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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 1,405 records · Page 78
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Flow field design for zero-gap microbial electrolysis cells using synthetic and real wastewater

Increasing performance in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) requires the development of optimized reactor configurations with minimal internal resistance and capable to operate with real wastewater. Here, the impact of two different flow fields (serpentine and circular) was examined in zero-gap MECs with synthetic and real wastewaters. The serpentine flow field enabled a uniform distribution of the electrolyte in the anode chamber, resulting in larger current densities at lower flow rates compared to the circular flow field. Electrochemical tests using synthetic media with high buffer capacity revealed more stable and higher performance with the serpentine flow field compared to the circular flow path, producing larger current density (23.7 ± 0.8 A/m 2 vs 21.9 ± 5.6 A/m 2 ), hydrogen production rate (75.8 ± 4.1 L/L-d vs 54.3 ± 2.4 L/L-d), cathodic coulombic efficiency (>91 % vs >50 %), and an overall lower internal resistance (12.5 ± 0.5 mΩm 2 vs 14.8 ± 3.7 mΩm 2 ). Continuous operation for over 30 days with real wastewater indicated higher tolerance of the MECs with serpentine flow field toward media with large concentration of suspended solids, producing a current density of 5.4 ± 1.1 A/m 2 and a hydrogen production rate of 22.2 ± 6.2 L/L-d. Furthermore, the results presented here underscore the importance of reactor design and architecture in optimizing MEC performance for hydrogen production from liquid wastes.

flow path↗
DOE OSTI2020

Facility Location Optimization Model for COVID-19 Resources

In response to anticipated resource shortfalls related to the treatment and testing of COVID-19, many communities are planning to build additional facilities to increase capacity. These facilities include field hospitals, testing centers, mobile manufacturing units, and distribution centers. In many cases, these facilities are intended to be temporary and are designed to meet an immediate need. When deciding where to place new facilities many factors need to be considered, including the feasibility of potential locations, existing resource availability, anticipated demand, and accessibility between patients and the new facility. In this project, a facility location optimization model was developed to integrate these key pieces of information to help decision makers identify the best place, or places, to build a facility to meet anticipated resource demands. The facility location optimization model uses the location of existing resources and the anticipated resource demand at each location to minimize the distance a patient must travel to get to the resource they need. The optimization formulation is presented below. The model was designed to operate at the county scale, where patients are grouped per county. This assumption can be modified to integrate other scales or include individual patients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Evaluation of Thin Triple-Pane Windows in the PNNL Lab Homes

In recent years, improvements in glass manufacturing have allowed the production of thin triple-pane windows, which are manufactured with a thickness similar to standard double-pane windows. Because this highly insulating “thin triple” glass product can be incorporated into almost any existing window frame and can be fabricated at a modest added cost, the U.S. Department of Energy is sponsoring laboratory and field demonstration testing of thin triple-pane windows to validate thermal performance and installation requirements in real-life field settings. To examine the performance of thin triple-pane windows, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) evaluated the windows at the PNNL Lab Homes, a matched pair of homes located on PNNL’s campus in Richland, Washington. In this study, one Lab Home contained a complete set of nine thin triple-pane windows, while the other Lab Home contained baseline double-pane windows. The Lab Homes experiments demonstrated significant that replacing clear glass double-pane windows with thin triple-pane windows provided year-round energy savings and reduced peak demand both in the heating and cooling seasons. The Lab Homes experiments also validated other performance benefits of the thin triple-pane windows including reduced condensation potential, more even temperatures throughout the home and near the windows, and reduced sound attenuation through the windows, leaving the home quieter and more comfortable for the occupants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS2011

Methods and instruments for materials testing

Methods and instruments for characterizing a material, such as the properties of bone in a living human subject, using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material and a reference probe aligned with the test probe in a housing. The housing is hand held or placed so that the reference probe contacts the surface of the material under pressure applied either by hand or by the weight of the housing. The test probe is inserted into the material to indent the material while maintaining the reference probe substantially under the hand pressure or weight of the housing allowing evaluation of a property of the material related to indentation of the material by the probe. Force can be generated by a voice coil in a magnet structure to the end of which the test probe is connected and supported in the magnet structure by a flexure, opposing flexures, a linear translation stage, or a linear bearing. Optionally, a measurement unit containing the test probe and reference probe is connected to a base unit with a wireless connection, allowing in the field material testing.

Hansma, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1984

Ferm cathode operation in the test bed ion engine

A rapid start hollow cathode has been developed for high power ion thruster application. Using no low work function insert or heater, the Field Enhanced Refractory Metal (FERM) cathode electron emission occurs from a refractory metal tube concentric with the cathode barrel. Results are presented for FERM cathode operation in the high field strength Test Bed Ion Engine. Using a controlled glow discharge heating technique, cathode start up times of 1-2 secs are shown. Cathode V-I curves up to 35 ampere emission are presented and life limiting component erosion mechanisms, at these high current levels, are discussed.

Aston, G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Testing and error analysis of a real-time controller

Inexpensive ways to organize and conduct system testing that were used on a real-time satellite network control system are outlined. This system contains roughly 50,000 lines of executable source code developed by a team of eight people. For a small investment of staff, the system was thoroughly tested, including automated regression testing, before field release. Detailed records were kept for fourteen months, during which several versions of the system were written. A separate testing group was not established, but testing itself was structured apart from the development process. The errors found during testing are examined by frequency per subsystem by size and complexity as well as by type. The code was released to the user in March, 1983. To date, only a few minor problems found with the system during its pre-service testing and user acceptance has been good.

Savolaine, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS2008

25th Space Simulation Conference. Environmental Testing: The Earth-Space Connection

Topics covered include: Methods of Helium Injection and Removal for Heat Transfer Augmentation; The ESA Large Space Simulator Mechanical Ground Support Equipment for Spacecraft Testing; Temperature Stability and Control Requirements for Thermal Vacuum/Thermal Balance Testing of the Aquarius Radiometer; The Liquid Nitrogen System for Chamber A: A Change from Original Forced Flow Design to a Natural Flow (Thermo Siphon) System; Return to Mercury: A Comparison of Solar Simulation and Flight Data for the MESSENGER Spacecraft; Floating Pressure Conversion and Equipment Upgrades of Two 3.5kw, 20k, Helium Refrigerators; Affect of Air Leakage into a Thermal-Vacuum Chamber on Helium Refrigeration Heat Load; Special ISO Class 6 Cleanroom for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Project; A State-of-the-Art Contamination Effects Research and Test Facility Martian Dust Simulator; Cleanroom Design Practices and Their Influence on Particle Counts; Extra Terrestrial Environmental Chamber Design; Contamination Sources Effects Analysis (CSEA) - A Tool to Balance Cost/Schedule While Managing Facility Availability; SES and Acoustics at GSFC; HST Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier (SLIC) Static Test; Virtual Shaker Testing: Simulation Technology Improves Vibration Test Performance; Estimating Shock Spectra: Extensions beyond GEVS; Structural Dynamic Analysis of a Spacecraft Multi-DOF Shaker Table; Direct Field Acoustic Testing; Manufacture of Cryoshroud Surfaces for Space Simulation Chambers; The New LOTIS Test Facility; Thermal Vacuum Control Systems Options for Test Facilities; Extremely High Vacuum Chamber for Low Outgassing Processing at NASA Goddard; Precision Cleaning - Path to Premier; The New Anechoic Shielded Chambers Designed for Space and Commercial Applications at LIT; Extraction of Thermal Performance Values from Samples in the Lunar Dust Adhesion Bell Jar; Thermal (Silicon Diode) Data Acquisition System; Aquarius's Instrument Science Data System (ISDS) Automated to Acquire, Process, Trend Data and Produce Radiometric System Assessment Reports; Exhaustive Thresholds and Resistance Checkpoints; Reconfigurable HIL Testing of Earth Satellites; FPGA Control System for the Automated Test of MicroShutters; Ongoing Capabilities and Developments of Re-Entry Plasma Ground Tests at EADS-ASTRIUM; Operationally Responsive Space Standard Bus Battery Thermal Balance Testing and Heat Dissipation Analysis; Galileo - The Serial-Production AIT Challenge; The Space Systems Environmental Test Facility Database (SSETFD), Website Development Status; Simulated Reentry Heating by Torching; Micro-Vibration Measurements on Thermally Loaded Multi-Layer Insulation Samples in Vacuum; High Temperature Life Testing of 80Ni-20Cr Wire in a Simulated Mars Atmosphere for the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) Instrument Suit Gas Processing System (GPS) Carbon Dioxide Scrubber; The Planning and Implementation of Test Facility Improvements; and Development of a Silicon Carbide Molecular Beam Nozzle for Simulation Planetary Flybys and Low-Earth Orbit.

Packard, Edward↗
NASA NTRS2014

Ice Crystal Icing Engine Testing in the NASA Glenn Research Center's Propulsion Systems Laboratory: Altitude Investigation

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducted a full scale ice crystal icing turbofan engine test using an obsolete Allied Signal ALF502-R5 engine in the Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL) at NASA Glenn Research Center. The test article used was the exact engine that experienced a loss of power event after the ingestion of ice crystals while operating at high altitude during a 1997 Honeywell flight test campaign investigating the turbofan engine ice crystal icing phenomena. The test plan included test points conducted at the known flight test campaign field event pressure altitude and at various pressure altitudes ranging from low to high throughout the engine operating envelope. The test article experienced a loss of power event at each of the altitudes tested. For each pressure altitude test point conducted the ambient static temperature was predicted using a NASA engine icing risk computer model for the given ambient static pressure while maintaining the engine speed.

Altitude Testing↗
DOE OSTI2021

Grid-Interactive Building Solutions: Synapse from Kinetic Buildings

This fact sheet describes a grid-interactive efficient building technology that is undergoing field validation tests through DOE's National Labs. It summarizes the technology application (Synapse software from Kinetic Buildings) and the characteristics of the field validation site.

grid-interactive efficient buildings, GEB, technol↗
DOE OSTI2025

Development of an ERT‐Based Framework for Bentonite Buffers Monitoring From Laboratory Tests: 1. Characterizing Thermal–Hydrological–Mechanical Processes

Abstract Bentonite clay is widely used in engineered barrier systems for the permanent disposal of high‐level radioactive waste due to its low permeability, high swelling capacity, and thermal stability. However, the complex thermal‐hydrological‐mechanical (THM) processes induced by heating from decaying radioactive waste and hydration from surrounding rock can lead to heterogeneous changes that are difficult to measure and predict. This study develops an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)‐based framework for monitoring THM processes, progressing from sample‐scale to bench‐scale tests, to inform field‐scale applications. Sample‐scale tests analyzed small bentonite samples under controlled variations in water content, temperature, and porosity to establish fundamental resistivity relationships. Bench‐scale tests involved larger bentonite columns subjected to heating (up to 200°C) and hydration under controlled pressure, simulating repository conditions. ERT measurements, complemented by X‐ray CT imaging, temperature monitoring, and tracing sensors, revealed coupled THM processes, such as hydration‐induced compression, swelling, and thermal gradients, leading to complex resistivity patterns. The results demonstrate the potential of ERT for capturing THM‐induced resistivity changes, though challenges remain in upscaling and quantitative analysis. This study evaluates laboratory test capabilities and proposes future improvements for understanding THM‐induced resistivity responses. A conceptual framework for ERT implementation in field‐scale monitoring is presented, synthesizing findings from both scales and exploring how ERT data can inform long‐term modeling and reduce prediction uncertainties. Overall, this ERT‐based framework offers a robust method for monitoring bentonite buffers, aiding in early issue detection and supporting the safe long‐term disposal of radioactive waste in geological repositories, while highlighting the need for future development. Plain Language Summary Bentonite clay is crucial in engineered barrier systems (EBS) for containing high‐level radioactive waste due to its ability to absorb water, swell, seal and remain stable under high temperatures. When bentonite absorbs water and heats up from radioactive decay, it experiences complex changes in its physical and mechanical properties. Understanding these changes is important for ensuring the long‐term safety and effectiveness of EBS. This study used Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), a non‐invasive method that measures electrical conductivity to monitor these changes during laboratory experiments. The ERT data revealed significant variations in resistivity corresponding to changes in water content, temperature, and density, providing detailed spatial and temporal insights into the behavior of bentonite. These findings enhance our ability to predict the long‐term performance of bentonite barriers, ensuring the safe containment of radioactive waste. By improving our understanding of bentonite's behavior, this research supports the development of more reliable and effective barrier systems for radioactive waste disposal, protecting the environment and public health. Key Points ERT monitoring was employed to capture resistivity changes in bentonite during controlled heating and hydration experiments, providing insights into THM processes ERT data reveal significant resistivity changes correlated with water content, temperature, and mechanical effects, enhancing the understanding of THM dynamics in bentonite This study explores the potential of the framework for application in field‐scale EBS monitoring, emphasizing the need for integrating additional geophysical methods for comprehensive subsurface imaging

Chen, Hang↗
NASA NTRS2011

Vibration Considerations for Cryogenic Tanks Using Glass Bubbles Insulation

The use of glass bubbles as an efficient and practical thermal insulation system has been previously demonstrated in cryogenic storage tanks. One such example is a spherical, vacuum-jacketed liquid hydrogen vessel of 218,000 liter capacity where the boiloff rate has been reduced by approximately 50 percent. Further applications may include non-stationary tanks such as mobile tankers and tanks with extreme duty cycles or exposed to significant vibration environments. Space rocket launch events and mobile tanker life cycles represent two harsh cases of mechanical vibration exposure. A number of bulk fill insulation materials including glass bubbles, perlite powders, and aerogel granules were tested for vibration effects and mechanical behavior using a custom design holding fixture subjected to random vibration on an Electrodynamic Shaker. The settling effects for mixtures of insulation materials were also investigated. The vibration test results and granular particle analysis are presented with considerations and implications for future cryogenic tank applications. A thermal performance update on field demonstration testing of a 218,000 L liquid hydrogen storage tank, retrofitted with glass bubbles, is presented. KEYWORDS: Glass bubble, perlite, aerogel, insulation, liquid hydrogen, storage tank, mobile tanker, vibration.

Werlink, Rudolph J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Development of a hydrogen external burning flight test experiment on the NASA Dryden SR-71A aircraft

A captive-carry flight test experiment of the transonic external burning concept using gaseous hydrogen fuel has ben proposed for the SR-71A flight research test bed aircraft at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, California. This program will be the first large-scale, near-field flight test investigation of this base drag reduction technique at Mach numbers up to 3. Low-speed base drag reduction for supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles is important in reducing vehicle drag and improving nozzle efficiency. Flight data will be correlated with a concurrent wind tunnel ground test of a similar test apparatus to confirm geometry and component performance scalability predictions and to investigate design parametrics under actual flight conditions. This paper describes the problem of transonic base drag for supersonic and hypersonic aircraft, a planned flight research program to address this problem, the test bed aircraft, and the flight experiment apparatus.

Hicks, John W.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Warp Field Mechanics 101

This paper will begin with a short review of the Alcubierre warp drive metric and describes how the phenomenon might work based on the original paper. The canonical form of the metric was developed and published in [6] which provided key insight into the field potential and boost for the field which remedied a critical paradox in the original Alcubierre concept of operations. A modified concept of operations based on the canonical form of the metric that remedies the paradox is presented and discussed. The idea of a warp drive in higher dimensional space-time (manifold) will then be briefly considered by comparing the null-like geodesics of the Alcubierre metric to the Chung-Freese metric to illustrate the mathematical role of hyperspace coordinates. The net effect of using a warp drive technology coupled with conventional propulsion systems on an exploration mission will be discussed using the nomenclature of early mission planning. Finally, an overview of the warp field interferometer test bed being implemented in the Advanced Propulsion Physics Laboratory: Eagleworks (APPL:E) at the Johnson Space Center will be detailed. While warp field mechanics has not had a Chicago Pile moment, the tools necessary to detect a modest instance of the phenomenon are near at hand.

White, Harold↗
DOE OSTI2020

Deep Learning for Automated Identification of Eels in Sonar Data

Freshwater eels, such as the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) present numerous challenges related to safe downstream fish passage at hydroelectric facilities. One of those challenges is effective monitoring of their abundance, movements, and behavior to facilitate design and operation of eel protection and passage facilities. A previous EPRI study documented the ability of human analysts to reliably identify American eels in data obtained with a 1100/1800 kHz, multibeam sonar. This report describes a project to develop deep learning (a subset of artificial intelligence) tools to automate the time-consuming, subjective process of eel identification in multibeam sonar data. The project exploited new data collected in the laboratory and the existing data from the prior EPRI field study to develop and test deep learning and other data analytic tools, including wavelet filtering, differencing for static object removal, and convolutional neural network analysis. The analysis of the laboratory data demonstrated feasibility of the approach, revealed object characteristics observed with the sonar that distinguish eels from similarly sized and shaped acoustic targets, and provided additional data for algorithm selection and training. Deep learning algorithms trained and tested on the laboratory data alone achieved accuracy rates of greater than 98% when classifying acoustic images of eels and similar-sized neutrally buoyant sticks. The algorithm trained and tested on the pre-existing field data alone, and yielded classification accuracy of 9.3% false positives and 13.3% false negatives when distinguishing between eels and sticks/PVC pipes based on video clips (i.e., multiple, consecutive images). This performance is comparable to the classification accuracy achieved by human analysts in the prior study. The deep learning algorithm trained on a combination of video clips obtained in the laboratory and the field and tested on video clips from the field, was able to distinguish eels from sticks and PVC pipes (a river debris analog) of similar size with 100% accuracy. Outreach to the hardware, software, and end-user communities early in the project helped to identify needs and specify the application space. Outreach to those communities at the end of the project communicated project results and opportunities for further development. The project achieved proof of concept for automated identification of eel in multibeam sonar data. Future work should focus on acquisition of additional data for more robust algorithm training and testing; modification of the software tools to accommodate multiple acoustic targets in the acoustic field at a given time; identification of additional object classes; incorporation of motion in the object identification and classification algorithms; operationalizing the software tools, including integration with other existing sonar data analysis tools; and partnering with hardware and software providers for distribution of the software tools with their commercial products.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Modeling the Effects of Drift Orbit Bifurcation on the Magnetopause Shadowing Loss of Radiation Belt Electrons

Abstract Last closed drift shell (LCDS) has been identified as a crucial parameter for investigating the magnetopause shadowing loss of radiation belt electrons. However, drift orbit bifurcation (DOB) effects have not been physically incorporated into the LCDS calculation. Here we calculate event‐specific LCDS using different approaches to dealing with the DOB effects, that is, tracing field lines ignoring DOB, tracing test particles rejecting field lines with DOB, and tracing particles including field lines with DOB, and then incorporate them into a radial diffusion model to simulate the fast electron dropout observed by Van Allen Probes in May 2017. The model effectively captures the fast dropout at high L* and exhibits the best agreement with data when LCDS is calculated by tracing test particles with DOB more physically included. This study represents the first quantitative modeling of the DOB effects on radiation belt magnetopause shadowing loss via a more physical specification of LCDS.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗