process, referred to as liquid pumping and internal compression. MHD system performance calculations show that the new process would permit an increase in plant thermal efficiency of 0.6 percent while allowing more favorable tradeoffs between magnetic energy and oxidant system capacity requirements.

A. J Juhasz↗
NASA NTRS1983

Methods of reducing energy consumption of the oxidant supply system for MHD/steam power plants

An in-depth study was conducted to identify possible improvements to the oxidant supply system for combined cycle MHD power plants which would lead to higher thermal efficiency and reduction in the cost of electricity, COE. Results showed that the oxidant system energy consumption could be minimized when the process was designed to deliver a product O2 concentration of 70 mole percent. The study also led to the development of a new air separation process, referred to as 'liquid pumping and internal compression'. MHD system performance calculations show that the new process would permit an increase in plant thermal efficiency of 0.6 percent while allowing more favorable tradeoffs between magnetic energy and oxidant system capacity requirements.

Juhasz, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Hadronic components of EAS by rigorous saddle point method in the energy range between 10(5) and 10(8) GeV

The study of hadronic components in the high energy range between 10 to the 5 and 10 to the 8 Gev exhibits by far the strongest mass sensitivity since the primary energy spectrum as discussed by Linsley and measured by many air shower experimental groups indicates a change of slope from -1.7 to 2.0 in this energy range. This change of slope may be due to several reasons such as a genuine spectral feature of astrophysical origin, a confinement effect of galactic component or a rather rapid change of mass, a problem which we have attempted to study here in detail.

Sinha, M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Tunnel effect wave energy detection

Methods and apparatus for measuring gravitational and inertial forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on an object or fluid in space provide an electric tunneling current through a gap between an electrode and that object or fluid in space and vary that gap with any selected one of such forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on that object or fluid. These methods and apparatus sense a corresponding variation in an electric property of that gap and determine the latter force, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy in response to that corresponding variation, and thereby sense or measure such parameters as acceleration, position, particle mass, velocity, magnetic field strength, presence or direction, or wave or radiant energy intensity, presence or direction.

Kaiser, William J.↗