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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Al III, Si IV, and C IV absorption toward zeta Ophiuchi: Evidence for photionized and collisionally ionized gas

We present Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph observations at 3.5 km/s resolution and signal-to-noise ratios of 30 to 60 for the Al III, Si IV, and N V absorption lines in the far-ultraviolet spectrum of the O9.5 V star zeat Ophiuchi. The measurement reveal three types of highly ionized gas along the 140 pc line of sight. (1) Narrow components of Al III (b = 4.3 km/s, the mean value of (v(helio)) = -7.8 km/s; b = 3.2 km/s, the mean value of (v(sub helio)) = -14.4 km/s) and Si IV (b = 5.3 km/s, the mean value of (v(sub helio)) = -15.0 km/s) trace photionized gas in the expanding H II region surrounding zeta Oph. The observed magnitude and direction of the velocity offset between the Al III and Si IV profiles can be explained by models of H II regions that incorporate expansion. Narrow C IV absorption associated with the H II region is not detected. Predictions of the expected amounts of Si IV and C IV overestimate the column densities of these ions by factors of 30 and more than 10, respectively. The discrepancy may be due to the effects of elemental depletions in the gas and/or to the interaction of the stellar wind with surrounding matter. (2) Broad (b = 15 to 18 km/s) and weak Si IV and C IV absorption components are detected near the mean value of (v(sub helio)) = -26 km/s. The high-ionization species associated with these absorption components are probably produced by electron collisional ionization in a heated gas. This absorption may be physically related to the zeta Oph bow shock ot to a cloud complex situated within the local interstellar medium at d less than 60 pc. The C IV to Si IV column density ratio in this gas is 8, a factor of 6 less than conductive interface models predict, but this discrepancy may be removed by considering the effects of self-photoionization within the cooling gas in the model calculations. (3) A broad (b = 13 km/s) and weak C IV absorption feature detected at the mean value of (v(sub helio)) = -61 km/s is not seen in other species. We tentatively ascribe this absorption to gas in a postshock ragion of an optically thin shock in the zeta Oph stellar wind.

Sembach, Kenneth R.↗
NASA NTRS2016

LED Lighting and Plant Growth: Supplemental LED Effects on Development

The growth of plants aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will play a pivotal role in advancing human space exploration to further uncharted destinations. Not only will plants be useful for oxygen production and carbon dioxide reduction, they will also serve as a supplemental food source for the astronaut diet. Research indicates that the most efficient way for these crops to be grown is by using electric lighting – specifically light-emitting diodes (LED) due to their several unique advantages. One of these advantages includes the potential for selecting certain wavelengths. By isolating certain lights, the effects of specific wavelengths on plant growth can be made clearer. This research project examined plant morphology, chlorophyll, biomass production, and nutrient synthesis in ‘Outredgeous’ red romaine lettuce grown under six LED light treatments of white (W), W + blue (B), W + green (G), W + red (R), W + far red (FR), and a Heliospectra lamp (Helio) (-composed of B+G+R+FR LEDs without W LEDS-). It was consistently found that the lettuce grown under the Helio, W + FR, W + R, and W + G treatments all showed improved physiology in terms of shoot length, shoot diameter, fresh mass, and dry mass relative to the W control. The Helio, W + FR, and W + G treatments exhibited significantly larger leaf areas while the Helio and W + FR treatments also produced more leaves on average at 28 days after planting (DAP). The W (control) and W + B treatments showed the highest accumulation of chlorophyll at 28 DAP. In conclusion, lettuce grown under the Helio treatment may be the overall most beneficial for supplementing the astronaut diet in terms of total edible biomass produced in a 28 day crop cycle.

LED↗
NASA NTRS1977

Interplanetary baseline observations of type 3 solar radio bursts

Simultaneous observations of type III radio bursts using spacecraft separated by several tenths of an AU were made using the solar orbiters HELIOS-A and -B. The burst beginning at 1922 UT on March 28, 1976, was located from the intersection of the source directions measured at each spacecraft, and from the burst arrival time differences. Wide baseline observations give the radial distance of the source at each observing frequency. Consequently, coronal electron densities and exciter velocity were determined directly, without the need to assume a density model as is done with single spacecraft observations. The separation of HELIOS-A and -B also provided the first measurements of burst directivity at low frequencies. For the March 28 burst, the intensity observed from near the source longitude (HELIOS-B) was significantly greater than from 60 W of the source (HELIOS-A).

Weber, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A magnetic cloud and a coronal mass ejection

An interplanetary magnetic cloud observed by the Helios 1 spacecraft was found to be associated with a coronal mass ejection observed by the NRL Solwind coronagraph on the spacecraft P78-1. The magnetic cloud was observed on June 20, 1980, when Helios 1 was at 0.54 AU and nearly 90 deg west of the earth-sun line. This was associated with a large loop-like coronal mass ejection observed over the west limb on June 18, 1980, moving toward Helios 1. The speed of the front of the event at Helios 1 was (470 + or - 10) km/s, which is close to the mean transit speed (approximately 500 km/s). The magnetic cloud was similar to others described in the literature: The magnetic field strength was higher than average; the density was relatively low; the magnetic pressure greatly exceeded the ion thermal pressure; and the magnetic field direction changed through the cloud by rotating parallel to a plane which was highly inclined with respect to the ecliptic.

Burlaga, L. F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Simulation of January 1-7, 1978 events

The solar wind disturbances of January 1 to 7, 1978 are reconstructed by a modeling method. First, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) background pattern, including a corotating shock, is reproduced using the Stanford source surface map. Then, two solar flares with their onset times on January 1, 0717 UT at S17 deg E10 deg and 2147 UT S17 deg E32 deg, respectively, are selected to generate two interplanetary transient shocks. It is shown that these two shocks interacted with the corotating shock, resulting in a series of interplanetary events observed by four spacecraft, Helios 1 and 2, IMP-8 (Interplanetary Monitoring Platform 8), and Voyager 2. Results show that these three shock waves interact and coalesce in interplanetary space such that Helios 2 and Voyager 2 observed only one shock and Helios 1 and IMP-8 observed two shocks. All shocks observed by the four spacecraft, except the corotating shock at Helios 1, are either a transient shock or a shock which is formed from coalescing of the transient shocks with the corotating shock. The method is useful in reconstructing a very complicated chain of interplanetary events observed by a number of spacecraft.

Chao, J. K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Simulation of January 1-7, 1978 events

The solar wind disturbances of January 1 to 7, 1978 are reconstructed by a modeling method. First, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) background pattern, including a corotating shock, is reproduced using the Stanford source surface map. Then, two solar flares with their onset times on January 1, 0717 UT at S17 deg E10 deg and 2147 UT S17 deg E32 deg, respectively, are selected to generate two interplanetary transient shocks. It is shown that these two shocks interacted with the corotating shock, resulting in a series of interplanetary events observed by four spacecraft, Helios 1 and 2, IMP-8 (Interplanetary Monitoring Platform 8), and Voyager 2. Results show that these three shock wave interact and coalesce in interplanetary space such that Helios 2 and Voyager 2 observed only one shock and Helios 1 and IMP-8 observed two shocks. All shocks observed by the four spacecraft, except the corotating shock at Helios 1, are either a transient shock or a shock which is formed from coalescing of the transient shocks with the corotating shock. The method is useful in reconstructing a very complicated chain of interplanetary events observed by a number of spacecraft.

Chao, J. K.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Three-dimensional reconstruction of coronal mass ejections

Computer assisted tomography (CAT) techniques are used to reconstruct the three dimensional shape of coronal mass ejections in the interplanetary medium. Both the Helios 2 spacecraft zodiacal-light photometers and the Solwind coronograph measure changes in Thomson scattering of sunlight from electrons. The technique from near-perpendicular Solwind and Helios views are applied to determine the density of a mass ejection which left the solar surface on 24 May 1979. The coronograph and the Helios perspective views are not simultaneous; the Solwind observations extend outward to sky plane distances of only 10 of the solar radius, whereas the Helios 16 photometer observes to as close as 17 of the solar radius from the sun. The solution is obtained by assuming outward radial expansion and that the coronal mass ejections (CME's) have the same speed everywhere at the same height. The analyses show that CME's are extensive three dimensional structures (the CME of 24 May appears approximately shell) like in three dimensions.

Jackson, Bernard V.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Solar wind mass and momentum flux variations at 0.3 AU

In the past we have used electron Thomson scattering brightness observations, obtained with the zodiacal-light photometers on board the spacecraft Helios 1 and Helios 2, to study the global density structure of the quiet corona and inner heliosphere (greater than 17 solar radii). This was done by means of a comparison of synoptic maps based on these Thomson scattering observations and synoptic maps based on other solar/heliospheric data, such as IPS velocity, K-coronameter brightness and magnetic source surface data. In this paper we continue this approach by combining the Helios Thomson scattering maps (which provide density information) with IPS solar wind velocity maps to map out variations in mass and momentum flux of the solar wind as a function of latitude and phase of the solar cycle. The method used to construct the Helios and IPS synoptic maps emphasizes the global, persistent (as opposed to transient) structures, and thus can be viewed as approximating conditions in the quiet corona and inner heliosphere.

Hick, P.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Comparison of CME masses and kinetic energies near the Sun and in the inner heliosphere

Masses have now been determined for many of the CMEs observed in the inner heliosphere by the HELIOS 1 and 2 zodiacal light photometers. The speed of the brightest material of each CME has also been measured so that, for events having both mass and speed determinations, the kinetic energies of the CMEs are estimated. We compare the masses and kinetic energies of the individual CMEs measured in the inner heliosphere by HELIOS and near the Sun from observations by the SOLWIND (1979-1983) and SMM coronagraphs (1980). Where feasible we also compare the speeds of the same CMEs. We find that the HELIOS masses and energies tend to be somewhat larger by factors of 2-5 than those derived from the coronagraph data. We also compare the distribution of the masses and energies of the HELIOS and coronagraph CMEs over the solar cycle. These results provide an important baseline for observations of CMEs from coronagraphs, from the ISEE-3/ICE, WIND and Ulysses spacecraft and in the future from SOHO.

Webb, D. F.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Impact of vertical and seasonal variation in leaf traits on simulating soybean canopy photosynthesis via 1D and 3D modeling

Accurate modeling of photosynthesis is crucial for predicting crop productivity and quantifying the carbon cycle in agroecosystems. Leaf traits are essential inputs for modeling canopy photosynthesis. Yet, many existing models still use fixed plant functional type (PTF)-based values to parameterize leaf traits under a big-leaf or two-big-leaf assumption, neglecting their vertical profiles and seasonal changes. This simplification may introduce significant uncertainties in estimating gross primary productivity (GPP). In this study, we simulated soybean GPP and tested the effects of vertical and seasonal variation in three key leaf photosynthetic traits: the maximum carboxylation rate at 25 °C (Vcmax 25 ), leaf chlorophyll content (LCC), and leaf mass per area (LMA) in the 1D-SCOPE and 3D-Helios models. Weekly field measurements were conducted during the growing season of 2024 to support the simulation. We designed ten leaf trait parameterization schemes by incorporating different combinations of vertical profiles and seasonal changes, while assuming homogeneous canopy architecture in both models. Our results revealed that Vcmax 25 vertical and seasonal variation had the strongest influence on simulated GPP in both 1D and 3D models, while LCC and LMA effects were minimal. Particularly, the scheme with an empirically parameterized Vcmax 25 profile achieved comparable performance to the scheme with the measured Vcmax 25 profile. Both 1D-SCOPE and 3D-Helios accurately modeled GPP (SCOPE: R 2 = 0.87, Bias = 0.55 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹; Helios: R 2 = 0.9, Bias = 0.22 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) under the most complex scheme, and their responses to vertical and seasonal variation in leaf traits were consistent, demonstrating the robustness of our findings. Based on our findings, we propose a scalable framework for parameterizing leaf traits to improve GPP simulations. This study contributes to improving the representation of leaf trait dynamics in canopy-level photosynthesis models, potentially enhancing our ability to predict crop productivity and understand agroecosystem carbon dynamics.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cross-Code Verification of Neutronics Analysis Tools at INL Applied for 238 Pu Production in the Advanced Test Reactor

Here, analyses are completed for experiments prior to experiment irradiation in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Various codes are used to qualify all experiments planned for insertion in the reactor, thereby ensuring that all safety and programmatic requirements are satisfied preirradiation. Among the common experiment analysis tools at INL are MCNP5 coupled to ORIGEN2 (MOPY) and MC21. MOPY uses MCNP5 for transport calculations along with calculations for fluxes and select reaction rates, and then ORIGEN2 handles the step-by-step and postirradiation depletion. MC21 handles all in-reactor transport and step-by-step, during-irradiation, depletion calculations, and then ORIGEN (SCALE 6.2.3) is used for decay and dose calculations postirradiation. The MOPY results, along with those obtained via two variations of the MC21 model, were compared in terms of 238 Pu production in the ATR’s H10 position. For the MOPY model, the MC21 model utilizing the HELIOS-based fission product (FP) library, and the MC21 model utilizing the expanded 1300 FP library, the during-cycle irradiation in-core heating results were sufficiently equivalent; however, the MOPY model and the MC21 model with the HELIOS library showed some differences relating to the respective FP libraries. Ultimately, the MC21 model with a 1300 FP library produced the most consistent results throughout the cycle, whereas the MC21 model that utilized the (smaller) HELIOS library was able to handle during-irradiation analysis but lacked certain short-lived FPs that significantly contributed to the total decay heat at shutdown. MOPY, on the other hand, was found to overpredict fission gas production, as a result of limitations in the ORIGEN2 code.

ATR↗
DOE OSTI2024

Focused Ion Beam Tomography of Alloy 617 Corroded in Molten Chloride Salt

Materials qualification of reactor structural materials is a critical step in rapid implementation of advanced nuclear reactor technologies, particularly to assess the corrosion performance in these designs. Accelerated qualification of reactor structural materials requires incorporating powerful computational toolsets, such as phase field modelling in the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework, to predict the evolution of structural materials due to corrosion. Accordingly, computational toolsets will require experimental data generated at appropriate length scales to validate accuracy. Focused ion beam (FIB) provides a high degree of control over manipulation of materials for analytical purposes, including capturing data on the evolution in the microstructure and elemental composition of materials at the mesoscale, an appropriate length scale for phase field modelling of intergranular diffusion phenomena using the MOOSE framework. For instance, the FEI Helios G4 UX dual beam plasma FIB microscope at the Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory (IMCL) is capable of backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) documenting the evolution in the microstructure and elemental composition, respectively. The Helios can perform EDS and EBSD three-dimensionally (3D) using tomography, which is then combined using different software packages to visualize 3D volumes correlating elemental composition to microstructural data. The purpose of this investigation was to develop a streamlined characterization and data processing workflow for 3D tomography studies on the FEI Helios G4 plasma FIB. The investigation is segmented into three parts: 1) Optimizing the data collection workflow, 2) identifying appropriate data processing and visualization software (i.e. DREAM.3D, MIPAR, and VGStudioMax), and 3) establishing an infrastructure for public release. The optimization of the data collection workflow is in collaboration with members of the U220 department to setup formal training on the tomography operation of the G4, through ThermoFisher Scientific, and exploring DREAM.3D, MIPAR, and VGStudioMax data processing/visualization software packages. VGStudioMax currently demonstrates the most promise for future use. Optimization of the data collection and processing workflow is still ongoing. A collaboration with INL High Performance Computing (HPC) established an open-source license for expediting the public release of FIB tomography datasets through HPC. FIB tomography data generated by the G4 will provide comprehensive data for validating 3D phase field mesoscale modelling tools within the MOOSE framework for accelerated qualification of reactor structural materials.

Copeland-Johnson, Trishelle↗
NASA NTRS1978

Ion acoustic waves in the solar wind

Plasma wave measurements on the Helios 1 and 2 spacecraft have revealed the occurrence of electric field turbulence in the solar wind at frequencies between the electron and ion plasma frequencies. Wavelength measurements with the Imp 6 spacecraft now provide strong evidence that these waves are shortwavelength ion acoustic waves which are Doppler-shifted upward in frequency by the motion of the solar wind. Comparison of the Helios results with measurements from the earth-orbiting Imp 6 and 8 spacecraft shows that the ion acoustic wave turbulence detected in interplanetary space has characteristics essentially identical to those of bursts of electrostatic turbulence generated by protons streaming into the solar wind from the earth's bow shock. In a few cases, enhanced ion acoustic wave intensities have been observed in direct association with abrupt increases in the anisotropy of the solar wind electron distribution. This relationship strongly suggests that the ion acoustic waves detected by Helios far from the earth are produced by an electron heat flux instability, as was suggested by Forslund. Possible related mechanisms which could explain the generation of ion acoustic waves by protons streaming into the solar wind from the earth's bow shock are also considered.

Gurnett, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Shock and statistical acceleration of energetic particles in the interplanetary medium

Definite evidence for particle acceleration in the solar wind came around a decade ago. Two likely sources are known to exist: particles may be accelerated by the turbulence resulting from the superposition of Alfven and Magnetosonic waves (Statistical Acceleration) or they may be accelerated directly at shock fronts formed by the interaction of fast and slow solar wind (CIR's) or by traveling shocks due to sporadic coronal mass ejections. Naurally both mechanisms may be operative. In this work the acceleration problem was tackled numerically using Helios 1 and 2 data to create a realistic representation of the Heliospheric plasma. Two 24 hour samples were used: one where there are only wave like fluctuations of the field (Day 90 Helios 1) and another with a shock present in it (Day 92 of Helios 2) both in 1976 during the STIP 2 interval. Transport coefficients in energy space have been calculated for particles injected in each sample and the effect of the shock studied in detail.

Valdes-Galicia, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Energetic solar particle fluxes out to 3 AU during the 7 May 1978 flare event

Simultaneous solar proton flux measurements on IMP 7 and by the world wide neutron monitor network during the May 7, 1978 flare event led to conclusions that in the energy range from 50 MeV to 10 GeV: (1) the propagation of the flare particles in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) between the Sun and the Earth was nearly scatter free; and (2) therefore, the intensity time (IT) profiles of the solar proton fluxes observed at Earth for about one hour after onset represent the solar injection profiles even to energies as low as 50 MeV. Observations of the IMF at Helios A indicate that the IMF was undisturbed between the Sun and Helios A at the time of the May 7, 1978 flare event; and, therefore, the solar particle propagation was also scatter free from the Sun to Helios A.

Lockwood, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS2004

A Review of Solar-Powered Aircraft Flight Activity at the Pacific Missile Range Test Facility, Kauai, Hawaii

A series of solar-powered aircraft have been designed and operated by AeroVironment, Inc. (Monrovia, CA) as a part of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) objectives to develop energy-efficient high-altitude long-endurance platforms for earth observations and communications applications. Flight operations have been conducted at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards CA and at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) at Barking Sands, Kauai, HI. These aircraft flown at PMRF are named Pathfinder , Pathfinder Plus and Helios . Sizes of these three aircraft range from 560 lb with a 99-ft wingspan to 2300 lb with a 247-ft wingspan. Available payload capacity reaches approximately 200 lb. Pathfinder uses six engines and propellers: Pathfinder Plus 8; and Helios 14. The 2003 Helios fuel cell configurations used 10 engines and propellers. The PMRF was selected as a base of operations because if offers optimal summertime solar exposure, low prevailing wind-speeds on the runway, modest upper-air wind-speeds and the availability of suitable airspace. Between 1997 and 2001, successive altitude records of 71,530 ft, 80,200 ft, and 96,863 ft were established. Flight durations extended to 18 hours.

Ehernberger, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS2006

NASA Solar Array Demonstrates Commercial Potential

A state-of-the-art solar-panel array demonstration site at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center provides a unique opportunity for studying the latest in high-efficiency solar photovoltaic cells. This five-kilowatt solar-array site (see Figure 1) is a technology-transfer and commercialization success for NASA. Among the solar cells at this site are cells of a type that was developed in Dryden Flight Research Center s Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program for use in NASA s Helios solar-powered airplane. This cell type, now denoted as A-300, has since been transferred to SunPower Corporation of Sunnyvale, California, enabling mass production of the cells for the commercial market. High efficiency separates these advanced cells from typical previously commercially available solar cells: Whereas typical previously commercially available cells are 12 to 15 percent efficient at converting sunlight to electricity, these advanced cells exhibit efficiencies approaching 23 percent. The increase in efficiency is due largely to the routing of electrical connections behind the cells (see Figure 2). This approach to increasing efficiency originated as a solution to the problem of maximizing the degree of utilization of the limited space available atop the wing of the Helios airplane. In retrospect, the solar cells in use at this site could be used on Helios, but the best cells otherwise commercially available could not be so used, because of their lower efficiencies. Historically, solar cells have been fabricated by use of methods that are common in the semiconductor industry. One of these methods includes the use of photolithography to define the rear electrical-contact features - diffusions, contact openings, and fingers. SunPower uses these methods to produce the advanced cells. To reduce fabrication costs, SunPower continues to explore new methods to define the rear electrical-contact features. The equipment at the demonstration site includes two fixed-angle solar arrays and one single-axis Sun-tracking array. One of the fixed arrays contains typical less-efficient commercial solar cells and is being used as a baseline for comparison of the other fixed array, which contains the advanced cells. The Sun-tracking array tilts to follow the Sun, using an advanced, real-time tracking device rather than customary pre-programmed mechanisms. Part of the purpose served by the demonstration is to enable determination of any potential advantage of a tracking array over a fixed array. The arrays are monitored remotely on a computer that displays pertinent information regarding the functioning of the arrays.

Creech, Gray↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Next Generation Big Data Storage for Long Space Missions

This paper presents the results of the HELIOS (Hardened Extremely Long Life In-formation Optical Storage) mission on the International Space Station (ISS) which tested a unique solution for the long-term storage and retrieval of data in space. For this mission Creative Technology (CTech) developed test media—termed WORF (Write Once, Read Forever)—to validate whether this patented technology will survive all critical parameters for harsh space-based environments including microgravity and ionizing radiation. The HELIOS experiment confirmed that the WORF media is impervious to ionizing radiation, microgravity, solar (plasma) eruptions, and the stress from 8 Gs of the launch including extreme temperature expo-sure. The principal results indicate that there has been no discernible degradation of the media after 8 months on the ISS as compared to a control set of media stored on the ground. This data validated the media’s survivability for harsh space environments for long-term and deep space missions. In addition to the space environment, we are confident that WORF technology can be used for data storage where space-related and other long-term or archival integrity is critical such as: geospatial collections from satellites; space weather archives; past, ongoing, and future space mission media and documentation files; the deep space Gate-way program; as well as Big Data applications such as the Vera C. Rubin astronomical observatory (formerly the LSST). WORF technology for the HELIOS experiment uses a proven archival media, redesigned, re-purposed and patented by CTech to store digital data for long periods, measured in decades and possibly centuries. The media stores standing waves embedded in a substrate that capture the precise col-ors or wavelengths projected onto the media. The colors represent numerical data, with each data location storing multiple superimposed wavelengths, which facilitate the storage of multiple data bytes (rather than just zeros and ones); advanced mathematical permutations allow for extremely large data density equal to or greater than contemporary data storage de-vices. These colors cannot fade or degrade over time since the standing waves are physically stabilized (fully oxidized) metallic silver; no dyes are embedded for this storage system, and silver ions resist micro-bacterial and fungal contamination

Rodney Grubbs↗