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At least 433 records · Page 24

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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Illuminating Albedo: Using MOSAiC Data to Assess the CERES Cloud Radiative Swath (CRS) Albedo Quantification Process

Increasing surface and lower tropospheric air temperatures as a result of rising greenhouse gases are expected to be most pronounced over the Arctic. Such rapid changes alter the surface climate of the region, and impacts can be observed atmospherically, oceanographically, and biogeophysically. Accurately quantifying the impact of decreasing surface albedo on the surface energy budget with satellite observations alone is complicated by a lack of shortwave radiation during winter and seasonal/spatial heterogeneity of surface type and associated spectral albedo. NASA’s Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) project features the Cloud Radiative Swath (CRS) product, which builds upon the Single Scanner Footprint (SSF) product by using the NASA Langley Fu-Liou radiative transfer model to calculate a robust and high-quality array of surface and atmospheric radiative fluxes on an instantaneous, footprint-level scale. This study aims to use MOSAiC and CRS data to illuminate potential uncertainties in the CERES albedo production process, with goals of determining 1) spectral albedo under clear sky conditions when stratified by ice concentration, 2) the uncertainty associated with CERES surface albedo “history maps” when compared against observations captured during MOSAiC, and 3) the magnitude of variation between meteorological inputs compared to those from MOSAiC.

Emily Monroe↗

DOE OSTI2023

Bayesian optimization of electrochemical devices for electrons-to-molecules conversions: the case of pulsed CO 2 electroreduction

Bayesian optimization (BO) was implemented to improve a membrane electrode assembly CO 2 electroreduction device undergoing pulsed operation.

Frey, Daniel↗

DOE OSTI2022

Technical Use Guidance for Engraving with a FiberMark Epilog Laser Engraver

The FiberMark Epilog Laser Engraver is useful tool having the ability to etch and mark a wide variety of metals and plastics. This laser engraver is capable of creating different marks including annealing metal, etching metal, metal polishing, and plastic marking. Annealing metal is a process in which the metal is heated to a high temperature creating a permanent oxide layer on the surface resulting in a high contrast mark. The benefit of annealing is this type of mark is created without changing the surface finish of the metal. Annealing is the best choice for marking targets used in the Pu238 program due to the high contrast mark it is easily visible throughout the production process. Metal engraving is a process in which the metal is removed from the surface by vaporization. To make a deep metal engraving multiple passes may be required particularly if the metal has a high hardness level (such as stainless steel). Metal polishing is a process in which the surface of the metal is heated quickly causing the color to change and take on a mirror-like finish. This process is best for metals that are darker or have a matte finish. Plastic marking occurs with engineered plastics which undergo a color change in the surface without the surface being damaged. The plastics that are most compatible with the laser engraver’s 1065 nm wavelength of light are PET, ABS, polycarbonate and colored Delrin.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2007

Automated Hybridization of X-ray Absorber Elements-A Path to Large Format Microcalorimeter Arrays

In the design of microcalorimeters, it is often desirable to produce the X-ray absorber separately from the detector element. In this case, the attachment of the absorber to the detector element with the required thermal and mechanical characteristics is a major challenge. In such arrays, the attachment has been done by hand. This process is not easily extended to the large format arrays required for future X- ray astronomy missions such as the New x-ray Telescope or NeXT. In this paper we present an automated process for attaching absorber tiles to the surface of a large-scale X-ray detector array. The absorbers are attached with stycast epoxy to a thermally isolating polymer structure made of SU-8. SU-8 is a negative epoxy based photo resist produced by Microchem. We describe the fabrication of the X-ray absorbers and their suspension on a handle die in an adhesive matrix. We describe the production process for the polymer isolators on the detector elements. We have developed a new process for the alignment, and simultaneous bonding of the absorber tiles to an entire detector array. This process uses equipment and techniques used in the flip-chip bonding industry and approaches developed in the fabrication of the XRS-2 instrument. XRS-2 was an X-ray spectrometer that was launched on the Suzaku telescope in July 10, 2005. We describe the process and show examples of sample arrays produced by this process. Arrays with up to 300 elements have been bonded. The present tests have used dummy absorbers made of Si. In future work, we will demonstrate bonding of HgTe absorbers.

Moseley, S.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Low-Power CO2 Compression Technology

Presently, the most feasible processes for extracting oxygen from the Martian atmosphere either require or are much more efficient if the atmospheric CO2 feed is provided at pressures well above the Martian ambient. Electrical power for performing the desired compression is likely to be an extremely limited resource on the Mars surface. Even if "cheap" nuclear power is available at a central site/launch facility where rocket propellent and oxidant are manufactured, life support applications needing oxygen production capabilities, such as rovers, portable life support, and remote or independent exploration stations, will benefit from extremely low-power atmospheric compression technology, such as the one discussed here. Our experiments show the potential of one very low-power approach to performing CO2 compression that uses the Mars diurnal temperature cycle to drive a heat engine. The 1 kg compressor has been tested over an extended period in a Mars environmental simulation chamber that mimics the composition, pressure, and temperature cycles that can occur on the Martian surface. The simple design, which has very few moving parts and can easily be scaled to larger or smaller sizes, produces a CO2 stream at a rate of 100 g/ day at a quality and pressure suitable for a variety of oxygen production processes.

Finn, John E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Information system life-cycle and documentation standards, volume 1

The Software Management and Assurance Program (SMAP) Information System Life-Cycle and Documentation Standards Document describes the Version 4 standard information system life-cycle in terms of processes, products, and reviews. The description of the products includes detailed documentation standards. The standards in this document set can be applied to the life-cycle, i.e., to each phase in the system's development, and to the documentation of all NASA information systems. This provides consistency across the agency as well as visibility into the completeness of the information recorded. An information system is software-intensive, but consists of any combination of software, hardware, and operational procedures required to process, store, or transmit data. This document defines a standard life-cycle model and content for associated documentation.

Callender, E. David↗

DOE OSTI2023

Greenhouse gas emissions embodied in the U.S. solar photovoltaic supply chain

Abstract Solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity is considered to be an important source of electricity generation in the quest for net-zero carbon emissions. However, the growth of solar electricity is creating both increased material demands and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from silicon and PV manufacturing (also referred to as embodied GHG emissions of solar electricity). Here we analyze the silicon and solar PV supply chain for the United States (U.S.) market and find that the embodied GHG emissions of solar PV panel materials (such as silicon), manufacture, logistics, and installation in the U.S. given the current supply chain are 36 g CO 2 e kWh −1 of solar electricity generated. Eighty-five percent of the embodied GHG emissions are from PV panel production processes in China and other Asia–Pacific countries. Moving the silicon and PV manufacturing to the U.S. would reduce the embodied GHG emissions of solar electricity by 16% from its current level, primarily because of the lower GHG emission intensity of the U.S. electrical grid and the lower GHG emissions for aluminum electrolysis in North America. Future scenario analysis shows that by 2030, with the U.S. PV domestic supply chain and its decarbonized grid electricity and aluminum production, as well as improving PV conversion efficiency, the embodied GHG emissions of solar electricity in the U.S. will be reduced to 21 g CO 2 e kWh −1 .

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1990

Flow and acoustic properties of low Reynolds number underexpanded supersonic jets

An experimental program to investigate the flow and acoustic properties of model underexpanded supersonic jets was conducted. In particular, the role played by large-scale organized fluctuations in the flow evolution and acoustic production processes was examined in detail. The experimental conditions were chosen as low-Reynolds-number (Re = 8000) Mach 1.4 and 2.1 underexpanded jets exhausting from convergent nozzles. A consequence of performing the experiments at low Reynolds number is that the broadband shock-associated noise is suppressed. The focus of the present study is on the generation of noise by large-scale instabilities in the presence of strong shock cell structures. It is demonstrated that the production of screech is related to the modulation and decay of large-scale turbulence structures.

Hu, Tieh-Feng↗

DOE OSTI2025

Extremely Durable Concrete using Methane Decarbonization Nanofiber Co-products with Hydrogen

This project successfully developed a scalable, low-cost co-production process for hydrogen (H₂) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) using methane through catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD). CNFs are high-value materials with exceptional mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties, while hydrogen is a critical clean energy resource. By leveraging vapor deposition to create highly dispersed metal catalysts, this work addressed the dual challenge of producing low-cost hydrogen and enhancing the durability of concrete using co-produced CNFs. Unlike prior approaches, which required separating the carbon product from the catalyst, this innovative method integrated the carbon product, catalyst, and silica support as a crack-bridging additive for Portland cement. This novel application aimed to advance the performance of high-performance concrete (HPC) by improving its flexural toughness, durability, and resistance to environmental degradation.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2025

Stress evolution and creep deformation in solid-oxide electrolysis cell systems – Dynamic modeling and multi-objective optimization to maximize stack life and efficiency

Here, this study develops a thermal stress model of solid-oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) including a model for creep strain and failure probability that is integrated with a dynamic plant-wide model of a hydrogen production process. Uncertainties in key material properties of the cell are quantified to assess their impact on stress profile variability. The oxygen electrode is found to have about 10 times higher failure probability compared to the fuel electrode. The study shows that if the stack operation is not optimized, cycling operation would lead to stress build-up eventually leading to catastrophic failure. A dynamic optimization problem is set up for obtaining the optimal operational profile considering a variable hydrogen production rate. Due to the tradeoff between the efficiency and stress build-up, the dynamic optimization problem is multi-objective. It is observed that the optimizer can considerably reduce the stress build-up (i.e., can increase the stack life) albeit at the cost of a lower efficiency thus exhibiting strong tradeoffs between capital and operating costs. For example, if the stack would be replaced in 0.5 yr, specific energy requirement would be 48.5 kWh/kg H 2 while for a stack replacement time of about 6 yr, the specific energy requirement rises by about 4.2 %.

SOEC↗

NASA NTRS2001

A Survey of Alternative Oxygen Production Technologies

Utilization of the Martian atmosphere for the production of fuel and oxygen has been extensively studied. The baseline fuel production process is a Sabatier reactor, which produces methane and water from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The oxygen produced from the electrolysis of the water is only half of that needed for methane-based rocket propellant, and additional oxygen is needed for breathing air, fuel cells and other energy sources. Zirconia electrolysis cells for the direct reduction of CO2 arc being developed as an alternative means of producing oxygen, but present many challenges for a large-scale oxygen production system. The very high operating temperatures and fragile nature of the cells coupled with fairly high operating voltages leave room for improvement. This paper will survey alternative oxygen production technologies, present data on operating characteristics, materials of construction, and some preliminary laboratory results on attempts to implement each. Our goal is to significantly improve upon the characteristics of proposed zirconia cells for oxygen production. To achieve that goal we are looking at electrolytic systems that operate at significantly lower temperatures, preferably below 31C to allow the incorporation of liquid CO2 in the electrolyte. Our preliminary results indicate that such a system will have much higher current densities and have simpler cathode construction than a porous gas feed electrode system. Such a system could be achieved based on nonaqueous electrolytes or ionic liquids. We are focusing our research on the anode reaction that will produce oxygen from a product generated at the cathode using CO2 as the feed. Operation at low temperatures also will open up the full range of polymer and metal materials, allowing a more robust system design to withstand the rigors of flight, landing, and long term unattended operation on the surface of Mars.

Lueck, Dale E.↗

NASA NTRS2000

A Survey of Alternative Oxygen Production Technologies

Lueck, Dale E.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Experimental studies of the two-step scheme with an intense radioactive 132 Sn beam for next-generation production of very neutron-rich nuclei

The study of nuclei in the yet-unexplored, very neutron-rich, mid- to heavy-mass region of the nuclear chart, comprising perhaps half of all nuclei predicted to exist, is leading to new and/or upgraded facilities, as well as to research into the underlying production processes. In the present study, the usefulness of the two-step scheme, an alternate method to produce very neutron-rich nuclei, by a combination of an isotope-separation online (ISOL) system as a first step, and in-beam fragmentation of re-accelerated radioactive isotopes (RIs) as a second step, was investigated with a 132 Sn beam. In this work, very neutron-rich RIs around the neutron-rich neutron number N = 82 region were produced from the 278-MeV/nucleon 132 Sn beam impinging on a 5.97-mm Be target, and their production cross sections were measured. Yields were then estimated for the two-step scheme with the 132 Sn beam relative to the ones by a one-step scheme, in-flight fission of a 238 U beam, for 1-MW proton and 238 U beams at respective RI-beam facilities. This comparison suggests that the two-step scheme with the 132 Sn beam provides yields >40-times higher than those with the one-step scheme for the very neutron-rich N = 82 region. Moreover, by using various RI beams over the nuclear chart from ISOL, certain kinds of very neutron-rich RIs around the supernova r-process path can be produced with greater yields than by the one-step approach.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2020

The Link Between the Ecology of the Prokaryotic Rare Biosphere and Its Biotechnological Potential

Current research on the prokaryotic low abundance taxa, the prokaryotic rare biosphere, is growing, leading to a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying organismal rarity and its relevance in ecology. From this emerging knowledge it is possible to envision innovative approaches in biotechnology applicable to several sectors. Bioremediation and bioprospecting are two of the most promising areas where such approaches could find feasible implementation, involving possible new solutions to the decontamination of polluted sites and to the discovery of novel gene variants and pathways based on the attributes of rare microbial communities. Bioremediation can be improved through the realization that diverse rare species can grow abundant and degrade different pollutants or possibly transfer useful genes. Further, most of the prokaryotic diversity found in virtually all environments belongs in the rare biosphere and remains uncultivatable, suggesting great bioprospecting potential within this vast and understudied genetic pool. This Mini Review argues that knowledge of the ecophysiology of rare prokaryotes can aid the development of future, efficient biotechnology-based processes, products and services. However, this promise may only be fulfilled through improvements in (and optimal blending of) advanced microbial culturing and physiology, metagenomics, genome annotation and editing, and synthetic biology, to name a few areas of relevance. In the future, it will be important to understand how activity profiles relate with abundance, as some rare taxa can remain rare and increase activity, whereas other taxa can grow abundant. The metabolic mechanisms behind those patterns can be useful in designing biotechnological processes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2025

New Era Towards Autonomous Additive Manufacturing: A Review of Recent Trends and Future Perspectives

Abstract The Additive Manufacturing (AM) landscape has significantly transformed in alignment with Industry 4.0 principles, primarily driven by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twin (DT). However, current Intelligent Additive Manufacturing (IAM) systems face limitations such as fragmented AI tool usage and suboptimal human-machine interaction (HMI). This paper reviews existing IAM solutions, emphasizing control, monitoring, process autonomy, and end-to-end integration, and identifies key limitations, such as the absence of a high-level controller for global decision-making. To address these gaps, we propose a transition from IAM to Autonomous Additive Manufacturing (AAM), featuring a hierarchical framework with four integrated layers: knowledge, generative solution, operational, and cognitive. In the cognitive layer, AI agents notably enable machines to independently observe, analyze, plan, and execute operations that traditionally require human intervention. These capabilities streamline production processes and expand the possibilities for innovation, particularly in sectors like in-space manufacturing (ISM). Additionally, this paper discusses the role of AI in self-optimization and lifelong learning, positing that the future of AM will be characterized by a symbiotic relationship between human expertise and advanced autonomy, fostering a more adaptive, resilient manufacturing ecosystem.

Fan, Haolin↗

DOE OSTI2022

Elemental Analysis of Bio-Oils by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Laboratory Analytical Procedure (LAP), Issue Date: May 13, 2022

Concentrations of inorganic elements is a key quality metric for bio-oils as certain elements impact upgrading processes and product quality. Unless reduced or removed during production and processing, alkali and alkaline metals native to lignocellulosic biomass can carry over into bio-oils contributing to ash content and degraded catalyst performance during upgrading to hydrocarbon fuels or chemical products. Non-metallic elements such as sulfur and phosphorus can also negatively impact upgrading catalysts and product quality. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) can be used to measure inorganic elements of interest in bio-oils. This procedure covers the preparation and analysis of fast pyrolysis (FP) and catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) bio-oils. The concentrations of these elements can indicate potential bio-oil quality from the perspective of deoxygenation processes. The implications of elemental composition will depend on process parameters such as upgrading catalyst sensitivities. This Laboratory Analytical Procedure (LAP) covers two methods for quantification of inorganic elements by ICP-OES: Procedure A uses microwave assisted digestion with concentrated nitric acid, and Procedure B is an organic ICP-OES method utilizing a diglyme solvent.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

NASA NTRS1984

Polycrystalline silicon study: Low-cost silicon refining technology prospects and semiconductor-grade polycrystalline silicon availability through 1988

Photovoltaic arrays that convert solar energy into electrical energy can become a cost effective bulk energy generation alternative, provided that an adequate supply of low cost materials is available. One of the key requirements for economic photovoltaic cells is reasonably priced silicon. At present, the photovoltaic industry is dependent upon polycrystalline silicon refined by the Siemens process primarily for integrated circuits, power devices, and discrete semiconductor devices. This dependency is expected to continue until the DOE sponsored low cost silicon refining technology developments have matured to the point where they are in commercial use. The photovoltaic industry can then develop its own source of supply. Silicon material availability and market pricing projections through 1988 are updated based on data collected early in 1984. The silicon refining industry plans to meet the increasing demands of the semiconductor device and photovoltaic product industries are overviewed. In addition, the DOE sponsored technology research for producing low cost polycrystalline silicon, probabilistic cost analysis for the two most promising production processes for achieving the DOE cost goals, and the impacts of the DOE photovoltaics program silicon refining research upon the commercial polycrystalline silicon refining industry are addressed.

Costogue, E. N.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Lignin Deoxygenation for the Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blendstocks

Lignin is an abundant source of renewable aromatics that has long been targeted for valorization. Traditionally, the inherent heterogeneity and reactivity of lignin has relegated it to direct combustion, but its higher energy density compared with polysaccharides makes it an ideal candidate for biofuel production. This Review critically assesses lignin's potential as a substrate for sustainable aviation fuel blendstocks. Lignin can generate the necessary cyclic compounds for a fully renewable, sustainable aviation fuel when integrated with current paraffinic blends and can meet the current demand 2.5 times over. Using an energy-centric analysis, we show that lignin conversion technologies have the near-term potential to match the enthalpic yields of existing commercial sustainable aviation fuel production processes. Key factors influencing the viability of technologies for converting lignin to sustainable aviation fuel include lignin structure, delignification extent, depolymerization performance, and the development of stable and tunable deoxygenation catalysts.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗