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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 NTRS1991

Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering for high-pressure gas temperature measurements

An experiment was set up to evaluate the feasibility of using Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering as a diagnostic technique for measuring gas temperature in high pressure environments, such as the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Preburner. A high pressure furnace is used as the scattering chamber. Either nitrogen or hydrogen may be used. An argon ion laser beam is focused into the furnace. Light backscattering from the gas in the furnace is collected and analyzed with a 5-pass scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer and photon counting electronics. The multi-pass configuration provides the high frequency selectively needed to measure the Brillouin peaks in the presence of large amounts of spuriously scattered light at the laser frequency. Preliminary measurements were made at room temperature in nitrogen at pressures up to 2000 psia. The free spectral range of the interferometer and frequency separation of the Brillouin peaks are determined from measured spectra. Temperature measurements are then obtained using the simple continuum theory with low frequency values of specific heat ratio and shear viscosity. The measured temperatures are within 10 percent of the true value.

Seasholtz, Richard G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Advanced ground station architecture

This paper describes a new station architecture for NASA's Ground Network (GN). The architecture makes efficient use of emerging technologies to provide dramatic reductions in size, operational complexity, and operational and maintenance costs. The architecture, which is based on recent receiver work sponsored by the Office of Space Communications Advanced Systems Program, allows integration of both GN and Space Network (SN) modes of operation in the same electronics system. It is highly configurable through software and the use of charged coupled device (CCD) technology to provide a wide range of operating modes. Moreover, it affords modularity of features which are optional depending on the application. The resulting system incorporates advanced RF, digital, and remote control technology capable of introducing significant operational, performance, and cost benefits to a variety of NASA communications and tracking applications.

Zillig, David↗
NASA NTRS2003

Transport Equation Based Wall Distance Computations Aimed at Flows With Time-Dependent Geometry

Eikonal, Hamilton-Jacobi and Poisson equations can be used for economical nearest wall distance computation and modification. Economical computations may be especially useful for aeroelastic and adaptive grid problems for which the grid deforms, and the nearest wall distance needs to be repeatedly computed. Modifications are directed at remedying turbulence model defects. For complex grid structures, implementation of the Eikonal and Hamilton-Jacobi approaches is not straightforward. This prohibits their use in industrial CFD solvers. However, both the Eikonal and Hamilton-Jacobi equations can be written in advection and advection-diffusion forms, respectively. These, like the Poisson s Laplacian, are commonly occurring industrial CFD solver elements. Use of the NASA CFL3D code to solve the Eikonal and Hamilton-Jacobi equations in advective-based forms is explored. The advection-based distance equations are found to have robust convergence. Geometries studied include single and two element airfoils, wing body and double delta configurations along with a complex electronics system. It is shown that for Eikonal accuracy, upwind metric differences are required. The Poisson approach is found effective and, since it does not require offset metric evaluations, easiest to implement. The sensitivity of flow solutions to wall distance assumptions is explored. Generally, results are not greatly affected by wall distance traits.

Tucker, Paul G.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Transport Equation Based Wall Distance Computations Aimed at Flows With Time-Dependent Geometry

Eikonal, Hamilton-Jacobi and Poisson equations can be used for economical nearest wall distance computation and modification. Economical computations may be especially useful for aeroelastic and adaptive grid problems for which the grid deforms, and the nearest wall distance needs to be repeatedly computed. Modifications are directed at remedying turbulence model defects. For complex grid structures, implementation of the Eikonal and Hamilton-Jacobi approaches is not straightforward. This prohibits their use in industrial CFD solvers. However, both the Eikonal and Hamilton-Jacobi equations can be written in advection and advection-diffusion forms, respectively. These, like the Poisson's Laplacian, are commonly occurring industrial CFD solver elements. Use of the NASA CFL3D code to solve the Eikonal and Hamilton-Jacobi equations in advective-based forms is explored. The advection-based distance equations are found to have robust convergence. Geometries studied include single and two element airfoils, wing body and double delta configurations along with a complex electronics system. It is shown that for Eikonal accuracy, upwind metric differences are required. The Poisson approach is found effective and, since it does not require offset metric evaluations, easiest to implement. The sensitivity of flow solutions to wall distance assumptions is explored. Generally, results are not greatly affected by wall distance traits.

Tucker, Paul G.↗
NASA NTRS2007

RadSTAR L-Band Imaging Scatterometer: Performance Assessment

RadSTAR is an instrument development program aimed at combining a radiometer and a scatterometer system into a highly compact configuration that uses a single, electronically scanned antenna to provide co-located and simultaneous measurements of emission and backscatter for airborne and spaceborne applications [I]. The program was designed to map soil moisture and ocean salinity, both important components of the water cycle, and to map sea ice density and thickness, an important factor in ocean-atmosphere heat exchange in Polar Regions. The accuracy in estimation of these and a number of other Earth science parameters can be greatly enhanced by providing the co-aligned radar/radiometer microwave measurements. For instance, radiometer estimates of soil moisture from soil emission are affected by emission from vegetation, and from the roughness of the surface. Complementary measurements using the scatterometer can be used to evaluate the vegetation and surface roughness effects. Hence, the combined observations can provide an improved estimate. As with soil moisture, the ocean salinity is a function of the microwave emission from the sea surface temperature (SST) and sea roughness. There, the addition of radar backscatter measurements of sea roughness enables the correction of the emissivity and provide more accurate estimates of ocean salinity. Similar arguments can be made for other important Earth science parameters. This paper discusses the RadSTAR program, the radar system design, calibration, and digital beamforming techniques, and presents preliminary analysis of the data collected during the test flights. The data sets obtained during the flights and during the radar calibration in the anechoic chamber are also employed to asses the performance of the radar. The paper also discusses the Digital Beamforming Synthetic Aperture Radar (DBSAR) processor, a real-time processor recently developed for the LIS instrument which enables beam synthesis, fine resolutions, and large swaths.

Rincon, Rafael↗
NASA NTRS2012

Charging of Individual Micron-Size Interstellar/Planetary Dust Grains by Secondary Electron Emissions

Dust grains in various astrophysical environments are generally charged electrostatically by photoelectric emissions with UV/X-ray radiation, as well as by electron/ion impact. Knowledge of physical and optical properties of individual dust grains is required for understanding of the physical and dynamical processes in space environments and the role of dust in formation of stellar and planetary systems. In this paper, we discuss experimental results on dust charging by electron impact, where low energy electrons are scattered or stick to the dust grains, thereby charging the dust grains negatively, and at sufficiently high energies the incident electrons penetrate the grain leading to excitation and emission of electrons referred to as secondary electron emission (SEE). Currently, very limited experimental data are available for charging of individual micron-size dust grains, particularly by low energy electron impact. Available theoretical models based on the Sternglass equation (Sternglass, 1954) are applicable for neutral, planar, and bulk surfaces only. However, charging properties of individual micron-size dust grains are expected to be different from the values measured on bulk materials. Our recent experimental results on individual, positively charged, micron-size lunar dust grains levitated in an electrodynamic balance facility (at NASA-MSFC) indicate that the SEE by electron impact is a complex process. The electron impact may lead to charging or discharging of dust grains depending upon the grain size, surface potential, electron energy, electron flux, grain composition, and configuration (e.g. Abbas et al, 2010). Here we discuss the complex nature of SEE charging properties of individual micron-size lunar dust grains and silica microspheres.

Tankosic, D.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Laboratory Studies of Charging Properties of Dust Grains in Astrophysical/Planetary Environments

Dust grains in various astrophysical environments are generally charged electrostatically by photoelectric emissions with UV/X-ray radiation, as well as by electron/ion impact. Knowledge of physical and optical properties of individual dust grains is required for understanding of the physical and dynamical processes in space environments and the role of dust in formation of stellar and planetary systems. In this paper we focus on charging of individual micron/submicron dust grains by processes that include: (a) UV photoelectric emissions involving incident photon energies higher than the work function of the material and b) electron impact, where low energy electrons are scattered or stick to the dust grains, thereby charging the dust grains negatively, and at sufficiently high energies the incident electrons penetrate the grain leading to excitation and emission of electrons referred to as secondary electron emission (SEE). It is well accepted that the charging properties of individual micron/submicron size dust grains are expected to be substantially different from the bulk materials. However, no viable models for calculation of the charging properties of individual micron size dust grains are available at the present time. Therefore, the photoelectric yields, and secondary electron emission yields of micron-size dust grains have to be obtained by experimental methods. Currently, very limited experimental data are available for charging of individual micron-size dust grains. Our experimental results, obtained on individual, micron-size dust grains levitated in an electrodynamic balance facility (at NASA-MSFC), show that: (1) The measured photoelectric yields are substantially higher than the bulk values given in the literature and indicate a particle size dependence with larger particles having order-of-magnitude higher values than for submicron-size grains; (2) dust charging by low energy electron impact is a complex process. Also, our measurements indicate that the electron impact may lead to charging or discharging of dust grains depending upon the grain size, surface potential, electron energy, electron flux, grain composition, and configuration (e.g. Abbas et al, 2010). Laboratory measurements on charging of analogs of the interstellar dust as well as Apollo 11 dust grains conducted at the NASA-MSFC Dusty Plasma Lab. are presented here

Tankosic, D.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Venus High Temperature Atmospheric Dropsonde and Extreme-Environment Seismometer (HADES)

The atmospheric composition and geologic structure of Venus have been identified by the US National Research Council's Decadal Survey for Planetary Science as priority targets for scientific exploration, however the high temperature and pressure at the surface, along with the highly corrosive chemistry of the Venus atmosphere, present significant obstacles to spacecraft design that have severely limited past and proposed landed missions. Following the methodology of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) proposal regime and the Collaborative Modeling and Parametric Assessment of Space Systems (COMPASS) design protocol, this paper presents a conceptual study and initial feasibility analysis for a Discovery-class Venus lander capable of an extended-duration mission at ambient temperature and pressure, incorporating emerging technologies within the field of high temperature electronics in combination with novel configurations of proven, high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) systems. Radioisotope Thermal Power (RTG) systems and silicon carbide (SiC) communications and data handling are examined in detail, and various high-temperature instruments are proposed, including a seismometer and an advanced photodiode imager. The study combines this technological analysis with proposals for a descent instrument package and a relay orbiter to demonstrate the viability of an integrated atmospheric and in-situ geologic exploratory mission that differs from previous proposals by greatly reducing the mass, power requirements, and cost, while achieving important scientific goals.

HADES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Apparatus, method and system for imaging and utilization of SEM charged particles

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) system includes an SEM objective that emits an electron beam toward a sample, causing emission of charged particles including secondary electrons, Auger electrons, backscattered electrons, anions and cations. The SEM system includes electron optics elements that are configured to establish electric fields around the sample that accelerate charged particles toward a detector. A two-dimensional distribution of locations of incidence of the charged particles on the detector is indicative of energies of the charged particles and their emission angles from the sample. A three-dimensional spatial distribution of charged particles emitted from the sample is recovered by performing an Abel transform over the distribution on the detector. The energies and emission angles of the charged particles are then determined from the three-dimensional spatial distribution.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF): World-Class Systems Integration Capabilities and Research

The Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF), located at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) South Table Mountain campus, is a world-renowned user facility for research and development of modern, advanced, and clean energy technologies. ESIF is distinguished by its continuously evolving, highly integrated systems that span throughout the building, connecting research capabilities across multiple laboratories and test areas. The primary ESIF research systems include: [1] data, cyber, and control networks, [2] research electrical distribution buses (REDB), [3] thermal integration infrastructure, and [4] hydrogen systems. The data, cyber, and control networks provide monitoring, control, communication, automation, visualization, and time series data storage and tagging capabilities for research projects and ESIF systems, including facility safety functions. The REDB system consists of four dedicated AC and DC electrical power networks that can connect devices located across the facility through versatile, automatic circuit configuration to support complex power electronics experiments up to the megawatt-scale. The thermal integration infrastructure consists of three temperature-conditioned water loops that provide heating and cooling interfaces and capabilities for thermal energy research. The hydrogen systems provide megawatt-scale hydrogen production, drying, compression, high-pressure storage, and delivery to laboratory end uses, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fueling. The ESIF research systems interconnect and extend throughout the various lab areas of the facility to create elaborate networks composed of diverse technologies for cutting-edge research. The ESIF capabilities are operated and stewarded by the ESIF Research Operations group, who also actively upgrade and advance the systems to ensure they remain ahead of anticipated research - enabling the success of many pioneering energy integration projects. The poster, created by members of the ESIF Research Operations team, highlights and summarizes the four core integrated systems at ESIF. The poster was first presented at the internal NREL Energize Forum on May 13th, 2024, and received the "Best Poster" award.

capabilities↗
DOE OSTI2025

Increased electron, positron, and x-ray production from high intensity laser interactions using micro-wire targets

We report increases in energetic electrons, positrons, and x-rays emitted from high-intensity laser interactions (10 18−20 W/cm 2 ) with structured silicon micro-wires on the surface of a 1 mm gold converter target using a 10 ps laser pulse. A total of four different wire configurations are tested, where the gaps (7–28 μm) between the wires and the thicknesses (3–6 μm) of the wires are varied, while the height remains constant (⁠ ~25 μm). We observe the largest enhancement in electrons, positrons, and x-rays with the sparsest wire configurations. The electron temperature (T e ≈6 MeV) remains consistent across all shots, regardless of whether wires or planar targets are used. This suggests that the observed enhancement is due to increased laser light absorption by the accelerated electrons over a long scale length. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations confirm that absorption is significantly enhanced with the wire target. Additionally, specific simulations examining laser pointing on different parts of the wire structure reveal that, while the final electron spectrum remains largely insensitive, the angular distribution is highly sensitive to these variations.

Bremsstrahlung↗
DOE OSTI2020

Electronic couplings for singlet fission: Orbital choice and extrapolation to the complete basis set limit

Abstract For the search for promising singlet fission candidates, the calculation of the effective electronic coupling, which is required to estimate the singlet fission rate between the initially excited state (S 0 S 1 ) and the multiexcitonic state ( 1 TT, two triplets on neighboring molecules, coupled into a singlet), should be sufficiently reliable and fast enough to explore the configuration space. We propose here to modify the calculation of the effective electronic coupling using a nonorthogonal configuration interaction approach by: (a) using only one set of orbitals, optimized for the triplet state of the molecules, to describe all molecular electronic states, and (b) only taking the leading configurations into consideration. Furthermore, we also studied the basis set convergence of the electronic coupling, and we found, by comparison to the complete basis set limit obtained using the cc‐pV n Z series of basis sets, that both the aug‐cc‐pVDZ and 6–311++G** basis sets are a good compromise between accuracy and computational feasibility. The proposed approach enables future work on larger clusters of molecules than dimers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dirigent isoflavene-forming PsPTS2: 3D structure, stereochemical, and kinetic characterization comparison with pterocarpan-forming PsPTS1 homolog in pea

Pea (legume plant defense) phytoalexin pterocarpans (–)-maackiain and (+)-pisatin have opposite C6a and C11a configurations, but how this occurs biosynthetically is unknown. Herein, pea dirigent-protein (DP) PsPTS2, which generates 7,2'-dihydroxy-4',5'-methylenedioxyisoflav-3-ene (DMDIF), was investigated as regards stereoselectivity towards four possible 7,2'-dihydroxy-4',5'-methylenedioxyisoflavan-4-ol (DMDI) stereoisomers. Each DMDI stereoisomer configuration was determined using NMR spectroscopy, electronic circular dichroism, and molecular orbital analyses. PsPTS2 efficiently converted cis-(3R,4R)-DMDI into DMDIF, this being 20-fold faster than with the trans-(3R,4S)-isomer. The 4R-configured substrate’s near ß-axial OH orientation significantly enhanced its leaving group abilities in creating intermediate A-ring mono-quinone methide (QM), whereas the 4S-isomer’s 4-OH group α-equatorial orientation was a poorer leaving group. Substrate docking simulations also indicated that the 4R-configured ß-axial OH was closest to the Asp catalytic center, whereas the 4S-isomer’s α-equatorial OH was further away. Neither cis-(3S,4S)- nor trans-(3S, 4R)-DMDIs were substrates, even with the former having the same C3/C4 stereochemistry as (+)-pisatin. PsPTS2, assayed with cis-(3R,4R)-7,2'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavan-4-ol [cis-(3R,4R)-DMI] and its C3/C4 stereoisomers, gave 2',7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflav-3-ene (DMIF), with the same substrate stereoselectivity. DP homologs may exist in licorice (Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora) and the tree legume Bolusanthus speciosus, as DMIF is found in both. PsPTS1 preferentially utilized cis-(3R,4R)-DMDI to give (–)-maackiain, this being 2200-fold more efficient than with cis-(3R,4R)-DMI. PsPTS1 also slowly converted trans-(3S,4R)-DMDI into (+)-maackiain, again reflecting the better 4R configured OH leaving group. Pea PsPTS2 and PsPTS1 provisionally provide a facile DP-engendered means to enable differing C6a and C11a configurations in (+)-pisatin and (–)-maackiain. Both DP transformations are considered to occur via DP-engendered generation of an identical mono-QM bound intermediate, which with PsPTS2 either re-aromatizes to give DMDIF or with PsPTS1 undergoes intramolecular cyclization to afford (–)-maackiain. Substrate docking simulations using PsPTS2 (2.5 Å resolution) and PsPTS1 (1.5 Å resolution) plausibly indicate that cis-(3R,4R)-DMDI binds in the anti-configuration in the PsPTS2 active site to afford DMDIF, and the syn-configuration in PsPTS1 to give maackiain.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Digging deeper: Buried layers and interfaces studied by modified total electron yield and soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy

We report on the soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy investigation of thin film capacitors using a modified total electron yield detection mode. This mode utilizes two ammeters instead of one as commonly employed in the classical total electron yield scheme to measure photocurrents of devices under soft x-ray irradiation. The advantage of this configuration over the surface sensitive classical total electron yield mode is that it can provide information from buried layers and interfaces up to a thickness equal to the penetration depth of soft x-rays. The method can be easily adapted to existing synchrotron end stations. We investigate dielectric capacitors with dissimilar electrodes to assess the feasibility of the modified total electron yield method. Furthermore, in operando soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements are performed on ferroelectric capacitors under bias and using two ammeters. The experimental results are discussed in terms of the external and internal photoemission processes and their distribution in thin film capacitors under an external bias condition. The proposed detection method opens the way to perform electronic and chemical state analyses of the buried interfaces and layers in various devices like multiferroic tunnel junctions, memristive devices, etc., during operation under an applied bias.

Kröger, E.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Identifying native point defect configurations in α-alumina

Intimately intertwined atomic and electronic structures of point defects govern diffusion-limited corrosion and underpin the operation of optoelectronic devices. For some materials, complex energy landscapes containing metastable defect configurations challenge first-principles modeling efforts. Here, we thoroughly reevaluate native point defect geometries for the illustrative case of α-Al 2 O 3 by comparing three methods for sampling candidate geometries in density functional theory calculations: displacing atoms near a naively placed defect, initializing interstitials at high-symmetry points of a Voronoi decomposition, and Bayesian optimization. We find symmetry-breaking distortions for oxygen vacancies in some charge states, and we identify several distinct oxygen split-interstitial geometries that help explain literature discrepancies involving this defect. We also report a surprising and, to our knowledge, previously unknown trigonal geometry favored by aluminum interstitials in some charge states. Importantly, these new configurations may have transformative impacts on our understanding of defect migration pathways in aluminum-oxide scales protecting metal alloys from corrosion. Overall, the Voronoi scheme appears most effective for sampling candidate interstitial sites because it always succeeded in finding the lowest-energy geometry identified in this study, although no approach found every metastable configuration. Finally, we show that the position of defect levels within the band gap can depend strongly on the defect geometry, underscoring the need to conduct careful searches for ground-state geometries in defect calculations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1983

Short wavelength laser calculations for electron pumping in neon-like krypton (Kr XXVII)

Calculations of electron impact collision strengths and spontaneous radiative decay rates are made for neon-like krypton (Kr XXVII) for the 2s2 2p6, 2s2 2p5 3s, 2s2 2p5 3p, and 2s2 2p5 3d configurations. From these atomic data, the level populations as a function of the electron density are calculated at two temperatures, 1 x 10 to the 7th K and 3 x 10 to the 7th K. An analysis of level populations reveals that a volume of krypton in which a significant number of the ions are in the Kr XXVII degree of ionization can produce a significant gain in transition between the 2s2 2p5 3s and 2s2 2p5 3p configurations. At an electron density of 1 x 10 to the 19th/cu cm the plasma length has to be of the order of 1 m; at a density of 1 x 10 to the 21st/cu cm the length is reduced to approximately 0.5 cm; and at an electron density of 1 x 10 to the 22nd/cu cm the length of the plasma is further reduced to approximately 1 mm.

Feldman, U.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multiscale electric-field imaging of polarization vortex structures in PbTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 superlattices

In ferroelectric heterostructures, the interaction between intrinsic polarization and the electric field generates a rich set of localized electrical properties. The local electric field is determined by several connected factors, including the charge distribution of individual unit cells, the interfacial electromechanical boundary conditions, and chemical composition of the interfaces. However, especially in ferroelectric perovskites, a complete description of the local electric field across micro-, nano-, and atomic-length scales is missing. Here, by applying four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D STEM) with multiple probe sizes matching the size of structural features, we directly image the electric field of polarization vortices in (PbTiO 3 ) 16 /(SrTiO 3 ) 16 superlattices and reveal different electric field configurations corresponding to the atomic scale electronic ordering and the nanoscale boundary conditions. The separability of two different fields probed by 4D STEM offers the possibility to reveal how each contributes to the electronic properties of the film.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗