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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

Investigation of axisymmetric and nonaxisymmetric nozzles installed on a 0.10 scale F-18 prototype airplane model

The Langley 16 foot transonic tunnel was used to investigate the afterbody/nozzle longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of three different two dimensional nozzles and a base-line axisymmetric nozzle installed on a 0.10 scale model of the F-18 airplane. The effects of thrust vectoring and in-flight thrust reversing were also studied. Horizontal-tail deflections of 0 deg, -2 deg, and -5 deg were tested. Test data were obtained at static conditions and at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.20 over an angle-of-attack range from -2 deg to 10 deg. Nozzle pressure ratio was varied from jet off to about 10.

Capone, F. J.↗

Solar-heating system performance tests

Report contains results of performance tests on complete system for solar space and hot-water heating system that uses commercially available components. Results were used to determine system suitability for field installation and to generate performance data base for comparison with future tests on field installed systems.

Source record↗

Portable Spray Booth

Portable spray booth provides for controlled application of coating materials with high solvent contents. Includes contoured shroud and carbon filter bed limiting concentration of fumes in vicinity. Designed to substitute spraying for brush application of solvent-based adhesive prior to installing rubber waterproof seals over joints between segments of solid-fuel rocket motor. With minor adjustments and modifications, used to apply other solvent-based adhesives, paints, and like.

Hansen, Timothy D.↗

NARAC Meteorological Monitoring Tower Maintenance Report: Submarine Base Group Two, Sub Base New London NEWLBASE2 Tower

Comments: The roof-based tower is located on Building 17 on Naval Submarine Base New London. Tower installation date is unknown. A second GFCI outlet in-line with the standard GFCI in the logger enclosure is mounted on conduit out of the tower base pedestal. The roof surface has been replaced and is now safe to walk on. The tower was not climbed during this maintenance visit. After the maintenance visit in 2018, the tower was deemed unsafe to climb due to age, corrosion, and deterioration of the tower components. The wind, air temperature, and relative humidity sensors located on the upper part of the tower require climbing of the tower for servicing and could not be accessed for inspection and maintenance. The tower is scheduled for replacement in FY2023. Tasks to be Completed: Tower system replacement / relocation. Consider replacement or bypassing of the suspect precipitation gauge signal connector.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Evaluating the Impact of Residential Solar Contract Cancellations in the United States

The residential solar photovoltaic (PV) market in the United States is growing, despite frequent customer cancellations. Contract cancellations result in lost time and costs that must be borne by installers, often in the form of higher "soft costs" (i.e., non-equipment costs). These costs are often passed on to customers who successfully install PV systems. To date, few studies have attempted to estimate national cancellation rates or model the impacts on installed system costs. In this report, we utilize an installer-provided dataset of 199,665 residential PV-only projects representing about 10% of U.S. installs each year from 2017-2019. With this data, we evaluate cancellation rates and trends from contract signing to install. Next, by leveraging NREL's soft cost model for residential solar, we estimate installer spending through each phase of the pre-install process. Applying our findings on cancellation timelines and rates, we then estimate the potential cost impacts to successful installs from contract cancellations. Our work suggests that the rates and impacts of contract cancellations have been previously underestimated. Namely, we find that cancellations/unsuccessful project are; more common than previous estimates suggest; occur earlier in project timelines, though a significant number happen even after permit/ATB approvals; and contribute significantly to customer acquisition and other soft costs. We also find that cancellation do not appear to be driven by review delays in permitting and interconnection applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Cost of Wind Energy Review: 2024 Edition [Slides]

The primary elements of this analysis include: Estimated LCOE for (1) a representative land-based wind energy project installed in a moderate wind resource in the United States, (2) a representative fixed-bottom offshore wind energy project installed in the U.S. North Atlantic, and (3) a representative floating offshore wind energy project installed off the U.S. Pacific Coast. It also updates the LCOE estimates for representative residential-, commercial-, and large-scale distributed wind projects installed in a moderate wind resource in the United States. A sensitivity analyses is included that shows the range of effects that basic LCOE variables could have on the cost of wind energy for land-based and offshore wind projects and provides updated Fiscal Year 2024 values for land-based and offshore wind energy used for Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) reporting and illustrated progress toward established GPRA targets.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Fiber-optic-based laser vapor screen flow visualization system for aerodynamic research in larger scale subsonic and transonic wind tunnels

Laser vapor screen (LVS) flow visualization systems that are fiber-optic based were developed and installed for aerodynamic research in the Langley 8-Foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel and the Langley 7- by 10-Foot High Speed Tunnel. Fiber optics are used to deliver the laser beam through the plenum shell that surrounds the test section of each facility and to the light-sheet-generating optics positioned in the ceiling window of the test section. Water is injected into the wind tunnel diffuser section to increase the relative humidity and promote condensation of the water vapor in the flow field about the model. The condensed water vapor is then illuminated with an intense sheet of laser light to reveal features of the flow field. The plenum shells are optically sealed; therefore, video-based systems are used to observe and document the flow field. Operational experience shows that the fiber-optic-based systems provide safe, reliable, and high-quality off-surface flow visualization in smaller and larger scale subsonic and transonic wind tunnels. The design, the installation, and the application of the Langley Research Center (LaRC) LVS flow visualization systems in larger scale wind tunnels are highlighted. The efficiency of the fiber optic LVS systems and their insensitivity to wind tunnel vibration, the tunnel operating temperature and pressure variations, and the airborne contaminants are discussed.

Gary E Erickson↗

Aeroacoustic Optimization of Installed Propeller Configurations with Scattering and Shielding Effects

An optimization capability is developed for acoustic scattering and shielding of installed propellers and rotors, based on a spacetime Galerkin time domain boundary element method (TDBEM). The time domain approach is particularly suitable for efficient simulation of transient, rotating, and broadband noise sources such as propellers. The use of algorithmic differentiation allows efficient evaluation of design sensitivities required for gradient-based design optimization with a large number of design variables. We present a validation exercise for the coherent broadband scattering capability against an analytical solution, showing excellent agreement. We then demonstrate the optimization tool on a series of inverse design cases with broadband and rotating sources, as well as an optimization problem for a propeller-wing configuration. The results show good performance for optimization problems with the characteristics of realistic installed propeller configurations.

Maks J Groom↗

Aeroacoustic Optimization of Installed Propeller Configurations with Scattering and Shielding Effects

An optimization capability is developed for acoustic scattering and shielding of installed propellers and rotors, based on a spacetime Galerkin time domain boundary element method (TDBEM). The time domain approach is particularly suitable for efficient simulation of transient, rotating, and broadband noise sources such as propellers. The use of algorithmic differentiation allows efficient evaluation of design sensitivities required for gradient-based design optimization with a large number of design variables. We present a validation exercise for the coherent broadband scattering capability against an analytical solution, showing excellent agreement. We then demonstrate the optimization tool on a series of inverse design cases with broadband and rotating sources, as well as an optimization problem for a propeller-wing configuration. The results show good performance for optimization problems with the characteristics of realistic installed propeller configurations.

Maks J Groom↗

Scientific Core Library Stack (SCLS) v2026

SCLS (Scientific Core Library Stack) is an opinionated build and packaging system for scientific computing libraries developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. It produces a coherent, reproducible stack of numerical libraries — including BLAS/LAPACK, MPI, sparse direct and iterative solvers, graph partitioners, and parallel I/O libraries (e.g., PETSc, SLEPc, HDF5, NetCDF, MUMPS, OpenBLAS) — that work together without manual repair by downstream scientific software. From a single recipe-and-flavor model, SCLS produces native RPM packages for RHEL-family Linux, DEB packages for Debian/Ubuntu, direct Unix-style prefix installs for HPC and locked-down environments, and native macOS builds. Multiple build "flavors" (e.g., GCC+OpenBLAS, GCC+MKL, Intel+MKL, debug) coexist in distinct prefixes on the same host. Compared to general-purpose meta-build frameworks, SCLS is deliberately curated rather than infinitely configurable. It enforces deterministic, audit-friendly behavior: explicit build dependencies, no silent feature autodetection, a clear open-source license policy, and rpath-based runtime linkage so installs integrate cleanly with standard package-manager workflows.

Messe, Christian [Lawrence Berkeley National Labor↗

Extending the Capability of Mars Umbilical Technology Demonstrator

The objective of this project is to expand the capabilities of for the Mars Umbilical Technology Demonstrator (MUTD). The MUTD shall provide electrical power and fiber optic data cable connections between two simulated mars vehicles, 1000 in apart. ne wheeled mobile robot Omnibot is used to provide the mobile base for the system. The mate-to umbilical plate is mounted on a Cartesian robot, which is installed on the Omnibot mobile base. It is desirable to provide the operator controlling the Omnibot, the distance and direction to the target. In this report, an approach for finding the position and orientation of the mobile robot using inertial sensors and beacons is investigated. First phase of the project considered the Omnibot being on the flat surface. To deal with the uneven Mars environment, the orientation as well as position needs to be controlled. During local positioning, the information received from four ultrasonic sensors installed at the four corner of the mate-mi plate is used to identify the position of mate-to plate and mate the umbilical plates autonomously. The work proposed is the continuation of the principal investigator research effort as a participant in the 1999 NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program.

Houshangi, Nasser↗

Cryogenic Propellant Feed System Analytical Tool Development

The Propulsion Systems Branch at NASA s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) has developed a parametric analytical tool to address the need to rapidly predict heat leak into propellant distribution lines based on insulation type, installation technique, line supports, penetrations, and instrumentation. The Propellant Feed System Analytical Tool (PFSAT) will also determine the optimum orifice diameter for an optional thermodynamic vent system (TVS) to counteract heat leak into the feed line and ensure temperature constraints at the end of the feed line are met. PFSAT was developed primarily using Fortran 90 code because of its number crunching power and the capability to directly access real fluid property subroutines in the Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties (REFPROP) Database developed by NIST. A Microsoft Excel front end user interface was implemented to provide convenient portability of PFSAT among a wide variety of potential users and its ability to utilize a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) developed in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The focus of PFSAT is on-orbit reaction control systems and orbital maneuvering systems, but it may be used to predict heat leak into ground-based transfer lines as well. PFSAT is expected to be used for rapid initial design of cryogenic propellant distribution lines and thermodynamic vent systems. Once validated, PFSAT will support concept trades for a variety of cryogenic fluid transfer systems on spacecraft, including planetary landers, transfer vehicles, and propellant depots, as well as surface-based transfer systems. The details of the development of PFSAT, its user interface, and the program structure will be presented.

Lusby, Brian S.↗

A polarimetry-based field-deployable non-interruptive mirror soiling detection method

The soiling level of heliostat mirrors in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) fields is one of the key factors that significantly influences optical efficiency. State-of-the-art methods of monitoring heliostats soiling levels still face various challenges, including slow speed, labor-intensive operations, resolution and accuracy constraints or interruptions to solar field operations. Here, we present a rapid, cost-effective, and non-intrusive method for mirror soiling detection based on polarimetric imaging, referred to as Polarimetric Imaging-based Mirror Soiling (PIMS). The compact PIMS device is designed for integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), enabling rapid, large-area assessments of heliostat mirrors for efficient soiling detection. Our method utilizes the correlation between the Degree of Linear Polarization (DoLP) and surface soiling level based on Mie scattering theory and Monte Carlo simulations. Field deployment of the PIMS method requires minimal device installation, and its UAV-based operation allows for soiling detection without interrupting plant activities. The PIMS method holds the potential for mirror soiling detection across various concentrated solar power (CSP) plants and can be further adapted for other types of solar fields, such as parabolic trough systems.

CSP Field↗

Mars Umbilical Technology Demonstrator

The objective of this project is to develop a autonomous umbilical mating for the mars umbilical technology demonstrator. The Mars Umbilical Technology Demonstrator (MUTD) shall provide electrical power and fiber optic data cable connections between two simulated mars vehicles. The Omnibot is used to provide the mobile base for the system. The mate to umbilical plate is mounted on a three axis Cartesian table, which is installed on the Omnibot mobile base. The Omnibot is controlled in a teleoperated mode. The operator using the vision system will guide the Omnibot to get close to the mate to plate. The information received from four ultrasonic sensors is used to identify the position of mate to plate and mate the umbilical plates autonomously. A successful experimentation verifies the approach.

Houshangi, Nasser↗

Controls Status of Fermilab's PIP-II Project

The Fermilab Proton Improvement Project II (PIP-II) is building a new Super Conducting Linear Accelerator (SCL) accelerating protons to 800 MeV for injection into the rest of the FNAL beam complex. Key progress since the last status report given at ICALEPCS includes the adoption of modern DevOps practices with continuous integration and GitOps-based deployments, commissioning of EPICS-based systems at the Cryomodule Test Facility, and integration of a Virtual Accelerator framework for application development ahead of installation. In parallel, web-based applications using Dart and Flutter have matured, providing secure, unified access to both EPICS and legacy ACNET data. Data acquisition and timing systems have also evolved. This paper presents the current state of controls, emphasizing these recent developments and outlining upcoming milestones as PIP-II approaches commissioning of its cryoplant in 2026 and the Warm Front End in 2027.

Crisp, D. B. [Fermilab]↗

Improving Milling Performance on New Computer Numerical Control Machining Centers with Machining Dynamics

This project is directed at improving the efficiency and productivity of the existing installed US machine tool base by correcting a fundamental system-wide flaw in the existing programmable machine tool infrastructure. The project will catalyze a shift from a geometry-only mindset to a geometry -and-machine -performance mindset. The project will lead to a dramatic overhaul of the existing ecosystem for programming of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tools, and will result in energy savings, cost savings, reduced scrap, and improved competitiveness of US manufacturers.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Advanced Collision Detection and Site Monitoring for Avian and Bat Species for Offshore Wind Energy (Final Technical Report)

This final technical report summarizes the outcomes from a project that aimed to design, build, and test a persistent and autonomous monitoring system for avian and bat collisions with offshore wind turbines blades and structures. The system comprises four primary sensor modules: 1) on-blade sensor modules for collision detection and dual-vision image capture on each blade with both visible light and near-infrared imagers; 2) additional on-blade collision sensors mounted further from the root; 3) a nacelle-mounted unit including a 360º camera and ultrasonic microphone array; and, 4) an on-blade, high-performance infrared camera module. Primary targeted outcomes were high sensitivity for the detection of blade strikes from bats and small birds, and automatically captured visual confirmation of the striking object; these features are critical for monitoring offshore wind turbine installations, where ground-based methods are not viable. In addition, local recording will provide a long-term sensor recording database. Following laboratory validation, field testing was conducted on an operational wind turbine in collaboration with the National Wind Technology Center at the NREL Flatirons campus over two planned field tests.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Solar Street Lighting: Highland Park Pathways to Power [Slides]

Through the Communities LEAP (Local Energy Action Program) Pilot, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) engaged the Highland Park Stakeholder Coalition to scope four technical assistance work areas to address their energy needs and goals. This slide deck addresses the highlighted tasks under work area "A" related to the city's streetlights. Due to economic collapse, the City of Highland Park negotiated repossession of it's neighborhood streetlights to help pay its debt to its power provider, DTE. Without street lighting on residential streets, public safety was at risk. Local community-based-organization, Soulardarity, began installing off-grid solar street lights to improve visibility for vehicles and pedestrians in Highland Parks neighborhoods. Residents and leaders of the community who served on the Communities LEAP Coalition requested NREL review a financial model Soulardarity proposed to operate a city-wide solar streetlighting program on the City's behalf. The coalition also requested NREL identify examples of similar implemented city-wide solar street lighting programs.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗