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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

A Decomposition Approach for Solving Seasonal Transmission Switching

Economic transmission switching has been proposed as a new control paradigm to improve the economics of electric power systems. In practice, the transmission switching operation itself is a disruptive action to the system. Frequently switching lines into or out of service can create undesirable effects on the security and reliability of power systems and may require new investments in the automation and control systems. In this paper, we formulate an economic seasonal transmission switching model where transmission switching occurs once at the beginning of a time period (season) and then the transmission topology remains unchanged during that period. The proposed seasonal transmission switching model is a large-scale mixed integer programming problem. The objective of the optimization model is to minimize the total energy generation cost over the season subject to loads and N-1 reliability requirements. We develop a novel decomposition method that decomposes the seasonal problem into one-hour problems which are then solved efficiently. We demonstrate our model and the decomposition approach on the 14-bus, 39-bus, and 118-bus power systems and show potential cost savings in each case.

Decomposition↗
DOE OSTI2016

WE-DE-BRA-08: A Linear Accelerator Target Allowing Rapid Switching Between Treatment and High-Contrast Imaging Modes

Purpose: During radiotherapy treatment, lung tumors can display substantial respiratory motion. This motion usually necessitates enlarged treatment margins to provide full tumour coverage. Unfortunately, these margins limit the dose that can be prescribed for tumour control and cause complications to normal tissue. Options for real-time methods of direct detection of tumour position, and particularly those that obviate the need for inserted fiducial markers, are limited. We propose a method of tumor tracking without implanted fiducial markers using a novel fast switching-target that toggles between a FFF copper/tungsten therapy mode and a FFF low-Z target mode for imaging. In this work we demonstrate proof-of-concept of this new technology. Methods: The prototype includes two targets: i) a FFF copper/tungsten target equivalent to that in the Varian 2100 EX 6 MV, and ii) a low-Z (carbon) target with a thickness of 110% of continuous slowing down approximation range (CSDA) at 7 MeV. The two targets can be exchanged with a custom made linear slide and motor-driven actuator. The usefulness of the switching-target concept is demonstrated through experimental BEV Planar images acquired with continual treatment and imaging at a user-defined period. Results: The prototype switching-target demonstrates that two recent advances in linac technology (FFF target for therapy and low-Z target) can be combined with synergy. The switching-target approach offers the capacity for rapid switching between treatment and high-contrast imaging modes, allowing intrafractional tracking, as demonstrated in this work with dynamic breathing phantom. By using a single beam-line, the design is streamlined and may obviate the need for an auxiliary imaging system (e.g., kV OBI.) Conclusion: This switching-target approach is a feasible combination of two current advances in linac technology (FFF target for therapy and a FFF low-Z target) allowing new options in on-line IGRT.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Magnetization switching using topological surface states

Topological surface states (TSSs) in a topological insulator are expected to be able to produce a spin-orbit torque that can switch a neighboring ferromagnet. This effect may be absent if the ferromagnet is conductive because it can completely suppress the TSSs, but it should be present if the ferromagnet is insulating. This study reports TSS-induced switching in a bilayer consisting of a topological insulator Bi 2 Se 3 and an insulating ferromagnet BaFe 12 O 19 . A charge current in Bi 2 Se 3 can switch the magnetization in BaFe 12 O 19 up and down. When the magnetization is switched by a field, a current in Bi 2 Se 3 can reduce the switching field by ~4000 Oe. The switching efficiency at 3 K is 300 times higher than at room temperature; it is ~30 times higher than in Pt/BaFe 12 O 19 . These strong effects originate from the presence of more pronounced TSSs at low temperatures due to enhanced surface conductivity and reduced bulk conductivity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Revealing atomic-scale switching pathways in van der Waals ferroelectrics

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials hold the potential for ultrascaled ferroelectric (FE) devices due to their silicon compatibility and robust polarization down to atomic scale. However, the inherently weak vdW interactions enable facile sliding between layers, introducing complexities beyond those encountered in conventional ferroelectric materials and presenting substantial challenges in uncovering intricate switching pathways. Here, we combine atomic-resolution imaging under in situ electrical biasing conditions with first-principles calculations to unravel the atomic-scale switching mechanisms in SnSe, a vdW group IV monochalcogenide. Our results uncover the coexistence of a consecutive 90° switching pathway and a direct 180° switching pathway from antiferroelectric (AFE) to FE order in this vdW system. Atomic-scale investigations and strain analysis reveal that the switching processes simultaneously induce interlayer sliding and compressive strain, while the lattice remains coherent despite the presence of multidomain structures. These findings elucidate vdW ferroelectric switching dynamics at atomic scale and lay the foundation for the rational design of 2D ferroelectric nanodevices.

Li, Xinyan [Rice University, Houston, TX (United S↗
DOE OSTI2024

Containers on Switches: A Cluster School Experience

Network switches, such as those from Arista and Mellanox, often have underutilized computational resources in the form of built-in processors and memory. By leveraging these untapped resources, we can optimize functionality and efficiency of computational cluster networks. Our research focuses on deploying containers directly onto these switches to execute various auxiliary tasks ranging from metric logging to system-wide management via post-boot configuration. By doing so, we can significantly enchance the capabilities of the cluster without the need for additional dedicated hardware. Our research involved five distinct scenarios where switch utilization could have a profound impact on HPC Clusters: run cloud-init services via link-local connection; configuring a Telegraf container to export metrics; deploying a caching proxy; creating a reconfigurable IPv6 DHCP/DNS provider for VLAN; and implementing a client detection with Magellan discovery. These scenarios were containerized with podman and docker, and tested both physically on the switch virtually on a QEMU VM both running SONiC OS. Testing and findings indicate that network switches can indeed be used for these scenarios. They offer a wide range of possibilities beyond these applications. They run as expected as containers on the switches, and although there were some minor issues, work-arounds were implemented. Overall, this is a positive result that can be further explored with more scenarios.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Architectural Dynamics of the Bacterial Flagellar Motor Switch

The rotary bacterial flagellar motor is remarkable in biochemistry for its highly synchronized operation and amplification during switching of rotation sense. The motor is part of the flagellar basal body, a complex multi-protein assembly. Sensory and energy transduction depends on a core of six proteins that are adapted in different species to adjust torque and produce diverse switches. Motor response to chemotactic and environmental stimuli is driven by interactions of the core with small signal proteins. The initial protein interactions are propagated across a multi-subunit cytoplasmic ring to switch torque. Torque reversal triggers structural transitions in the flagellar filament to change motile behavior. Subtle variations in the core components invert or block switch operation. The mechanics of the flagellar switch have been studied with multiple approaches, from protein dynamics to single molecule and cell biophysics. The architecture, driven by recent advances in electron cryo-microscopy, is available for several species. Computational methods have correlated structure with genetic and biochemical databases. The design principles underlying the basis of switch ultra-sensitivity and its dependence on motor torque remain elusive, but tantalizing clues have emerged. This review aims to consolidate recent knowledge into a unified platform that can inspire new research strategies.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1974

Ovonic switching in tin selenide thin films

Amorphous tin selenide thin films which possess Ovonic switching properties were fabricated using vacuum deposition techniques. Results obtained indicate that memory type Ovonic switching does occur in these films the energy density required for switching from a high impedance to a low impedance state is dependent on the spacing between the electrodes of the device. The switching is also function of the magnitude of the applied voltage pulse. A completely automated computer controlled testing procedure was developed which allows precise control over the shape of the applied voltage switching pulse. A survey of previous experimental and theoretical work in the area of Ovonic switching is also presented.

Baxter, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

System for automatically switching transformer coupled lines

A system is presented for automatically controlling transformer coupled alternating current electric lines. The secondary winding of each transformer is provided with a center tap. A switching circuit is connected to the center taps of a pair of secondary windings and includes a switch controller. An impedance is connected between the center taps of the opposite pair of secondary windings. The switching circuit has continuity when the AC lines are continuous and discontinuity with any disconnect of the AC lines. Normally open switching means are provided in at least one AC line. The switch controller automatically opens the switching means when the AC lines become separated.

Dwinell, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Pulse switching for high energy lasers

A saturable inductor switch for compressing the width and sharpening the rise time of high voltage pulses from a relatively slow rise time, high voltage generator to an electric discharge gas laser (EDGL) also provides a capability for efficient energy transfer from a high impedance primary source to an intermediate low impedance laser discharge network. The switch is positioned with respect to a capacitive storage device, such as a coaxial cable, so that when a charge build-up in the storage device reaches a predetermined level, saturation of the switch inductor releases or switches energy stored in the capactive storage device to the EDGL. Cascaded saturable inductor switches for providing output pulses having rise times of less than ten nanoseconds and a technique for magnetically biasing the saturable inductor switch are disclosed.

Laudenslager, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Membrane Switches Check Seal Pressure

Array of flexible membrane switches used to indicate closure of seal. Switch membrane responds to pressure exerted by rigid surface on compliant sealing medium and provides switch contacts monitored electronically. Membrane switches connected in series and placed under seal. When all switches are closed lamp or LED lights up, indicating requisite seal pressure has been realized at all switch positions. Principle used to ensure integrity of seals on refrigerator and oven doors, weatherstripping, hatches, spacecraft, airplanes, and submarines.

Hodgetts, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development, implementation, and test results on integrated optics switching matrix

A small integrated optics switching matrix, which was developed, implemented, and tested, indicates high performance. The matrix serves as a model for the design of larger switching matrices. The larger integrated optics switching matrix should form the integral part of a switching center with high data rate throughput of up to 300 megabits per second. The switching matrix technique can accomplish the design goals of low crosstalk and low distortion. About 50 illustrations help explain and depict the many phases of the integrated optics switching matrix. Many equations used to explain and calculate the experimental data are also included.

Rutz, E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Comparison of channel assignment techniques for hybrid switching

The performance of four circuit-switched channel assignment strategies for use in a hybrid switch accommodating multiple users is analyzed and compared. Each scheme is associated with a fixed frame movable boundary TDM channel that multiplexes circuit-switched (CS) and packet-switched (PS) traffic. The performance measures used are blocking probability for the circuit-switched traffic and time delay for the packet-switched traffic.

Schwartz, M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

K-Band Latching Switches

Design, development, and tests are described for two single-pole-double-throw latching waveguide ferrite switches: a K-band switch in WR-42 waveguide and a Ka-band switch in WR-28 waveguide. Both switches have structurally simple junctions, mechanically interlocked without the use of bonding materials; they are impervious to the effects of thermal, shock, and vibration stresses. Ferrite material for the Ka-band switch with a proper combination of magnetic and dielectric properties was available and resulted in excellent low loss, wideband performance. The high power handling requirement of the K-band switch limited the choice of ferrite to nickel-zinc compositions with adequate magnetic properties, but with too low relative dielectric constant. The relative dielectric constant determines the junction dimensions for given frequency responses. In this case the too low value unavoidably leads to a larger than optimum junction volume, increasing the insertion loss and restricting the operating bandwidth. Efforts to overcome the materials-related difficulties through the design of a composite junction with increased effective dielectric properties efforts to modify the relative dielectric constant of nickel-zinc ferrite are examined.

Piotrowski, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Monolithic Microwave Switching Matrix

Gallium arsenide integrated-circuit chip switches any of three microwave input signals to any of three output ports. Measuring 4.9 mm on side, chip contains nine field-effect transistor (FET) crosspoint switches. Housed in custom-designed package with standard connectors for easy integration into system. FET's on chip operated as passive switches and consume no static power and insignificant amounts of switching power. Chip module cascades with similar modules into large arrays handling as many as 100 inputs and 100 outputs. Applications include switching and routing vast amounts of data between computers at extremely high speed. On communications satellite, chip switches microwave signals to and from Earth stations and other satellites.

Fujikawa, Gene↗
NASA NTRS1988

Switched steerable multiple beam antenna system

A steerable multibeam five element cross-feed cluster antenna system is described. The feed power is divided into five branches. Each branch includes a switching network comprised of a plurality of time delay elements each individually controlled by a respective electromagnetic latching switch. Frequency independent individual two-dimensional beam steering at intermediate (IF) scanning frequencies is thereby provided wherein discrete incremental time delays are introduced by the switching networks into each branch and the signals recombined thereafter to form each beam. The electromagnetic latched switching reduces power consumption and permits higher power switching and reciprocal coincident tranmsit and receive operation. Frequency independence due to incremental time delay switching permits coincident reciprocal operation and steering for transmit-receive signal paths carrying different transmit-receive frequencies. Diagonal quarter wave plates in the waveguides alter polarization from the circular to orthogonal linear to provide transmitter-receiver isolation.

Richard S Iwasaki↗
NASA NTRS1989

Channelized coplanar waveguide pin-diode switches

Three different types of p-i-n diode, reflective CPW switches are presented. The first two switches are the series and the shunt mounted diode switches. Each has achieved greater than 15 dB of isolation over a broad bandwidth. The third switch is a narrow band, high isolation switched filter which has achieved 19 dB of isolation. Equivalent circuits and measured performance for each switch is presented.

Ponchak, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Hand-Switch Unit For Use With Protective Suit

Unit containing two hand-operated switches water-tight and designed for use with protective suit. One switch is toggle switch used to select communication by wire or radio. Other switch is press-to-talk button. User grasps and operates switches without looking at them. Fences on top of new unit protects toggle switch from inadvertent operation and spaced to accommodate gloved thumb. Push-to-talk button protected by longitudinal bar, springy and compressed inward to actuate button.

Chalson, Howard E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

On-board B-ISDN fast packet switching architectures. Phase 2: Development. Proof-of-concept architecture definition report

For the next-generation packet switched communications satellite system with onboard processing and spot-beam operation, a reliable onboard fast packet switch is essential to route packets from different uplink beams to different downlink beams. The rapid emergence of point-to-point services such as video distribution, and the large demand for video conference, distributed data processing, and network management makes the multicast function essential to a fast packet switch (FPS). The satellite's inherent broadcast features gives the satellite network an advantage over the terrestrial network in providing multicast services. This report evaluates alternate multicast FPS architectures for onboard baseband switching applications and selects a candidate for subsequent breadboard development. Architecture evaluation and selection will be based on the study performed in phase 1, 'Onboard B-ISDN Fast Packet Switching Architectures', and other switch architectures which have become commercially available as large scale integration (LSI) devices.

Shyy, Dong-Jye↗