Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Technology gaps”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Integrating N -glycan and CODEX imaging reveal cell-specific protein glycosylation in healthy human lung

Identifying cell-specific glycan structures in human lungs is critical for understanding the chemistry and mechanisms that guide cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions and determining nuanced functions of specific glycosylation. Our dual-modality omics platform, which uses matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to profile glycan chemistry at 50 μm × 50 μm scale, combined with co-detection by indexing (CODEX) to provide cell identification from the exact same tissue section, is a significant step in this direction. It enabled us to detect, differentiate, and reveal chemical properties of N-glycans in the various cell types of a human lung, suggesting the cell-specific function of distinct carbohydrate moieties. This innovative technological combination bridges the gap between the specific protein glycosylation and their cellular origin, paving the way for targeted studies in the lungs and many other human tissues where glycans mediate cell–cell recognition events.

Veličković, Dušan [Pacific Northwest National Labo↗
DOE OSTI2015

Experimental and theoretical investigations of the electronic band structure of metal-organic frameworks of HKUST-1 type

The electronic properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are increasingly attracting the attention due to potential applications in sensor techniques and (micro-) electronic engineering, for instance, as low-k-dielectric in semiconductor technology. Here, the band gap and the band structure of MOFs of type HKUST-1 are studied in detail by means of spectroscopic ellipsometry applied to thin surface-mounted MOF films and by means of quantum chemical calculations. The analysis of the density of states, the band structure, and the excitation spectrum reveal the importance of the empty Cu-3d orbitals for the electronic properties of HKUST-1. This study shows that, in contrast to common belief, even in the case of this fairly “simple” MOF, the excitation spectra cannot be explained by a superposition of “intra-unit” excitations within the individual building blocks. Instead, “inter-unit” excitations also have to be considered.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Optical and electronic properties of double perovskite Ba{sub 2}ScSbO{sub 6}

The ordered double perovskite Ba{sub 2}ScSbO{sub 6} (BSS) has been synthesized in polycrystalline form by solid state reaction at 1400 C for 72 Hrs. Structural characterization of the compound was done through X-ray diffraction (XRD) followed by Rietveld analysis. The crystal structure is cubic, with space group Fm-3m (No. 225) and lattice parameter, a = 8.20 Å. Optical band-gap has been calculated using UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Kubelka-Munk (KM) function, yielding 4.23 eV. A detailed Ab-initio Density Functional Theory (DFT) study of the electronic properties has been carried out using the Full-Potential Linear Augmented Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) as implemented in WIEN2k. BSS is found to be a large band-gap insulator with potential technological applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

New value of old knowledge: sulphur-based GaAs surface passivation and potential GaAs application in molecular electronics and spintronics

GaAs is well known for its extremely high electron mobility and direct band gap. Owing to the technological advances in silicon-based technology, GaAs has been limited to niche areas. This paper discusses the application of GaAs in molecular electronics and spintronics as a potential field for considering this amazing but challenging material. GaAs is challenging because its surface is characterized by a high density of surface states, which precludes the utilization of this semiconducting material in mainstream devices. Sulfur(S)-based passivation has been found to be significantly useful for reducing the effect of dangling bonds and was researched thoroughly. GaAs applications in molecular spintronics and electronics can benefit significantly from prior knowledge of GaAs and S interactions because S is a popular functional group for bonding molecular device elements with different semiconductors and metals. In this article, the problem associated with the GaAs surface is discussed in a tutorial form. A wide variety of surface passivation methods has been briefly introduced. We attempted to highlight the significant differences in the S-GaAs interactions for different S passivation methods. We also elaborate on the mechanisms and atomic-scale understanding of the variation in surface chemistry and reconstruction due to various S passivation methods. It is envisioned that GaAs and thiol-terminated molecule-based novel devices can exhibit innovative device characteristics and bring the added advantage of S-based passivation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Semi-Supervised, Non-Intrusive Disaggregation of Nodal Load Profiles With Significant Behind-the-Meter Solar Generation

It is of imperative interests for regional transmission organizations (RTOs) to effectively extract actual load profiles at transmission nodes with significant behind-the-meter solar generation, which remains a gap in the existing technology paradigm. This paper proposes an explicit yet efficient linear estimator to disaggregate actual load profiles at transmission buses with significant behind-the-meter (BTM) solar generations. The proposed estimator is based on disaggregating (i.e., extracting) at locations close to transmission buses under consideration. Further, to overcome the lack of “ground truth” and validate the performance of the proposed algorithms, we first propose semi-supervised mechanisms with parameter tuning as well as unsupervised clustering and leverage the unique characteristics of zero-crossing points in BTM solar peaking behaviors, which we refer to as “Zone-to-Node (Z2N)” methods. Next, we further propose a bi-level Node-to-Node (N2N) framework that improves the overall disaggregation performances compared to Z2N. Numerical results are presented using real-world data at PJM Interconnection.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

On the high charge-carrier mobility in polyaniline molecular channels in nanogaps between carbon nanotubes

This study is devoted to the fabrication of molecular semiconductor channels based on polymer molecules with nanoscale electrodes made of single-walled carbon nanotubes. A reproducible technology for forming nanoscale gaps in carbon nanotubes using a focused Ga{sup +} ion beam is proposed. Polyaniline molecules are deposited into nanogaps up to 30 nm wide between nanotubes by electrophoresis from N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone solution. As a result, molecular organic transistors are fabricated, in which the field effect is studied and the molecular-channel mobility is determined as 0.1 cm{sup 2}/(V s) at an on/off current ratio of 5 × 10{sup 2}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

High-temperature thermal energy storage with thermophotovoltaic energy conversion (Final Report)

This project began with a simple concept: that thermal energy storage paired with thermophotovoltaic power conversion could be a cost-effective solution to the challenge of renewables variability. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy are clean, affordable, and abundant worldwide, but their variability presents a major problem for the incorporation of a large amount of these resources in global power systems. Systems with high penetrations of renewables frequently see periods of overproduction, where renewable energy is thrown away, and periods of underproduction, where expensive and polluting fossil fuel resources must be used to fill in the gaps. While energy storage technologies such as lithium ion batteries can help store energy from times of overproduction to times the energy is needed, current and projected future prices for these technologies are not low enough to support very renewables-heavy power grids. The research also focused on the techno-economics of using thermal energy storage and thermophotovoltaics to store the energy from solar and wind energy sources when they are available and release this energy back to the grid when it is needed. One of the biggest outcomes of this research was the conclusion that battery prices must drop 10x from their current values in order to meet this need, and this is unlikely to happen with current technologies such as lithium ion batteries.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Scale-up Production of Graphene Monoxide for Next-Generation LIB Anodes (AMMTO Final Report)

COnovate, LLC has developed a patented material called graphene monoxide and demonstrated that its unique chemical and crystal structure enables lithium-ion batteries (LIB) with greater specific capacity, safer and faster charging, and better low temperature performance than the industry standard. The current capability gap with COnovate’s technology is to scale up this new active anode material, developing processing technology to commercially relevant levels. This project will develop the means for progressive scale-up to 100g, 1kg, and 10kg levels, incorporating industrial synthesis and processing technologies, and deliver an industrial procedure/batch record draft for use by potential full-scale manufacturers to develop metric-ton production levels. The project goals of 10kg production and industrial procedure for full-scale production are necessary for COnovate’s customers to adequately evaluate and adopt their technology, and to pursue purchase orders for tons of material. MERF will confirm material analytics and performance in half cell tests during scaling and deliver materials to COnovate for QA/QC testing during the iterative scale up efforts. The final product batches will be delivered to COnovate for battery assembly and lifetime testing.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Outcomes of HPC User Support using a Science Gateway AI Assistant

High Performance Computing (HPC) is a vital resource for nuclear energy research, facilitating advanced simulations and complex modeling of the quantification and qualification of advanced reactor technology. However, a common gap in knowledge exists around utilizing HPC systems, particularly for nuclear energy researchers unfamiliar with specific HPC systems. A researcher may be well-versed in using one HPC system and understanding its associated processes. Yet, they might struggle when faced with a different HPC system and its unique processes. HPC support staff play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing educational resources and assisting users. However, they also face the challenge of maintaining these systems and ensuring they run efficiently for all users, a responsibility that can be challenging to scale effectively with the increasing demand and expansion of HPC systems. This paper addresses this knowledge gap with an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant that offers on-demand, site-specific HPC support for researchers. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has deployed an AI assistant that is intended to supplement expert HPC support staff and assist nuclear energy researchers. This paper reports on a four-and-a-half-month study evaluating the integration of an AI assistant within a science gateway, with the goal of enhancing existing HPC support.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

New Matrix Framework to Determine Carbon Storage Technical Viability

Carbon storage is an integral component of reducing CO2 emissions. Research over the past two decades has developed workflows for volume assessments and economic project feasibility, providing necessary and useful tools to progress geologic carbon storage (GCS) projects. These workflows and assessments have focused primarily on determining the in-situ storage resource based on geologic and engineering parameters and do not integrate subsurface characterization with surface conditions, social factors, and environmental factors that may pose a benefit or impediment to the implementation of GCS. Furthermore, the data required to assess the technical viability of GCS are myriad and disparate. There is no current methodology that identifies technical viability criteria and systematically informs how to aggregate these factors for spatial assessments. To address this gap, the National Energy Technology Laboratory has developed a Carbon Storage Technical Viability Approach (CS TVA) Matrix that incorporates a wide variety of factors to inform and accelerate screening for GCS site selection in the United States.

Mulhern, Julia↗
NASA NTRS1978

Helicopter Acoustics

Exterior and interior noise problems are addressed both from the physics and engineering as well as the human factors point of view. The role of technology in closing the gap between what the customers and regulating agencies would like to have and what is available is explored. Noise regulation concepts, design, operations and testing for noise control, helicopter noise prediction, and research tools and measurements are among the topics covered.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1983

Flight Testing the Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA)

In the late 1960s, efforts to advance the state-of-the-art in rotor systems technology indicated a significant gap existed between our ability to accurately predict the characteristics of a complex rotor system and the results obtained through flight verification. Even full scale wind tunnel efforts proved inaccurate because of the complex nature of a rotating, maneuvering rotor system. The key element missing, which prevented significant advances, was our inability to precisely measure the exact rotor state as a function of time and flight condition. Two Rotor Research Aircraft (RSRA) were designed as pure research aircraft and dedicated rotor test vehicles whose function is to fill the gap between theory, wind tunnel testing, and flight verification. The two aircraft, the development of the piloting techniques required to safely fly the compound helicopter, the government flight testing accomplished to date, and proposed future research programs.

Hall, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Integrated Airframe Technology: The Future of Advanced Composites

The challenge for advanced composites in integrated airframe technology is that: airframes must provide ever increasing performance at an affordable cost; reduce costs as compared to current airframe technology; and integration of design and manufacturing. The trend in technology is that a gap exists between the potential of advanced composites and our ability to effectively utilize them (cost/weight).

Taggart, David F.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Radiation Status of Sub-65 nm Electronics

Ultra-scaled complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) includes commercial foundry capabilities at and below the 65 nm technology node Radiation evaluations take place using standard products and test characterization vehicles (memories, logic/latch chains, etc.) NEPP focus is two-fold: (1) Conduct early radiation evaluations to ascertain viability for future NASA missions (i.e. leverage commercial technology development). (2) Uncover gaps in current testing methodologies and mechanism comprehension -- early risk mitigation.

Pellish, Jonathan A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

NASA Human Research Wiki - An Online Collaboration Tool

In preparation for exploration-class missions, the Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) element of NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) has compiled a large evidence base, which previously was available only to persons within the NASA community. The evidence base is comprised of several types of data, for example: information on more than 80 medical conditions which could occur during space flight, derived from several sources (including data on incidence and potential outcomes of these medical conditions, as captured in the Integrated Medical Model's Clinical Finding Forms). In addition, approximately 35 gap reports are included in the evidence base, identifying current understanding of the medical challenges for exploration, as well as any gaps in knowledge and/or technology that would need to be addressed in order to provide adequate medical support for these novel missions. In an effort to make the ExMC information available to the general public and increase collaboration with subject matter experts within and outside of NASA, ExMC has developed an online collaboration tool, very similar to a wiki, titled the NASA Human Research Wiki. The platform chosen for this data sharing, and the potential collaboration it could generate, is a MediaWiki-based application that would house the evidence, allow "read only" access to all visitors to the website, and editorial access to credentialed subject matter experts who have been approved by the Wiki's editorial board. Although traditional wikis allow users to edit information in real time, the NASA Human Research Wiki includes a peer review process to ensure quality and validity of information. The wiki is also intended to be a pathfinder project for other HRP elements that may want to use this type of web-based tool. The wiki website will be released with a subset of the data described and will continue to be populated throughout the year.

Barr, Y. R.↗
NASA NTRS2012

The NASA Human Research Wiki - An Online Collaboration Tool

The Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) element is one of six elements of the Human Research Program (HRP). ExMC is charged with decreasing the risk of: "Inability to adequately recognize or treat an ill or injured crew member" for exploration-class missions In preparation for exploration-class missions, ExMC has compiled a large evidence base, previously available only to persons within the NASA community. ExMC has developed the "NASA Human Research Wiki" in an effort to make the ExMC information available to the general public and increase collaboration within and outside of NASA. The ExMC evidence base is comprised of several types of data, including: (1)Information on more than 80 medical conditions which could occur during space flight (a)Derived from several sources (b)Including data on incidence and potential outcomes, as captured in the Integrated Medical Model s (IMM) Clinical Finding Forms (CliFFs). (2)Approximately 25 gap reports (a)Identify any "gaps" in knowledge and/or technology that would need to be addressed in order to provide adequate medical support for these novel missions.

Barr, Yael↗
NASA NTRS2009

Mending the Gap, An Effort to Aid the Transfer of Formal Methods Technology

Formal methods can be applied to many of the development and verification activities required for civil avionics software. RTCA/DO-178B, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification, gives a brief description of using formal methods as an alternate method of compliance with the objectives of that standard. Despite this, the avionics industry at large has been hesitant to adopt formal methods, with few developers have actually used formal methods for certification credit. Why is this so, given the volume of evidence of the benefits of formal methods? This presentation will explore some of the challenges to using formal methods in a certification context and describe the effort by the Formal Methods Subgroup of RTCA SC-205/EUROCAE WG-71 to develop guidance to make the use of formal methods a recognized approach.

Hayhurst, Kelly↗
NASA NTRS2018

Special Topic for Nuclear CLT: Kilopower Project

NASA needs nuclear power to achieve a sustainable human presence on Lunar and Mars surfaces. Kilopower II addresses a gap in the NASA Technology Roadmaps (TA-03) for robust, sun-independent power generation in the 1 to 10 kWe range. NASA needs a long-life, low-cost power option for missions where solar is not practical. Future Exploratory Missions require a reliable source of power Lunar/Mars explorations including ISRU propellant production and crew life support and operations, for which there is no off-the-shelf solution. KRUSTY serves as a baseline for on follow-on human missions with multiple stand-alone units that provide redundancy/fault tolerance and flexibility for re-use at multiple sites with power needs of 1 to 10 kWe throughout the solar system (e.g. permanently-shaded lunar craters, subsurface Europa science, deep space electric propulsion, others.)

Hernandez-Lugo, Dionne Marie↗