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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 1,099 records · Page 61
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Cabin Noise Control for Twin Engine General Aviation Aircraft

An analytical model based on modal analysis was developed to predict the noise transmission into a twin-engine light aircraft. The model was applied to optimize the interior noise to an A-weighted level of 85 dBA. To achieve the required noise attenuation, add-on treatments in the form of honeycomb panels, damping tapes, acoustic blankets, septum barriers and limp trim panels were added to the existing structure. The added weight of the noise control treatment is about 1.1 percent of the total gross take-off weight of the aircraft.

Vaicaitis, R.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Observer-Based Magnetic Bearing Controller Developed for Aerospace Flywheels

A prototype of a versatile, observer-based magnetic bearing controller for aerospace flywheels was successfully developed and demonstrated on a magnetic bearing test rig (see the photograph) and an actual flywheel module. The objective of this development included a fast, yet low risk, control development process, and a robust, high-performance controller for a large variety of flywheels. This required a good system model, an efficient development procedure, and a model-based controller that addressed the key problems associated with flywheel and bearing imbalance, sensor error, and vibration. The model used in this control development and tuning procedure included the flexible rotor dynamics and motor-induced vibrations. Such a model was essential for low-risk scheduling of speed-dependent control parameters and for reliable evaluation of novel control strategies. The successfully tested control prototype utilized an extended Kalman filter to estimate the true rotor principal-axis motion from the raw sensor position feedback. For control refinement, the extended Kalman filter also estimated and eliminated the combined effects of mass-imbalance and sensor runouts from the input data. A key advantage of the design based on the extended Kalman filter is its ability to accurately estimate both the rotor's principal-axis position and gyroscopic rates with the least amount of phase lag. This is important for control parameter scheduling to dampen the gyroscopic motions. Because of large uncertainties in the magnetic bearing and imbalance characteristics, this state-estimation scheme alone is insufficient for containing the rotor motion within the desired 1-mil excursion radius. A nonlinear gain adjustment based on an estimation of the principal-axis orbit size was needed to provide a coarse (nonoptimal), but robust, control of the orbit growth. Control current minimization was achieved with a (steepest gradient) search of synchronous errors in the principal-axis position input data. Actual flywheel tests of this observer-based controller (developed entirely in-house) at the NASA Glenn Research Center showed that the model correctly predicted the rotor orbit growth as a function of rotational speed, and it demonstrated the capability of gain adjustments to arrest this growth. Data from these tests on an actual flywheel module spun to 26,000 rpm proved that the controller was able to contain the shaft motion to within much less than 0.5 mils of radial excursion with axis currents less than 300 mA in root-mean-square estimate. The test speed range was limited because of thermal expansion concerns for this particular flywheel unit, not because of any deficiency in the controller. Simulations for this unit indicated that the controller should be robust up to its top operating speed of 60,000 rpm. Aside from these important achievements, and most significantly, it took less than 1 week to adapt this controller from the simple test rig to the actual flywheel and to demonstrate full five-axis levitation and control. This demonstration showed that both the controller and the model-based development and tuning framework are easily adaptable to a wide range of rotors and bearing configurations and, hence, are capable of reducing design risks and costs for many future flywheel technology developments.

Le, Dzu K.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Regional Application of an Ecosystem Production Model for Studies of Biogeochemistry in the...

The degree to which primary production, soil carbon, and trace gas fluxes in tropical forests of the Amazon are limited by moisture availability and other environmental factors was examined using an ecosystem modeling application for the country of Brazil. A regional geographic information system (GIS) serves as the data source of climate drivers, satellite images, land cover, and soil properties for input to the NASA Ames-CASA (Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach) model over a 8-km grid resolution. Simulation results supports the hypothesis that net primary production (NPP) is limited by cloud interception of solar radiation over the humid northwestern portion of the region. Peak annual rates for NPP of nearly 1.4 kg C m-2yr -1are localized in the seasonally dry eastern Amazon in areas that we assume are primarily deep-rooted evergreen forest cover. Regional effects of forest conversion on NPP and soil carbon content are indicated in the model results, especially in seasonally dry areas. Comparison of model flux predictions along selected eco-climatic transects reveal moisture, soil, and land use controls on gradients of ecosystem production and soil trace gas emissions (CO2, N2O, and NO). These results are used to formulate a series of research hypotheses for testing in the next phase of regional modeling, which includes recalibration of the light-use efficiency term in CASA using field measurements of NPP, and refinements of vegetation index and soil property (texture and potential rooting depth) maps for the region.

Potter, C. S.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Simulation of a rapid compression machine for evaluation of ignition chemistry and soot formation using gasoline/ethanol blends

Due to the projected decline of demand for gasoline in light duty engines and the advent of ethanol as a green fuel, the use of gasoline/ethanol blend fuels in heavy duty applications are being investigated as they are projected to have lower cost and lower lifecycle green house gas (GHG) emissions. In heavy duty engines, the primary mode of combustion is mixing controlled combustion where wide range of mixture conditions (equivalence ratio) exist. Soot emissions of these fuels in richer conditions are not well understood. The goal of this research is to evaluate some commercially available soot modeling codes for the particulate matter emissions from gasoline/ethanol fuel blends, especially at fuel rich conditions. A Rapid Compression Machine (RCM) is modeled in a three-dimensional numerical simulation using CONVERGE computational software using a reduced chemical kinetic mechanism with SAGE chemistry solver and a RANS k-ϵturbulence model with a sector model including the creviced piston. The creviced piston is used in the experimental setup to reduce boundary layer effects and to maintain a homogeneous core in the reaction cylinder. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are conducted for different gasoline-ethanol fuel blends from E10 (10% ethanol v/v) to E100. The fuel blend is modeled as a surrogate mixture of toluene, iso-octane, n-heptane for gasoline content, and ethanol. The computational results were validated against experimental results using pressure measurements and laser extinction diagnostics. Different soot models are investigated to evaluate their capability of predicting the sooting tendencies of fuel blends, especially in richer conditions experienced during mixing-controlled combustion. The experimental combustion characteristics such as the ignition delay of different blends of fuel are reasonably well predicted. The Particulate Size Mimic (PSM) model accurately predicts the soot generation characteristics of the different fuels, but the Hiroyasu-NSC model falls short in this regard. For accurate prediction of soot with the PSM model, the thermodynamic conditions during combustion must be accurately modeled. While the current computational modeling tools can produce accurate results for the prediction of particulate matter emissions, there is much work to be done in improving our understanding of the underlying fundamental processes.

Energy & Fuels↗
NASA NTRS1998

Computational Investigation and Validation of Twin-Tail Buffet Response Including Dynamics and Control

Multidisciplinary tools for prediction of single rectangular-tail buffet are extended to single swept-back-tail buffet in transonic-speed flow, and multidisciplinary tools for prediction and control of twin-tail buffet are developed and presented. The configuration model consists of a sharp-edged delta wing with single or twin tails that are oriented normal to the wing surface. The tails are treated as cantilevered beams fixed at the root and allowed to oscillate in both bending and torsion. This complex multidisciplinary problem is solved sequentially using three sets of equations on a dynamic single or multi-block grid structure. The first set is the unsteady, compressible, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations which are used for obtaining the flow field vector and the aerodynamic loads on the tails. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved accurately in time using the implicit, upwind, flux-difference splitting, finite volume scheme. The second set is the coupled bending and torsion aeroelastic equations of cantilevered beams which are used for obtaining the bending and torsion deflections of the tails. The aeroelastic equations'are solved accurately in time using, a fifth-order-accurate Runge-Kutta scheme. The third set is the grid-displacement equations and the rigid-body dynamics equations, which are used for updating the grid coordinates due to the tail deflections and rigid-body motions. The tail-buffet phenomenon is predicted for highly-swept, single vertical tail placed at the plane of geometric symmetry, and for highly-swept, vertical twin tails placed at three different spanwise separation distances. The investigation demonstrates the effects of structural inertial coupling and uncoupling of the bending and torsion modes of vibration, spanwise positions of the twin-tail, angle of attack, and pitching and rolling dynamic motions of the configuration model on the tail buffet loading and response. The fundamental issue of twin-tail buffet alleviation is addressed using two active flow-control methods. These methods are the tangential leading-edge blowing and the flow suction from the leading-edge vortex cores along their paths. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons with the available experimental data are presented. The comparisons indicate that the present multidisciplinary aeroelastic analysis tools are robust, accurate and efficient.

Kandil, Osama A.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Subscale Demonstration and Validation of the Hercules Ascent, Descent, and Entry Vehicle

This paper presents the results of a ten-week student led effort to build and test subscale models demonstrating and validating key capabilities for a space transportation system concept developed over the past 5 years at NASA Langley. This reusable concept, known as the Hercules Transportation System (HTS), is designed to support cislunar, lunar surface, and Mars surface missions or campaigns and offers unique operational capabilities. Until recently, much of the work on Hercules has been conceptual and has not been tested or validated by physical models. Our team, the 2019 NASA Academy at Langley Research Center, investigated and demonstrated the feasibility of the conceptual design by developing two unique scaled models. The goal of the first model was to collect six-component experimental wind tunnel data to validate theoretical predictions and inform future design iterations. Test results provided valuable insights on control surface effectiveness and static stability. The second model was designed to demonstrate the operational flexibility of Hercules by consistently executing vertical takeoff, horizontal translation, and landing. This paper describes the development and testing of both models.

Eytan Adler↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Data-Driven Framework for Direct Local Tensile Property Prediction of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Parts

This article proposes a generalizable, data-driven framework for qualifying laser powder bed fusion additively manufactured parts using part-specific in situ data, including powder bed imaging, machine health sensors, and laser scan paths. To achieve part qualification without relying solely on statistical processes or feedstock control, a sequence of machine learning models was trained on 6299 tensile specimens to locally predict the tensile properties of stainless-steel parts based on fused multi-modal in situ sensor data and a priori information. A cyberphysical infrastructure enabled the robust spatial tracking of individual specimens, and computer vision techniques registered the ground truth tensile measurements to the in situ data. The co-registered 230 GB dataset used in this work has been publicly released and is available as a set of HDF5 files. The extensive training data requirements and wide range of size scales were addressed by combining deep learning, machine learning, and feature engineering algorithms in a relay. The trained models demonstrated a 61% error reduction in ultimate tensile strength predictions relative to estimates made without any in situ information. Lessons learned and potential improvements to the sensors and mechanical testing procedure are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1988

Semi-Markov adjunction to the Computer-Aided Markov Evaluator (CAME)

The rule-based Computer-Aided Markov Evaluator (CAME) program was expanded in its ability to incorporate the effect of fault-handling processes into the construction of a reliability model. The fault-handling processes are modeled as semi-Markov events and CAME constructs and appropriate semi-Markov model. To solve the model, the program outputs it in a form which can be directly solved with the Semi-Markov Unreliability Range Evaluator (SURE) program. As a means of evaluating the alterations made to the CAME program, the program is used to model the reliability of portions of the Integrated Airframe/Propulsion Control System Architecture (IAPSA 2) reference configuration. The reliability predictions are compared with a previous analysis. The results bear out the feasibility of utilizing CAME to generate appropriate semi-Markov models to model fault-handling processes.

Rosch, Gene↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Learning-based Supervisory Control Architecture for Electric Vehicle Charging System Paired with Energy Storages

A Machine Learning-based predictive model is developed for optimal dispatching energy storage system integrated with Electric Vehicle battery charger. The model is effectively trained using transfer learning algorithm and successfully validated via measurement data to achieve high fidelity and accuracy. The study findings provide possibilities for future development of the presented approach to implement computational heavy predictive algorithms with multi-step predictions in emerging modular bidirectional charger topologies to realize vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. The online tuning can be explored using the new measurements obtained during the operation, henceforth, enhancing the controller performance for integrating multiple DERs into distribution power networks that shows huge interest for the utilities and regulatory agencies. Multiple operation scenatios have been evaluated and simulation results are discussed to verify intended performance of the proposed control solution.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Data-driven prediction of geometry- and toolpath sequence-dependent intra-layer process conditions variations in laser powder bed fusion

Geometrical features and toolpath sequence are two important factors that cause process condition variations, such as variations in the meltpool temperature or meltpool size, that might lead to undesired material properties in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. Due to the high dynamics and complex physics of the LPBF process, it is difficult to predict variations in process conditions with simulations alone. Advances in measurement technology and computational technologies open up new possibilities for smart manufacturing. In this paper, a data-driven method to predict intra-layer variations in the processing conditions that source from the toolpath sequence and part geometry is presented. The approach is demonstrated using two-color on-axis pyrometer measurements. Three demonstration cases are presented in which it is demonstrated (1) how the trained predictive model can be used as a filter to ease the interpretation of process variations and discover patterns related to toolpath and part geometry, and (2) how to generate predictions that can be used for feedforward control, i.e., for adjusting laser power or scanning speed along the toolpath using a meltpool temperature prediction model generated based on on-axis measurements. Results show that the developed prediction model is able to meaningfully predict process variations resulted from toolpath sequence and geometry. Predictions are aligned with the results from the related work of others and for the case of 180° laser path turnarounds in our high-speed X-ray imaging experiments. In conclusion, the potential issues related to the current maturity status of the process and measuring equipment that could in practice affect the performance of the proposed solutions are also discussed.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2018

Numerical Simulation of AFP Nip Point Temperature Prediction for Complex Geometries

Material placement at the ideal nip point temperature over complex surfaces with uniformity across the width of the compaction rollers results in optimized part properties for Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) processes. However, current AFP systems utilize heat control models and methodologies, based on multiple process parameters such as feed-rate and orientation, that are mostly open-loop. Here, infrared (IR) heater input is calibrated as a function of process parameters during machine qualification. This work presents a numerical simulation to predict arrayed-infrared (AIR) emitter radiation onto a substrate that includes view factor implementation, IR radiative heat flow calculation, energy rate balance, and a transient heat transfer model. The purpose of this numerical model is to predict nip point temperature on complex surfaces, serving as a baseline for a new arrayed-infrared (AIR) thermoset heater to improve AFP process control. It is anticipated that this simulation will accurately control the temperature for high-speed AFP layup of complex geometries. An anticipated result of an AIR heater system is that material calibration and testing will be reduced as temperature is instantaneously monitored and controlled. Therefore, temperature across the roller width will be uniform during placement of complex parts, independent of their geometry.

Xia, Kaishu↗
NASA NTRS2018

In-Flight Verification and Validation of Colloid Microthruster Performance

Colloid Micronewton Thrusters (CMNTs) use an electrospray to provide precision spacecraft position and pointing control. They were demonstrated in space for the first time as part of NASA’s Space Technology 7 (ST7) payload hosted by the European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) LISA Pathfinder (LPF) technology demonstration mission in January, 2016. CMNTs were the actuator in the disturbance reduction system (DRS) that provided drag-free operation of the LPF spacecraft, which will be necessary for future gravity wave observatories such as ESA’s Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission, currently in Phase A and scheduled for launch in 2034. The CMNT technology met performance requirements operating at 5-30 µN of thrust with 0.1 µN resolution and ≤0.1 µN/ÖHz thrust noise to deliver the required nanometer-level precision spacecraft control measured by the gravitational reference sensor (GRS) in the ESA LISA Technology Package (LTP). The performance of seven of the eight CMNTs in flight was consistent with ground test results, and as a system, all eight thrusters met mission-level performance requirements. The colloid microthruster performance model of thrust and thrust noise as a function of operational parameters (i.e. beam current, voltage, temperature, etc.) was validated in flight over a wide range of conditions. A model and simulation of the thruster control algorithm was developed and validated with flight data to predict thrust noise. This capability is important for future missions because it relates directly to the acceleration noise on the test masses, which provide the gravity wave measurements. The CMNT thruster model data and validation with LISA Pathfinder/ST7-DRS flight experiments are presented in this paper.

"O'Donnell, James"↗
DOE OSTI2024

Full-Scale Development and Piloting of a Hybrid Digital Twin for Wastewater Operations Optimization

This full-scale pilot of a machine learning based nutrient controller/digital twin is being done as part of The Water Research Foundation (WRF) project 5121: Development of Innovative Predictive Control Strategies for Nutrient Removal. The overall goal of this project is to develop and full-scale test a hybrid (machine learning + mechanistic model) nutrient management controller at four different water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). The controller demonstrates both short-term optimization functions and predictive capabilities. This project includes the design of the controller, its performance at the WRRFs, and a description of the future improvements.

Johnson, Bruce↗
DOE OSTI2024

The influence of burn severity on dissolved organic carbon concentrations across a stream network differs based on seasonal wetness conditions

Large, high-severity wildfires in many regions across the globe have increased concerns about their impacts on carbon cycling in watersheds. Altered sources of carbon and changes in catchment hydrology after wildfire can lead to shifts in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in streams, which can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystem health and downstream drinking-water treatment. Despite its importance, post-fire DOC responses remain relatively unconstrained in the literature, and we lack critical knowledge of how burn severity, landscape elements, and climate interact to affect DOC concentrations. To improve our understanding of the impact of burn severity on DOC concentrations, we measured DOC at 129 sites across a stream network extending upstream, within, and downstream of a large, high-severity wildfire in Oregon, USA. We collected samples across the study sub-basin during four distinct seasonal wetness conditions. We used our high-spatial-resolution data to develop spatial stream network (SSN) models to predict DOC across the stream network and to improve our understanding of the controls on DOC concentrations. Spatially, we found no obvious wildfire signal – instead, we observed a pattern of increasing DOC concentrations from the high-elevation headwaters to the sub-basin outlet, while the mainstem maintained consistently low DOC concentrations. This suggests that effects from large wildfires may be “averaged” out at higher stream orders and larger spatial scales. When we grouped DOC concentrations by burn severity group, we observed a significant decrease in the variability of DOC concentrations in the moderate and high burn severity sub-catchments. However, our SSN models were able to predict decreases in DOC concentrations with increases in burn severity across the stream network. Decreases in DOC concentrations were also highly variable across seasonal wetness conditions, with the greatest (–1.40 to –1.64 mg L –1 ) decrease occurring in the high-severity group during the wetting season. Additionally, our models indicated that in all seasons, baseflow index was more influential in predicting DOC concentrations than burn severity was, indicating that groundwater discharge can obscure the impacts of wildfire in a stream network. Overall, our results suggested that landscape characteristics can regulate the DOC response to wildfire. Moreover, our results also indicated that the seasonal timing of sampling can influence the observed response of DOC concentrations to wildfire.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2002

Advanced Nacelle Acoustic Lining Concepts Development

The work reported in this document consisted of six distinct liner technology development subtasks: 1) Analysis of Model Scale ADP Fan Duct Lining Data (Boeing): An evaluation of an AST Milestone experiment to demonstrate 1995 liner technology superiority relative to that of 1992 was performed on 1:5.9 scale model fan rig (Advanced Ducted Propeller) test data acquired in the NASA Glenn 9 x 15 foot wind tunnel. The goal of 50% improvement was deemed satisfied. 2) Bias Flow Liner Investigation (Boeing, VCES): The ability to control liner impedance by low velocity bias flow through liner was demonstrated. An impedance prediction model to include bias flow was developed. 3) Grazing Flow Impedance Testing (Boeing): Grazing flow impedance tests were conducted for comparison with results achieved at four different laboratories. 4) Micro-Perforate Acoustic Liner Technology (BFG, HAE, NG): Proof of concept testing of a "linear liner." 5) Extended Reaction Liners (Boeing, NG): Bandwidth improvements for non-locally reacting liner were investigated with porous honeycomb core test liners. 6) Development of a Hybrid Active/Passive Lining Concept (HAE): Synergism between active and passive attenuation of noise radiated by a model inlet was demonstrated.

Bielak, G.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Revolutionizing Energy Storage: AI, Automation, and Advanced Modeling as Catalysts for Next-Generation Breakthroughs

The Presidential Symposium (PRES) at the 2025 Fall Meeting, hosted by the President’s Office and Energy and Fuels Division, American Chemical Society (ACS) in Washington, DC, brought together a diverse group of chemists, engineers, and materials scientists working in battery materials & systems, automation and artificial intelligence from academia, industry, and national laboratories. The accelerating demand for high-performance, scalable, and sustainable energy storage has catalyzed a paradigm shift in how materials are dis-covered, devices are engineered, and systems are optimized. This Presidential Symposium, entitled “Revolutionizing Energy Storage: AI, Automation, and Advanced Modeling Driving Next-Gen Breakthroughs”, brings together global leaders to unveil transformative strategies anchored in the AAA framework: Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Advanced Modeling. Artificial Intelligence is redefining the frontiers of energy storage by enabling predictive design, real-time optimization, and intelligent control across diverse chemistries and architectures. Automation is streamlining the synthesis, characterization, and testing of battery materials, dramatically accelerating innovation cycles and unlocking scalable solutions for grid and mobility applications. Advanced Modeling, spanning atomic to system-level scales, provides unprecedented insight into electrochemical dynamics, degradation pathways, and thermal behavior, particularly when coupled with physics-informed machine learning and digital twin technologies. Digital twins, in turn, leverage the AAA framework by integrating real-time data, physics-based models, and AI predictions into dynamic virtual replicas, enabling proactive diagnostics, optimization, and system resilience. Together, these synergistic pillars are not only re-shaping the scientific landscape but also forging a new era of reproducible, data-driven, and resilient energy storage innovation. In conclusion, this symposium marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of computational intelligence and experimental rigor, charting the course for next-generation breakthroughs in lithium-ion, solid-state, and flow battery technologies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)↗
DOE OSTI2023

A smart alarm for particle accelerator beamline operations

We present the initial results of a proof-of-concept 'smart alarm' for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility injector beamline at Jefferson Lab. To minimize machine downtime and improve operational efficiency, an autonomous alarm system able to identify and diagnose unusual machine states is needed. Our approach leverages a trained neural network capable of alerting operators (a) when an anomalous condition exists in the beamline and (b) identifying the element setting that is the root cause. The tool is based on an inverse model that maps beamline readings (diagnostic readbacks) to settings (beamline attributes operators can modify). The model takes as input readings from the machine and computes machine settings which are compared to control setpoints. Instances where predictions differ from setpoints by a user-defined threshold are flagged as anomalous. Given data corresponding to 354 anomalous injector configurations, the model can narrow the root cause of an anomalous condition to three potential candidates with 94.6% accuracy. Furthermore, compared to the current method of identifying anomalous conditions which raises an alarm when machine parameters drift outside their normal tolerances, the data-driven model can identify 83% more anomalous conditions.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1984

Control system testing

A three stage process of ground testing of the Space Telescope Pointing Control System is used for verification prior to on-orbit operation. First, development tests are conducted in a laboratory environment using flight/engineering model control sensor and actuators configured with an engineering model of the flight computer and data management system breadboards. These development tests validate the results of computer simulations predicting control system performance. Integration tests bring together flight system elements and software interfaced to a software simulation of vehicle dynamics to confirm closed loop performance. The final ground test phase, flight systems testing, is conducted on the fully assembled Space Telescope, verifies interfaces with the Fine Guidance Sensors and includes a thermal vacuum testing period. During the final test phase, the Point Control System is exercised with the dynamics simulator running in real time.

Whittler, W. H.↗