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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 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

On the dynamics and control of tethered satellite systems

The rigid body dynamics and control of the tether, subsatellite and space platform are analyzed, during deployment, stationkeeping and retrieval phases using the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) approach, accounting for the mass of the tether as well as a three dimensional offset of its point of attachment. The strategies employ tension in the tether line, thrusters, motion of the offset of the tether attachment point or their hybrid combinations. An assessment of the relative merit suggests the thruster-offset hybrid controller to be the most effective in damping given disturbances.

Modi, Vinod J.↗
NASA NTRS2001

State Estimation for K9

The goal of 'Estimate' is to take advantage of attitude information to produce better pose while staying flexible and robust. Currently there are several instruments that are used for attitude: gyros, inclinometers, and compasses. However, precise and useful attitude information cannot come from one instrument. Integration of rotational rates, from gyro data for example, would result in drift. Therefore, although gyros are accurate in the short-term, accuracy in the long term is unlikely. Using absolute instruments such as compasses and inclinometers can result in an accurate measurement of attitude in the long term. However, in the short term, the physical nature of compasses and inclinometers, and the dynamic nature of a mobile platform result in highly volatile and therefore useless data. The solution then is to use both absolute and relative data. Kalman Filtering is known to be able to combine gyro and compass/inclinometer data to produce stable and accurate attitude information. Since the model of motion is linear and the data comes in as discrete samples, a Discrete Kalman Filter was selected as the core of the new estimator. Therefore, 'Estimate' can be divided into two parts: the Discrete Kalman Filter and the code framework.

Xu, Ru-Gang↗
NASA NTRS1994

Interplanetary magnetic field dependency of stable Sun-aligned polar cap arcs

This is the first analysis, using a statistically significant data set, of the morphological dependence of the presence, orientation, and motion of stable sun-aligned polar cap arcs upon the vector interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). For the one winter season analyzed we had 1392 all-sky 630.0-nm images of 2-min resolution containing a total of 150 polar cap arcs, all with corresponding values of the IMF as measured by International Monitoring Platform (IMP) 8 or International Sun Earth Explorer (ISEE) 2. After demonstrating an unbiased data set with smooth normal distributions of events versus the dimensions of time, space, and IMF component, we examine IMF dependencies of the properties of the optical arcs. A well-defined dependence for B(sub z) is found for the presence/absence of stable Sun-aligned polar cap arcs. Consistent with previous statistical studies, the probability of observing polar cap aurora steadily increases for larger positive values of B(sub z), and linearly decreases when B(sub z) becomes more negative. The probability of observing Sun-aligned arcs within the polar cap is determined to vary sharply as a function of the arc location; arcs were observed 40% of the time on the dawnside and only 10% on the duskside. This implies an overall probability of at least 40% for the whole polar cap. 20% of the arcs were observed during 'southward IMF conditions,' but in fact under closer inspection were found to have been formed under northward IMF conditions; these 'residual' positive B(sub z) arcs ha d a delayed residence time in the polar cap of about what would be expected after a north to south transition of B(sub z). A firm dependence on B(sub y) is also found for both the orientation and the dawn-dusk direction of motion of the arcs. All the arcs are Sun-aligned to a first approximation, but present deviations from this orientation, depending primarily upon the location of the arc in corrected geomagnetic (CG) coordinates. The arcs populating the 06-12 and the 12-18 quadrants of the CG coordinate system point toward the cusp. The B(sub y) dependency of the arc alignment is consistent with a cusp displacement in local time according to the sign of B(sub y). We found that the arc direction of motion depended both on B(sub y) and the arc location within the polar cap. For a given value of B(sub y) two well-defined regions (or cells) exist. Within each cell the arcs move in the same direction toward the boundary between the cells. The arcs located in the duskside move dawnward; those in the dawnside move duskward. The relative size of these dusk and dawn regions (or cells) are controlled by the magnitude of B(sub y). This persistent dusk-dawn motion fo the polar cap arcs is interpreted in terms of newly open flux tubes entering the polar cap and exerting a displacement of the convective cells and the polar cap arcs that are embedded within them.

Valladares, C. E.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Highly Anisotropic Quasi‐Direct Organic Metal Halide Hybrids: A Platform for Polarization‐Sensitive Optoelectronics

Low-dimensional organic–inorganic metal halide hybrids (OMHHs) exhibit remarkable optical properties and enhanced environmental stability. We investigate a 1D OMHH with formula C 4 N 2 H 14 PbBr 4 , consisting of Pb–Br chains separated by organic cations, which shows a large Stokes shift (0.83 eV) and broadband emission. Through first-principles calculations and polarized Raman spectroscopy, we characterize the material's vibrational properties and identify the specific phonon modes that drive exciton self-trapping. Our novel GW/Bethe-Salpeter equation force formalism reveals that low-frequency phonons (∼ 100 cm −1 , primarily involving Pb–Br motions) couple strongly with excitons, with a remarkably high Huang-Rhys factor of 137 ± 4, and gives a pathway for ultrafast structural analysis during the absorption process. This phonon-exciton coupling mechanism explains the material's broadband emission and provides a pathway for controlling optical properties through vibrations and for tuning vibrations through optical excitations. The material also exhibits highly anisotropic optical properties and electronic transport, with bands that are dispersive along the Pb–Br chains but nearly flat in perpendicular directions, resulting in direction-dependent electrical conductivity that is calculated to be an order of magnitude higher along the chain direction and consistent with measurements. These combined properties make this system an excellent platform for polarization-sensitive optoelectronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

A semi-coupled aero-servo-hydro numerical model for floating vertical axis wind turbines operating on TLPs

Floating vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have many advantages over floating horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) at large scales in deep water; however, there are several key challenges to overcome as well. One of the challenges is accurate prediction of the dynamic motion and loads performance of a floating VAWT. Here, a new semi-coupled aero-servo-hydro method is developed to assess dynamic responses of a floating VAWT by modeling the system as a 7-degree-of-freedom (7-DOF) model: the supporting platform is considered as a 6-DOF rigid body; the rotation of the rotor is considered as the 7th DOF. Aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, and mooring loads and control of the rotor speed are fully considered. This model can predict performance of floating VAWTs with reasonable fidelity according to validation with OrcaFlex through static and dynamic responses of a floating VAWT with Darrieus rotor operating on a new tension-leg platform (TLP). Being a reduced complexity model, the 7-DOF model can be efficiently applied to assess performance of the newly designed floating VAWT. This model is used to examine the relative contributions of aerodynamic and wave loads imparted to the floating system and the benefits of a three-bladed VAWT over a two-bladed VAWT through dynamic and fatigue analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1987

Analytical investigation of the dynamics of tethered constellations in Earth orbit (phase 2)

Simulation of two short distance crawling maneuvers of the elevator both with and without environmental perturbations acting upon the system is discussed. These simulation runs were performed in order to provide results useful for the interpretation of the data from the tests, on the ground, of a scaled down engineering model of the elevator. In these simulation runs the elevator crawls along the tether in accordance to the developed mirror image motion control law (MIMCL). Results from the simulation of the 4 km long maneuver run were compared to those obtained by adopting the modified hyperbolic tangent control law (MHTCL). A preprocessor was developed for setting up the initial conditions of a tethered system with L platforms, M longitudinal dampers, and N lumped masses (platforms plus tether beads). A short test run of the 4-platform system with 3 longitudinal dampers and 10 lumper mass without any perturbation acting upon the system is illustrated. In support of the Tether Applications Working Group, SAO is preparing a catalog of tether simulations, has prepared a set of simulator test cases, obtained results from SKYHOOK, and solicited results from simulators at other institutions, and prepared a paper on a specific analytic solution.

Lorenzini, Enrico C.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Small Dog-Like Quadruped Robot Powered With McKibben Air Muscles

Planetary surface robotic exploration is typically done by wheeled robots, which are limited to traveling on relatively flat terrain. The goal of this project was to design a bio-inspired robot to mimic the movements and agility of animals to navigate in various types of natural terrain, such as found on Mars. My objective for the summer was to design and construct a quadruped robot with a locomotion gait similar to a small dog. The design includes four legs and an actuated flexible spine for added mobility and performance; each leg has three joints - hip, knee, and ankle. I created 3D CAD models and machined the pieces for the assemblies of each part. One of the key areas of concern is weight vs. power issues for the driving force of locomotion. To maximize the power-to-weight ratio, I used McKibben air muscles to drive the motion of the quadruped. The prototype went through several iterations to analyze performance, with adjustments made to each assembly. We expect the final working prototype will be capable of standing unassisted and pronking into the air without active control. It will serve as a research platform for future bio-inspired control algorithms.

Lacy, John M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Rapidly Deployable Acoustic Monitoring and Localization System Based on a Low-Cost Wave Buoy Platform

The primary objective of this project is to develop a cost-effective, fit-for-purpose environmental monitoring system, “NoiseSpotter®,” that characterizes, classifies, and provides accurate location information for anthropogenic and natural sounds in near real-time. NoiseSpotter was developed to support the evaluation of potential acoustic effects of marine energy (ME) projects. By utilizing a compact array of three acoustic particle motion sensors, NoiseSpotter triangulates individual bearings to provide sound source localization to within 5% accuracy, allowing the ability to discern ME device sounds relative to other confounding sounds in the environment, while providing location estimates to nearby marine mammals for environmental mitigation purposes. The ME industry needs proven solutions to meet environmental impact assessment needs. The NoiseSpotter® includes off-the-shelf, modular components that are easy to assemble and disassemble. Its acoustic particle motion sensors are commercially available and the data logger and real-time telemetry system is designed to be plug-and-play. The entire system is relatively compact and can be deployed from small vessels. NoiseSpotter’s near real-time capability enables operational monitoring of ME sounds, particularly during early stages of technology adoption to facilitate mitigation of potential noise effects. Widespread adoption of the technology for acoustic monitoring of ME devices requires that it be cost effective; hence the anticipated commercial cost of system hardware is $35,000. This project contributes to reducing barriers to ME testing through support of scientific research focused on reducing or mitigating environmental risks and lowering costs and complexity of environmental monitoring. This project has developed an acoustic monitoring system, NoiseSpotter® (U.S. Patent No. 11,156,734 and U.S. Registered Trademark No. 6,442,313), to detect and characterize baseline noise and sounds from ME operations and support geolocation of detected sounds. The intended outcome of the project is to mitigate concerns about the potential for ME device noise to alter marine mammal or fish behavior. NoiseSpotter® enables cost-effective, near real-time acoustic monitoring of an operational ME device relative to ambient environmental noise and provides a technical basis for ME developers seeking to navigate the permitting process in an efficient manner.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
NASA NTRS1986

The Geoscience Laser Altimetry/Ranging System (GLARS)

The Geoscience Laser Altimetry Ranging System (GLARS) is a highly precise distance measurement system to be used for making extremely accurate geodetic observations from a space platform. It combines the attributes of a pointable laser ranging system making observations to cube corner retroreflectors placed on the ground with those of a nadir looking laser altimeter making height observations to ground, ice sheet, and oceanic surfaces. In the ranging mode, centimeter-level precise baseline and station coordinate determinations will be made on grids consisting of 100 to 200 targets separated by distances from a few tens of kilometers to about 1000 km. These measurements will be used for studies of seismic zone crustal deformations and tectonic plate motions. Ranging measurements will also be made to a coarser, but globally distributed array of retroreflectors for both precise geodetic and orbit determination applications. In the altimetric mode, relative height determinations will be obtained with approximately decimeter vertical precision and 70 to 100 meter horizontal resolution. The height data will be used to study surface topography and roughness, ice sheet and lava flow thickness, and ocean dynamics. Waveform digitization will provide a measure of the vertical extent of topography within each footprint. The planned Earth Observing System is an attractive candidate platform for GLARS since the GLAR data can be used both for direct analyses and for highly precise orbit determination needed in the reduction of data from other sensors on the multi-instrument platform. (1064, 532, and 355 nm)Nd:YAG laser meets the performance specifications for the system.

Cohen, S. C.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Development and Implementation of Environmentally Compatible Solid Film Lubricants

Multi-body launch vehicles require the use of Solid Film Lubricants (SFLs) to allow for unrestricted relative motion between structural assemblies and components during lift off and ascent into orbit. The Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), uses a dual coat, ceramic-bonded high temperature SFL in several locations such as restraint hardware between the SRB aft skirt and the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), the aft SRB/External Tank (ET) attach struts, and the forward skirt SRB/ET attach ball assembly. The proposed National Launch System (NLS) may require similar applications of SFLs for attachment and restraint hardware. A family of environmentally compatible nonlead/antimony bearing alternative SFLs have been developed including a compatible repair material. In addition, commercial applications for SFLs on transportation equipment, all types of lubricated fasteners, and energy related equipment allow for wide usage of these new lubricants. The new SFLs named BOOSTERLUBE is a family of single layer thin film (0.001 inch maximum) coatings that are a unique mixture of non-hazardous pigments in a compatible resin system that allows for low temperature curing (450 F). Significant savings in energy and processing time as well as elimination of hazardous material usage and disposal would result from the non-toxic onestep SFL application. Compatible air-dry field repair lubricants will help eliminate disassembly of launch vehicle restraint hardware during critical time sensitive assembly operations.

Novak, Howard L.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Enhancement of magnetic domain wall velocity via resonant dissipation of standing wave modes of domain wall structure with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

The dynamic behaviors of magnetic domain walls have significant implications for developing advanced spintronic devices. In this study, we investigate the intriguing resonance phenomenon within the magnetic domain wall structure, focusing on the dissipation mechanism and its impact on domain wall dynamic motion. By applying a static external magnetic field, we observe a remarkable amplification of domain wall velocity through the resonant excitations of the flexure modes. The resonance of the flexure mode exerts an indirect influence on the domain wall velocity through energy dissipation, leading to a significant enhancement from the predictions of the one-dimensional Walker model. We establish a robust model platform rooted in energy dissipation allows comprehensive understanding the dramatic enhancement of domain wall velocity observed during width-directional flexure mode resonance. By directly quantifying energy dissipation, our approach provides highly effective and accurate estimates of domain wall velocity, surpassing previous methods that focus solely on the instantaneous dynamics of the domain wall structure. These findings offer crucial insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing the dynamics of domain walls and other magnetic systems, such as magnetic skyrmions, bubbles, and magnetic vortices, paving the way for development and optimization of next-generation spintronic devices.

Collective dynamics↗
NASA NTRS1991

Berthing simulator for space station and orbiter

The development of a real-time man-in-the-loop berthing simulator is in progress at NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) to conduct a parametric study and to measure forces during contact conditions of the actual docking mechanisms for the Space Station Freedom and the orbiter. In berthing, the docking ports of the Space Station and the orbiter are brought together using the orbiter robotic arm to control the relative motion of the vehicles. The berthing simulator consists of a dynamics docking test system (DDTS), computer system, simulator software, and workstations. In the DDTS, the Space Station, and the orbiter docking mechanisms are mounted on a six-degree-of-freedom (6 DOF) table and a fixed platform above the table. Six load cells are used on the fixed platform to measure forces during contact conditions of the docking mechanisms. Two Encore Concept 32/9780 computers are used to simulate the orbiter robotic arm and to operate the berthing simulator. A systematic procedure for a real-time dynamic initialization is being developed to synchronize the Space Station docking port trajectory with the 6 DOF table movement. The berthing test can be conducted manually or automatically and can be extended for any two orbiting vehicles using a simulated robotic arm. The real-time operation of the berthing simulator is briefly described.

Veerasamy, Sam↗
NASA NTRS1991

Applications of the ER-2 meteorological measurement system

The NASA ER-2 aircraft is used as a platform for high altitude atmospheric missions. The Meteorological Measurement System (MMS) was developed specifically for atmospheric research to provide accurate high resolution measurements of pressure, temperature, and the 3-D wind vector with a sampling rate of 5/s. The MMS consist of three subsystems: (1) an air motion sensing system to measure the velocity of the air with respect to the aircraft; (2) a high resolution inertial navigation system (INS) to measure the velocity of the aircraft with respect to the earth; and (3) a data acquisition system to sample, process, and record the measurement quantities. MMS data have been used extensively by ER-2 investigators in elucidating the polar ozone chemistry. Herein, applications on atmospheric dynamics are emphasized. Large scale (polar vortex, potential vorticity, model atmosphere), mesoscale (gravity waves, mountain waves) and microscale (heat fluxes) atmospheric phenomena are investigated and discussed.

Chan, K. Roland↗
NASA NTRS1999

Development and Implementation of Environmentally Compatible Solid Film Lubricants

Multi-body launch vehicles require the use of Solid Film Lubricants (SFLs) to allow for unrestricted relative motion between structural assemblies and components during lift-off and ascent into orbit. The Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), uses a dual coat, ceramic-bonded high temperature SFL in several locations such as restraint hardware between the SRB aft skirt and the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), the aft SRB/External Tank (ET) attach struts, and the forward skirt SRB/ET attach ball assembly. Future launch systems may require similar applications of SFLs for attachment and restraint hardware. A family of environmentally compatible non-lead/antimony bearing alternative SFLs have been developed including a compatible repair material. In addition, commercial applications for SFLs on transportation equipment, all types of lubricated fasteners, and energy related equipment allow for wide usage's of these new lubricants. The new SFLs trade named BOOSTERLUBE is a family of single layer thin film (0.001 inch maximum) coatings that are a unique mixture of non-hazardous pigments in a compatible resin system that allows for low temperature curing (450 F). Significant savings in energy and processing time as well as elimination of hazardous material usage and disposal would result from the non-toxic one-step SFL application. Compatible air-dry field repair lubricants will help eliminate disassembly of launch vehicle restraint hardware during critical time sensitive assembly operations.

Novak, Howard L.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Development and Implementation of Environmentally Compatible Solid Film Lubricants

Multi-body launch vehicles require the use of Solid Film Lubricants (SFLS) to allow for unrestricted relative motion between structural assemblies and components during lift-off and ascent into orbit. The Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), uses a dual coat, ceramic-bonded high temperature SFL in several locations such as restraint hardware between the SRB aft skirt and the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), the aft SRB/External Tank (ET) attach struts, and the forward skirt SRB/ET attach ball assembly. Future launch systems may require similar applications of SFLs for attachment and restraint hardware. A family of environmentally compatible non-lead/antimony bearing alternative SFLs have been developed including a compatible repair material. In addition, commercial applications for SFLs on transportation equipment, all types of lubricated fasteners, and energy related equipment allow for wide usage's of these new lubricants. The new SFLs trade named BOOSTERLUBE is a family of single layer thin film (0.001 inch maximum) coatings that are a unique mixture of non-hazardous pigments in a compatible resin system that allows for low temperature curing (450F). Significant savings in energy and processing time as well as elimination of hazardous material usage and disposal would result from the non-toxic one-step SFL application. Compatible air-dry field repair lubricants will help eliminate disassembly of launch vehicle restraint hardware during critical time sensitive assembly operations.

Novak, Howard L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

GPS Measurements of the Baseline Between Quincy and Platform Harvest

As part of TOPEX altimeter verification, the Global Positioning System has been used to measure the baseline between the verification site at oil platform Harvest and a GPS antenna collocated with the satellite laser ranging site at Quincy, California.

GPS measurements geodesy tectonic plate motion↗
NASA NTRS2011

Current-Sensitive Path Planning for an Underactuated Free-Floating Ocean Sensorweb

This work investigates multi-agent path planning in strong, dynamic currents using thousands of highly under-actuated vehicles. We address the specific task of path planning for a global network of ocean-observing floats. These submersibles are typified by the Argo global network consisting of over 3000 sensor platforms. They can control their buoyancy to float at depth for data collection or rise to the surface for satellite communications. Currently, floats drift at a constant depth regardless of the local currents. However, accurate current forecasts have become available which present the possibility of intentionally controlling floats' motion by dynamically commanding them to linger at different depths. This project explores the use of these current predictions to direct float networks to some desired final formation or position. It presents multiple algorithms for such path optimization and demonstrates their advantage over the standard approach of constant-depth drifting.

oceanography↗
NASA NTRS2015

Tactile Data Entry System

The patent-pending Glove-Enabled Computer Operations (GECO) design leverages extravehicular activity (EVA) glove design features as platforms for instrumentation and tactile feedback, enabling the gloves to function as human-computer interface devices. Flexible sensors in each finger enable control inputs that can be mapped to any number of functions (e.g., a mouse click, a keyboard strike, or a button press). Tracking of hand motion is interpreted alternatively as movement of a mouse (change in cursor position on a graphical user interface) or a change in hand position on a virtual keyboard. Programmable vibro-tactile actuators aligned with each finger enrich the interface by creating the haptic sensations associated with control inputs, such as recoil of a button press.

Adams, Richard J.↗