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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 667 records · Page 37
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Tad and toxin-coregulated pilus structures reveal unexpected diversity in bacterial type IV pili

<Type IV pili (T4P) are ubiquitous in both bacteria and archaea. They are polymers of the major pilin protein, which has an extended and protruding N-terminal helix, α1, and a globular C-terminal domain. Cryo-EM structures have revealed key differences between the bacterial and archaeal T4P in their C-terminal domain structure and in the packing and continuity of α1. This segment forms a continuous α-helix in archaeal T4P but is partially melted in all published bacterial T4P structures due to a conserved helix breaking proline at position 22. The tad (tight adhesion) T4P are found in both bacteria and archaea and are thought to have been acquired by bacteria through horizontal transfer from archaea. Tad pilins are unique among the T4 pilins, being only 40 to 60 residues in length and entirely lacking a C-terminal domain. They also lack the Pro22 found in all high-resolution bacterial T4P structures. We show using cryo-EM that the bacterial tad pilus from Caulobacter crescentus is composed of continuous helical subunits that, like the archaeal pilins, lack the melted portion seen in other bacterial T4P and share the packing arrangement of the archaeal T4P. We further show that a bacterial T4P, the Vibrio cholerae toxin coregulated pilus, which lacks Pro22 but is not in the tad family, has a continuous N-terminal α-helix, yet its α1 s are arranged similar to those in other bacterial T4P. Our results highlight the role of Pro22 in helix melting and support an evolutionary relationship between tad and archaeal T4P.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1944

Compressibility Effects on Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop in Smooth Cylindrical Tubes

An analysis is made to simplify pressure-drop calculations for nonadiabatic and adiabatic friction flow of air in smooth cylindrical tubes when the density changes due to heat transfer and pressure drop are appreciable. Solutions of the equation of motion are obtained by the use of Reynolds' analogy between heat transfer and skin friction. Charts of the solutions are presented for making pressure-drop calculations. A technique of using the charts to determine the position of a normal shock in a tube is described.

AIR FLOW - TUBES, CYLINDRICAL↗
NASA NTRS1993

The formation process of the He I lambda 10830 line in cool giant stars

The Final Report on the formation process of the He I lambda 10830 line in cool giant stars is presented. The research involves observing a sample of cool giant stars with ROSAT. These stars were selected from the list of bright stars which display He I lambda 10830 in absorption or emission and lie on the cool side of the coronal dividing line. With measured x ray fluxes or upper limits measured by the Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC), the role x rays play in the formation of this important line was investigated using the non-LTE radiative transfer code PANDORA. Hydrodynamic calculations were performed to investigate the contributions of acoustic wave heating in the formation of this line as well.

Luttermoser, Donald G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Call sign intelligibility improvement using a spatial auditory display

A spatial auditory display was designed for separating the multiple communication channels usually heard over one ear to different virtual auditory positions. The single 19 foot rack mount device utilizes digital filtering algorithms to separate up to four communication channels. The filters use four different binaural transfer functions, synthesized from actual outer ear measurements, to impose localization cues on the incoming sound. Hardware design features include 'fail-safe' operation in the case of power loss, and microphone/headset interfaces to the mobile launch communication system in use at KSC. An experiment designed to verify the intelligibility advantage of the display used 130 different call signs taken from the communications protocol used at NASA KSC. A 6 to 7 dB intelligibility advantage was found when multiple channels were spatially displayed, compared to monaural listening. The findings suggest that the use of a spatial auditory display could enhance both occupational and operational safety and efficiency of NASA operations.

Begault, Durand R.↗
NASA NTRS1994

IR excitation of contaminant water by oxygen for the space shuttle at low Earth orbit altitude

As the water outgas of a space shuttle passes through the rarefied atmosphere at orbital altitude, collisions occur between the gases with sufficient energy to excite infrared-active water molecules to various vibrational and rotational states. An infrared contaminant model (IR model) has been developed to study the shuttle-induced excitation and emission of water molecules outgassed from the space shuttle. The focus of the first application of the model is translation-to-vibration (T-V) energy transfer since estimates suggest that this process should dominate the production of vibrationally excited H2O under typical low Earth orbit conditions. Using the velocity and position distribution functions of interacting neutral gases obtained from a neutral gases interaction model, the spatial distributions of excitation and IR radiation from contaminant water are computed, and typical results are presented. Infrared spectral data (450 - 2500/cm), measured by the Cryogenic Infrared Radiance Instrumentation for Shuttle (CIRRIS-1A) sensor on STS-39 (April 28 to May 6, 1991) at an altitude near 265 km, are used to test model predictions. The dependence of the radiant emission structure and brightness on outgassing rates and altitudes is discussed. The time history of the contaminant water outgassing rate is inferred for STS-39, and it is compared with the mass-spectrometer-based results for STS-4 (June 26 to July 4, 1982). Also, estimates of H2O column density at mission elapsed time (MET) 50 hours are compared for missions STS-2, STS-3, STS-4, and STS-39.

Zhou, D. K.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The ordnance transfer interrupter: A new type of S & A device

A discussion is given in this paper of a new approach to the Safing and Arming of aerospace ordnance systems interconnected by detonation transfer lines, in which the conventional type of S&A device normally used for this purpose is replaced by a relatively simple electro-mechanical switching device, referred to as an 'Interrupter.' In this approach the Interrupter, which is interposed in the transfer line between the system initiator and output device, is completely passive in that it contains no pyrotechnic devices or materials. Being passive (therefore, non-initiating), the Interrupter is much less hazardous to handle and install, as well as being significantly less complex and costly than conventional S&A devices containing EED's and explosive leads. Details are presented relative to the design, development and qualification, by PS/EDD, of an ordnance transfer Interrupter intended for use on a commercial launch missile. This device, which is capable of simultaneously 'switching' multiple detonation transfer lines, incorporates a rod-type rotary barrier with independent transverse apertures for each transfer line. Barrier actuation is bi-modal, i.e., the barrier can be driven from safe-to-arm or from arm-to-safe positions by independent electro-mechanical actuators. The Interrupter described also features visual and remote status monitoring provisions and, in common with range-approved conventional S&A devices, a pre-flight safety locking mechanism functioned by a removable safing key.

Greenslade, John T.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Considerations and Architectures for Inter-Satellite Communications in Distributed Spacecraft Systems

This paper will identify the important characteristics and requirements necessary for inter-satellite communications in distributed spacecraft systems and present analysis results focusing on architectural and protocol comparisons. Emerging spacecraft systems plan to deploy multiple satellites in various "distributed" configurations ranging from close proximity formation flying to widely separated constellations. Distributed spacecraft configurations provide advantages for science exploration and operations since many activities useful for missions may be better served by distributing them between spacecraft. For example, many scientific observations can be enhanced through spatially separated platforms, such as for deep space interferometry. operating multiple distributed spacecraft as a mission requires coordination that may be best provided through inter-satellite communications. For example, several future distributed spacecraft systems envision autonomous operations requiring relative navigational calculations and coordinated attitude and position corrections. To conduct these operations, data must be exchanged between spacecraft. Direct cross-links between satellites provides an efficient and practical method for transferring data and commands. Unlike existing "bent-pipe" relay networks supporting space missions, no standard or widely-used method exists for cross-link communications. Consequently, to support these future missions, the characteristics necessary for inter-satellite communications need to be examined. At first glance, all of the missions look extremely different. Some missions call for tens to hundreds of nano-satellites in constant communications in close proximity to each other. Other missions call for a handful of satellites communicating very slowly over thousands to hundreds of thousands of kilometers. The paper will first classify distributed spacecraft missions to help guide the evaluation and definition of cross-link architectures and approaches. Based on this general classification, the paper will examine general physical layer parameters, such as frequency bands and data rates, necessary to support the missions. The paper will also identify classes of communication architectures that may be employed, ranging from fully distributed to centralized topologies. Numerous factors, such as number of spacecraft, must be evaluated when attempting to pick a communications architecture. Also important is the stability of the formation from a communications standpoint. For example, do all of the spacecraft require equal bandwidth and are spacecraft allowed to enter and leave a formation? The type of science mission being attempted may also heavily influence the communications architecture. In addition, the paper will assess various parameters and characteristics typically associated with the data link layer. The paper will analyze the performance of various multiple access techniques given the operational scenario, requirements, and communication topologies envisioned for missions. This assessment will also include a survey of existing standards and their applicability for distributed spacecraft systems. An important consideration includes the interoperability of the lower layers (physical and data link) examined in this paper with the higher layer protocols(network) envisioned for future space internetworking. Finally, the paper will define a suggested path, including preliminary recommendations, for defining and developing a standard for intersatellite communications based on the classes of distributed spacecraft missions and analysis results.

Edwards, Bernard↗
NASA NTRS2010

Two-axis joint assembly and method

In an embodiment, a two-axis joint that utilizes planar reactions to handle moments applied to the side of the joint thereby allowing the device to remain low profile and compact with minimal intrusion to the mounting surface of the two-axis joint. To handle larger moments, the diameter of the planar member can be increased without increasing the overall height of the joint assembly thereby retaining the low profile thereof. Upper and lower antifriction bearings may be positioned within a housing engage the planar member to reduce rotational friction. The upper and lower bearings and a hub which supports the planar member transfer forces produced by moments applied to the side of the joint so as to spread the forces over the area of the housing.

Le, Thang D.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Floating membrane reservoir system

An improved system and method of storing water for a closed-loop pumped storage hydroelectric system is provided. The method includes providing a floating reservoir, positioning the floating reservoir in a waterbody, loading the floating reservoir with a volume of water from a source other than the surrounding waterbody, and transferring water from within the floating reservoir to an upper or lower reservoir of a pumped storage hydroelectric system. The floating reservoir includes a flexible membrane defining one or more reservoir cells including a vertically collapsible sidewall, such that each reservoir cell defines a depth varying in proportion to its internal volume of water. Each reservoir cell is buoyed by pontoons adjacent an outer periphery of the reservoir cell and is anchored to the shore or streambed.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermal diode and thermal switch for bi-directional heat transfer in building envelopes

The present disclosure relates to a directional heat transfer using thermal control devices, including a dual phase change thermal diode and an active contact-based thermal switch. The thermal diode includes a positive temperature coefficient switching material and a negative temperature coefficient switching material arranged in series. The thermal switch includes two thermally conducting surfaces which may be moved to contact (i.e., having a distance between them of substantially zero) creating minimal thermal contact resistance. Both thermal control devices may be used to control heat flow into and/or out of a building.

Kishore, Ravi Anant↗
NASA NTRS1986

Precise VLA positions and flux-density measurements of the Jupiter system

VLA C array configuration observations at 2 and 6 cm are presented for Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto at eastern and western elongations with respect to Jupiter, which allowed measurements in right ascension and declination of the satellites with an rms precision of about + or - 0.03 arcsec. The transfer of the mean offsets of Ganymede to Jupiter yields offsets of -0.185 + or - 0.03 arcsec and -0.06 + or - 0.03 arcsec, with respect to JPL-DE-200, at the mean epoch of April 28, 1983; the large offset in right ascension is a combination of the Jupiter ephemeris error and the error in the frame tie of the Jovian planets with the VLBI system of precise positions which was used as the absolute reference frame for the observations. A significant error is noted in the orbital position of Callisto with respect to Ganymede.

Muhleman, Duane O.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Aerothermodynamic Testing of Protuberances and Penetrations on the NASA Crew Exploration Vehicle Heat Shield in the NASA Langley 20-Inch Mach 6 Air Tunnel

An experimental wind tunnel program is being conducted in support of an Agency wide effort to develop a replacement for the Space Shuttle and to support the NASA s long-term objective of returning to the moon and then on to Mars. This paper documents experimental measurements made on several scaled ceramic heat transfer models of the proposed Crew Exploration Vehicle. Global heat transfer images and heat transfer distributions obtained using phosphor thermography were used to infer interference heating on the Crew Exploration Vehicle Cycle 1 heat shield from local protuberances and penetrations for both laminar and turbulent heating conditions. Test parametrics included free stream Reynolds numbers of 1.0x10(exp 6)/ft to 7.25x10(exp 6)/ft in Mach 6 air at a fixed angle-of-attack. Single arrays of discrete boundary layer trips were used to trip the boundary layer approaching the protuberances/penetrations to a turbulent state. Also, the effects of three compression pad diameters, two radial locations of compression pad/tension tie location, compression pad geometry, and rotational position of compression pad/tension tie were examined. The experimental data highlighted in this paper are to be used to validate CFD tools that will be used to generate the flight aerothermodynamic database. Heat transfer measurements will also assist in the determination of the most appropriate engineering methods that will be used to assess local flight environments associated with protuberances/penetrations of the CEV thermal protection system.

Liechty, Derek S.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Improving Sim-to-Real Transfer in Vision-Based Robot Navigation Via Instance-Level GAN-Based Data Augmentation

Achieving robust vision-based robotic tasks requires large amounts of data, which are often difficult to obtain in real-world scenarios. Simulators and synthetic data offer a cost-effective alternative, but the visual gap between simulation and reality hinders the performance of models when deployed in real-world environments. In this paper, we present a data augmentation pipeline that integrates a foundation model (Segment Anything Model) with an unsupervised image-to-image translation model (CycleGAN) for instance-level domain transfer from simulation to reality. This pipeline enables the generation of realistic labeled data from synthetic images for training supervised machine learning models in vision-based navigation tasks. We evaluate our approach on real-world data for ego-vehicle pose estimation, a critical autonomous navigation task involving the prediction of cross-track position and heading angle relative to road center line markings. The results of our tests show that our GAN-based data augmentation pipeline significantly outperforms models trained solely on simulation data or on data processed with standard image augmentation methods for sim-to-real transfer, enhancing model robustness and generalizability in real-world scenarios. Our method provides a scalable and flexible data augmentation tool for leveraging large synthetic datasets to enhance vision-based robotic navigation tasks.

artificial intelligence↗
NASA NTRS1983

A mathematical characterization of vegetation effect on microwave remote sensing from the Earth

In passive microwave remote sensing of the earth, a theoretical model that utilizes the radiative transfer equations was developed to account for the volume scattering effects of the vegetation canopy. Vegetation canopies such as alfalfa, sorghum, and corn are simulated by a layer of ellipsoidal scatterers and cylindrical structures. The ellipsoidal scatterers represent the leaves of vegetation and are randomly positioned and oriented. The orientation of ellipsoids is characterized by a probability density function of Eulerian angles of rotation. The cylindrical structures represent the stalks of vegetation and their radii are assumed to be much smaller than their lengths. The underlying soil is represented by a half-space medium with a homogeneous permittivity and uniform temperature profile. The radiative transfer quations are solved by a numerical method using a Gaussian quadrature formula to compute both the vertical and horizontal polarized brightness temperature as a function of observation angle. The theory was applied to the interpretation of experimental data obtained from sorghum covered fields near College Station, Texas.

Choe, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Using the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System as a global timing system

The application of NAVSTAR GPS to the problems of PTTI dissemination is discussed. A short review of the GPS concept lead to a detailed description of the implementation of time transfer through NAVSTAR GPS. Time was followed from the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) through the ground control, satellite, and receiving segments of GPS to the user's clock system. The three options by which a user's system can receive from the GPS receivers, currently under development by the DOD, are defined in detail. The electrical/digital/mechanical interface parameters along with suggested methods for their use are outlined for each option. A detailed error model is also presented for the traceability of UTC (GPS) to UTC (USNO). Real time synchronization between stationary users on the time continent can be controlled to within a few nanoseconds, and absolute post processed time offset with UTC (USNO) measured within 25 nanoseconds or better. A discussion of some of the potential work around techniques and their applications are included.

Kovach, K. L.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Observation of a Near-Threshold Proton Resonance in 11 B

A near-threshold proton resonance in 11 B at 𝐸 ex = 11.44 ± 0.04 MeV is observed via the reaction 10 Be⁢(𝑑,𝑛)⁢ 11 B → 10 Be + 𝑝 in inverse kinematics, measured with a beam of the radioactive isotope 10 Be. The resonance energy at 𝐸 res = 211⁢(40) keV is consistent with a proton signal observed by Ayyad et al. in the 𝛽-delayed proton decay of 11 Be. By comparison to a distorted wave Born approximation calculation, a 0.27(6) spectroscopic factor is extracted and a tentative (ℓ = 0) character is assigned for this resonance. The significant cross section in the proton-transfer (𝑑,𝑛) reaction, as well as the observation of its proton-decay signal, point to the threshold-resonance character of this state. The position of this state, its structure, and strong coupling to the 𝑠-wave continuum represent an ideal case to study quantum near-threshold many-body dynamics of unstable states. In conclusion, the presence of this state is an important step toward understanding the excessively large beta-delayed proton-decay branch of 11 Be.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Synthesis of (oxo)chlorin dimers chelated with thallium(III)

Two target dimers have been prepared for fundamental studies of hole/electron transfer. Metalation with thallium(III) enables clocking of the rate of hole/electron transfer between the two macrocycles. Each dimer contains a diphenylethyne linker joining two identical hydroporphyrins (chlorin or oxochlorin). The linker is substituted at the 4,4′-positions whereas each (oxo)chlorin is joined at the 10-position. Each (oxo)chlorin is equipped with a gem-dimethyl group at the 18-position to stabilize the hydroporphyrin chromophore toward adventitious dehydrogenation and a 3,5-di-tert-butyl group at the 5-position to achieve increased solubilization in organic media. The dimers parallel a prior set of diphenylethyne-linked (oxo)chlorin constructs containing zinc-free base, zinc-zinc, and copper-copper metalation states that have been examined in studies of electronic communication. The building block (oxo)chlorins for preparing the thallium-containing dimers have been prepared in quantities of 32–404 mg, a scale up to 14-fold larger than previously. Thallation of the free base (oxo)chlorin dimers was achieved with excess TlCl 3 ⋅4H 2 O in CH 2 Cl 2 /CH 3 OH (3–4:1) upon overnight reaction at room temperature. The long-wavelength (Q[Formula: see text] absorption band of (oxo)chlorins lies between that of the zinc(II) and free base counterparts. Absorption spectral comparisons are provided of the thallium(III) and free base (oxo)chlorin monomers and dimers.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2025

Integrating the Mobility Energy Productivity Metric Into the Delaware Department of Transportation Statewide Model

The Mobility Energy Productivity (MEP) metric quantifies the quality of mobility at a given location and evaluates how changes in the transportation system impact mobility over time, such as through infrastructure investments. This study demonstrates the integration of the MEP metric into the Delaware Department of Transportation's (DelDOT's) transportation planning process by utilizing data from its statewide travel demand model. Specifically, the study assesses MEP for the 2020 baseline conditions and three alternative scenarios - 2030, Churchman, and Old Orchard - across multiple travel modes, including driving, walking, biking, and transit. The findings highlight that mobility and accessibility in Delaware are primarily supported by the driving mode, while transit services remain relatively limited, often ranking below biking and walking in many areas. In the 2030 scenario, where network operations and opportunities expand as projected, overall statewide accessibility declines, although Kent and Sussex counties experience improvements. The results from the Churchman and Old Orchard scenarios indicate that local network enhancements can positively influence accessibility, though primarily at a localized level, demonstrating MEP's capability to capture regional accessibility changes. Further, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory team successfully transferred MEP operational knowledge to the DelDOT team through dockerization, enabling DelDOT to independently run MEP for various scenarios of interest. Integrating MEP into DelDOT's planning framework supports future project evaluations and decision-making by incorporating access to opportunities as a key dimension of transportation system assessment.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗