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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 109 records · Page 6

Advanced space system concepts and their orbital support needs (1980 - 2000). Volume 4: Detailed data. Part 2: Program plans and common support needs (a study of the commonality of space vehicle applications to future national needs

The methodology of alternate world future scenarios is utilized for selecting a plausible, though not advocated, set of future scenarios each of which results in a program plan appropriate for the respective environment. Each such program plan gives rise to different building block and technology requirements, which are analyzed for common need between the NASA and the DoD for each of the alternate world scenarios. An essentially invariant set of system, building block, and technology development plans is presented at the conclusion, intended to allow protection of most of the options for system concepts regardless of what the actual future world environment turns out to be. Thus, building block and technology needs are derived which support: (1) each specific world scenario; (2) all the world scenarios identified in this study; or (3) generalized scenarios applicable to almost any future environment. The output included in this volume consists of the building blocks, i.e.: transportation vehicles, orbital support vehicles, and orbital support facilities; the technology required to support the program plans; identification of their features which could support the DoD and NASA in common; and a complete discussion of the planning methodology.

Bekey, I.↗

Charts relating the compressive buckling stress of longitudinally supported plates to the effective deflectional and rotational stiffness of the supports

A stability analysis is made of a long flat rectangular plate subjected to a uniform longitudinal compressive stress and supported along its longitudinal edges and along one or more longitudinal lines by elastic line supports. The elastic supports possess deflectional and rotational stiffness. Such configuration is an idealization of the compression cover skin and internal structure of a wing and tail surfaces. The results of the analysis are presented in the form of charts in which the buckling-stress coefficient is plotted against the buckle length of the plate for a wide range of support stiffnesses. The charts make possible the determination of the compressive buckling stress of plates supported by members whose stiffness may or may not be defined by elementary beam bending and twisting theory but yet whose effective restraint is amenable to evaluation. The deflectional and rotational stiffness provided by longitudinal stiffeners and full-depth webs is discussed and numerical examples are given to illustrate the application of the charts to the design of wing structures.

Anderson, Roger A↗

In Situ Resource Utilization Technology Research and Facilities Supporting the NASA's Human Systems Research and Technology Life Support Program

The NASA Microgravity Science program has transitioned research required in support of NASA s Vision for Space Exploration. Research disciplines including the Materials Science, Fluid Physics and Combustion Science are now being applied toward projects with application in the planetary utilization and transformation of space resources. The scientific and engineering competencies and infrastructure in these traditional fields developed at multiple NASA Centers and by external research partners provide essential capabilities to support the agency s new exploration thrusts including In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). Among the technologies essential to human space exploration, the production of life support consumables, especially oxygen and; radiation shielding; and the harvesting of potentially available water are realistically achieved for long-duration crewed missions only through the use of ISRU. Ongoing research in the physical sciences have produced a body of knowledge relevant to the extraction of oxygen from lunar and planetary regolith and associated reduction of metals and silicon for use meeting manufacturing and repair requirements. Activities being conducted and facilities used in support of various ISRU projects at the Glenn Research Center and Marshall Space Flight Center will be described. The presentation will inform the community of these new research capabilities, opportunities, and challenges to utilize their materials, fluids and combustion science expertise and capabilities to support the vision for space exploration.

Schlagheck, Ronald A.↗

Methodology and Assumptions of Contingency Shuttle Crew Support (CSCS) Calculations Using ISS Environmental Control and Life Support Systems

The current International Space Station (ISS) Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) system is designed to support an ISS crew size of three people. The capability to expand that system to support nine crew members during a Contingency Shuttle Crew Support (CSCS) scenario has been evaluated. This paper describes how the ISS ECLS systems may be operated for supporting CSCS, and the durations expected for the oxygen supply and carbon dioxide control subsystems.

Prokhorov, Kimberlee↗

Modulation of the Effective Metal-Support Interactions for the Selectivity of Ceria Supported Noble Metal Nanoclusters in Atmospheric CO 2 Hydrogenation

Ever-increasing attention is given to the sustainable utilization of CO 2 in the atmosphere out of environmental and economic considerations. The deep-going clarification of the effective and ineffective metal-support interactions (MSI) in the supported catalysts for the catalytic performance of CO 2 hydrogenation is particularly needed to design highly active nanocatalysts. How to tune the MSI to be effective for the selectivity of goal hydrogenation products is a significant but rather challenging subject. In this work, we demonstrate that the selectivity in CO 2 hydrogenation can be regulated from preferential CH 4 production to preferential CO production by varying the nature of the electronic MSI for ceria supported noble metal nanoclusters, and the effective MSI play a pivotal role for the catalytic systems with opposite hydrogenation selectivity. The modulation of the effective MSI for the selectivity in CO 2 hydrogenation sheds new light on the comprehensive understanding of the MSI and interfacial effects in terms of tailoring and controlling the performance of supported heterogeneous catalysts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Self-supporting activated carbon/carbon nanotube/reduced graphene oxide flexible electrode for high performance supercapacitor

A self-supporting and flexible activated carbon/carbon nanotube/reduced graphene oxide (AC/CNT/RGO) film has been rationally designed for constructing high- performance supercapacitor. The AC/CNT/RGO film is prepared by anchoring the AC particles with a 3D and porous framework built by hierarchically weaving the 1 D CNT and 2D RGO using their intrinsic van der Waals force. The CNT network is beneficial for improving the electronic conductivity of the electrode, while the AC particles could effectively suppress the aggregation of RGO and CNT due to their blocking effect. The synergistic effects among the AC, CNT and RGO validate the AC/CNT/RGO as a promising electrode for supercapacitor, exhibiting greatly enhanced electrochemical performances in comparison with the pure RGO film, pure CNT film and AC electrode. The AC/CNT/RGO electrode delivers a high specific capacitance of 101 F g-1 at the current density of 0.2 A g-1, offering a maximum energy density of 30.0 W h kg-1 in organic electrolyte at the cut-off voltage range of 0.001~3.0 V. The findings of this work open a new avenue for the design of self-supporting electrodes for the development of flexible and light weight energy storage supercapacitor.

activated carbon/carbon nanotube/reduced graphene ↗

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grid-Supportive Loads for Fast Frequency Response

Flexibility in inverter-based loads could be used to support the converter-dominated power grid by offering a rapid, autonomous, and adjustable power reserve during system transients to help maintain system stability. Based on technical potential, ancillary service (AS) value, and implementation costs, this study illustrates the cost-benefit analysis of grid-supportive loads (GSLs) for the supply of fast frequency response (FFR). The net benefit for each GSL is demonstrated using a case study and relevant data sources. The findings suggest that implementation costs for enabling GSL features are low compared to the value that grid operators get from the acquisition of responsive reserve services. The authors believe that, given the rising popularity of renewable energy sources, GSLs can be a useful tool for grid stability in low-inertia systems.

cost-benefit analysis↗

Bimetallic Ag-Pt Sub-nanometer Supported Clusters as Highly Efficient and Robust Oxidation Catalysts

A combined experimental and theoretical investigation of Ag-Pt sub-nanometer clusters as heterogeneous catalysts in the CO -> CO2 reaction (COox) is presented. Ag9Pt2 and Ag9Pt3 clusters are size-selected in the gas phase, deposited on an ultrathin amorphous alumina support, and tested as catalysts experimentally under realistic conditions and by first-principles simulations at realistic coverage. Insitu GISAXS/TPRx demonstrates that the clusters do not sinter or deactivate even after prolonged exposure to reactants at high temperature, and present comparable, extremely high COox catalytic efficiency. Such high activity and stability are ascribed to a synergic role of Ag and Pt in ultranano-aggregates, in which Pt anchors the clusters to the support and binds and activates two CO molecules, while Ag binds and activates O-2, and Ag/Pt surface proximity disfavors poisoning by CO or oxidized species.

Ab initio calculations↗

WO x supported on γ-Al 2 O 3 with different morphologies as model catalysts for alkanol dehydration

The distinctive morphological and surface characteristics of platelet-like γ-Al2O3 were compared to a regular, commercial γ-Al2O3. γ-Al2O3 platelets display dominant (110) surface facets and higher densities of coordinative unsaturated penta-coordinate Al3+ (Al3+penta) sites than regular γ-Al2O3, as measured by solid-state magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS NMR). Such Al3+penta sites are also the preferred surface anchoring sites for tungsten oxide (WOx) species consistent with NMR analysis indicating that these sites are consumed upon WOx adsorption. The higher Al3+penta density on γ-Al2O3 platelets leads to greater WOx dispersion (or smaller WOx clusters), as demonstrated by scanning transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and WOx species at intermediate WOx surface concentration are the most active for the probe reaction of 2-butanol dehydration. WOx on γ-Al2O3 platelets approaches the highest turnover rates at higher surface densities than WOx on regular γ-Al2O3, yet with similar highest rate values for both series of catalysts. This indicates that different Al2O3 supports mainly affect the dispersion of supported WOx rather than the intrinsic reactivity of individual WOx clusters with similar size.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Enhanced CO 2 Methanation Activity of Sm 0.25 Ce 0.75 O 2-δ –Ni by Modulating the Chelating Agents-to-Metal Cation Ratio and Tuning Metal–Support Interactions

Highly active and selective CO 2 methanation catalysts are critical to CO 2 upgrading, synthetic natural gas production, and CO 2 emission reduction. Wet impregnation is widely used to synthesize oxide-supported metallic nanoparticles as the catalyst for CO 2 methanation. However, as the reagents cannot be homogeneously mixed at an atomic level, it is challenging to modulate the microstructure, crystal structure, chemical composition, and electronic structure of catalysts via wet impregnation. In this work, a scalable and straightforward catalyst fabrication approach has been designed and validated to produce Sm 0.25 Ce 0.75 O 2-δ -supported Ni (SDC–Ni) as the CO 2 methanation catalyst. By varying the chelating agents-to-total metal cations ratio (C/I ratio) during the catalyst synthesis, we can readily and simultaneously modulate the microstructure, metallic surface area, crystal structure, chemical composition, and electronic structure of SDC–Ni, consequently fine-tuning the oxide–support interactions and CO 2 methanation activity. The optimal C/I ratio (0.1) leads to an SDC–Ni catalyst that facilitates C–O bond cleavage and significantly improves CO 2 conversion at 250 °C. A CO 2 -to-CH 4 yield of >73% has been achieved at 250 °C. Furthermore, a stable operation of >1500 hours has been demonstrated, and no degradation is observed. Extensive characterizations were performed to fundamentally understand how to tune and enhance CO 2 methanation activity of SDC–Ni by modulating the C/I ratio. The correlation of physical, chemical, and catalytic properties of SDC–Ni with the C/I ratio is established and thoroughly elaborated in this work. This study could be applied to tune the oxide–support interactions of various catalysts for enhancing the catalytic activity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Atmospheric plasma spraying to fabricate metal‐supported solid oxide fuel cells with open‐channel porous metal support

Abstract Metal‐supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS‐SOFCs) have been fabricated by applying phase‐inversion tape‐casting and atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The effect of the binder amount of the phase‐inversion slurries on the microstructure development of the 430L stainless steel metal support was investigated. The pore structures, the viscosity of the slurry, porosity and permeability of the as‐prepared metal supports are significantly influenced by the amount of the binder. NiO–scandia‐stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) anode, ScSZ electrolyte and La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3−δ (LSCF) cathode layers were consecutively deposited on the metal support with an ideal microstructure by APS process. The effect of plasma power of the APS on the microstructure of the electrolyte and cathode was investigated. A dense electrolyte layer and a porous cathode layer were successfully obtained at 40 and 6 kW of the APS plasma power, respectively. MS‐SOFCs, with a cell configuration of 430L/Ni‐ScSZ/ScSZ/LSCF, achieved a maximum cell power density of 1079 mW cm −2 at 700°C using humidified H 2 as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. The corresponding ohmic resistance and total resistance of MS‐SOFCs was 0.14 and 0.32 Ω cm 2 , respectively. This work demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating high‐performance MS‐SOFCs with economical and scalable techniques.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hydrogen reduction and metal-support interaction in a metastable metal-oxide system: Pd on rhombohedral In{sub 2}O{sub 3}

Highlights: • Metal-Support interaction in a metastable Pd/rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} material. • No influence of metal-support interaction on phase transformation rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}→c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. • Sequence of hydride, intermetallic compound formation and phase transformation. • High structural stability of reduced rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and associated oxygen vacancies. • Metastable rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} more effective in initial intermetallic formation than c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. - Abstract: Structural and chemical consequences of reactive metal-support interaction (RMSI) effects occurring under hydrogen reduction in a metastable metal-oxide system have been exemplified for small PdO particles loaded onto rhombohedral In{sub 2}O{sub 3} (PdO/rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}) using synchrotron-based in situ X-ray diffraction experiments at temperatures up to 500 °C. rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} is a meta-stable In{sub 2}O{sub 3} polymorph that is prone to gas-phase dependent phase transformation to cubic In{sub 2}O{sub 3} (c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}). Cross-influence of metal-support interaction and phase transformation can therefore be expected in similar temperature regimes. To separate both effects, comparable experiments have also been conducted on pure rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Phase transformation of pure rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} to cubic In{sub 2}O{sub 3} in hydrogen occurs between 415 °C and 450 °C. On Pd/rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}, a sequence of PdO reduction to Pd metal, followed by PdH{sub 0.706} hydride formation and subsequently, InPd and In{sub 3}Pd{sub 2} intermetallic compound formation have been observed between 30 °C and 500 °C. After the intermetallic compound formation is finished at around 400 °C, the phase transformation to c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} sets in at exactly the same temperature as on pure rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and extends over the same temperature range. This proves that the phase transformation of rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} to c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} is not influenced by the reduction and the intermetallic compound formation. In contrast to Pd on c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}, In-Pd compound formation from rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} occurs at much lower temperatures (230 °C vs. 300 °C), despite finally approaching the same compound stoichiometries (InPd and In{sub 3}Pd{sub 2}). This points to a high structural stability of reduced rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/stability of oxygen vacancies (compared to c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}) as well as to facilitated diffusion of reduced In(-O) species at low temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Pressure-stable supported ionic liquid membranes using isoporous supports for evaluating pure- and mixed-gas light paraffin fractionation

Advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have spurred the growth of domestic U.S. energy production. Membranes, typically silicone rubbers, have found utility in shale gas treatment as fuel gas conditioning units to selectively remove C 2 + hydrocarbons at pressures up to 30 bar, producing clean CH 4 for gas engines. However, more selective materials could be beneficial for broader shale gas treatment applications, such as dew point control units. Supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) offer a potential opportunity for improving C 3 H 8 /CH 4 selectivity, but they lack pressure-stability. Here, we report C 3 H 8 /CH 4 selective and pressure-stable SILMs using isoporous supports. SILMs with supports that had minimal defects remained stable up to 15 bar of transmembrane pressure. This stability allowed for pure- and mixed-gas testing of the resulting membranes at elevated pressures. Furthermore, these tests revealed that low viscosity ILs (<100 cp) may display mixed-gas permeances and permselectivity nearly identical to pure-gas results. On the other hand, higher viscosity ILs may display increasing permeances and permselectivity with increasing C 3 H 8 fugacity, similar to rubbery polymers. Ultimately, the SILMs demonstrated relatively high pressure-stability due to the isoporous supports and competitive mixed-gas C 3 H 8 /CH 4 permselectivity compared to silicone rubber.

Rosenthal, Justin J. [University of Texas at Austi↗

Ce x Zr 1– x O 2 -Supported CrO x Catalysts for CO 2 -Assisted Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane–Probing the Active Sites and Strategies for Enhanced Stability

CO 2 -assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (CO 2 -ODH) represents an attractive approach for propylene production and CO 2 utilization. As a soft oxidant, CO 2 can minimize overoxidation of the hydrocarbons to enhance the propylene selectivity while increasing the equilibrium yield. However, a major challenge of CO 2 -ODH is the rapid deactivation of the catalysts. The current study focuses on designing Ce x Zr 1–x O 2 -mixed oxide-supported CrO x catalysts for CO 2 -ODH with enhanced product selectivity and catalyst stability. By doping 0–30% Ce in the Ce x Zr 1–x O 2 mixed oxide support, propane conversion of 53–79% was achieved at 600 °C, with propylene selectivity up to 82%. Compared to the pure ZrO 2 -supported catalyst (i.e., 5 wt %Cr/ZrO 2 ), 20–30 %Ce doped catalysts (i.e., 5 wt %Cr/Ce 0.2 Zr 0.8 O 2 and 5 wt %Cr/Ce 0.3 Zr 0.7 O 2 ) inhibited the formation of CH 4 and ethylene and improved propylene selectivity from 57 to 77–82%. Detailed characterizations of the 5%Cr/Ce 0.2 Zr 0.8 O 2 catalyst and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that Cr 3+ is the active species during the CO 2 -ODH reaction, and the reaction follows a non-redox dehydrogenation pathway. Coke formation was determined to be the primary reason for catalyst deactivation, and the addition of Ce to the ZrO 2 support greatly enhanced the coke resistance, leading to superior stability. Furthermore, coke removal by oxidizing the catalyst in air is effective in restoring its activity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗