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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Au/Pt Bimetallic Nanowires with Stepped Pt Sites for Enhanced C–C Cleavage in C2+ Alcohol Electro-oxidation Reactions

Efficient C–C bond cleavage and oxidation of alcohols to CO 2 is the key to developing highly efficient alcohol fuel cells for renewable energy applications. In this work, we report the synthesis of core/shell Au/Pt nanowires (NWs) with stepped Pt clusters deposited along the ultrathin (2.3 nm) stepped Au NWs as an active catalyst to effectively oxidize alcohols to CO 2 . The catalytic oxidation reaction is dependent on the Au/Pt ratios, and the Au 1.0 /Pt 0.2 NWs have the largest percentage (~75%) of stepped Au/Pt sites and show the highest activity for ethanol electro-oxidation, reaching an unprecedented 196.9 A/mg Pt (32.5 A/mg Pt+Au ). This NW catalyst is also active in catalyzing the oxidation of other primary alcohols, such as methanol, n-propanol, and ethylene glycol. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy are used to characterize the catalyst structure and to identify key reaction intermediates, providing concrete evidence that the synergy between the low-coordinated Pt sites and the stepped Au NWs is essential to catalyze the alcohol oxidation reaction, which is further supported by DFT calculations that the C–C bond cleavage is indeed enhanced on the undercoordinated Pt–Au surface. Here, our study provides important evidence that a core/shell structure with stepped core/shell sites is essential to enhance electrochemical oxidation of alcohols and will also be central to understanding electro-oxidation reactions and to the future development of highly efficient direct alcohol fuel cells for renewable energy applications.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

In situ microbeam surface X-ray scattering reveals alternating step kinetics during crystal growth

The stacking sequence of hexagonal close-packed and related crystals typically results in steps on vicinal {0001} surfaces that have alternating A and B structures with different growth kinetics. However, because it is difficult to experimentally identify which step has the A or B structure, it has not been possible to determine which has faster adatom attachment kinetics. Here we show that in situ microbeam surface X-ray scattering can determine whether A or B steps have faster kinetics under specific growth conditions. We demonstrate this for organo-metallic vapor phase epitaxy of (0001) GaN. X-ray measurements performed during growth find that the average width of terraces above A steps increases with growth rate, indicating that attachment rate constants are higher for A steps, in contrast to most predictions. Overall, our results have direct implications for understanding the atomic-scale mechanisms of GaN growth and can be applied to a wide variety of related crystals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

A comparison between the one- and two-step spin-orbit coupling approaches based on the ab initio Density Matrix Renormalization Group

The efficient and reliable treatment of both spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and electron correlation is essential for understanding f-element chemistry. Here, we analyze two approaches to the problem, the one-step approach where both effects are treated simultaneously, and the two-step state interaction approach. We report an implementation of the ab initio density matrix renormalization group(DMRG) with a one-step treatment of the SOC effect which can be compared to prior two-step treatments on an equal footing. Using a dysprosium octahedral complex and bridged dimer as benchmark systems, we identify characteristics of problems where the one-step approach is beneficial for obtaining the low-energy spectrum.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Subharmonic Shapiro steps in depinning dynamics of a two-dimensional solid dusty plasma modulated by one-dimensional nonlinear deformed periodic substrates

Langevin dynamical simulations are performed to investigate the depinning dynamics of a two-dimensional (2D) solid dusty plasma, which is modulated by one-dimensional (1D) nonlinear deformed periodic substrates, and also driven by the combination of the DC and AC forces. As the DC driving force increases gradually, pronounced subharmonic and harmonic Shapiro steps are discovered under the combined modulation of the deformed substrate and the external AC drive. Here, these observed subharmonic and harmonic Shapiro steps are attributed to the dynamic mode locking. The data analysis results indicate that the nonlinear deformed substrate strongly influences these subharmonic Shapiro steps, which can be accurately diagnosed using the fraction of sixfold coordinated particles. Furthermore, the diagnostic of the kinetic temperature clearly indicates the difference between harmonic and subharmonic Shapiro steps, i.e., the particle motion is slightly less synchronized at subharmonic Shapiro steps, caused by the unstable locations of the deformed substrate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Adaptive Time Step Control for Multirate Infinitesimal Methods

Multirate methods have been used for decades to temporally evolve initial-value problems in which different components evolve on distinct time scales, and thus use of different step sizes for these components can result in increased computational efficiency. Generally, such methods select these different step sizes based on experimentation or stability considerations. For problems that evolve on a single time scale, adaptivity approaches that strive to control local temporal error are widely used to achieve numerical results of a desired accuracy with minimal computational effort, while alleviating the need for manual experimentation with different time step sizes. However, there is a notable gap in the publication record on the development of adaptive time step controllers for multirate methods. In this paper, we extend the single-rate controller work of Gustafsson [ACM Trans. Math. Software, 20 (1994), pp. 496-517] to the multirate method setting. Specifically, we develop controllers based on polynomial approximations to the principal error functions for both the "fast" and "slow" time scales within multirate infinitesimal (MRI) methods. We additionally investigate a variety of approaches for estimating the errors arising from each time scale within MRI methods. We then numerically evaluate the proposed multirate controllers and error estimation strategies on a range of multirate test problems, comparing their performance against an estimated optimal performance. Through this work, we combine the most performant of these approaches to arrive at a set of multirate adaptive time step controllers that robustly achieve desired solution accuracy with minimal computational effort.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Automatic Tuner for the Step Sizes of Gradient-Based RT-OPF DERMS Control Systems [SWR-22-50]

Gradient-based controllers have parameters called step sizes that determine how sensitive its control actions are to received inputs. Finding a practical setting for a step size is important. If it is too small, the controller is ineffective by not reacting in a significant manor to its received inputs. On the other hand, if it is too large, the actions implemented by the controller may be excessive and cause the controlled system to become unstable. The main objective of the Automatic Tuner for the Step Sizes of Gradient-Based RT-OPF DERMS Control Systems is to speed up the implementation of gradient-based control schemes by automatically tuning its step sizes instead of having a practitioner spend considerable time doing the task manually. Only simple adjustments need to be made to the code of each controller with a step size to allow the addition of an individual automatic tuner. This can be applied to any RT-OPF based control for DER management.

Comden, Joshua↗
DOE OSTI2024

Two-Step Hyperparameter Optimization Method: Accelerating Hyperparameter Search by Using a Fraction of a Training Dataset

Abstract Hyperparameter optimization (HPO) is an important step in machine learning (ML) model development, but common practices are archaic—primarily relying on manual or grid searches. This is partly because adopting advanced HPO algorithms introduces added complexity to the workflow, leading to longer computation times. This poses a notable challenge to ML applications, as suboptimal hyperparameter selections curtail the potential of ML model performance, ultimately obstructing the full exploitation of ML techniques. In this article, we present a two-step HPO method as a strategic solution to curbing computational demands and wait times, gleaned from practical experiences in applied ML parameterization work. The initial phase involves a preliminary evaluation of hyperparameters on a small subset of the training dataset, followed by a reevaluation of the top-performing candidate models postretraining with the entire training dataset. This two-step HPO method is universally applicable across HPO search algorithms, and we argue it has attractive efficiency gains. As a case study, we present our recent application of the two-step HPO method to the development of neural network emulators for aerosol activation. Although our primary use case is a data-rich limit with many millions of samples, we also find that using up to 0.0025% of the data—a few thousand samples—in the initial step is sufficient to find optimal hyperparameter configurations from much more extensive sampling, achieving up to 135× speedup. The benefits of this method materialize through an assessment of hyperparameters and model performance, revealing the minimal model complexity required to achieve the best performance. The assortment of top-performing models harvested from the HPO process allows us to choose a high-performing model with a low inference cost for efficient use in global climate models (GCMs).

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Solar Thermal Energy Planner (STEP 1): A New Decision Support Tool for Solar Industrial Process Heat Applications

Solar thermal technologies are a promising technology to supply low-cost thermal energy to industrial processes, but there are often significant barriers to entry to industrial owners considering these technologies for their energy demands. To overcome this barrier and convey economic value to customers, NREL and Sandia National Laboratories developed Solar Thermal Energy Planner (STEP 1), a new web-based decision support tool for solar industrial process heat systems. At SolarPACES 2024, the STEP 1 tool was still under development; progress, methodologies, and a preliminary case study was presented. With the STEP 1 tool launch in May 2025, in this work, the initial version of the full public tool will be presented with demonstrations of its capabilities using a few case studies. First, the user's process heat needs such as location, process media (e.g., steam, air), process temperature, land availability, electricity and fuel costs, among other parameters. STEP 1 features a mapping interface that allows users to draw land and roof boundaries. The process media and temperature inform technology selection criteria modules that determine the appropriate solar thermal collection technologies, as well as congruent heat transfer media (e.g., hot water, oil, salt). Once the solar thermal technology selected, its nominal thermal production for the given site is characterized using NREL's System Advisor Model (SAM). Then, a modified version of NREL's REopt optimal sizing and dispatch optimization tool determines cost-optimal sizing. Within minutes, the user receives the results of the technoeconomics analysis, including the size and performance of the cost-optimal solar-plus-storage system. The cost of the system is compared to business-as-usual (e.g., an existing, standalone natural gas boiler). Users can download key results to store for sensitivity analyses. Examples of flat plate collector, parabolic trough, and molten salt tower applications with and without PV hybridization for different industrial facility types are presented in this work. The STEP 1 tool aims to reduce barriers to the adoption of solar heating solutions stemming from a lack of familiarity and technical background with solar system design options and costs among industry stakeholders.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Rare Earth Element (REE) and Critical Mineral Fractions of Central Appalachian Coal-Related Strata Determined by 7-Step Sequential Extraction

Rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals (CMs) are used in many modern industries, including the automotive sector, generation and storage, clean energy, and defense. The demand for REEs is increasing, and the REE supply chain is unpredictable. The US has driven to assess non-conventional sources of REE (such as coal underclay) to identify domestic resources to stabilize this uncertainty in supply. Knowledge of the minerology, distribution, and modes of occurrence of REEs is integral to the assessment of non-conventional sources. Additionally, extraction techniques can be optimized and targeted when REE distribution in different solid fractions from source material is understood. In this study, four bituminous coal-related samples associated with the Lower and Middle Kittanning coal seams in the Appalachian Basin (US) underwent a seven-step sequential extraction procedure, primarily targeting the water-soluble, exchangeable, acid soluble, mildly reducible, moderately reducible, strongly reducible, and oxidizable fractions. The REE and other elements of interest from each extraction step were analyzed, and the percentages of element extracted from raw solids were calculated. REEs extracted from the total seven steps were reported as the extractable fraction, whereas the fractions in the residual solids were reported as the non-extractable fraction. Less than 6% of REE were extracted from three samples. Twenty-one percent of REE was extracted from the fourth sample, mainly from the steps targeting oxidizable and exchangeable phases. Co-extraction of critical metals (Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) occurred during the oxidizable, exchangeable, acid soluble, and water-soluble steps for the four samples. In the extracted fractions, the four samples all exhibited a middle and heavy REE enrichment relative to light REE. The mobility of major cation (e.g., Ca, Fe, and P) and REE is associated with exchangeable, oxidizable, and acid soluble fractions. Non-extractable REE is likely held in refractory apatitic phases, and/or primary REE-phosphates (e.g., monazite and xenotime).

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1984

STEP Experiment Requirements

A plan to develop a space technology experiments platform (STEP) was examined. NASA Langley Research Center held a STEP Experiment Requirements Workshop on June 29 and 30 and July 1, 1983, at which experiment proposers were invited to present more detailed information on their experiment concept and requirements. A feasibility and preliminary definition study was conducted and the preliminary definition of STEP capabilities and experiment concepts and expected requirements for support services are presented. The preliminary definition of STEP capabilities based on detailed review of potential experiment requirements is investigated. Topics discussed include: Shuttle on-orbit dynamics; effects of the space environment on damping materials; erectable beam experiment; technology for development of very large solar array deployers; thermal energy management process experiment; photovoltaic concentrater pointing dynamics and plasma interactions; vibration isolation technology; flight tests of a synthetic aperture radar antenna with use of STEP.

Brumfield, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Sensitivity of a thermodynamic sea ice model with leads to time step size

The characteristics of sea ice models, developed to study the physics of the growth and melt of ice at the ocean surface and the variations in ice extent, depend on the size of the time step. Thus, to study longer-term variations within a reasonable computer budget, a model with a scheme allowing longer time steps has been constructed. However, the results produced by the model can definitely depend on the length of the time step. The sensitivity of a model to time-step size can be reduced by appropriate approaches. The present investigation is concerned with experiments which use a formulation of a lead parameterization that can be considered as a first step toward the development of a lead parameterization suitable for a use in long-term climate studies.

Ledley, T. S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The STEP mission - Satellite test of the equivalence principle

The STEP experiment is a joint ESA/NASA mission candidate for selection as the next medium science project in the ESA scientific program. ESA and NASA have undertaken a joint feasibility study of STEP. The principles of STEP and details of the mission are presented and the mission and spacecraft are described. The primary objective of STEP is to measure differences in the rate of fall of test masses of different compositions to one part in 10 exp 17 of the total gravitational acceleration, a factor of 10 exp 8 improvement in sensitivity over previous experiments. STEP constitutes a comparison of gravitational and inertial mass or a test of the weak equivalence principle (WEP). A test of WEP that is six orders of magnitude more accurate than previous tests will reveal whether the underlying structure of the universe is filled with undiscovered small forces, necessitating a fundamental change in our theories of matter on all scales.

Atzei, A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Three-component laser velocimeter surveys of the flow over a backward-facing step

A three-component laser velocimeter is used to investigate the flow over a backward-facing step. The backward-facing step had an expansion ratio of 2, a boundary layer height to step height ratio of 0.34 and a Reynolds number based on step height of 19,000. Results from three-component velocimeter surveys of the flow over the backward-facing step are presented with comparisons of the current experiment with previous experiments and computational results. The present results compared well with previous experiments with the exception of the reattachment length. The short reattachment length was due to the short length of the channel downstream. The measurement of the lateral velocity component showed that there is a mean flow in and out of the centerline plane as high as 7 percent of the freestream velocity. However, the shear stresses show no correlation between the lateral fluctuations and the longitudinal and vertical fluctuations, indicating that the flow is 2D in terms of the turbulence quantities.

Kjelgaard, Scott O.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Magnetically suspended stepping motors for clean room and vacuum environments

To answer the growing needs for super-clean or contact free actuators for uses in clean rooms, vacuum chambers, and space, innovative actuators which combine the functions of stepping motors and magnetic bearings in one body were developed. The rotor of the magnetically suspended stepping motor is suspended like a magnetic bearing and rotated and positioned like a stepping motor. The important trait of the motor is that it is not a simple mixture or combination of a stepping motor and conventional magnetic bearing, but an amalgam of a stepping motor and a magnetic bearing. Owing to optimal design and feed-back control, a toothed stator and rotor are all that are needed structurewise for stable suspension. More than ten types of motors such as linear type, high accuracy rotary type, two-dimensional type, and high vacuum type were built and tested. This paper describes the structure and design of these motors and their performance for such applications as precise positioning rotary table, linear conveyor system, and theta-zeta positioner for clean room and high vacuum use.

Higuchi, Toshiro↗
NASA NTRS1994

Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principle (STEP)

This grant provided support for the STEP (Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principle) program between October 1991 and September 1993. STEP, previously supported by NASA under Grant NAG8-837 'A Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principle,' was selected by the European Space Agency for a Phase A study as a candidate for ESA's next medium size mission (M2). STEP was conceived as a joint NASA/ESA mission with equal participation by both agencies. ESA's contribution to the program would be the spacecraft; NASA would provide the launcher and half of the instrument, while the other half of the instrument would be provided by various European agencies. STEP was in competition with three other programs, INTEGRAL, PRISMA, and MARSNET. The final selection of a single mission for M2 took place in April 1993. STEP was not selected for M2 but made a very close second. The program is continuing in modified form.

Worden, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1994

STEP: A Futurevision, Today

STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product Model Data) is an innovative software tool that allows the exchange of data between different programming systems to occur and helps speed up the designing in various process industries. This exchange occurs easily between those companies that have STEP, and many industries and government agencies are requiring that their vendors utilize STEP in their computer aided design projects, such as in the areas of mechanical, aeronautical, and electrical engineering. STEP allows the process of concurrent engineering to occur and increases the quality of the design product. One example of the STEP program is the Boeing 777, the first paperless airplane.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1995

Thermal neutral format based on the step technology

The exchange of models is one of the most serious problems currently encountered in the practice of spacecraft thermal analysis. Essentially, the problem originates in the diversity of computing environments that are used across different sites, and the consequent proliferation of native tool formats. Furthermore, increasing pressure to reduce the development's life cycle time has originated a growing interest in the so-called spacecraft concurrent engineering. In this context, the realization of the interdependencies between different disciplines and the proper communication between them become critical issues. The use of a neutral format represents a step forward in addressing these problems. Such a means of communication is adopted by consensus. A neutral format is not directly tied to any specific tool and it is kept under stringent change control. Currently, most of the groups promoting exchange formats are contributing with their experience to STEP, the Standard for Exchange of Product Model Data, which is being developed under the auspices of the International Standards Organization (ISO 10303). This paper presents the different efforts made in Europe to provide the spacecraft thermal analysis community with a Thermal Neutral Format (TNF) based on STEP. Following an introduction with some background information, the paper presents the characteristics of the STEP standard. Later, the first efforts to produce a STEP Spacecraft Thermal Application Protocol are described. Finally, the paper presents the currently harmonized European activities that follow up and extend earlier work on the area.

Almazan, P. Planas↗
NASA NTRS2001

STEP-AIRSEDS System Engineering Support

This report summarizes and highlights the activities in support of the Space Transportation using Electrodynamic Propulsion Atmospheric Ionospheric Research Small Expendable Deployer Satellite (STEP-AIRSEDS) Project for the period of May 16, 2000 through September 28, 2001. The Alpha Technology, Inc. was tasked to provide support to the MSFC (Marshall Space Flight Center) in requirements development and in verification activities. Specifically, the Alpha Technology, Inc. task was to: (1) develop and maintain the STEP-AIRSEDS Project System Requirements Database; (2) develop and maintain the STEP-AIRSEDS requirements verification definition and planning support database; (3) perform requirements flow down analysis of STEP-AIRSEDS Project System Requirements to TMTC (The Michigan Technic Corporation) Level IV Requirements; (4) provide system engineering guidance to the Project as needed; (5) provide guidance to TMTC in preparation of Level IV Requirements; and (6) provide support to STEP-AIRSEDS meetings, reviews, and telecons as needed.

Rowell, Tom↗