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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 649 records · Page 36

Differentiating Double-Layer, Psuedocapacitance, and Battery-like Mechanisms by Analyzing Impedance Measurements in Three Dimensions

Electrochemical energy storage arises from processes that are broadly categorized as capacitive, pseudocapacitive, or battery-like. Advanced charge-storing materials that are designed to deliver high capacity at a high rate often exhibit a multiplicity of such mechanisms, which complicates the understanding of their charge-storage behavior. In this paper, we apply a “3D Bode analysis” technique to identify key descriptors for fast Li-ion storage processes, where AC impedance data, such as the real capacitance ($C'$) or phase angle ($Φ$), are represented versus the frequency ($f$) and a third independent variable, the applied DC cell voltage. For double-layer processes, a near-constant $C'$ or $Φ$ is supported across the entire voltage range, and the decrease in these values shows a near-linear decrease at higher $f$. For pseudocapacitance, an increase in $C'$ is delivered, accompanied by high $C'$ retention at higher $f$ compared to double-layer processes. Interestingly, the lower $Φ$ values, where $C'$ is highest, suggest that this is a key descriptor for pseudocapacitance, where high-rate charge storage is still facilitated within a kinetically limited regime. For battery-like processes, a high $C'$ is only observed at the voltage at which the material stores charge, while outside that voltage, $C'$ is negligible. The three-dimensional (3D) Bode analysis allows charge-storage dynamics to be mapped out in great detail with more delineation between mechanisms compared to the more frequently deployed kinetic analyses derived from cyclic voltammetry.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Towards Comprehensive Variation Models for Designing Vehicle Monitoring Systems

When designing vehicle vibration monitoring systems for aerospace devices, it is common to use well-established models of vibration features to determine whether failures or defects exist. Most of the algorithms used for failure detection rely on these models to detect significant changes in a flight environment. In actual practice, however, most vehicle vibration monitoring systems are corrupted by high rates of false alarms and missed detections. This crucial roadblock makes their implementation in real vehicles (e.g., helicopter transmissions and aircraft engines) difficult, making their operation costly and unreliable. Research conducted at the NASA Ames Research Center has determined that a major reason for the high rates of false alarms and missed detections is the numerous sources of statistical variations that are not taken into account in the modeling assumptions. In this paper, we address one such source of variations, namely, those caused during the design and manufacturing of rotating machinery components that make up aerospace systems. We present a novel way of modeling the vibration response by including design variations via probabilistic methods. Using such models, we develop a methodology to account for design and manufacturing variations, and explore the changes in the vibration response to determine its stochastic nature. We explore the potential of the methodology using a nonlinear cam-follower model, where the spring stiffness values are assumed to follow a normal distribution. The results demonstrate initial feasibility of the method, showing great promise in developing a general methodology for designing more accurate aerospace vehicle monitoring systems.

McAdams, Daniel A.↗

Kinetic pathways of ionic transport in fast-charging lithium titanate

Fast-charging batteries typically use electrodes capable of accommodating lithium continuously by means of solid-solution transformation because they have few kinetic barriers apart from ionic diffusion. One exception is lithium titanate (Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 ), an anode exhibiting extraordinary rate capability apparently inconsistent with its two-phase reaction and slow Li diffusion in both phases. Through real-time tracking of Li+ migration using operando electron energy-loss spectroscopy, we reveal that facile transport in Li 4+x Ti 5 O 12 is enabled by kinetic pathways comprising distorted Li polyhedra in metastable intermediates along two-phase boundaries. Our work demonstrates that high-rate capability may be enabled by accessing the energy landscape above the ground state, which may have fundamentally different kinetic mechanisms from the ground-state macroscopic phases. This insight should present new opportunities in searching for high-rate electrode materials.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Nuclear imaging to diagnose and correct target-driver registration at high-repetition-rate for improved reactor efficiency

Inertial Confinement Fusion produces energy from a burning plasma lasting a fraction of a nanosecond. Power plant designs based on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) will need to ignite targets 1-10 times a second, fired as projectiles into a chamber and delivering the driver to the target location. Driver asymmetry is known to impact ICF experiments at gain near unity and remains a candidate for primary yield degradation, and therefore fusion power plant energy output, for high-gain target designs. For a Fusion Power Plant (FPP), continuous and real-time monitoring of target performance provides an opportunity to stabilize or correct the target-driver registration. This requires x-ray and neutron imaging with a large field-of-view, sufficiently high resolution, fast analysis and to subtend a minimal solid angle. We introduce design criteria for such an imaging system that uses a coded aperture and time-gated, lens-coupled scintillators as a viable solution and outline the research steps required to field such a system. Integrating the imaging system into an IFE power plant as part of an active feedback loop could increase average power output by reducing the failure rate due to mis-aligned drivers with respect to the target.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A study of high density bit transition requirements versus the effects on BCH error correcting coding

Several methods for increasing bit transition densities in a data stream are summarized, discussed in detail, and compared against constraints imposed by the 2 MHz data link of the space shuttle high rate multiplexer unit. These methods include use of alternate pulse code modulation waveforms, data stream modification by insertion, alternate bit inversion, differential encoding, error encoding, and use of bit scramblers. The psuedo-random cover sequence generator was chosen for application to the 2 MHz data link of the space shuttle high rate multiplexer unit. This method is fully analyzed and a design implementation proposed.

Ingels, F.↗

Tracking and data system support for the Mariner Mars 1971 mission. Prelaunch phase through first trajectory correction maneuver, volume 1

The DSN command system provided the capability to enter commands in a computer at the deep space stations for transmission to the spacecraft. The high-rate telemetry system operated at 16,200 bits/sec. This system will permit return to DSS 14 of full-resolution television pictures from the spacecraft tape recorder, plus the other science experiment data, during the two playback periods of each Goldstone pass planned for each corresponding orbit. Other features included 4800 bits/sec modem high-speed data lines from all deep space stations to Space Flight Operations Facility (SFOF) and the Goddard Space Flight Center, as well as 50,000 bits/sec wideband data lines from DSS 14 to the SFOF, thus providing the capability for data flow of two 16,200 bits/sec high-rate telemetry data streams in real time. The TDS performed prelaunch training and testing and provided support for the Mariner Mars 1971/Mission Operations System training and testing. The facilities of the ETR, DSS 71, and stations of the MSFN provided flight support coverage at launch and during the near-earth phase. The DSSs 12, 14, 41, and 51 of the DSN provided the deep space phase support from 30 May 1971 through 4 June 1971.

Laeser, R. P.↗

Use of Nack Oriented Reliable Multicast (NORM) Protocol for Transport of Spacecraft Telemetry in Ground Networks

Frequently it is necessary to distribute spacecraft telemetry to multiple destinations on Internet Protocol (IP) networks. There are various methods of delivering this data, but when the data is high rate and there are many destinations IP multicast provides the best solution from a network perspective. However, IP multicast only supports the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) which is connectionless and unreliable. This nature of UDP and by extension the low priority treatment of UDP packets by some network hardware creates a difficult environment for distribution of high rate telemetry to a number of recipients over IP networks. NACK (Negative ACKnowledgment) Oriented Reliable Multicast (NORM) is defined by IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) RFC (Request for Comments) 5740 in 2009 by B. Adamson et al. NORM provides a mechanism of retransmission and or forward error correction for UDP packets, potentially overcoming the limits of UDP for the transmission of spacecraft telemetry. Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) manages the delivery of the International Space Station (ISS) payload science and health data. The ISS IP Ground Routed (IIGoR) network provides the delivery of the data from the ground stations to the control centers. HOSC personnel have been experimenting with the use of NORM on the link between the ground stations and the front end processor equipment in Huntsville, AL.

Baldwin, Patrick A.↗

Engineering flowfields and heating rates for highly swept wing leading edges

An engineering flow model is developed (and verified experimentally) which describes the flowfield that arises when a supersonic stream encounters a wedge/cylinder configuration whose angles are such that the flow includes only weak shock waves. A numerical code using the perfect gas relations is used to describe the flow in the plane of symmetry inboard of the shock interaction region. Theoretical surface-pressure and heat-transfer distributions are computed for freestream velocities ranging from 1167 to 7610 m/sec. Nondimensionalization of the heat-transfer rates in terms of local flow parameters produced a correlation of Stanton number as a function of the local Reynolds number, which is independent of the freestream flow conditions and of the surface temperature.

Bertin, J. J.↗

Alternative Optimizations of X-ray TES Arrays: Soft X-rays, High Count Rates, and Mixed-Pixel Arrays

We are developing arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) for imaging spectroscopy telescopes such as the XMS on Constellation-X. While our primary focus has been on arrays that meet the XMS requirements (of which, foremost, is an energy resolution of 2.5 eV at 6 keV and a bandpass from approx. 0.3 keV to 12 keV), we have also investigated other optimizations that might be used to extend the XMS capabilities. In one of these optimizations, improved resolution below 1 keV is achieved by reducing the heat capacity. Such pixels can be based on our XMS-style TES's with the separate absorbers omitted. These pixels can added to an array with broadband response either as a separate array or interspersed, depending on other factors that include telescope design and science requirements. In one version of this approach, we have designed and fabricated a composite array of low-energy and broad-band pixels to provide high spectral resolving power over a broader energy bandpass than could be obtained with a single TES design. The array consists of alternating pixels with and without overhanging absorbers. To explore optimizations for higher count rates, we are also optimizing the design and operating temperature of pixels that are coupled to a solid substrate. We will present the performance of these variations and discuss other optimizations that could be used to enhance the XMS or enable other astrophysics experiments.

Kilbourne, C. A.↗

Enhanced cosmic-ray acceleration rates in highly inclined astrophysical shocks

The theory of cosmic-ray acceleration by subluminal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) astrophysical shocks according to the test particle approximation is extended to highly oblique shocks where flow speeds which appear nonrelativistic in the shock rest frame appear on transformation to the de Hoffmann-Teller or E identically equal to 0 frame to have upstream flow speeds approaching c. Monte Carlo simulation shows that relative to the predictions of diffusion theory, as the upstream E identically equal to 0 frame velocity approaches c, flatter spectra and faster acceleration rates occur. These spectral and acceleration time changes are similar to those found for relativistic, parallel MHD shocks and may affect all nonthermal active galactic nuclei emission from relativistic electrons. Also there is an additional means of increasing the upper limit of the cosmic-ray spectrum expected from active galactic nuclei, although the approximation used may not accurately reproduce the spectral shape.

Lieu, R.↗

Expanding CubeSat Capabilities with a Low Cost Transceiver

CubeSats have developed rapidly over the past decade with the advent of a containerized deployer system and ever increasing launch opportunities. These satellites have moved from an educational tool to teach students about engineering challenges associated with satellite design, to systems that are conducting cutting edge earth, space and solar science. Early variants of the CubeSat had limited functionality and lacked sophisticated attitude control, deployable solar arrays and propulsion. This is no longer the case and as CubeSats mature, such systems are becoming commercially available. The result is a small satellite with sufficient power and pointing capabilities to support a high rate communication system. Communications systems have matured along with other CubeSat subsystems. Originally developed from amateur radio systems, CubeSats have generally operated in the VHF and UHF bands at data rates below 10 kbps (kilobits per second). More recently higher rate UHF systems have been developed, however these systems require a large collecting area on the ground to close the communications link at 3 Mbps (megabits per second). Efforts to develop systems that operate with similar throughput at S-Band (2-4 GHz (gigaherz)) and C-Band (4-8 GHz (gigaherz)) have also recently evolved. In this paper we outline an effort to develop a high rate CubeSat communication system that is compatible with the NASA Near Earth Network and can be accommodated by a CubeSat. The system will include a 200 kbps (kilobits per second) S-Band receiver and a 12.5 Mbps (megabits per second).X-Band transmitter. This paper will focus on our design approach and initial results associated with the 12.5 Mbps (megabits per second) X-band transmitter.

Avionics↗

Crystal plasticity model of BCC metals from large-scale MD simulations

Accurate crystal plasticity models that faithfully capture the behavior of single crystals under a wide range of loading conditions, such as loading direction, strain rate, and temperature, are still lacking. Here we introduce a novel approach in which a crystal plasticity (CP) model is informed directly from and calibrated to large-scale quantum-accurate MD simulations in which single crystal BCC Ta serves as a testbed material. By analyzing our large set of MD simulations several key insights are obtained leading us to modify constitutive assumptions in order to address deficiencies of existing CP models. Importantly, we observe that the standard notion of fixed slip systems – pairs of slip directions and slip planes – is inadequate for describing high-rate plasticity in BCC tantalum at room temperature. Instead, pencil glide defined as dislocation motion in the maximum resolved shear stress planes (MRSSP) of each Burgers vector is fully consistent with our MD simulation data while providing significant simplifications of the constitutive relations. Herein, our resulting new CP model closely matches the behavior of single crystals observed in high-rate MD simulations while being fully consistent with lower rate experimental results.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Martian Telecommunications Network: UHF Relay Support of the Mars Exploration Rovers by the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Express Orbiters

NASA and ESA have established an international network of Mars orbiters, outfitted with relay communications payloads, to support robotic exploration of the red planet. Starting in January, 2004, this network has provided the Mars Exploration Rovers with telecommunications relay services, significantly increasing rover engineering and science data return while enhancing mission robustness and operability. Augmenting the data return capabilities of their X-band direct-to-Earth links, the rovers are equipped with UHF transceivers allowing data to be relayed at high rate to the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Odyssey, and Mars Express orbiters. As of 21 July, 2004, over 50 Gbits of MER data have been obtained, with nearly 95% of that data returned via the MGS and Odyssey UHF relay paths, allowing a large increase in science return from the Martian surface relative to the X-band direct-to-Earth link. The MGS spacecraft also supported high-rate UHF communications of MER engineering telemetry during the critical period of entry, descent, and landing (EDL), augmenting the very low-rate EDL data collected on the X-band direct-to-Earth link. Through adoption of the new CCSDS Proximity-1 Link Protocol, NASA and ESA have achieved interoperability among these Mars assets, as validated by a successful relay demonstration between Spirit and Mars Express, enabling future interagency cross-support and establishing a truly international relay network at Mars.

telecommunications↗

Role of Wadsley Defects and Cation Disorder to Enhance MoNb 12 O 33 Diffusion

Wadsley-Roth (WR) niobates have emerged as high-rate anode materials that can combine rapid ionic diffusion with good electronic conductivity. WR compounds have been defect-enhanced by limited annealing, however, such materials often contain multiple types of defects. In particular, both Wadsley defects (variable block size) and transition metal disorder have the potential to modify transport rates, however the corresponding effects are not well understood mechanistically. Here, MoNb 12 O 33 (MNO) was calcined at two different temperatures to compare a defect-rich condition (MNO-800) with a proximal order-rich condition (MNO-900) as assessed through XRD, XANES, EXAFS, and STEM characterizations. Galvanostatically cycled lithium half cells of MNO-800 exhibited additional capacity (307 mAhg −1 at 0.1C, 4.66% higher) and improved high-rate capacity of 200 mAhg −1 at 10C. ICI-based overpotential analysis identified solid state diffusion as the dominant rate limiting process where MNO-800 correspondingly exhibited ∼3X faster capacity-weighted diffusivity. A machine-learning interatomic potential was trained to density functional theory and then applied with molecular dynamics (MLIP-MD) to examine the possible roles of Wadsley defects and transition metal disorder. For both defect-types, Li was found to populate and activate fast diffusion paths from window sites at lower extents of lithiation as compared to the order-rich model.

defect↗

The LCLStream Ecosystem for Multi-Institutional Dataset Exploration

We describe a new end-to-end experimental data streaming framework designed from the ground up to support new types of applications – AI training, extremely high-rate X-ray time-of-flight analysis, crystal structure determination with distributed processing, and custom data science applications and visualizers yet to be created. Throughout, we use design choices merging cloud microservices with traditional HPC batch execution models for security and flexibility. This project makes a unique contribution to the DOE Integrated Research Infrastructure (IRI) landscape. By creating a flexible, API-driven data request service, we address a significant need for high-speed data streaming sources for the X-ray science data analysis community. With the combination of data request API, mutual authentication web security framework, job queue system, high-rate data buffer, and complementary nature to facility infrastructure, the LCLStreamer framework has prototyped and implemented several new paradigms critical for future generation experiments.

Rogers, David [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000251871768)↗

Operations and Results from the 200 Gbps TBIRD Laser Communication Mission

Since launch in May 2022, the TeraByte Infrared Delivery (TBIRD) mission has successfully demonstrated 200 Gbps laser communications from a 6U CubeSat and has transferred up to 4.8 terabytes (TB) in a pass from low Earth orbit to ground. To our knowledge, this is the fastest downlink ever achieved from space. To support the narrow downlink beam needed for high rate communications, the payload provides pointing feedback to the host spacecraft to precisely track the ground station throughout the 5-minute pass. The space and ground terminals utilize fiber-coupled coherent transceivers in conjunction with an automatic repeat request (ARQ) system to guarantee error-free communication through an atmospheric fading channel. This paper presents an overview of the link operations and mission results to date, as well as implications for future missions with high rate lasercom.

TBIRD↗

Development of the Self-Powered Extravehicular Mobility Unit Extravehicular Activity Data Recorder

The Self-Powered Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Data Recorder (SPEEDR) is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based device designed to collect high-rate EMU Primary Life Support Subsystem (PLSS) data for download at a later time. During EVA, the existing EMU PLSS data downlink capability is one data packet every 2 minutes and is subject to bad packets or loss of signal. Higher-rate PLSS data is generated by the Enhanced Caution and Warning System but is not normally captured or distributed. Access to higher-rate data will increase the capability of EMU anomaly resolution team to pinpoint issues remotely, saving crew time by reducing required call-down Q&A and on-orbit diagnostic activities. With no Space Shuttle flights post Fiscal Year 2011 (FY11), and potentially limited down-mass capability, the ISS crew and ground support personnel will have to be capable of on-orbit operations to maintain, diagnose, repair, and return to service EMU hardware, possibly through 2028. Collecting high-rate EMU PLSS data during both intravehicular activity (IVA) and EVA operations will provide trending analysis for life extension and/or predictive performance. The SPEEDR concept has generated interest as a tool/technology that could be used for other International Space Station subsystems or future exploration-class space suits where hardware reliability/availability is critical and low/variable bandwidth may require store then forward methodology. Preliminary work in FY11 produced a functional prototype consisting of an FPGA evaluation board, custom memory/interface circuit board, and custom software. The SPEEDR concept includes a stand-alone battery that is recharged by a computer Universal Serial Bus (USB) port while data are being downloaded.

Bernard, Craig↗