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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
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Determining the Cause of Reduced Concurrent Flame Spread over Thin Solid Fuels in Low Pressure and Low Gravity

The spread of flames over the surface of solid combustible materials is affected by the environmental conditions. Variables such as flow velocity, oxygen concentration, ambient pressure, partial gravity or microgravity, may change the material flammability and influence the fire dynamics. This is an important fire safety issue for space exploration vehicles and space habitats which will very likely have different environments than those currently used on the International Space Station, such as reduced pressure and enriched oxygen concentration (SEA). However, testing experimentally the materials to be used and qualified for space exploration under these conditions is a difficult and expensive task. Here, numerical modeling is used to understand the dominant physico-chemical processes on the concurrent flame spread over thin fabrics under reduced ambient pressure (and in turn, buoyancy) and variable gravitational conditions. The numerical model uses the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS6) code with a single-step Arrhenius reaction rate for the solid phase decomposition. Different models are tested for the gas phase combustion kinetics. The model results are validated with experimental results obtained at similar reduced ambient pressure and flow conditions at 1 g. It is shown that as ambient pressure is reduced the flame spread rate over a thin fabric is also reduced, both experimentally and numerically. Numerical results are compared to an analytical approach previously developed to explain the experimental trends. Further interpretation of the model results provides information regarding the physics of the process and how they are affected by the lower pressure environments and gravity conditions. The results of this work provide guidance for potential on-earth testing for fire safety design in spacecraft and space habitats.

microgravity↗
DOE OSTI2021

Pushing the efficiency limit of low-cost, industrially relevant Si solar cells to > 22.5% by advancing cell structures and technology innovations (Final Report)

The overall objective of this program is to achieve ~23% bifacial n-type cell efficiencies by developing and implementing optimized homogeneous or selective boron (B) emitter on front and tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) on rear side, in combination with advanced fine-line screen-printing metallization with floating busbars. During this research project, first we developed a technology roadmap to drive the 21% n-PERT cell efficiency from 21% to 23% by transforming the cell design to n-TOPCon and establishing the requirements for each layer, including B emitter, rear n-TOPCon, n-base Si and screen-printed contacts. Next, consistent with our roadmap, we developed advanced homogeneous implanted B emitter (150-180 Ω/⌫) passivated with ALD Al 2 O 3 layer capped with PECVD SiN x /SiO x double-layer antireflection coating This gave a very low recombination current density of 10-15 fA/cm 2 prior to metallization. In addition, we demonstrated metallized recombination current density of ~31 fA/cm 2 for this advanced homogeneous B emitter with industrial screen-printed, fire-through contacts with 40 μm wide grid lines, floating busbars and implementation of an advanced Ag-Al paste which resulted in local or reduced area metal-Si contact under the grid lines with virtually no emitter surface etching. This paste reduced the full area metallized J oe,metal from >1100 fA/cm 2 to ~700 fA/cm 2 . We also developed novel processes for the formation of p + /p ++ selective B emitter by a) single B diffusion with selective etch back and b) two-steps diffusion with implanted B in field region and APCVD B diffusion under the metal grid. We achieved very low un-metallized recombination current density (J 0 ) of ~18 fA/cm 2 for the selective p ++ p + emitters (30/150 Ω/⌫) and metallized J 0 of ~28 fA/cm 2 with ~3% screen-printed metal contact to p ++ regions. Next, we developed the technology for n-TOPCon by growing phosphorus-doped LPCVD and PECVD poly-Si on top of ~ 15Å chemically grown (NAO) tunnel oxide. After an optimized anneal at 875 °C for 30 min, passivated n-TOPCon have unmetallized J 0 of ~ 5 fA/cm 2 which went down further to ~ 1 fA/cm 2 after a 700 Å SiN x capping layer and simulated contact firing cycle at 770 °C. After screen-printed fire-through metallization on this n-TOPCon with ~13% metal coverage, metallized J 0 value increased to only ~5 fA/cm 2 which is among the lowest reported value to the best of our knowledge for screen-printed metallization. Finally, we integrated all the above technology innovations and enhancements and demonstrated low-cost manufacturable screen-printed n-TOPCon bifacial Si solar cell with ~23% efficiencies. Based on the experimental and theoretical understanding developed in this project, we have developed a new technology roadmap that shows that implementation of busbarless contacts, 10-20 ms bulk lifetime Si, and selective B emitter or selective TOPCon on the front can drive ~23% efficient cells achieved in this research to ~25% at low-cost.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

QUIC-URB and QUIC-fire extension to complex terrain: Development of a terrain-following coordinate system

Ensemble-based approaches to prescribed fire planning cannot be supported by CFD-based models like FIRETEC and WFDS because they are too computationally expensive and cannot leverage LES approaches like CAWFE and WRF-SFIRE because too coarse of resolution. QUIC-Fire was developed to fill this gap but it cannot currently address complex terrain, typical for instance of the Western United States. In this paper, we describe the extension of the diagnostic wind model QUIC-URB, the wind engine of QUIC-Fire, to a terrain-following coordinate system. In particular, the paper presents the mathematical derivation of the wind solver leading to a linear system of equations that are solved through the successive over-relaxation method. The model is validated against a standard test used in previous works (the Askervein Hill) and against a new dataset from measurements in the Socorro Mountains, New Mexico. The terrain-following implementation captured the correct phenomenology for the isolated Askervein Hill, with a wind speed up at the top of the hill. We report the model agreed well with measurements on the upwind side of the peak, but overestimated speed-up on the downwind side of the hill. This is due to the inability of the model to generate flow separation and wake-eddy dynamics. On a common laptop, the divergence-free wind field was obtained in 6 s, making the solver appealing for coupled fire–atmosphere simulations. The Socorro Mountain was highly complex, with many cliff faces, peaks, and valleys. Although the model captures the magnitude and direction of inlet and outlet areas of the domain, it performs rather poorly in the valley region and in the regions near the steep cliffs. Hence, the model shows good agreement with data in areas of open sloped terrain but lacks in areas where flow separation and thermally driven effects may be present (neither effect was addressed in this work). Results highlight that future work should focus on the implementation of parameterizations of wake-eddies, similar to QUIC-URB’s building parameterizations, and on thermodynamic-driven flow.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Burn severity and vegetation type control phosphorus concentration, molecular composition, and mobilization

Shifting phosphorus (P) dynamics after wildfires can have cascading impacts from terrestrial to aquatic environments. However, it is unclear whether shifts in P composition or P concentration are responsible for changes in P dynamics post-fire. We used laboratory leaching experiments of Douglas fir forest and sagebrush shrubland chars to examine how the potential mobility of P compounds is influenced by different burn severities. Burning produced a 6.9- and 29-fold increase in particulate P mobilization but a 3.8- and 30.5-fold decrease in aqueous P released for Douglas fir forest and sagebrush shrubland, respectively. The mechanisms driving particulate- and dissolved-phase P compound mobilization were contrasting. Phosphorus compound mobilization in the particulate phase was controlled by solid char total P concentrations, while the aqueous phase was driven by solubility changes of molecular species. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) on the solid chars indicated that organic orthophosphate monoester and diester species were thermally mineralized to inorganic P moieties with burning in both vegetation types, which decreases P solubility. This coincided with the production of calcium- and magnesium-bound inorganic P compounds. With increasing burn severity there were systematic shifts in P concentration and composition – higher-severity chars mobilized P compounds in the particulate phase, although the magnitude of change was vegetation-specific. Our results indicate a post-fire transformation to both the composition of the solid charred material and how P compounds are mobilized, which may influence its environmental cycling and fate.

31P solution-state NMR↗
DOE OSTI2021

Using action space clustering to constrain the recent accretion history of Milky Way-like galaxies

ABSTRACT In the currently favoured cosmological paradigm galaxies form hierarchically through the accretion of satellites. Since a satellite is less massive than the host, its stars occupy a smaller volume in action space. Actions are conserved when the potential of the host halo changes adiabatically, so stars from an accreted satellite would remain clustered in action space as the host evolves. In this paper, we identify recently disrupted accreted satellites in three Milky Way-like disc galaxies from the cosmological baryonic FIRE-2 simulations by tracking satellites through simulation snapshots. We try to recover these satellites by applying the cluster analysis algorithm Enlink to the orbital actions of accreted star particles in the z = 0 snapshot. Even with completely error-free mock data we find that only 35 per cent (14/39) satellites are well recovered while the rest (25/39) are poorly recovered (i.e. either contaminated or split up). Most (10/14 ∼70 per cent) of the well-recovered satellites have infall times <7.1 Gyr ago and total mass >4 × 108M⊙ (stellar mass more than 1.2 × 106 M⊙, although our upper mass limit is likely to be resolution dependent). Since cosmological simulations predict that stellar haloes include a population of in situ stars, we test our ability to recover satellites when the data include 10–50 per cent in situ contamination. We find that most previously well-recovered satellites stay well recovered even with 50 per cent contamination. With the wealth of 6D phase space data becoming available we expect that cluster analysis in action space will be useful in identifying the majority of recently accreted and moderately massive satellites in the Milky Way.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Data and scripts associated with: “Burn severity and vegetation type control phosphorus concentration, molecular composition, and mobilization”

This data package is associated with the publication “Burn severity and vegetation type control phosphorus concentration, molecular composition, and mobilization” published in European Geophysical Union - Biogeosciences (Barnes et al. 2025). This study investigates how phosphorus (P) biogeochemistry is altered by burn severity in contrasting types of vegetation chars. This data package documents the workflow used to process and generate the main figures and statistics in the manuscript. The R scripts reference minimally processed P nuclear magnetic resonance (P-NMR) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (P-XANES) data, as well as fully processed data including total elemental composition of the solid chars, total elemental composition of the char leachates (particulate and aqueous phases), and leachate aqueous phase molybdate reactive P concentration. These source data and associated metadata can be found on ESS-DIVE at https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/1894135 (Grieger et al. 2022; v3). Files and scripts included in this data package finish the processing workflow for P-NMR and P-XANES data. These data can be used to gain a better understanding of bulk chemical changes in chars and their leachates, as well as detailed molecular changes to P. This data package is associated with the GitHub repository found at https://github.com/river-corridors-sfa/rcsfa-RC3-BSLE_P. This data package is comprised of a “data” folder and a series of data processing and analysis scripts. Details on how to recreate the workflow can be found in the Critical Details section of the readme and the “workflow_readme.md” file. The file-level metadata file (file ending in “flmd.csv”) lists all files contained in this data package and descriptions for each. The data dictionary (file ending in “dd.csv”) describes all tabular data columns and their respective definitions and units.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Heating effects on jack pine pyrogenic organic matter properties from a pyrocosm study in 2022

This dataset contains data associated with the preprint “Fire removes preexisting pyrogenic organic matter from the ecosystem through the mechanisms of both direct combustion and increasing mineralizability” (Luo et al., 2025b), which is the complementary study to the published paper “Reburning pyrogenic organic matter: a laboratory method for dosing dynamic heat fluxes from above” (Luo et al., 2025a). We designed a full-factorial experiment with different burial depths of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb) pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) (Surface, 1 cm, and 5 cm) and different heat-flux profiles (High, Low, and Control) to examine how subsequent fires affect the properties of preexisting PyOM. We measured total carbon (C), pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and mineralized C (as CO₂-C, from a 12-week incubation).We found that high heat flux and/or surface placement resulted in substantial direct C losses through combustion. Intermediate heat exposure produced both combustion losses and increases in DOC and mineralizability, which may have complex long-term implications: an increased dissolved fraction of PyOM may promote downward transport into mineral soils and potentially contribute to deeper, longer-term C storage, but it may also make PyOM more susceptible to microbial decomposition. Under the lowest heat flux and deepest burial, most PyOM was retained, and changes in DOC and C mineralization were minimal. Finally, PyOM pH, an important chemical property, decreased under low-temperature heating but increased under higher temperatures.We uploaded pH data for all samples (“pH_of_all_samples.csv”); pH and temperature-related data (peak temperature and degree hours) for samples in High and Low heat-flux treatments (“pH_vs_peakT_and_degree_hours_only_for_heated_samples.csv”); total C data (“CN_pct_C_stock_C_loss_in_samples.csv”); DOC and DIC data (“doc_dic.csv”); and mineralized C (CO₂-C) data (“CO2-C_all_original.csv”). Additional details can be found in the Methods & Sampling section.All datasets uploaded to ESS-DIVE are clearly labeled, cleaned, and include both raw and derived data, ready for reuse in other analyses. All analysis code and raw datasets are also available on GitHub: https://github.com/MengmengLuo/Fire-removes-preexisting-pyrogenic-organic-matter-from-the-ecosystem.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1974

Combustion products generating and metering device

Device simulates incipient fire conditions in closely-controlled adjustable manner, to give predetermined degree of intensity at selected locations throughout area, and to verify that detection system will respond. Device can be used with and for cross calibration and experimentation in conjunction with commercially available products of combustion analyzing meters.

Wiberg, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Studies with the USF/NASA toxicity screening test method - Oxygen concentrations with various test conditions

Continuing efforts to increase the versatility of the USF/NASA toxicity screening test method have included the use of different test conditions in order to simulate various fire environments. The use of air flow at flow rates of 16 to 48 ml/sec maintains oxygen concentrations above 19 percent throughout the 30 min exposure period, compared to above 16 percent without forced air flow. These levels of oxygen are well within the tolerance range of mice, and approach the oxygen levels found in many real fire situations. Proposed minimum oxygen levels based on experience with rats are unduly restrictive on the use of other species such as mice, and tend to eliminate the cost savings which may more than justify the selection of mice.

Hilado, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Effects of boron and glass hybrid epoxy-composites on graphite-fiber release in an aircraft fire

Recent studies have shown that the benefits gained by using graphite-epoxy composite structures may not be realized without some risk. The graphite fibers are very good electrical conductors and fibers released into the environment during a fire create a possible hazard to electrical equipment. Several graphite-epoxy hybrids were exposed to a fire and simulated explosion and their graphite fiber retention characteristics were examined. Several low melting-temperature glasses which wet and clump graphite-fibers and a glass/graphite fabric which reduced impact damage were identified as promising hybridizing components to minimize graphite fiber release.

Tompkins, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

High-voltage spark carbon-fiber sticky-tape data analyzer

An efficient method for detecting carbon fibers collected on a stick tape monitor was developed. The fibers were released from a simulated crash fire situation containing carbon fiber composite material. The method utilized the ability of the fiber to initiate a spark across a set of alternately biased high voltage electrodes to electronically count the number of fiber fragments collected on the tape. It was found that the spark, which contains high energy and is of very short duration, is capable of partially damaging or consuming the fiber fragments. It also creates a mechanical disturbance which ejects the fiber from the grid. Both characteristics were helpful in establishing a single discharge pulse for each fiber segment.

Yang, L. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Low NO subx heavy fuel combustor concept program. Phase 1A: Coal gas addendum

The performance and emissions from a rich-lean combustor fired on simulated coal gas fuels were investigated using a 12.7-cm diameter axially-staged burner originally designed for operation with high heating value liquid fuels. A simple, tubular fuel injector was substituted for the liquid fuel nozzle; no other combustor modifications were made. Four test fuels were studied including three chemically bound nitrogen-free gas mixtures with higher heating values of 88, 227, and 308 kj/mol (103, 258 and 349 Btu/scf), and a 227 kj/mol (258 Btu/scf) heating value doped with ammonia to produce a fuel nitrogen content of 0.5% (wt). Stable, ultra-low nitrogen oxide, smoke-free combustion was attained for the nitrogen-free fuels. Results with the doped fuel indicated that less than 5% conversion of NH3 to nitrogen oxide levels below Environmental Protection Agency limits could be achieved. In some instances, excessive CO levels were encountered. It is shown that use of a burner design employing a less fuel-rich primary zone than that found optimum for liquid fuels would yield more acceptable CO emissions.

Rosfjord, T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A life test of a 22-Newton (5-lbf) hydrazine rocket

Life tests were conducted on a 22-N (5-lb) hydrazine rocket thruster which incorporates the latest technology to obtain long life from the catalyst bed. A spring mechanism surrounding the catalyst bed continually applies compression to the catalyst bed to prevent the formation of any void channels. The research rocket thruster was tested over an operational cycle of both steady state and pulse firing which simulated a possible space station duty cycle. The thruster ran as expected for about 40 hours, or 3.2 times 10 to the 6th power N-sec (7.2 times 10 to the 5th power lb-sec) total impulse. Subsequently, some thrust chamber pressure decreases were noted during long steady state test periods. After 60.2 hours of run time, tests had to be terminated due to a blockage in the propellant injector tube which occurred during heating of the thruster by a heat lamp. A chemical analysis of the catalyst indicated that iron and nickel metals had poisoned some of the catalyst, thereby causing a degradation in performance. It was determined that a contaminated barrel of hydrazine was the source of the metal poisoning.

Meng, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1960

A Preliminary Investigation on the Destruction of Solid-Propellant Rocket Motors by Impact from Small Particles

An investigation was conducted to determine whether solid-propellant rocket motors could be ignited and destroyed by small-particle impacts at particle velocities up to a approximately 10,940 feet per second. Spheres ranging from 1/16 to 7/32 inch in diameter were fired into simulated rocket motors containing T-22 propellant over a range of ambient pressures from sea level to 0.12 inch of mercury absolute. Simulated cases of stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and laminated Fiberglas varied in thickness from 1/50 to 1/8 inch. Within the scope of this investigation, it was found that ignition and explosive destruction of simulated steel-case rocket motors could result from impacts by steel spheres at the lowest attainable pressure.

Carter, David J., Jr.↗