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NASA’s Space Launch System: Artemis I Results and the Path Forward

The Artemis era of human space exploration beyond low Earth orbit launched at 1:47 a.m. EST on November 16, 2022. Artemis I was the first integrated flight of the agency’s new super heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), and the next-generation spacecraft for astronauts, Orion. The mission sent an uncrewed Orion spacecraft into a distant retrograde orbit about the Moon. During the 25-day mission, NASA collected valuable data on the performance of the launch vehicle and crew spacecraft and information on the deep space environment where crews will soon operate. Orion splashed down approximately 80 miles off the coast of Baja, California, at the conclusion of the mission December 11. This paper will provide a summary of the launch campaign from vehicle integration and testing through completion of the upper stage phase with primary emphasis on SLS. It will also discuss highlights of progress on manufacturing and testing of SLS hardware and software for upcoming Artemis missions.

John Honeycutt↗

NASA NTRS2016

Integrated Turbine Tip Clearance and Gas Turbine Engine Simulation

Gas turbine compressor and turbine blade tip clearance (i.e., the radial distance between the blade tip of an axial compressor or turbine and the containment structure) is a major contributing factor to gas path sealing, and can significantly affect engine efficiency and operational temperature. This paper details the creation of a generic but realistic high pressure turbine tip clearance model that may be used to facilitate active tip clearance control system research. This model uses a first principles approach to approximate thermal and mechanical deformations of the turbine system, taking into account the rotor, shroud, and blade tip components. Validation of the tip clearance model shows that the results are realistic and reflect values found in literature. In addition, this model has been integrated with a gas turbine engine simulation, creating a platform to explore engine performance as tip clearance is adjusted. Results from the integrated model explore the effects of tip clearance on engine operation and highlight advantages of tip clearance management.

gas path dynamics↗

NASA NTRS2016

Integrated Turbine Tip Clearance and Gas Turbine Engine Simulation

aerothermodynamics↗

DOE OSTI2018

Streamlining Stakeholder Data Accessibility Utilizing Web-Based GIS Capabilities - 18672

Environmental data is often complex, and it can be difficult to provide proper context to fully understand and comprehensively analyze the data. One tool identified to better present complicated data is the use of web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Web-based GIS provides much-needed visual context to the complex data collected at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). By overlaying environmental data atop relevant geographical features, such as topography, surface or subsurface geology, hydrogeological features, buildings, roads, and technical areas, LANL's diverse group of stakeholders are better able to understand environmental data collected at the LANL site within the framework of the surrounding geography. Since 2012, Los Alamos has utilized a web-based GIS module in the Intellus New Mexico data-sharing web site. This web site provides unfettered public access to LANL and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) - Department of Energy (DOE) Oversight Bureau environmental data. Through the past five years of real world experience, LANL identified areas where questions and confusion arose, particularly for those not directly associated with the site's environmental cleanup mission. In order to query the millions of records in Intellus in a meaningful way, users had to have substantial knowledge of the data organization and nomenclature ahead of time. While this was not a challenge for LANL and NMED environmental scientists, it proved to be a substantial barrier for members of the general public to utilize Intellus. In 2017, LANL initiated an Intellus redesign with the goal of deconstructing the type of questions people asked and identifying the types of user personas accessing the site to engineer a simpler path to desired data sets. Greatly simplified click paths ('Quick Paths') were created that walk the user through the basics with a minimum of jargon and a strong reliance on mapping results for easy visualization. The improved mapping was enabled by an upgraded online GIS functionality that allowed LANL to easily integrate their own base-maps to provide users the most up to date views of their data. The integrated Intellus GIS was enhanced to assimilate with LANL's dynamic base maps and site information in relation to data collection activities, to avoid outdated presentations. A simplified user interface (UI) was added and easier data querying was designed. A more robust visual presentation was created that allowed better viewing of spatial data. All data queries in the new simplified 'Quick Path' give the users the option to map the results and save their results to their optional accounts. This brings the power of GIS visualization to all users without the need for GIS knowledge or extensive training. By integrating with Esri{sup R} technologies, base-map layers in ArcGIS Online{sup R} can be updated by LANL or other data providers at any time and reflected immediately in the Intellus mapping application called GIS+ 1. Users can even load additional map layers to GIS+ that contain their own spatial data or information shared from over a million users on ArcGIS Online{sup R}, such as ecological information from the Fish and Wildlife Service, or geology layers from the USGS. The results from the improved quick path search in Intellus can be viewed in GIS+ and analyzed using Esri's{sup R} Smart Mapping technology, which makes it easy to classify results with its visual representation of the results in an interactive histogram, where sliders can be dragged to look at various intervals for each color range for that query. With enhanced GIS+, Los Alamos National Laboratory is able to observe improve Stakeholder engagement and positive Stakeholder interactions within its public environmental database, Intellus New Mexico. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2019

A Planar Biaxial Experiment Platform for In Situ High-Energy Diffraction Studies

In this work, an experimental platform for multiscale studies of materials subjected to plane stress loads is presented. Specifically, a planar biaxial mechanical load frame with four independent hydraulic actuators capable of applying arbitrary loading paths and ratios of tension and compression was designed and built for in situ diffraction experimentation. The load frame is integrated for use at the Argonne National Laboratory Advanced Photon Source (APS) synchrotron, Sector 1, 1-ID-E endstation and the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) spallation neutron source, Spectrometer for Materials Research at Temperature and Stress (SMARTS) instrument. Cruciform specimen geometries were designed to experience loading ratios in the gauges commensurate with those applied at the grips, and to minimize interference with diffracted X-rays and neutrons. The finite element models used to design the cruciform specimen geometries were experimentally validated using stereo digital image correlation measurements. This complete planar biaxial in situ diffraction platform provides a new capability for studying multiaxial micromechanics of crystalline materials (e.g., elastic, slip, twinning, phase transformation) and their dependencies on grain size, location, texture, and neighborhood characteristics. The coupling with far-field high energy diffraction microscopy (ff-HEDM) for grain-by-grain measurements provides an additional benefit; provided crystal elastic constants of a material are known, it enables the direct measurement of local and average stress tensors in the gauge sections of cruciform specimens, resolving a long outstanding challenge of planar biaxial mechanical testing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Bottom-Up Simulation, Reconstruction, and Quantification of Macromolecule Sequences from Experimental Polymerizations

Motivated by the canonical sequence–structure–function paradigm, tools to characterize chemical patterning in natural biomacromolecules, from proteins to nucleic acids, have grown exponentially in recent years. However, analogous strategies for synthetic macromolecules remain in nascent stages, complicated by sequence polydispersity and analytical limitations. To address this, we have developed a comprehensive and open-source Python package, PRISM (polymer rate insights and sequence modeling), an end-to-end workflow that provides a path from experimental kinetics measurements to quantitative and qualitative metrics for describing chemical patterning in stochastic polymers. First, a numerical integration strategy was constructed to simulate and fit experimental data from reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization kinetics, enabling the facile estimation of relevant reactivity ratios. These ratios were then used in a mechanism-specific stochastic kinetic simulation strategy to simulate sequence ensembles corresponding to model systems spanning experimental copolymers, classes of statistical polymers (e.g., alternating, block, and gradient), and multiblock copolymers. Lastly, inspired by sequence homology metrics from bioinformatics, we introduce visualization strategies and quantitative metrics to facilitate comparisons of different sequence ensembles. As the sequence–structure–function paradigm becomes increasingly central in de novo design of synthetic macromolecules, this toolkit provides a first step toward accurate and representative sequence description and featurization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2019

Terahertz Detection with Perfectly-Absorbing Photoconductive Metasurface

Terahertz (THz) photoconductive devices are utilized for generation, detection, and modulation of THz waves, and they rely on the ability to switch electrical conductivity on a subpicosecond time scale using optical pulses. Yet, fast and efficient conductivity switching with high contrast has been a challenge, because the majority of photoexcited charge carriers in the switch do not contribute to the photocurrent due to fast recombination. Here, we improve efficiency of electrical conductivity switching using a network of electrically connected nanoscale GaAs resonators, which form a perfectly absorbing photoconductive metasurface. We achieve perfect absorption without incorporating metallic elements, by breaking the symmetry of cubic Mie resonators. As a result, the metasurface can be switched between conductive and resistive states with extremely high contrast using an unprecedentedly low level of optical excitation. We integrate this metasurface with a THz antenna to produce an efficient photoconductive THz detector. The perfectly absorbing photoconductive metasurface opens paths for developing a wide range of efficient optoelectronic devices, where required optical and electronic properties are achieved through nanostructuring the resonator network.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2023

Cooling Strategies for an Electric Motor with Additively Manufactured Hollow Conductors and Distributed Power Electronics Integrated with Heat Pipes

This paper discusses design tradeoffs and thermal modeling explored in cooling strategies for an aircraft propulsion electric motor with additively manufactured coils and distributed power electronics integrated with heat pipes. Design tradeoffs include heat pipe Qmax performance related to inclination, condenser configuration, coolant type, coolant flow path complexity, and ease of access to modular power electronics. Three cooling strategies were selected and realized into CAD models. These models were further evaluated using 3D thermal FEA and optimization tools to explore cooling geometry details that include fin thickness, spacing and count with the objective to minimize fin mass under a set of constraints. Lastly, motorette test data is presented comparing air versus liquid cooling of heat pipes.

additive manufacturing↗

DOE OSTI2025

The Upgrade of the SNS Extraction Kicker Power Supplies for the Proton Power Upgrade

The Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) project at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) aims to enhance the linear accelerator's power output from 1.4 to 2.8 megawatts. A critical focus lies on upgrading the Extraction Kicker Power Supplies to handle the amplified beam power. The existing capacitor charging power supplies lacked the capability to charge the Blumlein-type Pulse Forming Network (PFN) to the required 40 kV at a repetition rate of 60 Hz. To address this limitation, an initial solution involving the use of a resonant charging circuit was proposed. However, a challenge arose with a self-firing issue in the thyristor switch, which proved unsolvable within the given timeframe. Facing a critical decision point in the project, an alternative approach was explored: integrating a supplementary power supply to enhance the overall power capacity. This solution was tested and ultimately chosen as the path forward. To accommodate the additional power supply, the power distribution system had to undergo upgrades. Throughout this endeavor, a comprehensive examination of the system took place, with meticulous identification of key components. This paper delves into the technical challenges encountered during the process and the corresponding solutions that were implemented.

Tan, Yugang [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000155968252)↗

DOE OSTI2026

Community Resilience Through Rapid Restoration Leveraging Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Low-Cost Sensors

Equitable and automated bottoms-up power restoration following an extreme event will be demonstrated at a site in Puerto Rico. To do so, the team will develop enhanced grid situational awareness techniques integrating behind-the-meter (BTM) distributed energy resources (DER) discovery, impedance sweeping based outage boundary detection, and feasible restoration path identification algorithms. Resilience metric will be developed and incorporated along with situational awareness information in a distributed Model Predictive Control (MPC)-based restoration optimization algorithm to control and mobilize grid assets. These algorithms will be validated through power hardware-in-the-loop experiments and ultimately, a site demonstration to show that outage recovery time and total recovered load could be improved by >20% over the baseline.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NASA NTRS1972

A flight evaluation of VTOL jet transport under visual and simulated instrument conditions

A flight investigation was performed with the Dornier DO-31 VTOL to evaluate the performance, handling qualities, and operating characteristics that are considered to be important in the operation of a commerical VTOL transport in the terminal area. The DO-31, a 20,000 kilogram transport, has a mixed jet propulsion system; main engines with nozzles deflect from a cruise to a hover position, and vertical lift engines operated below 170 knots. This VTOL mode incorporates pitch and roll attitude and yaw rate stabilization. The tests concentrated on the transition, approach, and vertical landing. The mixed jet propulsion system provided a large usable performance envelope that enabled simulated IFR approaches to be made on 7 deg and 12 deg glide slopes. In these approaches management of thrust magnitude and direction was a primary problem, and some form of integrating the controls will be necessary. The handling qualities evaluation pointed out the need for additional research of define flight path criteria. The aircraft had satisfactory control and stability in hover out of ground effect. The recirculation effects in vertical landing were large below 15 meters.

Holzhauser, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Experimental investigation of resonance self-shielding and the Doppler effect in uranium and tantalum

A series of average transmission and average self-indication ratio measurements were performed in order to investigate the temperature dependence of the resonance self-shielding effect in the unresolved resonance region of depleted uranium and tantalum. The measurements were carried out at 77 K, 295 K and approximately 1000 K with sample thicknesses varying from approximately 0.1 to 1.0 mean free path. The average resonance parameters as well as the temperature dependence were determined by using an analytical model which directly integrates over the resonance parameter distribution functions.

Byoun, T. Y.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Review of extravehicular activity for Shuttle program

Extravehicular activity (EVA) is a baselined Shuttle Orbiter capability. It can provide cost-effective servicing operations for payloads, on-orbit repair, and techniques for meeting various on-orbit contingencies. The basic EVA system planned consists of Orbiter-integral provisions, carry-on life support provisions, and EVA support equipment provisions. The Orbiter-integral provisions include the internal airlock, the EVA Egress module, and the docking module, each of which provides an egress path. The carry-on life support provisions will be two Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU), composed of an Astronaut Life Support Assembly (ALSA) and a Space Suit Assembly (SSA). The support equipment includes tethers, special tools, translation aids, and workstations. The Shuttle Orbiter EVA requirements and possible tasks, EVA crew rescue equipment and techniques, crew support, EVA training, and EVA timeline activities are described.

Covington, J. H.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Meteorological radar calibration

A meteorological radar calibration technique is developed. It is found that the integrated, range corrected, received power saturates under intense rain conditions in a manner analogous to that encountered for the radiometric path temperature. Furthermore, it is found that this saturation condition establishes a bound which may be used to determine an absolution radar calibration for the case of radars operating at attenuating wavelengths. In the case of less intense rainfall or for radars at nonattenuating wavelengths, the relationship for direct calibration in terms of an independent measurement of radiometric path temperature is developed. This approach offers the advantage that the calibration is in terms of an independent measurement of the rainfall through the same elevated region as that viewed by the radar.

Hodge, D. B.↗

NASA NTRS1979

SEPS mission and system integration/interface requirements for the space transportation system

Earth escape mission requirements on Solar Electric Propulsion System (SEPS), and the interface definition and planned integration between SEPS, user spacecraft, and other elements of the STS. Emphasis is placed on the Comet rendezvous mission, scheduled to be the first SEPS user. Interactive SEPS interface characteristics with spacecraft and mission, as well as the multiple organizations and inter-related development schedules required to integrate the SEPS with spacecraft and STS, require early attention to definition of interfaces in order to assure a successful path to the first SEPS launch in July 1985

Cork, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

A CCIR aeronautical mobile satellite report

Propagation effects in the aeronautical mobile-satellite service differ from those in the fixed-satellite service and other mobile-satellite services because: small antennas are used on aircraft, and the aircraft body may affect the performance of the antenna; high aircraft speeds cause large Doppler spreads; aircraft terminals must accommodate a large dynamic range in transmission and reception; and due to their high speeds, banking maneuvers, and three-dimensional operation, aircraft routinely require exceptionally high integrity of communications, making even short-term propagation effects very important. Data and models specifically required to characterize the path impairments are discussed, which include: tropospheric effects, including gaseous attenuation, cloud and rain attenuation, fog attenuation, refraction and scintillation; surface reflection (multipath) effects; ionospheric effects such as scintillation; and environmental effects (aircraft motion, sea state, land surface type). Aeronautical mobile-satellite systems may operate on a worldwide basis, including propagation paths at low elevation angles. Several measurements of multipath parameters over land and sea were conducted. In some cases, laboratory simulations are used to compare measured data and verify model parameters. The received signals is considered in terms of its possible components: a direct wave subject to atmospheric effects, and a reflected wave, which generally contains mostly a diffuse component.

Davarian, Faramaz↗

NASA NTRS1990

Autonomous power expert fault diagnostic system for Space Station Freedom electrical power system testbed

The goal of the Autonomous Power System (APS) program is to develop and apply intelligent problem solving and control to the Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System (SSF/EPS) testbed being developed and demonstrated at NASA Lewis Research Center. The objectives of the program are to establish artificial intelligence technology paths, to craft knowledge-based tools with advanced human-operator interfaces for power systems, and to interface and integrate knowledge-based systems with conventional controllers. The Autonomous Power EXpert (APEX) portion of the APS program will integrate a knowledge-based fault diagnostic system and a power resource planner-scheduler. Then APEX will interface on-line with the SSF/EPS testbed and its Power Management Controller (PMC). The key tasks include establishing knowledge bases for system diagnostics, fault detection and isolation analysis, on-line information accessing through PMC, enhanced data management, and multiple-level, object-oriented operator displays. The first prototype of the diagnostic expert system for fault detection and isolation has been developed. The knowledge bases and the rule-based model that were developed for the Power Distribution Control Unit subsystem of the SSF/EPS testbed are described. A corresponding troubleshooting technique is also described.

Truong, Long V.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Precision Cleaning - Path to Premier

ITT Space Systems Division s new Precision Cleaning facility provides critical cleaning and packaging of aerospace flight hardware and optical payloads to meet customer performance requirements. The Precision Cleaning Path to Premier Project was a 2007 capital project and is a key element in the approved Premier Resource Management - Integrated Supply Chain Footprint Optimization Project. Formerly precision cleaning was located offsite in a leased building. A new facility equipped with modern precision cleaning equipment including advanced process analytical technology and improved capabilities was designed and built after outsourcing solutions were investigated and found lacking in ability to meet quality specifications and schedule needs. SSD cleans parts that can range in size from a single threaded fastener all the way up to large composite structures. Materials that can be processed include optics, composites, metals and various high performance coatings. We are required to provide verification to our customers that we have met their particulate and molecular cleanliness requirements and we have that analytical capability in this new facility. The new facility footprint is approximately half the size of the former leased operation and provides double the amount of throughput. Process improvements and new cleaning equipment are projected to increase 1st pass yield from 78% to 98% avoiding $300K+/yr in rework costs. Cost avoidance of $350K/yr will result from elimination of rent, IT services, transportation, and decreased utility costs. Savings due to reduced staff expected to net $4-500K/yr.

Mackler, Scott E.↗