Feasibility study of the ultraviolet spectral analysis of the lunar surface
Ultraviolet spectral analysis of granite, gabbro, and serpentinite samples to determine feasibility of mapping surface composition of moon
SPECTRAL ANALYSIS↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “Feasibility Study”
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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Neutronic and thermal-hydraulic feasibility studies for High Flux Isotope Reactor conversion to low-enriched uranium silicide dispersion fuel
An iterative design process involving neutronic and thermal-hydraulic modeling and simulation has been employed to assess the feasibility of converting the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) from high-enriched uranium (HEU) to low-enriched uranium (LEU) silicide dispersion fuel. ORNL is funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration to evaluate HFIR conversion. Previous HFIR conversion studies focused on U-10Mo monolithic fuel; however, due to potential fabrication issues with the complex HFIR U-10Mo fuel design, ORNL is evaluating U 3 Si 2 -Al dispersion fuel as an alternative LEU fuel system.Fueled by 10.1 kg of HEU and operated at 85 MW, HFIR provides one of the highest steady-state neutron fluxes of any research reactor in the world. Retrofitting a compact, high-power density, HEU-based core with LEU is a challenging problem to solve, especially when considering the conversion requirements. Neutronic and thermal-hydraulic analyses were performed with Shift and HSSHTC, respectively, to predict reactor performance and thermal safety margins. A number of designs were proposed and evaluated using an iterative approach in an effort to show that reactor performance could match that obtained using HEU fuel and that thermal safety margins were adequate. Furthermore this study concludes that conversion of HFIR with U 3 Si 2 -Al LEU fuel is feasible if, among other requirements, the fuel meat region is centered and symmetric about the fuel plate thickness centerline, the active fuel zone length is increased from 50.80 cm to 55.88 cm, the proposed fabrication tolerances can be met, and the fuel can be qualified for HFIR conditions.
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
Feasibility study of using a two-plate model to approximate the TDRSS solar pressure effects
An investigation was performed to determine the feasibility of using a two plate model to approximate the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) in orbit propagation, taking into account the effects of solar radiation pressure. The two plate model comprises one plate which always points to the Earth, and the other which is hinged to an axis normal to the orbital plane and is always rotated so that its normal makes a minimum angle with the direction of the sun. The results indicate that it is sufficient to take three parameters, the areas of the two plates and the reflectivity of the Earth pointing plate, to achieve an accuracy of one meter during a 24 hour orbit propagation.
Chan, F. K.↗
Feasibility Study of Venus Surface Cooling Using Chemical Reactions with the Atmosphere
A literature search and theoretical analysis were conducted to investigate the feasibility of cooling a craft on Venus through chemical reformation of materials from the atmosphere. The core concept was to take carbon dioxide (CO2) from the Venus atmosphere and chemically reform it into simpler compounds such as carbon, oxygen, and carbon monoxide. This process is endothermic, taking energy from the surroundings to produce a cooling effect. A literature search was performed to document possible routes for achieving the desired reactions. Analyses indicated that on Venus, this concept could theoretically be used to produce cooling, but would not perform as well as a conventional heat pump. For environments other than Venus, the low theoretical performance limits general applicability of this concept, however this approach to cooling may be useful in niche applications. Analysis indicated that environments with particular atmospheric compositions and temperatures could allow a similar cooling system to operate with very good performance. This approach to cooling may also be useful where the products of reaction are also desirable, or for missions where design simplicity is valued. Conceptual designs for Venus cooling systems were developed using a modified concept, in which an expendable reactant supply would be used to promote more energetically favorable reactions with the ambient CO2, providing cooling for a more limited duration. This approach does not have the same performance issues, but the use of expendable supplies increases the mass requirements and limits the operating lifetime. This paper summarizes the findings of the literature search and corresponding analyses of the various cooling options.
Evans, Christopher↗
Feasibility Study of Venus Surfuce Cooling Using Chemical Reactions with the Atmosphere
A literature search and theoretical analysis were conducted to investigate the feasibility of cooling a craft on Venus through chemical reformation of materials from the atmosphere. The core concept was to take carbon dioxide (CO2) from the Venus atmosphere and chemically reform it into simpler compounds such as carbon, oxygen, and carbon monoxide. This process is endothermic, taking energy from the surroundings to produce a cooling effect. A literature search was performed to document possible routes for achieving the desired reactions. Analyses indicated that on Venus, this concept could theoretically be used to produce cooling, but would not perform as well as a conventional heat pump. For environments other than Venus, the low theoretical performance limits general applicability of this concept, however this approach to cooling may be useful in niche applications. Analysis indicated that environments with particular atmospheric compositions and temperatures could allow a similar cooling system to operate with very good performance. This approach to cooling may also be useful where the products of reaction are also desirable, or for missions where design simplicity is valued. Conceptual designs for Venus cooling systems were developed using a modified concept, in which an expendable reactant supply would be used to promote more energetically favorable reactions with the ambient CO2, providing cooling for a more limited duration. This approach does not have the same performance issues, but the use of expendable supplies increases the mass requirements and limits the operating lifetime. This paper summarizes the findings of the literature search and corresponding analyses of the various cooling options
Evans, Christopher↗
Autonomous Aerobraking: A Design, Development, and Feasibility Study
Aerobraking has been used four times to decrease the apoapsis of a spacecraft in a captured orbit around a planetary body with a significant atmosphere utilizing atmospheric drag to decelerate the spacecraft. While aerobraking requires minimum fuel, the long time required for aerobraking requires both a large operations staff, and large Deep Space Network resources. A study to automate aerobraking has been sponsored by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center to determine initial feasibility of equipping a spacecraft with the onboard capability for autonomous aerobraking, thus saving millions of dollars incurred by a large aerobraking operations workforce and continuous DSN coverage. This paper describes the need for autonomous aerobraking, the development of the Autonomous Aerobraking Development Software that includes an ephemeris estimator, an atmospheric density estimator, and maneuver calculation, and the plan forward for continuation of this study.
Prince, Jill L. H.↗
SU-E-J-71: Feasibility Study On MRI-Based BANG3 Gel Dosimetry Using Dual-Source Parallel RF Transmission System
Purpose: In this work, we present the feasibility of use of the parallel RF transmission with multiple RF source (MultiTransmit) imaging in MRI-based polymer gel dosimetry. Methods: The commercially available BANG3 gel was used for gel dosimetry. Spin-spin relaxation rate R2 was used to quantify the absorbed dose. The image quality (signal-to-noise ratio, SNR; image uniformity) and B1 field inhomogeneity between conventional single-source and MultiTransmit MR imaging were compared. Finally, the estimated R2 uncertainty σ(R2) and dosimetric performance (i.e., dose resolution) between conventional single-source and MultiTransmit MR imaging were compared. Results: Image quality and B1 field homogeneity within each calibration vial and large phantom was statistically better in MultiTransmit imaging than in conventional single-source RF transmission imaging (P < 0.005 for all calibration vials). In particular, σ(R2) (defined as the standard uncertainty of R2) was lower on the MultiTransmit images than on the conventional single-source images. Furthermore, the MultiTransmit measurement gives a lower than that obtained using the conventional single-source method. Conclusion: The improved image quality and B1 homogeneity resulted in reduced dose uncertainty (i.e., σ(R2) and dose resolution) in MRI-based polymer gel dosimetry, suggesting that MultiTransmit MR imaging has potential benefits for use in clinical 3D gel dosimetry without the need for the complicated B1 field correction method.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Feasibility studies of promising stability and gravity /including zero-G/ experiments for manned orbiting missions Final report, 17 Dec. 1964 - 17 Dec. 1965
Feasibility of stability and gravity experiments for manned orbiting missions
STABILITY↗
Feasibility study for a hydrogen gas leak detection system as required for use on inflight experiments Final report, 1 Jul. 1966 - 25 Jan. 1967
Feasibility of hydrogen gas leak detector for use on in-flight experiments to be conducted with Saturn IB
IN-FLIGHT MONITORING↗
A feasibility study on the numerical modeling of interior noise fields
New developments in electronics and computer control have made active methods of noise suppression feasible. To date, however, active methods of noise control have been applied principally in geometrically uniform spaces with localized sound sources. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how finite element techniques may be used to model sound fields and active control inside geometrically complex spaces with non-uniform acoustic boundaries and multiple spatially separated sources. A closed-form solution is derived for the case of a one-dimensional tube with a vibrating piston at each end. Results are compared with finite element solutions and the problem is then generalized to two-dimensions with non-uniform geometry and non-uniform acoustic boundaries.
Abrahamson, A. L.↗
Feasibility study on ultralong-cycle operation and material performance for compact liquid metal-cooled fast reactors: a review work
This paper reviews the feasibility of ultralong-cycle operation on a compact liquid metal-cooled fast reactor (LMR) firstly by assessing the operation of a long-life fast reactor core and secondly by evaluating material performance in respect to both long-cycle operation and compact-size fast reactor. Many kinds of reactor concepts have been proposed, and LMR and small modular reactor (SMR) are the issued leading technologies for generation four (Gen-IV) reactor system development. The breed-and-burn strategy was proposed as a core burning strategy to operate a long cycle, and it has been evaluated in this paper with two reactor concepts: constant axial shape of neutron flux, nuclide densities, and power shape during life of energy and ultralong cycle fast reactor. In addition, Super-Safe, Small, and Simple and small modular fast reactor, compact LMR concepts, have been simulated to evaluate their long-life operation strategies. For the other practical issues, the materials for fuel, coolant, and structure have been identified and some of them are selected to have their performance optimized specifically for compact LMR with a long-cycle operation. It is believed that this comprehensive review will propose a proper direction for future reactor development and will be followed by the next step research for a complete reactor model with the other reactor components.
breed-and-burn↗
Feasibility study of an integrated optic switching center
The design of a high data rate switching center for a satellite tracking station is discussed. The feasibility of a switching network using an integrated switching matrix is assessed. The preferred integrated optical switching scheme was found to be an electro-optic Bragg diffraction switch. To ascertain the advantages of the integrated optics switching center, its properties are compared to those of opto-electronic and to electronics switching networks.
Source record↗
Feasibility Study of Interstellar Missions Using Laser Sail Probes Ranging in Size from the Nano to the Macro
This paper presents the analysis examining the feasibility of interstellar travel using laser sail probes ranging in size from the nano to the macro. The relativistic differential equations of motion for a laser sail are set up and solved using the Pasic Method. The limitations of the analysis are presented and discussed. The requirements for the laser system are examined, including the thermal analysis of the laser sails. Black holes, plasma fields, atmospheric collisions and sun light are several methods discussed to enable the deceleration of the interstellar probe. A number of novel mission scenarios are presented including the embryonic transport of plant life as a precursor to the arrival of space colonies
Malroy, Eric T.↗
Resource Analysis for Deep Direct-Use Feasibility Study in East Texas
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Southern Methodist University Geothermal Laboratory, Eastman Chemical, Turbine Air Systems, and the Electric Power Research Institute are evaluating the feasibility of using geothermal heat to improve the efficiency of natural gas power plants. The area of interest is the Eastman Chemical plant in Longview, Texas, which is on the northwestern margin of the Sabine Uplift. The study is focused on determining the potential for a geothermal reservoir within a 10 km radius of the site as defined by data from existing geological studies and cross-sections within the depths of 2,100 to 3,400 meters. Wells within a 20 km radius are included for broader geological comparison to determine the heat flow, temperature-at-depth, and oil and gas field porosity and permeability. The geothermal reservoir model is based on the multiple formation top data sources, published literature data, and well log interpretations within the 10 km radius. Area thickness estimates, reservoir extent bounding parameters, potential flow rates, and temperatures are combined to calculate a reservoir productivity index and develop a reservoir production model. Historical fluid volumes production data are used as an independent check for the reservoir productivity index and production model results. The reservoir parameters calculated here are being used for the surface engineering model to determine the economic viability of using geothermal fluids for a deep direct use application at this site. The data files are submitted as separate workbooks in 'content model' format, including: Well Fluid Production, Heat Flow, and Geologic Reservoir.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Hawthorne Nevada Deep Direct-Use Feasibility Study - Geology
The objective of this project is to use a multi-disciplinary, three-tiered approach to assess the geothermal resource and determine the feasibility of implementing a large-scale, direct-use facility for the Hawthorne Army Depot (HAD) and the various town and county facilities in Hawthorne, Nevada. This assessment directly targets a geothermal resource recently characterized by the Navy Geothermal Program Office (GPO) as part of a focused exploration and development campaign. This data includes: Zip file containing geologic map and related data of the Hawthorne area, Zip file containing the report and Maps produced by John Oldow, Zip file containing GIS mapping done by UNR in 2009, Low Sun Angle Photos Quaternary Fault Study report, Hawthorne well cuttings descriptions report.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
SU-E-J-70: Feasibility Study of Dynamic Arc and IMRT Treatment Plans Utilizing Vero Treatment Unit and IPlan Planning Computer for SRS/FSRT Brain Cancer Patients
Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of utilizing Dynamic Arc (DA) and IMRT with 5mm MLC leaf of VERO treatment unit for SRS/FSRT brain cancer patients with non-invasive stereotactic treatments. The DA and IMRT plans using the VERO unit (BrainLab Inc, USA) are compared with cone-based planning and proton plans to evaluate their dosimetric advantages. Methods: The Vero treatment has unique features like no rotational or translational movements of the table during treatments, Dynamic Arc/IMRT, tracking of IR markers, limitation of Ring rotation. Accuracies of the image fusions using CBCT, orthogonal x-rays, and CT are evaluated less than ∼ 0.7mm with a custom-made target phantom with 18 hidden targets. 1mm margin is given to GTV to determine PTV for planning constraints considering all the uncertainties of planning computer and mechanical uncertainties of the treatment unit. Also, double-scattering proton plans with 6F to 9F beams and typical clinical parameters, multiple isocenter plans with 6 to 21 isocenters, and DA/IMRT plans are evaluated to investigate the dosimetric advantages of the DA/IMRT for complex shape of targets. Results: 3 Groups of the patients are divided: (1) Group A (complex target shape), CI's are same for IMRT, and DGI of the proton plan are better by 9.5% than that of the IMRT, (2) Group B, CI of the DA plans (1.91+/−0.4) are better than cone-based plan, while DGI of the DA plan is 4.60+/−1.1 is better than cone-based plan (5.32+/−1.4), (3) Group C (small spherical targets), CI of the DA and cone-based plans are almost the same. Conclusion: For small spherical targets, cone-based plans are superior to other 2 plans: DS proton and DA plans. For complex or irregular plans, dynamic and IMRT plans are comparable to cone-based and proton plans for complex targets.
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
A feasibility study exploring the use of high-pressure xenon (HPXe) detectors for the characterization of spent fuel bundles
As the title suggests we explored the feasibility of using high-pressure xenon detectors for characterizing spent fuel. The three nondestructive characterization techniques currently in use are the Digital Cerenkov Viewing Device, the Fork Detector and the Safeguards Mox Python (SMOPY) Detector.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Economic and Technical Feasibility Study of Utility-Scale Wind Generation for the New York Buffalo River and South Buffalo Brownfield Opportunity Areas
Through the RE-Powering America's Land initiative, the economic and technical feasibility of utilizing contaminated lands in the Buffalo, New York, area for utility-scale wind development is explored. The study found that there is available land, electrical infrastructure, wind resource, and local interest to support a commercial wind project; however, economies of scale and local electrical markets may need further investigation before significant investment is made into developing a wind project at the Buffalo Reuse Authority site.
17 WIND ENERGY↗