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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 937 records · Page 52
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Quantification of High-Temperature Transition Al2O3 and Their Phase Transformations

High temperature exposure of ?-Al2O3 can lead to a series of polymorphic transformations, including the formation of ?-Al2O3 and ?-Al2O3. Quantification of the microstructure in the ?/?-Al2O3 formation range represents a formidable challenge as both phases accommodate a high degree of structural disorder. In this work, we explore the use of XRD recursive stacking formalism for quantification of high temperature transition aluminas. We formulate the recursive stacking methodology for modelling of disorder in ?-Al2O3 and twinning in ?-Al2O3 and show that explicitly accounting for the disorder is necessary to reliably model the XRD patterns of high temperature transition alumina. In the second part, we use the recursive stacking approach to study phase transformation during high temperature (1050 ºC) treatment. We show that the two different intergrowth modes of ?-Al2O3 have different transformation characteristics, and that a significant portion of ?-Al2O3 is stabilized with ?-Al2O3 even after prolonged high-temperature exposures. In discussions, we outline the limitation of the current XRD approach and discuss a possible multimodal XRD and NMR approach which can improve analysis of complex transition aluminas. This work was performed in the Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a national scientific user facility sponsored by DOEs Office of Biological and Environmental Research and located at PNNL. The work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences.

Kovarik, Libor↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advancing microelectronics through nanoscale science: A perspective on needs and opportunities from the nanoscale science research centers

Microelectronics are the cornerstone of the modern world, enhancing our daily lives by providing services such as communications and datacenters. These resources are accessible thanks to the continual pursuit of a deeper understanding of the chemical and physical phenomena underlying the materials synthesis approaches and fabrication processes used to create microelectronic components and subsequently the components' responses to electrical, optical, and other stimuli that are utilized within microelectronic systems. Today, further development of microelectronics requires multidisciplinary expertise across scientific disciplines and fields of study—synthesis, materials characterization, nanoscale fabrication, and performance characterization—with focus placed on comprehending the nanoscale forms and features of microelectronic components. The Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs) are Department of Energy, Office of Science user facilities that support the international scientific community in advancing nanoscale science and technology. As a key component of the U.S. Government's National Nanotechnology Initiative, the NSRCs enable transformative discoveries by providing world-class facilities, expertise, and collaborative opportunities. Here, in this perspective, we showcase a non-exhaustive cross-section of the capabilities housed at and developed by the NSRCs and their user communities to address fundamental synthesis, metrology, fabrication, and performance considerations toward advancing the development of new microelectronics. Finally, we provide a timely outlook on the next major areas of necessary development in nanoscale sciences to continue the innovation of microelectronics into the next generation.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2026

Fabrication and test of a 6-tesla-class high-temperature superconducting dipole magnet at 4.2 K

Superconducting magnets enable energy-frontier accelerators by generating strong magnetic fields to steer and focus the particles. Although high-temperature superconductors such as REBa 2 Cu 3 O x (, RE = rare earth) hold a strong potential for generating a higher magnetic field than Nb-Ti and Nb 3 Sn , the associated magnet and conductor technology for accelerator applications is still in its infancy. The U.S. Magnet Development Program is developing magnet technology in collaboration with industry. Here we report an experiment of making a dipole magnet called C3 using commercial high-temperature superconducting wires. The magnet, following a canted cos θ design, generated a dipole field of 5.99 T at 4.2 K in its clear aperture of 65 mm at 6.795 kA when a resistive voltage of 105 μ V appeared across one of the coils in the magnet. The stored energy was 53 kJ at the peak field. The magnet showed no degradation in the current-carrying capability at 4.2 K after the thermal cycle. We report on the detailed design, fabrication, and performance of the C3 magnet that can be of interest to potential users of this emerging technology. We also discuss issues and research needs to inform future magnet development. The experiment represented another step to addressing if the high-temperature superconducting accelerator magnet technology can increase the discovery capability of future particle accelerators.

Abraimov, Dmytro [National High Magnetic Field Lab↗
DOE OSTI2024

RCSB Protein Data Bank: supporting research and education worldwide through explorations of experimentally determined and computationally predicted atomic level 3D biostructures

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) was established as the first open-access digital data resource in biology and medicine in 1971 with seven X-ray crystal structures of proteins. Today, the PDB houses >210 000 experimentally determined, atomic level, 3D structures of proteins and nucleic acids as well as their complexes with one another and small molecules ( e.g. approved drugs, enzyme cofactors). These data provide insights into fundamental biology, biomedicine, bioenergy and biotechnology. They proved particularly important for understanding the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic. The US-funded Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) and other members of the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB) partnership jointly manage the PDB archive and support >60 000 `data depositors' (structural biologists) around the world. wwPDB ensures the quality and integrity of the data in the ever-expanding PDB archive and supports global open access without limitations on data usage. The RCSB PDB research-focused web portal at https://www.rcsb.org/ (RCSB.org) supports millions of users worldwide, representing a broad range of expertise and interests. In addition to retrieving 3D structure data, PDB `data consumers' access comparative data and external annotations, such as information about disease-causing point mutations and genetic variations. RCSB.org also provides access to >1 000 000 computed structure models (CSMs) generated using artificial intelligence/machine-learning methods. To avoid doubt, the provenance and reliability of experimentally determined PDB structures and CSMs are identified. Related training materials are available to support users in their RCSB.org explorations.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fourier Analysis and Loss Modeling for Inductive Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging with Reduced Stray Field

With the growth of electric vehicle (EV) popularity, different charging options to increase user convenience and reduce charging times are being considered and researched. Among these, inductive wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for EVs are being designed to meet specifications such as stray field, power level, efficiency, misalignment tolerance, and ground clearance, which are all heavily influenced by the coil geometry. The proposed Fourier Analysis Method (FAM) is an analytical method to directly design coil geometries to meet stray field and power level requirements through an optimization of Fourier basis function coefficients. The outputs of the optimization are complex, planar coil geometries that meet the power level and stray field constraints with minimized loss factors. Contours of these potentials determine the coil conductor paths and loss models predict the system efficiency and performance over misalignment. The Fourier representation of the geometry is used to conveniently calculate the coupling over misalignment, external proximity effect loss, and ferrite loss. A 6.6 kW prototype WPT system with low stray field and high efficiency is built from the optimization results to validate the models and showcase the usefulness of the FAM design approach.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Spitfire

Spitfire is a Python and C++ code for solving canonical flame structure problems to build tabulated chemistry models for the simulation of large-scale fires. Spitfire is a modular software with performance critical code written in C++, abstract numerical methods provided in Python, and chemistry tabulation techniques made convenient for high-level use by non-expert users. It facilitates both high-level usage and novel research in tabulated chemistry approaches. SAND2019-11791 M Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Armstrong, Elizabeth↗
DOE OSTI2025

WorkJournalMaker (WJMaker) v0.5

The software generates and maintains daily work journal entries in text format, via a web browser. The journal entries are saved in a structured directory file tree on the system running the software. The software also incorporates a database so that it can track the location of files in the file system and various other metadata. The software allows the users to access their journal entries either through the browser or as discrete text files, facilitating sharing and open science. Additionally, to assist with the yearly PMP process, this tool connects to LLM APIs to provide summarization of the journal entries on a month-by-month or weekly basis. The advantage over similar technologies such as Apple Notes (extremely popular for notetaking) is that the instant software does not force the user to stay inside the Apple ecosystem, since it allows for export of the user's text files. This facilitates open science, so that researchers who use the tool can easily transfer their research notes to any other system. The WebJournalMaker repository is here: https://github.com/lbnl-science-it/WorkJournalMaker The WebJournalMaker repository is forked from the JournalSummarizer: https://github.com/tyfong-lbl/JournalSummarizer and builds on its code. I wrote the code for both of these software repos, using generative AI.

Fong, Timothy [Lawrence Berkeley National Laborato↗
DOE OSTI2020

hectorui: A web-based interactive scenario builder and visualization application for the Hector climate model

In a world of increasingly online, distributed, and diverse interdisciplinary research, there is a need to provide accessible and user-friendly interactive visualization tools that elucidate complex models and their output products. Hector UI is an R Shiny web interface built to extend the simple global climate model Hector (Hartin et al. 2015), originally designed in C++ with an accompanying R interface. Traditionally, Hector has only had a command line interface available which requires fluency in C++ or R and a full understanding of Hector’s parameter space to run the model and create output. Hector UI provides a fast, efficient solution that makes the model more accessible to a broader user base. This implementation allows users that may not be fluent in R or C++ to interactively explore model scenarios and outputs in an easy to use, guided point and click interface.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory

To help improve understanding and modeling of processes connected to mountain hydrology, the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility will operate the Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory (SAIL) field campaign in central Colorado. From September 2021 to June 2023, an ARM Mobile Facility will collect measurements with a focus on the 300-square-kilometer (116-square-mile) East River Watershed within the Upper Colorado River Basin. SAIL will combine atmospheric measurements from ARM, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) scientific user facility, with existing surface and subsurface data from partner research organizations. Researchers will develop detailed measurements of mountainous water-cycle processes as they pertain to the Colorado River, which supplies water for 40 million people in the American West. Through SAIL, researchers from DOE national laboratories, universities, and research centers and agencies will enable an atmosphere-through-bedrock understanding of mountainous water cycles. By observing what is happening above and below ground to influence hydrology at various scales across the East River Watershed, SAIL will provide insights into how Upper Colorado River watersheds interact with the atmosphere to produce water.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Machine Learning Software for Cylindrical Battery Design and Performance Prediction

A software that delivers optimal design parameters and performance predictions for cylindrical cells, which can range in size from micro batteries to EV batteries, is developed. The Cylindrical battery design V1.0 is comprised of three types of cylindrical batteries, Micro battery (Primary), Micro battery (Secondary) and 18650/21700/xxxxx cylindrical battery. The software was developed in MATLAB. The software has the capability to output the cell design with the capacity ranges from several mAh to several million Ah. The software utilizes machine learning and includes a graphical user interface to enable rapid prototyping to accelerate energy storage research, development, and manufacturing.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1974

An evaluation of machine processing techniques of ERTS-1 data for user applications

A broad study is described to evaluate a set of machine analysis and processing techniques applied to ERTS-1 data. Based on the analysis results in urban land use analysis and soil association mapping together with previously reported results in general earth surface feature identification and crop species classification, a profile of general applicability of this procedure is beginning to emerge. Put in the hands of a user who knows well the information needed from the data and also is familiar with the region to be analyzed it appears that significantly useful information can be generated by these methods. When supported by preprocessing techniques such as the geometric correction and temporal registration capabilities, final products readily useable by user agencies appear possible. In parallel with application, through further research, there is much potential for further development of these techniques both with regard to providing higher performance and in new situations not yet studied.

Landgrebe, D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Distress detection, location, and communications using advanced space technology

This paper briefly introduces a concept for low-cost, global, day-night, all-weather disaster warning and assistance. Evolving, advanced space technology with passive radio frequency reflectors in conjunction with an imaging synthetic aperture radar is employed to detect, identify, locate, and provide passive communication with earth users in distress. This concept evolved from a broad NASA research on new global search and rescue techniques. Appropriate airborne radar test results from this research are reviewed and related to potential disaster applications. The analysis indicates the approach has promise for disaster communications relative to floods, droughts, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and severe storms.

Sivertson, W. E., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Soil Moisture Workshop

The Soil Moisture Workshop was held at the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library in Beltsville, Maryland on January 17-19, 1978. The objectives of the Workshop were to evaluate the state of the art of remote sensing of soil moisture; examine the needs of potential users; and make recommendations concerning the future of soil moisture research and development. To accomplish these objectives, small working groups were organized in advance of the Workshop to prepare position papers. These papers served as the basis for this report.

Heilman, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Distress detection, location, and communications using advanced space technology

This paper briefly introduces a concept for low-cost, global, day-night, all-weather disaster warning and assistance. Evolving, advanced space technology with passive radio frequency reflectors in conjunction with an imaging synthetic aperture radar is employed to detect, identify, locate, and provide passive communication with earth users in distress. This concept evolved from a broad NASA research on new global search and rescue techniques. Appropriate airborne radar test results from this research are reviewed and related to potential disaster applications. The analysis indicates the approach has promise for disaster communications relative to floods, droughts, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and severe storms.

Sivertson, W. E., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1982

An assessment of the real-time application capabilities of the SIFT computer system

The real-time capabilities of the SIFT computer system, a highly reliable multicomputer architecture developed to support the flight controls of a relaxed static stability aircraft, are discussed. The SIFT computer system was designed to meet extremely high reliability requirements and to facilitate a formal proof of its correctness. Although SIFT represents a significant achievement in fault-tolerant system research it presents an unusual and restrictive interface to its users. The characteristics of the user interface and its impact on application system design are assessed.

Butler, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The semi-Markov unreliability range evaluator program

The SURE program is a design/validation tool for ultrareliable computer system architectures. The system uses simple algebraic formulas to compute accurate upper and lower bounds for the death state probabilities of a large class of semi-Markov models. The mathematical formulas used in the program were derived from a mathematical theorem proven by Allan White under contract to NASA Langley Research Center. This mathematical theorem is discussed along with the user interface to the SURE program.

Butler, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The eivaN: A forward-looking interactive orbital trajectory plotting tool for use with proximity operations (PROX OPS) and other maneuvers: Description and user's manual

The results of vehicle burns on-orbit are very difficult to anticipate because of nonlinearities in the equations of motion governing orbiting bodies. This confusion was noticed firsthand in prior experimentation. Out of plane motion is relatively simple as it is uncoupled from the other two degrees of freedom. However, in plane thrusts are more complex because the motions resulting from these inputs are coupled. An interactive planning device, eivaN, was developed to plot resulting trajectories, to provide a better comprehension of orbital mechanics effects, and to help the user to develop heuristics for on-orbit mission planning. The eivaN runs with Microsoft Excel on a Macintosh computer. It provides a forward looking display: burn parameters in the three orthogonal axes in addition to time inputted, and the resultant trajectory is then plotted. Position and velocity components for any burn at any user specified time are readily available. A new area of research related to the human factors of real time, on-orbit mission planning was identified and is currently being investigated.

Brody, Adam R.↗