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At least 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Assess The Water Resistance And Thermal Performance Of Pre-flashing Methods When Adding Continuous Insulation During Re-siding (AIRS)

Retrofitting existing buildings by adding continuous insulation during re-siding projects has become a popular method for enhancing energy efficiency, especially given the aging building stock and stricter energy codes. When properly integrated with existing window systems, continuous insulation can significantly improve thermal performance, but it also presents challenges related to water resistance and building envelope integrity. Research indicates that the interface between windows and wall assemblies is critical as improper installation or sealing can lead to water intrusion, materials deterioration, and energy loss. Moreover, studies show that fully integrating the windows with the insulation layer can reduce window heat loss by up to 40%, emphasizing the importance of optimizing window placement and sealing during retrofitting to ensure both energy efficiency and structural performance. In this study, we conducted experimental tests to evaluate the water penetration and thermal performance of two window types: an aluminum window with a 2-inch installation fin and a wood window, representing typical mid-20th century designs. Using the Heat, Air, and Humidity (HAM) chamber at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), we assessed bulk water penetration and performed COMSOL analysis for thermal flux and examined the effectiveness of different pre-flashing methods, i.e., standard self-adhered flashing tape and high-performance flashing tape with low-expansion foam, to enhance water resistance. The results indicate that applying proper flashing techniques and moisture management strategies can mitigate these risks, improving the overall performance and durability of retrofitted buildings. Additionally, proper sealing during retrofitting is essential, as improper installation can lead to moisture issues that compromise both energy efficiency and structural integrity.

Shen, Zhenglai [ORNL]↗
NASA NTRS2007

Fan Database and Web-tool for Choosing Quieter Spaceflight Fans

One critical aspect of designing spaceflight hardware is the selection of fans to provide the necessary cooling. And with efforts to minimize cost and the tendancy to be conservative with the amount of cooling provided, it is easy to choose an overpowered fan. One impact of this is that the fan uses more energy than is necessary. But, the more significant impact is that the hardware produces much more acoustic noise than if an optimal fan was chosen. Choosing the right fan for a specific hardware application is no simple task. It requires knowledge of cooling requirements and various fan performance characteristics as well as knowledge of the aerodynamic losses of the hardware in which the fan is to be installed. Knowledge of the acoustic emissions of each fan as a function of operating condition is also required in order to choose a quieter fan for a given design point. The purpose of this paper is to describe a database and design-tool that have been developed to aid spaceflight hardware developers in choosing a fan for their application that is based on aerodynamic performance and reduced acoustic emissions as well. This web-based-tool provides a limited amount of fan-data, provides a method for selecting a fan based on its projected operating point, and also provides a method for comparing and contrasting aerodynamic performance and acoustic data from different fans. Drill-down techniques are used to display details of the spectral noise characteristics of the fan at specific operation conditions. The fan aerodynamic and acoustic data were acquired at Ames Research Center in the Experimental Aero-Physics Branch's Anechoic Chamber. Acoustic data were acquired according to ANSI Standard S12.11-1987, "Method for the Measurement of Noise Emitted by Small Air-Moving Devices." One significant improvement made to this technique included automation that allows for a significant increase in flow-rate resolution. The web-tool was developed at Johnson Space Center and is based on the web-development application, SEQUEL, which includes graphics and drill-down capabilities. This paper will describe the type and amount of data taken for the fans and will give examples of this data. This paper will also describe the data-tool and gives examples of how it can be used to choose quieter fans for use in spaceflight hardware.

Allen, Christopher S.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Scaling Innovative Approaches Within U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program

In this interactive workshop, attendees will hear from Grantees and Subgrantees of the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), that have implemented innovative methods, materials and approaches in their weatherization program. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and share their own stories and perspectives in breakout groups. Attendees will also learn how their state and agency may be able to work with the National Renewable Energy Lab and Oak Ridge National Lab on WAP-funded pilot projects to scale innovative methods throughout the WAP network.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,POWER TRANSMI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Simplified projection on total spin zero for state preparation on quantum computers

Here, we introduce a simple algorithm for projecting on J = 0 states of a many-body system by performing a series of rotations to remove states with angular momentum projections greater than zero. Existing methods rely on unitary evolution with the two-body operator J 2 , which when expressed in the computational basis contains many complicated Pauli strings requiring Trotterization and leading to very deep quantum circuits. Our approach performs the necessary projections using the one-body operators J x and J z . By leveraging the method of Cartan decomposition, the unitary transformations that perform the projection can be parametrized as a product of a small number of two-qubit rotations, with angles determined by an efficient classical optimization. Given the reduced complexity in terms of gates, this approach can be used to prepare approximate ground states of even-even nuclei by projecting onto the J = 0 component of deformed Hartree-Fock states. We estimate the resource requirements in terms of the universal gate set {H,S, CNOT ,T} and briefly discuss a variant of the algorithm that projects onto J = 1/2 states of a system with an odd number of fermions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2010

The ICARE Method

The ICARE method is a flexible, widely applicable method for systems engineers to solve problems and resolve issues in a complete and comprehensive manner. The method can be tailored by diverse users for direct application to their function (e.g. system integrators, design engineers, technical discipline leads, analysts, etc.). The clever acronym, ICARE, instills the attitude of accountability, safety, technical rigor and engagement in the problem resolution: Identify, Communicate, Assess, Report, Execute (ICARE). This method was developed through observation of Space Shuttle Propulsion Systems Engineering and Integration (PSE&I) office personnel approach in an attempt to succinctly describe the actions of an effective systems engineer. Additionally it evolved from an effort to make a broadly-defined checklist for a PSE&I worker to perform their responsibilities in an iterative and recursive manner. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Systems Engineering Handbook states, engineering of NASA systems requires a systematic and disciplined set of processes that are applied recursively and iteratively for the design, development, operation, maintenance, and closeout of systems throughout the life cycle of the programs and projects. ICARE is a method that can be applied within the boundaries and requirements of NASA s systems engineering set of processes to provide an elevated sense of duty and responsibility to crew and vehicle safety. The importance of a disciplined set of processes and a safety-conscious mindset increases with the complexity of the system. Moreover, the larger the system and the larger the workforce, the more important it is to encourage the usage of the ICARE method as widely as possible. According to the NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, elements of a system can include people, hardware, software, facilities, policies and documents; all things required to produce system-level results, qualities, properties, characteristics, functions, behavior and performance. The ICARE method can be used to improve all elements of a system and, consequently, the system-level functional, physical and operational performance. Even though ICARE was specifically designed for a systems engineer, any person whose job is to examine another person, product, or process can use the ICARE method to improve effectiveness, implementation, usefulness, value, capability, efficiency, integration, design, and/or marketability. This paper provides the details of the ICARE method, emphasizing the method s application to systems engineering. In addition, a sample of other, non-systems engineering applications are briefly discussed to demonstrate how ICARE can be tailored to a variety of diverse jobs (from project management to parenting).

Henke, Luke↗
DOE OSTI2021

Comprehensive Characterization of Mixed Metal Oxide Catalysts for Enhanced Catalyst Lifetime During Bio-Based C2-C6 Oxygenates to Olefins Processes (CRADA CRD-18-00728 Final Report)

Participant has developed mixed metal oxide (MMO) catalysts to selectively convert biomass-derived C2-C6 oxygenates to olefins and then hydrocarbon fuels to meet DOE 2022 fuel targets. Selective conversion ethanol to isobutylene with MMO catalysts (ZnOZrOx) requires low ethanol feeds to maintain performance. Increasing the feed results in rapid catalyst deactivation. Participant has increased catalyst stability by adding additional metal oxides. However, variations in performance based on the level and type of additive and catalytic conditions have been observed. This project will use advanced catalyst characterization methods through the ChemCatBio Advanced Catalyst Synthesis and Characterization (ACSC) project to gain insight into key catalyst features and deactivation modes with the goal of tailoring catalyst composition to improve performance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Applying Social Science Methods to Assess and Improve Program Outcomes: A Case Study on the Gap Region Outreach Project

This paper outlines a replicable framework for assessing gaps, reach, and the impact of technical assistance (TA) programs, using the Energy to Communities (E2C) Gap Region Outreach Project as a case study. By applying qualitative social science methods, this framework provides tools for effectively engaging with underrepresented regions, identifying barriers to participation, and tailoring solutions to local needs. The study highlights the importance of leveraging stakeholder insights to address disparities in program engagement and participation, offering actionable recommendations to enhance program responsiveness and optimize resource allocation. This approach serves as a guide for practitioners seeking to expand the reach and effectiveness of federally funded TA programs while ensuring alignment with community priorities and capacity needs.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
NASA NTRS1984

An approach to operating system testing

To ensure the reliability and performance of a new system, it must be verified or validated in some manner. Currently, testing is the only resonable technique available for doing this. Part of this testing process is the high level system test. System testing is considered with respect to operating systems and in particular UNIX. This consideration results in the development and presentation of a good method for performing the system test. The method includes derivations from the system specifications and ideas for management of the system testing project. Results of applying the method to the IBM System/9000 XENIX operating system test and the development of a UNIX test suite are presented.

Sum, R. N., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A method for optimal actuator and sensor placement for large flexible structures

A method of finding the optimal sensor and actuator locations for the control of flexible structures has been developed. The method is based on the orthogonal projection of structural modes into the intersection subspace of the controllable and observable subspaces. The controllability and observability grammians are then used to weight the projections to reflect the degrees of controllability and observability. This method produces a three-dimensional design space wherein sets of optimal actuator and sensors may be selected.

Lim, K. B.↗
NASA NTRS2017

NASA Handbook 7010: Direct Field Acoustic Testing

Instruments, spacecraft, antennas, reflectors, and other mechanical hardware have been undergoing acoustic qualification testing over the last decade using loudspeakers. This speaker-generated Direct Field Acoustic Test (DFAT) method offers cost, mobility, and schedule advantages over the conventional Reverberant Acoustic Field Test (RAFT) method. To develop most appropriate acoustic test program using the DFAT method for a flight project, flight project managers and their technical staffs will need overall guidance and technical rational for using DFAT to qualify flight hardware for acoustic environments. The NASA Chief Engineer Office had tasked JPL to prepare a NASA Handbook for DFAT Dynamics Testing. The handbook was completed and was released by NASA headquarters in 2015. The handbook provides advantages and disadvantages of such method of testing, key references and a series of recommended practices for test preparation and test performance. This paper will summarize key and important steps related to this method of acoustic testing.

Kolaini, Ali R↗
NASA NTRS2021

Guidebook for Limited Sample Probability of Detection (LS-POD) Demonstration for Signal-Response Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Methods

This document provides guidance for performing limited sample probability of detection (LS-POD) demonstration testing with smaller numbers of flawed specimens than the 29 required for the Point Estimate POD method referenced in NASA Standard 5009B. This document is specifically applicable to NASA programs and projects where NASA Special NDE methods are used to inspect fracture critical human spaceflight metallic hardware when the minimum number of flawed specimens required for the Point Estimate POD method referenced in NASA Standard 5009B (2019) are not available.

Limited Sample Probability of Detection↗
DOE OSTI2020

An Improved Risk Priority Measure for the Management of Project Risk

Monte Carlo-based project risk models are essential tools in project risk management, particularly for large, complex projects in which it is difficult to glean intuitively the importance of individual risks to the overall project. Conventional correlation-based methods for measuring the importance of contributing risks in such models are argued here to be both statistically flawed and unintuitive in the importance metrics they produce. Drawing on and adapting methods more traditionally associated with engineering risk models, Risk Reduction Worth (RRW) is introduced as an importance measure. RRW is shown to be statistically robust and provide an easily interpretable, quantitative measure of the importance of a risk to the overall performance of a project; specifically, measuring the extent to which removal of a risk would improve confidence in project outcomes. To ensure practicality of the method, an approach is described in which RRWs can be produced for all contributing risks based on a single Monte Carlo sample. This is demonstrated through application to a large, complex project risk model from which intuitive risk importance insights provide a robust, transparent basis for the allocation of risk management resources.

Risk↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nanopore Activity Assays for Detection of Biomarker Protease Activity: Design and Testing of Substrates for Both Nanopore Sequencing and PCR-Based Detection Methods

The work performed in this project has demonstrated the ability to construct proteolytic enzyme substrates that are PCR and sequencing-readable reporter molecules. Specifically, the goal was to detect those reporter molecules via PCR and Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencing methods following exposure to the biomarker protease thrombin. The assay development focused on binding the constructed peptide-oligonucleotide chimera to immobilized streptavidin. The action of thrombin on the peptide portion of the molecule released the oligonucleotide for detection. Detection of protease activity was demonstrated in a concentration-dependent manner using MALDI-MS, RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. Additional steps to remove background release of reporter molecules during the assay was used to improve the difference in detected oligonucleotide reporter following protease activity. Additional steps in assay development will be to (1) test the assay in an appropriate matrix, (2) investigate detection using additional DNA sequencing platforms and (3) demonstrate multiplexed detection of multiple protease markers in a single reaction.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2002

Inexpensive Cable Space Launcher of High Capability

This paper proposes a new method and transportation system to fly into space, to the Moon, Mars, and other planets. This transportation system uses a mechanical energy transfer and requires only minimal energy so that it provides a 'Free Trip' into space. The method uses the rotary and kinetic energy of planets, asteroids, moons, satellites and other natural space bodies. computations for the following projects: 1. Non-Rocket Method for free launch of payload in Space and to other planets. The low cost project will accommodate one hundred thousand tourists annually. 2. Free Trips to the Mars for two thousand annually. 3. Free Trips to the Moon for ten thousand people annually. The projects use artificial materials like nanotubes and whiskers that have a ratio of tensile strength to density equal 4 million meters. In the future, nanotubes will be produced that can reach a specific stress up 100 millions meter and will significantly improve the parameters of suggested projects. The author is prepared to discuss the problems with serious organizations that want to research and develop these inventions.

Bolonkin, Alexander↗
DOE OSTI2022

High Strength Steel-Aluminum Components by Vaporizing Foil Actuator Welding

This project aimed to address the challenge of effectively welding dissimilar materials—high-strength steel and high-strength aluminum for creating lightweight, multi-material automotive components. For automotive companies, reducing weight of a vehicle is critical task regulated by the government to solve the issue of greenhouse gas emissions. Production of lightweight cars and trucks can be achieved by substitution of current all-steel structures with multi-material lightweight structures that include high strength-to-weight-ration materials such as high-strength steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, coupled with lightweight designs. This requires dissimilar metal welding, which is challenging for state of the art joining processes such as resistance spot welding. The cycle of melting-cooling-freezing during traditional welding that can easily ruin the designed outstanding properties of the advanced base metals, such as aluminum alloys, making the welded area much weaker than the base metals. To weld two different metals with great difference in melting points, such as aluminum and steel, it’s even more difficult or impossible because of the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds at the welded interface. In this project, a novel welding method, developed at OSU, was selected for validation and development. This novel technology enables welding by impact without melting and proves to be robust to join various dissimilar lightweight metals. Termed as vaporizing foil actuator welding or VFAW, the technology uses a thin aluminum foil that is rapidly vaporized by a high current pulse to produce an explosive-like pressure pulse to drive one metallic piece into another at the high speed required for impact welding. This project entailed development of the early-stage welding technology in terms of (a) the consumables, the welding apparatus and the power sources, (b) coupon scale screening of many material combinations including corrosion studies, (c) computational modeling and design of the welded interface as well as of the multi-material prototype component, and (d) mechanical testing for strength and durability at coupon scale and to a certain extent the prototype scale. The all-steel engine cradle of 2016 Chevrolet Cruze was chosen as the baseline prototype component. The target set for the project was to demonstrate a 20% weight reduction at a cost premium of less than $\$ $5/lb saved without compromising on baseline mechanical properties. At project completion, a 12% lighter prototype component was demonstrated with an estimated cost premium of $\$ $9.8/lb saved. Besides prototype level demonstration of the technology, this project also enabled elevation of the technology’s readiness level to where a hydraulically actuated welding head was developed and made ready for deployment at a research and development facility for Tier 1 automotive supplier.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement With Georgetown University Report: National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Clinical and Translational Science Award

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is participating with Georgetown University (GU) as a subrecipient in response to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) (U54 Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity announcement. This Cooperative Research and Development Agreement is put in to place to facilitate the development and implementation of clinical interventions that demonstrably improve human health is currently a complex, recursive, and inefficient process that leads to delays of years or decades before discoveries in biomedical research result in health benefits for patients and communities. NCATS conducts and supports research in the science of translation, to discover the mechanistic and operational principles of the intervention development and dissemination process, thereby providing the scientific foundation for improvements in translational efficiency that will accelerate the realization of interventions that improve human health. Under NCATS’ leadership, the CTSA Program supports a national network of medical research institutions called hubs. GU is the lead institution in one of the NIH hubs that was created as a result of a previous NIH CTSA. The missions of the GU have historically included the advancement of health through research in the clinical and biomedical sciences, the education of future leaders in medical and nursing practice and academia, and the provision of compassionate and scientifically competent patient care and service to the Washington, DC community and the nation. GU is the lead institution for the Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science (GHUCCTS), a multi-institutional partnership of medical research institutions forged from a desire to promote clinical research and translational science. Through multiple collaborations among these institutions, GHUCCTS is transforming clinical research and translational science in order to bring new scientific advances to health care. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the Department of Energy's (DOE) largest science and energy laboratory. Managed since April 2000 by a partnership of the University of Tennessee and Battelle, ORNL was established in 1943 as a part of the secret Manhattan Project to pioneer a method for producing and separating plutonium. During the 1950s and 1960s, ORNL became an international center for the study of nuclear energy and related research in the physical and life sciences. With the creation of DOE in the 1970s, ORNL's mission broadened to include a variety of energy technologies and strategies. Today the laboratory supports the nation with a peacetime science and technology mission that is just as important as, but very different from, its role during the Manhattan Project. ORNL is home to the world's premier center for high performance supercomputing to enable scientific discovery. ORNL has extensive expertise in various areas of computer science that are uniquely situated to support GU. Additionally, ORNL’s leading computational user facilities present a unique opportunity to leverage the largest scale machines for open science in support of the stated mission of the NCATS CTSA. ORNL's partnership with GU will offer unparalleled opportunity in data analytics, deep-learning, artificial intelligence, and urban dynamics.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1994

An initial investigation into methods of computing transonic aerodynamic sensitivity coefficients

The primary accomplishments of the project are as follows: (1) Using the transonic small perturbation equation as a flowfield model, the project demonstrated that the quasi-analytical method could be used to obtain aerodynamic sensitivity coefficients for airfoils at subsonic, transonic, and supersonic conditions for design variables such as Mach number, airfoil thickness, maximum camber, angle of attack, and location of maximum camber. It was established that the quasi-analytical approach was an accurate method for obtaining aerodynamic sensitivity derivatives for airfoils at transonic conditions and usually more efficient than the finite difference approach. (2) The usage of symbolic manipulation software to determine the appropriate expressions and computer coding associated with the quasi-analytical method for sensitivity derivatives was investigated. Using the three dimensional fully conservative full potential flowfield model, it was determined that symbolic manipulation along with a chain rule approach was extremely useful in developing a combined flowfield and quasi-analytical sensitivity derivative code capable of considering a large number of realistic design variables. (3) Using the three dimensional fully conservative full potential flowfield model, the quasi-analytical method was applied to swept wings (i.e. three dimensional) at transonic flow conditions. (4) The incremental iterative technique has been applied to the three dimensional transonic nonlinear small perturbation flowfield formulation, an equivalent plate deflection model, and the associated aerodynamic and structural discipline sensitivity equations; and coupled aeroelastic results for an aspect ratio three wing in transonic flow have been obtained.

Carlson, Leland A.↗