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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2005

A low-volume, low-mass, low-power UHF proximity micro-transceiver for Mars Exploration

UHF half-duplex micro-transceiver measuring 1 cubic centimeter, weighing less than 10 grams, and operating at 40 mW on receive and 50mW, 300mW, or 3W on transmit is described. The micro-transceiver is being designed for future Mars exploration missions, but can be adapted for other proximity links. It supports transmission rates up to 256 ksps and higher in BPSK or QPSK format for data return and receives command/control instructions at up to 8 ksps. In addition to its low mass/power features, temperature compensated circuit and system design and radiation tolerance allow operation outside of large shielded enclosures, further reducing the mass and complexity of exploration vehicles.

Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Low‐Volume Cores for Fabrication of Compact, Versatile, and Intelligent Soft Systems

Abstract This study introduces the low‐volume core (LVC) fabrication method, which enables the monolithic molding of compact, complex, versatile, and intelligent soft robotic systems. This method uses thin and flexible thermoplastic sheets to mold internal chambers in soft fluidic actuators, valves, and circuits. The LVC fabrication method creates low‐volume networks in soft actuators (LV‐net actuators) that can be made with compact and complex geometries, enabling both low actuation volume input and multi‐degree‐of‐freedom actuators. LVC fabrication can also be used for compact, completely soft, and monolithic logic components (valves with low‐volume core, also called as LV valves) to provide directional resistance as well as a switching mechanism that enables fluidic logic in soft systems. The compatibility of the fabrication methods for both soft actuators and valves facilitates the creation of compact, integrated, and versatile soft robotic systems with embodied intelligence. This study introduces two examples of such intelligent soft robotic systems that integrate both LV‐net actuators and LV valves to demonstrate capability for complex system fabrication.

Yu, Qifan↗
NASA NTRS1983

High dynamic, low volume GPS receiver

A new GPS receiver concept and design are presented to meet the high dynamic and low volume requirements for range applications in missiles and drones. The receiver has the potential to satisfy all range requirements with one basic receiver, which has significant potential economic benefit over the alternate approach of using a family of receivers, each tailored for specific applications. The main new concept is to use approximate maximum likelihood estimates of pseudo range and range-rate, rather than tracking with carrier phase locked loops and code delay locked loops. Preliminary analysis indicates that receivers accelerating at 50 g or more can track with position errors due to acceleration of approximately 0.2 m/g, or 10 m at 50 g. Implementation is almost entirely digital to meet the low volume requirements.

Hurd, W. J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Using low volume eDNA methods to sample pelagic marine animal assemblages

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an increasingly useful method for detecting pelagic animals in the ocean but typically requires large water volumes to sample diverse assemblages. Ship-based pelagic sampling programs that could implement eDNA methods generally have restrictive water budgets. Studies that quantify how eDNA methods perform on low water volumes in the ocean are limited, especially in deep-sea habitats with low animal biomass and poorly described species assemblages. Using 12S rRNA and COI gene primers, we quantified assemblages comprised of micronekton, coastal forage fishes, and zooplankton from low volume eDNA seawater samples (n = 436, 380–1800 mL) collected at depths of 0–2200 m in the southern California Current. We compared diversity in eDNA samples to concurrently collected pelagic trawl samples (n = 27), detecting a higher diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate groups in the eDNA samples. Differences in assemblage composition could be explained by variability in size-selectivity among methods and DNA primer suitability across taxonomic groups. The number of reads and amplicon sequences variants (ASVs) did not vary substantially among shallow (<200 m) and deep samples (>600 m), but the proportion of invertebrate ASVs that could be assigned a species-level identification decreased with sampling depth. Using hierarchical clustering, we resolved horizontal and vertical variability in marine animal assemblages from samples characterized by a relatively low diversity of ecologically important species. Low volume eDNA samples will quantify greater taxonomic diversity as reference libraries, especially for deep-dwelling invertebrate species, continue to expand.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2013

Crew Systems for Asteroid Exploration: Concepts for Lightweight & Low Volume EVA Systems

This RFI response is targeting Area 5. Crew Systems for Asteroid Exploration: concepts for lightweight and low volume robotic and extra-vehicular activity (EVA) systems, such as space suits, tools, translation aids, stowage containers, and other equipment. The NASA KSC Surface Systems Office, Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Lab and the Electrostatics & Surface Physics Lab (ESPL) are dedicated to developing technologies for operating in regolith environments on target body surfaces. We have identified two technologies in our current portfolio that are highly relevant and useful for crews that will visit a re-directed asteroid in Cis-Lunar Space. Both technologies are at a high TRL of 5/6 and could be rapidly implemented in time for an ARM mission in this decade.

Mueller, Rob↗
DOE OSTI2023

An assessment of spall failure modes in laser powder bed fusion fabricated stainless steel 316L with low-volume intentional porosity

Here, this paper reports on spall failure and damage modes in Laser Powder Bed Fusion fabricated Stainless Steel 316L (SS316L) with intentional levels of low-volume (1–5 vol. %) porosity and pore sizes of 200, 350, and 500 μm. The fabricated specimens were subjected to uniaxial-strain plate-impact loading at ~4.5 GPa, to initiate incipient spall failure. Analysis of velocimetry profiles measured using multi-probe photon-Doppler velocimetry coupled with post-mortem analysis of soft-recovered samples reveals local suppression of spall failure (termed as spall-dominated) as a function of porosity, as the failure mechanism transitions from spall-centered tensile stress dominated to a pore-centered microstructure-dominated damage mode involving void/crack nucleation and growth at pre-existing pores. The critical porosity level where the suppression of spall failure is first observed, as well as the spall location, is dependent on both the volume fraction and the size of the initially fabricated pores. In samples of 500 μm pore size, the suppression of spall failure is observed with as little as 1 vol. % porosity, while samples with smaller pores (200 μm) still experience spall-centered tensile stress dominated failure with higher levels (5 vol. %) of porosity. In the case of pore-centered microstructure-dominated failure, spall damage can occur but the spall plane is shifted toward the rear free surface, or more generally in areas further away from the region with pores. Highly heterogeneous deformation twinning, shear banding, grain rotation, and cracking are observed in the vicinity of pre-existing pores and expected spall failure sites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Rapid Droplet Sampling Interface for Low-Volume, High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Here, we present a rapid droplet sampling interface (RDSI) electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) system as a high-throughput, low-volume, noncontact, and minimal-carryover approach for characterization of liquids. Liquid characterization was achieved by combining droplet ejection with an open-face microflow capillary with a 2.5 μL/min continuous flow of carrier solvent. Through this implementation, single 0.3 nL droplets containing the analyte effectively mix with 4–8 nL of carrier solvent and create a combined electrospray plume. The carrier solvent continuously cleaned the system, eliminating carryover. A sampling rate of 5 Hz was achieved for droplets containing 1 μM propranolol or 5 μM leu-enkephalin with each droplet fully baseline-resolved (138 ± 32 ms baseline-to-baseline). Using a SCIEX API4000 mass spectrometer, a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of propranolol was 15 nM, corresponding to 1.16 fg of propranolol in the droplet, and was linear across 3 orders of magnitude. Further, quantitation could be achieved by adding an isotopically labeled internal standard, as done in conventional ESI. Signal transients were faster than the acquisition speed of the mass spectrometer, resulting in artificially high reproducibility of 15–30% RSD droplet-to-droplet. Analyte–solvent mixing ratios could be controlled by adjusting droplet positioning along the open-face capillary with an optimal position about 0.4 mm from the tip end. The range of analyte coverage was exemplified by measures of peptides and drugs in methanol, water, and buffer solutions. In a comparison to the Open Port Sampling Interface (OPSI) implemented on the same system, the RDSI had 78× greater sensitivity, 6× greater throughput and used significantly less carrier solvent.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2023

A Multi-Sensor, Low Volume, Automated Culture System for Space Biology Experiments

Optical density (absorbance) is commonly used in microbiology to measure cell concentration and other colorimetric indicators. It is the main type of bioscience data returned from the BioSentinel small spacecraft mission, which was recently launched as a secondary payload on Artemis I. The flight unit takes absorbance measurements of yeast cultures at 570 nm, 630 nm, and 850 nm to track cell concentration and oxidation-reduction (redox) state of the metabolic indicator dye alamarBlue over time [1]. Because the data returned from a small spacecraft mission is necessarily limited, BioSentinel uses a specialized ground-based experiment apparatus to map the absorbance data onto several other parameters. This culture apparatus is composed of a polycarbonate base and lid which contain ports for several commercial sensors, including a standard 12 mm dissolved oxygen probe, gaseous CO2, fluid pressure, and two micro-probes for measuring pH and redox potential. It also contains a pressure relief valve, a rubber membrane for culture interaction, and a 12mm port for the custom optical probe designed to match in-flight measurements. Modules in two corners expand the culture volume into narrow columns, enabling solid-state optical density measurement and dielectric spectroscopy. The apparatus can be fit to a plate for magnetic stirring. The apparatus’s optical probe allows mapping between the flight unit’s optical data and the additional parameters measured by the ground-based experiments. Within the probe, a linear actuator pulls a plunger, drawing culture volume into the optical path. The actuator then pushes out the plunger and culture volume, cleaning any stray yeast from the inside surface of the probe. The probe chassis is 3D-printed from biocompatible resin with the optoelectronics cured inside an optically clear conformal coat which functions as a lens. To optimize the probe’s dimensions, including optical path, a test harness was developed to manipulate and measure distance while the LED light sources and photodiode detector are in operation. The test harness was composed of two 3/64” thick polycarbonate plates mounted to a set of calipers. The LEDs and photodiode were mounted on the outside of each plate. A cuvette of sample fluid was then clamped between the plates in line between the LEDs and photodiode. The test harness generated a 78% signal change between water and a dye standard for the green (570 nm) LED, a 90% signal change for the red (630 nm) LED, and a 25% signal change between water and overgrown yeast for the infrared (850 nm) LED. The improvements to the ground experiment apparatus (culture volume reduction, inclusion of an optical probe to measure flight-like optical data, and magnetic stirring for culture homogeneity) allow for more flight-like measurements to be taken and more accurate mapping of these additional parameters to the optical data returned from the flight unit. This enhancement to mission science return will give insight into how deep space radiation may affect human biology for future long-term space exploration.

Multi-Sensor↗
DOE OSTI2024

Amplifying Nanoparticle Reinforcement through Low Volume Topologically Controlled Chemical Coupling

Here, we present a streamlined method to covalently bond hydroxylated carbon nanotubes (CNOH) within a polyphenol matrix, all achieved through a direct, solvent-free process. Employing an extremely small concentration of CNOH (0.01% w/w) along with topologically contrasting linkers led to a maximum of 5-fold increase in modulus and a 25% enhancement in tensile strength compared to the unaltered matrix, an order of magnitude greater reinforcement (w/w) compared to state-of-the-art melt-processed nanocomposites. Through dynamic mechanical analysis, low field solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations, we uncovered the profound influence of linker’s conformational degrees of freedom on the segmental dynamics and therefore the material’s properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1982

Cost optimization in low volume VLSI circuits

The relationship of integrated circuit (IC) cost to electronic system cost is developed using models for integrated circuit cost which are based on design/fabrication approach. Emphasis is on understanding the relationship between cost and volume for custom circuits suitable for NASA applications. In this report, reliability is a major consideration in the models developed. Results are given for several typical IC designs using off the shelf, full custom, and semicustom IC's with single and double level metallization.

Cook, K. B., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The transition from columnar to equiaxed dendritic growth in proeutectic, low-volume fraction copper, Pb-Cu alloys

Lead, 17.1, 11.2, and 5 volume fraction copper (14, 9, and 4 wt pct Cu) alloys have been directionally solidified at constant growth velocities ranging from 1 to 100 microns/s. Serially increasing the growth velocity within this range results in a graded microstructural transition from fully columnar, albeit segregated, copper dendrites in a lead matrix to one consisting only of equiaxed grains. The imposed velocity necessary to effect fully equiaxed growth is found to drop rapidly as the volume fraction of copper is decreased. Factors which complicate the controlled, directional solidification of these alloys are discussed and the experimental results are interpreted in view of, and seen to be in qualitative agreement with, Hunt's theory on the transition from columnar to equiaxed growth of dendrites.

Kim, Shinwoo↗
NASA NTRS1995

Low volume packaging for a microinstrumentation system

A folding, multi-platform assembly has been developed for the packaging of a multi-chip microinstrumentation system. The assembly includes three solid platforms connected by flexible micromachined ribbon cables and it can be populated by sensors and electronics from a variety of technologies including surface mount and integrated circuit (IC) processes. The entire structure is fabricated from a four-inch silicon wafer using a simple four mask process and a post-process EDP etch. The micromachined ribbon cables allow the platform assembly to be folded into a three level structure with control electronics on the bottom level, microsensors and interface electronics on the second level, and sensors that need environmental access on the top level. Using the silicon multi-platform assembly, a prototype microinstrumentation system has been developed that includes a microcontroller unit and sensors for measuring temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, altitude, and acceleration as well as a telemetry device for wireless communication. When folded in the three level structure, this microsystem occupies only 5 cc and can be placed in an outer case the size of a wristwatch.

Mason, A.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Effects of space flight and mixing on bacterial growth in low volume cultures

Previous investigations have shown that liquid suspension bacterial cultures grow to higher cell concentrations in spaceflight than on Earth. None of these studies included ground-control experiments designed to evaluate the fluid effects potentially responsible for the reported increases. Therefore, the emphasis of this research was to both confirm differences in final cell concentration between 1g and microgravity cultures, and to examine the effects of mixing as a partial explanation for this difference. Flight experiments were performed in the Fluid Processing Apparatus (FPA), aboard Space Shuttle Missions STS-63 and STS-69, with simultaneous 1g static and agitated controls. Additional static 1g, agitated, and clino-rotated controls were performed in 9-ml culture tubes. This research revealed that both E. coli and B. subtilis samples cultured in space flight grew to higher final cell densities (120-345% increase) than simultaneous static 1g controls. The final cell concentration of E. coli cells cultured under agitation was 43% higher than in static 1g cultures and was 102% higher with clino-rotation. However, for B. subtilis cultures grown while being agitated on a shaker or clino-rotated, the final cell concentrations were nearly identical to those of the simultaneous static 1g controls. Therefore, these data suggest that the unique fluid quiescence in the microgravity environment (lack of sedimentation, creating unique transfer of nutrients and waste products), was responsible for the enhanced bacterial proliferation reported in this and other studies.

STS-63 Shuttle Project↗
NASA NTRS1997

The Interplay of Surface Mount Solder Joint Quality and Reliability of Low Volume SMAs

Spacecraft electronics including those used at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), demand production of highly reliable assemblies. JPL has recently completed an extensive study, funded by NASA's code Q, of the interplay between manufacturing defects and reliability of ball grid array (BGA) and surface mount electronic components.

Spacecraft electronics electronic assemblies J-lea↗