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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 775 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2019

Electrochemical Solutions for Advanced Life Support

The Oxygen Generating Assembly (OGA) on-board the International Space Station (ISS) employs a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis cell stack to electrochemically dissociate water into its two components – oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen is provided to the cabin atmosphere for crew respiration while the hydrogen is delivered to a carbon dioxide reduction system to recover oxygen as water. The design of the OGA evolved over a number of years to arrive at the system solution that is currently operational on ISS. Future manned missions to space will require advanced technologies that eliminate the need for resupply from earth and feature in-situ resource utilization to sustain crew life and to provide useful materials to the crew. The architects planning such missions should consider all potential solutions at their disposal to arrive at an optimal vehicle solution that minimizes crew maintenance time, launch weight, installed volume and energy consumption demands. Skyre is developing new technologies through funding from NASA, the Department of Energy, and internal investment based on PEM technology that could become an integral part of these new vehicle solutions. At varying stages of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) are: an oxygen concentrator and compressor that can separate oxygen from an air stream and provide an enriched oxygen resource for crew medical use and space suit recharge without any moving parts in the pure oxygen stream; a regenerative carbon dioxide removal system featuring a PEM-based sorbent regenerator; a carbon dioxide reduction system that electrochemically produces organic compounds that could serve as fuels or as a useful intermediary to more beneficial compounds; and an electrochemical hydrogen separator and compressor for hydrogen recycle. The technical maturity of these projects is presented along with pertinent performance test data that could be beneficial in future study efforts.

Roy, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Mesh Effects on Flow Solutions for a 2-D Multi-Element Airfoil Using Structured Overset Methods

Current best-practices for mesh generation in a structured overset framework are evaluated to determine their effects on the accuracy and convergence of the flow solution on a two-dimensional sectional cut of the High-Lift Common Research Model (HLCRM) wing. Mesh parameters are varied independently and correlated with force and moment coefficients from the flow solutions to identify the trends and sensitivities of the parameter variations, and the characteristics of a best practice mesh. Grid convergence and mesh adaption studies are also performed to determine the minimum mesh quality needed in order for solution-based adaption to reach an accurate flow solution.

T^3↗
NASA NTRS2019

Partition-based Feasible Integer Solution Pre-computation for Hybrid Model Predictive Control

For multiparametric mixed-integer convex programming problems such as those encountered in hybrid model predictive control, we propose an algorithm for generating a feasible partition of a subset of the parameter space. The result is a static map from the current parameter to a suboptimal integer solution such that the remaining convex program is feasible. Convergence is proved with a new insight that the overlap among the feasible parameter sets of each integer solution governs the partition complexity. The partition is stored as a tree which makes querying the feasible solution efficient. The algorithm can be used to warm start a mixed integer solver with a real-time guarantee or to provide a reference integer solution in several suboptimal MPC schemes. The algorithm is tested on randomly generated systems with up to six states, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach.

Bayard, David S.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Hollow Cathode Thermal Modelling and Self-Consistent Plasma Solution: Work Function Evaluation for a LaB6 Cathode.

Self-heating hollow cathodes are central components in modern electric thrusters. The plasma discharge inside these devices heats the internal components, thus maintaining the temperatures required for electron emission. Precise knowledge of the physical phenomena governing hollow cathode operation is key to predict their lifetime, specifically, their thermionic emission characteristics. A simulation platform has been built to couple plasma and thermal models of the self-heating hollow cathode to produce a self-consistent solution. A self-consistent solution has been found for a LaB6 hollow cathode operating at 25A and 13 sccm where the work function is assumed to be spatially uniform along the emitter with a value which is allowed to vary as the coupled model iterates to a self-consistent solution. The emitter temperature from the converged solution does not agree with experimental temperature measurements, however. The results of a sensitivity analysis suggest that none of the tolerances in the measurement are responsible for the discrepancy. We hypothesize that either the work function needs to be a function of position along the emitting surfaces or the heat fluxes have been overestimated in the plasma solver.

Meiron, Daniel I.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Analytic Expressions for Derivatives from Series Solutions to the Three Body Problem

This paper presents a notation system to facilitate to solution of differential equations via Taylor series expansions and applies it to solve the circular restricted three body problem. Unlike previous Taylor series methods in the astrodynamics literature, computer algebra solvers are not used. Instead the notation system allows one to solve a system of differential equations analytically “by hand” without resorting to computer algebra software. This method produces recurrence relations explicitly in terms of a sequence of derivatives of the state with respect to time for the coefficients of Taylor Series solutions that can be evaluated numerically or manipulated further to investigate properties of the solution. For example, additional derivatives with respect to other parameters may also be found, including those that describe the dependence of the solution on initial conditions.

Strange, Nathan↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Machine-learning Solution for Automatic Spacesuit Motion Recognition and Measurement from Conventional Video

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuits exhibit unique movement patterns due to their design characteristics. Mobility assessments using traditional motion capture systems are cost prohibitive and not feasible for some training conditions (e.g., simulated lunar outdoor terrain). This paper aims to present the ongoing development of machine learning solutions to quantify suit motions from conventional videos without special sensors or hardware. Given the fast growth in deep/machine learning technologies, external expertise was sought from open-source communities. This was expected to accelerate development and provide more cost-effective, time-saving solutions. This work was selected for a NASA Crowdsourcing project through an agency-wide solicitation. Partnerships were formed with the NASA JSC Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation and an execution crowdsourcing platform partner to solicit framework developments from external contenders. NASA provided contenders with video clips of spacesuits and simultaneously measured motion capture data during EVA simulation tasks. The contenders used this data to train and develop generalized algorithms to predict motions. At the end of the crowdsourcing event, five solutions were selected from 250 submissions. Each submission was tested and scored using video clips not previously disclosed to the contenders. The scoring metrics measured how well the algorithm detected the suit shape, the 2D suit joint detection accuracy, and 3D joint detection accuracy. The winning solution was able to achieve roughly 85% prediction accuracy (weighted combination of scoring metrics). Overall, the algorithms could efficiently detect various types of spacesuits and motions across different EVA simulation environments such as the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL). However, 3D joint identification is less reliable when parts of the suit were obstructed in the image. After continued improvements and validation, the fully developed system will enable EVA stakeholders to quantify suit kinematic patterns, which can help optimize suit, hardware, and task designs.

Linh Vu↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Impact of DORISx Post Seismic Deformation and Seasonal Corrections on the DPOD2020 Solution

As one of the tracking systems used for the altimeter missions (such as TOPEX/Poseidon, Envisat, Jason-1/-2/-3, CryoSat-2, Saral/AltiKa, Sentinel-3A/-3B, HY-2A/C/D, Jason-CS/Sentinel-6A, SWOT), the position of the DORIS tracking stations provides a fundamental reference for the estimation of the precise orbits and so, by extension is fundamental for the quality of the altimeter data analysis and derived products. Due to the time evolution of the DORIS ground network, stations included in ITRF2020 may have been decommissioned and stations that were added to the tracking network after 2021.0 are, by definition, not part of ITRF2020. Therefore, to satisfy operational requirements for precise orbit determination and routine delivery of geodetic products, the International DORIS Service maintains the DORIS terrestrial reference frame for Precise Orbit Determination (DPOD) solutions. Since 2016, the DPOD products are computed by the IDS Combination Center (CC) as a DORIS cumulative position and linear velocity solution aligned to the latest available ITRF and using the latest IDS weekly combined series. Mid-2023, the IDS CC started the computation of the second version of the DPOD2020 based on the IDS 20 weekly solutions from 1993.0 to 2023.0. With that new solution, the IDS CC will include Post Seismic Deformation (PSD) corrections for some DORIS sites such as Socorro Island. These DPOD PSD corrections are determined from the analysis of DORIS coordinate time series only. The second version will also include optional annual and semi-annual station corrections. The presentation will describe the analysis used for extracting the PSD and seasonal DORIS station corrections, compare such corrections to those derived for ITRF2020, and evaluate the impact these new corrections have on station positioning and satellite POD.

Guilhem Moreaux↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

USM3D-ME Solutions for RANS Test Suite of High-Fidelity CFD Verification Workshop 2024

USM3D-ME solutions for the High-Fidelity CFD Verification Workshop 2024 are presented. Solutions are computed for the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations using the Spalart-Allmaras one equation turbulence model, SA-neg-QCR2000-R, that is enhanced with a nonlinear correction to the turbulence stresses and a correction for flow rotation. USM3D-ME solutions have been computed for the three verification cases, namely, a Joukowski airfoil, a subsonic three-dimensional flow around an extruded NACA 0012 wing in tunnel, and subsonic flow around a high-lift wing-body configuration. Iterative convergence of USM3D-ME solutions on several grids within various grid families is demonstrated. Grid convergence of integrated forces, pitching moment and sectional variations of surface pressure and skin friction are also presented.

CFD↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Retrieval-Augmented Generation and LLM Agents for Biomimicry Design Solutions

We present BIDARA, a Bio-Inspired Design And Research Assistant, to address the complexity of biomimicry – the practice of designing modern-day engineering solutions inspired by biological phenomena. Large Language Models (LLMs) have been shown to act as sufficient general purpose task solvers, but they often hallucinate and fail in regimes that require domain-specific and up-to-date knowledge. We integrate Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Reasoning-and-Action agents to aid LLMs in avoiding hallucination and utilizing updated knowledge during generation of biomimetic design solutions. We find that incorporating RAG increases the feasibility of the design solutions in both prompting and agent settings, and we use these findings to guide our ongoing work. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first work that integrates and evaluates Retrieval-Augmented Generation within LLM-generated biomimetic design solutions.

biomimicry↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Retrieval-Augmented Generation and LLM Agents for Biomimicry Design Solutions

We present BIDARA, a Bio-Inspired Design And Research Assistant, to address the complexity of biomimicry – the practice of designing modern-day engineering solutions inspired by biological phenomena. Large Language Models (LLMs) have been shown to act as sufficient general purpose task solvers, but they often hallucinate and fail in regimes that require domain-specific and up-to-date knowledge. We integrate Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Reasoning-and-Action agents to aid LLMs in avoiding hallucination and utilizing updated knowledge during generation of biomimetic design solutions. We find that incorporating RAG increases the feasibility of the design solutions in both prompting and agent settings, and we use these findings to guide our ongoing work. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first work that integrates and evaluates Retrieval-Augmented Generation within LLM-generated biomimetic design solutions.

biomimicry↗
NASA NTRS2023

The Impact of New Accelerometer Transplant Data (ACH) on GRACE Follow-On Along-Orbit Inter-Satellite Laser Ranging Observations and Monthly Time-Variable Gravity and Mascon Solutions

GRACE-D accelerometer data show significant bias jumps since one month after the launch of the GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) satellites in May 2018, making them inapplicable for correcting GRACE-FO products for non-gravitational accelerations. The GRACE-FO Science Data System (SDS) compensated this issue by transplanting the GRACE-C accelerometer data toward that of GRACE-D. Recently, GRACE-FO SDS implemented an updated transplant method, used in the latest release of GRACE-FO data. Here, we examine the impact of updated accelerometer transplant data (ACH) on GRACE-FO measurements at all levels: (a) Level-1B inter-satellite laser ranging residuals measured along satellite orbit, (b) Level-2 time-variable gravity solutions from all SDS centers (JPL, CSR, and GFZ), and (c) Level-3 mascon solutions. We show that inter-satellite laser ranging residuals are modified at low frequencies below 1 mHz, affecting the along-orbit analysis of large-scale time-variable gravity signals. When mapped into monthly Level-2 spherical harmonic coefficients of geopotential, the low-frequency change in inter-satellite ranging residuals leads to substantial improvement of coefficients associated with resonant orders (i.e., 15, 30, 45, etc.) and C 30 . We also present an improved SLR-derived C 30 which significantly improves the agreement with updated GRACE-FO C 30 at seasonal and interannual timescales. Moreover, we demonstrate the noise reduction in mass change estimates from new GRACE-FO Level-2 data over oceans, Greenland, and Antarctica for all SDS solutions. GRACE-FO mascon solutions show a moderate change in the updated release. Our comprehensive analyses demonstrate high-quality estimates of non-gravitational accelerations by the updated transplant method, resulting in more accurate GRACE-FO time-variable gravity and mass change observations.

Laser ranging interferometer↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Kalai-Smorodinsky solution for many-objective Bayesian optimization

An ongoing aim of research in multiobjective Bayesian optimization is to extend its applicability to a large number of objectives. While coping with a limited budget of evaluations, recovering the set of optimal compromise solutions generally requires numerous observations and is less interpretable since this set tends to grow larger with the number of objectives. We thus propose to focus on a specific solution originating from game theory, the Kalai-Smorodinsky solution, which possesses attractive properties. In particular, it ensures equal marginal gains over all objectives. We further make it insensitive to a monotonic transformation of the objectives by considering the objectives in the copula space. A novel tailored algorithm is proposed to search for the solution, in the form of a Bayesian optimization algorithm: sequential sampling decisions are made based on acquisition functions that derive from an instrumental Gaussian process prior. Our approach is tested on four problems with respectively four, six, eight, and nine objectives. The method is available in the R package GPGame available on CRAN at https://cran.r-project.org/package=GPGame.

Game theory↗
DOE OSTI2024

Graduating Sustainable Industrial Decarbonization Solutions from the Laboratory to Real-World Deployments

Accelerating innovation and integration of industrial decarbonization technology solutions is crucial for achieving industry-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets. This can be accomplished in various ways through increased utilization of low-embodied carbon materials and the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques in construction practices. At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), we facilitate dialogue and action across all sectors to uncover industry needs to inform innovation, and explore ways we can help with implementation of emerging solutions in the real world. As an applied laboratory, NREL sits between academia and industry to fully bridge the gap from foundational science research to examining the feasibility of market applications. Integration of innovative technologies and solutions that are efficient, resilient, and grid-interactive will play a pivotal role in supporting a clean energy future. However, it is imperative that these solutions prioritize equitable outcomes, addressing the challenges faced by all communities. By embracing decarbonization, the construction industry can revolutionize itself, promoting sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, while enhancing performance and durability - all major steps toward a greener and more sustainable future.

cement↗
DOE OSTI2025

Topology-Dependent Polymer Stretching and Scission in Solution at Extreme Shear Rates

There has been significant interest in the engineering of polymer topology to control rheology and mechanical stability in dilute solutions for applications involving extreme shear rate flows. However, methods to experimentally probe properties at relevant shear rates (≈ 10 4 –10 6 s –1 ) have remained ex situ, obscuring access to measures of polymer deformation and rheology that would otherwise provide mechanistic insight into the topology-dependent properties that control their behavior in extreme shear flows. In this study, we used novel in situ small angle neutron scattering measurements in a capillary rheometer (capillary rheo-SANS) to simultaneously measure solution viscosities and polymer deformations in high shear on a series of chemically homologous topology-defined polymers including linear, randomly branched, and star-shaped molecules. We demonstrate that differences in the onset of chain stretching and shear thinning of these polymers in dilute solution are controlled primarily by differences in their molecular relaxation time. These differences correlate with differences in chain scission inferred from ex situ measurements at more extreme shear rates. Together, the results demonstrate a direct coupling between chain deformation and scission, and suggest that the dominant effect of branching as a means to impart resilience against mechanical degradation is through differences in relaxation dynamics due to branching. We anticipate that these results will provide key insights to engineer topology-controlled polymers for rheological modification, mechanical stability, and controlled mechano-chemistry.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2026

Structural, Electronic, and Photophysical Insights into a Few Atom Copper-Sulfur Cluster in the Solid and Solution States

Coinage-metal chalcogenide clusters are widely studied for their attractive photoluminescence properties. Copper chalcogenides are especially promising, but are often confined to solid-state investigations due to their limited solution stability and the difficulty of synthesizing stable, well-defined clusters. Here, we investigate copper–sulfur clusters incorporating a small number of Cu atoms to elucidate fundamental atomic interactions, ground- and excited-state characteristics, and photophysical behavior in both solid and solution. We have synthesized the Cu6(4,6-dimethyl-2-mercaptopyrimidine)6 cluster in both neutral and charged states, Cu6 and Cu6-2H2+, respectively, by selective ligand protonation. The molecular structures are determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, while Cu K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy is used to probe Cu electronic structure differences arising from the ligand modification. Steady-state and pump-probe optical spectroscopy is used to investigate photophysical properties, interpreted using density functional theory methods. Both clusters exhibit good stability in the solid state and in solution and show characteristic near-infrared emission with microsecond lifetimes. Overall, the Cu6S6 clusters display favorable charge–transfer characteristics and show potential for further use in driving photochemical transformations.

Copper-sulfur clusters↗
DOE OSTI2023

Earthquake-induced impact of base-isolated buildings: theory, numerical modeling, and design solutions

Earthquake shaking more intense than that used to size the horizontal clearance between a base–isolated building and near–rigid perimeter moat wall will result in hard impact, producing high–frequency, high–amplitude acceleration response in the structure and supported equipment. Herein this paper provides a design solution for the damaging effects of hard impact by installing a compliant engineered element in the load path between the base–isolated building and the moat wall, resulting in soft impact and a much smaller acceleration response. The engineered element assumed herein is a commercial–off–the–shelf marine fender with mechanical properties determined by physical testing. The attachment of a flexible engineered element, with well–defined stiffness and damping, to a near–rigid moat wall, simplifies the numerical modeling of the building–moat wall system and eliminates the need to bound the lateral stiffness of the wall for impact calculations. The simple model of the engineered element can be implemented in commercial finite element codes. Theory is developed for two–sided impact of a single–degree–of–freedom oscillator. Analytical solutions are derived for the shifted first–mode frequency of the impacted oscillator and for its free–vibration response. The shifted first–mode frequency is a function of the composite lateral stiffness of the isolator–engineered element assembly and its earthquake–induced displacement. Local peaks in the spectral response of the impacted oscillator form at odd integer multiples of the shifted first–mode frequency. The analytical solutions can be used to verify, in part, the numerical model used for impact analysis.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Morphological Studies of Solution-Crystallized Thermoplastic Elastomers with Polyethylene Endblocks and a Random-Copolymer Midblock

Styrenic thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in the form of triblock copolymers possessing glassy endblocks and a rubbery midblock account for the largest global market of TPEs worldwide, and typically rely on microphase separation of the endblocks and the subsequent formation of rigid microdomains to ensure satisfactory network stabilization. In this work, the morphological characteristics of a relatively new family of crystallizable TPEs that instead consist of polyethylene endblocks and a random-copolymer midblock composed of styrene and (ethylene-co-butylene) moieties are investigated. Copolymer solutions prepared at logarithmic concentrations in a slightly endblock-selective solvent are subjected to crystallization under different time and temperature conditions to ascertain if copolymer self-assembly is directed by endblock crystallization or vice versa. According to transmission electron microscopy, semicrystalline aggregates develop at the lowest solution concentration examined (0.01 wt%), and the size and population of crystals, which dominate the copolymer morphologies, are observed to increase with increasing aging time. Real-space results are correlated with small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering to elucidate the concurrent roles of endblock crystallization and self-assembly of these unique TPEs in solution.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Bifurcation Analysis Reveals Solution Structures of Phase Field Models

The phase field method is playing an increasingly important role in understanding and predicting morphological evolution in materials and biological systems. Here, in this study, we develop a new analytical approach based on the bifurcation analysis to explore the mathematical solution structure of phase field models. Revealing such solution structures not only is of great mathematical interest but also may provide guidance to experimentally or computationally uncover new morphological evolution phenomena in materials undergoing electronic and structural phase transitions. To elucidate the idea, we apply this analytical approach to three representative phase field equations: the Allen-Cahn equation, the Cahn-Hilliard equation, and the Allen-Cahn-Ohta-Kawasaki system. The solution structures of these three phase field equations are also verified numerically by the homotopy continuation method.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗