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Results for “alternating minimization”

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
NASA NTRS1980

Coplanar back contacts for thin silicon solar cells

A process for fabricating 2 to 3 mil wraparound solar cells was formulated. Sample thin wraparound cells were fabricated using this process. The process used a reinforced perimeter construction to reduce the breakage that occurs during handling of the wafers. A retracting piston post was designed and fabricated to help minimize the breakage that occurs during the screen printing process. Two alternative methods of applying the aluminum back surface field were investigated. In addition to the standard screen printed back surface field, both spin-on and evaporated aluminum techniques were researched. Neither spin-on nor evaporated aluminum made any noticeable improvement over the screen printing technique. A fine screen mesh was chosen for the application of the aluminum paste back surface field. The optimum time and temperature for firing the aluminum turned out to be thirty seconds at 850 C. The development work on the dielectric included looking at three dielectrics for the wraparound application. Transene 1000, Thick Film Systems 1126RCB and an in house formulation 61-2-2A were all tested. Cells with pre-dielectric thickness of 3.0-0-3.5 mils using Transene 1000 as the wraparound dielectric and the procedure outlined above showed an average efficiency of 10.7 percent. Thinner cells were fabricated, but had an unacceptable yield and efficiency.

Thornhill, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Performance assessment of planetary missions as launched from an orbiting space station

Results presented are intended to assist planners and the mission analysis community in assessing the performance impact (pro or con) of launching planetary missions from an orbiting space station as compared to the usual, ground-based Shuttle launch of such missions. The analyses comprising this assessment include: (1) a basic understanding and description of the space station launch problem; (2) examination of alternative injection strategies and selection of the most appropriate strategy for minimizing performance penalties; and (3) quantitative comparison of station-launched and Shuttle-launched performance over a wide energy/mass range of planetary mission opportunities. Data for each mission covers a full 360 deg of possible nodal location of the space station orbit. The main results are that planetary missions can be launched from a space station within acceptable penalty bounds, and that the station serving as a staging base/propellant depot can benefit some missions requiring large payload mass or high injection energy.

Friedlander, A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Reusable ultralight personnel carrier (RUPC)

Attention is given to a personnel-carrying space vehicle concept developed to minimize the cost of access to LEO. The RUPC could provide alternate access to Space Station Freedom (SSF) for six passengers per flight. It can also bring and return small amounts of cargo, up to and including one SSF double rack. These capabilities are ideal for utilization flights during man-tended operations at SSF and for crew rotation during permanently manned periods. The RUPC is a reusable conical reentry vehicle and disposable adapter with propulsion and power subsystems. Avionics subsystem benefit from advanced low-power high-performance microelectronics developed for both the civilian and military space sectors. The RUPC core cabin concept has growth potential for other applications, including assured crew return, ground-launched crew rescue, delivery and retrieval of SSF cargo, and crew cabin for flights to the moon.

Clark, B. C., III↗
NASA NTRS2014

Maintaining Aura's Orbit Requirements While Performing Orbit Maintenance Maneuvers Containing an Orbit Normal Delta-V Component

The Earth Observing System (EOS) Afternoon Constellation consists of five member missions (GCOM-W1, Aqua, CALIPSO, CloudSat, and Aura), each of which maintain a frozen, sun-synchronous orbit with a 16-day repeating ground track that follows the Worldwide Reference System-2 (WRS-2). Under nominal science operations for Aura, the propulsion system is oriented such that the resultant thrust vector is aligned 13.493 degrees away from the velocity vector along the yaw axis. When performing orbit maintenance maneuvers, the spacecraft performs a yaw slew to align the thrust vector in the appropriate direction. A new Drag Make Up (DMU) maneuver operations scheme has been implemented for Aura alleviating the need for the 13.493 degree yaw slew. The focus of this investigation is to assess the impact that no-slew DMU maneuver operations will have on Aura's Mean Local Time (MLT) which drives the required along track separation between Aura and the constellation members, as well as Aura's frozen orbit properties, eccentricity and argument of perigee. Seven maneuver strategies were analyzed to determine the best operational approach. A mirror pole strategy, with maneuvers alternating at the North and South poles, was implemented operationally to minimize impact to the MLT. Additional analysis determined that the mirror pole strategy could be further modified to include frozen orbit maneuvers and thus maintain both MLT and the frozen orbit properties under noslew operations.

Aqua↗
NASA NTRS2014

Maintaining Aura's Orbit Requirements Under New Maneuver Operations

The Earth Observing System (EOS) Afternoon Constellation consists of five member missions (GCOM-W1, Aqua, CALIPSO, CloudSat, and Aura), each of which maintain a frozen, sun-synchronous orbit with a 16-day repeating ground track that follows the Worldwide Reference System-2 (WRS-2). Under nominal science operations for Aura, the propulsion system is oriented such that the resultant thrust vector is aligned 13.493 degrees away from the velocity vector along the yaw axis. When performing orbit maintenance maneuvers, the spacecraft performs a yaw slew to align the thrust vector in the appropriate direction. A new Drag Make Up (DMU) maneuver operations scheme has been implemented for Aura alleviating the need for the 13.493 degree yaw slew. The focus of this investigation is to assess the impact that no-slew DMU maneuver operations will have on Auras Mean Local Time (MLT) which drives the required along track separation between Aura and the constellation members, as well as Auras frozen orbit properties, eccentricity and argument of perigee. Seven maneuver strategies were analyzed to determine the best operational approach. A mirror pole strategy, with maneuvers alternating at the North and South poles, was implemented operationally to minimize impact to the MLT. Additional analysis determined that the mirror pole strategy could be further modified to include frozen orbit maneuvers and thus maintain both MLT and the frozen orbit properties under no-slew operations

aura↗
NASA NTRS2016

Vented Chill / No-Vent Fill of Cryogenic Propellant Tanks

Architectures for extended duration missions often include an on-orbit replenishment of the space vehicle's cryogenic liquid propellants. Such a replenishment could be accomplished via a tank-to-tank transfer from a dedicated tanker or a more permanent propellant depot storage tank. Minimizing the propellant loss associated with transfer line and receiver propellant tank thermal conditioning is essential for mass savings. A new methodology for conducting tank-to-tank transfer while minimizing such losses has been demonstrated. Charge-Hold-Vent is the traditional methodology for conducting a tank-to-tank propellant transfer. A small amount of cryogenic liquid is introduced to chill the transfer line and propellant tank. As the propellant absorbs heat and undergoes a phase change, the tank internal pressure increases. The tank is then vented to relieve pressure prior to another charge of cryogenic liquid being introduced. This cycle is repeated until the transfer lines and tank are sufficiently chilled and the replenishment of the propellant tank is complete. This method suffers inefficiencies due to multiple chill and vent cycles within the transfer lines and associated feed system components. Additionally, this system requires precise measuring of cryogenic fluid delivery for each transfer, multiple valve cycling events, and other complexities associated with cycled operations. To minimize propellant loss and greatly simplify on-orbit operations, an alternate methodology has been designed and demonstrated. The Vented Chill / No Vent Fill method is a simpler, constant flow approach in which the propellant tank and transfer lines are only chilled once. The receiver tank is continuously vented as cryogenic liquid chills the transfer lines, tank mass and ullage space. Once chilled sufficiently, the receiver tank valve is closed and the tank is completely filled. Interestingly, the vent valve can be closed prior to receiver tank components reaching liquid saturation temperature. An incomplete fill results if insufficient energy is removed from the tank's thermal mass and ullage space. The key to successfully conducting the no vent fill is to assure that sufficient energy is removed from the system prior to closing the receiver tank vent valve. This paper will provide a description of the transfer methodology and test article, and will provide a discussion of test results.

Rhys, Noah O.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Efficient low-temperature, catalyst-free dehydrogenation of alkanes

Steam cracking of ethane, a non-catalytic thermochemical process, remains the dominant means of ethylene production. The severe reaction conditions and energy expenditure involved in this process incentivize the search for alternative reaction pathways and reactor designs which maximize ethylene yield while minimizing cost and energy input. According to the present invention, ethylene yields as high as 68% were obtained with a quartz open tube reactor without the use of a catalyst or a cofed stream of oxidizing agents. The open tube reactor design promotes simplicity, low cost, and negligible coke formation. Reactor designs can be optimized to improve the conversion of ethane to ethylene via non-oxidative dehydrogenation, an approach which shows promise for decentralized production of ethylene from natural gas deposits.

Riley, Christopher Ryan↗
NASA NTRS2008

Deep Space Network Scheduling Using Multi-Objective Optimization with Uncertainty

We have developed a novel technique to incorporate uncertainty modeling within an evolutionary algorithm approach to multi-objective scheduling, with the goal of identifying a Pareto frontier (tradeoff curve) that recognizes the likelihood of events that can impact the schedule outcome. Our approach is particularly applicable to the generation of multiobjective optimized robust schedules, where objectives are assigned a service level, for example that we require an objective value to be greater than or equal to X with Y% confidence. We have demonstrated that such an approach can, for example, minimize scheduling on less reliable resources, based solely on a resource reliability model and not on any ad hoc heuristics. We have also investigated an alternative method of optimizing for robustness, in which we add to the set of objectives a failure risk objective to minimize. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches. Future plans for further developing this technology include its application to space-based observatory scheduling problems.

Johnston, Mark D.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Optimal Design of Aortic Leaflet Prosthesis

The design criteria for an optimum prosthetic-aortic leaflet valve are a smooth washout in the valve cusps, minimal leaflet stress, minimal transmembrane pressure for the valve to open, an adequate lifetime (for a given blood-compatible leaflet material's fatigue data). A rigorous design analysis is presented to obtain the prosthetic tri-leaflet aortic valve leaflet's optimum design parameters. Four alternative optimum leaflet geometries are obtained to satisfy the criteria of a smooth washout and minimal leaflet stress. The leaflet thicknesses of these four optimum designs are determined by satisfying the two remaining design criteria for minimal transmembrane opening pressure and adequate fatigue lifetime, which are formulated in terms of the elastic and fatigue properties of the selected leaflet material - Avcothane-51 (of the Avco-Everett Co. of Massachusetts). Prosthetic valves are fabricated on the basis of the optimum analysis and the resulting detailed engineering drawings of the designs are also presented in the paper.

Ghista, Dhanjoo N.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Environmental design of low-head run-of-river hydropower in the United States: A review of facility design models

We state that the goal of run-of-river hydropower is to produce cost-competitive renewable electricity with minimal disruption of the natural riverine ecosystem. Modeling and feasibility analysis of alternative design options are crucial for developing new run-of-river hydropower projects. Our review shows that existing run-of-river hydropower design models focus on maximizing economic potential at high-head diversion schemes with limited consideration of environmental outcomes. Since nearly three-quarters of new hydropower potential in the United States is found at low-head sites and environmental performance standards are imperative to project success, new models are needed to address the multi-dimensional design challenges at these sites. To aid in formulating holistic models, we synthesize the performance objectives and design variables related to early-stage run-of-river facility design. The objectives span six potential impact areas, including hydrologic alteration, sediment continuity, water quality, aquatic species passage, social, and economic. Based on these reviews, we identify three key areas to enhance the capabilities of run-of-river hydropower design models. These are 1) expanded model formulations, 2) assessment of barrier effects, and 3) explicit environmental objectives. The resulting modeling improvements would accelerate the identification of run-of-river hydropower designs that minimize environmental impacts, promote economic competitiveness, and incorporate the value of non-power benefits.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Genome editing in the mouse brain with minimally immunogenic Cas9 RNPs

Transient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) into the central nervous system (CNS) for therapeutic genome editing could avoid limitations of viral vector-based delivery including cargo capacity, immunogenicity, and cost. Here, we tested the ability of cell-penetrant Cas9 RNPs to edit the mouse striatum when introduced using a convection-enhanced delivery system. These transient Cas9 RNPs showed comparable editing of neurons and reduced adaptive immune responses relative to one formulation of Cas9 delivered using AAV serotype 9. The production of ultra-low endotoxin Cas9 protein manufactured at scale further improved innate immunity. We conclude that injection-based delivery of minimally immunogenic CRISPR genome editing RNPs into the CNS provides a valuable alternative to virus-mediated genome editing.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Electron shelving of a superconducting artificial atom

Interfacing long-lived qubits with propagating photons is a fundamental challenge in quantum technology. Cavity and circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) architectures rely on an off-resonant cavity, which blocks the qubit emission and enables a quantum non-demolition (QND) dispersive readout. However, no such buffer mode is necessary for controlling a large class of three-level systems that combine a metastable qubit transition with a bright cycling transition, using the electron shelving effect. Here we demonstrate shelving of a circuit atom, fluxonium, placed inside a microwave waveguide. With no cavity modes in the setup, the qubit coherence time exceeds 50 μs, and the cycling transition’s radiative lifetime is under 100 ns. By detecting a homodyne fluorescence signal from the cycling transition, we implement a QND readout of the qubit and account for readout errors using a minimal optical pumping model. Our result establishes a resource-efficient (cavityless) alternative to cQED for controlling superconducting qubits.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Data-driven electron-diffraction approach reveals local short-range ordering in CrCoNi with ordering effects

Abstract The exceptional mechanical strength of medium/high-entropy alloys has been attributed to hardening in random solid solutions. Here, we evidence non-random chemical mixing in a CrCoNi alloy, resulting from short-range ordering. A data-mining approach of electron nanodiffraction enabled the study, which is assisted by neutron scattering, atom probe tomography, and diffraction simulation using first-principles theory models. Two samples, one homogenized and one heat-treated, are observed. In both samples, results reveal two types of short-range-order inside nanoclusters that minimize the Cr–Cr nearest neighbors (L1 2 ) or segregate Cr on alternating close-packed planes (L1 1 ). The L1 1 is predominant in the homogenized sample, while the L1 2 formation is promoted by heat-treatment, with the latter being accompanied by a dramatic change in dislocation-slip behavior. These findings uncover short-range order and the resulted chemical heterogeneities behind the mechanical strength in CrCoNi, providing general opportunities for atomistic-structure study in concentrated alloys for the design of strong and ductile materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Validation Study of Experimental Insulating and Air-Sealing Technology for Enclosed Roof Cavities

Validation Study of Experimental Insulating and Air-Sealing Technology for Enclosed Roof Cavities, explores a new minimally invasive system known as Pinhole Insulation ® for retroft insulation of cathedral ceilings, flat roofs, dormer roofs, and other enclosed roof cavities. It also explores the validation of the associated equipment, software, and materials used in this application. The Pinhole Insulation process essentially consists of drilling a ¼” hole in the ceiling surface and then injecting closed cell polyurethane foam such that the foam is deposited on the interior surface of the exterior roof sheathing. In a typical cathedral ceiling with R19 batts, the R value will be improved by at least 60% and the cavity will become completely air sealed. The system is quick, minimally invasive and at least an order of magnitude less expensive than alternatives such as removing the ceiling surface and spraying closed cell foam.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1976

Solar electric propulsion combined with earth gravity assist - A new potential for planetary exploration

The need to shorten mission time (travel time to target planet) in missions to the outer planets prompts a search for alternatives to one-way minimum-energy transfers while continuing to minimize on-power thrusts. Gravity assists via swing-bys of inner planets are examined, with emphasis on a projected Venus-earth gravity assist (VEGA) and a combined solar electric propulsion and earth gravity assist (SEEGA). Gravity assists are also examined as essential for missions with sample returns back to earth. Possible use of such techniques in the Shuttle Interim Upper Stage (IUS) program is considered. Various SEEGA and VEGA trajectories are discussed and charted, and time lost in the launch orbit to earth re-encounter time is weighed against time gained by faster speed toward the mission destination.

Atkins, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Lateral density variations in elastic Earth models from an extended minimum energy approach

Kaula's minimum energy approach was extended to include the nonhydrostatic gravitational potential energy and the density perturbation field was obtained to degree and order eight. The depth profiles for the density perturbation show a stratification with density excesses and deficiencies alternating with depth. The addition of the gravitational potential energy in the minimization process does not change significantly the conclusions based on results for the minimum shear strain energy case, concerning the inability of the mantle to withstand the lateral loading elastically.

Sanchez, B. V.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Sensor Lead Wires Positioned on SiC-based Monolithic Ceramic and Fiber- reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composite Subcomponents with Flat and Curved Surfaces

There is strong interest in the development of silicon carbide-based monolithic ceramic and composite materials and components for demanding, high-temperature applications. Thorough characterization of material properties, including high-temperature testing under simulated or actual operating conditions, is a high priority for programs involved in developing these silicon carbide- (SiC) based materials and components. Members of the Sensors and Electronics Technology Branch at the NASA Lewis Research Center are developing minimally intrusive methods of measuring the properties (such as the surface temperature, strain, and heat flux characteristics) of components and subelements that are being tested or operated in hostile, high-temperature environments. Their primary goal is to instrument the test article or operating component with durable sensors that have a minimal effect on test conditions such as the gas flow across the surface of the item and the material response (including the through-thickness conduction of heat). Therefore, the main thrust of their work has been the development of thin-film sensors (e.g., thermocouples or strain gauges) for use on various advanced material test articles, including SiC/SiC composite components. There was a need for a better method of securing sensor lead wires on SiC-based components and subelements that would be tested at temperatures to 1000 C (or higher), to enhance the durability of the overall minimally intrusive sensor system. To address this need, Lewis researchers devised an alternative approach for positioning the sensor lead wires (which are connected to the thin-film sensors) on SiC or SiC/SiC components. A reaction-forming method of joining was used to strongly bond hoop-shaped monolithic SiC and SiC/SiC composite attachments of various sizes to both flat and curved surfaces of SiC/SiC composite subelements (see the photos). This approach is based on an affordable, robust ceramic joining technology, named ARCJoinT, which was developed at Lewis for the joining of SiC-based ceramics and fiber-reinforced composites.

Kiser, James D.↗