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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2017

GEER Status Update

History: The Glenn Extreme Environments Rig (GEER) first became operational in the early part of 2015. Since that time GEER has completed a number of scientific tests and has undergone improvements in the chemical delivery system and analytics following a year of operations experience. Recent Updates: In June 2016, the GEER process system was rebuilt to provide a more robust system, higher accuracy and new capabilities. New insulation was installed on the exterior of the pressure vessel and gas lines. The newly revamped GEER plumbing system can provide extremely precise custom gas mixtures using any gas desired by the investigator in any combination. GEER can heat the resulting mixture up to 500 deg C and 1500 psia. The 304 stainless steel vessel walls were polished to reduce corrosion rate and reduce unwanted chemical reactions. The process lines were replaced with high purity Sulfinert coated tubing. The GEER team added the ability to individually boost specialty gases to GEER thus allowing operators to make very precise changes to the gas chemistry inside of GEER during a test while at high temperature and pressure. High accuracy mass flow meters were added to further improve gas mixing accuracy and precision. An in-line, integrated Inficon MicroGC Fusion was added for real time gas analysis along with a high purity gas sampling system, providing fully automated, real time analysis of the gas chemistry inside of GEER in minutes. This complements a co-located mass spectrometer and both are used for regular monitoring of the vessel chemistry. All internal vessel components were replaced with polished 304SS equivalents. Hot vent down capability was increased. Finally, an automated liquid injection system was added and is rated for max vessel operating conditions of (1500 psia, 500 C). Recent Results and Publications: In May 2016, GEER completed a test that exposed high temperature electronics to Venus surface conditions for 21.5 days. This demonstrated the potential for operating robotic spacecraft in the Venus environment without the need for thermal or environmental protection. Results from this test were published in December 2016 and received national media attention. In April 2017 GEER implemented an 80 day test at Venus surface conditions to simulate chemical weathering of expected Venus minerals. This test supported a ROSES award to a team led by Prof. Ralph Harvey of Case Western Reserve University. The test concluded in July 2017 and nearly doubled previous operation record of 42 days at Venus surface conditions. Preliminary results of these and previous experiments were presented at the recent Venus Modeling Workshop. In June 2017, NASA TM2017-219437 "Chemical and Microstructural Changes in Metallic and Ceramic Materials Exposed to Venusian Surface Conditions" was published. This report provides an extensive and valuable resource detailing the behavior of a variety of engineering materials at Venus surface conditions. Community Involvement: An external science advisory panel has been formed.

Kremic, Tibor↗
DOE OSTI2024

Advanced Multi-Dimensional Capacitance Sensors Based Subsea Multiphase Mass Flow Meter to Measure and Monitor Offshore Enhanced Oil

This innovation is based on advanced multi-dimensional extensions of ECVT sensors that involve ECVT, Displacement Current Phase Tomography (DCPT), Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars polarization effect (MWS), and velocimetry which exploit the variation of electric properties between the oil, water, and gas coming out of the well. Capacitance sensors are embedded on the inside of a pipe spool and placed in-line with the subsea oil line piping on the extraction end of the well. The difference in dielectric, dielectric loss, surface polarization, and velocity of each phase are used in the multi-dimensional algorithm to measure the volume fraction, distribution, velocity, mass flow rate, and flow regime of the mixture moving through the pipe.

02 PETROLEUM↗
NASA NTRS2018

Robust Bonding Through Process Control

Process control has been proven to be the most reliable means of safeguarding the quality of adhesive bonds according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A method for implementing process control for reduction in risk in a bonded joint fabrication process is demonstrated in this study using a selected bonding system. The stepwise method included risk analysis to identify defects with the highest impact and likelihood to occur, evaluation of various pre-bond surface analysis tools to monitor for the selected defects, and demonstration of the benefits of in-process monitoring utilizing threshold limits determined from bond performance tests. The bonded system selected for investigation was an aerospace carbon fiber epoxy composite substrate surface prepared with random orbital sanding using 180 grit aluminum oxide sand paper. A series of portable, pre-bond surface analysis tools were investigated for their ability to be used for in-line bond process control. Results and threshold limits are presented from roughness, ballistic water contact angle (WCA), color, gloss, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) surface analysis tools. Results demonstrated how in-process inspection methods can be used to ensure quality of a surface preparation for a selected bonding system. A framework is provided for implementation of bond process control for robust bonding.

Kutscha, Eileen O.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Simultaneous measurements of volume, pressure, optical images, and crystal structure with a dynamic diamond anvil cell: A real-time event monitoring system

The dynamic diamond anvil cell (dDAC) technique has attracted great interest because it possibly provides a bridge between static and dynamic compression studies with fast, repeatable, and controllable compression rates. The dDAC can be a particularly useful tool to study the pathways and kinetics of phase transitions under dynamic pressurization if simultaneous measurements of physical quantities are possible as a function of time. We report the development of a real-time event monitoring (RTEM) system with dDAC, which can simultaneously record the volume, pressure, optical image, and structure of materials during dynamic compression runs. In particular, the volume measurement using both Fabry–Pérot interferogram and optical images facilitates the construction of an equation of state (EoS) using the dDAC in a home-laboratory. We also developed an in-line ruby pressure measurement (IRPM) system to be deployed at a synchrotron x-ray facility. This system provides simultaneous measurements of pressure and x-ray diffraction in low and narrow pressure ranges. The EoSs of ice VI obtained from the RTEM and the x-ray diffraction data with the IRPM are consistent with each other. The complementarity of both RTEM and IRPM systems will provide a great opportunity to scrutinize the detailed kinetic pathways of phase transitions using dDAC.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

FiberFlex: Real-time FPGA-based Intelligent and Distributed Fiber Sensor System for Pedestrian Recognition

In recent years, security monitoring of public places and critical infrastructure has heavily relied on the widespread use of cameras, raising concerns about personal privacy violations. To balance the need for effective security monitoring with the protection of personal privacy, we explore the potential of optical fiber sensors for this application. This article proposes FiberFlex, an intelligent and distributed fiber sensor system. Ultizing Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) high-level synthesis (HLS) acceleration, FiberFlex offers real-time pedestrian detection by co-designing the entire pipeline of optical signal acquisition, processing, and recognition networks based on the principles of optical fiber sensing. As a promising alternative to traditional camera-based monitoring systems, FiberFlex achieves pedestrian detection by analyzing the vibration patterns caused by pedestrian footsteps, enabling security monitoring while preserving individual privacy. FiberFlex comprises three modules: First , fiber-optic sensing system: A fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system is built and used to measure the ground vibration waves generated by people walking. Second , algorithms: We first collect the training data by measuring the ground vibration waves, label the data, and use the data to train the neural network models to perform pedestrian recognition. Third , hardware accelerators: We use HLS tools to design hardware modules on FPGA for data collection and pre-processing and integrate them with the downstream neural network accelerators to perform in-line real-time pedestrian detection. The final detection results are sent back from FPGA to the host CPU. We implement our system FiberFlex with the in-house built DAS system and AMD/Xilinx Kintex7 FPGA KC705 board and verify the whole system using the real-world collected data. We conduct recognition tests on five test subjects of varying ages, heights, and weights in a fixed sensing area. Each subject experienced 20 real-time recognition tests using their daily walking habits, and the subjects were given adequate rest between tests. After 100 tests on five test subjects, the overall real-time recognition accuracy exceeded \(88.0\%\) . The whole system uses 55 W of power, 33 W in the optical DAS system and 22 W in the FPGA. Relying on its end-to-end interdisciplinary design, FiberFlex seamlessly combines fiber-optic sensors with FPGA accelerators to enable low-power real-time security monitoring without compromising privacy, making it a valuable addition to the existing security monitoring network. According to FiberFlex, more valuable research can be conducted in the future, such as fall monitoring for the elderly, migration of identification networks between different application scenarios, and improvement of anti-interference performance in more complex environments. In future perception networks, where the “eyes” are not feasible, let’s use fiber optic touch instead.

Distributed↗
DOE OSTI2025

Analysis of Off-Gas Streams from Small- and Large-Scale Sparging Salt Vessels using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is being developed as an analytical monitoring tool for molten salt reactor (MSR) systems. A mobile LIBS platform was configured on a small-scale salt vessel (~100 g of salt) and then transported 0.6 km to successfully monitor an engineering-scale pumped salt loop (~100 kg of salt). Several studies on monitoring salt aerosols, hydrogen isotopes, and noble gases were performed on the small-scale system. All these studies were then implemented for monitoring various tests on the engineering-scale loop. Aerosolized salts from both the storage tank and pump bowl were monitored using LIBS to assess bulk salt analyte ratios (Mg, Na, K) and evaluate impurities (H, O, Ca). In addition to monitoring salt aerosols, LIBS was used in tandem with a residual gas analyzer (RGA) and a Raman spectroscopy system to detect hydrogen isotopes as they were sparged through and subsequently depleted from the loop storage tank. Lastly, a similar test with noble gases (100 ppm Kr, 1000 ppm Xe) was performed, in which LIBS demonstrated a faster response than the RGA used in-line. The tests and results are summarized in this report with detailed publications to follow. Key takeaways are listed in the conclusion of the report.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Defect Quantification in Metal Halide Perovskites Anticipates Photoluminescence and Photovoltaic Performance

Semiconductor material optimization requires quantification of performance and stability-dependent near-valence maximum and near-conduction minimum defects with sufficient energy resolution and sensitivity. In this work, we utilize a spectroscopy-electrochemistry approach to resolve the energy-distinct donor and acceptor defect concentrations in wide-gap (Cs .05 FA .79 MA .16 )Pb(I .87 Br .13 ) 3 perovskites, benchmarked against photoluminescence and photovoltaic device performance. Monitoring charge transfer events to electron acceptor and donor molecules within solid electrolyte top contacts enables defect quantification below 10 15 cm –3 at an energy resolution of 10 meV under device-relevant bias, well below levels reported by other methods. Further method sensitivity is demonstrated for defects arising from <2% formamidinium concentration modifications, mimicking compositional imperfections resulting from nonoptimized processing. This method provides the first complete perovskite energetic diagrams with small changes in composition, is nondestructive, compatible with in-line processing characterization, and will enable the semiconductor community to link molecular origins of defects with limitations in device performance across a wide array of optoelectronic platforms.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Near-Real-Time Material Tracking: Combining Vis–NIR Spectroscopy with Flow Sensing for Accurate Nd(III) Quantification

A fiber-optic visible–near-infrared (vis–NIR) absorption spectroscopy and flow sensor system has been developed for near-real-time tracking of Nd mass in the effluent stream from a column in a fume hood. The approach leverages two unique data streams and a partial least-squares regression (PLSR) model trained on vis–NIR absorption spectra of Nd(III) (0–1.5 M) in 1 M HNO 3 . In-line volumetric flow rate and vis–NIR spectra are measured in sequence after a chromatography column. The time stamps from each data stream are then synchronized, which allows integrated volumes to be combined with Nd(III) molarities predicted by a PLSR model to accurately calculate the Nd mass flowing through the column. This integrated measurement provides instantaneous mass flow and accumulates these data over time to obtain the total mass processed. The methodology developed in this study contributes critical technical infrastructure to improve monitoring capabilities to support chemical separations and the production of strategic materials and isotopes.

Irvine, Sawyer B. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (↗
NASA NTRS2010

In-Line Capacitance Sensor for Real-Time Water Absorption Measurements

A capacitance/dielectric sensor was designed, constructed, and used to measure in real time the in-situ water concentration in a desiccant water bed. Measurements were carried out with two experimental setups: (1) passing nitrogen through a humidity generator and allowing the gas stream to become saturated at a measured temperature and pressure, and (2) injecting water via a syringe pump into a nitrogen stream. Both water vapor generating devices were attached to a downstream vertically-mounted water capture bed filled with 19.5 g of Moisture Gone desiccant. The sensor consisted of two electrodes: (1) a 1/8" dia stainless steel rod placed in the middle of the bed and (2) the outer shell of the stainless steel bed concentric with the rod. All phases of the water capture process (background, heating, absorption, desorption, and cooling) were monitored with capacitance. The measured capacitance was found to vary linearly with the water content in the bed at frequencies above 100 kHz indicating dipolar motion dominated the signal; below this frequency, ionic motion caused nonlinearities in the water concentration/capacitance relationship. The desiccant exhibited a dielectric relaxation whose activation energy was lowered upon addition of water indicating either a less hindered rotational motion or crystal reorientation.

Nurge, Mark A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

International Space Station Urine Monitoring System Functional Integration and Science Testing

Exposure to microgravity during human spaceflight needs to be better understood as the human exploration of space requires longer duration missions. It is known that long term exposure to microgravity causes bone loss. Measuring the calcium and other metabolic byproducts in a crew member s urine can evaluate the effectiveness of bone loss countermeasures. The International Space Station (ISS) Urine Monitoring System (UMS) is an automated urine collection device designed to collect urine, separate the urine and air, measure the void volume, and allow for syringe sampling. Accurate measuring and minimal cross-contamination is essential to determine bone loss and the effectiveness of countermeasures. The ISS UMS provides minimal cross-contamination (<0.7 mL urine) and has volume accuracy of 2% between 100 to 1000 mL urine voids. Designed to provide a non-invasive means to collect urine samples from crew members, the ISS UMS operates in-line with the Node 3 Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC). The ISS UMS has undergone modifications required to interface with the WHC, including material changes, science algorithm improvements, and software platform revisions. Integrated functional testing was performed to determine the pressure drop, air flow rate, and the maximum amount of fluid capable of being discharged from the UMS to the WHC. This paper will detail the results of the science and the functional integration tests.

Rodriquez, Branelle R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Antimisting kerosene: Base fuel effects, blending and quality control techniques

The problems associated with blending of the AMK additive with Jet A, and the base fuel effects on AMK properties are addressed. The results from the evaluation of some of the quality control techniques for AMK are presented. The principal conclusions of this investigation are: significant compositional differences for base fuel (Jet A) within the ASTM specification DI655; higher aromatic content of the base fuel was found to be beneficial for the polymer dissolution at ambient (20 C) temperature; using static mixer technology, the antimisting additive (FM-9) is in-line blended with Jet A, producing AMK which has adequate fire-protection properties 15 to 20 minutes after blending; degradability of freshly blended and equilibrated AMK indicated that maximum degradability is reached after adequate fire protection is obtained; the results of AMK degradability as measured by filter ratio, confirmed previous RAE data that power requirements to decade freshly blended AMK are significantly higher than equilibrated AMK; blending of the additive by using FM-9 concentrate in Jet A produces equilibrated AMK almost instantly; nephelometry offers a simple continuous monitoring capability and is used as a real time quality control device for AMK; and trajectory (jet thurst) and pressure drop tests are useful laboratory techniques for evaluating AMK quality.

Yavrouian, A. H.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Crude Oil Remote Sensing, Characterization and Cleaning with CW and Pulsed Lasers

For detection, identification and characterization of crude oil we combine several optical methods of remote sensing of crude oil films and emulsions (coherent fringe projection illumination (CFP), holographic in-line interferometry (HILI), and laser induced fluorescence). These methods allow the three-dimensional characterization of oil spills, important for practical applications. Combined methods of CFP and HILI are described in the frame of coherent superposition of partial interference patterns. It is shown, that in addition to detection/identification laser illumination in the green-blue region can also degrade oil slicks. Different types of surfaces contaminated by oil spills are tested: oil on the water, oil on the flat solid surfaces and oil on the curved surfaces of pipes. For the detection and monitoring of the laser-induced oil degradation in pipes, coherent fiber bundles were used. Both continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed lasers are tested using pump-probe schemes. This finding suggests that properly structured laser clean-up can be an alternative environmentally-friendly method of decontamination, as compared to the currently used chemical methods that are dangerous to environment.

Kukhtareva, Tatiana↗
NASA NTRS2006

Integrated Liquid Bismuth Propellant Feed System

A prototype bismuth propellant feed and control system was constructed and tested. An electromagnetic pump was used in this system to provide fine control of the hydrostatic pressure, and a new type of in-line flow sensor was developed to provide an accurate, real-time measurement of the mass flow rate. High-temperature material compatibility was a driving design requirement for the pump and flow sensor, leading to the selection of macor for the main body of both components. Post-test inspections of both components revealed no cracks or leaking in either. In separate proof-of-concept experiments, the pump produced a linear pressure rise as a function of current that compared favorably with theoretical pump pressure predictions, with a pressure of 10 kPa at 30 A. Flow sensing was successfully demonstrated in a bench-top test using gallium as a substitute liquid metal. A real-time controller was successfully used to control the entire system, simultaneously monitoring all power supplies and performing data acquisition duties.

Polzin, Kurt A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development and characterization of the Capillary DirectINJECT System

The DirectINJECT Project was initiated to create a reliable in-line dosing system for delivering a concentrated silver ion biocide solution into spacecraft potable water. Three dosing systems, including a miniature peristaltic pump, a multi-piston pump, and a differential pressure-driven capillary tube, were quickly prototyped and tested. Although the peristaltic and multi-piston pump systems met the desired flow rate range, the capillary system showed the most promise and was chosen for further development. In FY23, the Capillary DirectINJECT dosing system underwent extensive testing with a nominal injection rate of 1.0 μl/min into varying backpressure conditions. A Primary DirectINJECT System with triplicate testbeds was employed for long-term testing, and auxiliary systems like the Secondary DirectINJECT System and Leak Testbed were developed to characterize specific components and investigate various phenomena related to the dosing system. Parameters such as flow rates, reservoir pressures, and temperature were monitored throughout the testing campaigns.

DirectINJECT↗
NASA NTRS2007

Liquid Bismuth Propellant Management System for the Very High Specific Impulse Thruster with Anode Layer

Two prototype bismuth propellant feed systems were constructed and operated in conjunction with a propellant vaporizer. One system provided bismuth to a vaporizer using gas pressurization but did not include a means to measure the flow rate. The second system incorporated an electromagnetic pump to provide fine control of the hydrostatic pressure and a new type of in-line flow sensor that was developed for accurate, real-time measurement of the mass flow rate. High-temperature material compatibility was a driving design requirement for the pump and flow sensor, leading to the selection of Macor for the main body of both components. Posttest inspections of both components revealed no degradation of the material. The gas pressurization system demonstrated continuous pressure control over a range from zero to 200 torr. In separate proof-of-concept experiments, the electromagnetic pump produced a linear pressure rise as a function of current that compared favorably with theoretical pump pressure predictions, producing a pressure rise of 10 kPa at 30 A. Preliminary flow sensor operation indicated a bismuth flow rate of 6 mg/s with an uncertainty of plus or minus 6%. An electronics suite containing a real-time controller was successfully used to control the entire system, simultaneously monitoring all power supplies and performing data acquisition duties.

Polzin, K. A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

PACE OCI Short-Wave Infrared Detection Assembly Optical System Design, Alignment, and Environmental Test

The Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), which will be integrated with the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite, will collect science data that will be used to monitor the health of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. The Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Detection Assembly (SDA), built and characterized by Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), is a subsystem of OCI consisting of 32 channels covering seven discrete optical bands of interest. A total of 16 SWIR Detection Subassemblies (SDSs) compose the SDA and house the cold optical system. The science data optical input for each SDS is supplied by a 0.22 NA multimode fiber interfacing with a fiber adapter. The diverging light from the fiber is collimated, split by a dichroic beamsplitter to two separate channels, filtered by the science filter, and then reimaged onto the single-element detectors with a final 0.76 NA. Aspheric, diamond-turned powered elements are used throughout the optical design. Fabrication and alignment tolerance analysis/budgets are balanced to ensure the optical system meets throughput requirements. All systems are aligned at ambient temperature using an InSb camera and an in-line illumination microscope system to directly image the active detector area through the science filters. Compensators used during alignment are detector focus and decenter, which are adjusted via photoetched shims in increments of 25 µm. Average focus and centering errors were less than 8 µm among all 32 flight and 10 flight spare detectors. Each SDS spectral response and conversion gain was verified at operational temperature of -65°C in vacuum.

OCI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Collaboration on SBIR/TTO Phase II Project for Optical QC Device and Collaboration on SBIR/TTO Phase II-b Project for Advanced Quality Inspection Device Development: Cooperative Research and Development CRADA Number CRD-16-00652 (Final Report)

The overall goal of this program is to develop and commercialize a turnkey quality control solution for the entire PEM fuel cell manufacturing process including membrane, gas diffusion layers, catalyst, and assembled systems. This quality control solution is unique to each customer’s specific needs but includes a suite of in-line quality control systems for roll-to-roll manufacturing that can target thin, transparent membrane as well as opaque membrane, catalyst, and GDLs. The Phase II developed the CPNUVV system for thin, transparent membrane that operates using polarized filters to enhance defect resolution and determine thickness. However, PEM material manufacturers want a complete, turnkey solution for all components of the PEM fuel cell. In the Phase IIB, Mainstream will partner with NREL, and transition reflectance technology NREL developed (US Patent 9,234,843) to operate in real-time on a web-line to develop a total solution to PEM quality control. The device will identify and mark defects as well as monitor materials thickness in real-time to improve line efficiency and to reduce waste. The research performed at NREL under this CRADA increases the basis of knowledge about optical inspection methods, how they perform with regards to fuel cell component materials, and how they can be implemented in in-line, real-time configurations to provide quality inspection for roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing. Methods explored were found to be sensitive to catalyst loading in electrodes on both membrane and gas diffusion media substrates and to membrane thickness, across a broad range of thickness. The latter capability is novel and now patented and provides a previously unstudied and undemonstrated capability for R2R manufacturing of membranes.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Integration of LIBS with Machine Learning for Real-Time Monitoring of Feedstock in H 2 Gasification Applications

This project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Office of Fossil Energy under Award Number DE-FE0032177, aimed to assess the feasibility of an integrated Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) system with advanced machine learning (ML) models for real-time characterization and potential control of hydrogen gasifiers running on waste materials as feedstocks. This was a multidisciplinary effort that encompassed the acquisition and standardized analysis of individual and blended feedstocks—comprising biomass, coal waste, and plastic waste, followed by the development of a dynamic LIBS bench system for material sample analysis and development of predictive ML models. Comprehensive laboratory testing enabled the creation of a robust elemental dataset that served as the foundation for ML model training. Techniques such as Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Regression, and Neural Networks were employed to predict key feedstock properties, including higher heating value (HHV), moisture content, thermal conductivity, and ash composition with high accuracy. The results were validated against experimental data and demonstrated strong potential for real-time application in gasifier control systems. The project concluded with a study on the integration of the LIBS+ML approach for gasifier control and a techno-economic analysis of the implementation of the approach into hydrogen (H 2 ) gasification systems. Dissemination of results was carried out at a DOE meeting. This work establishes a scalable framework for automated, in-line feedstock quality assessment, offering significant implications for process optimization and emissions reduction in hydrogen production.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗