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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
DOE OSTI2023

Multiphysics simulations of Self-Regulating performance of an optimized molten metal fuel microreactor design

Advanced microreactors are expected to play an indispensable role in reliable energy solutions for civilian/ military applications in off-grid regions and space applications such as power supplies for Lunar and Mars bases. An innovative fast neutron spectrum heat pipe microreactor (HP-MR) concept was recently proposed with two unique features: molten U-Mn fuel and heat pipes as the heat removal mechanism. The microreactor was designed to be self-regulated, solely relying on reactivity feedbacks from fuel temperature. The reactor design has been further optimized to provide sufficient engineering safety margin and effective heat removal. In this study, the self-regulating performance of the optimized molten metal fuel microreactor was investigated by multi-physics simulations (neutronics, heat-transfer and heat pipe modeling) based on the MOOSE MultiApps system. In conclusion, the responses of the reactor to a series of transient scenarios were simulated to demonstrate the exceptional and inherent safety features of the novel microreactor concept.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1972

Coordinates of features on the Mariner 6 and 7 pictures of Mars.

A control net of Mars has been computed from measurements of 115 control points identified on the Mariner 6 and 7 pictures. Most of these points are located with respect to topographic features on the surface of Mars, and their areographic coordinates were computed by photogrammetric techniques. These pictures offered the first opportunity to establish a control net of Mars based on topographic detail.

Davies, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Polar symmetric flow of a viscous compressible atmosphere - An application to Mars

The atmosphere is assumed to be driven by a polar symmetric temperature field. The surface pressure gradient exhibits a latitudinal dependence opposite that of the depth-averaged temperature. The magnitude of the gradient is dependent upon the depth of the boundary layer, which depends upon the eddy viscosity, the boundary conditions imposed at the surface, and upon the temperature lapse rate. Using a temperature model for Mars based on Mariner 9 infrared spectral data with a 30% increase in the depth-averaged temperature from the winter pole to the subsolar point, the increase in surface pressure from the subsolar point to the winter pole was calculated as a function of eddy viscosity with no-slip conditions imposed at the surface. The meridional cellular flow rate is correlated with the eddy viscosity, causing a complete overturning of the atmosphere in tens of days for an eddy viscosity of .1 billion sq cm/sec and in hundreds of days for 1 million sq cm/sec. The implication of this overturning in the dust storm observed during the early part of the Mariner 9 mission is discussed briefly.

Pirraglia, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Asteroidal and planetary analysis

Photometric, spectrophotometric, and radiometric investigations of asteroids and planets are reported. Profiles of the planetary disk were used to study the physical structure of the Uranus atmosphere, and thermal and photographic properties of Saturn rings were theoretically modelled. Ground-based Mars observations were made for long-term comparison with Mariner 9 results.

Hartmann, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Isotopic composition of nitrogen - Implications for the past history of Mars' atmosphere

Models are presented for the past history of nitrogen on Mars, based on Viking measurements showing that the atmosphere is enriched in N-15. The enrichment is attributed to selective escape, with fast atoms formed in the exosphere by electron impact dissociation of N2 and by dissociative recombination of N2(+). The initial partial pressure of N2 should have been at least as large as several millibars and could have been as large as 30 millibars if surface processes were to represent an important sink for atmospheric HNO2 and HNO3.

Mcelroy, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Generation of Martian chaos and channels by debris flows

A debris flow mechanism is proposed to account for the formation of chaos and the large channels debouching into Crysae Planitia from the adjacent southern uplands of Mars. Based on considerations of the juxtaposition of individual channel environments, the morphological assemblages within each environment and flow dynamics, it is suggested that the debris flows were triggered by the large-scale failure of subsurface sediments, possibly initiated by a seismic event. During the initial, slow-moving phase of the flow, the debris would have formed gently sinuous channels with multiple side-wall slumps, grooves and ridges, and elongate erosional remnants. The flow would have gained mobility as the debris moved downslope, producing travel distances greatly in excess of those characteristic of terrestrial examples, and eroded, streamlined remnants at the distal reaches of the channel. Finally, due to internal and boundary friction, the flow would have been slowed down once it entered the Chryse plains, resulting in a thin debris blanket with no depositional relief.

Nummedal, D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The influence of cobalt on the microstructure of the nickel-base superalloy MAR-M247

Nickel was substituted for Co to produce 0, 5, and the standard 10% versions of MAR-M247, a cast nickel-base superalloy. The microstructures of the alloys were examined in as-cast, heat treated, aged, and stress-rupture tested conditions using a variety of metallographic techniques and differential thermal analysis. As cobalt concentration was reduced from 10 to 0 wt %, the gamma-prime weight fraction decreased from 59 to 41%; W and Ti concentrations in the gamma-prime phase increased from 5 to 8 and 2 to 3 at.%, respectively; the mean gamma-prime particle size increased from 0.6 to 0.8 micron; Cr and Al concentrations in the gamma matrix decreased from 17 to 13 and 15 to 12 at.%, respectively; and the weight fraction of carbides increased by approximately 1%.

Nathal, M. V.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Subkilometer Martian volcanoes - Properties and possible terrestrial analogs

Kilometer to subkilometer cones with large central craters are the most numerous volcanic structures in the northern plains of Mars. Based on examination of more than 12,000 high resolution Viking Orbiter images, most of these very small cones are located in parts of Eastern Acidalia and Utopia-Isidis-Elysium Planitia. Measurements of base and pit diameter for some 2000 well-resolved features show small variations in the histogram of base diameters between and within regions but remarkable similarity in the distribution of crater/cone diameter ratios. This suggests that the small cones had a similar origin with only minor variations in local conditions. The Acidalia cones are generally larger, more widely distributed, and occur on a greater variety of terrains than those in Utopia-Isidis-Elysium. Based on morphology, distribution, and the crater/cone ratio histograms, the smallest Martian cones may be similar to Icelandic pseudocraters. Somewhat larger, steeper cones with smaller crater/cone ratios which also occur in Eastern Acidalia may be analogs of terrestrial cinder cones.

Frey, H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The atmosphere of Mars - Resources for the exploration and settlement of Mars

This paper describes methods of processing the Mars atmosphere to supply water, oxygen and buffer gas for a Mars base. Existing life support system technology is combined with innovative methods of water extraction, and buffer gas processing. The design may also be extended to incorporate an integrated greenhouse to supply food, oxygen and water recycling. It is found that the work required to supply one kilogram of an argon/nitrogen buffer gas is 9.4 kW-hr. To extract water from the dry Martian atmosphere can require up to 102.8 kW-hr per kilogram of water depending on the relative humidity of the air.

Meyer, T. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Mars Geologic Mapping: a Review and New Concepts

The final version of the 1.15 m scale geologic map of the western equatorial region of Mars based on Viking pictures has been completed in open file format. Geologic maps of the north and south polar regions were completed in provisional form. A map of the eastern equatorial region is in compilation. Evidences of erosion, water flooding, volcanic activity, and primary and satellite craters in these areas are discussed.

Scott, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Manned Mars mission sunlight and communication occultations

Calculations are presented for the 1999 opposition class mission and a procedure for obtaining singlar occultation data for any other given Mars mission is given. Occultation data for a Mars orbiter in a 24.5 hour parking orbit and a Mars base were calculated for: sunlight occultation - the time in darkness; and radio communication occultation - the communication losses between the lander and the orbiter, the lander and Earth, and orbiter and Earth.

Jack Mulqueen↗
NASA NTRS1986

Conceptual design studies for surface infrastructure

The utimate design of a manned Mars base will be the result of considerable engineering analysis and many trade studies to optimize the configuration. Many options and scenarios are available and all need to be considered at this time. Initial base elements, two base configuration concepts, internal space architectural concerns, and two base set-up scenarios are discussed. There are many variables as well as many unknowns to be reckoned with before people set foot on the red planet.

Ann L Bufkin↗
NASA NTRS1986

Automation, robotics, and inflight training for manned Mars missions

The automation, robotics, and inflight training requirements of manned Mars missions will be supported by similar capabilities developed for the space station program. Evolutionary space station onboard training facilities will allow the crewmembers to minimize the amount of training received on the ground by providing extensive onboard access to system and experiment malfunction procedures, maintenance procedures, repair procedures, and associated video sequences. Considerable on-the-job training will also be conducted for space station management, mobile remote manipulator operations, proximity operations with the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (and later the Orbit Transfer Vehicle), and telerobotics and mobile robots. A similar approach could be used for manned Mars mission training with significant additions such as high fidelity image generation and simulation systems such as holographic projection systems for Mars landing, ascent, and rendezvous training. In addition, a substantial increase in the use of automation and robotics for hazardous and tedious tasks would be expected for Mars mission. Mobile robots may be used to assist in the assembly, test and checkout of the Mars spacecraft, in the handling of nuclear components and hazardous chemical propellent transfer operations, in major spacecraft repair tasks which might be needed (repair of a micrometeroid penetration, for example), in the construction of a Mars base, and for routine maintenance of the base when unmanned.

Holt, Alan C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Elements of a Mars transportation system

Earth to Mars transportation requirements are derived for a permanent Mars base of 20 people operating in the 2035 time frame. In order to satisfy these requirements, various transportation modes are developed assuming an existing space infrastructure including propellant tankers, crew and consumable transfer vehicles, orbital facilities and extraterrestrial propellant factories. These transportation modes are compared with respect to total propellant requirements, number of vehicles required, flight times, frequency of opportunity and several other characteristics. Directions for further studies and analysis are indicated.

Nock, K. T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

An evolutionary communications scenario for Mars exploration

As Mars exploration grows in complexity with time, the corresponding communication needs will grow in variety and complexity also. From initial Earth/Mars links, further needs will arise for complete surface connectivity for the provision of navigation, position location, and voice, data, and video communications services among multiple Mars bases and remote exploration sites. This paper addresses the likely required communication functions over the first few decades of Martian exploration and postulates systems for providing these services. Required technologies are identified and development requirements indicated.

Stevenson, Steven M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Power systems for production, construction, life support and operations in space

As one looks to man's future in space it becomes obvious that unprecedented amounts of power are required for the exploration, colonization, and exploitation of space. Activities envisioned include interplanetary travel and LEO to GEO transport using electric propulsion, Earth and lunar observatories, advance space stations, free-flying manufacturing platforms, communications platforms, and eventually evolutionary lunar and Mars bases. These latter bases would start as camps with modest power requirements (kWes) and evolve to large bases as manufacturing, food production, and life support materials are developed from lunar raw materials. These latter activities require very robust power supplies (MWes). The advanced power system technologies being pursued by NASA to fulfill these future needs are described. Technologies discussed will include nuclear, photovoltaic, and solar dynamic space power systems, including energy storage, power conditioning, power transmission, and thermal management. The state-of-the-art and gains to be made by technology advancements will be discussed. Mission requirements for a variety of applications (LEO, GEO, lunar, and Martian) will be treated, and data for power systems ranging from a few kilowatts to megawatt power systems will be represented. In addition the space power technologies being initiated under NASA's new Civilian Space Technology Initiative (CSTI) and Space Leadership Planning Group Activities will be discussed.

Sovie, Ronald J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Space power technologies

Information is given in viewgraph form on space power technologies. Energy conversion, the role of nuclear power in space, lunar and Mars bases, and the Pathfinder program are covered.

Sovie, Ronald J.↗