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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 1,315 records · Page 73
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

FY26 Progress Report on the Operation of the Activated Materials Laboratory at the Advanced Photon Source as a Nuclear Science User Facilities Partner Facility

The Activated Materials Laboratory (AML), located in the Long Beamline Building of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), provides a centralized radiological capability for preparing, handling, and supporting synchrotron experiments on activated materials. As a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner facility, the AML enables the receipt of radioactive shipments, open-form sample handling, encapsulation, transport of specimens to and from APS beamlines, and experimentation with dedicated equipment. The partnership includes the APS 1-ID and 20-ID beamlines, which provide high-energy x-ray scattering, tomography, and diffraction microscopy techniques for ex-situ, in-situ, and grainresolved three-dimensional (3D) characterization. All samples supported through the AML and partner beamlines must meet radiological limits of less than 100 mrem/h at 30 cm. This FY26 progress report summarizes the first full year of AML operations as an NSUF partner facility and highlights progress in both user support and capability development. By the end of FY26, the AML had received a total of 10 NSUF-awarded projects, including 2 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR), 7 Rapid Turnaround Experiment (RTE), and 1 Super RTE projects. Beamtime was fully delivered for 3 RTE projects and partially delivered for 1 CINR project, demonstrating successful workflows for receipt, encapsulation, beamline transfer, and radiological experiment execution. These efforts demonstrated safe radiological experiments at APS beamlines for samples with dose rates above the historical 5 mrem/h threshold and now up to 100 mrem/h at 30 cm, marking an important milestone for neutron-irradiated materials research. During FY26, the AML also expanded its experimental capabilities. A Psylotech xTS load frame with in-grip rotation was deployed for room-temperature mechanical testing with threedimensional x-ray characterization during interrupted loading. A Linkam TS1500V vacuum heater was commissioned for thermally driven studies, and temperature calibration experiments were performed to establish specimen-relevant thermal profiles. In parallel, a customized split-tube furnace for high-temperature mechanical testing entered commissioning, and initial work began on robotic sample handling to reduce worker dose and improve operational efficiency. Data workflow and beamline operations continued to mature. Together, these developments demonstrate that the AML is becoming a unique national resource for safe, efficient, and scientifically advanced characterization of activated materials at the APS.

Zhang, Xuan↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development and Implementation of Fault-Correction Algorithms in Fault Detection and Diagnostics Tools

A fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) tool is a type of energy management and information system that continuously identifies the presence of faults and efficiency improvement opportunities through a one-way interface to the building automation system and the application of automated analytics. Building operators on the leading edge of technology adoption use FDD tools to enable median whole-building portfolio savings of 8%. Although FDD tools can inform operators of operational faults, currently an action is always required to correct the faults to generate energy savings. A subset of faults, however, such as biased sensors, can be addressed automatically, eliminating the need for staff intervention. Automating this fault “correction” can significantly increase the savings generated by FDD tools and reduce the reliance on human intervention. Doing so is expected to advance the usability and technical and economic performance of FDD technologies. This paper presents the development of nine innovative fault auto-correction algorithms for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning pi(HVAC) systems. When the auto-correction routine is triggered, it overwrites control setpoints or other variables to implement the intended changes. It also discusses the implementation of the auto-correction algorithms in commercial FDD software products, the integration of these strategies with building automation systems and their preliminary testing.

field testing↗
DOE OSTI2023

Arctic tropospheric ozone: assessment of current knowledge and model performance

As the third most important greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ), tropospheric ozone (O 3 ) is also an air pollutant causing damage to human health and ecosystems. This study brings together recent research on observations and modeling of tropospheric O 3 in the Arctic, a rapidly warming and sensitive environment. At different locations in the Arctic, the observed surface O 3 seasonal cycles are quite different. Coastal Arctic locations, for example, have a minimum in the springtime due to O 3 depletion events resulting from surface bromine chemistry. In contrast, other Arctic locations have a maximum in the spring. The 12 state-of-the-art models used in this study lack the surface halogen chemistry needed to simulate coastal Arctic surface O 3 depletion in the springtime; however, the multi-model median (MMM) has accurate seasonal cycles at non-coastal Arctic locations. There is a large amount of variability among models, which has been previously reported, and we show that there continues to be no convergence among models or improved accuracy in simulating tropospheric O 3 and its precursor species. The MMM underestimates Arctic surface O 3 by 5% to 15% depending on the location. The vertical distribution of tropospheric O 3 is studied from recent ozonesonde measurements and the models. The models are highly variable, simulating free-tropospheric O 3 within a range of ±50% depending on the model and the altitude. The MMM performs best, within ±8% for most locations and seasons. However, nearly all models overestimate O 3 near the tropopause (~300 hPa or ~8 km), likely due to ongoing issues with underestimating the altitude of the tropopause and excessive downward transport of stratospheric O 3 at high latitudes. For example, the MMM is biased high by about 20% at Eureka. Observed and simulated O 3 precursors (CO, NO x , and reservoir PAN) are evaluated throughout the troposphere. Models underestimate wintertime CO everywhere, likely due to a combination of underestimating CO emissions and possibly overestimating OH. Throughout the vertical profile (compared to aircraft measurements), the MMM underestimates both CO and NO x but overestimates PAN. Perhaps as a result of competing deficiencies, the MMM O 3 matches the observed O 3 reasonably well. Our findings suggest that despite model updates over the last decade, model results are as highly variable as ever and have not increased in accuracy for representing Arctic tropospheric O 3 .

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1975

Further developments in the prediction of oscillatory aerodynamics in mixed transonic flow

This paper presents improvements made to the oscillatory transonic aerodynamic kernel function method given in AIAA Paper No. 74-359. The improved method is fully developed for flows with continuously varying local Mach number and oscillating normal shocks. The boundary conditions developed for oscillating shocks require that a line doublet be added at the foot of the shock which represents the loads induced by shock movement. Numerical results show good agreement with experiment and significant deviation from linear aerodynamic theory. The method is also used to predict wind-tunnel wall interference effects.-

Cunningham, A. M., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Highligts of the contract year, 1 February 1974 to 31 January 1975

Two major marketing programs were initiated during 1974: (1) the unlimited search plan, and (2) the sales representative plan for northern California. The unlimited search plan was a six month program designed to offer clients multiple searches for a fixed fee. Although initial response was quite favorable, interest waned, and the plan was not renewed. Expansion and improvement of the on-line retrieval service continued. The ERIC thesaurus was added to the system. This thesaurus is an important acquisition as it gives the user greater flexibility in determining the best strategy for his search. Total terminal output time was reduced with a change to the direct access work file.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Pulsed plasma propulsion system for North-South stationkeeping

A completely integrated pulsed plasma propulsion system for North-South stationkeeping has been developed. System testing on a thrust balance has provided following new results: (1) A simple, helically coiled, spring-fed propellant subsystem for 38,284 lb-s (166,000 N-S) total impulse is feasible; (2) The propulsive performance level is compatible with North-South stationkeeping requirements; (3) Power conditioning is as simple as that of the space flight proven microthruster system; (4) Vacuum compatible, high energy density capacitors (40 joules/lb) capacitors have been developed and tested as part of the system; (5) 10,000 lb-sec of total impulse has been generated. Future improvements will include reducing electrode erosion, improving the structural rigidity of the assembly and continuously operating the system until 37,000 lb-sec of total impulse have been generated.

Guman, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The Chesapeake Bay Program: An opportunity to use an innovative monitoring technique

The goal of this program is to develop a management system that will protect and preserve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay by effectively managing its uses and resources. To achieve this goal, three major objectives must be accomplished: (1) Determine what units of government have management responsibility for the environmental quality of the Chesapeake Bay, also to define how such management responsibility can best be structured so that communications and coordination can be improved between the respective units of government, research, educational institutions, concerned groups, and individuals. (2) Assess the principal factors having an adverse impact on the environmental quality of the Chesapeake Bay. Following this assessment and review of ongoing research, direct and coordinate research and abatement programs that will most effectively address these factors, and (3) analyze all environmental sampling data now being collected on the Chesapeake Bay and suggest and undertake methods for improving this data collection, and to establish a continuing capability for collecting storing, analyzing, and disseminating these data.

Mangiaracina, L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Small gas-turbine combustor study: Fuel injector evaluation

As part of a continuing effort at the Lewis Research Center to improve performance, emissions, and reliability of turbine machinery, an investigation of fuel injection technique and effect of fuel type on small gas turbine combustors was undertaken. Performance and pollutant emission levels are documented over a range of simulated flight conditions for a reverse flow combustor configuration using simplex pressure-atomizing, spill-flow return, and splash cone airblast injectors. A parametric evaluation of the effect of increased combustor loading with each of the fuel injector types was obtained. Jet A and an experimental referee broad specification fuel were used to determine the effect of fuel type.

Norgren, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Small gas-turbine combustor study - Fuel injector evaluation

As part of a continuing effort at the Lewis Research Center to improve performance, emissions, and reliability of turbine machinery, an investigation was undertaken to determine the effect of fuel injection technique and fuel type on similar improvements for small gas-turbine combustors. Performance and pollutant emission levels are documented over a range of simulated flight conditions for a reverse-flow combustor configuration using simplex pressure-atomizing, spill-flow return, and splash cone airblast injectors. A parametric evaluation of the effect of increased combustor loading with each of the fuel injector types was obtained. Jet A and an experimental referee broad specification fuel were used to determine and compare effects of burning different types of fuels in a small experimental gas turbine combustor.

Norgren, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Rooftop applications

Research on residential photovoltaic power systems based upon the experience of MIT-LL in implementing the DOE Residential Demonstration Project, especially the Northeast Residential Experiment Station (NE RES) is discussed. There is an immediate need for improved power-conditioner operational and reliability capabilities. Continuing evaluation of photovoltaic power systems is required to verify long-term performance, reliability, and utility interface effects. In the long term, the price of photovoltaic power systems must decrease, especially of modules.

Kern, E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Problems associated with operations and measurement in cryogenic wind tunnels

Cryogenic wind tunnel T'3 under continuous blower operation has been the object of improvements and the installation of auxiliary equipment, dealing in particular with the enlargement of the liquid nitrogen injection reservoir and the hook-up to a fast data acquisition system. Following a brief description of the installation and its functioning, we present the main experimental techniques and the instrumentation used in the cryogenic environment.

Blanchard, A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

NASA future missions

The NASA astrophysics programs are outlined. The Hubble Space Telescope; the infrared background explorer, COBE; the Shuttle-based Astro-1/BBXRT UV and X-ray experiments; the extreme ultraviolet explorer, EUVE, the diffuse X-ray experiment, DXS, and the Gamma Ray Observatory, are described, and NASA involvement in ROSAT, exploring the X-ray sky, and ORFEUS, exploring the UV sky, is shown; SCOUT-class explorers are mentioned. Suborbital science obtained from aircraft and rockets will continue and expand; supporting research and technology will also continue and substantial effort will be expended on improvement of data systems to promote data accessibility and ease of use.

Pellerin, Charles J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A candidate concept for display of forward-looking wind shear information

A concept is proposed which integrates forward-look wind shear information with airplane performance capabilities to predict future airplane energy state as a function of range. The information could be displayed to a crew either in terms of energy height or airspeed deviations. The anticipated benefits of the proposed display information concept are: (1) a wind shear hazard product that scales directly to the performance impact on the airplane and that has intuitive meaning to flight crews; (2) a reduction in flight crew workload by automatic processing of relevant hazard parameters; and (3) a continuous display of predicted airplane energy state if the approach is continued. Such a display may be used to improve pilot situational awareness or improve pilot confidence in wind shear alerts generated by other systems. The display is described and the algorithms necessary for implementation in a simulation system are provided.

Hinton, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Multiwavelength Measurements of the Stratospheric Aerosol Layer Made at Hampton, Virginia (37N, 76W)

Atmospheric observations have recently commenced using a new lidar system. The lidar, intended for the study of clouds and aerosols in the upper troposphere and stratosphere, is presently being installed at NASA Langley. Although all the lidar subsystems are not yet in place, a program of three wavelength observations of the stratospheric layer was begun in late Feb. 1992. The present observations are continuing and work is currently in progress to improve the inversion algorithm used to obtain the backscatter profiles. The profiles will then be further used, in conjunction with suitable aerosol models, to derive the size distribution parameters and to make estimates of the column mass loading.

Kent, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Processing of three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry data

An interpolation method is presented which allows the accurate evaluation of a three-dimensional velocity field. The method can also be used to directly evaluate the strain rate and vorticity components. The required smoothing to improve accuracy is shown to be robust, and continuity is satisfied. The errors associated with the method are estimated at less than 1 percent for velocity vector data and less than 5 percent for vorticity. The method has application in the analysis of turbulence data from three-dimensional particle imaging velocimetry.

Liburdy, James A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Benefits of variable rotor speed in integrated helicopter/engine control

Current helicopter flight and propulsion controls are typically designed with the assumption that rotor speed will be held to a constant setpoint. A new flight and propulsion control system using a continuously variable rotor speed command is proposed to improve the maneuverability and agility of helicopter systems. In this new approach, the flight control system generates an optimal variable rotor speed command in addition to conventional control commands in a framework of integrated flight/propulsion control. The benefits (i.e. improved maneuverability and agility) of varying rotor speed during transient maneuvers are demonstrated using a bob-up maneuver as an example. In particular, two types of benefits are identified in different maneuver conditions. One comes from a thrust augmentation, while the other comes from an exchange of rotational and translational energy. In the example, a simple linear dynamic hover model is used with an optimal control design method to generate the optimal rotor speed command.

Iwata, Takanori↗
NASA NTRS1992

The changing nature of spacecraft operations: From the Vikings of the 1970's to the great observatories of the 1990's and beyond

Four trends in spacecraft flight operations are discussed which will reduce overall program costs. These trends are the use of high-speed, highly reliable data communications systems for distributing operations functions to more convenient and cost-effective sites; the improved capability for remote operation of sensors; a continued rapid increase in memory and processing speed of flight qualified computer chips; and increasingly capable ground-based hardware and software systems, notably those augmented by artificial intelligence functions. Changes reflected by these trends are reviewed starting from the NASA Viking missions of the early 70s, when mission control was conducted at one location using expensive and cumbersome mainframe computers and communications equipment. In the 1980s, powerful desktop computers and modems enabled the Magellan project team to operate the spacecraft remotely. In the 1990s, the Hubble Space Telescope project uses multiple color screens and automated sequencing software on small computers. Given a projection of current capabilities, future control centers will be even more cost-effective.

Ledbetter, Kenneth W.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Analysis of Photosynthetic Rate and Bio-Optical Components from Ocean Color Imagery

Our research over the last 5 years indicates that the successful transformation of ocean color imagery into maps of bio-optical properties will require continued development and testing of algorithms. In particular improvements in the accuracy of predicting from ocean color imagery the concentration of the bio-optical components of sea as well as the rate of photosynthesis will require progress in at least three areas: (1) we must improve mathematical models of the growth and physiological acclimation of phytoplankton; (2) we must better understand the sources of variability in the absorption and backscattering properties of phytoplankton and associated microparticles; and (3) we must better understand how the radiance distribution just below the sea surface varies as a function sun and sky conditions and inherent optical properties.

Kiefer, Dale A.↗