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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 127 records · Page 7

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NASA NTRS1974

Prospects for the development of phototelevision methods in space studies

In-space imaging of the surface of celestial bodies can be carried out by both television and photographic equipment. Television equipment of various types has the important property of being capable of transmitting imagery in real time. Frequently this is not possible because of the nature of information transmission over the spacecraft-ground communication line. The inadequate energy handling capacity of the communication lines usually requires storage of the video information aboard the spacecraft for subsequent transmission at a definite time and rate. For this purpose, the television camera can be connected with a magnetic memory, or the television imagery may be stored on photographic film. The television/photographic film system has been termed phototelevision. The choice of a system of one type or the other is dictated by several considerations, the most important of which are the size and weight characteristics, other conditions being the same (power consumption, reliability, etc.). The advantages and disadvantages of the two systems are discussed and examples are given of types of satellites on which the two types have been employed.

Selivanov, A. S.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Optimizing Alabama’s CO 2 Storage in Shelby County (Project OASIS): Task 8 Deliverable 8.0 - Commercialization Plan

The “Optimizing Alabama’s CO 2 Storage in Shelby County: Project OASIS” CarbonSAFE Phase II Project seeks to build on regional data sets that demonstrate that the subsurface within Shelby County, Alabama has the potential to store commercial volumes of CO 2 safely, permanently, and economically. This work builds on the initiatives of the Southeast Regional Carbon Utilization and Storage Acceleration Partnership (SECARB-USA, DE-FE0031830) that identified nearly 500 million metric tonnes of CO 2 emitted on an annual basis from industrial facilities that are not collocated with prospective storage geology (i.e., the Coastal Plain of the Southeastern U.S. in this context). This observation suggests costly investments in connective infrastructure (e.g., pipelines) or exploratory well drilling campaigns are required to identify CO 2 storage opportunities in under-developed areas. While not traditionally thought of for saline storage, these studies suggest that storage prospects in the Valley and Ridge Province of the Appalachian Fold and Thrust Belt occur in relatively flat lying structural panels between thrust faults. For the Project OASIS region, available geologic studies related to hydrocarbon exploration suggest that Cambro-Ordovician carbonates and Cambrian clastic units offer multiple potential storage intervals, and that regional confining systems are present, such as the tectonically thickened Floyd-Parkwood Shale.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

NASA NTRS2005

Chandra X-Ray Observatory Observations of the Jovian System

Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) and XMM-Newton observations of x-rays from the Jovian system have answered questions that arose from early observations with the Einstein and Rosat X-ray Observatories, but in the process of vastly increasing our knowledge of x-ray emission from Jupiter and its environs they have also raised new questions and point to new opportunities for future studies. We will review recent x-ray results on the Jovian system, from the point of view of the CXO, and discuss various questions that have arisen in the course of our studies. We will discuss prospects for more observations in the immediate future, and how they might address open questions. Finally we will briefly describe ways in which an imaging x-ray spectrometer in the vicinity of the Jovian system could provide a wealth of data and results concerning Jupiter's x-ray auroral and disk emission, elemental abundance measurements for the Galilean moons, and detailed studies of x-ray emission from the Io Plasma Torus.

Elsner, R. F.↗

DOE OSTI2024

The stability of single-atom catalysts in thermocatalysis

Abstract Single-atom catalysts (SACs) featuring 100% atom utilization and uniform isolated active sites have been receiving sustainable attention over the last decade, as they offer exceptional performance in various catalytic applications. The motivation behind studying SACs is to develop highly active, selective, and stable catalysts for industrial applications with desirable economic and ecological benefits. Despite their promising potential, SACs face challenges related to stability, which need to be addressed for practical implementation. In this mini-review we discuss the existing stability issues of SACs, and summarize the deactivation mechanism and behaviors, protective strategies, and regeneration methods of SACs. We highlighted the challenges and prospects of future SACs study, aiming to pave the way for their widespread application in industrial processes.

Chae, Sudong↗

NASA NTRS1992

Global Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE) Results: Aerosol Backscatter Global Distribution and Wavelength Dependence

The GLObal Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE) was initiated by NASA in 1986 as an interagency and international research effort to characterize tropospheric backscatter properties. The primary objective of the program is to develop realistic aerosol backscatter inputs for design and simulation studies for NASA's prospective Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS). To achieve this, GLOBE incorporates several different types of aerosol sensors, which operate from a variety of sensor platforms, covering a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, and measure a diverse set of aerosol physical, chemical, and optical properties. The results of this analysis have provided important new information on the life cycles and physicochemical properties of global scale tropospheric aerosol systems. In addition, GLOBE analytical methods will be useful for the Earth Observing System (EOS) and other studies that involve the assimilation of large, complex atmospheric aerosol databases.

Bowdle, David A.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Aerosol measurement program strategy for global aerosol backscatter model development

The purpose was to propose a balanced program of aerosol backscatter research leading to the development of a global model of aerosol backscatter. Such a model is needed for feasibility studies and systems simulation studies for NASA's prospective satellite-based Doppler lidar wind measurement system. Systems of this kind measure the Doppler shift in the backscatter return from small atmospheric aerosol wind tracers (of order 1 micrometer diameter). The accuracy of the derived local wind estimates and the degree of global wind coverage for such a system are limited by the local availability and by the global scale distribution of natural aerosol particles. The discussions here refer primarily to backscatter model requirements at CO2 wavelengths, which have been selected for most of the Doppler lidar systems studies to date. Model requirements for other potential wavelengths would be similar.

Bowdle, David A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Reference frame studies at JPL/CALTECH

Studies being undertaken in order to interconnect the three principal celestial coordinate systens are reviewed. These systems are the optical frame (FK4/FK5) based on positions of Galactic stars, the planetary/lunar ephemeris frame based on the major celestial bodies of the solar system, and the radio frame constructed from observations of quasars. The optical frame is being connected to the radio frame by VLBI observations of radio-emitting stars, and the radio frame is being tied to the ephemeris frame in several ways; for example, differential VLBI measurements between quasars and planet-orbiting spacecraft. Prospects for future interconnection studies are briefly discussed.

Dickey, J. O.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Laser-driven ultrafast transmission electron microscopy

Recent advances in lasers and electron optics technology have allowed transmission electron microscopes to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution, making them capable of tracking atoms, charges and spin motions down to the attosecond and nanometre scales. This Primer discusses the most common and practical experimental implementation of time-resolved transmission electron microscopy and the stroboscopic mode for evaluating ultrafast reversible dynamics. An in-depth discussion of photo-induced near-field electron microscopy, a technique unique to laser-assisted electron microscopy, is also provided, covering its prospective applications in the study of coherent phenomena in quantum materials. The experimental strategies and limitations in investigating the structural dynamics of materials and nanostructures by imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy are also described in detail, with a direct comparison with more conventional and established techniques. Here, we provide key information for new researchers who intend to use ultrafast transmission electron microscopy to address new challenges in specific materials science, condensed matter and nanophotonics.

Transmission electron microscopy↗

DOE OSTI2025

Hitting the Thermal Target for Leptophilic Dark Matter at Future Lepton Colliders

We study future lepton collider prospects for testing predictive models of leptophilic dark matter (DM) candidates with a thermal origin. We calculate experimental milestones for testing the parameter space compatible with freeze-out and the associated collider signals at past, present, and future facilities. This analysis places new limits on such models by leveraging the utility of lepton colliders. At 𝑒+⁢𝑒− machines, we make projections using precision 𝑍 -pole observables from 𝑒+⁢𝑒−→ℓ+⁢ℓ−+𝐸 signatures at large electron-positron collider and future projections for future circular collider (ee) in these channels. Additionally, a muon collider could also probe new thermal relic parameter space in this scenario via 𝜇+⁢𝜇−→𝑋+𝐸 , where 𝑋 is any easily identifiable standard model object. Collectively, these processes can probe much of the parameter space for which DM direct annihilation to ℓ+⁢ℓ− yields the observed relic density in Higgs-like models with mass-proportional couplings to charged leptons.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Interpreting and Accelerating Transformers for Jet Tagging

Attention-based transformers are ubiquitous in machine learning applications from natural language processing to computer vision. In high energy physics, one central application is to classify collimated particle showers in colliders based on the particle of origin, known as jet tagging. In this work, we study the interpretatbility and prospects for acceleration of Particle Transformer (ParT), a state-of-the-art model, leverages particle-level attention to improve jet-tagging performance. We analyzing ParT's attention maps and particle-pair correlations in the eta-phi plane, revealing intriguing features, such as a binary attention pattern that identifies critical substructure in jets. These insights enhance our understanding of the model's internal workings and learning process and hint at ways to improve its efficiency. Along these lines, we also explore low-rank attention, attention alternatives, and dynamic quantization to accelerate transformers for jet tagging. With quantization, we achieve a 50% reduction in model size and a 10% increase in inference speed without compromising accuracy. These combined efforts enhance both the performance and the interpretability of transformers in high-energy physics, opening avenues for more efficient and physics-driven model designs.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

NASA NTRS1978

Materials processing in space - A strategy for commercialization

Major aerospace companies are talking about space factories manufacturing billions of dollars worth of high technology materials per year. On the other hand, a recent National Academy of Sciences study team saw little prospect for space manufacturing because, in their opinion, most of the disturbing effects of gravity in the processes they considered could be overcome on the ground for much less expenditure. This paper presents a current assessment of the problems and promises of the Materials Processing in Space Program and outlines a strategy for developing the first products of commercial value. These early products are expected to serve as paradigms of what can be accomplished by manufacturing in space and should stimulate industry to develop space manufacturing to whatever degree is economically justifiable.

Naumann, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Mars surface composition from reflectance spectroscopy - A summary

Visible and near-infrared reflectance spectra and multispectral maps of the Martian surface are discussed, and implications of the data for the composition of the Martian surface are considered. Spacecraft and earth-based telescopic observations have confirmed the generally bimodal albedo distribution of the planet, dividing the surface into bright and dark regions. Mars spectra are characterized by the presence of strong Fe(+3) absorption, which is attributed to various ferric oxide minerals. Interpretations of the spectra from the dark regions indicate a basaltic or ultramafic source rock. Evidence for water ice or a highly desiccated metal hydrate has been obtained, along with evidence for CO2-ice only in the south polar cap. Mariner 9 observations of Martian dust suggest the presence of rather acidic rock or mineral particles, or a montmorillonite-type clay. Prospects for the future study of Martian surface composition include continuing earth-based spectrophotometric studies, and high-spectral-resolution mapping of a significant portion of the surface by the Galileo spacecraft and the next Mars mission.

Singer, R. B.↗

NASA NTRS1985

History and current understanding of the Suess abundance curve

By means of a gamma ray sum spectrometer currently under development, many neutron capture cross sections will be determined with high accuracy, thereby facilitating the inferrence of the abundance ratios of neighboring elements with the same accuracy. Attention is presently given to this and other prospects emerging in the study of nuclide abundances and the data base for theories of element synthesis. Poorly understood structures in the abundance curve are discussed in view of recent models on nuclear structure and stability.

Marti, K.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Airborne coherent continuous wave CO2 Doppler lidars for aerosol backscatter measurement

Two focused coherent, continuous wave (CW) lidars have been developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for airborne and ground-based measurement of aerosol backscatter coefficients. The first of these instruments uses a mixture of CO2 and other gases, and measures backscatter at 10.6 m. The second lidar uses an isotope of carbon dioxide, which enables lasing at 9.1 m. The 10.6 m backscatter measurement serves as a reference to allow variations in backscatter due to aerosol concentration to be distinguished from variations due to spectral variability. The 10.6 m lidar has been used in airborne field programs since 1981. Development of the 9.1 m lidar was completed in early 1989. Recently, both lidars were flown on the NASA/Ames Research Center DC-8 research aircraft in the remote Pacific Basin as part of the NASA GLObal Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE) survey missions. The GLOBE program, of which the survey missions are the centerpieces, supports design and simulation studies for NASA's prospective Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS).

Rothermel, Jeffry↗

NASA NTRS2021

The Thermal Infrared Optical Depth of Mineral Dust Retrieved from Integrated CALIOP and IIR Observations

Recent studies reveal that a higher fraction of coarse mineral dust particles than that estimated by climate model simulations has been observed in the atmosphere, leading to a more significant positive (i.e., warming) longwave (LW) thermal infrared (TIR) direct radiative effect (DRE). However, the magnitude of this DRE remains highly uncertain because our understanding of the radiative properties, quantitatively represented by the optical depth of dust, especially information on the TIR, remains limited. This study presents a simple approach to retrieve the thermal infrared dust aerosol optical depth (DAODTIR) over oceans during nighttime using the observations from the Infrared Imaging Radiometer (IIR) and the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) onboard CALIPSO. For each cloud-free dust-laden profile identified by the IIR-CALIOP observation, a Lookup-Table (LUT) of the 10.6 μm IIR band brightness temperatures difference (dBT) under different DAODTIR with respect to their dust-free BTs is constructed based on the CALIOP retrieved dust vertical profile and pre-assumed dust scattering properties using a fast radiative transfer model. Then the DAODTIR is retrieved by projecting the IIR-observed dBT on the LUT. Sensitivity studies show that the DAODTIR retrieval at 10.6 μm is more susceptible to the dust particle size distribution (PSD) assumption than dust refractive indices. To estimate the uncertainty caused by PSD assumption, two DAODTIR retrieval products, one based on the dust PSD from the AERONET at Cape Verde and the other on an in situ measured PSD from the recent Fennec campaign, are provided. The retrieval uncertainty is mainly contributed by the BT difference between the observation and simulation using auxiliary atmospheric data. The climatology of the retrieval from 2013 to 2019 shows confident spatiotemporal variations of DAODTIR with the global-averaged value of 0.006 and 0.008 based on different pre-assumed dust PSDs. Climatological results agree reasonably well with two independent DAODTIR retrieval products based on the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) over the active dust transport regions, such as North and Tropical Atlantic (r = 0.904 and 0.819) and Indian Ocean (r = 0.832). The seasonal and interannual variation is also well-compared (r = 0.758) with AERONET coarse-mode AOD at 97 selected sites. The synergic CALIOP observation allows the retrieved DAODTIR to directly compare with the extrapolated DAODTIR from DAOD in visible (i.e., 532 nm), which helps evaluate the observational constraints on DAODTIR. This study offers a unique prospect of collocating active lidar and passive IR observations for retrieving dust DAODTIR.

aerosol↗

DOE OSTI2025

Molecular property prediction for very large databases with natural language processing: a case study in ionic liquid design

The prospect of using artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately screen very large databases of compounds for multiple properties has yet to be realized. Here, we explore this possibility using ionic liquids (ILs) which offer unique physicochemical properties and excellent tunability, making them highly versatile solvents for various research applications. Screening millions of potential ILs for the best perfomance for use in specific tasks with experimental methods alone however, is impractical. Further, traditional’ physics-based computational chemistry is hindered by high computational cost. To address this challenge, we leverage a natural language processing (NLP)-based molecular embedding technique with advanced machine learning (ML) models to predict seven key IL properties: viscosity, density, ionic conductivity, surface tension, melting temperature, toxicity, and water solubility. Comprehensive datasets for these properties are obtained, then NLP featurization with Mol2vec is compared with other featurization techniques such as 2D Morgan fingerprints, and 3D quantum chemistry-derived sigma profiles. NLP-based featurization exhibited the best predictive performance, achieving the highest R 2 and lowest RMSE values for all the studied IL properties. Further, we present case studies of how ILs might be screened using combined property criteria for practical cases – lignocellulosic biomass processing, CO 2 capture, and optimal electrolytes for batteries – screening a novel database of ∼10.6 million generated feasible ILs. The results introduce NLP as a powerful tool for engineering many designer solvents with desirable properties for task specific applications.

Mohan, Mood [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL),↗

NASA NTRS1993

Analysis and evaluation of an integrated laminar flow control propulsion system

Reduction of drag has been a major goal of the aircraft industry as no other single quantity influences the operating costs of transport aircraft more than aerodynamic drag. It has been estimated that even modest reduction of frictional drag could reduce fuel costs by anywhere from 2 to 5 percent. Current research on boundary layer drag reduction deals with various approaches to reduce turbulent skin friction drag as a means of improving aircraft performance. One of the techniques belonging to this category is laminar flow control in which extensive regions of laminar flow are maintained over aircraft surfaces by delaying transition to turbulence through the ingestion of boundary layer air. While problems of laminar flow control have been studied in some detail, the prospect of improving the propulsion system of an aircraft by the use of ingested boundary layer air has received very little attention. An initial study for the purpose of reducing propulsion system requirements by utilizing the kinetic energy of boundary layer air was performed in the mid-1970's at LeRC. This study which was based on ingesting the boundary layer air at a single location, did not yield any significant overall propulsion benefits; therefore, the concept was not pursued further. However, since then it has been proposed that if the boundary layer air were ingested at various locations on the aircraft surface instead of just at one site, an improvement in the propulsion system might be realized. The present report provides a review of laminar flow control by suction and focuses on the problems of reducing skin friction drag by maintaining extensive regions of laminar flow over the aircraft surfaces. In addition, it includes an evaluation of an aircraft propulsion system that is augmented by ingested boundary layer air.

Keith, Theo G., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Asteroid amphitrite: Surface composition and prospects for the possible Galileo flyby

Studies of the trajectory of the Galileo mission to Jupiter recently revealed that the spacecraft can pass close to one of the largest asteroids (#29 Amphitrite). NASA has therefore altered the mission plan of the Galileo spacecraft to include a possible close flyby of Amphitrite in early December 1986, if the condition of the spacecraft allows. If this option is actually implemented, Amphitrite will become the only asteroid for which any high-spatial resolution images and reflection spectra will be available. To evaluate the value of this data and place Amphitrite in the context of the more than 600 asteroids for which some compositional information exists. Existing data was reexamined, new telescopic spectra of Amphitrite were obtained, and simulated Galileo data sets were constructed.

Bell, J. F.↗