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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Black Box Equations of State: Creating Semi-analytic Solutions to the Noh Problem and Verifying Equation of State Interfaces

The objective of this report is threefold. First, it details a method for deriving a semi-analytic solution to the Noh Problem when using a “black-box” equation of state. Such capability allows us to perform verification on complicated, more realistic equations of state. Examples include Steinberg equations of state for materials and tabulated equations of state. The second objective is to apply the methodology to verify the singularity-eos equation of state library. We do so by solving the Rankine-Hugoinot jump conditions for the Noh Problem, ensuring singularity derives the correct solution and comparing the error to an exact implementation of the equation of state. The third objective is to perform verification of the xRAGE Eulerian hydrodynamics code when interfaced with singularity. We provide the theory, analysis, documentation for a python implementation of the proposed solver, and verification results.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Deep level transient spectroscopy investigation of ultra-wide bandgap ($\bar201$) and ($001$) β -Ga 2 O 3

Here, this work reports on a comprehensive examination of the electrical and thermal properties of vertical Schottky diodes fabricated on ($\bar201$) and ($001$)-oriented samples of β-Ga 2 O 3 . The temperature-dependent current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) data were gathered and analyzed down to 60 K. Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) was used to study bulk and interface defects in the two materials from approx. 325 K down to 60 K. In the bulk ($\bar201$) material, an electron trap was observed at E C -0.46 eV, with a capture cross section of 1.6 x 10 -14 cm 2 and a lambda-corrected maximum trap density of 9.08 x 10 15 cm -3 . These results and others indicate that the electron trap is a strong candidate for the well-known E1 defect in β-Ga 2 O 3 based on recent investigations. Additionally, in the ($\bar201$) material, the smooth modulation typical of interface states is evident at temperatures below 275 K. The ($001$) samples manifested what is likely the E2* electron trap at E C -0.68 eV, with a capture cross section of 1.64 x 10 -15 cm 2 and a lambda-corrected maximum trap density of 8.85 x 10 15 cm -3 . The presence of the E2* defect, in particular, is a contrast to the findings of recent DLTS investigations on β-Ga 2 O 3 , which report that E2* emerged only after low-energy proton irradiation. These results help to further map out the defect signatures found in β-Ga 2 O 3 materials, which are of vital importance in the design and fabrication of future β-Ga 2 O 3 devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of the atomic-level structure of γ-alumina and (111) Pt/γ-alumina interfaces

The atomic-level structure of platinum/γ-alumina interfaces is characterized in a model system of dense γ-alumina embedded with faceted Pt NPs produced by implantation of platinum ions into sapphire followed by thermal annealing in air at 800 °C. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to collect atomic-resolution images, which are compared to STEM image simulations of two experimentally-based bulk models of γ-alumina by Smrčok et al. and Zhou and Snyder. A density functional theory (DFT) based model of (111) interfaces with different chemical terminations (O, Al 1 , Al 2 ) of the γ-alumina developed by Oware Sarfo et al. is also compared to experimental STEM data from Pt/γ-alumina interfaces. Further, the Smrčok γ-alumina model provides a better fit than the Zhou structure to the bulk of the γ-alumina. The oxygen-terminated Oware Sarfo model best fits the experimental data and is a very good model close to the interface. However, the fit of the interface model to the experimental data is poorer beyond the third atomic layer in the γ-alumina. This is attributed to compromises required in the design of the model to limit the cell size and computational time for DFT calculations. Understanding the accuracy and limits of the structural models of γ-alumina and Pt/γ-alumina interfaces is important to further the understanding of the structure/property relationships in this system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2019

Combined Qualification Vibration Testing and Fixed Base Modal Testing Utilizing a Fixed Based Correction Method

Vibration testing spaceflight hardware is a vital, but time consuming and expensive endeavor. Traditionally modal tests are performed at the component, subassembly, or system level, preferably free-free with mass loaded interfaces or fixed base on a seismic mass to identify the fundamental structural dynamic (modal) characteristics. Vibration tests are then traditionally performed on single-axis slip tables at qualification levels that envelope the maximum predicted flight environment and workmanship in order to verify the spaceflight hardware can survive its flight environment. These two tests currently require two significantly different test setups, facilities, and ultimately reconfiguration of the spaceflight hardware. The vision of this research is to show how traditional fixed-base modal testing can be accomplished using vibration qualification testing facilities, which not only streamlines testing and reduces test costs, but also opens up the possibility of performing modal testing to untraditionally high excitation levels that provide for test-correlated finite element models to be more representative of the spaceflight hardware's response in a flight environment. This paper documents the first steps towards this vision, which is the comparison of modal parameters identified from a traditional fixed-based modal test performed on a modal floor and those obtained by utilizing a fixed based correction method with a large single-axis electrodynamic shaker driving a slip table supplemented with additional small portable shakers driving on the slip table and test article. To show robustness of this approach, the test article chosen is a simple linear weldment, whose mass, size, and modal parameters couple well with the dynamics of the shaker/slip table. This paper will show that all dynamics due to the shaker/slip table were successfully removed resulting in true fixed-base modal parameters, including modal damping, being successfully extracted from a traditional style base-shake vibration test setup.

Base-Shake↗
DOE OSTI2025

Applications of Nickelate perovskites for neuromorphic computing from electronic structure and Machine Learning

While the limit of Moore's law is presently being reached with current microelectronic technologies, we need to develop new paradigms that overcome this limitation. In that respect, neuromorphic computing is a concept that emulates the neural behavior and response of the human brain, and it has been recognized as a promising alternative approach. In this research project, we will perform multi-fidelity scale bridging to explore the potential use of materials with metal to insulator transition for neuromorphic applications. In particular, rare earth nickelates are promising for such purposes, as the transition in these materials is quite sensitive to a broad set of different external stimuli. Our multi-fidelity approach will bridge the high-fidelity electronic structure calculations with classical potentials. We will bridge dynamical mean field theory with a classical atomistic representation via a deep learning force field. The neural network is trained with energies, charges, and forces obtained by accurate electronic structure theories based on Dynamical Mean Field Theory. The configurational space is generated from known crystal phases, ab initio molecular dynamics with exchange-correlation functionals corrected with the Hubbard model, disordered phases with different concentrations of oxygen vacancies, and nonsymmetrical positions and induced strain by grain interfaces or contact with a substrate. Strategies to train the model with a reduced number of training examples are obtained from active learning methods, and new structures for improving the learning process are generated by using machine learning autoencoders. This classical potential will be validated through a diversity of electronic structure methods and represents an important step to combine the flexibility and accuracy of first-principles with the speed of classical potentials. The generated multi-fidelity surrogate model will be used to understand the role of strain, oxygen vacancies, proton doping, the variation of the crystal phase, substrate effects, vibrational effects as the octahedral rotation, grain boundaries and defect effects on the response of a Metal to Insulator Transition (MIT) in correlated materials. Long time and large-scale simulations will help understand the role of different stimuli to control the hysteresis of the MIT, as it has been experimentally suggested. Selected configurations will be analyzed with higher-level theories to provide an accurate electronic description and to study how the orbitals and charges are rearranged under different conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electromagnetic Transient Modeling of Large Data Centers for Grid-Level Studies

The magnitude and complexity of electricity usage patterns from large data centers are having significant impacts on the operation and dynamics of the power grid; grid operators and planners require a range of specialized data center models to properly evaluate these impacts and specify technical solutions as needed. Towards addressing this need, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a library of electromagnetic transient (EMT) models for grid-level studies of data centers called the data center model library (DML). This report describes how the DML was created and how it may properly be used. The models present in the DML are generic models; subject matter expertise and additional technical data are needed to modify these models before they can represent any real data center. However, they will significantly reduce the level of effort required to develop site-specific models and can serve as a common starting point to guide industry towards a more refined consensus. Most of the models within DML are dedicated to representing the power electronics interfaces commonly used in modern data centers, such as double-conversion uninterruptible power supplies and single-phase power factor correction converters. These models are intended for use in grid-level studies and are a simplified aggregation of many small components. That said, background material on the physical and electrical design of large data centers is provided as companion material so that users can be aware of many of the details which have been omitted or streamlined as a matter of practical necessity. Additionally, guidance on the application of EMT analysis for data center interconnection studies is provided, which aids users in identifying when the DML is necessary and what sort of additional model development may be necessary for conducting real-world studies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electromagnetic Transient Modeling of Large Data Centers for Grid-Level Studies: Beta Release

The magnitude and complexity of electricity usage patterns from large data centers are having significant impacts on the operation and dynamics of the power grid; grid operators and planners require a range of specialized data center models to properly evaluate these impacts and specify technical solutions as needed. Towards addressing this need, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a library of electromagnetic transient (EMT) models for grid-level studies of data centers called the data center model library (DML). This report describes how the DML was created and how it may properly be used. This report details the DML’s beta release, completed in July 2026. This is a revision and expansion of the alpha release, which was made available in January 2026 The models present in the DML are generic models; subject matter expertise and additional technical data are needed to modify these models before they can represent any real data center. However, they will significantly reduce the level of effort required to develop site-specific models and can serve as a common starting point to guide industry towards a more refined consensus. Most of the models within DML are dedicated to representing the power electronics interfaces commonly used in modern data centers, such as double-conversion uninterruptible power supplies and single-phase power factor correction converters. These models are intended for use in grid-level studies and are a simplified aggregation of many small components. That said, background material on the physical and electrical design of large data centers is provided as companion material so that users can be aware of many of the details which have been omitted or streamlined as a matter of practical necessity. Additionally, guidance on the application of EMT analysis for data center interconnection studies is provided, which aids users in identifying when the DML is necessary and what sort of additional model development may be necessary for conducting real-world studies.

electromagnetic transients↗
NASA NTRS1999

Using Transom Jack in the Human Engineering Analysis of the Materials Science Research Rack-1 and Quench Module Insert

This paper describes the human engineering analysis performed on the Materials Science Research Rack-1 and Quench Module Insert (MSRR-1/QMI) using Transom Jack (Jack) software. The Jack software was used to model a virtual environment consisting of the MSRR-1/QMI hardware configuration and human figures representing the 95th percentile male and 5th percentile female. The purpose of the simulation was to assess the human interfaces in the design for their ability to meet the requirements of the Pressurized Payloads Interface Requirements Document - International Space Program, Revision C (SSP 57000). Jack was used in the evaluation because of its ability to correctly model anthropometric body measurements and the physical behavior of astronauts working in microgravity, which is referred to as the neutral body posture. The Jack model allows evaluation of crewmember interaction with hardware through task simulation including but not limited to collision avoidance behaviors, hand/eye coordination, reach path planning, and automatic grasping to part contours. Specifically, this virtual simulation depicts the human figures performing the QMI installation and check-out, sample cartridge insertion and removal, and gas bottle drawer removal. These tasks were evaluated in terms of adequate clearance in reach envelopes, adequate accessibility in work envelopes, appropriate line of sight in visual envelopes, and accommodation of full size range for male and female stature maneuverability. The results of the human engineering analysis virtual simulation indicate that most of the associated requirements of SSP 57000 were met. However, some hardware design considerations and crew procedures modifications are recommended to improve accessibility, provide an adequate work envelope, reduce awkward body posture, and eliminate permanent protrusions.

Dunn, Mariea C.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Aerodynamics of the Mars Microprobe Entry Vehicles

The selection of the unique aeroshell shape for the Mars Microprobes is discussed. A description of its aerodynamics in hypersonic rarefied, hypersonic continuum, supersonic and transonic flow regimes is then presented. This description is based on Direct Simulation Monte Carlo analyses in the rarefied-flow regime, thermochemical nonequilibrium Computational Fluid Dynamics in the hypersonic regime, existing wind tunnel data in the supersonic and transonic regime, additional computational work in the transonic regime, and finally, ballistic range data. The aeroshell is shown to possess the correct combination of aerodynamic stability and drag to convert the probe's initial tumbling attitude and high velocity at atmospheric-interface into the desired surface-impact orientation and velocity.

Mitcheltree, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Characterization of DBD Plasma Actuators Performance without External Flow : Thrust-Voltage Quadratic Relationship in Logarithmic Space for Sinusoidal Excitation - Part I

We present results of thrust measurements of Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma actuators. We have used a test setup, measurement, and data processing methodology that we developed in prior work. The tests were conducted with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) actuators of three thicknesses. The applied voltage driving the actuators was a pure sinusoidal waveform. The test setup was suspended actuators with a partial liquid interface. The tests were conducted at low ambient humidity. The thrust was measured with an analytical balance and the results were corrected for anti-thrust to isolate the plasma generated thrust. Applying this approach resulted in smooth and repeatable data. It also enabled curve fitting that yielded quadratic relations between the plasma thrust and voltage in log-log space at constant frequencies. The results contrast power law relationships developed in literature that appear to be a rough approximation over a limited voltage range.

Dielectric Barrier Discharge↗
NASA NTRS2019

Combined Qualification Vibration Testing and Fixed Base Modal Testing Utilizing a Fixed Based Correction Method

Vibration testing spaceflight hardware is a vital, but time consuming and expensive endeavor. Traditionally modal tests are performed at the component, subassembly, or system level, preferably free-free with mass loaded interfaces or fixed base on a seismic mass to identify the fundamental structural dynamic (modal) characteristics. Vibration tests are then traditionally performed on single-axis slip tables at qualification levels that envelope the maximum predicted flight environment plus 3 dB and workmanship in order to verify the spaceflight hardware can survive its flight environment. These two tests currently require two significantly different test setups, facilities, and ultimately reconfiguration of the spaceflight hardware. The vision of this research is to show how traditional fixed-base modal testing can be accomplished using vibration qualification testing facilities, which not only streamlines testing and reduces test costs, but also opens up the possibility of performing modal testing to untraditionally high excitation levels that provide for test-correlated finite element models to be more representative of the spaceflight hardware's response in a flight environment. This paper documents the first steps towards this vision, which is the comparison of modal parameters identified from a traditional fixed-based modal test performed on a modal floor and those obtained by utilizing a fixed based correction method with a large single-axis electrodynamic shaker driving a slip table supplemented with additional small portable shakers driving on the slip table and test article. To show robustness of this approach, the test article chosen is a simple linear weldment, whose mass, size, and modal parameters couple well with the dynamics of the shaker/slip table. This paper will show that all dynamics due to the shaker/slip table were successfully removed resulting in true fixed-base modal parameters, including modal damping, being successfully extracted from a traditional style base-shake vibration test setup.

Winkel, James P.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Implementation of the WICS Wall Interference Correction System at the National Transonic Facility

The Wall Interference Correction System (WICS) is operational at the National Transonic Facility (NTF) of NASA Langley Research Center (NASA LaRC) for semispan and full span tests in the solid wall (slots covered) configuration, The method is based on the wall pressure signature method for computing corrections to the measured parameters. It is an adaptation of the WICS code operational at the 12 ft pressure wind tunnel (12ft PWT) of NASA Ames Research Center (NASA ARC). This paper discusses the details of implementation of WICS at the NTF including, tunnel calibration, code modifications for tunnel and support geometry, changes made for the NTF wall orifices layout, details of interfacing with the tunnel data processing system, and post-processing of results. Example results of applying WICS to a semispan test and a full span test are presented. Comparison with classical correction results and an analysis of uncertainty in the corrections are also given. As a special application of the code, the Mach number calibration data from a centerline pipe test was computed by WICS. Finally, future work for expanding the applicability of the code including online implementation is discussed.

Iyer, Venkit↗
NASA NTRS2000

Implementation of the WICS Wall Interference Correction System at the National Transonic Facility

The Wall Interference Correction System (WICS) is operational at the National Transonic Facility (NTF) of NASA Langley Research Center (NASA LaRC) for semispan and full span tests in the solid wall (slots covered) configuration. The method is based on the wall pressure signature method for computing corrections to the measured parameters. It is an adaptation of the WICS code operational at the 12 ft pressure wind tunnel (12ft PWT) of NASA Ames Research Center (NASA ARC). This paper discusses the details of implementation of WICS at the NTF including tunnel calibration, code modifications for tunnel and support geometry, changes made for the NTF wall orifices layout, details of interfacing with the tunnel data processing system, and post-processing of results. Example results of applying WICS to a semispan test and a full span test are presented. Comparison with classical correction results and an analysis of uncertainty in the corrections are also given. As a special application of the code, the Mach number calibration data from a centerline pipe test was computed by WICS. Finally, future work for expanding the applicability of the code including online implementation is discussed.

Iyer, Venkit↗
NASA NTRS2000

Intelligent Tutoring Systems for Procedural Task Training of Remote Payload Operations at NASA

Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) encode and apply the subject matter and teaching expertise of experienced instructors to provide students with individualized instruction automatically. ITSs complement training simulators by providing automated instruction when it is not economical or feasible to dedicate an instructor to each student during training simulations. Despite their proven training effectiveness and favorable operating cost, however, relatively few ITSs are in use. This is largely because it is usually costly and difficult to encode the task knowledge used by the ITS to evaluate the student's actions and assess the student's performance. Procedural tasks are tasks for which there exist procedures, guidelines, and strategies that determine the correct set of steps to be taken within each situation. To lower the cost and difficulty of creating tutoring systems for procedural task training, Stottler Henke Associates, Inc. (SHAI) worked closely with the Operations Training Group at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center to develop the Task Tutor Toolkit (T (exp 3)), a generic tutoring system shell and scenario authoring tool. The Task Tutor Toolkit employs a case-based reasoning approach where the instructor creates a procedure template that specifies the range of student actions that are "correct" within each scenario. Because each procedure template is specific to a single scenario, the system can employ relatively simple reasoning methods to represent a correct set of actions and assess student performance. This simplicity enables a non-programmer to specify task knowledge quickly and easily by via graphical user interface, using a "demonstrate, generalize, and annotate" paradigm, that recognizes the range of possible valid actions and infers principles understood (or misunderstood) by the student when those actions are carried out. The Task Tutor Toolkit was also designed to be modular and general, so that it can be interfaced with a wide range of training simulators and support a variety of training domains. SHAI and NASA applied the Task Tutor Toolkit to create the Remote Payload Operations Tutor (RPOT). RPOT is a specific tutoring system application which lets scientists who are new to space mission operations learn to monitor and control their experiments aboard the International Space Station according to NASA payload regulations, guidelines, and procedures. The RPOT simulator lets students practice these skills by monitoring the telemetry variable values of a simple, hypothetical experiment, sending commands to the experiment, coordinating with NASA personnel via voice communication loops, and submitting and retrieving information via documents and forms. At the end of each scenario, RPOT displays the principles correctly or incorrectly demonstrated by the student, along with explanations and background information. The effectiveness of RPOT and the Task Tutor Toolkit are currently under evaluation at NASA.

Ong, James↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Conservative Finite-Volume Based Interface-Tracking Algorithm Using the Signed Distance Function

Methods for tracking an interface between two fluid phases are developed to ensure desired fluid properties, conservation, and stability are preserved in a finitevolume (FV) discretization. Here, the interface is tracked using a level set method where the signed distance function implicitly defines the interface. Marching methods are used to evaluate the value of the signed distance function, including a novel initialization method to initialize any implicit function to the signed distance function around sharp corners in the level set. Global conservation and consistency with a set of governing equations is enforced by a compression coefficient that measures the volumetric compression or expansion due to inaccuracies in the level set evaluation. A redistribution method is integrated into the volume correction to eliminate the small-cell instability while maintaining global conservation. This suite of methods is implemented and tested using static uniform velocity, and potential flow cases with multiple interface geometries. Results show these methods achieve up to second order accuracy, and are conservative. The application for these methods is intended to track the interface of a 3D printing filament in a finite-volume discretization of the all-speed Navier-Stokes equations.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Pulsed-laser epitaxy of metallic delafossite PdCrO 2 films

Alternate stacking of a highly conducting metallic layer with a magnetic triangular layer found in delafossite PdCrO 2 provides an excellent platform for discovering intriguing correlated quantum phenomena. Thin film growth of delafossites may enable not only the tuning of the basic physical properties beyond what bulk materials can exhibit, but also the development of novel hybrid materials by interfacing with dissimilar materials, yet this has proven to be extremely challenging. Here, we report the epitaxial growth of metallic delafossite PdCrO 2 films by pulsed laser epitaxy (PLE). The fundamental role of the PLE growth conditions, epitaxial strain, and chemical and structural characteristics of the substrate is investigated by growing under various growth conditions and on various types of substrates. While strain plays a large role in improving the crystallinity, the direct growth of epitaxial PdCrO 2 films without impurity phases was not successful. We attribute this difficulty to both the chemical and structural dissimilarities with the substrate and volatile nature of the PdO sublayer, which make nucleation of the right phase difficult. This difficulty was overcome by growing CuCrO 2 buffer layers before PdCrO 2 films were grown. Unlike PdCrO 2 , CuCrO 2 films were readily grown with a relatively wide growth window. Only a monolayer thick buffer layer was sufficient to grow the correct PdCrO 2 phase. This result indicates that the epitaxy of Pd-based delafossites is extremely sensitive to the chemistry and structure of the interface, necessitating near perfect substrate materials. The resulting films are commensurately strained and show an antiferromagnetic transition at 40 K that persists down to as thin as 3.6 nm in thickness. This work provides key insights into advancing the epitaxial growth of the broader class of metallic delafossites for both studying the basic physical properties and developing new spintronic and computing devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optical transparency of LiF (100) shock compressed to ∼360 GPa

High-purity [100] lithium fluoride (LiF) is the most widely used optical window in dynamic compression experiments due to its wide bandgap and well-characterized mechanical response. Recent plate-impact experiments established the [100] LiF Hugoniot to ∼230 GPa and demonstrated shock-induced melting onset at 182 GPa with complete melting by 195 GPa; theoretical models predict LiF optical transparency to nearly 900 GPa. To experimentally examine the optical transparency of [100] LiF at higher pressures and in the liquid state, laser-driven shock experiments were performed at peak stresses ranging from 223 to 363 GPa. Optical response was examined by measuring the particle velocity histories at the Kapton/LiF interface using laser interferometry at 532 and 1550 nm wavelengths; in-material particle velocities were obtained using established refractive-index corrections. Continuous photonic Doppler velocimetry fringes were observed across the entire stress range, demonstrating that LiF remains transparent to 1550 nm light throughout the multi-megabar regime investigated. At 532 nm, fringe visibility depended on the reflector coating: aluminum mirrors provided signals to ∼235 GPa, while gold mirrors extended this limit to 270.5 GPa, indicating that the shorter-wavelength response is likely sensitive to experimental configuration rather than to the loss of LiF transparency. Continued optical transparency to at least 360 GPa indicates that shock-melted LiF does not display bandgap closure over the stress range explored. Furthermore, these results provide direct experimental constraints on the high-pressure optical response and establish LiF (100) as a robust optical window material for laser-driven dynamic compression experiments approaching 400 GPa.

Renganathan, P. [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)↗
NASA NTRS1982

PPOD Programmable pilot-oriented display

A general-purpose low cost research microprocessor system for general aviation was developed. This system is intended to be the vehicle for individual research efforts in low cost airborne hardware and software as well as advanced microprocessor based navigation systems and techniques. Two such research projects were undertaken, yielding results in the areas of micro hardware/software design, cost and performance, and pilot/computer interface. Low-cost flight software reliability and a time-difference based Loran approach procedure that eliminates the need for propagation corrections and latitude/longitude transformations are also discussed.

Elias, A. L.↗