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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
DOE OSTI2024

Simultaneous optimization of simulated moving bed adsorption and distillation for 2,3‐butanediol recovery

Abstract A combined simulated moving bed (SMB) and distillation separation scheme is developed to recover 2,3‐butanediol (BDO) from a dilute fermentation broth. The scheme was integrated into a lignocellulosic biorefinery that produces hydrocarbon fuels from corn stover with BDO as an intermediate. BDO recovery is one of the most challenging processes in this biorefinery; and given the high associated energy duties, direct distillation is considered cost‐prohibitive. An alternative separation is SMB adsorption in nanoporous materials, which can reject 90% of the water and reduce subsequent distillation costs. Rigorous models were used to optimize the SMB and distillation simultaneously. The separation can be added to the biorefinery while keeping the projected minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) below $0.66 USD (US dollars) per liter gasoline‐equivalent ($2.50/GGE, gallon gasoline equivalent). Finally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the effects of cost and lifetime of the adsorbent, titer concentration, and BDO purity.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fleet Algorithm Design for Pooled Rideshare: Integrating Human Factors, Simulation, and Optimization

This dissertation explores the study the integration of human factors modeling and rideshare fleet control algorithms. Pooled rideshare is a unique transportation mode offering that allows riders increased flexibility and accessibility over public transportation, and decreased cost relative to personal vehicles or traditional rideshare. Additionally, relative to personal vehicles, pooled rideshare offers reduced costs and options for those with difficulty obtaining transportation. Prior research in the space typically focused on modeling human behavior, or optimizing system performance, but a lack of integration of the concepts leads to unrealistic or underutilized outcomes. To tackle this problem, novel rideshare assignment, and repositioning strategies were designed and implemented in a simulation environment. Through a series of successive studies, improvements to current rideshare processes were identified, and beneficial outcomes for profitability, accessibility, and traffic were explored. Further, improved metrics to assess rideshare performance were designed and analyzed in the context of improved rideshare offerings. This research contributes to the field of transportation by tackling novel but pragmatic approaches to challenges facing the rideshare industry. Through the course of this dissertation, rideshares impacts on users, operators, and even regulators will be explored in detail. The justification behind the use of a simulation environment, a set of simulated regional models for testing, and the focus on realism and deployability is illustrated. The research identifies holes in potential markets for the use of both private, and public rideshare systems.

Paul, Joseph↗
NASA NTRS1990

Computer Simulation For Multilevel Optimization Of Design

New simulator for multilevel optimization of complex hierarchical systems reduces cost of analysis in experimentation with multilevel design-optimization algorithms. Computer program mimics qualitative behavior and data couplings that occur among subsystems of complex engineering system, such as car, aircraft, or building. Eliminates engineering analyses in subsystems by replacing them with judiciously-chosen analytical functions. Serves as tool for development of strategy for multilevel optimization of design.

Padula, Sharon L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Performance Analysis of Magnetohydrodynamic Drag Modulation for Actively Controlled Aerocapture at Neptune

While the Ice Giants are a top priority for flagship missions in the NASA’s near-term future, current technologies limit the scientific payload and mission timeline for future Uranian and Neptunian missions due to the need for fuel for orbit insertion maneuvers. Thus, to maximize the scientific potential of future missions, atmospheric aerocapture has been heavily researched. While atmospheric aerocapture simulations have proven enabling for capturing around Neptune, its deep atmospheric pass requires an aeroshell with robust thermal protection systems (TPS). Magnetohydrodynamically-controlled aerocapture serves as a potential solution to the limitations of both fully propulsive orbit insertion and aerodynamically controlled aerocapture. Through NASA Langley’s high-fidelity flight dynamics simulation, the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II, both the aerodynamic-only and magnetohydrodynamic aerocapture methods were simulated and compared for identical missions to Neptune. After applying an optimized numerical predictor-corrector guidance algorithm for both methods, the results showed that magnetohydrodynamics has not only the control authority to successfully capture around Neptune, but also the unique advantage of a shallower atmospheric pass, decreasing the maximum heat load and the required TPS mass.

Danny N. Nguyen↗
NASA NTRS1978

Human operator identification model and related computer programs

Four computer programs which provide computational assistance in the analysis of man/machine systems are reported. The programs are: (1) Modified Transfer Function Program (TF); (2) Time Varying Response Program (TVSR); (3) Optimal Simulation Program (TVOPT); and (4) Linear Identification Program (SCIDNT). The TV program converts the time domain state variable system representative to frequency domain transfer function system representation. The TVSR program computes time histories of the input/output responses of the human operator model. The TVOPT program is an optimal simulation program and is similar to TVSR in that it produces time histories of system states associated with an operator in the loop system. The differences between the two programs are presented. The SCIDNT program is an open loop identification code which operates on the simulated data from TVOPT (or TVSR) or real operator data from motion simulators.

Kessler, K. M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Magnetized liner inertial fusion platform development to assess performance scaling with drive parameters

Magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) experiments have demonstrated fusion-relevant ion temperatures up to 3.1 keV and thermonuclear production of up to 1.1 × 1013 deuterium–deuterium neutrons. This performance was enabled through platform development that provided increases in applied magnetic field, coupled preheat energy, and drive current. Advanced coil designs with internal reinforcement enabled an increase from 10 to 20 T. An improved laser pulse shape, beam smoothing, and thinner laser entrance foils increased preheat energy coupling from less than 1 to 2.3 kJ. A redesign of the final transmission line and load region increased peak load current from 16 to 20 MA. The wider range of input parameters was leveraged to study target performance trends with preheat energy, applied magnetic field, and peak load current. Ion temperature and neutron yield generally followed trends in two-dimensional clean Lasnex calculations. Stagnation performance improved with peak load current when other input parameters were also increased such that convergence was maintained. This dataset suggests that reducing convergence to less than 30 would improve predictability of target performance. Lasnex was used to identify a simulation-optimized scaling path, which suggests 10+ kJ of fusion yield is possible on the Z facility with achievable input parameters. This path also indicates >10 MJ could be generated through volume burn on a future facility with a path to high yield (>200 MJ) using cryogenic dense fuel layers. The newly developed MagLIF platform enables exploration of both this simulation optimized scaling path and a recently developed similarity-scaling path.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Simulation and Optimization Framework for Managing Wind-Driven Loading on PV Systems

As PV modules continue to trend toward larger, thinner, and more flexible forms they grow more susceptible to damage from dynamic wind loading. As a result, understanding the impact of wind on PV systems, particularly when mounted on solar-tracking hardware, and identifying robust, stable array layouts and stow strategies is becoming increasingly important for the PV community. We are developing an open-source software package, PVade (PV aerodynamic design engineering), to simulate the cascading fluid-structure interaction that occurs within solar-tracking arrays to enable researchers to test hardware, layout, and tracker control changes, leading to enhanced stability and a reduction in wind-driven damage. We will give an overview of the PVade software and present the latest outcomes from our ongoing validation campaign in which we compare statistical structural responses with field data. From there, we will present simulated results from a larger, multi-row array and highlight the effect of varying tracker angles on stability as measured by both acceleration and deformation, focusing on the stability differences between positive and negative tilt angles.

fluid structure interaction↗
NASA NTRS1989

The use of vestibular models for design and evaluation of flight simulator motion

Quantitative models for the dynamics of the human vestibular system are applied to the design and evaluation of flight simulator platform motion. An optimal simulator motion control algorithm is generated to minimize the vector difference between perceived spatial orientation estimated in flight and in simulation. The motion controller has been implemented on the Vertical Motion Simulator at NASA Ames Research Center and evaluated experimentally through measurement of pilot performance and subjective rating during VTOL aircraft simulation. In general, pilot performance in a longitudinal tracking task (formation flight) did not appear to be sensitive to variations in platform motion condition as long as motion was present. However, pilot assessment of motion fidelity by means of a rating scale designed for this purpose, were sensitive to motion controller design. Platform motion generated with the optimal motion controller was found to be generally equivalent to that generated by conventional linear crossfeed washout. The vestibular models are used to evaluate the motion fidelity of transport category aircraft (Boeing 727) simulation in a pilot performance and simulator acceptability study at the Man-Vehicle Systems Research Facility at NASA Ames Research Center. Eighteen airline pilots, currently flying B-727, were given a series of flight scenarios in the simulator under various conditions of simulator motion. The scenarios were chosen to reflect the flight maneuvers that these pilots might expect to be given during a routine pilot proficiency check. Pilot performance and subjective rating of simulator fidelity was relatively insensitive to the motion condition, despite large differences in the amplitude of motion provided. This lack of sensitivity may be explained by means of the vestibular models, which predict little difference in the modeled motion sensations of the pilots when different motion conditions are imposed.

Bussolari, Steven R.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Simulation and Optimization of Vacuum Swing Adsorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

Controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity levels in a spacesuit is critical to ensuring both the safety and comfort of an astronaut during extra-vehicular activity (EVA). Traditionally, this has been accomplished utilizing non-regenerative lithium hydroxide (LiOH) or regenerative metal oxide (MetOx) canisters which pose a significant weight burden. Although such technology enables air revitalization, the volume requirements to store the waste canisters as well as the mass to transport multiple units become prohibitive as mission durations increase. Consequently, motivation exists toward developing a fully regenerative technology for environmental control. The application of solid amine materials with vacuum swing adsorption technology has shown the capacity to control CO2 and concomitantly manage humidity levels through a fully regenerative cycle eliminating mission constraints imposed with non-regenerative technologies. Experimental results for full-size and sub-scale test articles have been collected and are described herein. In order to accelerate the developmental efforts, an axially-dispersed plug ow model with an accompanying energy balance has been established and correlated with the experimental data. The experimental and simulation results display good agreement for a variety of ow rates (110-170 SLM), replicated metabolic challenges (100-590 Watts), and atmosphere pressures under consideration for the spacesuit (248 and 760 mm Hg). The relationship between swing adsorption cycles for an outlet criterion of 6.0 mm Hg of CO2 partial pressure has been established for each metabolic challenge. In addition, variable metabolic profiles were imposed on the test articles in order to assess the ability of the technology to transition to new operational constraints. The advent of the model provides the capacity to apply computer-aided engineering practices to support the ongoing efforts to optimize and mature this technology for future application to space exploration.

Swickrath, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Simulation and Optimization of Vacuum Swing Adsorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

Controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity levels in a spacesuit is critical to ensuring both the safety and comfort of an astronaut during extra-vehicular activity (EVA). Traditionally, this has been accomplished utilizing either non-regenerative lithium hydroxide (LiOH) or regenerative but heavy metal oxide (MetOx) canisters which pose a significant weight burden. Although such technology enables air revitalization, the volume requirements to store the waste canisters as well as the mass to transport multiple units become prohibitive as mission durations increase. Consequently, motivation exists toward developing a fully regenerative technology for spacesuit environmental control. The application of solid amine materials with vacuum swing adsorption technology has shown the capacity to control CO2 while concomitantly managing humidity levels through a fully regenerative cycle eliminating constraints imposed with the traditional technologies. Prototype air revitalization units employing this technology have been fabricated in both a rectangular and cylindrical geometry. Experimental results for these test articles have been collected and are described herein. In order to accelerate the developmental efforts, an axially-dispersed plug flow model with an accompanying energy balance has been established and correlated with the experimental data. The experimental and simulation results display good agreement for a variety of flow rates (110-170 ALM), replicated metabolic challenges (100-590 Watts), and atmosphere pressures under consideration for the spacesuit (248 and 760 mm Hg). The testing and model results lend insight into the operational capabilities of these devices as well as the influence the geometry of the device has on performance. In addition, variable metabolic profiles were imposed on the test articles in order to assess the ability of the technology to transition to new metabolic conditions. The advent of the model provides the capacity to apply computer-aided engineering practices to support the ongoing efforts to optimize and mature this technology for future application to space exploration.

Swickrath, Michael J.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Design and simulation of n -type solar cells based on an iodine-doped CdTe absorber using SCAPS-1D

The performance of conventional p-type CdTe solar cells has plateaued in recent years, motivating exploration of n-type absorbers. Here, we evaluate a homojunction solar cell employing iodine-doped CdTe (CdTe:I) as the absorber in a Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/p-CdTe:As/n-CdTe:I/indium structure through SCAPS-1D simulations and prototype devices. Optimized simulations predict efficiencies above 25% for thin CdTe:I absorbers (~0.7 μm). In contrast, the first prototype achieved only ~1.36% efficiency with V OC = 0.48 V, J SC = 6.45 mA/cm 2 and FF = 43.8%. When the simulation is adjusted to match the actual device structure, and the effective illumination is reduced to account for front-side light loss, the predicted V OC (0.48 V) and JSC (6.74 mA/cm 2 ) closely reproduce the experimental values. This suggests that the device performance is primarily limited by reduced front-side photon transmission and other material non-idealities. These results highlight the promise of iodine-doped n-type CdTe and identify clear pathways for further efficiency improvement.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Demonstration of Algorithm for Sensor Placement Optimization using Simulation Data

This deliverable reports FY26 progress in advancing a neural-network-based Green’s-function framework for reconstructing neutron-flux distributions from ex-core measurements and for translating reconstruction requirements into a practical detector-layout strategy. Building on the FY25 formulation, the present work had two main objectives: (1) refine and re-evaluate the reconstruction methodology on an updated Purdue University Reactor Number One (PUR-1) model, and (2) develop a systematic, Green’s-function-guided procedure for boundary detector placement.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1979

Optimization and simulation of flight control laws under parameter uncertainty and external disturbances

Several tasks pertinent to flight control in parameter uncertainty and wind-gust loading were successfully completed. Identification algorithms for extracting stability and control derivatives from flight data taking gust loading into account were developed. They were verified by simulation and evaluated throughly on actual flight data taken on a Lockheed Jet Star flying in turbulence. In particular the need for automatically generated dither-like inputs was studied. Criteria for performance evaluation using stochastic models were developed for gust alleviation as well as handling quantities. Algorithms for assessing degradation in performance due to parameter uncertainty were developed and evaluated using flight test data.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2006

Titan Explorer Entry, Descent and Landing Trajectory Design

The Titan Explorer mission concept includes an orbiter, entry probe and inflatable airship designed to take remote and in-situ measurements of Titan's atmosphere. A modified entry, descent and landing trajectory at Titan that incorporates mid-air airship inflation (under a parachute) and separation is developed and examined for Titan Explorer. The feasibility of mid-air inflation and deployment of an airship under a parachute is determined by implementing and validating an airship buoyancy and inflation model in the trajectory simulation program, Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II (POST2). A nominal POST2 trajectory simulation case study is generated which examines different descent scenarios by varying airship inflation duration, orientation, and separation. The buoyancy model incorporation into POST2 is new to the software and may be used in future trajectory simulations. Each case from the nominal POST2 trajectory case study simulates a successful separation between the parachute and airship systems with sufficient velocity change as to alter their paths to avoid collision throughout their descent. The airship and heatshield also separate acceptably with a minimum distance of separation from the parachute system of 1.5 km. This analysis shows the feasibility of airship inflation on a parachute for different orientations, airship separation at various inflation times, and preparation for level-flight at Titan.

Fisher, Jody L.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Computational Approaches to Simulation and Optimization of Global Aircraft Trajectories

This study examines three possible approaches to improving the speed in generating wind-optimal routes for air traffic at the national or global level. They are: (a) using the resources of a supercomputer, (b) running the computations on multiple commercially available computers and (c) implementing those same algorithms into NASAs Future ATM Concepts Evaluation Tool (FACET) and compares those to a standard implementation run on a single CPU. Wind-optimal aircraft trajectories are computed using global air traffic schedules. The run time and wait time on the supercomputer for trajectory optimization using various numbers of CPUs ranging from 80 to 10,240 units are compared with the total computational time for running the same computation on a single desktop computer and on multiple commercially available computers for potential computational enhancement through parallel processing on the computer clusters. This study also re-implements the trajectory optimization algorithm for further reduction of computational time through algorithm modifications and integrates that with FACET to facilitate the use of the new features which calculate time-optimal routes between worldwide airport pairs in a wind field for use with existing FACET applications. The implementations of trajectory optimization algorithms use MATLAB, Python, and Java programming languages. The performance evaluations are done by comparing their computational efficiencies and based on the potential application of optimized trajectories. The paper shows that in the absence of special privileges on a supercomputer, a cluster of commercially available computers provides a feasible approach for national and global air traffic system studies.

global air traffic optimization↗
NASA NTRS2015

Computational Approaches to Simulation and Optimization of Global Aircraft Trajectories

This study examines three possible approaches to improving the speed in generating wind-optimal routes for air traffic at the national or global level. They are: (a) using the resources of a supercomputer, (b) running the computations on multiple commercially available computers and (c) implementing those same algorithms into NASA’s Future ATM Concepts Evaluation Tool (FACET) and compares those to a standard implementation run on a single CPU. Wind-optimal aircraft trajectories are computed using global air traffic schedules. The run time and wait time on the supercomputer for trajectory optimization using various numbers of CPUs ranging from 80 to 10,240 units are compared with the total computational time for running the same computation on a single desktop computer and on multiple commercially available computers for potential computational enhancement through parallel processing on the computer clusters. This study also re-implements the trajectory optimization algorithm for further reduction of computational time through algorithm modifications and integrates that with FACET to facilitate the use of the new features which calculate time-optimal routes between worldwide airport pairs in a wind field for use with existing FACET applications. The implementations of trajectory optimization algorithms use MATLAB, Python, and Java programming languages. The performance evaluations are done by comparing their computational efficiencies and based on the potential application of optimized trajectories. The paper shows that in the absence of special privileges on a supercomputer, a cluster of commercially available computers provides a good option for computing wind-optimal trajectories for national and global air traffic system studies.

Ng, Hok K.↗