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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 91 records · Page 5

Effect of NASA advanced designs on thermal behavior of Ni-H2 cells

As part of an overall effort to advance the technology of nickel-hydrogen batteries for low Earth orbit (LEO) applications, advanced designs for individual pressure vessel (IPV) nickel-hydrogen cells have been conceived. These designs incorporate alternative methods of oxygen recombination which affect the thermal behavior of the cells. The effect of these oxygen recombination methods on the cell temperature profiles is examined.

Gonzalez-Sanabria, Olga D.↗

Effect of NASA advanced designs on thermal behavior of Ni-H2 cells

As part of an overall effort to advance the technology of nickel-hydrogen batteries for low earth orbit (LEO) applications, advanced designs for individual pressure vessel (IPV) nickel-hydrogen cells have been conceived. These designs incorporate alternative methods of oxygen recombination which affect the thermal behavior of the cells. The effect of these oxygen recombination methods on the cell temperature profiles will be examined.

Gonzalez-Sanabria, Olga D.↗

SEU In An Advanced Bipolar Integrated Circuit

Report summarizes investigation of single-event upsets (SEU) in bipolar integrated-circuit set of flip-flops (memory cells). Device tested made by advanced digital bipolar silicon process of Honeywell, Inc. Circuit chip contained 4 cells. Construction enabled study of effect of size on SEU behavior. Each cell externally biased so effect of bias current on SEU behavior. Results of study provides important information for optimal design of devices fabricated using buried-layer bipolar process operating in heavy-ion SEU environments. Designers use information to provide required levels of suppression of SEU in specific applications via combinations of size and/or cell-current scaling.

Zoutendyk, John A.↗

Deciphering the Effects of Microgravity Cell by Cell

Forces generated by gravity have a profound impact on the behavior of cells in tissues affecting the course of the cell cycle and differentiation fate of progenitors in mammalian tissues. These cells are contributing to normal tissue regenerative health and defence against disease. In Human space exploration context, it is extremely important to determine spaceflight provoked changes in tissue's regenerational capabilities. Microgravity experienced during spaceflight causes unloading and mechanical disuse on all orthostatic support tissues, therefore impacting stem cell fate and lineage commitment decisions. Investigating how ESCs respond to mechanical stimulation is a platform for fundamental developmental and regeneration research applicable for spaceflight. However, the gene expression programs associatiated with early committment stem cell pathways in response to physical stimulation are not readily known. Single-cell RNA-seq technologies have recently revolutionized the world of molecular biology by providing the capability to assess gene expression pattern within a single cell. Our method isolates and separately barcodes mRNAs from thousands of single cells and sequences their expressomes. Understanding regenerative processes on a molecular level would not only help reduce long-term spaceflight impact on health, but also may enable the development of novel tissue regenerative approaches to tissue degeneration on Earth.

Single cell sequencing↗

An in-situ view cell system for investigating swelling behavior of elastomers upon high-pressure hydrogen exposure

The transition to hydrogen as a clean and efficient energy carrier is impeded by challenges in the compatibility of hydrogen with materials used within hydrogen infrastructure. Elastomers, crucial in sealing components, often exhibit premature failures in high-pressure hydrogen environments due to excessive swelling. This study employs an innovative in-situ view cell system to assess the swelling behavior of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) under various hydrogen conditions. The system, designed to withstand pressures up to 96.5 MPa, incorporates Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for strain measurements and volume estimation. Results reveal non-linear volume increases during depressurization, challenging conventional assumptions. Furthermore, investigations into peak hydrogen pressures and pressure-holding scenarios during decompression highlight complex swelling trends. The introduction of a novel computer vision (CV) method enhances precision in volume estimation, overcoming DIC limitations. The study provides insights into mitigating elastomer swelling, crucial for developing robust materials to support future hydrogen-driven energy systems.

Elastomer↗

Theory and Practice in Measuring In-Vitro Extensibility of Growing Plant Cell Walls

This chapter summarizes four extensometer techniques for measuring cell wall extensibility in vitro and discusses how the results of these methods relate to the concept and ideal measurement of cell wall extensibility in the context of plant cell growth. These in-vitro techniques are particularly useful for studies of the molecular basis of cell wall extension. Measurements of breaking strength, elastic compliance and plastic compliance may be informative about changes in cell wall structure, whereas measurements of wall stress relaxation and creep are sensitive to both changes in wall structure and wall-loosening processes, such as those mediated by expansins and some lytic enzymes. As a result, a combination of methods is needed to obtain a broader view of cell wall behavior and properties connected with the concept of cell wall extensibility.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Degradation behavior of CIGS solar Cells: A parametric analysis

A parametric study of the effect of bulk and interface properties on device characteristics as a function of heat and light stress under open-circuit and short-circuit conditions is developed for Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) 2 solar cells using SCAPS-1D simulator. The variables and interdependencies modeled include: (1) conduction band offset (CBO) between buffer and absorber; (2) buffer ionized donor density; (3) CIGS shallow acceptor density; (4) CIGS deep acceptor density; (5) CIGS shallow donor density; (6) ionized acceptor concentration in the ordered vacancy compound (OVC) CIGS/buffer interface; and (7) back contact work-function. An increase in absorber shallow acceptor or a decrease in shallow donor density results in an increase in net carrier density and open-circuit voltage (V OC ). Further, a decrease in V OC is observed with an increase in the deep acceptors or neutral midgap defects in the CIGS due to higher charge carrier recombination. A change of CBO from spike to cliff condition is a dominant mechanism of decreasing VOC with an interface defect density of 10 12 cm -2 . The minimum depletion width is found to be specifically sensitive to CBO and interface defect density. An inflection in the capacitance–voltage curves (in reverse bias) is observed with simultaneous increase in bulk deep acceptor density and shallow donor density near the back contact.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Capacity-cycle life behavior in secondary lithium cells

The practical utilization of high energy density rechargeable lithium cells is dependent upon maintaining high capacity for the duration of the required cycle life. However, a critical, yet generic problem with room temperature lithium systems is that the capacity often declines considerably during the early stages of cycling. The results of our studies are reported on electrolyte degradation which is observed after cells have undergone 300 and 700 deep cycles with 3-methylsulfolane- and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran-LiAsF6 electrolytes, respectively.

Somoano, R. B.↗

Safety considerations of lithium-thionyl chloride cells

The use of spirally wound lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) cells is currently limited because of their hazardous behavior. Safety hazards have ranged from mild venting of toxic materials to violent explosions and fires. These incidents may be related to both user- and manufacturer-induced causes. Many explanations have been offered to explain the unsafe behavior of the cells under operating and abuse conditions. Explanations fall into two categories: (1) thermal mechanisms, and (2) chemical mechanisms. However, it is quite difficult to separate the two. Both may be responsible for cell venting or explosion. Some safety problems encountered with these cells also may be due to design deficiencies and ineffective quality control during cell fabrication. A well-coordinated basic and applied research program is needed to develop safe Li-SOCl2 cells. Recommendations include: (1) learnig more about Li-SOL2 cell chemistry; (2) modeling cell and battery behavior; (3) optimizing cell design for safety and performance, (4) implementing quality control procedures; and (5) educating users.

Subbarao, Surampudi↗

Modelling a nickel-cadmium battery as a heterogeneous device

A common failure mode for nickel-cadmium batteries involves a nonuniform degradation of the performance of individual cells. This behavior is manifested as a divergence in voltage during cyclic operation. An empirically based performance model is presented which simulates a battery composed of heterogeneous cells. Battery performance is studied as a function of the distribution of cell performance characteristics. The technique has successfully predicted cell voltage divergence behavior observed during cycle life testing. It is noted that this work enhances understanding of life-test results and may improve life-test design and data analysis.

Glueck, Peter R.↗

Electrode kinetics of a water vapor electrolysis cell

The anodic electrochemical behavior of the water vapor electrolysis cell was investigated. A theoretical review of various aspects of cell overvoltage is presented with special emphasis on concentration overvoltage and activation overvoltage. Other sources of overvoltage are described. The experimental apparatus controlled and measured anode potential and cell current. Potentials between 1.10 and 2.60 V (vs NHE) and currents between 0.1 and 3000 mA were investigated. Different behavior was observed between the standard cell and the free electrolyte cell. The free electrolyte cell followed typical Tafel behavior (i.e. activation overvoltage) with Tafel slopes of about 0.15, and the exchange current densities of 10 to the minus 9th power A/sq cm, both in good agreement with literature values. The standard cell exhibitied this same Tafel behavior at lower current densities but deviated toward lower than expected current densities at higher potentials. This behavior and other results were examined to determine their origin.

Jacobs, G.↗

U-937 Toxicity Testing of Lunar Dust Stimulant (JSC-1A-vf)

With NASA planning to extend the human presence to the moon by 2020, the dangers of the lunar environment must be assessed and appropriate countermeasures must be developed. Possible toxic effects of the lunar dust are of particular importance to human health because of the dust's chemical composition, reactivity, and small size. This project focuses on the toxicity of lunar dust stimulant (JSC-1A-vf), in both its active and passive forms, using U-937 human monocyte cells. Simulant was mechanically activated from its passive form by grinding, and its ability to produce hydroxyl radicals was determined. To test for toxicity, active and passivated simulant was diluted in media and applied to the cells for various time periods. Toxicity was then estimated using flow cytometry on the Guava Personal Cell Analysis system. Preliminary results suggest that passivated stimulant is slightly toxic, with an increase in toxicity for activated stimulant. Toxicity results may be affected by cell lysing behavior and quenching of hydroxyl radical production by the cell media.

Bales, Kristyn↗

Electron irradiation of tandem junction solar cells

The electrical behavior of 100 micron thick tandem junction solar cells manufactured by Texas Instruments was studied as a function of 1 MeV electron fluence, photon irradiation, and 60 C annealing. These cells are found to degrade rapidly with radiation, the most serious loss occurring in the blue end of the cell's spectral response. No photon degradation was found to occur, but the cells did anneal a small amount at 60 C.

Anspaugh, B. E.↗

Vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell galvanotactic response and differential migratory behavior

Chronic disease or injury of the vasculature impairs the functionality of vascular wall cells particularly in their ability to migrate and repair vascular surfaces. Under pathologic conditions, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) lose their non-thrombogenic properties and decrease their motility. Alternatively, vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) may increase motility and proliferation, leading to blood vessel luminal invasion. Current therapies to prevent subsequent blood vessel occlusion commonly mechanically injure vascular cells leading to endothelial denudation and smooth muscle cell luminal migration. Due to this dichotomous migratory behavior, a need exists for modulating vascular cell growth and migration in a more targeted manner. Here, we examine the efficacy of utilizing small direct current electric fields to influence vascular cell-specific migration (“galvanotaxis”). We designed, fabricated, and implemented an in vitro chamber for tracking vascular cell migration direction, distance, and displacement under galvanotactic influence of varying magnitude. Our results indicate that vascular ECs and SMCs have differing responses to galvanotaxis; ECs exhibit a positive correlation of anodal migration while SMCs exhibit minimal change in directional migration in relation to the electric field direction. SMCs exhibit less motility response (i.e. distance traveled in 4 h) compared to ECs, but SMCs show a significantly higher motility at low electric potentials (80 mV/cm). With further investigation and translation, galvanotaxis may be an effective solution for modulation of vascular cell-specific migration, leading to enhanced endothelialization, with coordinate reduced smooth muscle in-migration.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗