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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 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Semantic Representation and Scale-Up of Integrated Air Traffic Management Data

Each day, the global air transportation industry generates a vast amount of heterogeneous data from air carriers, air traffic control providers, and secondary aviation entities handling baggage, ticketing, catering, fuel delivery, and other services. Generally, these data are stored in isolated data systems, separated from each other by significant political, regulatory, economic, and technological divides. These realities aside, integrating aviation data into a single, queryable, big data store could enable insights leading to major efficiency, safety, and cost advantages. In this paper, we describe an implemented system for combining heterogeneous air traffic management data using semantic integration techniques. The system transforms data from its original disparate source formats into a unified semantic representation within an ontology-based triple store. Our initial prototype stores only a small sliver of air traffic data covering one day of operations at a major airport. The paper also describes our analysis of difficulties ahead as we prepare to scale up data storage to accommodate successively larger quantities of data -- eventually covering all US commercial domestic flights over an extended multi-year timeframe. We review several approaches to mitigating scale-up related query performance concerns.

air traffic management↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of Two-Phase Dense Fluid Expander for Advanced Cryogenic Air Separation and Low-Grade Heat Recovery

Cryogenic air separation represents the state-of-the-art technology to produce oxygen to feed coal gasification units. Given the maturity of this technology, it is difficult to identify opportunities to improve process efficiency and reduce the cost of the oxygen produced. However, Air Products conducted research and a feasibility investigation into the use of a two-phase (liquid-vapor) dense fluid expander (DFE) to improve the overall efficiency of cryogenic air separation. Demonstration of this novel concept was intended to allow two important process improvements: 1) elimination of the need for the DFE discharge to be single phase 2) expansion of the operating region of expanders in ASU service. Expanding the scope of turboexpander application beyond current application limits and traditional device designs would allow an increase in power recovery, and application of refrigeration and power recovery at new locations in process cycles would also enable the implementation of new process concepts. These new process concepts include power recovery from compression waste heat and refrigeration extraction and power recovery by replacing let-down valves with two-phase DFEs. Considering the maturity of cryogenic air separation, these new process options could represent a step change in power reduction and provide significant savings in operating costs. These new concepts would be particularly well-suited to large-scale oxygen production by cryogenic air separation and would enhance the economics of producing oxygen for use in coal gasification processes. Rotoflow, an Air Products business unit, manufactures dense fluid expanders in Pennsylvania for sites around the world. This project was executed in two phases, which are illustrated in Figure 1 below. Phase 1 consisted of a feasibility investigation of multiple applications of two-phase DFEs. In Phase 2, devices were identified, designed, fabricated and tested to explore the feasibility of commercial applications of DFEs operating in two-phase service. Engineering and testing were performed by personnel in Air Products’ Rotoflow business unit, with coordination with other Air Products business units.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2025

Creating Apptainer Workflows with Docker-Compose-like Utilities

Creating Apptainer Workflows with Docker-Compose-like Utilities In this presentation, I will explore the utilization of a tool called process-compose, inspired by docker-compose, to create Apptainer-based services. This approach allows for easy deployment and management of fully containerized applications on High Performance Computing (HPC) systems without requiring elevated privileges. Benefits to the Ecosystem: By incorporating process-compose and Apptainer, I aim to address several key challenges in the HPC ecosystem: Simplified Workflow Management: Process-compose provides a user-friendly interface for defining and managing complex containerized application services, reducing the setup time and lowering the barrier to entry for new users. Enhanced Portability: Apptainer ensures that containerized applications can run consistently across different HPC environments, promoting greater portability and reducing compatibility issues. Process-compose is also a single binary that does not need to be installed by admin level users. Community Driven Solutions: This approach aligns with the goals of the High Performance Software Foundation (HPSF) to advance community-driven solutions. By sharing our experiences and insights, I hope to foster collaboration and innovation within the HPC community. Increased Productivity: The combination of process-compose and Apptainer streamlines the serve deployment process, allowing researchers and developers to focus more on their scientific work rather than the intricacies of system or service administration. Through this presentation, attendees will gain valuable insights into the practical implementation of containerized workflows on HPC systems, learn about the benefits of using process-compose and Apptainer, and understand how these tools can contribute to a more efficient HPC ecosystem.

97 - MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS2018

Nasa's Launch Communications Ground Segment for the 21st Century Florida Spaceport

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Near Earth Network (NEN) Project is implementing a new launch communications ground segment to provide services for the next generation of human and robotic space exploration systems. It will deliver unique and advanced capabilities to accelerate the transformation of Kennedy Space Center into a multi-user spaceport in cooperation with the United States Air Force (USAF). The project has leveraged commercial technologies and remote operations concepts matured in NASAs orbiting satellite ground systems to achieve dramatic lifecycle cost efficiencies as compared to the space shuttle-era ground segment. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development history, capabilities and anticipated use cases of the NEN Launch Communications Segment (NEN LCS).The NASA Kennedy Space Center is co-located with the USAF Eastern Launch Range at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The USAF operates two launch communications ground stations, but they are not designed to transmit voice, commands or other data to the launch vehicle or astronauts. The bi-directional uplink-downlink communications responsibility for human missions has historically resided with the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Several market analyses and feasibility studies investigating concepts to provide NASAs next generation launch communications services were performed during the Constellation Program prior to its cancellation in 2009, and as part of the Kennedy Space Centers follow-on efforts to transform itself into a 21st century multi-user spaceport. In 2012, the Kennedy Space Center and the USAF 45th Space Wing jointly led a study to analyze the market needs of current and future launch systems and assess the operational deficiencies of the Eastern Range infrastructure. The study team issued several recommendations, two of which ultimately became driving operational capability requirements for the NEN LCS: increased telemetry data rates of at least 20 Mbps, and S-band uplink capability. Additional capabilities identified in the requirements development process include spread spectrum modulation support, LDPC 12 and 78 error correction codes, support for IRIG-106 and CCSDS data formats, automated best source selection, and Space Link Extension (SLE) services for data distribution. The NEN LCS is comprised of two permanent ground stations, the new Kennedy Uplink Station (KUS) and refurbished Ponce de Leon (PDL) station. Both stations are remotely operated from the Global Monitor and Control Center at Wallops Flight Facility. This core architecture is extensible through host-tenant arrangements with the U.S. Air Force and deployable assets, enabling agile, tailored and robust solutions to meet the needs of civil, commercial or military customers. The NEN LCS has three use cases:1.To provide agile, tailored and robust launch communications solutions to Florida spaceport customers2.To provide orbital communications services to near-earth customers 3.To provide an experimental proving ground for Space Mobile Network concepts and technologies The NEN LCS driving mission is to support the bi-directional link with the Orion crew capsule and two 20 Mbps telemetry links from the Space Launch System core stage on Exploration Mission-1, the first integrated flight of NASAs flagship human exploration systems.

Roberts, Christopher J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

5G Enabled Transformative Co-design and Co-simulation Framework for Grid Decarbonization and Modernization

5G is a breakthrough technology to enable a fully mobile and connected society, and a 5G-enabled digital continuum will be one of the critical foundations for clean energy economy and grid modernization. The clean energy transformation not only requires innovative manufacturing, algorithm, application, and cross-domain co-simulation, but also a systematic evaluation and comprehensive support on the microelectronic and architectural computing customization to enable and maximize the high renewable penetration in the future power grid. The co-design of decarbonized grid, reliable yet efficient communication, and affordable yet ubiquitous computing will unlock the potential of almost any available tools for the undergoing clean energy transformation. 5G is also an opportunity to rethink the paradigm of infrastructure planning, as computing will be one of the core services for society alongside electricity and communication services.

5G↗
DOE OSTI2025

Foil Bearing Supported Compressor-Expander

R&D Dynamics Corporation (RDD) is developing a fuel cell system compressor-expander designed for heavy-duty vehicle applications. The system emphasizes high reliability, versatility, long service life, and cost-effective mass production. Its design integrates a high-speed centrifugal compressor/expander, oil-free foil air/gas bearings, a direct current permanent magnet (DCPM) motor, and an inverter utilizing silicon carbide (SiC) switches. Key advantages include high efficiency, compact size and reduced weight, enhanced reliability, and elimination of oil contamination risks. The technology targets multiple sectors such as long-haul semi-trucks, mining and construction equipment, power generation, data centers, marine systems, and other heavy machinery. Evaluation units are ready for shipment, and manufacturing capabilities are currently being developed. Contract Number: DE-EE0009617 (2021).

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
NASA NTRS1982

Progress in the development of energy efficient engine components

Component test results are presented for the NASA Energy Efficient Engine program, whose design goals relative to the CF6-50C reference engine include a 12% reduction in specific fuel consumption, 5% reduction in direct operating costs, and 50% reduction in specific fuel consumption deterioration rate over the course of commercial service. Emphasis is placed on the engine's high pressure compressor, which has a design pressure ratio of 23:1, and has completed a series of component tests whose resulting configuration is expected to meet all major objectives of the program. Descriptions are given of the core engine and integrated core/low spool tests, and system test benefits are discussed. Attention is given to the design features of the engine's double annular combustor, high and low pressure air turbines, and scale model exhaust mixer.

Bucy, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Design and testing of a coaxial linear magnetic spring with integral linear motor

The design of a coaxial linear magnetic spring which incorporates a linear motor to control axial motion and overcome system damping is presented, and the results of static and dynamic tests are reported. The system has nominal stiffness 25,000 N/m and is designed to oscillate a 900-g component over a 4.6-mm stroke in a Stirling-cycle cryogenic refrigerator being developed for long-service (5-10-yr) space applications (Stolfi et al., 1983). Mosaics of 10 radially magnetized high-coercivity SmCO5 segments enclosed in Ti cans are employed, and the device is found to have quality factor 70-100, corresponding to energy-storage efficiency 91-94 percent. Drawings, diagrams, and graphs are provided.

Patt, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The evolution of the geostationary platform concept

The paper will review the conceptual development over the last decade of the use of very large spacecraft, i.e., 'platforms', in geostationary orbit. Geostationary platforms were originally conceived as an efficient means of increasing the capacity at a point in the geostationary orbital arc. Also, geostationary platforms have been suggested for mounting very large antennas as will be required for mobile communications, or high power sources as will be required for broadcast services to small terminals. More recently these 'large satellite' platforms were also envisioned as including earth observation and other science payloads. The advent of the Space Station, which can provide a staging base for platform assembly and test in space at low earth orbit prior to launch to geostationary earth orbit, will introduce a new dimension to practical platform design. This paper describes the evolution of concepts for geostationary platforms over the last decade based on both communications and science user scenarios developed worldwide.

Edelson, Burton I.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space Station Payload Adaptation System

The development and design of a system of containers for the efficient integration of Space Station payloads is described called the Space Station Payload Adaptation System (SSPAS). The SSPAS was developed to address the incorporation of multiple payloads, the use of a small payload carrier, large numbers of samples, and on-orbit servicing. SSPAS subsystems such as the Spacelab rack are modular and designed for integration into the 'Quick Is Beautiful' (QIB) facility. The QIB is designed to provide access to space for small- and medium-sized microgravity research projects and proof-of-concept investigations. The power-distribution and heat-rejection potential of the QIB are described, and an improved experiment-apparatus container is proposed. The SSPAS rack-mounting and container concepts are concluded to make up an efficent system that can effectively exploit the R&D potential of the Space Station.

Taylor, Kenneth R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Recent developments at the Goddard Engineering Test Bed

Work on the Flight Telerobotic Service (FTS) since that reported in Leake (1991) is examined, and initial work on a Hubble servicing mission is outlined. A state-of-the-art force reflecting teleoperation system that uses torque control at the joints of the slave manipulator has been implemented. The master rate/slave damper mode proposed by Langley has proved to be a very efficient operational mode, allowing force reflection ratios up to one to one. A software architecture for real-time Ada robotics systems has been proposed, and implementation has been launched. This architecture builds on the lessons learned from NASA Standard Reference Model Architecture and the prototype FTS effort. The Capaciflector sensor has been integrated into the system, and it has been used to perform a basic berthing task autonomously.

Leake, Stephen↗
NASA NTRS2002

Sensitivity of Lunar Resource Economic Model to Lunar Ice Concentration

Lunar Prospector mission data indicates sufficient concentration of hydrogen (presumed to be in the form of water ice) to form the basis for lunar in-situ mining activities to provide a source of propellant for near-Earth and solar system transport missions. A model being developed by JPL, Colorado School of Mines, and CSP, Inc. generates the necessary conditions under which a commercial enterprise could earn a sufficient rate of return to develop and operate a LEO propellant service for government and commercial customers. A combination of Lunar-derived propellants, L-1 staging, and orbital fuel depots could make commercial LEO/GEO development, inter-planetary missions and the human exploration and development of space more energy, cost, and mass efficient.

Blair, Brad↗
NASA NTRS2001

Feasibility of Actively Cooled Silicon Nitride Airfoil for Turbine Applications Demonstrated

Nickel-base superalloys currently limit gas turbine engine performance. Active cooling has extended the temperature range of service of nickel-base superalloys in current gas turbine engines, but the margin for further improvement appears modest. Therefore, significant advancements in materials technology are needed to raise turbine inlet temperatures above 2400 F to increase engine specific thrust and operating efficiency. Because of their low density and high-temperature strength and thermal conductivity, in situ toughened silicon nitride ceramics have received a great deal of attention for cooled structures. However, the high processing costs and low impact resistance of silicon nitride ceramics have proven to be major obstacles for widespread applications. Advanced rapid prototyping technology in combination with conventional gel casting and sintering can reduce high processing costs and may offer an affordable manufacturing approach. Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center, in cooperation with a local university and an aerospace company, are developing actively cooled and functionally graded ceramic structures. The objective of this program is to develop cost-effective manufacturing technology and experimental and analytical capabilities for environmentally stable, aerodynamically efficient, foreign-object-damage-resistant, in situ toughened silicon nitride turbine nozzle vanes, and to test these vanes under simulated engine conditions. Starting with computer aided design (CAD) files of an airfoil and a flat plate with internal cooling passages, the permanent and removable mold components for gel casting ceramic slips were made by stereolithography and Sanders machines, respectively. The gel-cast part was dried and sintered to final shape. Several in situ toughened silicon nitride generic airfoils with internal cooling passages have been fabricated. The uncoated and thermal barrier coated airfoils and flat plates were burner rig tested for 30 min without and with air cooling. Without cooling, the surface temperature of the flat plate reached approximately 2350 F. Starting with computer aided design (CAD) files of an airfoil and a flat plate with internal cooling passages, the permanent and removable mold components for gel casting ceramic slips were made by stereolithography and Sanders machines, respectively. The gel-cast part was dried and sintered to final shape. Several in situ toughened silicon nitride generic airfoils with internal cooling passages have been fabricated. The uncoated and thermal barrier coated airfoils and flat plates were burner rig tested for 30 min without and with air cooling. Without cooling, the surface temperature of the flat plate reached approximately 2350 F. With cooling, the surface temperature decreased to approximately 1910 F--a drop of approximately 440 F. This preliminary study demonstrates that a near-net-shape silicon nitride airfoil can be fabricated and that silicon nitride can sustain severe thermal shock and the thermal gradients induced by cooling and, thus, is a viable candidate for cooled components.

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Systems Development, Data Mining, and Knowledge Discovery

The primary role of the Technical Integration Office is to provide technical solutions and services to different branches at KSC (Kennedy Space Center) and NASA program customers. The Technical Integration Office helps support KSC's operational needs by providing services such as digital connectivity, data center services, modelling and simulation tools, and communication video services. To learn the necessary technology and processes for my internship, I am working on two projects: learning C# (C Sharp programming language) with SQL and developing requirements for a PX (Communication and Public Engagement) inventory management system. To learn how to efficiently program with C#, my mentor assigned me to complete a sports informatics application that would let users discover facts and rules about various sports. The sports informatics application comes with search capabilities, report generating features, rule lists that users can modify, and diagrams for various sport strategies. To further build upon this project, I also developed a sport simulation game with the application. Once I begin more SQL-based projects, I will have the opportunity to learn how to manage databases and link SQL servers with C# programs. To develop requirements for the inventory management system, I have met with PX representatives and toured their storage facilities to see how they organize and store their items and equipment. I will also be meeting with representatives from the budget office to find out what information must be in a system budget report. The main components the system must have are customer request management, a search feature for items and equipment, report generation capabilities, and automated system warnings when item quantities reach or go below administrator-specified threshold levels. I have drafted questions and shall statements that will ultimately become part of the inventory management system requirements document.

Espinosa, Gabriel↗
NASA NTRS2017

Exotic Optical Fibers and Glasses: Innovative Material Processing Opportunities in Earth's Orbit

Exotic optical fibers and glasses are the platform material for photonics applications, primarily due to their superior signal transmission (speed, low attenuation), with extending bandwidth deep into the infrared, exceeding that of silica fibers. Gravitational effects (convection sedimentation) have a direct impact on the phase diagram of these materials and influence melting properties, crystallization temperatures, and viscosity of the elemental mix during the manufacturing process. Such factors constitute limits to the yield, transmission quality, and strength and value of these fibers; they also constrain the range of applications. Manufacturing in a gravity-free environment such as the Earth’s Orbit also helps with other aspects of the fabrication process (i.e., improved form factor of the manufacturing unit, sustainability). In this article, revolutionary developments in the field of photonics over the past decade merge with the paradigm shift in the privatization of government-owned capabilities supporting a more diverse infrastructure (parabolic, suborbital, orbital), reduced price, and increased frequency to access space and the microgravity environment. With the increased dependence on data (demand, bandwidth, efficiency), space and the microgravity environment provide opportunities for optimized performance of these exotic optical fibers and glasses underlying the development of enabling technologies to meet future data demand. Existing terrestrial markets (Internet, telecommunications, market transactions) and emerging space markets (onorbit satellite servicing, space manufacturing, space resources, space communications, etc.) seem to converge, and this innovative material processing opportunity of exotic optical fibers and glasses might just be that ‘‘killer app’’: technologically competitive, economically viable, and with the ability to close the business case.

Ioana Cozmuta↗
DOE OSTI2024

Lessons Learned for Responsible Use of Cloud in the Cirrus Project, Following the CrowdStrike Outage Event

A disruption in CrowdStrike’s Falcon cybersecurity platform on July 19th, 2024, caused worldwide chaos. This event highlights the imperative need for cloud security measures for networks that are critically reliant on cloud technology. This incident negatively impacted air travel, government networks, and critical infrastructure sectors such as hospitals and financial institutions. While no electric utilities had a physical impact, and few had an IT impact, there were issues created by loss of cloud services, and other interrelated industries. For utilities and energy distribution organizations, understanding and mitigating these risks is essential. The Cirrus tool offers a strategic solution engineered to weave cloud integration seamlessly into the fabric of operational management, thereby enhancing resilience and streamlining efficiency in the face of digital challenges.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Negative hydrogen ion sources for particle accelerators: Sustainability issues and recent improvements in long-term operations

High brightness, negative hydrogen ion sources are used extensively in scientific facilities operating worldwide. Negative hydrogen beams have become the preferred means of filling circular accelerators and storage rings as well as enabling efficient extraction from cyclotrons. Several well-known facilities now have considerable experience with operating a variety of sources such as RF-, filament-, magnetron- and Penning-type H- ion sources. These facilities include the US Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC), Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL-ISIS), Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), numerous installations of D-Pace (licenced by TRIUMF) ion sources used mainly on cyclotrons and, most recently, the CERN-LINAC-1 injector. This report first summarizes the current performance of these ion sources in routine, daily operations with attention toward source service-periods and availability metrics. Sustainability issues encountered at each facility are also reported and categorized to identify areas of common concern and key issues. Recent ion source improvements to address these issues are also discussed as well as plans for meeting future facility upgrade requirements.

Welton, Robert F.↗