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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 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Long‐Term Large‐Scale Atmospheric Forcing Data From Three‐Dimensional Constrained Variational Analysis for the ARM SGP Site

Here, this study presents a long‐term three‐dimensional large‐scale forcing data set (VARANAL3D) derived from the three‐dimensional constrained variational analysis (3DCVA) method at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program Southern Great Plains (SGP) site from 2004 to 2018. Building on the same input data sets as the conventional continuous forcing data set (VARANAL), VARANAL3D maintains overall consistency in domain‐averaged fields while introducing spatial variability, offering critical insights into the influence of mesoscale synoptic systems on cloud‐related processes. Evaluations are conducted across four cloud and precipitation regimes: Clear‐sky, Shallow‐clouds, Afternoon‐precipitation, and Nocturnal‐precipitation, presenting high consistency of the domain‐mean forcing data sets while emphasizing the role of subdomain forcing variability particularly in precipitating regimes. Single column model (SCM) simulations demonstrate that subdomain VARANAL3D forcing improves cloud and precipitation representation, with the ensemble outperforming domain‐mean forcing in three cloudy and precipitating regimes. Overall, these results highlight VARANAL3D's value for investigating the impacts of spatial variability of large‐scale forcing on atmospheric processes. The VARANAL3D data set provides new opportunities for evaluating model physics, advancing the development of scale‐aware parameterizations and deepening our understanding of cloud and precipitation dynamics.

Environmental sciences↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fast Charging of Li-Ion Cells: Part V. Design and Demonstration of Protocols to Avoid Li-Plating

Fast charging of Li-ion batteries would make “fueling” of electric vehicles comparable in time to fueling of gasoline-powered cars, increasing consumer appeal of the new technology. Taking the US Department of Energy goal of safe 6 C charging to 80% capacity as a guide, we describe approaches that can mitigate Li plating on the graphite anode. To make this possible, a variable-rate anode potential charging protocol has been implemented by using a microprobe reference electrode to continuously monitor and adjust the current, in this way avoiding low anode potentials that favor Li deposition. Various implementations of the anode potential control are considered using electrochemical modeling and compared with the experimental data. For charge to 80% capacity at 30 °C, an average C-rate of 4.97 C was obtained for an NCM523/graphite cell with 70 μ m thick graphite electrode and 7.40 C for a cell with 47 μ m thick graphite electrode. Our electrochemical model accounts for these observations and provides a means to extrapolate the approach to other cell designs and operation regimes, drawing the maximum average fast charging rates that can still avoid Li plating.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) FAST Commissioning Prize Technical Analysis

The US energy landscape has undergone major changes over the past 10 years and will continue to see significant changes in future decades as the power grid increases its reliance on variable renewable energy resources. Because of the inherent variability of these resources, renewable energy growth may require additional energy storage capacity to provide flexible load-following capabilities and other grid services that can quickly adjust to changes in energy demand and generation. Pumped storage hydropower (PSH)—one such energy storage technology—uses pumps to convey water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir for energy storage and releases water back to the lower reservoir via a powerhouse for hydropower generation. PSH facility pump and generation cycling often follows economic and energy demand conditions. Across the United States, 43 PSH facilities are in operation and 55 projects are in various permitting or licensing stages. Altogether, the 43 operational projects provide the wide majority (95%) of utility-scale electricity storage in the United States. These facilities also provide significant power and nonpower grid benefits, including large-scale electrical system reserve capacity, grid reliability support, and electricity supply-demand balancing through quick-response capabilities and operational flexibility. PSH systems can accomplish these at a scale (e.g., size) and cost that makes these systems highly attractive from a technical standpoint. Although these research concepts are still in their infancy, they demonstrate promising potential as future PSH energy storage technologies. Although PSH has many advantages, development in the United States has effectively stalled since the 1990s, partially because of the magnitude of project costs and financing interest during development and construction, the length of time from project investment until project revenue begins, permitting challenges, construction risks, competition from other storage technologies (e.g., batteries, hydrogen storage), and electricity market evolution and uncertainty. In short, the time, cost, and risk associated with modern PSH development have resulted in limited growth in the United States recently, despite the growing energy storage demand stemming from increased wind and solar power deployment. Technology innovation is needed to help reduce PSH commissioning time, cost, and risk, particularly during the post-licensing phase of project development. To address challenges facing the PSH industry and to improve PSH commissioning timelines, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) initiated the PSH Furthering Advancements to Shorten Time to (FAST) Commissioning Prize project.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1966

Vibrator improves spark erosion cutting process

Variable frequency mechanical vibrator improves spark erosion cutting process. The vibration of the cutting tip permits continual flushing away of residue around the cut area with nondestructive electric transformer oil during the cutting process.

Thrall, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Feasibility of a 30-meter space based laser transmitter

A study was made of the application of large expandable mirror structures in future space missions to establish the feasibility and define the potential of high power laser systems for such applications as propulsion and power transmission. Application of these concepts requires a 30-meter diameter, diffraction limited mirror for transmission of the laser energy. Three concepts for the transmitter are presented. These concepts include consideration of continuous as well as segmented mirror surfaces and the major stow-deployment categories of inflatable, variable geometry and assembled-in-space structures. The mirror surface for each concept would be actively monitored and controlled to maintain diffraction limited performance at 10.6 microns during operation. The proposed mirror configurations are based on existing aerospace state-of-the-art technology. The assembled-in-space concept appears to be the most feasible, at this time.

Berggren, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Earth-based radio observations of Jupiter - Millimeter to meter wavelengths

The historical development of the study of Jupiter radio emission is considered and a description of the observational data is presented, taking into account the spectrum of the continuous microwave radiation, the polarization of the microwave radiation, the brightness distribution, the rotation-related variability, variations related to the zenocentric declination of the earth, and other time variations. The separation of radio emission into thermal and nonthermal components is discussed and interpretations of the two components are provided. A comparison of earth-based radio measurements with Pioneer 10 and 11 data is conducted and the future of earth-based radio observations is evaluated.

Berge, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Observations of rapid X-ray flaring from Cygnus X-1

SAS-3 observations of Cyg X-1 in October 1976 show the source to be in a highly active state exhibiting rapid continual flaring on time scales of 1 to 10 s. The flares exhibit temporal structure and variable spectra, but their mean spectrum is similar to that of the source as a whole. The characteristic time scales of the source are 2 to 4 times longer than those previously observed. It is suggested that this active phase of Cyg X-1 signals a modified accretion-disk structure. The flares may result from correlated bunches of the same 'shots ' which are thought to explain the rest of the short-time-scale variability of the source. While the flares superficially resemble X-ray bursts, they are distinct in several respects.

Canizares, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Computing the Power-Density Spectrum for an Engineering Model

Computer program for calculating of power-density spectrum (PDS) from data base generated by Advanced Continuous Simulation Language (ACSL) uses algorithm that employs fast Fourier transform (FFT) to calculate PDS of variable. Accomplished by first estimating autocovariance function of variable and then taking FFT of smoothed autocovariance function to obtain PDS. Fast-Fourier-transform technique conserves computer resources.

Dunn, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A computer program for estimating the power-density spectrum of advanced continuous simulation language generated time histories

A computer program for performing frequency analysis of time history data is presented. The program uses circular convolution and the fast Fourier transform to calculate power density spectrum (PDS) of time history data. The program interfaces with the advanced continuous simulation language (ACSL) so that a frequency analysis may be performed on ACSL generated simulation variables. An example of the calculation of the PDS of a Van de Pol oscillator is presented.

Dunn, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A study of material damping in large space structures

A constitutive model was developed for predicting damping as a function of damage in continuous fiber reinforced laminated composites. The damage model is a continuum formulation, and uses internal state variables to quantify damage and its subsequent effect on material response. The model is sensitive to the stacking sequence of the laminate. Given appropriate baseline data from unidirectional material, and damping as a function of damage in one crossply laminate, damage can be predicted as a function of damage in other crossply laminates. Agreement between theory and experiment was quite good. A micromechanics model was also developed for examining the influence of damage on damping. This model explicitly includes crack surfaces. The model provides reasonable predictions of bending stiffness as a function of damage. Damping predictions are not in agreement with the experiment. This is thought to be a result of dissipation mechanisms such as friction, which are not presently included in the analysis.

Highsmith, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Does UV CETI Suffer from the Mad Syndrome?

Photometric data have been analyzed and searched for events of flaring and other variability. Some flaring has been detected, though probably not at a level that will hinder our continuing spectral analysis. X-ray diagnostics for the very hot coronal emission measure are under investigation in order to determine whether or not the very hot coronal plasma contributes significantly to the observed X-ray flux in the (EUV) Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation. The key test of the MAD syndrome lies in whether or not the coronal lines indicate a depletion in metals in the corona relative to the underlying photosphere.

Drake, Jeremy↗
NASA NTRS1999

Does UV CETI Suffer from the MAD Syndrome?

Photometric data have been analysed and searched for events of flaring and other variability. Some flaring has been detected, though probably not at a level that will hinder our continuing spectral analysis. X-ray diagnostics for the very hot coronal emission measure are under investigation in order to determine whether or not the very hot coronal plasma contributes significantly to the observed X-ray flux in the EUV. The key test of the MAD syndrome lies in whether or not the coronal lines indicate a depletion in met- als in the corona relative to the underlying photosphere. While some progress has been made in this direction, not as much work has been accomplished as expected due to the increasing commitments of the PI to the CXO project as it nears launch. A no-cost extension has been granted in order to further the analysis and carry out the next stages of the investigation: to construct an emission measure distribution with which to compute a synthetic continuum to compare with the observed continuum.

Drake, Jeremy↗
NASA NTRS2000

Update on the Greenland Ice Sheet Melt Extent: 1979-1999

Analysis of melt extent on the Greenland ice sheet is updated to span the time period 1979-1999 is examined along with its spatial and temporal variability using passive microwave satellite data. In order to acquire the full record, the issue of continuity between previous passive microwave sensors (SMMR, SSM/I F-8, and SSM/I F-11), and the most recent SSM/I F-13 sensor is addressed. The F-13 Cross-polarized gradient ratio (XPGR) melt-classification threshold is determined to be -0.0154. Results show that for the 21-year record, an increasing melt trend of nearly 1 %/yr is observed, and this trend is driven by conditions on in the western portion of the ice sheet, rather than the east, where melt appears to have decreased slightly. Moreover, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 is likely to have had some impact the melt, but not as much as previously suspected. The 1992 melt anomaly is 1.7 standard deviations from the mean. Finally, the relationship between coastal temperatures and melt extent suggest an increase in surface runoff contribution to sea level of 0.31 mm/yr for a 1 C temperature rise.

Abdalati, Waleed↗
NASA NTRS2008

A Novel Multiscale Physics Based Progressive Failure Methodology for Laminated Composite Structures

A variable fidelity, multiscale, physics based finite element procedure for predicting progressive damage and failure of laminated continuous fiber reinforced composites is introduced. At every integration point in a finite element model, progressive damage is accounted for at the lamina-level using thermodynamically based Schapery Theory. Separate failure criteria are applied at either the global-scale or the microscale in two different FEM models. A micromechanics model, the Generalized Method of Cells, is used to evaluate failure criteria at the micro-level. The stress-strain behavior and observed failure mechanisms are compared with experimental results for both models.

Pineda, Evan J.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Exploration Supply Chain Simulation

The Exploration Supply Chain Simulation project was chartered by the NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate to develop a software tool, with proper data, to quantitatively analyze supply chains for future program planning. This tool is a discrete-event simulation that uses the basic supply chain concepts of planning, sourcing, making, delivering, and returning. This supply chain perspective is combined with other discrete or continuous simulation factors. Discrete resource events (such as launch or delivery reviews) are represented as organizational functional units. Continuous resources (such as civil service or contractor program functions) are defined as enabling functional units. Concepts of fixed and variable costs are included in the model to allow the discrete events to interact with cost calculations. The definition file is intrinsic to the model, but a blank start can be initiated at any time. The current definition file is an Orion Ares I crew launch vehicle. Parameters stretch from Kennedy Space Center across and into other program entities (Michaud Assembly Facility, Aliant Techsystems, Stennis Space Center, Johnson Space Center, etc.) though these will only gain detail as the file continues to evolve. The Orion Ares I file definition in the tool continues to evolve, and analysis from this tool is expected in 2008. This is the first application of such business-driven modeling to a NASA/government-- aerospace contractor endeavor.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2015

On the Feasibility of Monitoring Carbon Monoxide in the Lower Troposphere from a Constellation of Northern Hemisphere Geostationary Satellites (PART 1)

By the end of the current decade, there are plans to deploy several geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite missions for atmospheric composition over North America, East Asia and Europe with additional missions proposed. Together, these present the possibility of a constellation of geostationary platforms to achieve continuous time-resolved high-density observations over continental domains for mapping pollutant sources and variability at diurnal and local scales. In this paper, we use a novel approach to sample a very high global resolution model (GEOS-5 at 7 km horizontal resolution) to produce a dataset of synthetic carbon monoxide pollution observations representative of those potentially obtainable from a GEO satellite constellation with predicted measurement sensitivities based on current remote sensing capabilities. Part 1 of this study focuses on the production of simulated synthetic measurements for air quality OSSEs (Observing System Simulation Experiments). We simulate carbon monoxide nadir retrievals using a technique that provides realistic measurements with very low computational cost. We discuss the sampling methodology: the projection of footprints and areas of regard for geostationary geometries over each of the North America, East Asia and Europe regions; the regression method to simulate measurement sensitivity; and the measurement error simulation. A detailed analysis of the simulated observation sensitivity is performed, and limitations of the method are discussed. We also describe impacts from clouds, showing that the efficiency of an instrument making atmospheric composition measurements on a geostationary platform is dependent on the dominant weather regime over a given region and the pixel size resolution. These results demonstrate the viability of the "instrument simulator" step for an OSSE to assess the performance of a constellation of geostationary satellites for air quality measurements.

GEOS-5↗
NASA NTRS2018

Evaluation of Multiple Doppler Retrievals of Convection in Darwin

Climate Model Development and Validation: (1) DOE's E3SM model being developed with goal of an increased resolution of 13 km (right arrow) assumptions made in convective parameterizations may not apply. (2) Need long term dataset with quantifiable large scale forcings to evaluate performance of convective parameterizations. (3) Vertical velocities are critical for calculating mass fluxes but are poorly represented in GCMs. (4) Dual Doppler techniques can retrieve vertical velocities, but uncertainties can be high due to sampling, mass continuity assumptions, fall speed assumptions, boundary conditions. (5) Can use high-resolution model simulated radar variables to assess impacts of such uncertainties

Doppler↗
NASA NTRS2019

GOES-16 ABI Solar Reflective Channel Validation for Earth Science Application

This paper presents the validation results of GOES-16 Satellite's Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) obtained from a reflectance-based field campaign undertaken at the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia in June 2017. In situ ground measurements are used to characterize the surface reflectance and the atmosphere in order to constrain the radiative transfer code and predict at-sensor reflectance (also referred to as top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance) to compare with concurrent GOES-16 ABI measurements. The five-day field campaign provided repeated TOA reflectance estimates, allowing assessment not only of the calibration accuracy of the ABI reflective channels 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, but also of its stability over the duration of the campaign. The results show that the accuracy of the ABI reflective channels calibration is within specification for channels 1, 3, 5, and 6 - average biases within 2%; for channel 2 the bias is 5%. The estimated uncertainty on the derived biases is 2–2.4%. Some calibration stability issues were present in the ABI calibration at the time of the campaign: (i) a jump on the order of 2% in channels 1 and 6, coincident with an ABI solar calibration event, reflects an instability of the ABI gains in these channels, and (ii) short-term variability in channels 1 and 2 is due to striping (ABI detector-todetector calibration differences). Continued validation and subsequent reprocessing of ABI reflectance imagery would allow Earth scientists to fully benefit from the high spatial and spectral fidelity of the GOES-16 ABI diurnal measurements at the continental scale.

Joel McCorkel↗