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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 55 records · Page 3

Manufacture of high-density ceramic sinters

High density ceramic sinters are manufactured by coating premolded or presintered porous ceramics with a sealing material of high SiO2 porous glass or nitride glass and then sintering by hot isostatic pressing. The ceramics have excellent abrasion and corrosion resistances. Thus LC-10 (Si3N2 powder) and Y2O3-Al2O3 type sintering were mixed and molded to give a premolded porous ceramic (porosity 37%, relative bulk density 63%). The ceramic was dipped in a slurry containing high SiO2 porous glass and an alcohol solution of cellulose acetate and dried. The coated ceramic was treated in a nitrogen atmosphere and then sintered by hot isostatic pressing to give a dense ceramic sinter.

Hibata, Y.↗

Progressive Development of Fleet Management Capabilities for a High Density Vertiplex Environment

The High Density Vertiplex (HDV) Sub-Project, as part of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Project, has been developing a reference automation architecture with a far-term view of scalable, high-density operations in and around vertiport terminal areas. One of the components of that architecture under development has been focused on fleet management capabilities to support the management of multiple AAM operations from a supervisory role of a fleet manager. This capability relies on connectivity and information exchanges with other services for airspace and vertiport management as well as with flight crews responsible for operation execution. This paper will present this capability with a focus on its user interface developments as well as its integration into the simulation and flight testing performed as part of the HDV research roadmap.

AAM↗

High-Density Polyethylene Custom Focusing Lenses for High-Resolution Transient Terahertz Biomedical Imaging Sensors

Transient terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) imaging has emerged as a novel non-ionizing and noninvasive biomedical imaging modality, designed for the detection and characterization of a variety of tissue malignancies due to their high signal-to-noise ratio and submillimeter resolution. We report our design of a pair of aspheric focusing lenses using a commercially available lens-design software that resulted in about 200 × 200-μm2 focal spot size corresponding to the 1-THz frequency. The lenses are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) obtained using a lathe fabrication and are integrated into a THz-TDS system that includes low-temperature GaAs photoconductive antennae as both a THz emitter and detector. The system is used to generate high-resolution, two-dimensional (2D) images of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded murine pancreas tissue blocks. The performance of these focusing lenses is compared to the older system based on a pair of short-focal-length, hemispherical polytetrafluoroethylene (TeflonTM) lenses and is characterized using THz-domain measurements, resulting in 2D maps of the tissue refractive index and absorption coefficient as imaging markers. For a quantitative evaluation of the lens effect on the image resolution, we formulated a lateral resolution parameter, R2080, defined as the distance required for a 20–80% transition of the imaging marker from the bare paraffin region to the tissue region in the same image frame. The R2080 parameter clearly demonstrates the advantage of the HDPE lenses over TeflonTM lenses. The lens-design approach presented here can be successfully implemented in other THz-TDS setups with known THz emitter and detector specifications.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

High Density Digital Data Storage System

The High Density Digital Data Storage System was designed to provide a cost effective means for storing real-time data from the field-deployable digital acoustic measurement system. However, the high density data storage system is a standalone system that could provide a storage solution for many other real time data acquisition applications. The storage system has inputs for up to 20 channels of 16-bit digital data. The high density tape recorders presently being used in the storage system are capable of storing over 5 gigabytes of data at overall transfer rates of 500 kilobytes per second. However, through the use of data compression techniques the system storage capacity and transfer rate can be doubled. Two tape recorders have been incorporated into the storage system to produce a backup tape of data in real-time. An analog output is provided for each data channel as a means of monitoring the data as it is being recorded.

Wright, Kenneth D., II↗

High Temperature Optocoupler for 3D High Density Power Modules

The goal of this proposed research is to develop a reliable high-temperature optocouplers, which can operate at 250°C with at least ten-year lifetime, and replace isolation transforms as the galvanic isolation solution for the 3D integration of high density power modules. The electrification of future transportations (i.e., electric vehicles) will continuously drive the demand for high density power modules. Optocouplers (i.e., packaged light emitter and detector) as a promising candidate to replace bulky isolation transformers are highly desirable to facilitate the continuous scale-down of gate driver circuitry that will lead to 3D high density power modules and achieve disruptive performance in terms of thermal management, power density, power efficiency, reliability and operating environments. However, regular semiconductor optoelectronic materials and devices have significant difficulty functioning in the harsh environments designated for high density power module usage (such as operation at high temperatures). Ultimately, it is not the intrinsic properties of power devices that prevent their use at higher temperatures, but rather the low voltage electronics needed to drive them and the packaging that surrounds them. The typical operating temperature for optocouplers is only up to 100°C, due to the limitations of light emitting diode (LED) devices inside and packaging materials. A systematic characterization methodology will be developed to analyze the performance, lifetime and reliability of LED devices and distinguish multiple failure mechanisms at high temperatures. An original methodology of “design for reliability” will be developed to design the optoelectronic devices with high reliability and long lifetime at high temperatures. A new architecture of high temperature high reliable optocouplers will be developed, fabricated and demonstrated with continuous operating at 250°C. The development of efficient, reliable high density 3D power modules is the foundation for energy efficiency and energy reliability. Enabled with advanced 3D integration and packaging technologies, high density power module solutions can achieve much more superior performance over the conventional discrete solutions in terms of efficiency, thermal management and power density. The proposed concept of high temperature optocouplers as the galvanic isolation solution for high density power modules will bring together interdisciplinary research involving the wide bandgap materials, optoelectronics, high reliable device design, electronics packaging and power modules. A streamline of skilled personnel would be trained including graduate and undergraduate students, local engineers and scientists which are in great demand to both academia and optoelectronics industry. The proposed research topics, such as, solid state lighting and high temperature device reliability, are currently of major interest at the Department of Energy, in particular, Sandia National Laboratories. This project can enhance collaborations between the University of Arkansas (UA) and Sandia National Laboratories. The findings of the proposed research are expected to be integrated into high density 3-D power modules at the Engineering Research Center for Power Optimization for Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS).

42 ENGINEERING↗

Dependence of scrape-off layer profiles and turbulence on gas fuelling in high density H-mode regimes in TCV

A set of high density, highly shaped H-mode discharges has been performed in the TCV tokamak with the aim of assessing the effects of increasing divertor neutral recycling on the properties of upstream inter-ELM scrape-off layer (SOL) profiles and transport. An increase of divertor neutral pressure has been correlated with the evolution of separatrix properties and turbulence level. The latter has been quantified by means of the α t parameter introduced in (Eich 2020 Nucl. Fusion 60 056016), describing the contribution of resistive-interchange turbulence in the SOL relative to drift wave transport. The analysis reveals a general broadening of the upstream SOL profiles as α t increases, with the SOL power width measured by the vertical IR thermography system increasing significantly. In a similar way, the upstream density profile widens in the near SOL, whereas in the far SOL a density shoulder is observed to progressively form and increase in amplitude. This behaviour is associated with an enhancement of far SOL turbulent transport in the form of blob-filaments travelling radially faster across the far SOL and becoming bigger at higher α t . Finally, the detected filaments, evaluated from the fast reciprocating probe at the outer midplane, are determined to mostly belong to the resistive ballooning and resistive X-point regimes.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Effects of Mean Flow Profiles on the Instability of a Low-Density Gas Jet Injected into a High-Density Gas

The effects of the mean velocity profiles on the instability characteristics in the near-injector region of axisymmetric low density gas jets injected vertically upwards into a high-density gas medium were investigated using linear inviscid stability analysis. The flow was assumed to be isothermal and locally parallel. Three velocity profiles, signifying different changes in the mean velocity in the shear layer, were used in the analysis. The effects of the inhomogeneous shear layer and the Froude number (signifying the effects of gravity) on the instability for each set of mean profiles were delineated. At a large Froude number (negligible gravity), a critical density ratio was found for the three profiles at which the jet became absolutely unstable. The critical density ratio for each velocity profile was increased as the Froude number was reduced. A critical Froude number was found for the three sets of profiles, below which the jet was absolutely unstable for all the density ratios less than unity, which demarcated the jet flow into the momentum-driven regime and the buoyancy-driven regime.

Vedantam, NandaKishore↗

Experimental study of high density foods for the Space Operations Center

The experimental study of high density foods for the Space Operations Center is described. A sensory evaluation of the high density foods was conducted first to test the acceptability of the products. A shelf-life study of the high density foods was also conducted for three different time lengths at three different temperatures. The nutritional analysis of the high density foods is at present incomplete.

Ahmed, S. M.↗

Antarctic marine gravity field from high-density satellite altimetry

High-density (about 2-km profile spacing) Geosat/GM altimetry profiles were obtained for Antarctic waters (6-deg S to 72 deg S) and converted to vertical gravity gradient, using Laplace's equation to directly calculate gravity gradient from vertical deflection grids and Fourier analysis to construct gravity anomalies from two vertical deflection grids. The resultant gravity grids have resolution and accuracy comparable to shipboard gravity profiles. The obtained gravity maps display many interesting and previously uncharted features, such as a propagating rift wake and a large 'leaky transform' along the Pacific-Antarctic Rise.

Sandwell, David T.↗

Lean Model-Based Systems Engineering on the NASA High-Density Vertiplex Subproject

The High Density Vertiplex (HDV) subproject of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project adopted Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)in July of 2020, prior to subproject formulation. A small and lean team of HDV Systems Engineers(SE) are utilizing MagicDraw to execute NASA SE processes via MBSE. The SEs learned how to use MagicDraw from scratch and HDV is the first project for which the SEs have utilized MagicDraw. This paper will demonstrate project technical execution via MBSE, utilizing the digital elements built into the SysML (Systems Modeling Language). SysML provides a model-centric means of carrying out the NASA SE common technical processes by providing tools for complete system modeling, including requirements and interface management and design capture. The authors also leverage and extend SysML to perform other SE tasks, such as Verification and Validation (V&V)tracking. MBSE has two main purposes for HDV: 1) documenting the subproject’s logical architecture for distribution outside of the subproject, 2) capturing the subproject’s physical architecture in a single-source-of-truth for use by the subproject’s members. This paper details the challenges, lessons learned, and solutions that were encountered in implementing MBSE in the first iteration on a multi-iteration, full-lifecycle design, build, fly project.

Demetrios Katsaduros↗

Lean Model-Based Systems Engineering on the NASA High-Density Vertiplex Subproject

The High Density Vertiplex (HDV) subproject of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project adopted Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in July of 2020, prior to subproject formulation. A small and lean team of HDV Systems Engineers (SE) are utilizing MagicDraw to execute NASA SE processes via MBSE. The SEs learned how to use MagicDraw from scratch and HDV is the first project for which the SEs have utilized MagicDraw. This presentation will demonstrate project technical execution via MBSE, utilizing the digital elements built into the SysML (Systems Modeling Language). SysML provides a model-centric means of carrying out the NASA SE common technical processes by providing tools for complete system modeling, including requirements and interface management and design capture. The authors also leverage and extend SysML to perform other SE tasks, such as Verification and Validation (V&V) tracking. MBSE has two main purposes for HDV: 1) documenting the subproject’s logical architecture for distribution outside of the subproject, 2) capturing the subproject’s physical architecture in a single-source-of-truth for use by the subproject’s members. This presentation details the challenges, lessons learned, and solutions that were encountered in implementing MBSE in the first iteration on a multi-iteration, full-lifecycle design, build, fly project.

systems engineering↗

High-density SSiC 3D-printed Lattices for Compact HTHP Aero-engine Recuperators

The proposed project utilizes advanced ceramic-based 3D-printing technology to develop light, low-cost, ultra-compact, high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) heat exchangers (HX) for the harsh oxidizing environment of aircraft gas-turbine engines. Typical 3D printing technologies (powder bed or lithographic techniques) cannot produce large high-density, monolithic ceramic material with intricate internal features and channels required for high-temperature, high-pressure recuperators. Furthermore, typical 3D printing technologies are not yet economical for large high-density components. A high-density material is required for hermeticity, high-temperature strength, and oxidation, corrosion, and wear resistance. The team has invented an extrusion-based additive manufacturing technology (referred to as robocasting) and developed processing techniques to tailor composition and rheological mix properties for rapid 3D printing of high-density alumina and SiC parts. The goal of the proposed project is to use robocasting technology to demonstrate commercializable high-density 3D-printed ceramic HX modules with high durability and quality, thereby reducing the risk of thermo-mechanical failure under extreme environments. In addition, the proposed project improves the quality of the ceramic 3D-printing process over a large printed area and HTHP operating conditions. Ceramic 3D printing technology also provides a means to create advanced topologies that are unobtainable with conventional manufacturing.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Investigations of LHW-plasma coupling and current drive at high density related to H-mode experiments in EAST

Two important issues in achieving lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) high confinement plasma in EAST are to improve lower hybrid wave (LHW)-plasma coupling and to drive the plasma current at a high density. Studies in different configurations with different directions of toroidal magnetic field (Bt) show that the density near the antenna is affected by both the radial electric field induced by plasma without a LHW (Er-plasma) in the scrape off layer (SOL), and the radial electric field induced by LHW power (Er-LH) near the grill. Investigations indicate that Er× Btin the SOL leads to a different effect of configuration on the LHW-plasma coupling and Er-LH× Btaccounts for the asymmetric density behaviour in the SOL observed in the experiments, where Eris the total radial electric field in the SOL. Modelling of parametric instability (PI), collisional absorption (CA) and scattering from density fluctuations (SDF) in the edge region, performed considering the parameters of high density LHCD experiments in EAST, has shown that these mechanisms could be responsible for the low current drive (CD) efficiency at high density. Radiofrequency probe spectra, useful for documenting PI occurrence, show sidebands whose amplitude in the case of the lithiated vacuum chamber is smaller than in the case of poor lithiation, consistently with growth rates from PI modeling of the respective reference discharges. Since strong lithiation is also expected to diminish the parasitic effect on the LHCD of the remaining possible mechanisms, this appears to be a useful method for improving LHCD efficiency at a high density.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗