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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Mathematical Model For Engineering Analysis And Optimization

Computational support for engineering design process reveals behavior of designed system in response to external stimuli; and finds out how behavior modified by changing physical attributes of system. System-sensitivity analysis combined with extrapolation forms model of design complementary to model of behavior, capable of direct simulation of effects of changes in design variables. Algorithms developed for this method applicable to design of large engineering systems, especially those consisting of several subsystems involving many disciplines.

Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗
NASA NTRS2000

Accelerating Innovation: Turning Goals into Reality

The success of NASA's programs depends upon innovation, which is recognized by several characteristics. All aspects of a program including tools, processes, materials, subsystems, vehicles, and operations should be evaluated to determine possible innovations which might be implemented. Several examples are presented of ways in which innovation has substantially furthered the goals of NASA. The specific fields mentioned include high performance computing, advanced technologies for aerospace system design, advanced materials and manufacturing processes, neural based flight control, linear aerospike engines, advanced space propulsion systems, high altitude and long duration autonomous flights, advanced vehicle concepts, advanced space propulsion systems, as well as advanced weather information. A final list details the perceived ways in which NASA can benefit from continued innovation in such ways as partnering with the private sector.

VanDalsem, William R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Bayesian, Multifidelity Operator Learning for Complex Engineering Systems–A Position Paper

Abstract Deep learning has significantly improved the state-of-the-art in computer vision and natural language processing, and holds great potential to design effective tools for predicting and simulating complex engineering systems. In particular, scientific machine learning seeks to apply the power of deep learning to scientific and engineering tasks, with operator learning (OL) emerging as a particularly effective tool. OL can approximate nonlinear operators arising in complex engineering systems, making it useful for simulating, designing, and controlling those systems. In this position paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of OL, including its potential applications to complex engineering domains. We cover three variations of OL approaches: deterministic OL for modeling nonautonomous systems, OL with uncertainty quantification (UQ) capabilities, and multifidelity OL. For each variation, we discuss drawbacks and potential applications to engineering, in addition to providing a detailed explanation. We also highlight how multifidelity OL approaches with UQ capabilities can be used to design, optimize, and control engineering systems. Finally, we outline some potential challenges for OL within the engineering domain.

Computer Science↗
NASA NTRS2010

Human Engineering of Space Vehicle Displays and Controls

Proper attention to the integration of the human needs in the vehicle displays and controls design process creates a safe and productive environment for crew. Although this integration is critical for all phases of flight, for crew interfaces that are used during dynamic phases (e.g., ascent and entry), the integration is particularly important because of demanding environmental conditions. This panel addresses the process of how human engineering involvement ensures that human-system integration occurs early in the design and development process and continues throughout the lifecycle of a vehicle. This process includes the development of requirements and quantitative metrics to measure design success, research on fundamental design questions, human-in-the-loop evaluations, and iterative design. Processes and results from research on displays and controls; the creation and validation of usability, workload, and consistency metrics; and the design and evaluation of crew interfaces for NASA's Crew Exploration Vehicle are used as case studies.

Whitmore, Mihriban↗
NASA NTRS1980

Coal gasification systems engineering and analysis. Appendix B: Medium B+U gas design

A four module, 20,000 TPD, based on KT coal gasification technology was designed. The plant processes Kentucky No. 9 coal with provisions for up to five percent North Alabama coal. Medium BTU gas with heat content of 305 BTU/SCF and not more than 200 ppm sulfur is the primary plant product. Sulfur is recovered for scale as prilled sulfur. Ash disposal is on site. The plant is designed for zero water discharge. Trade studies provided the basis for not using boiler produced steam to drive prime movers. Thus process derived steam in excess of process requirements in superheated for power use in prime movers. Electricity from the TVA grid is used to supply the balance of the plant prime mover power requirements. A study of the effect of mine mouth coal cleaning showed that coal cleaning is not an economically preferred route. The design procedure involved defining available processes to meet the requirements of each system, technical/economic trade studies to select the preferred processes, and engineering design and flow sheet development for each module. Cost studies assumed a staggered construction schedule for the four modules beginning spring 1981 and a 90% on stream factor.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

NASA space power system automation

Investigations were conducted with the objective to identify technology issues in automating space power systems, rank critical technology needs, and recommend technology objectives. It was found that automation can offer significant benefits to space power systems. Automation, or even autonomy, may become an absolute requirement for system implementation. Automation of large power systems will be achieved through evolution. It is pointed out that 'systems engineering' or more specifically, 'automation systems engineering' must be strongly emphasized and done early in the development process. System control can be centralized, distributed or a combination of the two. An important requirement for automation implementation is related to the availability of qualified hardware and software components.

Wagnon, F. W.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Comparison of Electron Beam and Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Process for High Temperature Turbine Component Materials, Phase II. CRADA Final Report

The evolving additive manufacturing (AM) technology is now at the point where some metallic turbine components are being fabricated for both development and production purposes. The goal of this phase II project is to continue the evaluation of AM Nickel Alloy X fabricated by electron beam (EB) or laser beam (LB) powder bed fusion (PBF) process for gas turbine applications. Microstructure, mechanical and oxidation properties characterization was conducted on test specimens produced with powders of different chemistries within the typical material specification range. Powders with high Silicon (Si) content for the LB-PBF and low Si content for the EB-PBF displayed significant cracking levels in the AM Nickel Alloy X material. Accordingly, optimum fatigue performance would require careful control of powder chemistry, optimization of the fabrication parameters for a given powder and use of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) post treatment. Oxidation testing conducted at 1472°F (800ºC) in air showed that the roughness of the EB-PBF specimens led to an increase in specimen mass change, but overall the AM specimens exhibited oxidation behavior at 1472°F (800ºC) that is appropriate for applications in gas turbine engines. Assessment of the geometric capability of the LB-PBF and EBPBF systems using artifacts representative of turbine component geometries revealed that the LB-PBF process is well-suited for the fabrication of intricate geometries needed for turbine engine fuel injector components, but further process development is required to improve the EB-PBF system feature resolution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1989

Stratified charge rotary engine combustion studies

Analytical and experimental studies of the combustion process in a stratified charge rotary engine (SCRE) continue to be the subject of active research in recent years. Specifically to meet the demand for more sophisticated products, a detailed understanding of the engine system of interest is warranted. With this in mind the objective of this work is to develop an understanding of the controlling factors that affect the SCRE combustion process so that an efficient power dense rotary engine can be designed. The influence of the induction-exhaust systems and the rotor geometry are believed to have a significant effect on combustion chamber flow characteristics. In this report, emphasis is centered on Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements and on qualitative flow visualizations in the combustion chamber of the motored rotary engine assembly. This will provide a basic understanding of the flow process in the RCE and serve as a data base for verification of numerical simulations. Understanding fuel injection provisions is also important to the successful operation of the stratified charge rotary engine. Toward this end, flow visualizations depicting the development of high speed, high pressure fuel jets are described. Friction is an important consideration in an engine from the standpoint of lost work, durability and reliability. MSU Engine Research Laboratory efforts in accessing the frictional losses associated with the rotary engine are described. This includes work which describes losses in bearing, seal and auxillary components. Finally, a computer controlled mapping system under development is described. This system can be used to map shapes such as combustion chamber, intake manifolds or turbine blades accurately.

Shock, H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The Penn State ORSER system for processing and analyzing ERTS and other MSS data

The Office for Remote Sensing of Earth Resources (ORSER) of the Space Science and Engineering Laboratory (SSEL) at the Pennsylvania State University has developed an extensive operational system for processing and analyzing ERTS-1 and similar multispectral data. The ORSER system was developed for use by a wide variety of researchers working in remote sensing. Both photointerpretive techniques and automatic computer processing methods have been developed and used, separately and in a combined approach. A Remote Job Entry (RJE) system permits use of an IBM 370/168 computer from any compatible remote terminal, including equipment tied in by long-distance telephone connections. An elementary cost analysis has been prepared for the processing of ERTS data.

Mcmurtry, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Hybridized Agile Software Development of Flight Control Team Tools for International Space Station's Payload Operations Integration Center

Ground systems operations at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Payload Operations and Integration Function (POIF) is increasing, via the High Operations Tempo (HOT) initiative, its ability to support more science activities with a fourth crew member on the International Space Station (ISS). The Flight Control Team's need to support this increased crew presence mandated the need for a series of software tools to better handle the increasing pace of payload science operations. The overall need was clear from the outset, but the full scope and user experience for each tool, were not as well understood, so establishing a fixed set of initial requirements was not feasible. An Agile Software Development (ASD) paradigm takes advantage of uncertainty, and plans for it, so it was deemed the most appropriate approach to create room for exploring novel concepts, and to mount a rapid and flexible response to inevitiably changing requirements. It facilitated the need for unprecedented collaboration between the Product Team (i.e. users from the Flight Control Team) and the Development Team (i.e. POIC systems engineers, developers, testers). This is a process shift in the development, test, and release of software from one that is prescriptive to one that is adaptive, which is necessary for these tools to have longevity. The application of ASD to the product development lifecycle permitted the timely incorporation of customer feedback, and, allowed for continuous quality improvements. This resulted in a suite of tools that are efficient, user-friendly, and enable POIF ground systems to support the increasing pace of payload science operations. ASD is not as much a set of prescriptive processes as it is a shift in mindset; one that moves from planning against change, to planning for change, thereby iteratively growing software towards user-defined value.

Albers, Cerese M.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Principles to Products: Toward Realizing MOS 2.0

This is a report on the Operations Revitalization Initiative, part of the ongoing NASA-funded Advanced Multi-Mission Operations Systems (AMMOS) program. We are implementing products that significantly improve efficiency and effectiveness of Mission Operations Systems (MOS) for deep-space missions. We take a multi-mission approach, in keeping with our organization's charter to "provide multi-mission tools and services that enable mission customers to operate at a lower total cost to NASA." Focusing first on architectural fundamentals of the MOS, we review the effort's progress. In particular, we note the use of stakeholder interactions and consideration of past lessons learned to motivate a set of Principles that guide the evolution of the AMMOS. Thus guided, we have created essential patterns and connections (detailed in companion papers) that are explicitly modeled and support elaboration at multiple levels of detail (system, sub-system, element...) throughout a MOS. This architecture is realized in design and implementation products that provide lifecycle support to a Mission at the system and subsystem level. The products include adaptable multi-mission engineering documentation that describes essentials such as operational concepts and scenarios, requirements, interfaces and agreements, information models, and mission operations processes. Because we have adopted a model-based system engineering method, these documents and their contents are meaningfully related to one another and to the system model. This means they are both more rigorous and reusable (from mission to mission) than standard system engineering products. The use of models also enables detailed, early (e.g., formulation phase) insight into the impact of changes (e.g., to interfaces or to software) that is rigorous and complete, allowing better decisions on cost or technical trades. Finally, our work provides clear and rigorous specification of operations needs to software developers, further enabling significant gains in productivity.

AMMOS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Reliable SOFC Systems

The goal of this U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored project was to advance the reliability, robustness and endurance of low-cost SOFC technology suitable for ultimate deployment in ≥100 MWe Integrated Gasification Fuel Cell (IGFC) or Natural Gas Fuel Cell (NGFC) systems capable of ≥97% CO2 capture. The ultimate SOFC program goals are ≤ 0.2% per 1000 hours power degradation over a 5-plus year stack life, high-volume (≥ 250 MW/year) stack production cost of ≤$225/kWsystem net AC, and “power block” (exclusive of fuel supply, contaminant removal, and CO2 capture subsystems) capital cost of ≤ 900/kWsystem net AC (in year 2011). To progress towards the ultimate program goals, the specific objectives of this project were to achieve an SOFC stack power degradation rate of ≤1.5% per 1000 hours in a 100 kW (125 kW Peak) Modular Power Block (MPB) stand-alone power system under thermally self-sustained normal operating conditions and to verify the prospects for high volume SOFC stack production cost below the DOE target of ≤ 225/kW. This final technical report summarizes the progress made during the project period of 36 months. Significant progress was made in the areas of cell and stack technology development, Modular Power Block (MPB) development, sub-MW MPB system development, and MW-class SOFC System Development and Costing. The work focused on areas necessary for comprehensive development of an SOFC fuel cell system, including, active cell improvement, contaminant resistance, process engineering, and development of non-repeat module components. Additionally, several custom built balance-of-plant components were designed and fabricated to support the fuel cell system. SOFC cell and stack development focused on improving cell performance and durability. Enhancements were achieved in areas of electrode stability and impurity tolerance. Additionally, several quality control techniques and tools were developed to ensure predictable and repeatable fabrication of SOFC stacks. Module development continued previous development efforts to achieve footprint reduction and higher efficiency by incorporating balance-of-plant functional equipment into the fuel cell containment module. Several improvements were made to prior design. Control and instrumentation hardware was integrated within the module for serviceability and size reduction. The design efforts culminated in a complete SOFC power plant system. The designed plant was constructed and tested at FCE. Stack and system costs were updated, reflecting advances made in this program.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS2023

Digital Engineering Design Center (DEDC): Modelling an ISRU System

The DEDC provides immersive project-based learning on digital engineering toolsets and processes supporting NASA’s digital transformation goals: - Digital Engineering uses authoritative sources of systems' data and models as a continuum across disciplines to support integrated digital approach life cycle activities from concept through disposal. - The digital environment provided includes the state-of-the-art digital engineering suite, Siemens Xcelerator. The pilot project is developing an end-to-end integrated model of an In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) system for commodities production: - ISRU uses local resources to provide mission consumables to enable a sustainable Moon or Mars surface presence. - The final digital twin product will include a methanation reactor, condenser, and electrolyzer subsystem.

Digital Engineering Design Center↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Application of Agile for Systems Engineering, Project Management and Modeling and Lessons Learned

The Systems Engineering team within the Human Research Program (HRP) Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element has been transforming its development processes to be more efficient, robust,and responsive to change and to its stakeholders. To these ends, the Systems Engineering team trialed the integration of agile development techniques into existing and new processes. Agile development methods are well understood within the software development community. Outside ofsoftware development, however, how non-software project management (PM) and systems engineering (SE) teams implement agile development techniques is less well understood. In its transformation efforts, the ExMC SE team focused on three main areas: Improving the project communications among subsystem teams and stakeholders by adopting a scrum-like process, Changing the status and reporting mechanisms to improve schedule coordination between the subsystem team, SE leadership, and ExMC Element leadership, and Unifying the model-based SE workflow to improve understanding of Concepts of Operations across projects.This presentation highlights several of these transformations and what the SE team learned while undergoing the transformation.

S Lumpkins↗
NASA NTRS2003

Shuttle Systems 3-D Applications: Application of 3-D Graphics in Engineering Training for Shuttle Ground Processing

This project illustrates an animation of the orbiter mate to the external tank, an animation of the OMS POD installation to the orbiter, and a simulation of the landing gear mechanism at the Kennedy Space Center. A detailed storyboard was created to reflect each animation or simulation. Solid models were collected and translated into Pro/Engineer's prt and asm formats. These solid models included computer files of the: orbiter, external tank, solid rocket booster, mobile launch platform, transporter, vehicle assembly building, OMS POD fixture, and landing gear. A depository of the above solid models was established. These solid models were translated into several formats. This depository contained the following files: stl for sterolithography, stp for neutral file work, shrinkwrap for compression, tiff for photoshop work, jpeg for Internet use, and prt and asm for Pro/Engineer use. Solid models were created of the material handling sling, bay 3 platforms, and orbiter contact points. Animations were developed using mechanisms to reflect each storyboard. Every effort was made to build all models technically correct for engineering use. The result was an animated routine that could be used by NASA for training material handlers and uncovering engineering safety issues.

Godfrey, Gary S.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Resource Aware Intelligent Network Services (RAINS) Final Technical Report

The Resource Aware Intelligent Network Services (RAINS) project conducted research and developed technologies in the area of cyber infrastructure resource modeling and computation. The goal of this work was to provide a foundation to enable intelligent, software defined services which spanned the network AND the resources which connect to the network. A Multi-Resource Service Plane (MRSP) was defined, which allows resource owners/managers to locate and place themselves from a topology and service availability perspective within the dynamic networked cyberinfrastructure ecosystem. The MRSP enables the presentation of integrated topology views and computation results which can include resources across the spectrum of compute, storage, and networks. The RAINS project developed MSRP includes the following key components: i) Multi-Resource Service (MRS) Ontology/Multi-Resource Markup Language (MRML), ii) Resource Computation Engine (RCE), iii) Modular Driver Framework (to allow integration of a variety of external resources). The MRS/MRML is a general and extensible modeling framework that allows for resource owners to model, or describe, a wide variety of resource types. All resources are described using three categories of elements: Resources, Services, and Relationships between the elements. This modeling framework defines a common method for the transformation of cyber infrastructure resources into data in the form of MRML models. In order to realize this infrastructure datification, the RAINS project developed a model based computation system, i.e. “RAINS Computation Engine (RCE)”. The RCE has the ability to ingest, process, integrate, and compute based on automatically generated MRML models. The RCE interacts with the resources thru system drivers which are specific to the type of external network or resource controller. The RAINS project developed a modular and pluggable driver system which facilities a variety of resource controllers to automatically generate, maintain, and distribute MRML based resource descriptions. Once all of the resource topologies are absorbed by the RCE, a connected graph of the full distributed system topology is constructed, which forms the basis for computation and workflow processing. The RCE includes a Modular Computation Element (MCE) framework which allows for tailoring of the computation process to the specific set of resources under control, and the services desired. The input and output of an MCE are both model data based on MRS/MRML ontology and schema. Some of the RAINS project accomplishments include: Development of general and extensible multi-resource modeling framework; Design of a Resource Computation Engine (RCE) system which includes the following key capabilities; Absorb a variety of multi-resource model types and build integrated models; Novel architecture which uses model based communications across the full stack for all Flexible provision of abstract or intent based user facing interfaces; Workflow processing based on model descriptions; Release of the RCE as an open source software; Deployment of RCE in the University of Maryland/Mid-Atlantic Crossroad ScienceDMZ in prototype mode with a plan under way to transition to production; Deployment at the Argonne National Laboratory DTN Facility in prototype mode; Selection of RCE by the DOE SENSE (SDN for End-to-end Networked Science at the Exascale) project as the basis for their orchestration service.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1982

Report on the subpanel on remapping procedures

Problems associated with remapping procedures are defined and research tasks are proposed. It is noted that the remapping/rectification process could be significantly aided through engineering systems improvements in attitude control, with subsequent improvement in spacecraft ephemeris modeling accuracy. There is a need for state-of-the-art technology assessments prior to initiation of major programs, and the high potential return from well formulated testing of algorithms on selected data sets of actual and synthetic imagery. In addition, there is a need for tasks that incorporate standard photogrammetric methodology and formulas and that more fully utilize platform and calibration data from current and proposed sensors to reproject digital imagery. The impact of improved platform stability and integration of global positioning system measurements on reduced ground segment processing needs to be critically assessed. Also highlighted is the need for a substantial effort in the development of remapping software and systems that are modular and transportable.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2013

MODEL BASED BIOMASS SYSTEM DESIGN OF FEEDSTOCK SUPPLY SYSTEMS FOR BIOENERGY PRODUCTION

Engineering feedstock supply systems that deliver affordable, high-quality biomass remains a challenge for the emerging bioenergy industry. Cellulosic biomass is geographically distributed and has diverse physical and chemical properties. Because of this feedstock supply systems that deliver cellulosic biomass resources to biorefineries require integration of a broad set of engineered unit operations. These unit operations include harvest and collection, storage, preprocessing, and transportation processes. Design decisions for each feedstock supply system unit operation impact the engineering design and performance of the other system elements. These interdependencies are further complicated by spatial and temporal variances such as climate conditions and biomass characteristics. This paper develops an integrated model that couples a SQL-based data management engine and systems dynamics models to design and evaluate biomass feedstock supply systems. The integrated model, called the Biomass Logistics Model (BLM), includes a suite of databases that provide 1) engineering performance data for hundreds of equipment systems, 2) spatially explicit labor cost datasets, and 3) local tax and regulation data. The BLM analytic engine is built in the systems dynamics software package PowersimTM. The BLM is designed to work with thermochemical and biochemical based biofuel conversion platforms and accommodates a range of cellulosic biomass types (i.e., herbaceous residues, short- rotation woody and herbaceous energy crops, woody residues, algae, etc.). The BLM simulates the flow of biomass through the entire supply chain, tracking changes in feedstock characteristics (i.e., moisture content, dry matter, ash content, and dry bulk density) as influenced by the various operations in the supply chain. By accounting for all of the equipment that comes into contact with biomass from the point of harvest to the throat of the conversion facility and the change in characteristics, the BLM evaluates economic performance of the engineered system, as well as determining energy consumption and green house gas performance of the design. This paper presents a BLM case study delivering corn stover to produce cellulosic ethanol. The case study utilizes the BLM to model the performance of several feedstock supply system designs. The case study also explores the impact of temporal variations in climate conditions to test the sensitivity of the engineering designs. Results from the case study show that under certain conditions corn stover can be delivered to the cellulosic ethanol biorefinery for $35/dry ton.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗