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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
DOE OSTI2023

Package Performance Study: A Historical Perspective and Planning for a Path Forward

The topic of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) transportation often draws public attention and concerns regarding safety, and with large-scale shipping campaigns expected in the future, public interest is anticipated to substantially increase. In 1999, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) began an initiative called the Package Performance Study (PPS) that initially focused on SNF transportation cask responses to severe transportation accidents. A public participation approach was to be used to help guide the scope and parameters of the study, which was also to consider using full-scale physical testing of a SNF transportation cask, where appropriate. In 2010, the NRC decided not to go forward with physical testing as proposed. In 2006, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) conducted a study on SNF and high-level radioactive waste transportation in the United States. The NAS study recommended that full-scale cask testing, as well as other accepted methodologies, continue to be used as part of the package performance evaluation. In 2012, the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future (BRC) recommended conducting the PPS with a full-scale rail transportation cask for the purpose of building public trust and confidence in the safety of SNF transport. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) restarted a consent-based siting process, focusing on how to site federal facilities for the interim consolidated storage of SNF using a consent-based approach. Large-scale SNF transportation would be necessary for any such interim storage facility. As the planning activities begin for future large-scale shipping campaigns, the DOE is considering options for conducting a DOE-led PPS to help build public trust and confidence in the transportation of SNF. Therefore, the DOE is gathering information related to the previous NRC-led PPS efforts, as well as applicable international experience with the testing of SNF packages. This paper discusses previous NRC efforts, as well as the current status of a DOE-led PPS, which is in the early planning stages.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2024

Benchmark Calculation for BEAVRS Cycles 1 and 2 Using the SCALE 6.3/Polaris–PARCS v3.4.2 Code Package

This study performed the benchmark calculation for BEAVRS to validate the SCALE 6.3/Polaris–PARCS v3.4.2 code package with the ENDF/B-VII.1 56-group library, comparing the simulated results with the measured data. The benchmark results will be used in evaluating uncertainties of the SCALE/Polaris–PARCS code package for pressurized water reactor physics analysis for key nuclear parameters such as reactivity, control bank worth, temperature coefficients, and pin and assembly power peaking factors. This report details plant and fuel design specifications and input data for SCALE/Polaris as well as GenPMAXS and PARCS. Additionally, detailed information is provided for all the input and output files produced for the benchmark calculations. The benchmark results are summarized herein so that they can be used in evaluating uncertainties for key nuclear parameters with other benchmark results.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1973

Dye laser remote sensing of marine plankton

Dye laser, emitting four wavelengths sequentially in time, has been incorporated into helicopter-borne lidar flight package, for performing studies of laser-induced fluorescence of chlorophyll A in algae. Data obtained by multicolor lidar technique can provide water-resource management with rapid-access wide-area coverage of the impact of various environmental factors for any body of water.

Mumola, P. B.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Supersonic Retropropulsion Flight Test Concepts

NASA's Exploration Technology Development and Demonstration Program has proposed plans for a series of three sub-scale flight tests at Earth for supersonic retropropulsion, a candidate decelerator technology for future, high-mass Mars missions. The first flight test in this series is intended to be a proof-of-concept test, demonstrating successful initiation and operation of supersonic retropropulsion at conditions that replicate the relevant physics of the aerodynamic-propulsive interactions expected in flight. Five sub-scale flight test article concepts, each designed for launch on sounding rockets, have been developed in consideration of this proof-of-concept flight test. Commercial, off-the-shelf components are utilized as much as possible in each concept. The design merits of the concepts are compared along with their predicted performance for a baseline trajectory. The results of a packaging study and performance-based trade studies indicate that a sounding rocket is a viable launch platform for this proof-of-concept test of supersonic retropropulsion.

Exploration Technology Development and Demonstrati↗
NASA NTRS2026

A Study of the Aligned-Grid Retarding Potential Analyzer for Electric Propulsion Applications

During the development of energy analyzers for NASA’s Solar Electric Propulsion Plasma Diagnostics Package, detailed studies were performed to compare the benefits and drawbacks of different types of gridded potential analyzers. In particular, modeling and testing were performed on three types of retarding potential analyzer with aligned grids, and one type with unaligned grids. Additionally, a type of gridded energy analyzer was tested. Analyses of the model and test results showed that manufacturing an analyzer with aligned grids required greater precision and knowledge than other analyzers. A properly designed analyzer with aligned grids exhibited superior signal level, acceptance angle control, energy resolution, and compactness compared to an analyzer with unaligned grids. Additionally, the gridded energy analyzer was found to accept a broad range of incidence angles while having superior signal, energy resolution, and compactness compared to retarding potential analyzer with unaligned grid. This article describes the basic design principles deployed in the study, the associated modeling work, and the characterization tests that were performed. The article summarizes the benefits and drawbacks associated with each type of energy analyzer tested.

Electric Propulsion↗
DOE OSTI2024

Benchmark Calculation for the Hatch Unit 1 Cycles 1-3 Using the SCALE 6.3/Polaris–PARCS v3.4.2 Code Package

This study was the performance of the benchmark calculation for the Hatch Unit 1 cycles 1–3, to validate the SCALE 6.3/Polaris–PARCS v3.4.2 with the ENDF/B-VII.1 AMPX 56-group library by comparing the simulated results with the measured data. The benchmark results will be used in evaluating uncertainties of the SCALE/Polaris–PARCS code package for boiling water reactor (BWR) physics analysis for key nuclear parameters such as reactivity and assembly power peaking factors. This report details plant and fuel design specifications and input data for SCALE/Polaris, GenPMAXS and PARCS, and additionally, detailed information is provided for all the input and output files produced for the benchmark calculations. The benchmark results were summarized such that they can be used in evaluating uncertainties for key nuclear parameters with other BWR benchmark results.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1975

Investigation of discrete component chip mounting technology for hybrid microelectronic circuits

The use of polymer adhesives for high reliability microcircuit applications is a radical deviation from past practices in electronic packaging. Bonding studies were performed using two gold-filled conductive adhesives, 10/90 tin/lead solder and Indalloy no. 7 solder. Various types of discrete components were mounted on ceramic substrates using both thick-film and thin-film metallization. Electrical and mechanical testing were performed on the samples before and after environmental exposure to MIL-STD-883 screening tests.

Caruso, S. V.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Benchmark Calculation for the Quad Cities Unit 1 Cycles 1-3 Using the SCALE 6.3/Polaris–PARCS v3.4.2 Code Package

In this study, benchmark calculations were performed for the Quad Cities Unit 1 cycles 1–3 to validate the SCALE 6.3/Polaris–PARCS v3.4.2 code package with the ENDF/B-VII.1 AMPX 56-group library by comparing the simulated results with the measured data. The benchmark results will be used in evaluating uncertainties of the SCALE/Polaris–PARCS code package for boiling water reactor physics analysis for key nuclear parameters such as reactivity and assembly power peaking factors. This report details plant and fuel design specifications and input data for SCALE/Polaris, GenPMAXS, and PARCS; additionally, detailed information is provided for all the input and output files produced for the benchmark calculations. The benchmark results are summarized herein so that they can be used to evaluate uncertainties with other benchmark results for key nuclear parameters.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1989

Hybrid propulsion technology program. Volume 1: Conceptional design package

A concept design study was performed to configure two sizes of hybrid boosters; one which duplicates the advanced shuttle rocket motor vacuum thrust time curve and a smaller, quarter thrust level booster. Two sizes of hybrid boosters were configured for either pump-fed or pressure-fed oxygen feed systems. Performance analyses show improved payload capability relative to a solid propellant booster. Size optimization and fuel safety considerations resulted in a 4.57 m (180 inch) diameter large booster with an inert hydrocarbon fuel. The preferred diameter for the quarter thrust level booster is 2.53 m (96 inches). As part of the design study critical technology issues were identified and a technology acquisition and demonstration plan was formulated.

Jensen, Gordon E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Hybrid propulsion technology program. Volume 2: Technology definition package

A concept design study was performed to configure two sizes of hybrid boosters; one which duplicates the advanced shuttle rocket motor vacuum thrust time curve and a smaller, quarter thrust level booster. Two sizes of hybrid boosters were configured for either pump-fed or pressure-fed oxygen feed systems. Performance analyses show improved payload capability relative to a solid propellant booster. Size optimization and fuel safety considerations resulted in a 4.57 m (180 inch) diameter large booster with an inert hydrocarbon fuel. The preferred diameter for the quarter thrust level booster is 2.53 m (96 inches). The demonstration plan would culminate with test firings of a 3.05 m (120 inch) diameter hybrid booster.

Jensen, Gordon E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Investigation of package sealing using organic adhesives

A systematic study was performed to evaluate the suitability of adhesives for sealing hybrid packages. Selected adhesives were screened on the basis of their ability to seal gold-plated Kovar butterfly-type packages that retain their seal integrity after individual exposures to increasingly severe temperature-humidity environments. Tests were also run using thermal shock, temperature cycling, mechanical shock and temperature aging. The four best adhesives were determined and further tested in a 60 C/98% RH environment and continuously monitored in regard to moisture content. Results are given, however, none of the tested adhesives passed all the tests.

Perkins, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Wide-Field-of-View, High-Resolution, Stereoscopic Imager

A device combines video feeds from multiple cameras to provide wide-field-of-view, high-resolution, stereoscopic video to the user. The prototype under development consists of two camera assemblies, one for each eye. One of these assemblies incorporates a mounting structure with multiple cameras attached at offset angles. The video signals from the cameras are fed to a central processing platform where each frame is color processed and mapped into a single contiguous wide-field-of-view image. Because the resolution of most display devices is typically smaller than the processed map, a cropped portion of the video feed is output to the display device. The positioning of the cropped window will likely be controlled through the use of a head tracking device, allowing the user to turn his or her head side-to-side or up and down to view different portions of the captured image. There are multiple options for the display of the stereoscopic image. The use of head mounted displays is one likely implementation. However, the use of 3D projection technologies is another potential technology under consideration, The technology can be adapted in a multitude of ways. The computing platform is scalable, such that the number, resolution, and sensitivity of the cameras can be leveraged to improve image resolution and field of view. Miniaturization efforts can be pursued to shrink the package down for better mobility. Power savings studies can be performed to enable unattended, remote sensing packages. Image compression and transmission technologies can be incorporated to enable an improved telepresence experience.

Prechtl, Eric F.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Benchmark Calculation for the Peach Bottom Unit 2 Cycles 1-3 Using the SCALE 6.3/Polaris–PARCS v3.4.2 Code Package

In this study, benchmark calculations were performed for Peach Bottom Unit 2 cycles 1–3 to validate the SCALE 6.3/Polaris–PARCS v3.4.2 with the ENDF/B-VII.1 AMPX 56-group library by comparing the simulated results with the measured data. The benchmark results will be used to evaluate uncertainties of the SCALE/Polaris–PARCS code package for boiling water reactor physics analysis for key nuclear parameters such as reactivity and assembly power peaking factors. This report details plant and fuel design specifications and input data for SCALE/Polaris, GenPMAXS and PARCS. Additionally, detailed information is provided for all the input and output files produced for the benchmark calculations. The benchmark results were summarized such that they can be used to evaluate uncertainties with other benchmark results for key nuclear parameters.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS2019

Development Concepts for Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) Solid and Hybrid Vehicle Systems

Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) Study Introduction: Previous Studies -Solid, liquid and hybrid rocket propulsion feasibility studies since 2011 -Focus on hybrid rocket propulsion since 2016; Reassessing Propulsion Systems for Risk Reduction - Liquid propulsion vehicle found to not be feasible; Challenges -An autonomous return mission has never been done -Mars surface environments -Platform packaging limitations -Performance and trajectory requirements; Study Team -MSFC’s Advanced Concepts Office (ACO) -MSFC propulsion and vehicle design engineering expertise -JPL MAV team.

McCollum, Lisa Tunstill↗
NASA NTRS2003

A Power Conversion Concept for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter

The Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) mission is currently under study by the Office of Space Science under the Project Prometheus Program. JIMO is examining the use of Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) to carry scientific payloads to three Jovian moons. A potential power system concept includes dual 100 kWe Brayton converters, a deployable pumped loop heat rejection subsystem, and a 400 Vac Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) bus. Many trades were performed in aniving at this candidate power system concept. System-level studies examined design and off-design operating modes, determined startup requirements, evaluated subsystem redundancy options, and quantified the mass and radiator area of reactor power systems from 20 to 200 kWe. In the Brayton converter subsystem, studies were performed to investigate converter packaging options, and assess the induced torque effects on spacecraft dynamics due to rotating machinery. In the heat rejection subsystem, design trades were conducted on heat transport approaches, material and fluid options, and deployed radiator geometries. In the PMAD subsystem, the overall electrical architecture was defined and trade studies examined distribution approaches, voltage levels, and cabling options.

Mason, Lee S.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Tests of a Semi-Analytical Case 1 and Gelbstoff Case 2 SeaWiFS Algorithm with a Global Data Set

A semi-analytical algorithm was tested with a total of 733 points of either unpackaged or packaged-pigment data, with corresponding algorithm parameters for each data type. The 'unpackaged' type consisted of data sets that were generally consistent with the Case 1 CZCS algorithm and other well calibrated data sets. The 'packaged' type consisted of data sets apparently containing somewhat more packaged pigments, requiring modification of the absorption parameters of the model consistent with the CalCOFI study area. This resulted in two equally divided data sets. A more thorough scrutiny of these and other data sets using a semianalytical model requires improved knowledge of the phytoplankton and gelbstoff of the specific environment studied. Since the semi-analytical algorithm is dependent upon 4 spectral channels including the 412 nm channel, while most other algorithms are not, a means of testing data sets for consistency was sought. A numerical filter was developed to classify data sets into the above classes. The filter uses reflectance ratios, which can be determined from space. The sensitivity of such numerical filters to measurement resulting from atmospheric correction and sensor noise errors requires further study. The semi-analytical algorithm performed superbly on each of the data sets after classification, resulting in RMS1 errors of 0.107 and 0.121, respectively, for the unpackaged and packaged data-set classes, with little bias and slopes near 1.0. In combination, the RMS1 performance was 0.114. While these numbers appear rather sterling, one must bear in mind what mis-classification does to the results. Using an average or compromise parameterization on the modified global data set yielded an RMS1 error of 0.171, while using the unpackaged parameterization on the global evaluation data set yielded an RMS1 error of 0.284. So, without classification, the algorithm performs better globally using the average parameters than it does using the unpackaged parameters. Finally, the effects of even more extreme pigment packaging must be examined in order to improve algorithm performance at high latitudes. Note, however, that the North Sea and Mississippi River plume studies contributed data to the packaged and unpackaged classess, respectively, with little effect on algorithm performance. This suggests that gelbstoff-rich Case 2 waters do not seriously degrade performance of the semi-analytical algorithm.

Carder, Kendall L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Surface acoustic wave stabilized oscillators

Four areas of surface acoustic wave (SAW) controlled oscillators were investigated and a number of 401.2 MHz oscillators were constructed that showed improved performance. Aging studies on SAW devices packaged in HC36/U cold weld enclosures produced frequency drifts as low as 0.4 ppm in 35 weeks and drift rates well under 0.5 ppm/year. Temperature compensation circuits have substantially improved oscillator temperature stability, with a deviation of + or - 4 ppm observed over the range -45 C to + 40 C. High efficiency amplifiers were constructed for SAW oscillators and a dc to RF efficiency of 44 percent was obtained for an RF output of 25 mW. Shock and vibration tests were made on four oscillators and all survived 500 G shock pulses unchanged. Only when white noise vibration (20 Hz to 2000 Hz) levels of 20 G's rms were applied did some of the devices fail.

Parker, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Mars Sample Return Landed with Red Dragon

A Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission is the highest priority science mission for the next decade as recommended by the recent Decadal Survey of Planetary Science. However, an affordable program to carry this out has not been defined. This paper describes a study that examined use of emerging commercial capabilities to land the sample return elements, with the goal of reducing mission cost. A team at NASA Ames examined the feasibility of the following scenario for MSR: A Falcon Heavy launcher injects a SpaceX Dragon crew capsule and trunk onto a Trans Mars Injection trajectory. The capsule is modified to carry all the hardware needed to return samples collected on Mars including a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), an Earth Return Vehicle (ERV) and Sample Collection and Storage hardware. The Dragon descends to land on the surface of Mars using SuperSonic Retro Propulsion (SSRP) as described by Braun and Manning [IEEEAC paper 0076, 2005]. Samples are acquired and deliverd to the MAV by a prelanded asset, possibly the proposed 2020 rover. After samples are obtained and stored in the ERV, the MAV launches the sample-containing ERV from the surface of Mars. We examined cases where the ERV is delivered to either low Mars orbit (LMO), C3 = 0 (Mars escape), or an intermediate energy state. The ERV then provides the rest of the energy (delta V) required to perform trans-Earth injection (TEI), cruise, and insertion into a Moon-trailing Earth Orbit (MTEO). A later mission, possibly a crewed Dragon launched by a Falcon Heavy (not part of the current study) retrieves the sample container, packages the sample, and performs a controlled Earth re-entry to prevent Mars materials from accidentally contaminating Earth. The key analysis methods used in the study employed a set of parametric mass estimating relationships (MERs) and standard aerospace analysis software codes modified for the MAV class of launch vehicle to determine the range of performance parameters that produced converged spacecraft designs capable of meeting mission requirements. Subsystems modeled in this study included structures, power system, propulsion system, nose fairing, thermal insulation, actuation devices, and GN&C. Best practice application of loads and design margins for all resources were used. Both storable and cryogenic propellant systems were examined. The landed mass and lander capsule size provide boundary conditions for the MAV design and packaging. We estimated the maximum mass the Dragon capsule is capable of landing. This and the volume capability to store the MAV was deduced from publically available data from SpaceX as well as our own engineering and aerodynamic estimates. Minimum gross-liftoff mass (GLOM) for the MAV were obtained for configurations that used pump-fed storable bi-propellant rocket engines for both the MAV and the ERV stage. The GLOM required fits within our internal estimate of the mass that Dragon can land at low elevation/optimal seasons on Mars. Based on the analysis, we show that a single Mars launch sample return mission is feasible using current commercial capabilities to deliver the return spacecraft assets.

Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV)↗