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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Lunar near-surface structure

Seismic refraction data obtained at the Apollo 14, 16, and 17 landing sites permit a compressional wave velocity profile of the lunar near surface to be derived. Beneath the regolith at the Apollo 14 Fra Mauro site and the Apollo 16 Descartes site is material with a seismic velocity of about 300 m/sec, believed to be brecciated material or impact-derived debris. Considerable detail is known about the velocity structure at the Apollo 17 Taurus-Littrow site. Seismic velocities of 100, 327, 495, 960, and 4700 m/sec are observed. The depth to the top of the 4700-m/sec material is 1385 m, compatible with gravity estimates for the thickness of mare basaltic flows, which fill the Taurus-Littrow valley. The observed magnitude of the velocity change with depth and the implied steep velocity-depth gradient of more than 2 km/sec/km are much larger than have been observed on compaction experiments on granular materials and preclude simple cold compaction of a fine-grained rock powder to thicknesses of the order of kilometers.

Cooper, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Asymmetric gravity jitter excited slosh waves at a liquid-vapor-solid interface in microgravity

The dynamical behavior of fluids affected by the asymmetric gravity jitter oscillations is investigated focusing on the surface tension effect on partially filled rotating fluids in a sub-scale gravity probe-B spacecraft propellant dewar tank. Data obtained revealed that the lower frequency gravity jitter imposed on the time-dependent variations of the background gravity direction induced a greater amplitude of oscillations and a stronger degree of asymmetry in liquid-vapor interface geometry than that caused by the higher frequency gravity jitter. It is also found that the greater the components of background gravity in radial and circumferential directions the greater the contribution to driving more toward increasing amplitude and degrees of asymmetry of the liquid-vapor interface profiles, which in turn modify the disturbance of moment of inertia and angular momentum of spacecraft.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS2017

MCRadar: A Monte Carlo Solver for Cloud and Precipitation Radar

Multiple scattering produces anomalous echoes in observed radar profiles that cannot be explained by other phenomena. These effects are most obvious for spaceborne platforms, at shorter wavelengths, and in convection, as multiple scattering is governed by antenna beam width, optical depth, and albe do; however, multiple scattering has been observed in a range of precipitating conditions. To account for the effects of multiple scattering, Monte Carlo integration is employed in a flexible framework to enable arbitrary radar configurations with finite Gaussian beams for three-dimensional atmospheric scenarios. The three-dimensional nature of the model, coupled with the finite antenna response, also allows for consideration of nonuniform beam filling effects that often coincide with multiple scattering. Examples of airborne and spaceborne radars at various wavelengths are used to illustrate the effects of multiple scattering and nonuniform beam filling. The MCRadar code is currently available in the development version of ARTS.

Adams, Ian Stuart↗
DOE OSTI2020

Transient Coupled Chemical-Thermal-Fluid Field Simulation for Sealed Aluminum-clad Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Canister

As the first step toward developing three-dimensional (3D) multi-physics computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for unsealed and vented canister storage system, a 3D CFD model coupled with bulk gas radiolysis reactions was developed first for sealed DOE standard canisters filled with inert gas and trace amount of air and water. The workflow for constructing canister-scale 3D CFD models and coupling with gas phase radiolysis reactions were established, which can be readily extended to unsealed, vented canister storage system. This interim milestone report documents the theory of the model, workflow to establish radiolysis reaction network, and initial simulations of the evolutions of thermal fields and hydrogen gas concentrations within sealed DOE standard canisters over long period of time. In addition, a mesh refinement test was done to show that increasing the models mesh refinement had negligible impact upon the temperature profiles.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

Biomining Critical Elements and Metals

The US government has identified 17 critical elements, including most rare earth elements (REEs), and metals, which are used extensively in consumer electronics as well as military and national security hardware. We are developing techniques for biomining these elements, the process of using microorganisms to extract critical elements from water, ores, and mine waste to fill these needs. Bioextraction is focusing on: 1) building on our first-year successes of identifying microbes that generate exudates that enhance the extraction of multivalent cations, 2) evaluating available phosphate solubilizing microbes to dissolve apatite and monazite, and 3) and biosurfactant producing microbes. Bioaccumulation efforts involves testing microbes that: 1) naturally release complex exudates that contain organic chelating agents, and 2) naturally accumulate or hyperaccumulate (wt-% levels) metals. Results from year one includes proof of concept that biosurfactant producing microorganisms can release REEs from select ores and that release of REEs is increased by the addition of glucose. Molecular results for microorganism profiling proved a population shift after addition of microorganisms. The study will culminate in a proof-of-concept demonstration, manuscripts, and the data needed for scaledup biomining of REEs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1993

The Design of Mechanically Compatible Fasteners for Human Mandible Reconstruction

Mechanically compatible fasteners for use with thin or weakened bone sections in the human mandible are being developed to help reduce large strain discontinuities across the bone/implant interface. Materials being considered for these fasteners are a polyetherertherketone (PEEK) resin with continuous quartz or carbon fiber for the screw. The screws were designed to have a shear strength equivalent to that of compact/trabecular bone and to be used with a conventional nut, nut plate, or an expandable shank/blind nut made of a ceramic filled polymer. Physical and finite element models of the mandible were developed in order to help select the best material fastener design. The models replicate the softer inner core of trabecular bone and the hard outer shell of compact bone. The inner core of the physical model consisted of an expanding foam and the hard outer shell consisted of ceramic particles in an epoxy matrix. This model has some of the cutting and drilling attributes of bone and may be appropriate as an educational tool for surgeons and medical students. The finite element model was exercised to establish boundary conditions consistent with the stress profiles associated with mandible bite forces and muscle loads. Work is continuing to compare stress/strain profiles of a reconstructed mandible with the results from the finite element model. When optimized, these design and fastening techniques may be applicable, not only to other skeletal structures, but to any composite structure.

Roberts, Jack C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Rotation and chromospheric emission among F, G, and K dwarfs of the Pleiades

High-resolution echelle spectra of more than 100 F, G, and K dwarfs in the Pleiades are reported. Chromospheric activity in these stars is measured via comparisons of the profiles of H-alpha and the Ca II IR triplet to chromospherically inactive field stars. Consistent dereddened colors are determined from the available photometry and temperatures are derived. Most G and K dwarfs in the Pleiades rotate slowly, but about 20 percent of the stars are ultrafast rotators (UFRs). That fraction of UFRs is independent of color, and the highest rotation rates are found among the K dwarfs. The Pleiades exhibit a broad range in the strength of chromospheric emission at any one color. Most G and K dwarfs in the Pleiades show H-alpha and the IR triple in absorption, with filling in of the line cores.

Soderblom, David R.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Metallic Concepts for Repair of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Space Shuttle Leading Edges

The Columbia accident has focused attention on the critical need for on-orbit repair concepts for wing leading edges in the event that potentially catastrophic damage is incurred during Space Shuttle Orbiter flight. The leading edge of the space shuttle wings consists of a series of eleven panels on each side of the orbiter. These panels are fabricated from reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) which is a light weight composite with attractive strength at very high temperatures. The damage that was responsible for the loss of the Colombia space shuttle was deemed due to formation of a large hole in one these RCC leading edge panels produced by the impact of a large piece of foam. However, even small cracks in the RCC are considered as potentially catastrophic because of the high temperature re-entry environment. After the Columbia accident, NASA has explored various means to perform on-orbit repairs in the event that damage is sustained in future shuttle flights. Although large areas of damage, such as that which doomed Columbia, are not anticipated to re-occur due to various improvements to the shuttle, especially the foam attachment, NASA has also explored various options for both small and large area repair. This paper reports one large area repair concept referred to as the "metallic over-wrap." Environmental conditions during re-entry of the orbiter impose extreme requirements on the RCC leading edges as well as on any repair concepts. These requirements include temperatures up to 3000 F (1650 C) for up to 15 minutes in the presence of an extremely oxidizing plasma environment. Figure 1 shows the temperature profile across one panel (#9) which is subject to the highest temperatures during re-entry. Although the RCC possesses adequate mechanical strength at these temperatures, it lacks oxidation resistance. Oxidation protection is afforded by converting the outer layers of the RCC to SiC by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). At high temperatures in an oxidizing environment, the SiC layer forms a protective SiO2 scale. However, CVD processing to form the SiC layer can result in the formation of small cracks in the outer surface. Hence, as a final fabrication step, a sodium silicate glass, known as "Type A," is applied as a sealant to fill any surface porosity and/or cracks in the coating and the outer portions of the RCC[1]. At relatively low temperatures, the Type A glass melts and flows into the cracks providing oxidation protection at the higher temperatures. In addition, the Type A coating, provides a "dark" coating with a high emissivity. This high emissivity allows the RCC to transfer heat by radiating outward to space as well as dispersing heat within the leading edge cavity. Lastly, the Type A possesses low catalycity which reduces surface temperatures by limiting oxygen recombination on the surface during re-entry.

Ritzert, Frank↗
DOE OSTI2020

Gas hydrate quantification in Walker Ridge block 313, Gulf of Mexico, from full-waveform inversion of ocean-bottom seismic data

The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Joint Industry Project Leg 2 logging-while-drilling data in Walker Ridge lease block 313 (WR313) in the GOM detected gas hydrate in coarse- and fine-grained sediments at sites WR313-G and WR313-H. The coarse-grained units are thin ([Formula: see text]) and highly saturated, whereas the fine-grained unit is thick (approximately 200 m) with low saturation and fracture-filling gas hydrate. Unlike its coarse-grained counterpart, the seismic character of the fine-grained unit does not clearly indicate the presence of gas hydrate, which would likely have remained undiscovered in the absence of drilling. In this paper, through frequency-domain acoustic full-waveform inversion (FWI) of ocean-bottom seismometer data along a 2D multichannel seismic transect near sites WR313-G and WR313-H, we detect and quantify gas hydrate in the fine-grained unit. Key results are as follows: First, the base of the gas hydrate stability zone, which is not obvious in the reflection profile, can be discerned in the FWI results. Second, the gas hydrate in the fine-grained unit is mainly confined to the area between two sets of opposite-dipping normal faults implying that the fault architecture may be partially responsible for this gas hydrate accumulation and distribution.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗
NASA NTRS2011

Molecular Gas in Young Debris Disks

Gas-rich primordial disks and tenuous gas-poor debris disks are usually considered as two distinct evolutionary phases of the circumstellar matter. Interestingly, the debris disk around the young main-sequence star 49 Ceti possesses a substantial amount of molecular gas and possibly represents the missing link between the two phases. Motivated to understand the evolution of the gas component in circumstellar disks via finding more 49 Ceti-like systems, we carried out a CO J = 3-2 survey with the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment, targeting 20 infrared-luminous debris disks. These systems fill the gap between primordial and old tenuous debris disks in terms of fractional luminosity. Here we report on the discovery of a second 49 Ceti-like disk around the 30 Myr old A3-type star HD21997, a member of the Columba Association. This system was also detected in the CO(2-1) transition, and the reliable age determination makes it an even clearer example of an old gas-bearing disk than 49 Ceti. While the fractional luminosities of HD21997 and 49 Ceti are not particularly high, these objects seem to harbor the most extended disks within our sample. The double-peaked profiles of HD21997 were reproduced by a Keplerian disk model combined with the LIME radiative transfer code. Based on their similarities, 49 Ceti and HD21997 may be the first representatives of a so far undefined new class of relatively old > or approx.8 Myr), gaseous dust disks. From our results, neither primordia1 origin nor steady secondary production from icy planetesima1s can unequivocally explain the presence of CO gas in the disk ofHD21997.

Moor, A.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Earth Science With the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III (SAGE III) on the International Space Station

The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) III is the fourth generation of solar occultation instruments operated by NASA, the first coming under a different acronym, to investigate the Earth's upper atmosphere. Three flight-ready SAGE III instruments were built by Ball Aerospace in the late 1990s, with one launched aboard the former Russian Aviation and Space Agency (now known as Roskosmos) Meteor-3M platform on 10 December 2001 (continuing until the platform lost power in 2006). Another of the original instruments was manifested for the ISS in the 2004 time frame, but was delayed because of budgetary considerations. Fortunately, that SAGE III/ISS mission was restarted in 2009 with a major focus upon filling an anticipated gap in ozone and aerosol observation in the second half of this decade. Here we discuss the mission architecture, its implementation, and data that will be produced by SAGE III/ISS, including their expected accuracy and coverage. The 52-degree inclined orbit of the ISS is well-suited for solar occultation and provides near-global observations on a monthly basis with excellent coverage of low and mid-latitudes. This is similar to that of the SAGE II mission (1985-2005), whose data set has served the international atmospheric science community as a standard for stratospheric ozone and aerosol measurements. The nominal science products include vertical profiles of trace gases, such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide and water vapor, along with multi-wavelength aerosol extinction. Though in the visible portion of the spectrum the brightness of the Sun is one million times that of the full Moon, the SAGE III instrument is designed to cover this large dynamic range and also perform lunar occultations on a routine basis to augment the solar products. The standard lunar products were demonstrated during the SAGE III/M3M mission and include ozone, nitrogen dioxide & nitrogen trioxide. The operational flexibility of the SAGE III spectrometer accomplishes the main goal of producing ozone and aerosol extinction profiles, while allowing exploration of new possibilities for the occultation technique, such as night-time aerosol extinction profiles or other trace gases not measured by SAGE in the past.

Zawodny, Joe↗
DOE OSTI2022

Noninvasive acoustic time-of-flight measurements in heated, hermetically-sealed high explosives using a convolutional neural network

In this work, we present a data-driven technique for measuring the time-of-flight through material sealed within a container. Time-of-flight measurement provides a noninvasive means of quantifying the sound speed profile within a material by transmitting an acoustic burst and then measuring the time required for the burst to arrive at an opposing receiver. In a hermetically-sealed cylindrical container, a portion of the acoustic energy propagates through the material as a bulk wave, while the remainder of the acoustic energy propagates around the container walls as guided waves. As a result, interference from the guided waves obscures the bulk arrival, inhibiting measurement of the sound speed. The technique uses a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to identify critical features in the measured waveforms and identify bulk wave arrivals. We demonstrate this time-of-flight measurement technique on high explosive-filled containers as they are heated from room temperature to detonation. This is a particularly challenging application for acoustic time-of-flight measurements as the high explosives have significant sound speed gradients as they undergo heating, and they lead to significant attenuation of the bulk wave, as opposed to the guided waves, which do not suffer significant attenuation. We characterize the performance of the CNN as a function of the high explosive temperature and as a function of the CNN hyperparameters. We then provide physical insight into the error trends.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2000

Clear-Sky Surface Solar Radiation During South China Sea Monsoon Experiment

Downward solar fluxes measured at Dungsha coral island (20 deg. 42 min. N, 116 deg. 43 min. E) during the South China Sea Monsoon Experiment (May-June 1998) have been calibrated and compared with radiative transfer calculations for three clear-sky days. Model calculations use water vapor and temperature profiles from radiosound measurements and the aerosol optical thickness derived from sunphotometric radiance measurements at the surface. Results show that the difference between observed and model-calculated downward fluxes is less than 3% of the daily mean. Averaged over the three clear days, the difference reduces to 1%. The downward surface solar flux averaged over the three days is 314 W per square meters from observations and 317 W per square meters from model calculations, This result is consistent with a previous study using TOGA CAORE measurements, which found good agreements between observations and model calculations. This study provides an extra piece of useful information on the modeling of radiative transfer, which fills in the puzzle of the absorption of solar radiation in the atmosphere.

Lin, Po-Hsiung↗
DOE OSTI2024

Assessing Composite Structure in Metal–Organic Framework-Polymer Mixed-Matrix Membranes

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are renowned for their tunable structure, porosity, and internal chemistry, with demonstrated applications in molecular separations, storage, and conversion. While they are widely usable, the powdery characteristics of MOF materials can be limiting for large-scale processing and implementation in devices. Incorporating MOF particles into polymer supports affords engineering solutions to overcome these issues, yet the nature of the resulting composites is difficult to assess. Here, in this work, we present spectroscopic and calorimetric methods that we believe help establish a holistic physicochemical picture of the composite structure using a series of Zr MOFs with different pore sizes as a testbed. Power law decays are observed in X-ray scattering profiles in low q-space ranging between 2.4 and 3.3, which we interpret as changes in scattering due to polymer infiltrating MOF particles. This interpretation is supported by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry measurements that identify populations of the MOF-associated polymer. Additionally, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy measurements collected on a series of composites with different MOF-polymer ratios show multiple decay constants, each correlated to a different free volume elements. In combination with the spectroscopic, calorimetric, and scattering results, we utilize the trends in decay constants as a function of polymer mass fraction to hypothesize a polymer infiltration mechanism whereby large pores are preferentially filled, followed by small pores and, later still, interstitial spaces between particles. Even with vigorous investigation of polymer, MOF, and interface characteristics, the complex and heterogeneous nature of the composites makes absolute structural assertions difficult. We envision that the approaches demonstrated here will be a useful foundation to assess and ultimately guide the design of future MOF-polymer composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nitrogen plasma passivated niobium resonators for superconducting quantum circuits

Microwave loss in niobium metallic structures used for superconducting quantum circuits is limited by a native surface oxide layer formed over a timescale of minutes when exposed to an ambient environment. Here, in this work, we show that nitrogen plasma treatment forms a niobium nitride layer at the metal–air interface, which prevents such oxidation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the doping of nitrogen more than 5 nm into the surface and a suppressed oxygen presence. This passivation remains stable after aging for 15 days in an ambient environment. Cryogenic microwave characterization shows an average filling-factor-adjusted two-level-system loss tangent Fδ TLS of (2.9±0.5)·10 –7 for resonators with a 3 μm center strip and (1.0±0.3)·10 –7 for a 20 μm center strip, exceeding the performance of unpassivated samples by a factor of four.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Expanded genome and proteome reallocation in a novel, robust Bacillus coagulans strain capable of utilizing pentose and hexose sugars

Bacillus coagulans, a Gram-positive thermophilic bacterium, is recognized for its probiotic properties and recent development as a microbial cell factory. Despite its importance for biotechnological applications, the current understanding of B. coagulans’ robustness is limited, especially for undomesticated strains. To fill this knowledge gap, we characterized the metabolic capability and performed functional genomics and systems analysis of a novel, robust strain, B. coagulans B-768. Genome sequencing revealed that B-768 has the largest B. coagulans genome known to date (3.94 Mbp), about 0.63 Mbp larger than the average genome of sequenced B. coagulans strains, with expanded carbohydrate metabolism and mobilome. Functional genomics identified a well-equipped genetic portfolio for utilizing a wide range of C5 (xylose, arabinose), C6 (glucose, mannose, galactose), and C12 (cellobiose) sugars present in biomass hydrolysates, which was validated experimentally. For growth on individual xylose and glucose, the dominant sugars in biomass hydrolysates, B-768 exhibited distinct phenotypes and proteome profiles. Faster growth and glucose uptake rates resulted in lactate overflow metabolism, which makes B. coagulans a lactate overproducer; however, slower growth and xylose uptake diminished overflow metabolism due to the high energy demand for sugar assimilation. Carbohydrate Transport and Metabolism (COG-G), Translation (COG-J), and Energy Conversion and Production (COG-C) made up 60%–65% of the measured proteomes but were allocated differently when growing on xylose and glucose. The trade-off in proteome reallocation, with high investment in COG-C over COG-G, explains the xylose growth phenotype with significant upregulation of xylose metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Strain B-768 tolerates and effectively utilizes inhibitory biomass hydrolysates containing mixed sugars and exhibits hierarchical sugar utilization with glucose as the preferential substrate.

carbohydrate metabolism↗
NASA NTRS2011

MAVEN - Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN Mission

NASA's MAVEN mission (to be launched in late 2013) is the first mission to Mars devoted to sampling all of the upper atmosphere neutral and plasma environments, including the well-mixed atmosphere, the exosphere, ionosphere, outer magnetosphere and near-Mars solar wind. It will fill in some measurement gaps remaining from the successful Mars Global Surveyor and the on-going Mars Express missions. The primary science objectives of MAVEN are: 1. Provide a comprehensive picture of the present state of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere of Mars; 2. Understand the processes controlling the present state; and 3. Determine how loss of volatiles to outer space in the present epoch varies with changing solar condition - EUY, solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field measurements will provide the varying solar energy inputs into the system. Knowing how these processes respond to the Sun's energy inputs in the current epoch will provide a framework for projecting atmospheric processes back in time to profile MARS' atmospheric evolution and to explore "where the water went", A description will be given of the science objectives, the instruments, and the current status of the project, emphasizing the value of having collaborations between the MAVEN project and the Mars upper atmosphere science community.

Grebowsky, Joseph M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Effect of asymmetric gravity jitter excited slosh waves at liquid-vapor interface under microgravity

The dynamical behavior of fluids affected by the asymmetric gravity jitter oscillations, in particular the effect of surface tension on partially-filled rotating fluids (cryogenic liquid helium and helium vapor) in a sub-scale Gravity Probe-B Spacecraft propellant dewar tank imposed by time-dependent various directions of background gravity environment have been investigated. Results show that lower frequency gravity jitter imposed on the time-dependent variations of the direction of background gravity induced a greater amplitude of oscillations and a stronger degree of asymmetry in liquid-vapor interface geometry than that made by the higher frequency gravity jitter. Furthermore, the greater the components of background gravity in radial and circumferential directions will provide a greater contribution in driving more to the increasing amplitude and degrees of symmetry of liquid-vapor interface profiles which, in turn, modify the disturbance of moment of inertia and angular momentum of spacecraft.

Hung, R. J.↗