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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 OSTI2025

A high-temperature heat flux sensor using the transverse Seebeck effect in elemental rhenium

Heat flux sensors compatible with hot environments are critical to advance aerospace, materials, and energy generation technologies that cope with extreme thermal conditions. In this work, we report on the development and characterization of a high-temperature heat flux sensor using the transverse Seebeck effect in rhenium single crystals. The sensor leverages refractory alloys and ceramics compatible with temperatures exceeding 1000 °C. The heat flux sensor was characterized from room temperature to 500 °C using a temperature-controlled calibration facility. At constant temperature, the sensor’s voltage output is linear with respect to the absorbed heat flux. The responsivity of the sensor varies with temperature, from 1.3 μV/(W/cm 2 ) at room temperature to −3.2 μV/(W/cm 2 ) at 500 °C, increasing monotonically in magnitude after changing sign from positive to negative at approximately 300 °C. The experimental results are in good agreement with analytical predictions of the sensor’s temperature-dependent responsivity, which suggest a further increase in magnitude up to −7.4 μV/(W/cm 2 ) at 1000 °C. These results highlight the unique characteristics of rhenium as a TSE transducer. The design offers compatibility with a wide range of operating temperatures and yields a measurement sensitivity that increases as the environmental conditions become more challenging.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Phenogenomics reveals the ecology and evolution of Trichoderma fungi for sustainable agriculture

Trichoderma fungi support sustainable agriculture by suppressing plant diseases and improving crop performance. However, emerging pathogenicity of Trichoderma warrants further ecological and genetic characterization. Here we used machine learning to correlate genomic data from 37 Trichoderma strains with over 140 phenotypic traits, spanning metabolic versatility, biotic interactions, stress tolerance and reproductive strategies. We determined Trichoderma to be an ancient, genetically cohesive and physiologically diverse genus with spores capable of germination in water and dispersal via air and water droplets. Metabolic preferences indicate universal adaptation to mycoparasitism and to niches like arboreal microbial mats, alongside broader saprotrophic versatility. Our analyses are consistent with character displacement among close relatives and convergent evolution in distant lineages, with both processes shaping ecological plasticity and traits including dispersal modes, terrestrialization or endophytism. Our findings reveal that while some Trichoderma species show traits of biosafety concern, its vast ecophysiological diversity enables the development of safe, targeted bioeffectors.

Steindorff, Andrei S. [USDOE Joint Genome Institut↗
DOE OSTI2024

Long-term relaxation of orientational disorder and structural modifications in molecular nitrogen at high pressure

Up to 17 GPa, the crystalline phases of N 2 are characterized by pronounced orientational disorder, whereas the higher-pressure phases of molecular N 2 are ordered. This raises the question about long-term relaxation of orientational disorder within the low- to intermediate-pressure regime. Here, in this study, this question is addressed by comparing synthetic with natural, chemically pure, solid N 2 that resides as inclusions in diamonds at 300 K for about 10 8 years at pressures up to 11 GPa. It is shown that disorder prevails at 8.7 GPa, 300 K, where both synthetic and natural N 2 assume the same structure. However, at 10.8 GPa, natural solid N 2 exhibits monoclinic distortion and partial orientational ordering of the molecules, both of which are not observed in synthetic material. This difference is interpreted as the result of long-term structural relaxation. The ordering mechanism is examined and placed into the context of the δ- to ε-N 2 transition. We present explanations for the absence of complete ordering of δ-N 2 .

Tschauner, Oliver↗
DOE OSTI2026

Robust Heat-Flux Sensors for Coal-Fired Boiler Extreme Environments

In this project, robust heat-flux measurement systems were developed. The heat-flux sensors utilize thermoelectric effects to directly transduce the heat-flux inputs to analog electrical voltage signals. They were constructed from dedicated materials that can withstand temperatures of at least 1000°C and maintain adequate performance at these conditions for prolonged periods of time. The proposed approaches took into account numerous considerations, including system cost, sensor head resilience, sensor footprint, data accuracy, response time, and maintenance requirements. Through modern thermoelectric materials design, methodical materials selection and rigorous testing in materials characterization labs and medium-scale fire research facilities, we have demonstrated functioning laboratory prototypes, upon which one could base industrial heat-flux sensing platforms capable of operating in the challenging high-temperature, corrosive environments of the boilers of coal-fired power plants. A distributed sensor array for heat-flux measurements throughout the furnace water-wall, the superheater area and the economizer coils can provide critical data for the power plant control systems to increase efficiency, improve safety and reduce down times. For example, the combined heat-flux sensor/control systems can contribute to the optimization of burner and boiler operations under flexible loads, the optimization of heat-exchange conditions and overall reduction of heat rate and emissions, the prediction of imminent overheating conditions, and the optimization of the soot-blowing protocols.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ten Pressing Questions (and Answers) About Marine Fungi and Opportunities for Collaborations in the Ocean Sciences

Nearly 200 years have passed since the first marine fungus, collected from the shores of North Africa, was described. In that time, marine mycologists have continued to observe, describe, and study fungi in every marine ecosystem examined. Nevertheless, fungi remain functionally “dark matter” of the ocean, presenting a grand opportunity to unravel their roles in ecosystem processes. This report outlines the discussion among participants of the second occasional meeting of marine mycologists at Asilomar, California, in March 2024, in which a diverse and interdisciplinary consortium of researchers enumerated the most pressing, and often basic, unanswered questions in marine fungi. We report on the questions facing the field of marine mycology, identify challenges in addressing those questions, and propose concrete and practical solutions for obtaining their answers. A common thread is the need for increasing cross talk and collaboration between mycologists and oceanographers that would present opportunities for readers to participate in a rapidly growing field.

Amend, Anthony S. [Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa, Honol↗
NASA NTRS1990

Minimum fuel trajectories for a low-thrust power-limited mission to the moon and to Lagrange points L4 and L5

Minimum fuel trajectories from a low earth parking orbit to Lagrange points L4 or L5 and to the moon are obtained for a low-thrust limited-power spacecraft, with thrust acceleration levels of the order of 0.001 G. The procedure to find a trajectory to the libration point starts from an analytical description of a slightly elliptical spiral, given by Breakwell and Rauch. The earth moon trajectory is found by matching an earth spiral to a moon spiral on the sphere of influence. Earth oblateness effect is considered.

Breakwell, John V.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Minimum fuel trajectory for the aerospace-plane

An overall trajectory for a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle with an initial weight of 234 tons is calculated, and four different propulsion models including turbojet, ramjet, scramjet, and rocket are considered. First, the atmospheric flight in the thicker atmosphere is discussed with emphasis on trajectory optimization, optimization problem, aerodynamic problem, propulsion model, and initial conditions. The performance of turbojet and ramjet-scramjet engines is analyzed; and then the flight to orbit is assessed from the optimization point of view. It is shown that roll modulation saves little during the trajectory, and the combined application of airbreathing propulsion and aerodynamic lift is suggested.

Breakwell, John V.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Minimum fuel lunar trajectories for a low-thrust power-limited spacecraft

Minimum-fuel trajectories from a low earth parking orbit to a low moon orbit are obtained for a low-thrust power-limited spacecraft with thrust acceleration levels of the order of 0.001 G. The trajectories are found by matching an earth spiral to a moon spiral at some intermediate distance. Results are given for the planar case and for the three-dimensional case where the moon orbit is polar.

Breakwell, John V.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Minimum fuel lunar trajectories for a low-thrust power-limited spacecraft

Minimum fuel trajectories from a low Earth parking orbit to a low Moon orbit are obtained for a low-thrust power-limited spacecraft with thrust acceleration levels of the order of 10(exp -3) G. The trajectories are found by matching an Earth spiral to a Moon spirit at some intermediate distance. Results are given for the planar case and for the three dimensional case where the Moon orbit is polar.

Golan, Oded M.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Communication by Fire (and Smoke) Signals in the Kingdom of Judah

This paper examines the use of ancient fire and smoke signals for communication in the Kingdom of Judah. Historical and biblical references are cited that discuss this communication system. The current physical and political landscape of Israel precludes testing of hypotheses using traditional techniques. The use of a GIS is enlisted to overcome these obstacles and predict line-of-sight patterns that are conducive for a fire signal communication system. Final demonstration of this predictive model will incorporate state-of-the-art technology and in-field data acquisition to provide the sufficient accuracy that is required for proof-of-concept. This research will provide insight into the technical capability of the ancient Israelites for communication across a mountainous, desert environment.

Borowski, Oded↗
NASA NTRS2001

Valley Network Morphology and Topographic Gradients on Mars

Data returned from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter allows construction of a high precision digital elevation model. Quantitative investigations into the geomorphic properties of drainage features, similar to ones carried out on Earth, are now possible Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Aharonson, Oded↗
NASA NTRS2002

Insights into the Earliest History of Mars: A New Synthesis

Motivated by the latest data from Mars Global Surveyor and from recent analyses of Martian meteorites, we offer a new synthesis of the relative timing of major events in the early geological history of Mars together with associated uncertainties. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Solomon, Sean C.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Localized Gravity/Topography Admittance and Correlation Spectra on Mars: Implications for Regional and Global Evolution

[i] From gravity and topography data collected by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft we calculate gravity/topography admittances and correlations in the spectral domain and compare them to those predicted from models of lithospheric flexure. On the basis of these comparisons we estimate the thickness of the Martian elastic lithosphere (T(sub e)) required to support the observed topographic load since the time of loading. We convert T(sub e) to estimates of heat flux and thermal gradient in the lithosphere through a consideration of the response of an elastic/plastic shell. In regions of high topography on Mars (e.g., the Tharsis rise and associated shield volcanoes), the mass-sheet (small-amplitude) approximation for the calculation of gravity from topography is inadequate. A correction that accounts for finite-amplitude topography tends to increase the amplitude of the predicted gravity signal at spacecraft altitudes. Proper implementation of this correction requires the use of radii from the center of mass (collectively known as the planetary shape ) in lieu of topography referenced to a gravitational equipotential. Anomalously dense surface layers or buried excess masses are not required to explain the observed admittances for the Tharsis Montes or Olympus Mons volcanoes when this correction is applied. Derived T, values generally decrease with increasing age of the lithospheric load, in a manner consistent with a rapid decline of mantle heat flux during the Noachian and more modest rates of decline during subsequent epochs.

McGovern, Patrick J.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Why are There So Few Magnetic Anomalies in Martian Lowlands and Basins?

The discovery of large areas of strongly magnetized crust on Mars [1,2] provides important information on the timing of both crustal and deeper interior processes on that planet. Critical to an understanding of that timing, as well as to the processes that have contributed to the magnetization and demagnetization of crustal materials, is the geographical distribution of magnetic anomalies discernible from spacecraft orbit. The paucity of resolved magnetic anomalies in the northern lowlands and within and surrounding the best-preserved major impact basins has been noted since the crustal field was first globally mapped [1], but no straightforward explanation of that full pattern has yet been offered. Here we suggest that ancient hydrothermal alteration of magnetic carriers in Martian lowlands and basins may have contributed to the magnetization distribution observed today.

Solomon, Sean C.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Depth and Distribution of CO2 Snow on Mars

The dynamic role of volatiles on the surface of Mars has been a subject of longstanding interest. In the pre-Viking era, much of the debate was necessarily addressed by theoretical considerations. A particularly influential treatment by Leighton and Murray put forth a simple model relying on solar energy balance, and led to the conclusion that the most prominent volatile exchanging with the atmosphere over seasonal cycles is carbon dioxide. Their model suggested that due to this exchange, atmospheric CO2 partial pressure is regulated by polar ice. While current thinking attributes a larger role to H2O ice than did the occasional thin polar coating this model predicted, the CO2 cycle appears to be essentially correct. There are a number of observational constraints on the seasonal exchange of surface volatiles with the atmosphere. The growth and retreat of polar CO2 frost is visible from Earth-based telescopes and from spacecraft in Mars orbit, both at visible wavelengths and in thermal IR properties of the surface. Recently, variations in Gamma ray and neutron fluxes have also been used to infer integrated changes in CO2 mass on the surface. Measurements made by Viking's Mars Atmospheric Water Detector experiment were sensitive to atmospheric H2O vapor abundance. Surface condensates and their transient nature were detected by the Viking landers. The study here is motivated by recent data collected by the Mars Global Surveyor, affording the opportunity to not only detect the lateral distribution of volatiles, but also to constrain the variable volumes of the reservoirs. We elaborate on a technique first employed by Smith et al. By examining averages of a large number of topographic measurements collected by the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA), that study showed that the zonal pattern of deposition and sublimation of CO2 can be determined. In their first approach, reference surfaces were fit to all measurements in narrow latitude annuli, and the time dependent variations about those mean surfaces were examined. In their second approach, height measurements from pairs of tracks that cross on the surface were interpolated and differenced, forming a set of crossover residuals. These residuals were then examined as a function of time and latitude. The initial studies averaged over longitude to maximize signal and minimize noise in order to isolate the expected small signal. In this follow-up study we now attempt to extract the elevation change pattern also as a function of longitude, and we focus on the crossover approach.

Aharonson, Oded↗
NASA NTRS2003

Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Tidal Dissipation in Synchronous Satellites

Tidal heating is an important energy source for several solar system bodies, and there is a wide-spread perception that the pattern of surface heat flow is diagnostic of internal structure. We wish to clarify that situation. Our analysis depends upon two important assumptions: First, that heat transport is dominated by conduction. Second, that the body can be modeled by a sequence of spherically symmetric layers, each with a linear visco-elastic rheology. Under these assumptions, surface heat flow patterns in tidally dominated satellites will reflect radially integrated dissipation patterns. For synchronously rotating satellites with zero obliquity, this pattern depends quite strongly on orbital eccentricity but relatively little on purely radial variations in internal structure. The total amount of heat generated within the body does depend sensitively on internal structure, but the spatial pattern is rather insensitive to structure, especially at low orbital eccentricities.

Bills, Bruce G.↗