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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 685 records · Page 38

Finite Element Thermal Model for Ultrasonic Welding of Thermoplastic Composites

Ultrasonic welding, UW, is a fast and energy-efficient technique for joining thermoplastic composites. It involves the use of high-frequency mechanical vibrations and a static welding force to melt and join adherends. Ultrasonic welding is an enabling technology to reduce the cost and complexity of in-space construction because lightweight thermoplastic composite components can be packaged compactly for launch and then efficiently assembled using supervised autonomous robotic technologies on site. However, the temperatures in space present challenges to UW, and it is critical that the efficacy of process parameters selected for manufacturing in space is understood prior to launch. To this end, a three-dimensional finite element model is presented in this technical presentation. The model incorporates equations for effects of viscoelastic heating and heat transfer on the welding process. The proposed model is applied to predict the temperature distribution in single lap shear, SLS, samples composed of AS4/PEEK (TC1200) composite that were welded using a terrestrial machine as part of a comprehensive weldability study. Thermocouple and infrared spot sensor data from the SLS samples provide empirical temperature measurements for calibration and validation of the UW thermal model. Calibration and validation of the model is an important step given the significant uncertainties in material properties such as the loss modulus and necessary assumptions in the physics implementations which allow the model to converge in an acceptable amount of time. The validated thermal model can be used to simulate the process for the space environment. Future validation sample testing is planned in a vacuum chamber. The result will be a model capable of guiding process parameter selection to ensure acceptable weld bonds when manufacturing in space.

Josh Fody↗

Benchmarking second and third-generation sequencing platforms for microbial metagenomics

Shotgun metagenomic sequencing is a common approach for studying the taxonomic diversity and metabolic potential of complex microbial communities. Current methods primarily use second generation short read sequencing, yet advances in third generation long read technologies provide opportunities to overcome some of the limitations of short read sequencing. Here, we compared seven platforms, encompassing second generation sequencers (Illumina HiSeq 300, MGI DNBSEQ-G400 and DNBSEQ-T7, ThermoFisher Ion GeneStudio S5 and Ion Proton P1) and third generation sequencers (Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION R9 and Pacific Biosciences Sequel II). We constructed three uneven synthetic microbial communities composed of up to 87 genomic microbial strains DNAs per mock, spanning 29 bacterial and archaeal phyla, and representing the most complex and diverse synthetic communities used for sequencing technology comparisons. Our results demonstrate that third generation sequencing have advantages over second generation platforms in analyzing complex microbial communities, but require careful sequencing library preparation for optimal quantitative metagenomic analysis. Our sequencing data also provides a valuable resource for testing and benchmarking bioinformatics software for metagenomics.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Toward Intelligent Software Defect Detection

Source code level software defect detection has gone from state of the art to a software engineering best practice. Automated code analysis tools streamline many of the aspects of formal code inspections but have the drawback of being difficult to construct and either prone to false positives or severely limited in the set of defects that can be detected. Machine learning technology provides the promise of learning software defects by example, easing construction of detectors and broadening the range of defects that can be found. Pinpointing software defects with the same level of granularity as prominent source code analysis tools distinguishes this research from past efforts, which focused on analyzing software engineering metrics data with granularity limited to that of a particular function rather than a line of code.

Benson, Markland J.↗

Shuttle bay telerobotics demonstration

A demonstration of NASA's robotics capabilities should be a balanced agenda of servicing and assembly tasks combined with selected key technical experiments. The servicing tasks include refueling and module replacement. Refueling involves the mating of special fluid connectors while module replacement requires an array of robotic technologies such as special tools, the arm of a logistics tool, and the precision mating of orbital replacement units to guides. The assembly task involves the construction of a space station node and truss structure. The technological experiments will focus on a few important issues: the precision manipulation of the arms by a teleoperator, the additional use of several mono camera views in conjunction with the stereo system, the use of a general purpose end effector versus a caddy of tools, and the dynamics involved with using a robot with a stabilizer.

Chun, W.↗

A Mars/phobos Transportation System

A transportation system will be necessary to support construction and operation of bases on Phobos and Mars beginning in the year 2020 or later. An approach to defining a network of vehicles and the types of vehicles which may be used in the system are presented. The network will provide a convenient, integrated means for transporting robotically constructed bases to Phobos and Mars. All the technology needed for the current plan is expected to be available for use at the projected date of cargo departure from the Earth system. The modular design of the transportation system provides easily implemented contingency plans, so that difficulties with any one vehicle will have a minimal effect on the progress of the total mission. The transportation network proposed consists of orbital vehicles and atmospheric entry vehicles. Initially, only orbital vehicles will participate in the robotic construction phase of the Phobos base. The Interplanetary Transfer Vehicle (ITV) will carry the base and construction equipment to Phobos where the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicles (OMV's) will participate in the initial construction of the base. When the Mars base is ready to be sent, one or more ITV's will be used to transport the atmospheric entry vehicles from Earth. These atmospheric vehicles are the One Way Landers (OWL's) and the Ascent/Descent Vehicles (ADV's). They will be used to carry the base components and/or construction equipment. The OMV's and the Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTV's) will assist in carrying the atmospheric entry vehicles to low Martian orbit where the OWL's or ADV's will descent to the planet surface. The ADV's were proposed to accommodate expansion of the system. Additionally, a smaller version of the ADV class is capable of transporting personnel between Mars and Phobos.

Source record↗

Development Approach of the Advanced Life Support On-line Project Information System

The Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program has recently accelerated an effort to develop an On-line Project Information System (OPIS) for research project and technology development data centralization and sharing. There has been significant advancement in the On-line Project Information System (OPIS) over the past year (Hogan et al, 2004). This paper presents the resultant OPIS development approach. OPIS is being built as an application framework consisting of an uderlying Linux/Apache/MySQL/PHP (LAMP) stack, and supporting class libraries that provides database abstraction and automatic code generation, simplifying the ongoing development and maintenance process. Such a development approach allows for quick adaptation to serve multiple Programs, although initial deployment is for an ALS module. OPIS core functionality will involve a Web-based annual solicitation of project and technology data directly from ALS Principal Investigators (PIs) through customized data collection forms. Data provided by PIs will be reviewed by a Technical Task Monitor (TTM) before posting the information to OPIS for ALS Community viewing via the Web. Such Annual Reports will be permanent, citable references within OPIS. OPlS core functionality will also include Project Home Sites, which will allow PIS to provide updated technology information to the Community in between Annual Report updates. All data will be stored in an object-oriented relational database, created in MySQL(Reistered Trademark) and located on a secure server at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC). Upon launch, OPlS can be utilized by Managers to identify research and technology development (R&TD) gaps and to assess task performance. Analysts can employ OPlS to obtain the current, comprehensive, accurate information about advanced technologies that is required to perform trade studies of various life support system options. ALS researchers and technology developers can use OPlS to achieve an improved understanding of the NASA and ALS Program needs and to understand how other researchers and technology developers are addressing those needs. OPlS core functionality will launch for 'Ihe ALS Program in October, 2005. However, the system has been developed with the ability to evolve with Program needs. Because of open-source construction, software costs are minimized. Any functionality that is technologically feasible can be built into OPIS, and OPlS can expand through module cloning and adaptation, to any level deemed useful to the Agency.

Levri, Julie A.↗

Electrolysis Propulsion for Spacecraft Applications

Electrolysis propulsion has been recognized over the last several decades as a viable option to meet many satellite and spacecraft propulsion requirements. This technology, however, was never used for in-space missions. In the same time frame, water based fuel cells have flown in a number of missions. These systems have many components similar to electrolysis propulsion systems. Recent advances in component technology include: lightweight tankage, water vapor feed electrolysis, fuel cell technology, and thrust chamber materials for propulsion. Taken together, these developments make propulsion and/or power using electrolysis/fuel cell technology very attractive as separate or integrated systems. A water electrolysis propulsion testbed was constructed and tested in a joint NASA/Hamilton Standard/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories program to demonstrate these technology developments for propulsion. The results from these testbed experiments using a I-N thruster are presented. A concept to integrate a propulsion system and a fuel cell system into a unitized spacecraft propulsion and power system is outlined.

deGroot, Wim A.↗

Chevron Natural Gas Carbon Capture Technology Testing Project (Final Technical Report)

The objective of this project was to design, construct, commission, and operate an engineering scale post combustion carbon capture system to validate the technical maturity, operability, and scalability of Svante’s VeloxoTherm™ solid sorbent carbon capture technology under representative flue gas conditions. The project was executed at Chevron’s Kern River oil field in the San Joaquin Valley of California and evaluated carbon capture performance using slipstream flue gas from natural gas fired once through steam generators (OTSG), including indicative coal and natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) operating scenarios.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Definition of technology development missions for early space stations: Large space structures

The objectives studied are the definition of the tested role of an early Space Station for the construction of large space structures. This is accomplished by defining the LSS technology development missions (TDMs) identified in phase 1. Design and operations trade studies are used to identify the best structural concepts and procedures for each TDMs. Details of the TDM designs are then developed along with their operational requirements. Space Station resources required for each mission, both human and physical, are identified. The costs and development schedules for the TDMs provide an indication of the programs needed to develop these missions.

Gates, R. M.↗

Master Services Agreement - Flexible Feeder/Distribution System Support: Cooperative Research and Development (Final Report)

PGE will engage NREL on a broad range of projects related to the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into the utility's operations. This portfolio of work could include projects focused on DER adoption models, advanced distribution management system (ADMS) and distributed energy management system (DERMS) design, DER dispatch strategy development, and DER valuation framework development. Additional topics could include long-term energy planning, renewable energy, energy efficiency and demand-side management. As well as technology evaluations and design guidance for building retrofits and new construction projects, energy and energy infrastructure planning, policies, and markets (and their analysis), energy storage, energy security and resilience (including energy system-related cybersecurity), transportation and mobility, technology integration analysis. Additionally, other assistance as requested by PGE consistent with NREL’s expertise.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Satellite Power Systems /SPS/ - Overview of system studies and critical technology

Systems studies and critical technology issues for the development and evaluation of Satellite Power Systems (SPS) for the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy and its transmission to earth are reviewed. Initial concept studies completed in 1976 and system definition studies initiated in the same year have indicated the technical feasibility of SPS and identified challenging issues to be addressed as part of the SPS Concept Development and Evaluation Program. Systems considered in the study include photovoltaic and solar thermal power conversion configurations employing klystron or solid state microwave generators or lasers for power transmission, and power transmission options, system constructability and in-orbit and ground operations. Technology investigations are being performed in the areas of microwave power transmission, structure/controls interactions and the behavior of key materials in the space/SPS environment. Favorable results have been obtained in the areas of microwave phase distribution and phase control, dc-RF conversion, antenna radiating element, and no insurmountable problems have been discovered in any of the investigations to date.

Manson, S. V.↗

Space station

The Space Station is being defined as a multi-purpose facility with emphasis in the following areas: scientific and technology research laboratory; permanent observatory; spacecraft servicing facility; construction and assembly facility; manufacturing facility; transportation node; and staging base for future space endeavors. The Station complex, in its initial operating capability configuration, includes a continuously habitable manned element, a polar orbiting unmanned platform, and a second unmanned platform co-orbiting with the manned element. All elements are dependent on the Space Transportation System (STS) for initial placement on-orbit and for subsequent logistical services. The manned element will be designed for long duration operations with systems maintainable on-orbit and operationally autonomous from ground control. A major feature of the Station will be its adaptability to evolutionary technology upgrades; and the Space Station, as a system, is to be designed for maximum ease of use by its users.

Thompson, D. R.↗

BTO Market Success Report 2015–2020

This report highlights 28 BTO-supported, technology-oriented research and development (R&D) projects that resulted in the launch of a commercial product, focusing on identifying new technologies or commercialization updates between 2015 and 2020, where the product remained on the market as of March 2021. The report also includes a listing of the full 45 commercial products supported by BTO as well as a listing of 101 lighting components that benefited from BTO support and were commercialized and integrated into finished lighting products during the same timeframe.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Space Construction

The purpose was to present to the aerospace community an in-depth review of Experimental Assembly of Structures on EVA (EASE)/Assembly Concept for Construction of Erectable Space Structures (ACCESS) space flight experiments and to present the status of activities regarding future space flight experiments and accompanying technology developments that will demonstrate the capability of on-orbit construction required for the Space Station.

Hagaman, Jane A.↗

Information/user services, summary

Various aspects of the technology which are available to users now are described. Specific topics discussed include: data distribution: availability of and access to data; technology transfer: system use illustrations and availability of training; hardware systems descriptions: processing hardware constructed and available; data processing techniques: individual processing techniques; and future developments: a sampling of future technology.

Landgrebe, D. A.↗

Space station structures and dynamics test program

The design, construction, and operation of a low-Earth orbit space station poses unique challenges for development and implementation of new technology. The technology arises from the special requirement that the station be built and constructed to function in a weightless environment, where static loads are minimal and secondary to system dynamics and control problems. One specific challenge confronting NASA is the development of a dynamics test program for: (1) defining space station design requirements, and (2) identifying the characterizing phenomena affecting the station's design and development. A general definition of the space station dynamic test program, as proposed by MSFC, forms the subject of this report. The test proposal is a comprehensive structural dynamics program to be launched in support of the space station. The test program will help to define the key issues and/or problems inherent to large space structure analysis, design, and testing. Development of a parametric data base and verification of the math models and analytical analysis tools necessary for engineering support of the station's design, construction, and operation provide the impetus for the dynamics test program. The philosophy is to integrate dynamics into the design phase through extensive ground testing and analytical ground simulations of generic systems, prototype elements, and subassemblies. On-orbit testing of the station will also be used to define its capability.

Moore, Carleton J.↗

Challenges and Benefits of Excavation and Construction on the Moon

This presentation covers some of the challenges and benefits to excavation and construction on the Moon. Challenges include the lunar surface environment, materials that can survive in the lunar environment, the materials available in-situ to utilize, as well as the technology development that must occur to enable lunar excavation and construction. There are numerous benefits to excavation and construction on the Moon, including cost effectiveness and sustainable logistics.

excavation↗

Advanced space power requirements and techniques. Task 1: Mission projections and requirements. Volume 1: Technical report

The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop projections of the NASA, DoD, and civil space power requirements for the 1980-1995 time period; (2) identify specific areas of application and space power subsystem type needs for each prospective user; (3) document the supporting and historical base, including relevant cost related measures of performance; and (4) quantify the benefits of specific technology projection advancements. The initial scope of the study included: (1) construction of likely models for NASA, DoD, and civil space systems; (2) generation of a number of future scenarios; (3) extraction of time phased technology requirements based on the scenarios; and (4) cost/benefit analyses of some of the technologies identified.

Wolfe, M. G.↗