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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
NASA NTRS1982

Transonic aerodynamics; Transonic Perspective Symposium, Moffett Field, CA, February 18-20, 1981, Technical Papers

After an historical account of the development of transonic aerodynamics before 1940 and in the period 1945-1975, attention is given to the design for cruise performance efficiency of commercial transport aircraft, with emphasis on transonic wing design, the practical aerodynamic problems of military aircraft, with emphasis on store carriage and separation, experimental testing in transonic wind tunnels capable of Reynolds number simulation and aerodynamic flow visualization, and such mathematical techniques as potential equation methods for flow prediction and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computations of transonic flows. Also considered are transonic design using computational aerodynamics, the application of computation methods to transonic wing design, computational experience with advanced tactical aircraft, the evaluation of full potential flow methods, and the application of a shock-turbulent boundary layer interaction theory to transonic flowfield analysis.

Nixon, D.↗
NASA NTRS1978

An overview of the quiet short-haul research aircraft program

An overview of the Quiet Short Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA) Program is presented, with special emphasis on its propulsion and acoustic aspects. A description of the NASA technical participation in the program including wind tunnel testing, engine ground tests, and advanced aircraft simulation is given. The aircraft and its systems are described and, measured performance, where available, is compared to program goals. Preliminary data indicate that additional research and development are needed in some areas of which acoustics is an example. Some of these additional research areas and potential experiments using the QSRA to develop the technology are discussed. The concept of the QSRA as a national flight research facility is explained.

Shovlin, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Percy Thomas wind generator designs

The technical and economic feasibilities of constructing a windpowered generator with a capacity of 2,000 to 4,000 kilowatt are considered. Possible benefits of an integrated wind generating electric energy source in an electric utility network are elaborated. Applications of a windpowered waterpump, including its use as a pumping source for hydroelectric pump storage operations, are also mentioned. It is concluded that the greatest potential of the wind generator is to generate heat directly and not conversion to electricity and then to heat.

Lines, C. W.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Space Resource Utilization: Technologies and Potential Synergism with Terrestrial Mining

Space Resources and Their Uses: The idea of using resources in space to support human exploration and settlement or for economic development and profit beyond the surface of Earth has been proposed and discussed for decades. Work on developing a method to extract oxygen from lunar regolith started even before humans set foot on the Moon for the first time. The use of space resources, commonly referred to as In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), involves the processes and operations to harness and utilize resources in space (both natural and discarded) to create products for subsequent use. Potential space resources include water, solar wind implanted volatiles (hydrogen, helium, carbon, nitrogen, etc.), vast quantities of metals and minerals in extraterrestrial soils, atmospheric constituents, unlimited solar energy, regions of permanent light and darkness, the vacuum and zero-gravity of space itself, trash and waste from human crew activities, and discarded hardware that has completed its primary purpose. ISRU covers a wide variety of concepts, technical disciplines, technologies, and processes. When considering all aspects of ISRU, there are 5 main areas that are relevant to human space exploration and the commercialization of space: 1. Resource Characterization and Mapping, 2. In Situ Consumables Production, 3. Civil Engineering and Construction, 4. In Situ Energy Production and Storage, and 5. In Situ Manufacturing.

Sanders, Gerald B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Cryogenic wind tunnels for high Reynolds number testing

A compilation of lectures presented at various Universities over a span of several years is discussed. A central theme of these lectures has been to present the research facility in terms of the service it provides to, and its potential effect on, the entire community, rather than just the research community. This theme is preserved in this paper which deals with the cryogenic transonic wind tunnels at Langley Research Center. Transonic aerodynamics is a focus both because of its crucial role in determining the success of aeronautical systems and because cryogenic wind tunnels are especially applicable to the transonics problem. The paper also provides historical perspective and technical background for cryogenic tunnels, culminating in a brief review of cryogenic wind tunnel projects around the world. An appendix is included to provide up to date information on testing techniques that have been developed for the cryogenic tunnels at Langley Research Center. In order to be as inclusive and as current as possible, the appendix is less formal than the main body of the paper. It is anticipated that this paper will be of particular value to the technical layman who is inquisitive as to the value of, and need for, cryogneic tunnels.

Lawing, P. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Intelligent hypertext systems for aerospace engineering applications

This paper is a progress report on the utilization of AI technology for assisting users locating and understanding technical information in manuals used for planning and conducting wind tunnel test. The specific goal is to create an Intelligent Hypertext System (IHS) for wind tunnel testing which combines the computerized manual in the form of hypertext and an advisory system that stores experts' knowledge and experiences. A prototype IHS for conducting transonic wind tunnel testing has been constructed with limited knowledge base. The prototype is being evaluated by potential users.

Lo, Ching F.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Community-Centric Microgrid Feasibility Analysis Framework to Accelerate Resilience of Island Communities

Marine energy offers a reliable energy solution for island and coastal communities, which often lack traditional local generation, to support their transition to energy independence and reduce reliance on externally imported fuels. Successful deployment of new technologies in these isolated locations requires community acceptance and approval from the outset, as these communities typically lack the financial and technical resources to operate and maintain new systems. This report presents a community-centric microgrid planning framework for remote coastal and island communities. Community engagement is integrated as the first step in the planning process, incorporating community profiles and visions into energy development scenarios. A case study was conducted in St. George, Pribilof Islands, Alaska, which relies entirely on diesel yet has significant wind and wave energy potential. Community engagement revealed a unique history and current economic status, with an interest in adopting advanced energy technologies despite past failures. Various microgrid configurations were optimized, considering different technologies to meet current and future energy needs while balancing cost and energy resilience. Wave energy converters (WECs) were a key component, integrated with other energy sources using the Xendee optimization tool. The Marine Energy Microgrid Toolkit, developed as part of this work, uses commercial power system analysis tools to optimize and analyze microgrid scenarios. The developed framework and toolkit can be applied to island and coastal communities to enhance resilience and support microgrid deployments. Future enhancements will include incorporating new marine resources, developing dynamic models, and automating the integration of Xendee and PowerFactory simulations.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2025

Renewable Energy Integration in Remote Alaska Communities

This guide was developed through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) technical assistance (TA) projects for Nikolski and St. George. Both communities had wind turbine projects that failed due to integration and maintenance issues. Due to these failures, Nikolski and St. George sought help to investigate renewable energy alternatives and associated integration strategies, with a focus on technologies that could be easily maintained within the community. The primary objective of this guide was to interview subject matter experts and document lessons learned to address potential renewable energy and storage integration issues in remote Alaskan communities. This guide is intended to provide information to rural Alaskan communities considering renewables with the purpose of sharing best practices and case studies to facilitate the successful implementation of future renewable energy projects.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS1999

System Analyses of Pneumatic Technology for High Speed Civil Transport Aircraft

The primary aspiration of this study was to objectively assess the feasibility of the application of a low speed pneumatic technology, in particular Circulation Control (CC) to an HSCT concept. Circulation Control has been chosen as an enabling technology to be applied on a generic High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). This technology has been proven for various subsonic vehicles including flight tests on a Navy A-6 and computational application on a Boeing 737. Yet, CC has not been widely accepted for general commercial fixed-wing use but its potential has been extensively investigated for decades in wind tunnels across the globe for application to rotorcraft. More recently, an experimental investigation was performed at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) with application to an HSCT-type configuration. The data from those experiments was to be applied to a full-scale vehicle to assess the impact from a system level point of view. Hence, this study attempted to quantitatively assess the impact of this technology to an HSCT. The study objective was achieved in three primary steps: 1) Defining the need for CC technology; 2) Wind tunnel data reduction; 3) Detailed takeoff/landing performance assessment. Defining the need for the CC technology application to an HSCT encompassed a preliminary system level analysis. This was accomplished through the utilization of recent developments in modern aircraft design theory at Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory (ASDL). These developments include the creation of techniques and methods needed for the identification of technical feasibility show stoppers. These techniques and methods allow the designer to rapidly assess a design space and disciplinary metric enhancements to enlarge or improve the design space. The takeoff and landing field lengths were identified as the concept "show-stoppers". Once the need for CC was established, the actual application of data and trends was assessed. This assessment entailed a reduction of the wind tunnel data from the experiments performed by Mr. Bob Englar at the GTRI. Relevant data was identified and manipulated based on the required format of the analysis tools utilized. Propulsive, aerodynamic, duct sizing, and vehicle sizing investigations were performed and information supplied to a detailed takeoff and landing tool, From the assessments, CC was shown to improve the low speed performance metrics, which were previously not satisfied. An HSCT with CC augmentation does show potential for full-scale application. Yet, an economic assessment of an HSCT with and without CC showed that a moderate penalty was incurred from the increased RDT&E costs associated with developing the CC technology and slight increases in empty weight.

Mavris, Dimitri N.↗
NASA NTRS2001

A Geosynchronous Lidar System for Atmospheric Winds, Temperature, and Moisture Measurements

A geosynchronous Lidar would enable synoptic measurement of atmospheric winds; temperature; and moisture, which are key first-order variables of the Earth's weather equation. Simultaneous measurement of these parameters at fast revisit rates promises large advancements in our weather predictive skills. Such capabilities would: a) yield greatly improved initial conditions for models, b) make obsolete existing (discrete) measurement approaches which are both costly and cumbersome, and c) obviate the use of numerical techniques needed to correct data obtained using present methods. Additionally, simultaneous synoptic Lidar observations would lead to improvements in model parameters, and in our knowledge of small-scale weather processes. A Dial Lidar system could simultaneously measure winds, temperatures, and humidity through a combination of Doppler and Differential Absorption techniques. Also, such a system would provide basic aerosol (dry dust) measurement capabilities that could have an impact on Earth radiation budget measurements. On the technical side, a geosynchronous Lidar DAR system would require transmit optics of a few meters in diameter, a hundred meter diameter receive telescope, fineness of both optical systems scaled to the wavelength, and scanning for the transmit system. Potential technology issues include optical quality of large transmit and receive telescope optics, the large detector area needed, the transmit scanning system, signal detection (S/N ratio of detector system) for the extremely weak return signal at GEO, and power demands in the KW range.

Emmitt, Dave↗
NASA NTRS2022

Low-Speed Performance Enhancement using Localized Active Flow Control: Program Overview and Summary (1/4)

The Boeing team executed a NASA task order, titled “Low Speed Performance Enhancement using Localized Active Flow Control”, under the BAART framework NNL16AA04B, contract number 80LARC20F0082. The project was executed from Sept. 2020 through April 2022 with the objective to explore localized active flow control (AFC) concepts on a representative commercial aircraft. A detailed literature review solidified the choice of AFC concepts to be explored, including AFC over a deflected aileron, in the leading edge region of the wing, and in the nacelle/pylon/wing region. All three concepts were investigated with numerical tools. The results were used in an integration study to assess the net benefits over the lifetime of a commercial aircraft. The aerodynamic studies concluded that AFC applied over a deflected aileron yields significant net L/D improvements (incl. the penalty of AFC system requirements) of up to potentially 5% L/D. Depending on the configuration, AFC applied in the leading edge region showed improvements in L/D of up to ~1.5%, as well as opportunities for maximum lift and increased lift at fixed angle of attack. AFC applied to the nacelle/pylon/wing region delivered 1.5% increase in L/D during take-off and ~4% increase in CLmax during landing. After considering assumed onboard sources, aspects of system integration and weight penalties, these aerodynamic improvements translate to: ~ 0.5% block fuel reduction potential for AFC over the aileron ~ 0.1% block fuel reduction potential for AFC in the LE slat region ~ 0.2% block fuel reduction potential for AFC in the nacelle/pylon/wing region considering take-off scenarios (potentially larger benefit may be realized considering the landing scenarios which haven’t been fully analyzed yet) The final report is comprised of four separate documents. The current document provides an overview and technical background. The second document details the numerical studies and the third document summarizes the integration and aircraft performance assessment. The fourth document focuses on the Common Research Model, specifically how AFC performs over a deflected aileron and how the NASA 10% scale wind tunnel model may be modified to implement an AFC equipped aileron. Each report offers significantly more detailed summaries and suggestions for future work.

Active flow control↗
NASA NTRS1973

Status of wind-energy conversion

The utilization of wind energy is technically feasible as evidenced by the many past demonstrations of wind generators. The cost of energy from the wind has been high compared to fossil fuel systems; a sustained development effort is needed to obtain economical systems. The variability of the wind makes it an unreliable source on a short term basis. However, the effects of this variability can be reduced by storage systems or connecting wind generators to: (1) fossil fuel systems; (2) hydroelectric systems; or (3) dispersing them throughout a large grid network. Wind energy appears to have the potential to meet a significant amount of our energy needs.

Thomas, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Large-Scale Low-Boom Inlet Test Overview

This presentation provides a high level overview of the Large-Scale Low-Boom Inlet Test and was presented at the Fundamental Aeronautics 2011 Technical Conference. In October 2010 a low-boom supersonic inlet concept with flow control was tested in the 8'x6' supersonic wind tunnel at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). The primary objectives of the test were to evaluate the inlet stability and operability of a large-scale low-boom supersonic inlet concept by acquiring performance and flowfield validation data, as well as evaluate simple, passive, bleedless inlet boundary layer control options. During this effort two models were tested: a dual stream inlet intended to model potential flight hardware and a single stream design to study a zero-degree external cowl angle and to permit surface flow visualization of the vortex generator flow control on the internal centerbody surface. The tests were conducted by a team of researchers from NASA GRC, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Virginia

Hirt, Stefanie↗
NASA NTRS2016

The Potential for Ambient Plasma Wave Propulsion

A truly robust space exploration program will need to make use of in-situ resources as much as possible to make the endeavor affordable. Most space propulsion concepts are saddled with one fundamental burden; the propellant needed to produce momentum. The most advanced propulsion systems currently in use utilize electric and/or magnetic fields to accelerate ionized propellant. However, significant planetary exploration missions in the coming decades, such as the now canceled Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter, are restricted by propellant mass and propulsion system lifetimes, using even the most optimistic projections of performance. These electric propulsion vehicles are inherently limited in flexibility at their final destination, due to propulsion system wear, propellant requirements, and the relatively low acceleration of the vehicle. A few concepts are able to utilize the environment around them to produce thrust: Solar or magnetic sails and, with certain restrictions, electrodynamic tethers. These concepts focus primarily on using the solar wind or ambient magnetic fields to generate thrust. Technically immature, quasi-propellantless alternatives lack either the sensitivity or the power to provide significant maneuvering. An additional resource to be considered is the ambient plasma and magnetic fields in solar and planetary magnetospheres. These environments, such as those around the Sun or Jupiter, have been shown to host a variety of plasma waves. Plasma wave propulsion takes advantage of an observed astrophysical and terrestrial phenomenon: Alfven waves. These are waves that propagate in the plasma and magnetic fields around and between planets and stars. The generation of Alfven waves in ambient magnetic and plasma fields to generate thrust is proposed as a truly propellantless propulsion system which may enable an entirely new matrix of exploration missions. Alfven waves are well known, transverse electromagnetic waves that propagate in magnetized plasmas at frequencies below the ion cyclotron frequency. They have been observed in both laboratory and astrophysical settings. On Earth, they are being investigated as a possible means for plasma heating, current drive, and momentum addition in magnetic confinement fusion systems. In addition, Alfven waves have been proposed as a mechanism for acceleration of the solar wind away from the sun.

THE POTENTIAL FOR AMBIENT PLASMA WAVE PROPULSION↗
NASA NTRS2001

Second Generation RLV Program

During the time period covered by this report, SAIC: 1) Continued to develop and assess processes and approaches that can be applied to Second Generation Reuseable Launch Vehicles (RLV) technologies prioritization. An approach based on the use of analytic Saaty scale functions has been defined and is being investigated. 2) Planned and facilitated technologies prioritization workshops, supported development of systems program algorithms based on the concept of influence diagramming, and assessment of analogies between aircraft and space systems developments. 3) Video interviews held with X-37 personnel at Dryden. The CD-ROM is being concluded and a near-final review disc is expected soon. 4) CD-ROMS were produced by Engineered Multimedia, Inc. (EMI) under subcontract to SAIC. These two CD-ROM products, "Microgravity" and "New Horizons", were delivered to MSFS technical representatives at a briefing at SAID on January 18, 2001. 5) Presentation brochure, "Aviation/Space Analog Team Interim Report" was provided to Space Propulsion Synergy Team (SPST) members and to NASA personnel. Wrap-up of effort will be a mid-April briefing to both MSFC and the full SPST membership. Support to Phase 2 of CCPD ends 3/31/01. Phase 3 continuation effort planned with emphasis on technical info content. 6) Recommended that eliminating the B-52 flights of the X-37 in favor of alternate approached be evaluated. Discovered that a required change to the thruster valves of the X-37 had not been made. Repair work continues on the lower fuselage section of the X-37, in the areas that experienced core collapse. The currently catalogued potential weight increases and decreases are about equal, but this does not include the impact of the cable weight underestimate reported earlier. The CFD for RCS testing correlates well with the wind tunnel data. 7) The Level IV CCB approved SCN-4 to the MC-1 Engine SPecification. Approved changes have been incorporated into the specification, and Revision D has been released to the Repository. Billy Gonterman, SAIC, traveled to SSC to perform a five-day readiness assessment on the progress of facilities activation. Implemented modifications to the MC-1 Engine TPA Component Database. 8) Replaced 25 Combined-Cycle Propulsion Database (CCPD) documents; modified the low-on screen to include a direct email link for user contact; prepared a summary presentation of current and proposed tasks.

Laue, Jay↗
NASA NTRS2021

Instrumentation for Exploring Mars with High Science Return Small Payload Missions

The Mars Exploration Directorate at the JPL is sponsoring a study to examine technical feasibility of developing small spacecraft missions (SSc) capable of low-cost compelling science. Low cost small spacecraft missions can enable unique mission concepts with higher than normal mission risk. This increase in risk can create opportunities for low-cost, compelling science missions in regions that may be otherwise unexplored, provide opportunities for constellations, networks scouts, and fundamentally new measurements. Potential science instruments for MEPAG high-priority investigations suited to small spacecraft mass, volume, power, and cost constraints include compact versions of a camera (MSL EECam), Meteorology (MEDA-ATS or FMI wind, barometry, T, and P), Seismometer (INSIGHT SEIS), Atmosphere and trace Gases (MSL Tunable Laser Spectrometer), Dust (ExoMars MicroMED) analyzers, and fluxgate magnetometers (INSIGHT Mag). Two examples of low cost mission concepts are LOKI (Localizing Organic Key Ingredients), an areostationary SmallSat orbital constellation designed to measure trace gases, and TH2OR, a time-domain EM sound capable of water detection to a depth of many kilometers which would be landed via a small high impact energy device (SHIELD).

Anderson, R.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Guideline for Characterizing and Evaluating a Candidate Project Site for Solar Thermal Applications

This document presents a structured procedure for characterizing and evaluating candidate project sites for concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar heat for industrial processes (SHIP) applications. The objective is to provide project developers, researchers, and other stakeholders with a consistent, technology-agnostic framework for early-stage site assessment, enabling informed decision-making prior to significant investment in project development. Site selection is a critical factor in project success or failure for both CSP and SHIP projects. Key factors such as solar resource availability, land characteristics, environmental and regulatory constraints, infrastructure availability, and community context are determined by the choice of project site and can materially impact project performance, cost, schedule, and overall viability. This procedure is designed to systematically evaluate these factors, identify potential fatal flaws, and prioritize the most favorable candidate sites for further development. The process begins with rapid screening-level evaluation, using publicly available data to assess solar resource, land availability and suitability, zoning and land-use compatibility, and exclusion zones such as protected lands or sensitive habitats. Sites that meet the minimum screening criteria advance to a more detailed characterization. Subsequent sections of this report provide guidance for a next-level assessment of the most important technical and environmental parameters, including: 1) Solar resource quality, variability, and uncertainty using multiyear datasets and, where appropriate, on-site measurement campaigns; 2) Meteorological conditions such as wind, temperature, extreme weather events, and soiling impacts; 3) Land characteristics including slope, shading, and geotechnical conditions; and 4) Environmental and regulatory considerations, including permitting processes, endangered species, cultural resources, and visual impacts. The procedure also addresses infrastructure and integration considerations, including: 1) Grid interconnection requirements for CSP power generation projects; 2) Electrical and operational integration for SHIP facilities; 3) Water availability, quality, and permitting constraints, which are particularly critical for CSP in arid regions; and 4) Site access, construction logistics, and availability of workforce and supporting services. Recognizing the importance of social and economic context, the procedure includes evaluation of community engagement factors, such as stakeholder sentiment, proximity to sensitive visual receptors, workforce development opportunities, and local economic incentives. The outputs of these assessments are synthesized in a cost and risk evaluation, translating site characteristics into expected impacts on capital cost, operating cost, schedule, and technical risk. This is complemented by screening-level performance modeling, including 8760 simulations and long-term projections, to quantify expected energy or thermal output, assess variability thereof, and support comparison between candidate sites. Finally, the procedure provides high-level guidance on a structured go/no-go decision framework, categorizing sites based on identified risks and constraints, and outlining a clear path forward to feasibility studies and front-end engineering design for viable projects. By standardizing the site characterization process across both CSP and SHIP applications, this guideline aims to: 1) Improve consistency and transparency in early-stage project evaluation; 2) Reduce development risk and avoid investment in nonviable project sites; 3) Support collaboration between developers, researchers, and public agencies; and 4) Accelerate successful deployment of concentrating solar technologies for both power generation and industrial process heat.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1978

Prop-fan propulsion - Its status and potential

Studies have established that advanced turboprop (prop-fan) equipped aircraft will reduce fuel consumption by 15 to 30 percent compared to aircraft equipped with high-bypass turbofan engines of equivalent technology. A reduction in direct operating costs of approximately 10 percent has been identified for commercial aircraft as well as approximately 20 percent lower gross weight airplane for long endurance military missions. The prop-fan propulsion system is being investigated as part of the NASA Aircraft Energy Efficiency program which includes both analytical studies and experimental tests. The experimental work encompasses performance and acoustic wind tunnel tests on several prop-fan models. The prop-fan technology status is reviewed in the major areas of performance, installed effects, cabin noise, blade structure and maintenance cost. Also, further activities required to complete the technical validation of prop-fans are described.

Dugan, J. F., Jr.↗