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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Dissertation Defense: Three Papers on Organizational Decision-Making and Change at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

This is a three-paper dissertation that responds to a call for empirical research on stakeholder influence in the implementation of evaluation recommendations. The literature is consistent but mostly theoretical: stakeholder participation should positively influence and increase the probability of implementation (see e.g., Christie, 2011; Cousins & Earl, 1992; Fetterman, 2004). In response, I use two Goddard Space Flight Center engineering technical training and development programs to build a causal argument supporting my proposition that stakeholder influence in the logic modeling process impacts organizational decision-making and change. I first introduce the logic modeling process as a tool to involve stakeholders in program and evaluation design (paper 1); then use the data collection process to implement the collaboratively constructed logic model outcomes (paper 2); and, finally, I triangulate the data using the Toal (2009) Evaluation Involvement Scale (paper 3). I do this to “increase the validity of the findings” (Noble & Heale, 2019, p. 67) and to garner potential mechanisms. I found that stakeholder participation in the logic modeling process positively influenced the use of data to inform recommendations which in turn positively influenced implementation of evaluation recommendations. I identified the process itself as the mechanism and the key decision points as links or influencers. Potential factors included power and interest (measured by role) and time-on-job.

organizational decision-making↗
NASA NTRS2011

Juggling Act: Re-Planning and Building on Observatory...Simultaneously!

SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) is a major SMD program that has been required to meet several requirements and implement major planning and business initiatives overthe past 1 1/2 years, in the midst of system development and flight test phases. The program was required to implementing JCL and EVM simultaneously, as well as undergo a major replan and Standing Review Board - and all without impacting technical schedule progress. The team developed innovative processes that met all the requirements, and improved Program Management process toolsets. The SOFIA team, being subject to all the typical budget constraints, found ways to leverage existing roles in new ways to meet the requirements without creating unmanageable overhead. The team developed strategies and value added processes - such as improved risk identification, structured reserves management, cost/risk integration - so that the effort expended resulted in a positive return to the program.

Zavala, Eddie↗
NASA NTRS1975

Quiet Clean Short-haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) under-the-wing engine composite fan blade: Preliminary design test report

Results of tests conducted on preliminary design polymeric-composite fan blade for the under the wing (UTW) OCSEE engine are presented. During this phase of the program a total of 17preliminary OCSEE UTW composite fan blades were manufactured for various component tests including frequency characteristics, strain distribution, bench fatigue, dovetail pull, whirligig overspeed and whirligig impact. All tests were successfully completed with the exception of whirligig impact tests. Improvements in local impact capability are being evaluated for the OCSEE blade under other NASA and related programs.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2019

Molecular-Level Design of Heterogeneous Chiral Catalysts

A recent major focus of catalyst research has been on improving the selectivity or atom efficiency of catalytic processes. Perhaps the most subtle and difficult form of selectivity to control is enantioselectivity, a catalyst’s ability to preferentially yield one enantiomer of a chiral product. Since two enantiomers are identical in all respects except for their mirror reflection symmetry, both are formed in non-chiral environments at exactly equal rates; only by introducing some type of chiral modification to the system can the rate of formation of one enantiomer be favored over the other. This has been successfully achieved for homogeneous-phase, organometallic catalysts, but the empirical development of heterogeneous-phase analogs has proven elusive. The design of such heterogeneous-phase catalysts would obviate the need for inefficient purification steps to remove the heavy-metal catalysts. The goal of the proposed research by the Chiral Catalysis Group is to understand the interactions of prochiral reactants on chirally modified surfaces that lead to the preferential formation of one enantiomer over the other. There are two general concepts for designing heterogeneous-phase enantioselective catalysts. The first adopts the strategy used in homogeneous phase, by adding a chiral modifier to the surface. This approach, while conceptually simple has challenges associated with modifying an extended surface. The second concept, which is unique to extended surfaces, is the idea of creating surfaces that are themselves naturally chiral. A fundamental understanding of the interactions that control enantioselectivity will enable the Chiral Catalysis Group to develop the concepts necessary to design novel, heterogenous catalytic materials. Enantioselectivity is also central to catalytic processes that underpin the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. With funding from the Department of Energy, the Chiral Catalysis Group has played a leading role in developing a fundamental understanding of chiral catalysis and of the adsorbate structures, interactions and kinetic effects that control heterogenous-phase enantioselectivity. The proposed research program is organized conceptually around three types of enantiospecific interactions: interactions with naturally chiral surfaces; those with modified surfaces categorized as chirally templated surfaces; and one-to-one interactions of prochiral molecules with chiral surface modifiers. Our specific goals are to: (1) determine the structures of chiral surfaces, prochiral reactants, chiral products and chiral modifiers; (2) understand the enantiospecific interactions that occur between prochiral reactants and chiral products with chirally modified surfaces; (3) develop methods for detection of enantiospecific surface phenomena; and (4) elucidate enantioselective reaction pathways and the interactions that control them. The range of expertise within the Chiral Catalysis Group includes molecular-scale theory, surface science experiments, state-of-the-art spectroscopic, kinetic and atomic-scale imaging capabilities carried out in vacuum and under more-realistic liquid- and gas-phase environments complemented by catalytic measurements. By fully integrating such a breadth of approaches and extensive expertise, the Chiral Catalysis Group will, for the first time, be able to understand, rationally design and then control active sites for optimal enantioselectivity. In addition to having a significant impact on the field of chiral catalysis, the proposed research program will further our general understanding of the molecular-scale origins of catalytic selectivity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1990

Characterization of space station multilayer insulation damage due to hypervelocity space debris impact

Four main tasks were accomplished. The first three tasks were related to the goal of measuring the degradation of the insulating capabilities of Space Station multilayer insulation (MLI) due to simulated space debris impacts at hypervelocities. The last task was associated with critically reviewing a Boeing document on the fracture characteristics of the Space Station pressure wall when subjected to a simulated hypervelocity space debris impact. In Task 1, a thermal test procedure for impact damaged MLI specimens was written. In Task 2, damaged MLI specimens were prepared. In Task 3, a computer program was written to simulate MLI thermal tests. In Task 4, the author reviewed a Boeing document describing hypervelocity impact testing on biaxially stressed plates.

Rule, William Keith↗
NASA NTRS1985

Design and testing of an energy-absorbing crewseat for the F/FB-111 aircraft. Volume 3: Data from crew module testing

Over the past years, several papers and reports have documented the unacceptably high injury rate during the escape sequence (including the ejection and ground impact) of the crew module for F/FB-111 aircraft. This report documents a program to determine if the injury potential could be reduced by replacing the existing crewseats with energy absorbing crewseats. An energy absorbing test seat was designed using much of the existing seat hardware. An extensive dynamic seat test series, designed to duplicate various crew module ground impact conditions, was conducted at a sled test facility. Comparative tests with operational F-111 crewseats were also conducted. After successful dynamic testing of the seat, more testing was conducted with the seats mounted in an F-111 crew module. Both swing tests and vertical drop tests werre conducted. The vertical drop tests were used to obtain comparative data between the energy absorbing and operational seats.

Shane, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Development of stitched/RTM composite primary structures

The goal of the NASA Advanced Composites Technology (ACT) Program is to provide the technology required to gain the full benefit of weight savings and performance offered by composite primary structures. Achieving the goal is dependent on developing composite materials and structures which are damage tolerant and economical to manufacture. Researchers at NASA Langley and Douglas Aircraft Co. are studying stitching reinforcement combined with resin transfer molding (RTM) to create structures meeting the ACT program goals. The research is aimed at materials, processes, and structural concepts for application in both transport wings and fuselages. Empirical guidelines are being established for stitching reinforcement in primary structures and test data are reported in another paper. New data are presented herein from evaluation tests of thick (96 ply) and thin (16 ply) stitched laminates and from selection tests of RTM composite resins. Tension strength, compression strength, and post impact compression strength data are reported. Elements of a NASA Langley program to expand the science base for stitched/RTM composites are discussed.

Kullerd, Susan M.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Creating Innovative Frameworks to Spur Cultural Change at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center

Changing the culture of an organization is a monumental task that often takes years and has no set formula. Steps can be taken, however, to spur cultural change by creating spaces and infrastructure to serve as the initial driving force. An innovation space and a bicycle sharing (bike share) program were implemented at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) (Edwards, California) with a vision toward connecting Center personnel, fostering collaboration and innovation, retaining newer employees, promoting flexibility, and improving the culture and workplace atmosphere. This paper discusses the steps taken, challenges faced, novel culture-change-focused design elements, lessons learned, acquired metrics, and how these initiated cultural change at AFRC. For both the innovation space and the bike share program, funding was negotiated and provided through the NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) project, which was seeking to improve the innovation and collaboration capabilities at each of the four NASA aeronautics Centers. Key stakeholders across AFRC from upper management, facilities, safety, engineering, and procurement were identified early in the process and were consulted and included throughout execution to ensure that any encountered roadblocks could be easily navigated. Research was then conducted by attending conferences and visiting culture-changing organizations both inside and outside United States Government agencies. Distilling the research, identifying available space, and deciding on specific design elements for the space was conducted by a subset of individuals of diverse backgrounds to enable quick, effective decision-making. Decisions were made with the intent to increase usage and diversity of users of the space; care was taken to ensure a well-crafted atmosphere that would foster the desired culture change. The allocated physical space required major structural modifications, new furniture, and new capabilities that would bring people in. Decisions and desires underwent a rapid reiterative process in order to stay within budget and short deadlines, while holding firm to what was seen as fundamental elements of an innovation space. The framework for cultural change being established, the more difficult task began: incubating the desired culture. Intentional workday use of the innovation space was encouraged, and organized events coordinated in order to truly foster culture change. Such incubation supports the organic spread of culture change to all areas of AFRC. This framework was complemented and expanded by the implementation of the bike share program. Steps for implementation included bike selection based on lessons learned, creating bike stations and signage, implementing bike share rules, and building a volunteer maintenance infrastructure. A novel user-reporting feedback system at each bike station is a low-impact method of capturing usage metrics. Due to the nature of the work conducted at AFRC, the bike share program and feedback system were negotiated and vetted through various organizations including legal, safety, and operations. The innovation space and the bike share program together are an effective initial framework for innovation and collaboration. Culture change takes time, but the innovation space and the bike share program are already showing signs of making a positive impact on the AFRC workforce.

rooms↗
DOE OSTI2021

Techno-economic-environmental impacts of industrial energy assessment: Sustainable industrial motor systems of small and medium-sized enterprises

Energy assessments can provide an effective way of identifying and implementing energy efficiency measures to save energy costs and avoid emissions throughout manufacturing facilities. Consequently, it generates significant economic and environmental benefits to localities, states, and the nation. Quantifying these benefits requires a systematic techno-economic-environmental framework for capturing the interactions. This article employs methodologies to improve the energy efficiency of small and medium-size industries through their sustainable industrial motor systems. Motor systems offer large opportunities to enhance energy efficiency through adopting advanced technologies and better-informed operations. Case studies presented illuminate the potential savings and impacts from implementing sustainable motor systems and the importance of energy assessments. Here, the integrated macro-economic analysis quantifies the regional sustainability impacts of implementing the industrial energy efficiency offered by an energy auditing program in Ohio over a ten-year period. Results show that implementing all the center’s motor recommendations have directly saved $\$702$ M in energy costs, avoided 2.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and created 3,445 jobs, resulting in a total annual economic impact of $\$788$ M stemming from direct, indirect, and induced regional economic impacts. It provides policy implications for encouraging sustainable industrial motor systems.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1990

Safety and environmental analyses for space nuclear programs

The tools and procedures for analyzing environmental quality and safety are reviewed. The process of preparing an environmental impact statement is outlined and the data sources for a safety analysis are discussed. The environmental safety analysis process is demonstrated, using examples from the Galileo, Ulysses, and Venus-earth-earth-gravity-assist programs.

Mcconnell, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS2000

A Reliable Earth Return System for Safe Recovery of Mars Samples

The objective of a Mars sample return mission is to bring selected Mars surface materials to Earth. Numerous approaches for the Earth-return segment have been analyzed including propulsive or aerocapture return to low-Earth orbit followed by Space Shuttle rendezvous and direct entry. Of these approaches, ballistic entry of a small capsule terminating in a ground landing has been shown to be the lowest risk strategy. Over the past two years, significant work has been performed towards development of a robust direct entry vehicle for Mars sample return. In June 1999, the NASA Planetary Protection Officer provided initial guidance to the former Mars Sample Return Project. The sample return phase of the mission was assigned a restricted Earth return planetary protection classification. The draft mission requirement states that the total mean probability of release of unsterilized Mars material into the Earth;s biosphere must be less than 1.0E-06 (1 in a million). This strict requirement drives the approach and design of the Earth return system. To meet this requirement, selection of the Earth return strategy and development of the Earth return system must be guided by risk, not performance, based decisions. An initial Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) was performed to address the direct entry Earth return system containment assurance reliability and to identify high-risk elements of this system. The results of this PRA identified risk elements that include thermal protection system performance during entry, spin-eject orientation and aerodynamic stability during entry, structural integrity under atmospheric deceleration and impact loads, and tracking/recovery of this system. This initial probabilistic risk quantification demonstrates that, with the proper development program, a prototypical direct entry design can satisfy the containment assurance reliability requirement. Through the current Mars Sample Return Advanced Technology Development effort, an extensive design, analysis, and test program is presently proceeding with the aim of reducing the containment assurance risk of this system. This technology development effort, guided by a continuing PRA, focuses on key risk areas of a direct entry Earth return system including: the thermal protection system, impact dynamics, structural performance, aerodynamic stability, and ground recovery. This development program will culminate in a system validation flight test, 1-2 years prior to launch of the flight system. This flight test would include the launch, entry, and recovery of a full-scale Earth return system, as a scientific validation of the key risk elements to verify nominal design performance. The results of the initial PRA suggested several dominant failure sequences that can be validated in a flight test. These include: demonstrating the thermal protection system reliability and performance during entry, demonstrating the spin-eject orientation and aero-dynamic stability during entry, demonstrating the structural integrity under atmospheric deceleration and impact loads, and demonstrating tracking and recovery of the Earth return system. This single test will directly address over 50% of the total containment assurance risk elements. This presentation will begin by presenting the relative risk of various Earth return strategies. The results of the initial probabilistic risk assessment will be presented followed by a discussion of the development accomplishments and plans for demonstration of a highly reliable direct entry Earth return system.

Braun, R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

DUKE PRO STI TEST at 9965 - RANGE 1 (IMPACT NOISE). Survey Profile Report

Members of the Workforce (MOW) who are exposed to noise levels above 140 dBC, regardless of hearing protection worn, are required to be enrolled into the SNL Hearing Conservation Program which includes audiometric testing, online training (HCP100) and wearing hearing protection. Based on the area impact noise sample results, the attenuation provided by the MFCP was protective for mitigating noise to levels below the ACGIH TLV of 140 dBC. The results also validated the scaled distance equation in an open-air environment as the results at K635 (864 feet) were below 140 dBC.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Accelerating Manufacturing of Powder-Processed Strong, Lightweight and Thermally Stable Bulk Nanocrystalline Al Alloys via Engineered Interface States

The overarching goal of this program is to develop an integrated materials by design framework enabling a simple, scalable, and efficient manufacturing route for thermally stable nanocrystalline Al-based alloys with high specific strength over a range of service temperatures. The central scientific principle underpinning this program is the elucidation, and ultimately implementation in novel alloy design, of unique interfacial structures and chemistries driven by segregation in multi-component systems that give rise to unprecedented processability and properties. This program targeted nanocrystalline Al-based ternary alloys produced by mechanical alloying of powders followed by compaction and sintering with hot pressing, which are inherently scalable and inexpensive manufacturing routes, but when applied to nanocrystalline alloys are usually plagued by low density and/or poor retention of the intended nanostructures during processing. This program successfully demonstrated manufacturing of a bulk (>1 cm 3 ) nanocrystalline Al-based alloy with a combination of thermal stability, high temperature strength retention, and specific strength that exceeds the current-state-of-the-art of Al alloys. It is anticipated that the greatest technological impact will occur by demonstration of rapid and scalable manufacturing of bulk nanocrystalline Al alloys with exceptional thermal stability and mechanical performance, thus enabling increased energy efficiency in high performance power generation systems via: (i) replacement of existing components with lightweight Al-based alloys and (ii) increasing operating temperatures with property retention. The program focused on the development of a simple and efficient manufacturing route for thermally stable nanocrystalline Al-based alloys with high specific strength over a range of service temperatures. The program is expected to have direct impact on scalable and economic manufacturing of bulk nanocrystalline alloys. This program profited from the recent discovery by the project team of segregation-driven amorphous intergranular films in nanocrystalline metallic alloys that can be kinetically frozen-in at sub-solidus temperatures. These interfacial states (also known as amorphous complexions) comprise a large fraction of the total material in nanocrystalline alloys and are responsible for two beneficial characteristics that anchor the proposed work: (1) activated sintering leading to high density and (2) retained nanostructures leading to high strengths that approach a substantial fraction of the theoretical limit. More specifically, these engineered interfaces led to a three-fold benefit: (i) high-throughput materials processing with low energy budget and cost, (ii) exceptional thermal stability, and (iii) high specific strength at both room temperature and intermediate temperatures experienced during service.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

OpenPATH - Leveraging Technology to Measure Travel Behavior

Shifting transportation to more sustainable modes is a key piece of the decarbonization puzzle. However, mobility behavior and travel patterns are difficult to influence because they are difficult to measure. OpenPATH provides a tool to capture longitudinal behaviors through a smartphone application. Agencies interested in gathering data about a population's travel behavior can set up a deployment of the app customized to the needs of their community. Partners can choose between simple mode and purpose labels or surveys for each trip to balance the level of user engagement with the associated burden. The labels, trip surveys, and an initial demographic survey can all be tailored to the specific context of the deployment. The OpenPATH tool is unique in its open-source nature, ability to gather detailed longitudinal travel data, and design allowing direct engagement with travelers. A valuable technological advancement, this tool enables partners to measure the way changes in the transportation landscape impact their community. The suite of tools includes both public and administrator dashboards. The public dashboard supports continuous data analysis through charts presenting trip information updated daily. The administrator dashboard displays geospatial data and supports data export. Example applications have included e-bike programs; gathering valuable metrics on increased access to opportunities and reduction in VMT, and studies aimed at understanding existing mobility behavior to see where advancements such as electric vehicles could fit into these habits. OpenPATH collects travel data in association with an initial demographic survey, enabling detailed insight into the behavior patterns or impact of a certain program on different populations.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2026

E2C Cohorts: Implementation Funding Projects - Impact Summary [Slides]

From August 2024 to October 2025, 11 Clean Cities and Communities coalitions supported projects to advance transportation goals by gathering input from local stakeholders, and using the resulting insights to develop new plans and programs for local partners. This effort leveraged information and best practices shared during the 2024 E2C Cohort on Integrating Community Priorities into Electric Vehicle Plans and Projects. These coalitions supported partners across the country to develop plans for electric vehicle integration through one-on-one technical assistance and tailored local engagement. This deck summarizes the individual projects completed by coalitions, and the overall reach and impact of all of this program.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Physics Flash: Summer 2024

Each year, the Lab’s Partnerships and Pipeline Office's Postdoc Program honors outstanding efforts made by postdocs and mentors that have led to a positive impact on the Lab and its missions. For such contributions, Applied and Fundamental Physics (P-2) researchers David Rivera and Sowjanya Gollapinni have been recognized by the program.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
NASA NTRS1961

Orbital Payload Reductions Resulting from Booster and Trajectory Modifications for Recovery of a Large Rocket Booster

An analysis was made to determine the reduction in payload for a 300 nautical mile orbit resulting from the addition of inert weight, representing recovery gear, to the first-stage booster of a three-stage rocket vehicle. The values of added inert weight investigated ranged from 0 to 18 percent of gross weight at lift off. The study also included the effects on the payload in orbit and the distance from the launch site at burnout and at impact caused by variation in the vertical rise time before the programmed tilt. The vertical rise times investigated ranged from 16-7 to 100 percent of booster burning time. For a vertical rise of 16.7 percent of booster burning time it was found that a 50-percent increase in the weight of the empty booster resulted in only a 10-percent reduction of the payload in orbit. For no added booster weight, increasing vertical rise time from 16-7 to 100 percent of booster burning time (so that the spent booster would impact in the launch area) reduced the payload by 37 percent. Increasing the vertical rise time from 16-7 to 50 percent of booster burning time resulted in about a 15-percent reduction in the impact distance, and for vertical rise times greater than 50-percent the impact distance decreased rapidly.

Levin, Alan D.↗