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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluation of dried blood spot sampling for verification of exposure to chemical threat agents

Abstract Purpose Exposure to chemical threat agents (CTAs), including nerve agents, the vesicating agent sulfur mustard, and opioids, remains a significant threat to warfighter and civilian populations. Definitive analytical methods to verify exposure to CTAs require shipping refrigerated or frozen biomedical samples to reference laboratories for analysis. Logistical and financial burdens arise as the transport of biomedical samples is subject to strict restrictions and complex packaging, which, if done incorrectly, can lead to sample deterioration. The use of dried blood spot (DBS) sampling could provide operational improvements for collecting, storing, and shipping important forensic samples. Therefore, this effort focuses on developing DBS techniques with Mitra® 30-µL volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS®) devices for use in CTA exposure verification. Methods VAMS® devices were loaded and dried with human whole blood that was exposed to the metabolites pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid (PMPA), ethyl methylphosphonic acid (EMPA), 1,1’sulfonylbis[2-(methylsulfinyl)ethane] (SBMSE), norfentanyl, norcarfentanil, norsufentanil, and norlofentanil. Following extraction from the VAMS® devices, metabolites were detected using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The methods were validated for performance by assessing sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and recovery. Results These methods were sensitive to 1 ng/mL for SBMSE, 0.5 ng/mL for PMPA, EMPA, and norfentanyl; 0.1 ng/mL for norlofentanil, and 0.05 ng/mL for norsufentanil and norcarfentanil. All methods met acceptable precision and accuracy criteria with favorable recovery. Conclusions These results demonstrated the utility of VAMS® in stabilizing human whole blood and show promise as an improved collection method for verification of exposure to various CTAs.

Toxicology↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermodynamic origin of nonvolatility in resistive memory

Electronic switches based on the migration of high-density point defects, or memristors, are poised to revolutionize post-digital electronics. Despite significant research, key mechanisms for filament formation and oxygen transport remain unresolved, hindering our ability to predict and design device properties. For example, experiments have achieved 10 orders of magnitude longer retention times than predicted by current models. Here, using electrical measurements, scanning probe microscopy, and first-principles calculations on tantalum oxide memristors, we reveal that the formation and stability of conductive filaments crucially depend on the thermodynamic stability of the amorphous oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor compounds, which undergo composition phase separation. Including the previously neglected effects of this amorphous phase separation reconciles unexplained discrepancies in retention and enables predictive design of key performance indicators such as retention stability. Furthermore, this result emphasizes non-ideal thermodynamic interactions as key design criteria in post-digital devices with defect densities substantially exceeding those of today’s covalent semiconductors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1978

Advanced composite stabilizer for Boeing 737 aircraft

Activities related to development of an advanced composites stabilizer for the Boeing 737 commercial transport are reported. Activities include discussion of criteria and objectives, design loads, the fatigue spectrum definition to be used for all spectrum fatigue testing, fatigue analysis, manufacturing producibility studies, the ancillary test program, quality assurance, and manufacturing development.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

Atomization and Mixing Study

The primary objective was the obtainment of atomization and mixing performance data for a variety of typical liquid oxygen/hydrocarbon injector element designs. Such data are required to establish injector design criteria and to provide critical inputs to liquid rocket engine combustor performance and stability analysis, and computational codes and methods. Deficiencies and problems with the atomization test equipment were identified, and action initiated to resolve them. Test results of the gas/liquid mixing tests indicated that an assessment of test methods was required. A series of 71 liquid/liquid tests were performed.

Ferrenberg, A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Drag-n-fly: a Proposal in Response to a Low Reynolds Number Station Keeping Mission

The Drag-n-Fly is a remotely piloted, low Reynolds number vehicle. It was designed to maintain level controlled flight and fly a closed course at flight speeds corresponding to Reynolds numbers of less than 2 x 10(exp 5) and as close to 1 x 10(exp 5) as possible. The success of the mission will be associated with achieving the lowest mean chord Reynolds number possible and maximizing loiter time on the course. The flight plan for the Drag-n-Fly calls for the vehicle to ascent to a cruise altitude of 25 ft. The airfoil selected for the Drag-n-Fly is a Spica chosen for its high lift coefficient at low Reynolds number. The propulsion system for the Drag-n-Fly consists of a 10 inch diameter propeller mounted on the front of the vehicle. Structural support for the Drag-n-Fly comes from four box beams running the length of the fuselage. The tail and horizontal stabilizers are located far aft of the lifting surface in order to assure proper static stability. The present design for the Drag-n-Fly will meet the criteria for the present mission.

Foohey, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1990

Launch commit criteria performance trending analysis

Summarized results and recommendations are presented for a prototype performance-trending study sponsored by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) with NASA Headquarters support. The acquirement of this recognition capability is statistically addressed through the expansion of an arbitrary probability density function (PDF) of the Gram-Charlier series type. This PDF is utilized to assess the relative deviation of any future measurement confidence bounds for launch commit criteria. As a result, the probabilistic assessment of time-varying measurement fluctuation stability can be identified in terms of these historical measurement profiles.

Hart, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Ultralow Friction in a Superconducting Magnetic Bearing

Passive levitation by superconducting magnetic bearings can be utilized in flywheels for energy storage. Basic design criteria of such a bearing are high levitation force, sufficient vertical and horizontal stability and low friction. A test facility was built for the measurement and evaluation of friction in a superconducting magnetic bearing as a function of operating temperature and pressure in the vacuum vessel. The bearing consists of a commercial disk shaped magnet levitated above single grain, melt-textured YBCO high-temperature superconductor material. The superconductor was conduction cooled by an integrated AEG tactical cryocooler. The temperature could be varied from 50 K to 80 K. The pressure in the vacuum chamber was varied from 1 bar to 10(exp -5) mbar. At the lowest pressure setting, the drag torque shows a linear frequency dependence over the entire range investigated (0 less than f less than 40 Hz). Magnetic friction, the frequency independent contribution, is very low. The frequency dependent drag torque is generated by molecular friction from molecule-surface collisions and by eddy currents. Given the specific geometry of the set-up and gas pressure, the molecular drag torque can be estimated. At a speed of 40 Hz, the coefficient of friction (drag-to-lift ratio) was measured to be mu = 1.6 x 10(exp -7) at 10(exp -5) mbar and T = 60 K. This is equivalent to a drag torque of 7.6 x 10(exp -10) Nm. Magnetic friction causes approx. 1% of the total losses. Molecular friction accounts for about 13% of the frequency dependent drag torque, the remaining 87% being due to eddy currents and losses from rotor unbalance. The specific energy loss is only 0.3% per hour.

Bornemann, Hans J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Multi-Angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) Design Issues Influenced by Performance Requirements

The design of an Earth remote sensing sensor, such as the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), begins with a set of science requirements that determine a set of instrument specifications. It is required that the sensor meet these specifications across the image field, over a range of sensor operating temperatures, and throughout mission life. In addition, data quality must be maintained irrespective of bright objects, such as clouds, within the scene, or out-of-field glint sources. During the design phase of MISR, many refinements to the conceptual design have been made to insure that these performance criteria are met. These design considerations are the focus of this paper. Spectral stability with field angle, scene polarization insensitivity, and LTV exposure hardness have, for example, been enabled through a telecentric optical design, a gaussian shaped filter spectral profile used in conjunction with a Lyot depolarizer, and contamination prevention through consideration of material choices and handling procedures. Spectral, radiometric, and MTF stability of the instrument assures the scientific community that MISR imagery can be used for highly accurate aerosol, bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), and cloud studies.

Bruegge, Carol J.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Aircraft Vortex Spacing System (AVOSS) Concept and Development

The AVOSS goal is to: (1) Support TAP goal of improving instrument operations capacity 12-15% while maintaining safety; (2) Provide dynamical aircraft wake vortex spacing criteria to ATC systems at capacity limited facilities with required lead time and stability for use in establishing aircraft arrival scheduling; and (3) System development and concept demonstration. The AVOSS system concept is to separate aircraft from encounters with wake vortices of an operationally unacceptable strength. In doing so, define protected corridor from outer marker to runway and predict time for vortex to clear ("Transport Time"), define operationally unacceptable wake strength and predict time to decay ("Decay Time"), combine and provide to ATC automation ("Residence Time"), and monitor safety and provide predictor feedback with wake vortex detection subsystem.

Hinton, David A.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Conserving asphalt resources: Rethinking rejuvenator performance evaluation through peptizing efficiency

Timely rejuvenation and restoration of asphalt are essential conservation practices that help preserve and extend the service life of roads, bridges, driveways, and parking lots. The performance of asphalt rejuvenators is often assessed based on their diffusion rates and softening power, yet these metrics alone fail to capture true rejuvenation potential. Here, this study integrates density functional theory (DFT) modeling with experimental analysis to show that rejuvenation effectiveness is primarily governed by molecular interactions with oxidized asphaltene nanoaggregates. DFT results revealed that amide- and unsaturated-chain compounds, such as hexadecanamide, oleic acid, and 9,17-octadecadienal, act cooperatively to disrupt π–π stacking and exfoliate asphaltene layers, reducing binding strength and enhancing dispersion. Unlike bulky, rigid molecules that remain trapped, these components remain mobile and repeatedly interact with multiple aggregation sites. Experimental validation using rheometry and FTIR confirmed that such molecularly compatible rejuvenators restore the binder flexibility and polydispersity, even when diffusion is relatively slow. Building on this mechanistic foundation, six rejuvenators (A2, A5, A7, A8, A9, and A10) were evaluated using a three-metric performance framework encompassing cracking resistance (Glover–Rowe parameter), UV stability, and surface hydrophobicity. Among the six rejuvenators evaluated, A9 exhibited the highest overall performance, reducing the Glover–Rowe cracking parameter by 85% (from 351 kPa to 53 kPa), demonstrating the greatest resistance to UV-induced aging with a stability index of 4.17 h·kPa⁻¹, and increasing surface hydrophobicity to a contact angle of 103.6°. Its superior performance is primarily attributed to its amide- and unsaturated-chain components, which act cooperatively to disrupt π–π stacking interactions and exfoliate asphaltene layers, thereby promoting molecular deagglomeration and enhancing long-term durability. These results shift the criteria for selecting rejuvenators: effective candidates must pair the electronic capability to unlock aged asphaltenes with sufficient structural stability to resist secondary aging and restore hydrophobicity. Restoring hydrophobicity is critical, as aging reduces the asphalt’s water repellency and increases water diffusion, which in turn accelerates moisture-related damage; consequently, a high-performing rejuvenator must effectively restore the binder’s hydrophobic characteristic. Collectively, these findings provide a framework for the rational design of next-generation of bio-based rejuvenators that enhance pavement longevity and promote long-term sustainability.

Aging↗
NASA NTRS1981

SPF/DB primary structure for supersonic aircraft (T-38 horizontal stabilizer)

The structural integrity and potential cost savings of superplastic forming/diffusion bonding (SPF/DB) titanium structure for future Supersonic Cruise Research (SCR) and military aircraft primary structure applications was demonstrated. Using the horizontal stabilizer of the T-38 aircraft as a baseline, the structure was redesigned to the existing criteria and loads, using SPF/DB titanium technology. The general concept of using a full-depth sandwich structure which is attached to a steel spindle, was retained. Trade studies demonstrated that the optimum design should employ double-truss, sinewave core in the deepest section of the surface, making a transition to single-truss core in the thinner areas at the leading and trailing edges and at the tip. At the extreme thin edges of the surface, the single-truss core was changed to dot core to provide for gas passages during the SPF/DB process. The selected SPF/DB horizontal stabilizer design consisted of a one-piece SPF/DB sinewave truss core panel, a trunnion fitting, and reinforcing straps. The fitting and the straps were mechanically fastened to the SPF/DB panel.

Delmundo, A. R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

CPES-QSM: A Quantitative Method Towards the Secure Operation of Cyber-Physical Energy Systems

Power systems are evolving into cyber-physical energy systems (CPES) mainly due to the integration of modern communication and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. CPES security evaluation is challenging since the physical and cyber layers are often not considered holistically. Existing literature focuses on only optimizing the operation of either the physical or cyber layer while ignoring the interactions between them. This paper proposes a metric, the Cyber-Physical Energy System Quantitative Security Metric (CPES-QSM), that quantifies the interaction between the cyber and physical layers across three domains: electrical, cyber-risk, and network topology. A method for incorporating the proposed cyber-metric into operational decisions is also proposed by formulating a cyber-constrained AC optimal power flow (C-ACOPF) that considers the status of all the CPES layers. The C-ACOPF considers the vulnerabilities of physical and cyber networks by incorporating factors such as voltage stability, contingencies, graph-theory, and IoT cyber risks, while using a multi-criteria decision-making technique. We note that simulation studies are conducted using standard IEEE test systems to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed metric and the C-ACOPF formulation.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Designing better electrolytes

Electrolytes and the associated interphases constitute the critical components to support the emerging battery chemistries that promise tantalizing energy but involve drastic phase and structure complications. Designing better electrolytes and interphases holds the key to the success of these batteries. As the only component that interfaces with every other component in the device, an electrolyte must satisfy multiple criteria simultaneously. These include transporting ions while insulating electrons between the electrodes and maintaining stability against electrodes of extreme chemical natures: the strongly oxidative cathode and the strongly reductive anode. In most advanced batteries, the two electrodes operate at potentials far beyond the thermodynamic stability limits of electrolytes, so the stability therein has to be realized kinetically through an interphase formed from the sacrificial reactions between electrolyte and electrodes.

Meng, Y. Shirley↗
DOE OSTI2022

Comprehensive Evaluation for Protective Coatings: Optical, Electrical, Photoelectrochemical, and Spectroscopic Characterizations

Numerous efficient semiconductors suffer from instability in aqueous electrolytes. Strategies utilizing protective coatings have thus been developed to protect these photoabsorbers against corrosion while synergistically improving charge separation and reaction kinetics. Recently, various photoelectrochemical (PEC) protective coatings have been reported with suitable electronic properties to ensure low charge transport loss and reveal the fundamental photoabsorber efficiency. However, protocols for studying the critical figures of merit for protective coatings have yet to be established. For this reason, we propose four criteria for evaluating the performance of a protective coating for PEC water-splitting: stability, conductivity, optical transparency, and energetic matching. We then propose a flow chart that summarizes the recommended testing protocols for quantifying these four performance metrics. In particular, we lay out the stepwise testing protocols to evaluate the energetics matching at a semiconductor/coating/(catalyst)/liquid interface. Finally, we provide an outlook for the future benchmarking needs for coatings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1982

A simple criterion for determining the dynamical stability of three-body systems

Coplanar, prograde three-body systems (TBS) are discussed, emphasizing the specification of general criteria for determining whether such systems are dynamically stable. It is shown that the Graziani-Black (1981) criteria provide a quantitatively accurate characterization of the onset of dynamic instability for values of the dimensionless mass ranging from one millionth to one million. Harrington's (1977) general criterion and the Graziani-Black criterion are compared with results from analytic work that spans a 12-orders-of-magnitude variation in the mass ratios of the TBS components. Comparison of the Graziani-Black criteria with data for eight well-studied triple-star systems indicates that the observed lower limit for the ratio of periastron distance of the tertiary orbit to the semimajor axis of the binary orbit is due to dynamical instability rather than to cosmogonic processes.

Black, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Latch fittings for the scientific instruments on the space telescope

Latch fittings which kinematically mount the replaceable scientific instruments onto the Space Telescope must maintain precise alignment and thermal stability for on-orbit observations. Design features which are needed to meet stringent criteria include the use of ceramic isolators for thermal and electrical insulation, materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion for athermalization, precision manufacturing procedures, and extremely tight tolerances. A specific latch fitting to be discussed is a ball-and-socket design. In addition, testing, crew aids, and problems will be covered.

Dozier, J. D.↗