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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 OSTI2026

Advanced Conductor Testing – 1431 kcmil Prysmian ACSS with E3X

Advanced conductors represent a significant evolution in transmission line technology. These conductors utilize innovative materials, such as composite cores, ultra-high-strength steel, and heat-dissipating coatings, to offer improved performance compared to traditional Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) designs. However, the deployment of these technologies has so far been limited. As each conductor comes with nuances in test setup and specifications, a standard test is not readily available to apply to all advanced conductors. Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Advanced Conductor Testing project, sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) and Office of Electricity (OE), focuses on developing and implementing testing protocols and plans for advanced conductor technologies to assess and demonstrate physical performance under varying operational conditions, including extreme environmental stressors such as wildfires. This report contains the fire testing results of a 1431 kcmil Prysmian ACSS with E3X conductor.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dataset of mechanically induced thermal runaway measurement and severity level on Li-ion batteries

The deployment of Li-ion batteries covers a wide range of energy storage applications, from mobile phones, e-bikes, electric vehicles (EV) and stationary energy storage systems. However, safety issue such as thermal runaway is always one of the most important concerns to prevent Li-ion batteries from further market penetration. A standardized single-side indentation test protocol was developed to mechanically induce an internal short-circuit. The cell voltage, compressive load, indenter stroke, and temperature at the indentation point are measured in time series. The test data of each cell, along with cell parameters such as dimensions, mass, chemistry, state of charge (SOC), capacity, are integrated together to calculate a thermal runaway severity score from 0 to100. Complete data collection process including the original measured record, test method, severity score calculation scheme is presented in this article. The thermal runaway severity analysis and the more than 100 tested Li-ion battery records provide a good data source for further comparison and ranking of thermal runaway risks.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2011

Quadrocopter Control Design and Flight Operation

A limiting factor in control system design and analysis for spacecraft is the inability to physically test new algorithms quickly and cheaply. Test flights of space vehicles are costly and take much preparation. As such, EV41 recently acquired a small research quadrocopter that has the ability to be a test bed for new control systems. This project focused on learning how to operate, fly, and maintain the quadrocopter, as well as developing and testing protocols for its use. In parallel to this effort, developing a model in Simulink facilitated the design and analysis of simple control systems for the quadrocopter. Software provided by the manufacturer enabled testing of the Simulink control system on the vehicle.

Karwoski, Katherine↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

rHealth One Demonstration Aboard ISS: A Microfluidic Bioanalyzer Based on Sheath/Hydrodynamic Focusing Flow Cytometry

The Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) element aims to provide astronauts with the means for their own health monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment during exploration missions. As space flight ventures further from earth, the need for autonomous medical care increases under greater constraints on size, mass, and resources. One pillar for diagnosis that crew would be separated from is laboratory analysis. Even now on ISS, blood samples must be collected and returned to earth for testing. In response, ExMC is assessing how assays for hematology, bone health, radiation exposure etc. could be addressed through commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funded bioanalyzers that are miniaturizing lab technology. Since missions will reach distances where there are no timely replacements, validation on the International Space Station (ISS) is a necessary part of that assessment. In partnership with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Immunology Lab and the Research Operations and Integration (ROI) element, ExMC conducted a technology demonstration on ISS of the rHEALTH ONE, a flow cytometry based bioanalyzer, to assess future devices based on this design. In flow cytometry, there are predominantly three ways to focus the cells (or particles) into a single file stream: hydrodynamic focusing, microcapillary, and acoustic focusing. The rHEALTH ONE utilizes the commercial standard, sheath-based hydrodynamic focusing. rHEALTH itself represents both a company and a suite of medical tools NASA has funded through SBIR grants towards the development of a promising diagnosis instrument for exploration missions. rHEALTH ONE is the interim version of the technology, functional as a benchtop analyzer and test bed for the next generation of rHEALTH in development. Several modifications were made to the rHEALTH ONE analyzer for operation in microgravity. For function, fluid management was key. A sheath-based analyzer uses sheath fluid to flow the sample, cleaning fluid to prevent biological contamination, and a reservoir to collect the liquid waste. The rHEALTH ONE analyzer uses bottles dependent on gravity to separate the air and liquid pathways and keep the liquids contained. It uses only 1 psig of air pressure to directly push the liquid through the device, requiring little-to-no resistance at inlet and outlet. A microtubing assembly with self-sealing luer connectors was designed – featuring 0.014 mm thick durable medical balloons to hold water inside the supply bottles – to create safe containment and easy access for the crew while maintaining the analyzer’s function. For safety, copper tape was added to the interior of the plastic housing to reduce electromagnetic interference, fluid and electrical connections were secured against vibration and leaks, and gaps were further sealed to ensure containment of the optical block and lasers. Water as the sheath and cleaning fluid and TOX 0 samples were used to reduce the biohazard risk to the crew. In May 2022, European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti demonstrated the rHEALTH ONE aboard ISS for its sample loading, flow cytometry, and data collection capability in microgravity. The JSC Immunology Lab provided flow cytometry expertise, designed the sample test protocol, and manufactured and benchmarked the flight samples on a ‘gold-standard’ flow cytometer. The analyzer was primed with water, purged of air, and four calibration solutions of polystyrene microparticles were tested to characterize its performance. Tightly controlled procedures and excellent execution prevented air bubble interference during air/water separation, fluid transfer, sample mixing and loading. Data showed a slight increase in signal noise on 3 of 5 channels and an anomaly of fluorophores migrating in one sample (confirmed by JSC post-flight). Flight results correctly detected the change in sample, matched the analyzer’s ground performance, and were consistent with the gold-standard’s ground results. Although areas were noted for improvement, these outcomes signified complete mission success.

R. S. Miller↗
NASA NTRS2003

Crop Production for Advanced Life Support Systems - Observations From the Kennedy Space Center Breadboard Project

The use of plants for bioregenerative life support for space missions was first studied by the US Air Force in the 1950s and 1960s. Extensive testing was also conducted from the 1960s through the 1980s by Russian researchers located at the Institute of Biophysics in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, and the Institute for Biomedical Problems in Moscow. NASA initiated bioregenerative research in the 1960s (e.g., Hydrogenomonas) but this research did not include testing with plants until about 1980, with the start of the Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Program. The NASA CELSS research was carried out at universities, private corporations, and NASA field centers, including Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The project at KSC began in 1985 and was called the CELSS Breadboard Project to indicate the capability for plugging in and testing various life support technologies; this name has since been dropped but bioregenerative testing at KSC has continued to the present under the NASA s Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program. A primary objective of the KSC testing was to conduct pre-integration tests with plants (crops) in a large, atmospherically closed test chamber called the Biomass Production Chamber (BPC). Test protocols for the BPC were based on observations and growing procedures developed by university investigators, as well as procedures developed in plant growth chamber studies at KSC. Growth chamber studies to support BPC testing focused on plant responses to different carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, different spectral qualities from various electric lamps, and nutrient film hydroponic culture techniques.

Wheeler, R. M.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Certifying the Performance of Fixative Technologies under Open Air Demolition Activities for D and D - 20096

Department of Energy (DOE) facilities undergoing deactivation and decommissioning (D and D) activities struggle with safety concerns of residual radioactive contamination leftover after gross decontamination efforts have concluded. The positive effects of implementing fixative technologies for decommissioning and maintenance is known across the DOE complex. However, there is no standardized metric in place that quantifies the performance of these technologies such as incombustible fixative platforms that immobilize the contamination in a solid polymer material under normal operating conditions or when exposed to stressors. The primary focus of this research is to provide the empirical data necessary to properly characterize the effects of implementing fixative technologies on mitigating the release of contamination. In addition, this effort has been used to identify and establish uniform testing protocols to quantify operational parameters of fixating platforms and properly credit such systems under a variety of operational conditions and stressors that can arise during open air demolition efforts (e.g. impact, water, thermal, etc.). The established protocols will be provided to the ASTM International E10.03 Subcommittee on Radiological Protection for Decontamination and Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities and Components for the potential of formal standardization. Attributes to be addressed during testing are material compromise from impact stress, thermal stress for incombustible fixative materials, and immobilization factors (how well an immobilizing platform is capable of retaining fixated material during thermal and impact stressors). In developing these test methods, a greater understanding of the material's behavior under anticipated and unanticipated events, such as decommissioning activities and contingency events as outlined in the Basis of Interim Operations (BIO), can be successfully characterized. There are several key components of the experimental methodology that is essential in empirically certifying fixative technologies. A surrogate contaminant with a unique signature has been utilized with the implementation of a uniform contamination process of test coupons that is quantifiable and replicable for direct fixative comparisons. A modular test chamber has also been used to apply the various stressors of interest. Collection of released contamination that includes airborne and resettled contaminant particles and analyzed using mass spectrometry. This research directly supports DOE complex-wide concerns in terms of final disposition of nuclear facilities and the considerations made during their time between ceasing facility operation and final disposition. The results of this effort aims to provide a standardized road map and logical decision flow to better facilitate fixative technologies into D and D activities required to achieve the desired facility end state. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

Performance of three-dimensional printed nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 testing

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US faced nationwide shortages of nasopharyngeal swabs due to both overwhelmed supply chains and an increase in demand. To address this shortfall, multiple 3D printed swabs were ultimately produced and sold for COVID-19 testing. In this work, we present a framework for mechanical and functional bench-testing of nasopharyngeal swabs using standard and widely available material testing equipment. Using this framework, we offer a comprehensive, quantitative comparison of the 3D printed swabs to benchmark their performance against traditional flocked swabs. The test protocols were designed to emulate the clinical use of the nasopharyngeal swabs and to evaluate potential failure modes. Overall, the 3D printed swabs performed comparably to, or outperformed, the traditional swabs in all mechanical tests. While traditional swabs outperformed some of the new 3D printed swabs in terms of sample uptake and retention, similar amounts of RNA were recovered from both 3D printed and traditional swabs.

3D printing↗
DOE OSTI2023

Benchmarking Microscale Ductility Measurements (Final Report of the Project DE-NE0008799)

Conventional macroscale experimentation is generally considered to be straightforward with few limitations. Conversely, micro/nanoscale experimentation presents numerous challenges in loading device design, sample preparation and handling, as well as accurate understanding of grain size and local texture effects on recorded measurements. Despite these challenges, nanopillar compression, MEMs based micro-tension, and nanoindentation approaches have been able to provide fundamental contributions to the understanding of material behavior at small lengthscales. However, the overarching shortcoming of these micro/nanoscale experimentation approaches, is the inability to directly translate measurements evaluated at the nm and µm length scales (e.g., hardness) to macroscale tensile material behavior (i.e., elastic modulus, yield strength, and ductility). The objectives of the proposed study are, 1) to establish best practices for obtaining tensile microscale ductility measurements, and 2) to validate methodologies to for comparing microscale ductility measurements to macroscale ductility measurements. In order to achieve these objectives, a multi-lengthscale, multi-temperature testing protocol and simulation framework are executed first on copper as a model material to validate the following approach, and second on reactor grade Zircaloy-2. Experiments are conducted on specimens extracted from the same test piece to ensure nominally identical grain size and texture from specimens to specimen. Motivated by the need to isolate the contribution of size-effects on obtained mechanical property measurements, specimens are manufactured with thicknesses at the micro- (1-10 µm), meso- (10-100's µm), and macroscales (sub-sized ASTM E8). In-situ full-field deformation techniques (scanning electron microscopy (SEM) grid methods and optical DIC) are incorporated into testing at each specimen length-scale to capture plasticity localization and evolution. Experimental testing for all specimens is conducted at both room temperature and elevated temperatures to probe the role of thermal activation on plastic deformation accommodation processes. Simulation efforts focus on examining the mechanical behavior of microscale specimens using a finite element approach with explicitly resolved grain morphologies, and an embedded crystal plasticity model. The cost-efficient implementation method allows for the modeling of a statistically significant number of both real (i.e., digital twin) and generated microstructures to obtain an understanding of the interrelationships between specimen microstructure and geometric variables (grain size, texture, specimen geometry, etc.) on microscale mechanical behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1988

Environmental control medical support team

The activities conducted in support of the Environmental Control and Life Support Team during December 7, 1987 through September 30, 1988 are summarized. The majority of the ongoing support has focused on the ECLSS area. Through a series of initial meetings with the ECLSS team and technical literature review, an initial list of critical topics was developed. Subtasks were then identified or additional related tasks received as action items from the ECLSS group meetings. Although most of the efforts focused on providing MSFC personnel with information regarding specific questions and problems related to ECLSS issues, other efforts regarding identifying an ECLSS Medical Support Team and constructing data bases of technical information were also initiated and completed. The specific tasks are as follows: (1) Provide support to the mechanical design and integration of test systems as related to microbiological concerns; (2) Assist with design of Human Subjects Test Protocols; (3) Interpretation and recommendations pertaining to air/water quality requirements; (4) Assist in determining the design specifications required as related to the Technical Demonstration Program; (5) Develop a data base of all microorganisms recovered from previous subsystem testing; (6) Estimates of health risk of individual microbes to test subjects; (7) Assist with setting limits for safety of test subjects; (8) Health monitoring of test subjects; (9) Assist in the preparation of test plans; (10) Assist in the development of a QA/QC program to assure the validity, accuracy and precision of the analyses; and (11) Assist in developing test plans required for future man in the loop testing.

Crump, William J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Securing Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB) through Cyber Defense and Resilient System (CYDRES)

The DOE CYDRES project is driven by the urgent need to address critical research gaps in the domain of cyber-physical security of smart buildings, including Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs). CYDRES, a real-time advanced building resilient platform, aims to enhance the cyber-attack-immune capabilities of buildings through multi-layered prevention, detection, and adaptation mechanisms. CYDRES consists of five key modules: a multi-layer network analyzer, an Automatic Fault Detection, Diagnosis, and Prognosis (AFDDP) framework, an intelligent mode selector, a cyber-resilient control framework, and a situation awareness platform. The Network Analyzer employs a data-driven framework that includes a protocol state learning tool and a CRF (Conditional Random Field) command validator. In Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testbeds, it achieved 100% detection accuracy with a false alarm rate of 3%, validating its efficacy in identifying selected cyber-attacks. The AFDDP framework leverages pattern matching, PCA (Principal Component Analysis)-based strategies, and a DBN (Dynamic Bayesian Network)-based fault diagnosis approach to pinpoint the causes of physical system abnormalities using Building Automation System (BAS) data. In HIL experiments, the AFDDP module attained a detection accuracy of over 95% with a false alarm rate below 7%. Additionally, the fault detector utilized machine learning (Random Forest) and deep learning (Multi-Layer Perceptron) methods with acoustic sensor data to achieve a 100% fault detection accuracy in Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) equipment. The Mode Selector offered real-time impact analysis, allowing immediate actions to protect BASs in the face of emerging threats. The cyber-resilient control framework included an adaptive Model Predictive Control (MPC) and a measurement compensator, reducing temperature violations by up to 94% and improving the total demand flexibility by up to 70% in HIL experiments. Such HIL experiments covered a cyber-attack case and a physical fault case, showcasing CYDRES’ efficiency in maintaining operational continuity during threats. The situation awareness platform in Grafana enhanced real-time threat detection and response visualization, augmenting the operational awareness for building operators. CYDRES demonstrated high technical effectiveness in various test scenarios, particularly in HIL environments. The project's phased development approach ensured efficient use of resources, highlighting its practical feasibility and readiness for commercialization. By enhancing the security and resilience of building operations, CYDRES represents a significant advance in mitigating risks associated with cyber-physical systems, thereby enhancing public confidence in the safety of modern building infrastructure. Future directions for the project include expanding testing protocols, refining AFDDP methodologies, exploring more comprehensive resilient control strategies, and testing in real commercial buildings.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Failure Analysis of a New Polyamide-Based Fluoropolymer-Free Backsheet After Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing

The viability of novel coextruded, fluoropolymer-free backsheets for photovoltaic (PV) modules has been questioned as a result of a large number of early-life backsheet failures in PV installations containing one of the earliest co-extruded polyamide (PA)-based backsheet to reach the market, “AAA.” New PV reliability testing protocols have been recently developed and applied to backsheets to reproduce failures observed in the field and evaluate the durability of novel backsheet materials and designs prior to commercialization. A new co-extruded PA-based backsheet was tested using combined-accelerated stress testing (C-AST) and demonstrated a greater lifetime than AAA, and some other fluoropolymer-based backsheets such as polyvinylidene fluoride. The improved PA-based backsheet also eventually failed by through-thickness cracking. Using surface and bulk material characterization techniques, we performed a comprehensive study of material properties before and after the stress testing. Aging of the backsheet resulted in an increase of surface roughness by erosion of the outer PA layer. However the failure is more likely related to an increase in crystallinity of the polyolefin core layer reducing the backsheet tearing energy. The analysis can ultimately inform on the specific weaknesses of the materials so that the manufacturer can improve the backsheet design to extend its lifetime.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Utah FORGE 5-2557: Trixial Shear and Wellbore Breakout Tests Report and Data

Included are a report and data from triaxial shear tests on simulated Sierra White fault gouge and a borehole stimulation experiment. This serves as a progress report for the Role of Fluid and Temperature in Fracture Mechanics and Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) Processes for Enhanced Geothermal Systems project by Purdue University (Utah FORGE R&D project 5-2557). Tests were done with Sierra White granite (SWG) to investigate slip mechanisms and to evaluate the fracture initiation and propagation from a geothermal borehole. Raw data is provided alongside a report on all experimental testing protocols, experimental design, and results.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in grid-connected power converters: Challenges, standards, and compliance strategies

In today's rapidly advancing world, electronic devices and systems are fundamental to a wide range of industries, including renewable energy and global telecommunications infrastructure. However, as these devices become more complex and widespread, the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) also increases, underscoring the importance of stringent Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements for maintaining system integrity. This paper addresses the specific challenges associated with grid-connected power converters (GCPCs), which are critical in integrating renewable energy into existing power grids. It explores the complexities of EMI in the context of GCPCs, particularly given the recent emergence of tailored EMC standards for these systems. The paper also highlights the shortcomings of applying generic or unrelated standards to GCPCs, often leading to inadequate compliance and testing protocols. Through a detailed analysis of existing standards and recent advancements in product-specific EMC requirements, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, offering guidance to stakeholders on navigating the intricate EMC compliance landscape, with a focus on methodologies, testing procedures, and the evolving regulatory environment for GCPCs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Towards linking lab and field lifetimes of perovskite solar cells

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent a promising low-cost, thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology, with unprecedented power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) obtained for both single-junction and tandem applications. To push PSCs toward commercialization, it is critical, albeit challenging, to understand device reliability under real-world outdoor conditions where multiple stress factors (e.g., light, heat, humidity) coexist, generating complicated degradation behaviors. It is necessary to identify accelerated indoor testing protocols - which can correlate specific stressors with observed degradation modes in fielded devices - to quickly guide PSC development. Here, we use a state-of-the-art p-i-n PSC stack (with PCE up to ~25.5%) to show that indoor accelerated stability tests can predict our 6-month outdoor aging tests. Device degradation rates under illumination and at elevated temperatures are most instructive for understanding outdoor device reliability. Further, we also find that the indium tin oxide (ITO)/self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-based hole transport layer (HTL)/perovskite interface most strongly affects our device operation stability. Improving the ion-blocking properties of the SAM HTL increases averaged device operational stability at 50 degree C-85 °C by a factor of ~2.8, reaching over 1000 h at 85 °C and to near 8200 h at 50 °C with a projected 20% degradation, which is among the best to date for high-efficiency p-i-n PSCs.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

R&D to Ensure a Scientific Basis for Qualification Tests and Standards (Final Report: FY19-FY22)

This is the final technical report for the FY19-FY21 research program "R&D to Ensure a Scientific Basis for Qualification Tests and Standards." This research was performed because project return on investment in a photovoltaic (PV) system depends increasingly on maintaining high energy yields, and the system lifetime is a major factor in levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Thus, the rate of PV deployment and the success of these assets depends upon reliable long-term power generation. This program advances PV module reliability of commercial products through identification of reliability needs, characterization that provides scientific understanding of targeted degradation mechanisms, and translation of those data into practical and predictive test protocols and standards. This report describes program scope, results, milestones, and accomplishments over the three-year period of performance.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mercury Speciation During Vitrification of LAW

n this work, laboratory and engineering-scale tests were conducted that mimic the reactive environment of the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) low activity waste (LAW) melter and off-gas system in order to assess the speciation of mercury at select points in the processing system. The experimental protocols, test equipment, feed materials used, and rationale for testing are detailed in the Test Plan for this work. Particular attention was paid to the amount and speciation of mercury in submerged bed scrubber (SBS) solutions, which are intended to be recycled back to the melter feed at the WTP. Results are presented from detailed mercury analysis of these solutions using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1630 and modifications to this method for dimethyl mercury and methyl mercury as well as EPA Method 1631 and modifications to this method for total, dissolved, elemental, suspended, and ionic mercury. Testing was conducted in two separate sets of experiments: (1) One set of tests (crucible-scale furnace tests) that involved heating small batches of mercury-spiked melter feed in crucibles to determine the amount of mercury retained in the glass and the species of mercury in the exhaust gases; (2) A second set of tests (DM10 melter tests) was planned that involved creating LAW melter plenum gas compositions using the DM10 melter system, injecting mercury into the off-gas stream, and passing that stream though a reactor that simulates various plenum gas conditions. Operational issues led to the need to use one of the VSL DM100 melters in place of the planned DM10 melter for these tests. The speciation of mercury after exposure to those conditions was monitored. In both sets of tests, the exhaust gases were run through a scrubber that was intended to mimic the LAW SBS in order to determine how much of the mercury exiting the melter would be retained in the primary off-gas system fluids and in what form. After passing through the SBS, the exhaust stream was analyzed to determine particulate, ionic, elemental, and total mercury passing downstream of the SBS. In tests employing gases derived from the DM100 melter that were spiked with elemental mercury, the processing system provided gas temperatures and residence times that are representative of the WTP LAW vitrification system in order to assess the effect of those conditions on mercury speciation. The Decontamination Factor (DF) across the system in the tests with mercury-spiked DM100 melter exhaust was determined using the analytical data from EPA Method 30B (Fluegas Adsorption Mercury Speciation (FAMS TM )) exhaust samples and the amount of mercury detected in the SBS solutions. Mercury species used in melter feed crucible scale tests were divalent (chloride and iodide), monovalent (chloride and fluoride), and elemental mercury. Individual tests included only a single form of mercury in the feed. The results for total mercury mass balances in the crucible tests are also presented.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

The nonlinear rheology of complex yield stress foods

Many foods have a yield stress that allows them to retain a desired shape at rest, but transition into a viscous fluid when being served or consumed. The determination of the yield stress of the food dictates how the foods are formed and packaged, how they are served, and how they are perceived when being eaten. Oscillatory shearing provides an ideal test protocol to map the rheology across a range of time and flow strength scales. We couple oscillatory shearing and an iterative recovery procedure to show that the yielding process is a continuous transition for two common yield stress foods. We show that unrecoverable processes from oscillatory tests are equivalent to the steady shear flow behavior. We show that this yielding behavior can be well approximated by a recently published model that treats yield stress materials as continuous viscoelastic fluids with a rate-dependent relaxation time and has parameters that can be obtained from the linear viscoelastic oscillatory frequency sweep and the steady shear flow curve.

Griebler, James J.↗
NASA NTRS2012

High Energy/LET Radiation EEE Parts Certification Handbook

Certifying electronic components is a very involved process. It includes pre-coordination with the radiation test facility for time, schedule and cost, as well as intimate work with designers to develop test procedures and hardware. It also involves work with radiation engineers to understand the effects of the radiation field on the test article/setup as well as the analysis and production of a test report. The technical content of traditional ionizing radiation testing protocol is in wide use and generally follows established standards (ref. Appendix C). This document is not intended to cover all these areas but to cover the methodology of using Variable Depth Bragg Peak (VDBP) to accomplish the goal of characterizing an electronic component. The Variable Depth Bragg Peak (VDBP) test method is primarily used for deep space applications of electronics. However, it can be used on any part for any radiation environment, especially those parts where the sensitive volume cannot be reached by the radiation beam. An example of this problem would be issues that arise in de-lidding of parts or in parts with flip-chip designs, etc. The VDBP method is ideally suited to test modern avionics designs which increasingly incorporate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts and units. Johnson Space Center (JSC) developed software provides assistance to users in developing the radiation characterization data from the raw test data.

Reddell, Brandon↗