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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Elucidating the role of oxidation in two-dimensional silicon nanosheets

We report a synthetic protocol that yields hydrogen-terminated 2D silicon nanosheets with greatly reduced siloxane (e.g., Si–O–Si, O x Si) content. These nanosheets displayed weak, broad photoluminescence centered near 610 nm with a low absolute photoluminescence quantum yield (as low as 0.2%). By intentionally oxidizing the nanosheets, the photoluminescence peak emission wavelength blueshifted to 510 nm, and the quantum yield increased by more than an order of magnitude to 8.5%. These results demonstrate that oxidation of 2D silicon nanosheets modulates the material's bandgap and suggests that previously reported photoluminescence properties for this material resulted, in part, from oxidation.

Essner, Jeremy B. [Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (Uni↗
DOE OSTI2024

Assembling Vertical Block Copolymer Nanopores via Solvent Vapor Annealing on Homopolymer-Functionalized Substrates

Utilizing the self-assembly of block copolymers with large Flory–Huggins interaction parameters (χ) for nanofabrication is a formidable challenge due to the attendant large surface energy differences between the blocks. This work reports a robust protocol for the fabrication of thin films with highly ordered cylindrical nanopore arrays via the self-assembly of an asymmetric poly(styrene-block-4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) diblock copolymer blended with a P4VP homopolymer. The desired vertical domain orientation is achieved at the air–polymer interface by controlled solvent vapor annealing (SVA) using acetone, a solvent with weak selectivity for PS over P4VP, and at the substrate interface by functionalization using a hydroxy-terminated poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP-OH) homopolymer brush. In contrast, the vertical cylinder orientation is unstable during acetone SVA on substrates functionalized using hydroxy-terminated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA-OH). Although PMMA exhibits more balanced interfacial energies between PS and P4VP than P2VP in the dry state, it is also swollen more selectively by acetone. We hypothesize that the nearly balanced solvent swelling of the three polymers (P2VP, P4VP, and PS) stabilizes the vertical cylinder orientation, while unbalanced swelling (PMMA > P4VP and PS) does not. Here we further characterize pore formation by addition of a P4VP homopolymer and its postassembly extraction using ethanol, revealing a narrow window of pore size tunability. Notably, minimal differences in nanopore morphologies are observed for P4VP volume fractions as high as 0.1, regardless of the P4VP molar mass. However, further increasing the P4VP volume fraction results in domain reorientation or macrophase separation when its molar mass is less than or greater than the P4VP block molar mass, respectively. Using a P4VP homopolymer that is nearly equal in length to the P4VP block enables the fabrication of well-ordered arrays of vertical, through-film nanopores with high aspect ratios (>10), small periods (<23 nm), and diameters less than 10 nm.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

InterQnet: A Heterogeneous Full-Stack Approach to Co-Designing Scalable Quantum Networks

Quantum communications have progressed significantly, moving from a theoretical concept to small-scale experiments to recent metropolitan-scale demonstrations. As the technology matures, it is expected to revolutionize quantum computing in much the same way that classical networks revolutionized classical computing. Quantum communications will also enable breakthroughs in quantum sensing, metrology, and other areas. However, scalability has emerged as a major challenge, particularly in terms of the number and heterogeneity of nodes, the distances between nodes, the diversity of applications, and the scale of user demand. This article describes InterQnet, a multidisciplinary project that advances scalable quantum communications through a comprehensive approach that improves devices, error handling, and network architecture. InterQnet has a two-pronged strategy to address scalability challenges: InterQnet-Achieve focuses on practical realizations of heterogeneous quantum networks by building and then integrating first-generation quantum repeaters with error mitigation schemes and centralized automated network control systems. The resulting system will enable quantum communications between two heterogeneous quantum platforms through a third type of platform operating as a repeater node. InterQnet-Scale focuses on a systems study of architectural choices for scalable quantum networks by developing forward-looking models of quantum network devices, advanced error correction schemes, and entanglement protocols. Here, we report our current progress toward achieving our scalability goals.

Chung, Joaquin [Argonne] (ORCID:0000000173833810)↗
NASA NTRS2005

Automating CapCom Using Mobile Agents and Robotic Assistants

We have developed and tested an advanced EVA communications and computing system to increase astronaut self-reliance and safety, reducing dependence on continuous monitoring and advising from mission control on Earth. This system, called Mobile Agents (MA), is voice controlled and provides information verbally to the astronauts through programs called personal agents. The system partly automates the role of CapCom in Apollo-including monitoring and managing EVA navigation, scheduling, equipment deployment, telemetry, health tracking, and scientific data collection. EVA data are stored automatically in a shared database in the habitat/vehicle and mirrored to a site accessible by a remote science team. The program has been developed iteratively in the context of use, including six years of ethnographic observation of field geology. Our approach is to develop automation that supports the human work practices, allowing people to do what they do well, and to work in ways they are most familiar. Field experiments in Utah have enabled empirically discovering requirements and testing alternative technologies and protocols. This paper reports on the 2004 system configuration, experiments, and results, in which an EVA robotic assistant (ERA) followed geologists approximately 150 m through a winding, narrow canyon. On voice command, the ERA took photographs and panoramas and was directed to move and wait in various locations to serve as a relay on the wireless network. The MA system is applicable to many space work situations that involve creating and navigating from maps (including configuring equipment for local topology), interacting with piloted and unpiloted rovers, adapting to environmental conditions, and remote team collaboration involving people and robots.

Clancey, William J.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Delay Tolerant Networking - Bundle Protocol Simulation

In this paper, we report on the addition of MACHETE models needed to support DTN, namely: the Bundle Protocol (BP) model. To illustrate the useof MACHETE with the additional DTN model, we provide an example simulation to benchmark its performance. We demonstrate the use of the DTN protocol and discuss statistics gathered concerning the total time needed to simulate numerous bundle transmissions.

licklider protocol↗
NASA NTRS2004

Low-earth-orbit Satellite Internet Protocol Communications Concept and Design

This report presents a design concept for a low-Earth-orbit end-to-end Internet-Protocol- (IP-) based mission. The goal is to maintain an up-to-date communications infrastructure that makes communications seamless with the protocols used in terrestrial computing. It is based on the premise that the use of IPs will permit greater interoperability while also reducing costs and providing users the ability to retrieve data directly from the satellite. However, implementing an IP-based solution also has a number of challenges, since wireless communications have different characteristics than wired communications. This report outlines the design of a low-Earth-orbit end-to-end IP-based mission; the ideas and concepts of Space Internet architectures and networks are beyond the scope of this document. The findings of this report show that an IP-based mission is plausible and would provide benefits to the user community, but the outstanding issues must be resolved before a design can be implemented.

Slywezak, Richard A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Nasa Exploration Atmosphere Tests 3 & 4: Development and Validation of Planetary Extravehicular Activity Prebreathe Protocols for Alternate Atmospheres and Suit Pressures

INTRODUCTION: Space suits operate at low pressures to optimize astronauts’ performance. The drop in pressure from the habitat environment to the suit carries a risk of decompression sickness (DCS), which is mitigated by a 95% O2 prebreathe protocol. Prebreathe protocols for the lunar surface have a significantly higher risk compared to International Space Station microgravity Extravehicular Activities (EVA). In previous studies, we validated a prebreathe protocol from a 56.5 kPa 34% O2 cabin to a 29.6 kPa EVA pressure; however, the enriched oxygen cabin environment poses a flammability risk that requires significant changes to material design and selections. Here, we report outcomes for prebreathe protocols from a sub-30% O2 cabin and associated changes necessary to control DCS risk critical to upcoming lunar missions. METHODS: Fourteen volunteers completed 11-day hypobaric chamber studies with an “alternate exploration atmosphere” of 66.2kPa, 28.5% O2. Subjects acclimated for 48 hrs and then participated in five 6-hour simulated EVAs at 29.6 or 35.6kPa, 95% O2. Prior to EVA, subjects underwent a 20, 90, or 150-minute prebreathe. The EVA simulation was designed to be representative of future planetary EVAs, proportionate to the subject’s VO2max. Decompression stress was monitored by real-time doppler and echocardiograph alternating every 15 min, as well as clinical monitoring for DCS signs/symptoms. Venous gas emboli (VGE) and DCS outcomes were verified against NASA-STD-3001 acceptance criteria. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Venous gas emboli (VGE) were identified during all EVAs. A neurological DCS case was identified in the 90-min/29.6kPa prebreathe, terminating further testing of this protocol. No DCS cases were identified in the 150 min/29.6kPa protocol. The 20 min/36.5kPa protocol was rejected due to a Type II DCS case. All DCS symptoms resolved with treatment, with no sequelae post initial treatment of DCS. These various test points highlighted to the significant benefit of elevated suit pressure to shorten prebreathe protocols, but also the difficulty in assessing and managing DCS during sustained EVA operations in remote planetary surfaces.

decompression sickness↗
NASA NTRS2000

Mars Sample Handling Protocol Workshop Series

This document is the report resulting from the first workshop of the series on development of the criteria for a Mars sample handling protocol. Workshop 1 was held in Bethesda, Maryland on March 20-22, 2000. This report serves to document the proceedings of Workshop 1; it summarizes relevant background information, provides an overview of the deliberations to date, and helps frame issues that will need further attention or resolution in upcoming workshops. Specific recommendations are not part of this report.

Rummel, John D.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Model Checking a Byzantine-Fault-Tolerant Self-Stabilizing Protocol for Distributed Clock Synchronization Systems

This report presents the mechanical verification of a simplified model of a rapid Byzantine-fault-tolerant self-stabilizing protocol for distributed clock synchronization systems. This protocol does not rely on any assumptions about the initial state of the system. This protocol tolerates bursts of transient failures, and deterministically converges within a time bound that is a linear function of the self-stabilization period. A simplified model of the protocol is verified using the Symbolic Model Verifier (SMV) [SMV]. The system under study consists of 4 nodes, where at most one of the nodes is assumed to be Byzantine faulty. The model checking effort is focused on verifying correctness of the simplified model of the protocol in the presence of a permanent Byzantine fault as well as confirmation of claims of determinism and linear convergence with respect to the self-stabilization period. Although model checking results of the simplified model of the protocol confirm the theoretical predictions, these results do not necessarily confirm that the protocol solves the general case of this problem. Modeling challenges of the protocol and the system are addressed. A number of abstractions are utilized in order to reduce the state space. Also, additional innovative state space reduction techniques are introduced that can be used in future verification efforts applied to this and other protocols.

Malekpour, Mahyar R.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Thermal property characterization of phase change materials in building applications: A systematic review of fundamentals, recent progress, and future directions

Phase change materials (PCMs) can reduce building peak loads and enable demand-responsive thermal energy storage (TES), but their deployment depends on reliable measurement and interpretation of thermal properties across laboratory, intermediate, and application scales. Here, this review systematically examines characterization methods, testing protocols, and recent advances for neat PCMs and PCM composites, emphasizing thermal conductivity, enthalpy-related properties (phase change temperature, latent heat, specific heat), and cycling stability. For thermal conductivity, we compare steady-state and transient techniques and note limitations when phase transition and contact resistance affect measurements. For enthalpy–temperature characterization, we discuss differential scanning calorimetry together with intermediate- and bulk-scale methods, including T-history, heat flow meter testing, and three-layer calorimetry (3LC), to generate application-relevant enthalpy–temperature profiles. Cycling stability is organized into four experimental families: thermoelectric–air, fully thermoelectric, water-bath, and in situ chamber approaches, with attention to separating reversible supercooling from true degradation such as phase segregation. We highlight emerging noncontact diagnostics, including infrared thermography and embedded sensing, for spatially resolved validation and multiscale interpretation. Finally, we review the growing use of AI and machine learning for property prediction, inverse characterization from experimental signals, and real-time state estimation in building-integrated TES. Key needs include harmonized protocols, interlaboratory benchmarking, uncertainty reporting, and metadata-rich datasets to accelerate reproducible PCM qualification for grid-flexible buildings.

AI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Navigating thermal stability intricacies of high-nickel cathodes for high-energy lithium batteries

High-nickel oxide cathodes, LiNi x M 1−x O 2 (x ≥ 0.8), are preferred in automotive lithium batteries, but they face thermal instability challenges. Inconsistent literature reports and unstandardized testing protocols further complicate quantitative assessments of the thermal stability of these cathodes. Here, we present here a statistical thermal analysis based on the differential scanning calorimetry measurements of 15 representative cathode materials with different compositions, morphologies and states of charge. The findings reveal that each cathode has a critical state of charge that defines its safe operating limit, which is affected by the metal–oxygen bond strength and surface reactivity. The thermal runaway temperature is dictated by the layered Li 1−x NiO 2 to LiNi 2 O 4 spinel-like phase transition, which is thermodynamically determined by the metal–oxygen bond covalency and kinetically influenced by the cation mixing and particle size. Raman spectroscopy is used to predict the thermal runaway temperature on the basis of the linear relationship between them. Finally, we propose a thermal stability index to quantify cathode thermal stability as a guide for developing safer high-nickel cathodes.

batteries↗
DOE OSTI2025

A standards perspective on genomic data reusability and reproducibility

Genomic and metagenomic sequence data provides an unprecedented ability to re-examine findings, offering a transformative potential for advancing research, developing computational tools, enhancing clinical applications, and fostering scientific collaboration. However, effective and ethical reuse of genomics data is hampered by numerous technical and social challenges. The International Microbiome and Multi’Omics Standards Alliance (IMMSA, https://www.microbialstandards.org/) and the Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC, https://gensc.org) hosted a 5-part seminar series “A Year of Data Reuse” in 2024 to explore challenges and opportunities of data reuse and reproducibility across disparate domains of the genomic sciences. Addressing these challenges will require a multifaceted approach, including common metadata reporting, clear communication, standardized protocols, improved data management infrastructure, ethical guidelines, and collaborative policies that prioritize transparency and accessibility. We offer strategies to enable responsible and technically feasible data reuse, recognition of data reproducibility challenges, and emphasizing the importance of cross-disciplinary efforts in the pursuit of open science and data-driven innovation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of Post-Consumer Textile Waste Degradation Protocol and Related Downstream Transformations: Cooperative Research and Development (Final Report)

Tereform, Inc. (Tereform) is developing molecular deconstruction processes to transform waste materials into chemical building blocks. During the CRADA, Tereform deconstructed real-world post-consumer substrates into chemical monomers, validated their performance on laboratory scales, demonstrated feasibility of the degradation products in downstream transformations, and successfully scaled the reaction to kilogram-scale. These results were used to develop and refine technoeconomic analysis and lifecycle assessments to evaluate the economic feasibility and environmental impacts of the process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1974

MSFC Skylab extravehicular activity development report

The development activities are presented in a chronological order and cover the EVA hardware design from initial concept to final flight configuration. Major concepts which were considered, and the criteria for design are identified. The reasons for the acceptance or rejection of these concepts are discussed. The report concludes that developmental protocol of interleaving analyses and simulations on an iterative basis provided a conservative, flexible and simple EVA system, which was effective not only for the nominal Skylab mission but for many contingency activities as well.

Heckman, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Mars Sample Handling Protocol Workshop Series: Workshop 2

Numerous NASA reports and studies have identified Planetary Protection (PP) as an important part of any Mars sample return mission. The mission architecture, hardware, on-board experiments, and related activities must be designed in ways that prevent both forward- and back-contamination and also ensure maximal return of scientific information. A key element of any PP effort for sample return missions is the development of guidelines for containment and analysis of returned sample(s). As part of that effort, NASA and the Space Studies Board (SSB) of the National Research Council (NRC) have each assembled experts from a wide range of scientific fields to identify and discuss issues pertinent to sample return. In 1997, the SSB released its report on recommendations for handling and testing of returned Mars samples. In particular, the NRC recommended that: a) samples returned from Mars by spacecraft should be contained and treated as potentially hazardous until proven otherwise, and b) rigorous physical, chemical, and biological analyses [should] confirm that there is no indication of the presence of any exogenous biological entity. Also in 1997, a Mars Sample Quarantine Protocol workshop was convened at NASA Ames Research Center to deal with three specific aspects of the initial handling of a returned Mars sample: 1) biocontainment, to prevent 'uncontrolled release' of sample material into the terrestrial environment; 2) life detection, to examine the sample for evidence of organisms; and 3) biohazard testing, to determine if the sample poses any threat to terrestrial life forms and the Earth's biosphere. In 1999, a study by NASA's Mars Sample Handling and Requirements Panel (MSHARP) addressed three other specific areas in anticipation of returning samples from Mars: 1) sample collection and transport back to Earth; 2) certification of the samples as non-hazardous; and 3) sample receiving, curation, and distribution. To further refine the requirements for sample hazard testing and the criteria for subsequent release of sample materials from quarantine, the NASA Planetary Protection Officer convened an additional series of workshops beginning in March 2000. The overall objective of these workshops was to develop comprehensive protocols to assess whether the returned materials contain any biological hazards, and to safeguard the purity of the samples from possible terrestrial contamination. This document is the report of the second Workshop in the Series. The information herein will ultimately be integrated into a final document reporting the proceedings of the entire Workshop Series along with additional information and recommendations.

Rummel, John D.↗
DOE OSTI2024

​​Integrity Enhancing Protocols (IEP) Evaluation Framework​

​Protocols play an essential role in Advance Reactor systems. A diverse set of protocols are available to these reactors. Advanced Reactors benefit from technologies that can minimize their resource utilization and costs. Evaluation frameworks are often used when assessing protocols and processes related to cryptographic security systems. The following report discusses the various characteristics associated with these protocol evaluation frameworks, and derives a novel evaluative framework.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1996

Data Transfer Efficiency Over Satellite Circuits Using a Multi-Socket Extension to the File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

In several experiments using NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS), investigators have reported disappointing throughput using the transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) protocol suite over 1.536Mbit/sec (T1) satellite circuits. A detailed analysis of file transfer protocol (FTP) file transfers reveals that both the TCP window size and the TCP 'slow starter' algorithm contribute to the observed limits in throughput. In this paper we summarize the experimental and and theoretical analysis of the throughput limit imposed by TCP on the satellite circuit. We then discuss in detail the implementation of a multi-socket FTP, XFTP client and server. XFTP has been tested using the ACTS system. Finally, we discuss a preliminary set of tests on a link with non-zero bit error rates. XFTP shows promising performance under these conditions, suggesting the possibility that a multi-socket application may be less effected by bit errors than a single, large-window TCP connection.

Allman, Mark↗
NASA NTRS2011

A Study of an Optical Lunar Surface Communications Network with High Bandwidth Direct to Earth Link

A lunar surface systems study explores the application of optical communications to support a high bandwidth data link from a lunar relay satellite and from fixed lunar assets. The results show that existing 1-m ground stations could provide more than 99% coverage of the lunar terminal at 100Mb/s data rates from a lunar relay satellite and in excess of 200Mb/s from a fixed terminal on the lunar surface. We have looked at the effects of the lunar regolith and its removal on optical samples. Our results indicate that under repeated dust removal episodes sapphire rather than fused silica would be a more durable material for optical surfaces. Disruption tolerant network protocols can minimize the data loss due to link dropouts. We report on the preliminary results of the DTN protocol implemented over the optical carrier.

lunar optical communications↗