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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 703 records · Page 39
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Atmospheric moisture fields derived by satellite observations over the tropical Pacific Ocean

Values of precipitable water are retrieved over the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean from TOVS infrared and microwave channel brightness temperature and OLR observations by means of stepwise linear regression. The most useful temperature and moisture sensing channels are pre-selected from sensitivity tests of a radiative transfer model. Numerous models are developed and tested against collocated radiosonde observations and Nimbus-7 SMMR precipitable water estimates. For RAOB comparisons, the best estimator used 15 TOVS predictors and captured 71.1 deg percent of the variance (+0.62 g/sq cm standard error) for column precipitable water; for precipitable water of 700-500 mb bulk layer, these values were 71.7 percent and +/- 0.17 g/sq cm. Little skill of estimated precipitable water was obtained for moisture above 500 mb. Regressions were less skillful against SMMR, unless collocation parameters were tightly controlled; SMMR was less acceptable than RAOB's because of observational drift and errors. Generally, the most skillful predictors were boundary layer brightness temperatures of TOVS channels and satellite estimated stability indices. 'Moisture channels' were hardly useful except for estimating middle and upper tropospheric moisture. Additional regression models were constructed testing the sensitivity to different observational and meteorological characteristics. Models which used some in situ observations surface observations or stabilities calculated from RAOB, were the most successful. The best of these explained 87.5 percent of the variance but the regression selected almost no TOVS channels, relying instead on conventional RAOB and surface observations. A set of four regression models were developed, stratifying atmospheric characteristics on the basis of collocated OLR values. These models improved the variance explained by 5.0 percent; the model associated with the highest OLR values (275 W/sq m less than or equal to OLR; that is, no cloud) showed only marginal skill. Precipitable water fields were generated from the best TOVS-only model for seven days in January 1983 and compared with SMMR-estimated fields. OLR fields and ECMWF precipitable water analysis. The TOVS regression model compared favorably to the SMMR analysis in amplitudes and features. It revealed more evolving synoptic signal than the ECMWF analysis. In synoptically active regions, it differed with respect to the OLR analysis, primarily because of actual differences in the vertical distribution of water vapor.

Chung, Hyosang↗
NASA NTRS2003

Experimental Results From a 2kW Brayton Power Conversion Unit

This paper presents experimental test results from operation of a 2 kWe Brayton power conversion unit. The Brayton converter was developed for a solar dynamic power system flight experiment planned for the Mir Space Station in 1997. The flight experiment was cancelled, but the converter was tested at Glenn Research Center as part of the Solar Dynamic Ground Test Demonstration system which included a solar concentrator, heat receiver, and space radiator. In preparation for the current testing, the heat receiver was removed and replaced with an electrical resistance heater, simulating the thermal input of a steady-state nuclear source. The converter was operated over a full range of thermal input power levels and rotor speeds to generate an overall performance map. The converter unit will serve as the centerpiece of a Nuclear Electric Propulsion Testbed at Glenn. Future potential uses for the Testbed include high voltage electrical controller development, integrated electric thruster testing and advanced radiator demonstration testing to help guide high power Brayton technology development for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP).

Hervol, David↗
NASA NTRS2017

Shape Morphing Adaptive Radiator Technology (SMART) Updates to Techport Entry

The Shape-Morphing Adaptive Radiator Technology (SMART) project builds off the FY16 research effort that developed a flexible composite radiator panel and demonstrated its ability to actuate from SMA's attached to it. The proposed FY17 Shape-Morphing Adaptive Radiator Technology (SMART) project's goal is to 1) develop a practical radiator design with shape memory alloys (SMAs) bonded to the radiator's panel, and 2) build a multi-panel radiator prototype for subsequent system level thermal vacuum tests. The morphing radiator employs SMA materials to passively change its shape to adapt its rate of heat rejection to vehicle requirements. Conceptually, the radiator panel has a naturally closed position (like a cylinder) in a cold environment. Whenever the radiator's temperature gradually rises, SMA's affixed to the face sheet will pull the face sheet open a commensurate amount - increasing the radiators view to space and causing it to reject more heat. In a vehicle, the radiator's variable heat rejection capabilities would reduce the number of additional heat rejection devices in a vehicle's thermal control system. This technology aims to help achieve the required maximum to minimum heat rejection ratio required for manned space vehicles to adopt a lighter, simpler, single loop thermal control architecture (ATCS). Single loop architectures are viewed as an attractive means to reduce mass and complexity over traditional dual-loop solutions. However, fluids generally considered safe enough to flow within crewed cabins (e.g. propylene glycol-water mixtures) have much higher freezing points and viscosities than those used in the external sides of dual loop ATCSs (e.g. Ammonia and HFE7000).

Erickson, Lisa↗
NASA NTRS1990

Comparison and testing of extended Kalman filters for attitude estimation of the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite

This paper presents the testing and comparison of two extended Kalman filters (EKFs) developed for the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS). One EKF updates the attitude quaternion using a four-component additive error quaternion. This technique is compared to that of a second EKF, which uses a multiplicative error quaternion. Brief developments of the algorithms are included. The convergence properties, singularity problems, and normalization techniques of the two filters are addressed. Both filters are tested with simulated ERBS sensor data in addition to real ERBS sensor data. The results of the two filters are also compared to those from the ERBS operational ground support software, which uses a batch differential correction algorithm to estimate attitude and gyro biases.

Bar-Itzhack, Itzhack Y.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Apolipoprotein E expression and behavioral toxicity of high charge, high energy (HZE) particle radiation

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a lipid binding protein that plays an important role in tissue repair following brain injury. In the present studies, we have investigated whether apoE affects the behavioral toxicity of high charge, high energy (HZE) particle radiation. METHODS: Sixteen male apoE knockout (KO) mice and sixteen genetically matched wild-type (WT) C57BL mice were used in this experiment. Half of the KO and half of the WT animals were irradiated with 600 MeV/amu iron particles (2 Gy whole body). The effect of irradiation on motor coordination and stamina (Rotarod test), exploratory behavior (open field test), and spatial working and reference memory (Morris water maze) was assessed. ROTAROD TEST: Performance was adversely affected by radiation exposure in both KO and WT groups at 30 d after irradiation. By 60 d after radiation, the radiation effect was lost in WT, but still apparent in irradiated KO mice. OPEN FIELD TEST: Radiation reduced open field exploratory activity 14, 28, 56, 84, and 168 d after irradiation of KO mice, but had no effect on WT mice. MORRIS WATER MAZE: Radiation adversely affected spatial working memory in the KO mice, but had no discernible effect in the WT mice as assessed 180 d after irradiation. In contrast, irradiated WT mice showed marked impairment of spatial reference memory in comparison to non-irradiated mice, while no effect of radiation was observed in KO mice. CONCLUSIONS: These studies show that apoE expression influences the behavioral toxicity of HZE particle radiation and suggest that apoE plays a role in the repair/recovery from radiation injury of the CNS. ApoE deficiency may exacerbate the previously reported effects of HZE particle radiation in accelerating the brain aging process.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1971

Test of 50-kw heat-pipe radiator.

A heat pipe radiator consisting of 100 sodium-filled, 1.91-cm OD, stainless steel heat pipes has been tested at temperatures up to 760 C. This radiator was initially designed to have a heat pipe temperature of 740 C with a central coolant channel temperature of 771 C. The as-fabricated radiator heat pipe temperatures varied from 605 C to 700 C when the central coolant channel average temperature was 740 C. The heat pipes operated at 25 C to 110 C lower-than-expected temperatures, resulting in a 43 kW heat rejection capability vs the 50 kW design goal and the 65 kW ultimate capability of the radiator. The 43 kW heat rejection yields a mass/heat rejection ratio of 0.182 kg/kWt which is good for this early state-of-the-art heat pipe radiator. An end-of-mission life specific weight of 0.154 kg/kW is apparently achievable with improvements in radiator fabrication and brazing techniques.

Kikin, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Slow positron beam generator for lifetime studies

A slow positron beam generator uses a conductive source residing between two test films. Moderator pieces are placed next to the test film on the opposite side of the conductive source. A voltage potential is applied between the moderator pieces and the conductive source. Incident energetic positrons: (1) are emitted from the conductive source; (2) are passed through test film; and (3) isotropically strike moderator pieces before diffusing out of the moderator pieces as slow positrons, respectively. The slow positrons diffusing out of moderator pieces are attracted to the conductive source which is held at an appropriate potential below the moderator pieces. The slow positrons have to pass through the test films before reaching the conductive source. A voltage is adjusted so that the potential difference between the moderator pieces and the conductive source forces the positrons to stop in the test films. Measurable annihilation radiation is emitted from the test film when positrons annihilate (combine) with electrons in the test film.

Singh, Jag J.↗
NASA NTRS2002

SEE and TID extension testing of the Xilinx XQR18V04 4Mbit radiation hardened configuration PROM

The XQR18V04 was evaluated for single event upset rates using proton and heavy ions. The PROM was demonstrated to be immune to latch-up, as well as to static upset in the flash memory cells, to an LET > 125 MeV/mg/cmz (effective). The PROM was also tested in a dynamic mode, which revealed three distinct error modes: Read Bit Errors, Address Errors, and a Single Event Functional Interrupt (SEW which affected the data output drivers. Saturation cross-sections, and onset thresholds, for these errorinodes were measured at the heavy ion facility at Texas A&M University, and the proton facility at UC Davis. Additional testing was performed at UC Davis and the Cobalt 60 source at McClellan Air Force Base to examine the effect to TID life as a function of power biasing. The PROM demonstrated a 100% improvement in total TID life with an 84% percent decrease in device usage.

FPGA Virtex II SEU↗
NASA NTRS1975

Radiation cooler for 10 micrometer wavelength engineering model receiver model no. 7172, serial no. 201

The design, fabrication, and testing of a radiative cooler are described. This cooler is an engineering model suitable for bench testing in the laboratory as a part of the 10-micrometer wavelength engineering model receiver, and conforms to the standard radiative cooler configuration, except that the inner stage and its support system were redesigned to accommodate the larger, heavier SAT detector. This radiative cooler will cool the detector to cryogenic temperature levels when the receiver is in a space environment or in a suitable thermal vacuum chamber. Equipment specifications are given along with the results of thermal tests, vibration tests, and electrical integrity tests.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1994

Development of radiation resistant electrical cable insulations

Two new polyethylene cable insulations have been formulated for nuclear applications and have been tested under gamma radiation. Both insulations are based on low density polyethylene, one with PbO and the other with Sb2O3 as additives. The test results show that the concept of using inorganic antioxidants to retard radiation initiated oxidation (RIO) is viable. PbO is more effective than Sb2O3 in minimizing RIO.

Lee, B. S.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Single-Event Effect Report for EPC Series eGaN FETs: EPC1001, EPC1010, EPC1014, EPC1012

Heavy ion testing of newly available GaN FETs from EPC were tested in March of 2012 at TAM. The EPC1010, EPC1001, EPC1012, and EPC1014 were tested for general radiation response from gold and xenon ions. Overall the devices showed radiation degradation commensurate with breakdown in isolation oxides, and similar testing by EPC and Microsemi agrees with these data. These devices were the first generation production of the device called Gen1. Gen2 parts are scheduled for later in the third quarter of FY2012

Scheick, Leif↗
NASA NTRS2013

Single-Event Effect Report for EPC Series eGaN FETs: EPC1001, EPC1010, EPC1014, EPC1012

Heavy ion testing of newly available GaN FETs from EPC were tested in March of 2012 at TAM. The EPC1010, EPC1001, EPC1012, and EPC1014 were tested for general radiation response from gold and xenon ions. Overall the devices showed radiation degradation commensurate with breakdown in isolation oxides, and similar testing by EPC and Microsemi agrees with these data. These devices were the first generation production of the device called Gen1. Gen2 parts are scheduled for later in the third quarter of FY2012

Scheick, Leif↗
DOE OSTI2023

Beam Test Results of the RADiCAL—A Radiation Hard Innovative EM Calorimeter

High-performance calorimetry conducted at future hadron colliders, such as the FCC-hh, poses a significant challenge for applying current detector technologies due to unprecedented beam luminosities and radiation fields. Solutions include developing scintillators that are capable of separating events at the sub-fifty picosecond level while also maintaining performance after extreme and constant neutron and ionizing radiation exposure. The radiation-hard innovative calorimeter (RADiCAL) is an approach that incorporates radiation tolerant materials in a sampling “shashlik”-style calorimeter configuration, using quartz capillaries filled with organic liquid or polymer-based wavelength shifters embedded in layers of tungsten plates and lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) crystals. Here, this novel design intends to address the priority research directions (PRD) for calorimetry listed in the DOE basic research needs (BRN) workshop for high energy physics (HEP) instrumentation. Here we report preliminary results from an experimental run at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility (FTBF) in June 2022. These tests demonstrate that the RADiCAL concept is capable of ¡50 ps timing resolution.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS2001

Addressing EO-1 Spacecraft Pulsed Plasma Thruster EMI Concerns

The Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) Experiment on the Earth Observing One (EO-1) spacecraft has been designed to demonstrate the capability of a new generation PPT to perform spacecraft attitude control. Results from PPT unit level radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) tests led to concerns about potential interference problems with other spacecraft subsystems. Initial plans to address these concerns included firing the PPT at the spacecraft level both in atmosphere, with special ground support equipment. and in vacuum. During the spacecraft level tests, additional concerns where raised about potential harm to the Advanced Land Imager (ALI). The inadequacy of standard radiated emission test protocol to address pulsed electromagnetic discharges and the lack of resources required to perform compatibility tests between the PPT and an ALI test unit led to changes in the spacecraft level validation plan. An EMI shield box for the PPT was constructed and validated for spacecraft level ambient testing. Spacecraft level vacuum tests of the PPT were deleted. Implementation of the shield box allowed for successful spacecraft level testing of the PPT while eliminating any risk to the ALI. The ALI demonstration will precede the PPT demonstration to eliminate any possible risk of damage of ALI from PPT operation.

Zakrzwski, C. M.↗