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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 1,009 records · Page 56
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

An Assessment of Potential Detectors to Monitor the Man-made Orbital Debris Environment

Observations using NORAD radar showed that man made debris exceeds the natural environment for large objects. For short times (a few days to a few weeks) after solid rocket motor (SRM) firings in LEO, man made debris in the microparticle size range also appears to exceed the meteoroid environment. The properties of the debris population between these size regimes is currently unknown as there has been no detector system able to perform the required observations. The alternatives for obtaining data on this currently unobserved segment of the population are assessed.

Reynolds, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Transportation systems evaluation methodology development and applications, phase 3

Transportation systems or proposed changes in current systems are evaluated. Four principal evaluation criteria are incorporated in the process, operating performance characteristics as viewed by potential users, decisions based on the perceived impacts of the system, estimating what is required to reduce the system to practice; and predicting the ability of the concept to attract financial support. A series of matrix multiplications in which the various matrices represent evaluations in a logical sequence of the various discrete steps in a management decision process is used. One or more alternatives are compared with the current situation, and the result provides a numerical rating which determines the desirability of each alternative relative to the norm and to each other. The steps in the decision process are isolated so that contributions of each to the final result are readily analyzed. The ability to protect against bias on the part of the evaluators, and the fact that system parameters which are basically qualitative in nature can be easily included are advantageous.

Kuhlthau, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

End effects of a bifilar magnetic wiggler

The magnetic field at the entrance of a wiggler magnet in a free-electron laser (FEL) determines the character of the electron orbits and influences the FEL gain. To obtain the desired adiabatic entrance conditions, it is necessary to investigate different methods of connecting leads to the wiggler as well as methods of gradually reducing the wiggler field. The field of a current-driven, finite-length bifilar helical wiggler magnet is derived and is used to investigate the magnetic field end perturbations. For a limited range of wiggler parameters, flaring the wiggler end produces an adiabatic entrance region. Alternatively, gradually terminating the wiggler current at the wiggler entrance is shown to produce an adiabatic entrance for a large range of parameters.

Fajans, J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

An overview of switchgrass phenotypes variability across diverse populations and their implications for conversion to fuels

There have been substantial changes to the human lifestyle over the past two centuries, which are reflected in the amount of fuel we consume to power our day-to-day needs. The way we use these resources has indeed manifested in an overdependence on non-renewable energy sources, such as coal and petroleum, for generating electricity and powering our transportation needs. There is a pressing need to explore alternative ways of fueling our current lifestyle without impacting the environment. Biofuels have long been touted as a sustainable solution for use as drop-in fuels in aviation and maritime applications. Still, they have yet to establish themselves as a competitive commercial alternative, necessitating further research and development. Lignocellulosic biomass is an underutilized resource that is widely accessible for the commercial processing of renewable biofuels. Bioenergy crops, such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), which can be cultivated on marginal lands with minimal competition for agricultural land, are an ideal and promising candidate for bulk-scale biofuel synthesis. Over the past 30 years, significant progress has been made in breeding and genetically modifying these grasses to enhance their drought resilience and subsequent yields. However, discrepancies in biomass composition can lead to irregular feedstocks for downstream operations, which in turn affect overall production targets for biofuels. Here, this review examines the variability in switchgrass (P. virgatum L.) biomass phenotypes across diverse populations and plant components, and their implications for biofuel conversion. The study highlights significant variations in biomass yield, composition, and cell wall chemistry both between switchgrass genotypes and within individual cultivars. Key findings include differences in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content between leaves and stems, which affect biomass digestibility and ethanol yield. The review also discusses the impact of lignin chemistry, particularly the syringyl/guaicyl (S/G) ratio, on the efficiency of biomass saccharification. Furthermore, it explores how these variations respond differently to various pretreatment techniques, affecting overall biofuel production. We conclude that understanding and quantifying this variability is crucial for optimizing switchgrass as a feedstock for commercial biofuel production, thereby potentially addressing the pressing need for sustainable energy sources in sectors such as aviation.

Kousika, Rohit [Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN ↗
NASA NTRS2021

Electrolytic Co-deposition Neutron Production Evaluation

Co-deposition electrochemical cells are a simple means to examine novel nuclear reactions. In this study, palladium and deuterium atoms were co-deposited on a cathode at stoichiometric densities, forming dendritic morphologies. Bubble detector neutron dosimeters were used to measure equivalent dose levels during electrolytic deposition. Standard configuration cells expected to produce excess neutrons were denoted as experimental cells and contained an electrolyte consisting of palladium(II) chloride, lithium chloride, and heavy water. The control cells used copper(II) chloride, lithium chloride, and heavy water electrolyte. Experimental and control cells were supplied current, increasing from 0.1 to 100.0 mA over a period of 20 days. For test days 9 through 20, the standard configuration experimental cells exhibited significantly higher average neutron radiation than the controls at a 99% confidence level. Alternative configurations involving more increasing current over a shortened time scale, substitutions of water in place of heavy water or potassium chloride for lithium chloride, as well as inclusion of depleted uranium near the cell cathodes all resulted in inconclusive evidence for promoting neutron production.

neutron↗
DOE OSTI2018

The Role of Proton Transport in Gating Current in a Voltage Gated Ion Channel, as Shown by Quantum Calculations

Over two-thirds of a century ago, Hodgkin and Huxley proposed the existence of voltage gated ion channels (VGICs) to carry Na + and K + ions across the cell membrane to create the nerve impulse, in response to depolarization of the membrane. The channels have multiple physiological roles, and play a central role in a wide variety of diseases when they malfunction. The first channel structure was found by MacKinnon and coworkers in 1998. Subsequently, the structure of a number of VGICs was determined in the open (ion conducting) state. This type of channel consists of four voltage sensing domains (VSDs), each formed from four transmembrane (TM) segments, plus a pore domain through which ions move. Understanding the gating mechanism (how the channel opens and closes) requires structures. One TM segment (S4) has an arginine in every third position, with one such segment per domain. It is usually assumed that these arginines are all ionized, and in the resting state are held toward the intracellular side of the membrane by voltage across the membrane. They are assumed to move outward (extracellular direction) when released by depolarization of this voltage, producing a capacitive gating current and opening the channel. We suggest alternate interpretations of the evidence that led to these models. Measured gating current is the total charge displacement of all atoms in the VSD; we propose that the prime, but not sole, contributor is proton motion, not displacement of the charges on the arginines of S4. It is known that the VSD can conduct protons. Quantum calculations on the K v 1.2 potassium channel VSD show how; the key is the amphoteric nature of the arginine side chain, which allows it to transfer a proton. This appears to be the first time the arginine side chain has had its amphoteric character considered. We have calculated one such proton transfer in detail: this proton starts from a tyrosine that can ionize, transferring to the NE of the third arginine on S4; that arginine’s NH then transfers a proton to a glutamate. The backbone remains static. A mutation predicted to affect the proton transfer has been qualitatively confirmed experimentally, from the change in the gating current-voltage curve. The total charge displacement in going from a normal closed potential of -70 mV across the membrane to 0 mV (open), is calculated to be approximately consistent with measured values, although the error limits on the calculation require caution in interpretation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Estimating Biofuel Feedstock Water Footprints Using System Dynamics

Increased biofuel production has prompted concerns about the environmental tradeoffs of biofuels compared to petroleum-based fuels. Biofuel production in general, and feedstock production in particular, is under increased scrutiny. Water footprinting (measuring direct and indirect water use) has been proposed as one measure to evaluate water use in the context of concerns about depleting rural water supplies through activities such as irrigation for large-scale agriculture. Water footprinting literature has often been limited in one or more key aspects: complete assessment across multiple water stocks (e.g., vadose zone, surface, and ground water stocks), geographical resolution of data, consistent representation of many feedstocks, and flexibility to perform scenario analysis. We developed a model called BioSpatial H2O using a system dynamics modeling and database framework. BioSpatial H2O could be used to consistently evaluate the complete water footprints of multiple biomass feedstocks at high geospatial resolutions. BioSpatial H2O has the flexibility to perform simultaneous scenario analysis of current and potential future crops under alternative yield and climate conditions. In this proof-of-concept paper, we modeled corn grain (Zea mays L.) and soybeans (Glycine max) under current conditions as illustrative results. BioSpatial H2O links to a unique database that houses annual spatially explicit climate, soil, and plant physiological data. Parameters from the database are used as inputs to our system dynamics model for estimating annual crop water requirements using daily time steps. Based on our review of the literature, estimated green water footprints are comparable to other modeled results, suggesting that BioSpatial H2O is computationally sound for future scenario analysis. Our modeling framework builds on previous water use analyses to provide a platform for scenario-based assessment. BioSpatial H2O's system dynamics is a flexible and user-friendly interface for on-demand, spatially explicit, water use scenario analysis for many US agricultural crops. Built-in controls permit users to quickly make modifications to the model assumptions, such as those affecting yield, and to see the implications of those results in real time. BioSpatial H2O's dynamic capabilities and adjustable climate data allow for analyses of water use and management scenarios to inform current and potential future bioenergy policies. The model could also be adapted for scenario analysis of alternative climatic conditions and comparison of multiple crops. The results of such an analysis would help identify risks associated with water use competition among feedstocks in certain regions. Results could also inform research and development efforts that seek to reduce water-related risks of biofuel pathways.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2019

A Roadmap to Low-Cost Hydrogen with Hydroxide Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers

Hydrogen is an ideal alternative energy carrier to generate power for all of society's energy demands including grid, industrial, and transportation sectors. Among the hydrogen production methods, water electrolysis is a promising method because of its zero greenhouse gas emission and its compatibility with all types of electricity sources. Alkaline electrolyzers (AELs) and proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMELs) are currently used to produce hydrogen. AELs are commercially mature and are used in a variety of industrial applications, while PEMELs are still being developed and find limited application. In comparison with AELs, PEMELs have more compact structure and can achieve higher current densities. Recently, however, an alternative technology to PEMELs, hydroxide exchange membrane electrolyzers (HEMELs), has gained considerable attention due to the possibility to use platinum group metal (PGM)-free electrocatalysts and cheaper membranes, ionomers, and construction materials and its potential to achieve performance parity with PEMELs. Here, the state-of-the-art AELs and PEMELs along with the current status of HEMELs are discussed in terms of their positive and negative aspects. Additionally discussed are electrocatalyst, membrane, and ionomer development needs for HEMELs and benchmark electrocatalysts in terms of the cost-performance tradeoff.

08 HYDROGEN↗
NASA NTRS2002

Modeling of InGaAsSb-Based Avalanche Photodetectors for 2-Micron Wavelengths

The main focus of this research is to study and evaluate the potential of InGaAsSb-AlGaAsSb based 2 micron avalanche photo-detectors. The photodetector contains a separate absorption and multiplication region (SAM) structure. The analysis has mainly been done to understand the electrical response characteristics of the devices existing at NASA, and to evaluate alternate structures proposed. Calculating the current flow for the existing detector structure, on the basis of its energy band diagram, is important. This analysis also helps to find shortcomings in the existing detector structure. It is shown that, unfortunately, the existing structure cannot lead to strong multiplication or voltage dependent gain. Two alternate structures are suggested, that could overcome the inherent flaws, and help achieve improved performance. These devices are obtained through modifications of the original structure, which include varying the doping levels, and changing the thicknesses of detector sub-regions. The results of our study are presented and discussed.

Joshi, Ravindra P.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Direct AFM-based nanoscale mapping and tomography of open-circuit voltages for photovoltaics

The nanoscale optoelectronic properties of materials can be especially important for polycrystalline photovoltaics including many sensor and solar cell designs. For thin film solar cells such as CdTe, the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current are especially critical performance indicators, often varying between and even within individual grains. A new method for directly mapping the open-circuit voltage leverages photo-conducting AFM, along with an additional proportional-integral-derivative feedback loop configured to maintain open-circuit conditions while scanning. Alternating with short-circuit current mapping efficiently provides complementary insight into the highly microstructurally sensitive local and ensemble photovoltaic performance. Furthermore, direct open-circuit voltage mapping is compatible with tomographic AFM, which additionally leverages gradual nanoscale milling by the AFM probe essentially for serial sectioning. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional results for CdTe solar cells during in situ illumination reveal local to mesoscale contributions to PV performance based on the order of magnitude variations in photovoltaic properties with distinct grains, at grain boundaries, and for sub-granular planar defects.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Horizontal Splitter Design For FFA@CEBAF Energy Upgrade: Current Status

Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) is currently studying the feasibility of an energy upgrade based upon Fixed-Field Alternating Gradient (FFA) permanent magnet technology. The current plan is to replace the highest-energy recirculation arcs with FFA arcs, increasing the total number of beam recirculations, thus the energy. In order to accommodate multiple passes in the FFA arcs, horizontal splitters are being designed to control the beam parameters entering the FFA arcs, as well as the time of flight and R_56. In the current design, six passes will recirculate through the FFA arcs, necessitating the design of six independent beamlines to control the optics and beam dynamics matching into the arcs. These beamlines must fit into the current CEBAF tunnel, while allowing for personnel and equipment access. They must also be flexible enough to accommodate the beam under realistic operational conditions and fluctuations. The constraints on the system are highly restrictive, complicating the design. This document will describe the current state of the design, and indicate the work remaining for a complete conceptual design.

Benesch, Jay↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evidence of Superconductivity in Electrical Resistance Measurements of Hydrides Under High Pressure

In the standard van der Pauw four-probe configuration commonly used for electrical resistance measurements, including those of hydrogen-rich samples at high pressures, the application of electrical current through one pair of leads while measuring voltage difference across another pair is a fundamental practice (see the inset in Fig. 1c). In the scenario described in Ref. [5], where electrical resistance vanishes due to disconnection between current and voltage probes or due to an onset of giant magnetoresistance in parts of the sample, it is crucial to consider the implications across different probe orientations: while one orientation may indeed result in vanishing electrical resistance, a divergence of the electrical resistance towards infinity will be observed in an alternative orientation where the applied current pattern is rotated a quarter turn (see the scheme on the inset in Fig. 1c). It is imperative to acknowledge that experimental data encompassing all possible probe orientations are essential for eliminating artifacts and assessing sample homogeneity.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Do Phycosphere associated bacteria affect the growth and lipid production of Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin?

Microalgae biofuels are a promising alternative to fossil fuel energy. However current microalgal biofuel production is inefficient making it more expensive than fossil fuels. To make microalgal biofuels a realistic alternative energy source, improvements are needed in the production of microalgae biomass. Phycosphere-associated bacteria are known to influence microalgae growth and metabolite production. Understanding these interactions could provide new methods for enhancing microalgae biomass and improving the efficiency of producing microalgae biofuels. Co-cultures of Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin and single bacterial species were compared to determine what impact phycosphere-associated bacteria can have on microalgae. Growth rates, total lipid accumulation and fatty acid profiles for each co-culture were compared to an axenic culture of P. tricornutum to assess the impact of the bacterial association. Marinobacter 3-2 significantly increased the lipid accumulation of P. tricornutum during early exponential growth. Two bacterial strains, Algoriphagus ARW1R1 and Muricaud a ARW1Y1, significantly lowered the maximum growth rate and cell densities of P. tricornutum in early and late exponential growth. Lower cell densities in these co-cultures resulted in lower lipid accumulation. Our results suggest that co-culturing P. tricornutum with a phycosphere-associated bacterial species, Marinobacter 3-2, could help improve the efficiency of producing algal biomass and lipids.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Influence of the Dielectric Constant on the Ionic Current Rectification of Bipolar Nanopores

In this paper, we investigate how the dielectric constant, ϵ, of an electrolyte solvent influences the current rectification characteristics of bipolar nanopores. It is well recognized that bipolar nanopores with two oppositely charged regions rectify current when exposed to an alternating electric potential difference. Here, we consider dilute electrolytes with NaCl only and with a mixture of NaCl and charged nanoparticles. These systems are studied using two levels of description, all-atom explicit water molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and coarse-grained implicit solvent MD simulations. The charge density and electric potential profiles and current-voltage relationship predicted by the implicit solvent simulations with ϵ = 11.3 show good agreement with the predictions from the explicit water simulations. Under nonequilibrium conditions, the predictions of the implicit solvent simulations with a dielectric constant closer to the one of bulk water are significantly different from the predictions obtained with the explicit water model. Further, these findings are closely aligned with experimental data on the dielectric constant of water when confined to nanometric spaces, which suggests that ϵ decreases significantly compared to its value in the bulk. Moreover, the largest electric current rectification is observed in systems containing nanoparticles when ϵ = 78.8. Using enhanced sampling, we have shown that this larger rectification arises from the presence of a significantly deeper minimum in the free energy of the system with a larger ϵ, and when a negative voltage bias is applied. Since implicit solvent models and mean-field continuum theories are often used to design Janus membranes based on bipolar nanopores, this work highlights the importance of properly accounting for the effects of confinement on the dielectric constant of the electrolyte solvent. The results presented here indicate that the dielectric constant in implicit solvent simulations may be used as an adjustable parameter to approximately account for the effects of nanometric confinement on aqueous electrolyte solvents.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Preconceptual Feasibility Study to Evaluate Alternative Means to Produce Plutonium-238

There is currently no large-scale production of 238Pu in the United States. Feasibility studies were performed at the Idaho National Laboratory to assess the capability of developing alternative 238Pu production strategies. Initial investigations indicate potential capability to provision radioisotope-powered systems for future space exploration endeavors. For the short term production of 238Pu, sealed canisters of dilute 237Np solution in nitric acid could be irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). Targets in the large and medium “I” positions of the ATR were irradiated over a simulated period of 306 days and analyzed using MCNP5 and ORIGEN2.2. Approximately 0.5 kg of 238Pu could be produced annually in the ATR with purity greater than 92%. Optimization of the irradiation cycles could further increase the purity to greater than 98%. Whereas the typical purity of space batteries is between 80 to 85%, the higher purity 238Pu produced in the ATR could be blended with existing lower-purity inventory to produce useable material. Development of irradiation methods in the ATR provides the fastest alterative to restart United States 238Pu production. The analysis of 238Pu production in the ATR provides the technical basis for production using TRIGA® (Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics) nuclear reactors. Preliminary analyses envisage a production rate of approximately 0.7 kg annually using a single dedicated 5-MW TRIGA reactor with continuous flow loops to achieve high purity product. Two TRIGA reactors represent a robust means of providing at over 1 kg/yr of 238Pu annually using dilute solution targets of 237Np in nitric acid. Further collaboration and optimization of reactor design, radiochemical methods, and systems analyses would further increase annual 238Pu throughput, while reducing the currently evaluated reactor requirements.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
NASA NTRS2012

Planetary Protection Concerns During Pre-Launch Radioisotope Power System Final Integration Activities

The Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) is a next-generation radioisotope-based power system that is currently being developed as an alternative to the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG). Power sources such as these may be needed for proposed missions to solar system planets and bodies that have challenging Planetary Protection (PP) requirements (e.g. Mars, Europa, Enceladus) that may support NASA s search for life, remnants of past life, and the precursors of life. One concern is that the heat from the ASRG could potentially create a region in which liquid water may occur. As advised by the NASA Planetary Protection Officer, when deploying an ASRG to Mars, the current COSPAR/NASA PP policy should be followed for Category IVc mission. Thus, sterilization processing of the ASRG to achieve bioburden reduction would be essential to meet the Planetary Protection requirements. Due to thermal constraints and associated low temperature limits of elements of the ASRG, vapor hydrogen peroxide (VHP) was suggested as a candidate alternative sterilization process to complement dry heat microbial reduction (DHMR) for the assembled ASRG. The following proposed sterilization plan for the ASRG anticipates a mission Category IVc level of cleanliness. This plan provides a scenario in which VHP is used as the final sterilization process. Keywords: Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG), Planetary Protection (PP), Vapor hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization.

Chen, Fei↗
DOE OSTI2024

Helping the climate by replacing liquefied natural gas with liquefied hydrogen or ammonia?

The war in Ukraine caused Europe to more than double its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in only one year. In addition, imported LNG remains a crucial source of energy for resource-poor countries, such as Japan, where LNG imports satisfy about a quarter of the country's primary energy demand. However, an increasing number of countries are formulating stringent decarbonization plans. Liquefied hydrogen and liquefied ammonia coupled with carbon capture and storage (LH 2 -CCS, LNH 3 -CCS) are emerging as the front runners in the search for low-carbon alternatives to LNG. Yet, little is currently known about the full environmental profile of LH 2 -CCS and LNH 3 -CCS because several characteristics of the two alternatives have only been analyzed in isolation in previous work. Here we show that the potential of these fuels to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the supply chain is highly uncertain. Our best estimate is that LH 2 -CCS and LNH 3 -CCS can reduce GHG emissions by 25%–61% relative to LNG assuming a 100 year global warming potential. However, directly coupling LNG with CCS would lead to substantial GHG reductions on the order of 74%. Further, under certain conditions, emissions from LH 2 -CCS and LNH 3 -CCS could exceed those of LNG, by up to 44%. These results question the suitability of LH 2 -CCS and LNH 3 -CCS for stringent decarbonization purposes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1985

Examination of the Circle Spline Routine

The Circle Spline routine is currently being used for generating both two and three dimensional spline curves. It was developed for use in ESCHER, a mesh generating routine written to provide a computationally simple and efficient method for building meshes along curved surfaces. Circle Spline is a parametric linear blending spline. Because many computerized machining operations involve circular shapes, the Circle Spline is well suited for both the design and manufacturing processes and shows promise as an alternative to the spline methods currently supported by the Initial Graphics Specification (IGES).

Dolin, R. M.↗