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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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NASA NTRS2019

Application and Development of Atomic Layer Deposition Techniques to Improve Thermo-Optical Coatings for Spacecraft Thermal Control and Advanced Optical Instruments

A key technology development driver in environmental control systems and next generation optics are discussed utilizing thin film development borrowed from the semiconductor industry. The optical and physical properties of spacecraft radiator coatings are dictated by orbital environmental conditions. For example, coatings must adequately dissipate charge buildup when orbital conditions, such as polar, geostationary or gravity neutral, result in surface charging. Current dissipation techniques include depositing a layer of ITO (indium tin oxide) on the radiator surface in a high temperature process. The application of these enhanced coatings must be such that the properties in question are tailored to mission-specific requirements. The multi-billion-dollar semiconductor industry has adopted Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) for self-assembly and atomic-scale placement. ALD is a cost-effective nanoadditive-manufacturing technique that allows for the conformal coating of substrates with atomic control in a benign temperature and pressure environment. By using ALD, modification of these coatings can be accomplished during coating application preprocessing. The preprocessing is rendered directly on the coating dry pigment before binding. Through the introduction of paired precursor gases, thin films can be deposited on a myriad of substrates ranging from glass, polymers, aerogels, metals, powders, and other high aspect-ratio micro- and nano- structures. By providing atomic-level control, where single layers of atoms can be deposited, the fabrication of metal transparent films, precise nano-laminates, and coatings of nano-channels and pores is achievable. A method has been demonstrated for the ALD of In2O3 and films on a variety of substrates from Si(100) wafers, glass slides, and on Z93P pigments resulting in a direct spaceflight application. Results will be presented that verify the chemical composition of ALD pigments and charge dissipation properties when the pigment goes through its binding and coating process and we present early results of ALD for carbon nanotube formation and encapsulation.

Dwivedi, Vivek H.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Future Concepts for Realtime Data Interfaces for Control Centers

Existing methods of exchanging realtime data between the major control centers in the International Space Station program have resulted in a patchwork of local formats being imposed on each Mission Control Center. This puts the burden on a data customer to comply with the proprietary data formats of each data supplier. This has increased the cost and complexity for each participant, limited access to mission data and hampered the development of efficient and flexible operations concepts. Ideally, a universal format should be promoted in the industry to prevent the unnecessary burden of each center processing a different data format standard for every external interface with another center. With the broad acceptance of XML and other conventions used in other industries, it is now time for the Aerospace industry to fully engage and establish such a standard. This paper will briefly consider the components that would be required by such a standard (XML schema, data dictionaries, etc.) in order to accomplish the goal of a universal low-cost interface, and acquire broad industry acceptance. We will then examine current approaches being developed by standards bodies and other groups. The current state of CCSDS panel work will be reviewed, with a survey of the degree of industry acceptance. Other widely accepted commercial approaches will be considered, sometimes complimentary to the standards work, but sometimes not. The question is whether de facto industry standards are in concert with, or in conflict with the direction of the standards bodies. And given that state of affairs, the author will consider whether a new program establishing its Mission Control Center should implement a data interface based on those standards. The author proposes that broad industry support to unify the various efforts will enable collaboration between control centers and space programs to a wider degree than is currently available. This will reduce the cost for programs to provide realtime access to their data, hence reducing the cost of access to space, and benefiting the industry as a whole.

Kearney, Mike W., III↗
NASA NTRS1985

New outlook on control of crystalline and chemical perfection during growth of silicon

Significant progress has been made in our understanding of the Czochralski crystal growth process with the realization that the incorporation of oxygen into silicon is directly related to the internal gettering capability of wafers during device fabrication. It was also recognized that the electronic properties exhibited by silicon during various stages of device fabrication were significantly affected by the thermal history of the silicon during the post-growth cool-down period. Turbulent melt convection, induced by unavoidable destabilizing thermal gradients, was found to interfere with homogeneous dopant (and oxygen) incorporation and to influence markedly the dynamics of nonequilibrium point defects in the solidified silicon matrix during the cool-down period. In view of the unavoidability of destabilizing thermal gradients in conventional crystal growth configurations, melt stabilization through the application of magnetic fields is generally considered a viable approach. Control of heat input to the melt through heat pipe systems, as used during growth of germanium, cannot be applied to industrial growth of silicon. Recent studies have shown that heat exchange systems located coaxially about a growing crystal can be used to stabilize and control not only heat transfer in the grown crystal, but also in the melt adjacent to the solidification interface.

Witt, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Intelligent Propulsion System Foundation Technology: Summary of Research

The purpose of this cooperative agreement was to develop a foundation of intelligent propulsion technologies for NASA and industry that will have an impact on safety, noise, emissions and cost. These intelligent engine technologies included sensors, electronics, communications, control logic, actuators, and smart materials and structures. Furthermore this cooperative agreement helped prepare future graduates to develop the revolutionary intelligent propulsion technologies that will be needed to ensure pre-eminence of the U.S. aerospace industry. The program consisted of three primary research areas (and associated work elements at Ohio universities): 1.0 Turbine Engine Prognostics, 2.0 Active Controls for Emissions and Noise Reduction, and 3.0 Active Structural Controls.

Williams, James C.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Control of the errors of discretization and idealization in finite element analysis

Understanding of the basic principles which control errors of discretization in finite element analysis has increased very substantially since 1980. The main milestones were: (1) development of the theoretical basis of p-extensions (1981); (2) understanding of the proper interplay between mesh design and assignment of polynomial degree to elements. Practical realization of exponential convergence rates, independently of the smoothness of the exact solution (1984); and (3) industrial experience with the new finite element technology known as the p- or hp-version of the finite element method: General Dynamics reported thirty- to forty-fold savings in terms of human time and large savings in computer time (1986). Lockheed reported favorably on their evaluation of error estimation and quality control capabilities of the p-version in industrial settings (1987). The gains in our understanding of how to control the errors of discretization represent only half of the control necessary to ensure that a numerical model is in fact an accurate representation of the corresponding physical system. Control of the errors of idealization is equally important. A brief overview of the main ideas of how to ensure the quality and reliability of mathematical models of structural systems is presented.

Szabo, Barna A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Propulsion Component Test Capabilities at MSFC’s Test Stand 115

Marshall Space Flight Center’s Test Stand 115 (TS115) is a propulsion component test facility in operation since its original activation in 1964 for testing small to medium size liquid rocket engine components including injectors, channel-cooled chambers, nozzles, passively-cooled metallic and composite nozzle extensions, valves, turbomachinery, and igniters. TS115 is a "blowdown" type facility, using high pressure tankage and components to provide liquid, gaseous, and cryogenic fluid delivery at specified pressures and flowrates. The facility consists of an open steel test stand structure, a mechanical hardware preparation shop, an electrical support equipment building, a control room, and a centralized data system room. In general, the facility infrastructure is rated to 3,000 psig. TS115 can accommodate thrust levels up to 10,000 lbf in the horizontal position. The facility is actively used for various internal NASA test programs as well as test campaigns for external customers from other government agencies, commercial industry partners, and academia. The available fluid systems, electrical power and instrumentation capabilities, facility controls and data acquisition systems, test program support capabilities, and available test rig configurations for external customer use are discussed in this paper.

Tal Wammen↗
NASA NTRS1993

WTEC monograph on instrumentation, control and safety systems of Canadian nuclear facilities

This report updates a 1989-90 survey of advanced instrumentation and controls (I&C) technologies and associated human factors issues in the U.S. and Canadian nuclear industries carried out by a team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Carter and Uhrig 1990). The authors found that the most advanced I&C systems are in the Canadian CANDU plants, where the newest plant (Darlington) has digital systems in almost 100 percent of its control systems and in over 70 percent of its plant protection system. Increased emphasis on human factors and cognitive science in modern control rooms has resulted in a reduced workload for the operators and the elimination of many human errors. Automation implemented through digital instrumentation and control is effectively changing the role of the operator to that of a systems manager. The hypothesis that properly introducing digital systems increases safety is supported by the Canadian experience. The performance of these digital systems has been achieved using appropriate quality assurance programs for both hardware and software development. Recent regulatory authority review of the development of safety-critical software has resulted in the creation of isolated software modules with well defined interfaces and more formal structure in the software generation. The ability of digital systems to detect impending failures and initiate a fail-safe action is a significant safety issue that should be of special interest to nuclear utilities and regulatory authorities around the world.

Uhrig, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Formal Approach for Designing and Evaluating Procedures

Operator interaction with modern control systems is a topic of great concern in high-risk industries such as nuclear power and commercial aviation. The issues associated with such systems focus on the ability of the operators (e.g., pilots) to achieve mission goals safely while containing failures. Operators must be able to interact safely and reliably with highly automatic and complex systems across the full spectrum of possible operating conditions, including normal, abnormal, and emergency situations. In environments such as commercial aviation, operator interaction with the machine is specified through a set of standard operating procedures (SOP). A procedure represents a collective agreement on the 'best' way to perform a given task. The intent of this paper is to suggest a formal methodology, for designing and evaluating procedures, that is both reliable and systematic. Our approach involves two major elements: a model of the machine and a list of the operator's task specifications (goals). We use formal modeling paradigms for describing the system and super-imposing on it the operator's tasks. Such paradigms, based on recent frameworks such as Statecharts and Hierarchical Hybrid Machines appear to be adequate methods for analyzing operator interaction with modern control systems. To illustrate this methodology, we model and analyze the sequence of actions for an emergency procedure. The procedure, Irregular Engine Start, for a medium-range aircraft, specifies the sequence of immediate actions that must be performed by the crew to avoid an uncontrolled rise in engine temperature during start-up. A model of engine behavior during a hot start is constructed. It also describes the various actions that can be taken by the crew and the resulting outcomes. The model is then opened up as a tree of all possible action sequences. This action tree allows us to trace the correct sequences necessary to achieve the desired end-goal (secure and shut down of the engine). In conclusion, we argue that the current process of designing and evaluating procedures can be improved. We discuss the implications of this approach for designing and evaluating this and other types of procedures. We conclude with insights about the benefits and limitation of this methodology, and offer suggestions for future research.

Degani, Asaf↗
NASA NTRS2014

Interval Management Display Design Study

In 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimated that U.S. commercial air carriers moved 736.7 million passengers over 822.3 billion revenue-passenger miles. The FAA also forecasts, in that same report, an average annual increase in passenger traffic of 2.2 percent per year for the next 20 years, which approximates to one-and-a-half times the number of today's aircraft operations and passengers by the year 2033. If airspace capacity and throughput remain unchanged, then flight delays will increase, particularly at those airports already operating near or at capacity. Therefore it is critical to create new and improved technologies, communications, and procedures to be used by air traffic controllers and pilots. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the FAA, and the aviation industry are working together to improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System and the cost to operate in it in several ways, one of which is through the creation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). NextGen is intended to provide airspace users with more precise information about traffic, routing, and weather, as well as improve the control mechanisms within the air traffic system. NASA's Air Traffic Management Technology Demonstration-1 (ATD-1) Project is designed to contribute to the goals of NextGen, and accomplishes this by integrating three NASA technologies to enable fuel-efficient arrival operations into high-density airports. The three NASA technologies and procedures combined in the ATD-1 concept are advanced arrival scheduling, controller decision support tools, and aircraft avionics to enable multiple time deconflicted and fuel efficient arrival streams in high-density terminal airspace.

Baxley, Brian T.↗
NASA NTRS1999

International Low-Earth-Orbit Spacecraft Materials Test Program Initiated for Better Prediction of Durability and Performance

Spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) are subjected to many components of the environment, which can cause them to degrade much more rapidly than intended and greatly shorten their functional life. The atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, and cross contamination present in LEO can affect sensitive surfaces such as thermal control paints, multilayer insulation, solar array surfaces, and optical surfaces. The LEO Spacecraft Materials Test (LEO-SMT) program is being conducted to assess the effects of simulated LEO exposure on current spacecraft materials to increase understanding of LEO degradation processes as well as to enable the prediction of in-space performance and durability. Using ground-based simulation facilities to test the durability of materials currently flying in LEO will allow researchers to compare the degradation evidenced in the ground-based facilities with that evidenced on orbit. This will allow refinement of ground laboratory test systems and the development of algorithms to predict the durability and performance of new materials in LEO from ground test results. Accurate predictions based on ground tests could reduce development costs and increase reliability. The wide variety of national and international materials being tested represent materials being functionally used on spacecraft in LEO. The more varied the types of materials tested, the greater the probability that researchers will develop and validate predictive models for spacecraft long-term performance and durability. Organizations that are currently participating in the program are ITT Research Institute (USA), Lockheed Martin (USA), MAP (France), SOREQ Nuclear Research Center (Israel), TNO Institute of Applied Physics (The Netherlands), and UBE Industries, Ltd. (Japan). These represent some of the major suppliers of thermal control and sensor materials currently flying in LEO. The participants provide materials that are exposed to selected levels of atomic oxygen, vacuum ultraviolet radiation, contamination, or synergistic combined environments at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Changes in characteristics that could affect mission performance or lifetime are then measured. These characteristics include changes in mass, solar absorptance, and thermal emittance. The durability of spacecraft materials from U.S. suppliers is then compared with those of materials from other participating countries. Lewis will develop and validate performance and durability prediction models using this ground data and available space data. NASA welcomes the opportunity to consider additional international participants in this program, which should greatly aid future spacecraft designers as they select materials for LEO missions.

Rutledge, Sharon K.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Welding Sensor System

A system originally designed for welding components of the huge Space Shuttle external tank led to a laser-based automated welder for industrial use. A laser sensor tracks the seam where two pieces of metal are to be joined, measures gaps, misfits and automatically corrects welding of torch distance and height. A small industrial computer translates the sensor's information to the weld head and records and displays weld data for control purposes and analysis. The system was modified for commercial use by Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Martin Marietta and Applied Research, Inc., which produces the commercial system. Applications are in industrial welding processes that require repetitive operations and a high degree of reliability.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1988

NASA/Army Rotorcraft Technology. Volume 2: Materials and Structures, Propulsion and Drive Systems, Flight Dynamics and Control, and Acoustics

The Conference Proceedings is a compilation of over 30 technical papers presented which report on the advances in rotorcraft technical knowledge resulting from NASA, Army, and industry research programs over the last 5 to 10 years. Topics addressed in this volume include: materials and structures; propulsion and drive systems; flight dynamics and control; and acoustics.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1979

Proceedings: Third Annual Workshop on Meteorological and Environmental Inputs to Aviation Systems

The proceedings of a workshop on meteorological and environmental inputs to aviation systems are reported. The major objectives of the workshop are to satisfy such needs of the sponsoring agencies as the expansion of our understanding and knowledge of the interaction of the atmosphere with aviation systems, the better definition and implementation of services to operators, and the collection and interpretation of data for establishing operational criteria, relating the total meteorological inputs from the atmospheric sciences to the needs of aviation communities. The unique aspect of the workshop was the achievement of communication across the interface of the boundaries between pilots, meteorologists, training personnel, accident investigators, traffic controllers, flight operation personnel from military, civil, general aviation, and commercial interests alike. Representatives were in attendance from government, airlines, private agencies, aircraft manufacturers, Department of Defense, industries, research institutes, and universities. Full-length papers addressed the topics of training, flight operations, accident investigation, air traffic control, and airports. Winds and wind shear; icing and frost; atmospheric electricity and lightning; fog, visibility and ceilings; and turbulence were discussed.

Camp, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS2002

A Pilot Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Curriculum that Promotes Engineering

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is located in a community that is mostly rural in nature. The area is economically deprived when compared to the rest of the state. Many businesses lack the computerized equipment and skills needed to propel upward in today's technologically advanced society. This project will close the ever-widening gap between advantaged and disadvantaged workers as well as increase their participation with industry, NASA and/or other governmental agencies. Everyone recognizes computer technology as the catalyst for advances in design, prototyping, and manufacturing or the art of machining. Unprecedented quality control and cost-efficiency improvements are recognized through the use of computer technology. This technology has changed the manufacturing industry with advanced high-tech capabilities needed by NASA. With the ever-widening digital divide, we must continue to provide computer technology to those who are socio-economically disadvantaged.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1996

Development of Low Density Titanium Alloys for Structural Applications

In this report the results of a program designed to reduce the density of titanium by adding magnesium are presented. Because these two elements are immiscible under conventional ingot metallurgy techniques, two specialized powder metallurgy methods namely, mechanical alloying (MA) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) were implemented. The mechanical alloying experiments were done both at the University of Idaho and at the Defense Research Agency in UK. Since titanium is reactive with interstitial elements, a secondary goal of this research was to correlate solubility extensions with interstitial contamination content, especially oxygen and nitrogen. MA was carried out in SPEX 8000 shaker mils and different milling containers were utilized to control the level of contamination. Results showed that solubilities of Mg in Ti were obtained up to 28 at.% (16.4 wt. %) Mg in Ti for Ti-39.6 at. % (25 wt. %) Mg alloys, which greatly exceed those obtained under equilibrium conditions. This reflects a density reduction of approximately 26 %. Contamination of oxygen and nitrogen seemed to increase the solubility of magnesium in titanium in some cases; however, we were not able to make a clear correlation between contamination levels with solubilities. Work at the DRA has emphasized optimization of present PVD equipment, specifically composition and temperature control. Preliminary PVD data has shown Ti-Mg deposits have successfully been made up to 2 mm thick and that solubility extensions were achieved. The potential for density reduction of titanium by alloying with magnesium has been demonstrated; however, this work has only scratched the surface of the development of such low density alloys. Much research is needed before such alloys could be implemented into industry. Further funding is required in order to optimize the MA/PVD processes including contamination control, determination of optimal alloy compositions, microstructure development, and mechanical property determination.

Froes, F. H.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Intelligent Propulsion System Foundation Technology: Summary of Research

The purpose of this cooperative agreement was to develop a foundation of intelligent propulsion technologies for NASA and industry that will have an impact on safety, noise, emissions, and cost. These intelligent engine technologies included sensors, electronics, communications, control logic, actuators, smart materials and structures, and system studies. Furthermore, this cooperative agreement helped prepare future graduates to develop the revolutionary intelligent propulsion technologies that will be needed to ensure pre-eminence of the U.S. aerospace industry. This Propulsion 21 - Phase 11 program consisted of four primary research areas and associated work elements at Ohio universities: 1.0 Turbine Engine Prognostics, 2.0 Active Controls for Emissions and Noise Reduction, 3.0 Active Structural Controls and Performance, and 4.0 System Studies and Integration. Phase l, which was conducted during the period August 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004, has been reported separately.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

A study of a space communication system for the control and monitoring of the electric distribution system. Volume 1: Summary

It is technically feasible to design a satellite communication system to serve the United States electric utility industry's needs relative to load management, real-time operations management, remote meter reading, and to determine the costs of various elements of the system. A definition of distribution control and monitoring functions is given. Associated communications traffic is quantified. A baseline conceptual design in terms of operating capability and equipment is described, important factors to be considered in designing a system are examined, and preliminary cost data are provided. Factors associated with implementation are discussed and conclusions and recommendations are listed.

Vaisnys, A.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Developing Expert Teams with a Strong Safety Culture

Would you like to lead a world renowned team that draws out all the talents and expertise of its members and consistently out performs all others in the industry? Ever wonder why so many organizations fail to truly learn from past mistakes only to repeat the same ones at a later date? Are you a program/project manager or team member in a high-risk organization where the decisions made often carry the highest of consequences? Leadership, communication, team building, critical decision-making and continuous team improvement skills and behaviors are mere talking points without the attitudes, commitment and strategies necessary to make them the very fabric of a team. Developing Expert Teams with a Strong Safety Culture, will provide you with proven knowledge and strategies to take your team soaring to heights you may have not thought possible. A myriad of teams have applied these strategies and techniques within their organization team environments: military and commercial aviation, astronaut flight crews, Shuttle flight controllers, members of the Space Shuttle Program Mission Management Team, air traffic controllers, nuclear power control teams, surgical teams, and the fire service report having spectacular success. Many industry leaders are beginning to realize that although the circumstances and environments of these teams may differ greatly to their own, the core elements, governing principles and dynamics involved in managing and building a stellar safety conscious team remain identical.

Rogers, David G.↗