Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “interface science”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Chemistry of Materials Underpinning Photoelectrochemical Solar Fuel Production

Since its inception, photoelectrochemistry has sought to power the generation of fuels, particularly hydrogen, using energy from sunlight. Efficient and durable photoelectrodes, however, remain elusive. Here we review the current state of the art, focusing our discussion on advances in photoelectrodes made in the past decade. We open by briefly discussing fundamental photoelectrochemical concepts and implications for photoelectrode function. We next review a broad range of semiconductor photoelectrodes broken down by material class (oxides, nitrides, chalcogenides, and mature photovoltaic semiconductors), identifying intrinsic properties and discussing their influence on performance. We then identify innovative in situ and operando techniques to directly probe the photoelectrode|electrolyte interface, enabling direct assessment of structure–property relationships for catalytic surfaces in active reaction environments. We close by considering more complex photoelectrochemical fuel-forming reactions (carbon dioxide and nitrogen reduction, as well as alternative oxidation reactions), where product selectivity imposes additional criteria on electrochemical driving force and photoelectrode architecture. By contextualizing recent literature within a fundamental framework, we seek to provide direction for continued progress toward achieving efficient and stable fuel-forming photoelectrodes.

08 HYDROGEN↗
NASA NTRS1992

AXAF user interfaces for heterogeneous analysis environments

The AXAF Science Center (ASC) will develop software to support all facets of data center activities and user research for the AXAF X-ray Observatory, scheduled for launch in 1999. The goal is to provide astronomers with the ability to utilize heterogeneous data analysis packages, that is, to allow astronomers to pick the best packages for doing their scientific analysis. For example, ASC software will be based on IRAF, but non-IRAF programs will be incorporated into the data system where appropriate. Additionally, it is desired to allow AXAF users to mix ASC software with their own local software. The need to support heterogeneous analysis environments is not special to the AXAF project, and therefore finding mechanisms for coordinating heterogeneous programs is an important problem for astronomical software today. The approach to solving this problem has been to develop two interfaces that allow the scientific user to run heterogeneous programs together. The first is an IRAF-compatible parameter interface that provides non-IRAF programs with IRAF's parameter handling capabilities. Included in the interface is an application programming interface to manipulate parameters from within programs, and also a set of host programs to manipulate parameters at the command line or from within scripts. The parameter interface has been implemented to support parameter storage formats other than IRAF parameter files, allowing one, for example, to access parameters that are stored in data bases. An X Windows graphical user interface called 'agcl' has been developed, layered on top of the IRAF-compatible parameter interface, that provides a standard graphical mechanism for interacting with IRAF and non-IRAF programs. Users can edit parameters and run programs for both non-IRAF programs and IRAF tasks. The agcl interface allows one to communicate with any command line environment in a transparent manner and without any changes to the original environment. For example, the authors routinely layer the GUI on top of IRAF, ksh, SMongo, and IDL. The agcl, based on the facilities of a system called Answer Garden, also has sophisticated support for examining documentation and help files, asking questions of experts, and developing a knowledge base of frequently required information. Thus, the GUI becomes a total environment for running programs, accessing information, examining documents, and finding human assistance. Because the agcl can communicate with any command-line environment, most projects can make use of it easily. New applications are continually being found for these interfaces. It is the authors' intention to evolve the GUI and its underlying parameter interface in response to these needs - from users as well as developers - throughout the astronomy community. This presentation describes the capabilities and technology of the above user interface mechanisms and tools. It also discusses the design philosophies guiding the work, as well as hopes for the future.

Mandel, Eric↗
NASA NTRS1993

Ballistic-Electron-Emission Microscopy Techniques for Nanometer-scale Characterization of Interfaces

Semiconductor interface properties are among the most important phenomena in materials science and technology. The study of metal/semiconductor Schottky barrier interfaces has been the primary focus of a large research and development community for decades. Throughout the long history of interface investigation, the study of interface defect electronic properties have been seriously hindered by the fundamental experimental difficulty of probing subsurface structures. A new method, Ballistic-Electron-Emission Microscopy (BEEM), has been developed which not only enables spectroscopic probing of subsurface interface properties, but also, provides nanometer-resolution imaging capabilities. BEEM employs Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and a unique spatially localized ballistic electron spectroscopy method...

Bell, L. D.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Enhancing Dataset Discovery With Knowledge Graph Link Prediction Techniques

● In the evolving landscape of open science, the ability to navigate and discover pertinent datasets is increasingly significant. This primarily hinges on the presence of detailed metadata, delineating the dataset’s content, and potential spheres of application. ● The GES DISC datasets are characterized by science keywords to enable dataset discovery in web search interfaces. ● A problem may arise where a dataset lacks a science keyword that it otherwise should have. ● Machine learning techniques such as link prediction can be used to detect these missing science keywords by estimating the probability of new links forming between dataset and keyword nodes.

machine learning↗
NASA NTRS2014

GeoLab: A Geological Workstation for Future Missions

The GeoLab glovebox was, until November 2012, fully integrated into NASA's Deep Space Habitat (DSH) Analog Testbed. The conceptual design for GeoLab came from several sources, including current research instruments (Microgravity Science Glovebox) used on the International Space Station, existing Astromaterials Curation Laboratory hardware and clean room procedures, and mission scenarios developed for earlier programs. GeoLab allowed NASA scientists to test science operations related to contained sample examination during simulated exploration missions. The team demonstrated science operations that enhance theThe GeoLab glovebox was, until November 2012, fully integrated into NASA's Deep Space Habitat (DSH) Analog Testbed. The conceptual design for GeoLab came from several sources, including current research instruments (Microgravity Science Glovebox) used on the International Space Station, existing Astromaterials Curation Laboratory hardware and clean room procedures, and mission scenarios developed for earlier programs. GeoLab allowed NASA scientists to test science operations related to contained sample examination during simulated exploration missions. The team demonstrated science operations that enhance the early scientific returns from future missions and ensure that the best samples are selected for Earth return. The facility was also designed to foster the development of instrument technology. Since 2009, when GeoLab design and construction began, the GeoLab team [a group of scientists from the Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office within the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Directorate at JSC] has progressively developed and reconfigured the GeoLab hardware and software interfaces and developed test objectives, which were to 1) determine requirements and strategies for sample handling and prioritization for geological operations on other planetary surfaces, 2) assess the scientific contribution of selective in-situ sample characterization for mission planning, operations, and sample prioritization, 3) evaluate analytical instruments and tools for providing efficient and meaningful data in advance of sample return and 4) identify science operations that leverage human presence with robotic tools. In the first year of tests (2010), GeoLab examined basic glovebox operations performed by one and two crewmembers and science operations performed by a remote science team. The 2010 tests also examined the efficacy of basic sample characterization [descriptions, microscopic imagery, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses] and feedback to the science team. In year 2 (2011), the GeoLab team tested enhanced software and interfaces for the crew and science team (including Web-based and mobile device displays) and demonstrated laboratory configurability with a new diagnostic instrument (the Multispectral Microscopic Imager from the JPL and Arizona State University). In year 3 (2012), the GeoLab team installed and tested a robotic sample manipulator and evaluated robotic-human interfaces for science operations.

Evans, Cynthia↗
DOE OSTI2026

Continuity of reaction kinetics across the pressure and materials gaps in CO oxidation on FeO–Pt interfaces

Translating atomic-scale insights from surface science studies of model catalysts to practical powder catalysts remains a persistent challenge in heterogeneous catalysis. Here, in this study, we demonstrate mechanistic continuity across the pressure and materials gaps during CO oxidation at the FeO-Pt interface using in situ microscopy, spectroscopy and computational modelling. Under reaction conditions, coordinatively unsaturated Fe (Fe cus ) sites at the interface enable selective O 2 activation on CO-saturated surfaces, circumventing the CO-poisoning limitation of platinum-group metals. We identify parallel reaction pathways involving the *O 2 -*CO intermediate. Remarkably, activation energies remain consistent at 12-15 kJ mol −1 (0.12-0.16 eV) from ultrahigh vacuum to atmospheric pressures and from FeO/Pt(111) model catalysts to FeO/Pt powder catalysts, validating mechanistic insights derived from surface science studies. Our findings show an example of bridging the long-standing divide between model and practical catalyst systems, establishing an effective approach to capture catalytic behaviours under operational conditions and advancing mechanism-driven catalyst design.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
NASA NTRS2009

Future System Science Mission Targets for Heliophysics

Heliophysics is a discipline that investigates the science at work from the interface of Earth and space, to the core of the Sun, and to the outer edge of our solar system. This solar-interplanetary-planetary system is vast and inherently coupled on many spatial, temporal and energy scales. The Sun's explosive energy output creates complicated field and plasma structures that when coupled without terrestrial magnetized space, generates an extraordinary complex environment that has practical implications for humanity as we are becoming increasingly dependent on space-based assets. The immense volume of our cosmic neighborhood is the domain of heliophysics. Understanding this domain and the dominant mechanisms that control the transfer of mass and energy requires a system approach that addresses all aspects and regions of the system. The 2009 NASA Heliophysics Roadmap presents a science-focused strategic approach to advance the goal of heliophysics: why does the Sun vary; how do the Earth and heliosphere respond; and what are the impacts on humanity? This talk will present the top 6 prioritized science targets to understand the coupled heliophysics system as presented in the 2009 NASA Heliophysics Roadmap. An exposition of each science target and how it addresses outstanding questions in heliophysics will be discussed.

Spann, James↗
NASA NTRS2009

Prioritized System Science Targets for Heliophysics

Heliophysics is a discipline that investigates the science at work from the interface of Earth and space, to the core of the Sun, and to the outer edge of our solar system. This solar-interplanetary-planetary system is vast and inherently coupled on many spatial, temporal and energy scales. The Sun's explosive energy output creates complicated field and plasma structures that when coupled with our terrestrial magnetized space, generates an extraordinary complex environment that has practical implications for humanity as we are becoming increasingly dependent on space-based assets. This immense volume of our cosmic neighborhood is the domain of heliophysics. Understanding this domain and the dominant mechanisms that control the transfer of mass and energy requires a system approach that addresses all aspects and regions of the system. The 2009 NASA Heliophysics Roadmap presents a science-focused strategic approach to advance the goal of heliophysics: why does the Sun vary; how do the Earth and heliosphere respond; and what are the impacts on humanity? This talk will present the top 6 prioritized science targets to understand the coupled heliophysics system as presented in the 2009 NASA Heliophysics Roadmap. An exposition of each science target and how it addresses outstanding questions in heliophysics will be discussed.

Spann, James Frederick↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

New developments in space radiation research at NASA: Annotating data using a novel radiation biology ontology

Like many interdisciplinary sciences, data producers and consumers in the field of radiation biology often use a wide variety of terminology to describe their experiments and data. Furthermore, space systems and technologies are rapidly evolving, and a shared understanding and common terminology for these is also lacking. The efficiency of research organizations can be enhanced by standardizing metadata through the use of knowledge resources like ontologies. Employing a sophisticated model such as a formal ontology to standardize metadata enables automated data acquisition processes and supports more complete, accurate meta-analysis through more efficient and complete data discovery and retrieval, particularly when using multiple data sources. Thus, we developed the Radiation Biology Ontology (RBO) in order to improved radiation biology metadata uniformity and transparency. We used open-source software (the Ontology Development Kit, Protégé and WebProtégé) and worked within the OBO Foundry framework, which includes a set of ontology development principles and practices for ontology consistency, uniformity, and accountability. The RBO has now been incorporated into two radiation research data repositories, NASA’s GeneLab omics database (https://genelab.nasa.gov), and the European Commission STORE database (https://www.storedb.org/). Continuous build integration tools allowed our international RBO collaboration to be more efficient and focus its efforts on semantic model design. Currently, the RBO contains over 300 annotated classes and individuals specific to the study of radiation on biological systems, as well as imports of many additional classes from other OBO Foundry ontologies that relate to and/or provide context for these RBO entities. We publish the RBO through the OBO Foundry, so that it is available for browsing, download, and querying through NCBI Bioportal web site and application programming interface. The NASA Ames Life Science Data Archive (ALSDA) is also in the process of adopting use of the RBO, taking NASA one step closer to a knowledge-based system for space biology data. It is our hope that the global communities of radiation research Investigators, data curators and data analysts can similarly leverage the RBO and will contribute to its further development.

radiation↗
DOE OSTI2024

Materials data science using CRADLE: A distributed, data-centric approach

Abstract There is a paradigm shift towards data-centric AI, where model efficacy relies on quality, unified data. The common research analytics and data lifecycle environment (CRADLE™) is an infrastructure and framework that supports a data-centric paradigm and materials data science at scale through heterogeneous data management, elastic scaling, and accessible interfaces. We demonstrate CRADLE’s capabilities through five materials science studies: phase identification in X-ray diffraction, defect segmentation in X-ray computed tomography, polymer crystallization analysis in atomic force microscopy, feature extraction from additive manufacturing, and geospatial data fusion. CRADLE catalyzes scalable, reproducible insights to transform how data is captured, stored, and analyzed. Graphical abstract

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unraveling electronic correlations in warm dense quantum plasmas

The study of matter at extreme densities and temperatures has emerged as a highly active frontier at the interface of plasma physics, material science and quantum chemistry with relevance for planetary modeling and inertial confinement fusion. A particular feature of such warm dense matter is the complex interplay of Coulomb interactions, quantum effects, and thermal excitations, making its rigorous theoretical description challenging. Here, we demonstrate how ab initio path integral Monte Carlo simulations allow us to unravel this intricate interplay for the example of strongly compressed beryllium, focusing on two X-ray Thomson scattering data sets obtained at the National Ignition Facility. We find excellent agreement between simulation and experiment with a very high level of consistency between independent observations without the need for any empirical input parameters. Our results call into question previously used chemical models, with important implications for the interpretation of scattering experiments and radiation hydrodynamics simulations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

2025 Workshop on Envisioning Frontiers in AI and Computing for Biological Research: Position Papers

This workshop aims to identify key research directions for transforming biology using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and computational methods to facilitate the discovery of new behaviors, mechanisms, and designs of biological processes relevant to DOE missions, underpinning a broader U.S. bioeconomy. By developing novel AI/ML technologies to analyze and interpret complex biological data, researchers can organize and simulate biological processes at various scales as well as advance predictive understanding and manipulation of biological systems. This integration of computation, experimentation, and next-generation experimental technologies can lead to discoveries in new biological behaviors and mechanisms relevant to DOE missions. The focus is on how advanced computational and mathematical methods can impact this mission by exploring digital twins, foundation models, automated laboratory experiments, modeling of complex living systems, and data-driven approaches for the biodesign of plants and microbial systems. While data management is important, it is not the primary focus of this workshop, which will assess the current state, trends, and AI/ML challenges at the interface between biology and computational science to identify opportunities for high-impact research at their intersection. The goal is to define research needs and opportunities that align with biological sciences, computational sciences, and applied mathematics research.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1975

Pioneer Jupiter Orbiter/Probe mission. II - Atmospheric Probe design considerations

Probe design considerations for a 1981 Pioneer Jupiter Orbiter/Probe mission are summarized. Extensive engineering analysis, design, and proof-of-concept testing of a reference probe system developed during the past three years are reviewed. Mission compatibility, science measurements, environmental characteristics, spacecraft interfaces, subsystem constraints, technology development, and programmatic factors are reviewed and discussed. It is demonstrated that for a low-entry-angle, daylight mission to Jupiter a 150 kg semiautonomous entry probe system utilizing state of the art technology is compatible with all the requirements.

Bradley, F. E.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A review of Spacelab mission management approach

The Spacelab development program is a joint undertaking of the NASA and ESA. The paper addresses the initial concept of Spacelab payload mission management, the lessons learned, and modifications made as a result of the actual implementation of Spacelab Mission 1. The discussion covers mission management responsibilities, program control, science management, payload definition and interfaces, integrated payload mission planning, integration requirements, payload specialist training, payload and launch site integration, payload flight/mission operations, and postmission activities. After 3.5 years the outlined overall mission manager approach has proven to be most successful. The approach does allow the mission manager to maintain the lowest overall mission cost.

Craft, H. G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Space-based Networking Technology Developments in the Interplanetary Network Directorate Information Technology Program

Described recent development of communications protocols, services, and associated tools targeted to reduce risk, reduce cost and increase efficiency of IND infrastructure and supported mission operations. Space-based networking technologies developed were: a) Provide differentiated quality of service (QoS) that will give precedence to traffic that users have selected as having the greatest importance and/or time-criticality; b) Improve the total value of information to users through the use of QoS prioritization techniques; c) Increase operational flexibility and improve command-response turnaround; d) Enable new class of networked and collaborative science missions; e) Simplify applications interfaces to communications services; and f) Reduce risk and cost from a common object model and automated scheduling and communications protocols. Technologies are described in three general areas: communications scheduling, middleware, and protocols. Additionally developed simulation environment, which provides comprehensive, quantitative understanding of the technologies performance within overall, evolving architecture, as well as ability to refine & optimize specific components.

scheduling↗
NASA NTRS2019

Intern Designed Modules for Conducting Potential Microgravity Solidification Experiments Aboard the International Space Station

MMaJIC (Microgravity Materials Joining Investigation Chamber) is a modular experiment chamber for performing materials science investigations. MMaJIC was initially designed to provide a controlled and sealed test environment to accommodate a wide variety of soldering and brazing experiments. However, its modular cartridge design is well suited to easily conduct any number and variety of science experiments. SoLIDD (Solid Liquid Interface Directional Device) is an apparatus for conducting directional solidification experiments with low melting temperature alloys. It has capability for varying the sample’s temperature gradient and growth velocity thus ensuring microstructural development under controlled conditions. ICED-T (Interface Control Experiment with Directional Translation) is an apparatus that conducts directional solidification experiments of transparent materials such that direct observation/recording of the advancing solid/liquid interface can be made. Currently, it is a functional breadboard that consists of the components mounted to a surface that allows the sample to be placed in an upright position. Orientation of the experiment (solid on the bottom, liquid on top) is important during testing ground samples to maintain stability. Ultimately, the goal of MMaJIC, SoLIDD and ICED-T is to conduct successful ground tests and then be re-configured for eventual use by aboard the ISS.

McElderry, Justin↗
NASA NTRS2021

Reconciling Carbon-cycle Processes from Ecosystem to Global Scales

Understanding carbon (C) dynamics from ecosystem to global scales remains a challenge. Although expansion of global carbon dioxide (CO2) observatories makes it possible to estimate C-cycle processes from ecosystem to global scales, these estimates do not necessarily agree. At the continental US scale, only 5% of C fixed through photosynthesis remains as net ecosystem exchange (NEE), but ecosystem measurements indicate that only 2% of fixed C remains in grasslands, whereas as much as 30% remains in needleleaf forests. The wet and warm Southeast has the highest gross primary productivity and the relatively wet and cool Midwest has the highest NEE, indicating important spatial mismatches. Newly available satellite and atmospheric data can be combined in innovative ways to identify potential C loss pathways to reconcile these spatial mismatches. Independent datasets compiled from terrestrial and aquatic environments can now be combined to advance C-cycle science across the land–water interface.

carbon cycle↗
NASA NTRS1976

Requirements and specifications of the space telescope for scientific operations

Requirements for the scientific operations of the Space Telescope and the Science Institute are used to develop operational interfaces between user scientists and the NASA ground system. General data systems are defined for observatory scheduling, daily science planning, and science data management. Hardware, software, manpower, and space are specified for several science institute locations and support options.

West, D. K.↗