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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 OSTI2022

Symmetry-dependent ultrafast manipulation of nanoscale magnetic domains

Symmetry is a powerful concept in physics, but its applicability to far-from-equilibrium states is still being understood. Recent attention has focused on how far-from-equilibrium states lead to spontaneous symmetry breaking. Conversely, ultrafast optical pumping can be used to drastically change the energy landscape and quench the magnetic order parameter in magnetic systems. Here, we find a distinct symmetry-dependent ultrafast behaviour by use of ultrafast x-ray scattering from magnetic patterns with varying degrees of isotropic and anisotropic symmetry. After pumping with an optical laser, the scattered intensity reveals a radial shift exclusive to the isotropic component and exhibits a faster recovery time from quenching for the anisotropic component. These features arise even when both symmetry components are concurrently measured, suggesting a correspondence between the excitation and the magnetic order symmetry. Our results underline the importance of symmetry as a critical variable to manipulate the magnetic order in the ultrafast regime.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dual-season thermal energy storage-integrated heat pump system for load shifting: experiments, modeling and nationwide analysis

Here, this paper proposes and validates a dual-season thermal energy storage-integrated heat pump (TES-HP) system that shifts building electric load in both cooling and heating modes using a single phase-change TES. The design uses the TES as a heat sink for the condenser in summer and a heat source for the evaporator in winter, thereby reducing on-peak electric demand while ensuring compatible with existing air-distribution systems. A 14-kW TES-HP prototype with six operating modes and novel refrigerant charge management strategies was experimentally tested under varied conditions. Subsequently, data-driven polynomial performance curves were developed and validated against experiments, then coupled with a phase change material (PCM) model and a calibrated building model within a rule-based controller. Single-day case studies demonstrated effective on-peak demand reduction while maintaining thermal comfort. During cooling, hourly power was lowered by up to 1.5 kW; in heating, average hourly power decreased from over 3.5 kW to 1.8 kW, compared to an HP-only system, achieving 64.5 % load shifting, and the need for resistance heating was eliminated. Seasonal simulations showed typical on-peak electricity savings of 25–35 % in cooling and 40–65 % in heating, with the largest benefits on the hottest and coldest days. Extended response-surface analysis and nationwide mapping quantified load shifting as functions of ambient and TES temperatures, revealing a seasonal trade-off in TES phase-change temperature. These results demonstrate the TES-HP system as a practical and scalable solution for grid-interactive buildings that reduces on-peak demand and electricity use while maintaining thermal comfort and enhancing grid flexibility and reliability.

Grid-interactive buildings↗
NASA NTRS1976

Interstellar molecules

Progress in the discovery and study of interstellar molecules is summarized. The 36 molecular species thus far identified in interstellar space are listed in several groups which include simple hydrides, oxides, and sulfides, various derivatives of ammonia, molecules involving linear carbon chains, cyanides, and molecules related in structure to formaldehyde, alcohols, or ethers. Several free radicals are described, the discovery of molecules in external galaxies is discussed, and possible mechanisms for molecular formation are noted. Methods for examining relative isotopic abundances by measuring molecules in interstellar clouds are outlined, mechanisms for the excitation of interstellar molecules are reviewed, and values are presented for the C-12/C-13 abundance ratio in a number of interstellar clouds. The detection of interstellar masers is discussed along with pumping mechanisms and masing transitions in H2CO, CH, OH, and SiO. The nature of dense interstellar clouds is examined in terms of several simple and complex cloud models, with emphasis on multiple condensation models.

Townes, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Huygens/ACP: An instrument for aerosols chemical composition measurements

The Aerosol Collector Pyrolyzer (ACP) which will be used aboard the Huygens probe is introduced. The scientific objectives, scientific rationale, and a technical description of the ACP are given. The ACP will sample the aerosols of the Titan's atmosphere in two regions, 160 to 60 and 60 to 25 km, respectively. In the first region, it will collect aerosol particles absorbed by a complex core (organic polymers) coated with absorbed or condensed molecules. The second collect will sample larger aerosols and the N2-CH4 droplets. In each sampling, the particles are collected on a metallic filter through which the atmospheric gas is pumped. The filter is then inserted into an oven connected to the Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) Experiment which analyzes the gases produced during the heating of the samples. For each sample it will be possible to bring information on the nature and abundance of the volatile components contained in the particles and/or the composition of the photochemical core.

Israel, Guy↗
NASA NTRS1992

Two-phase/two-phase heat exchanger simulation analysis

The capillary pumped loop (CPL) system is one of the most desirable devices to dissipate heat energy in the radiation environment of the Space Station providing a relatively easy control of the temperature. A condenser, a component of the CPL system, is linked with a buffer evaporator in the form of an annulus section of a double tube heat exchanger arrangement: the concentric core of the double tube is the condenser; the annulus section is used as a buffer between the conditioned space and the radiation surrounding but works as an evaporator. A CPL system with this type of condenser is modeled to simulate its function numerically. Preliminary results for temperature variations of the system are shown and more investigations are suggested for further improvement.

Kim, Rhyn H.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Review of Orbital Propellant Transfer Techniques and the Feasibility of a Thermal Bootstrap Propellant Transfer Concepts

This study was performed in support of the NASA Task B-2 Study Plan for Space Basing. The nature of space-based operations implies that orbital transfer of propellant is a prime consideration. The intent of this report is (1) to report on the findings and recommendations of existing literature on space-based propellant transfer techniques, and (2) to determine possible alternatives to the recommended methods. The reviewed literature recommends, in general, the use of conventional liquid transfer techniques (i.e., pumping) in conjunction with an artificially induced gravitational field. An alternate concept that was studied, the Thermal Bootstrap Transfer Process, is based on the compression of a two-phase fluid with subsequent condensation to a liquid (vapor compression/condensation). This concept utilizes the intrinsic energy capacities of the tanks and propellant by exploiting temperature differentials and available energy differences. The results indicate the thermodynamic feasibility of the Thermal Bootstrap Transfer Process for a specific range of tank sizes, temperatures, fill-factors and receiver tank heat transfer coefficients.

Yoshikawa, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Nonazeotropic Heat Pump

Heat pump collects heat from water circulating in heat-rejection loop, raises temperature of collected heat, and transfers collected heat to water in separate pipe. Includes sealed motor/compressor with cooling coils, evaporator, and condenser, all mounted in outer housing. Gradients of temperature in evaporator and condenser increase heat-transfer efficiency of vapor-compression cycle. Intended to recover relatively-low-temperature waste heat and use it to make hot water.

Ealker, David H.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Scanning ultrafast electron microscopy reveals photovoltage dynamics at a deeply buried $p^- \mathrm{Si/SiO_2}$ interface

The understanding and control of charge carrier interactions with defects at buried insulator/semiconductor interfaces is essential for achieving optimum performance in modern electronics. In this work, we report on the use of scanning ultrafast electron microscopy (SUEM) to remotely probe the dynamics of excited carriers at a Si surface buried below a thick thermal oxide. Our measurements illustrate a previously unidentified SUEM contrast mechanism, whereby optical modulation of the space-charge field in the semiconductor modulates the electric field in the thick oxide, thus affecting its secondary electron yield. By analyzing the SUEM contrast as a function of time and laser fluence we demonstrate the diffusion mediated capture of excited carriers by interfacial traps.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1990

In situ measurement of the cosmic microwave background temperature at a distance of 7.5 kiloparsecs

Absorption of orthoformaldehyde (H2CO) toward the giant H II region W51A (G49.5 - 0.4) has been used as a remote probe of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) at a distance of 7.5 kpc. VLA observations of the 6 cm and 2 cm wavelength transitions provided sufficient resolution and sensitivity to resolve condensations within the foregound clouds. Solutions to the equations of statistical equilibrium within each condensation in the context of a large velocity gradient model yielded an estimate for the CMB temperature at 2.1 mm wavelength of 3.2 + or - 0.9 K. The uncertainty is dominated by modeling of collisional pumping by neutral hydrogen molecules (H2).

Kogut, A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Two-Phase Bidirectional Heat Exchanger

Heat exchanger transfers heat from one two-phase thermal loop to another. Condenses vapor in one loop while evaporating liquid in other. Transfers heat with very small drops in temperature and pressure, and efficiently joins heat pipes thermally without mixing of their working fluids. Several such heat exchangers used to build long, complex multiloop heat-control systems. Exchanger bidirectional: transfers heat in reverse, condensing on normally evaporating side, and vice versa. Can warm equipment it normally cools, without using auxiliary heater. In reverse transfer, wicks on evaporating side supply liquid continuously by capillary action; reverse-flow pump not needed. Design modified for other working fluids and larger heat-transfer rates.

Kroliczek, Edward↗
NASA NTRS2003

Development of the Next Generation Gas Trap for the Space Station Internal Thermal Control System

The current dual-membrane gas trap is designed to remove non-condensed gases (NCG) from the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) coolant on board the International Space Station (ISS). To date it has successfully served its purpose of preventing depriming, overspeed, and shutdown of the ITCS pump. However, contamination in the ITCS coolant has adversely affected the gas venting rate and lifetime of the gas trap, warranting a development effort for a next-generation gas trap. Design goals are to meet or exceed the current requirements to (1) include greater operating ranges and conditions, (2) eliminate reliance on the current hydrophilic tube fabrication process, and (3) increase operational life and tolerance to particulate and microbial growth fouling. In addition, the next generation gas trap will essentially be a 'dropin" design such that no modifications to the ITCS pump package assembly (PPA) will be required, and the implementation of the new design will not affect changes to the ITCS operational conditions, interfaces, or software. This paper will present the initial membrane module design and development work which has included (1) a trade study among several conceptual designs, (2) performance modeling of a hydrophobic-only design, and (3) small-scale development test data for the hydrophobic-only design. Testing has shown that the hydrophobic-only design is capable of performing even better than the current dual-membrane design for both steady-state gas removal and gas slug removal.

Leimkuehler, Thomas O.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Probing Non-Equilibrium Pair-Breaking and Quasiparticle Dynamics in Nb Superconducting Resonators Under Magnetic Fields

We conducted a comprehensive study of the non-equilibrium dynamics of Cooper pair breaking, quasiparticle (QP) generation, and relaxation in niobium (Nb) cut from superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities, as well as various Nb resonator films from transmon qubits. Using ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy, we were able to isolate the superconducting coherence and pair-breaking responses. Our results reveal both similarities and notable differences in the temperature- and magnetic-field-dependent dynamics of the SRF cavity and thin-film resonator samples. Moreover, femtosecond-resolved QP generation and relaxation under an applied magnetic field reveals a clear correlation between non-equilibrium QPs and the quality factor of resonators fabricated by using different deposition methods, such as DC sputtering and high-power impulse magnetron sputtering. These findings highlight the pivotal influence of fabrication techniques on the coherence and performance of Nb-based quantum devices, which are vital for applications in superconducting qubits and high-energy superconducting radio-frequency applications.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1999

Overview of Loop Heat Pipe Operation

Loop heat pipes (LHP's) are two-phase heat transfer devices that utilize the evaporation and condensation of a working fluid to transfer heat, and the capillary forces developed in the porous wicks to circulate the fluid. The LHP was first developed in the former Soviet Union in the early 1980s, about the same time that the capillary pumped loop (CPL) was developed in the United States. The LHP is known for its high pumping capability and robust operation mainly due to the use of fine-pored metal wicks and an integral evaporator/hydro-accumulator design. The LHP technology is rapidly gaining acceptance in aerospace community. It is the baseline design for thermal control of several spacecraft, including NASA's GLAS and Chemistry, ESA's ATLID, CNES' STENTOR, RKA's OBZOR, and several commercial satellites. Numerous LHP papers have been published since the mid-1980's. Most papers presented test results and discussions on certain specific aspects of the LHP operation. LHP's and CPL's show many similarities in their operating principles and performance characteristics. However, they also display significant differences in many aspects of their operation. Some of the LHP behaviors may seem strange or mysterious, even to experienced CPL practitioners. The main purpose of this paper is to present a systematic description of the operating principles and thermal-hydraulic behaviors of LHP'S. LHP operating principles will be given first, followed by a description of the thermal-hydraulics involved in LHP operation. Operating characteristics and important parameters affecting the LHP operation will then be described in detail. Peculiar behaviors of the LHP, including temperature hysteresis and temperature overshoot during start-up, will be explained. For simplicity, most discussions will focus upon LHP's with a single evaporator and a single condenser, but devices with multiple evaporators and condensers will also be discussed. Similarities and differences between LHP's and CPL's will be addressed throughout the paper whenever appropriate.

Ku, Jentung↗
DOE OSTI2023

Nonthermal Bonding Origin of a Novel Photoexcited Lattice Instability in SnSe

Lattice dynamics measurements are often crucial tools for understanding how materials transform between different structures. Here, we report time-resolved x-ray scattering-based measurements of the nonequilibrium lattice dynamics in SnSe, a monochalcogenide reported to host a novel photoinduced lattice instability. By fitting interatomic force models to the fluence dependent excited-state dispersion, we determine the nonthermal origin of the lattice instability to be dominated by changes of interatomic interactions along a bilayer-connecting bond, rather than of an intralayer bonding network that is of primary importance to the lattice instability in thermal equilibrium.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Coherent Transfer of Lattice Entropy via Extreme Nonlinear Phononics in Metal Halide Perovskites

Entropy transfer in metal halide perovskites, characterized by significant lattice anharmonicity and low stiffness, underlies the remarkable properties observed in their optoelectronic applications, ranging from solar cells to lasers. The conventional view of this transfer involves stochastic processes occurring within a thermal bath of phonons, where the lattice arrangement and energy flow from higher- to lower-frequency modes. Here, we unveil a comprehensive chronological sequence detailing a conceptually distinct coherent transfer of entropy in a prototypical perovskite CH 3 NH 3 Pbl 3 . The terahertz periodic modulation imposes vibrational coherence into electronic states, leading to the emergence of mixed (vibronic) quantum beat between approximately 3 and 0.3 THz. We highlight a well-structured bidirectional time-frequency transfer of these diverse phonon modes, each developing at different times and transitioning from high to low frequencies from 3 to 0.3 THz, before reversing direction and ascending to around 0.8 THz. First-principles molecular dynamics simulations disentangle a complex web of coherent-phononic coupling pathways and identify the salient roles of the initial modes in shaping entropy evolution at later stages. Capitalizing on coherent entropy transfer and dynamic anharmonicity presents a compelling opportunity to exceed the fundamental thermodynamic (Shockley-Queisser) limit of photoconversion efficiency and to pioneer novel optoelectronic functionalities. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS2017

A Comparison of System Architectures for a Mechanically Pumped Two-Phase Thermal Control System

The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a mechanically pumped two-phase fluid loop thermal control system to enable novel mission designs and greater science return. Pumped two-phase fluid loops have the potential to provide robust and effective thermal control that combine the best aspects of passive two-phase systems (heat pipes) and mechanically pumped single-phase fluid loops. The current program requirements include the development of a system with multiple 1 sq.m evaporators, each of which is capable of remaining spatially and temporally isothermal while accommodating heat loads of up to 500 W and local fluxes of up to 5 W/sq.cm. The goal is to attain this using less than 5 W of power. Such a system would be able to accommodate the next generation of payload and bus electronics while using minimal resources. This paper compares two different mechanically pumped two-phase fluid loop architectures in the context of these requirements. A mixed flow and separated flow architecture are compared on a theoretical and experimental basis. Test data from sub-scale, single evaporator/single condenser, mixed flow and separated flow testbeds are presented. In addition, a model is introduced to better understand separated flow systems and some expressions for the theoretical performance limits of such systems are developed. To date, the investigation suggests that a separated flow architecture is better suited to the program requirements. Separated flow systems have the potential to accommodate an isothermalizing two-phase evaporator while using lower levels of power than would be required for a mixed flow system. In addition, it is argued that separated flow systems are more robust and amenable to analysis than mixed flow systems, since they significantly reduce the occurrence of two-phase flow by separating phases in the evaporator. Future work will include developing a full-scale testbed that includes multiple evaporators and condensers in a representative flight configuration.

Furst, Benjamin↗