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NASA NTRS1990

MIT's interferometer CST testbed

The MIT Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) has developed a controlled structures technology (CST) testbed based on one design for a space-based optical interferometer. The role of the testbed is to provide a versatile platform for experimental investigation and discovery of CST approaches. In particular, it will serve as the focus for experimental verification of CSI methodologies and control strategies at SERC. The testbed program has an emphasis on experimental CST--incorporating a broad suite of actuators and sensors, active struts, system identification, passive damping, active mirror mounts, and precision component characterization. The SERC testbed represents a one-tenth scaled version of an optical interferometer concept based on an inherently rigid tetrahedral configuration with collecting apertures on one face. The testbed consists of six 3.5 meter long truss legs joined at four vertices and is suspended with attachment points at three vertices. Each aluminum leg has a 0.2 m by 0.2 m by 0.25 m triangular cross-section. The structure has a first flexible mode at 31 Hz and has over 50 global modes below 200 Hz. The stiff tetrahedral design differs from similar testbeds (such as the JPL Phase B) in that the structural topology is closed. The tetrahedral design minimizes structural deflections at the vertices (site of optical components for maximum baseline) resulting in reduced stroke requirements for isolation and pointing of optics. Typical total light path length stability goals are on the order of lambda/20, with a wavelength of light, lambda, of roughly 500 nanometers. It is expected that active structural control will be necessary to achieve this goal in the presence of disturbances.

Hyde, Tupper↗

DOE OSTI2025

Entrainment, Detrainment, and Dilution of Dry and Moist Atmospheric Thermals

Here this study examines the entrainment, detrainment, and dilution of dry and moist (cloud) atmospheric thermals in large-eddy simulations. In a neutrally stable environment (with respect to dry dynamics), moist thermals have an increase in radius R with thermal height z t (α ≡ dR/dz t ) about 4 times smaller compared to dry thermals when density stratification is considered and ~2.4 times smaller without density stratification (i.e., applying the Boussinesq approximation). An analytic expression relating α to several dimensionless parameters is derived from the thermal impulse–circulation relation to clarify the factors impacting α. This expression shows that the difference in buoyancy structure between moist and dry thermals, with buoyancy concentrated in the central cores of moist thermals owing to latent heating, explains their smaller spreading rates. Individual contributions of entrainment and detrainment are analyzed using a direct parcel-based approach in the simulations. Moist thermals have similar fractional detrainment but much smaller fractional entrainment rates compared to dry thermals, consistent with the differences in α. Despite having smaller α, moist thermals are similarly dilute (quantified by a passive tracer) as dry thermals because of their greater mixing efficiency with the environment. Thus, moist thermals are substantially dilute but expand much less in size/volume as they rise compared to dry thermals. The α values for moist thermals in (dry) neutral and statically stable environments are similar, but fractional entrainment and especially detrainment rates are greater in the stable environment. Large detrainment rates are associated with a breakdown of the broader thermal vortex ring structure, especially with low environmental relative humidity, attributed in part to evaporation and buoyancy reversal.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Sputter-deposited CdMgTe for rear contact to CdSeTe/CdTe solar cells

CdTe-based photovoltaic device performance improvement is predominantly limited by open-circuit voltage. This work approaches the voltage deficit challenge through the incorporation of a cadmium magnesium telluride (CdMgTe) electron reflector layer at the back of 1.5- μm CdSeTe/CdTe absorbers to reduce back-surface recombination through a conduction band offset. A sputtered CdMgTe electron reflector layer permitted low fabrication temperatures and circumvented the intolerance of CdMgTe to thermal processing present in traditional close-space sublimation (CSS)-deposited CdMgTe devices. Here, we demonstrate that sputtered CdMgTe simultaneously promotes the retention of chlorine passivation and magnesium which is not feasible with CSS fabrication. We also show the importance of the Cu and Te back contact order in CdMgTe devices. Through the optimization of the sputtered CdMgTe substrate temperature, doping, and back structure configuration, 1.5 μm CdSeTe/CdTe devices with a sputtered CdMgTe layer achieved an efficiency of 16.0%, significantly higher than with CSS CdMgTe, and demonstrated partial enactment of electron-reflector behavior.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Observed Land Surface Influence on Atmospheric Heat and Moisture Profiles During Interstorms

Land-atmospheric (L-A) feedbacks have historically been studied using models whose structure and parameterizations influence outcomes and insights. The representation of L-A feedbacks based on observations alone remains an ongoing challenge for understanding boundary layer development and precipitation. To address this gap, we use ground-based passive remote sensing and in-situ observations to present an analysis of the atmosphere during 103 interstorm soil moisture drydown events spanning nine warm seasons (2016–2024) in the U.S. Southern Great Plains region. By separating events based on local L-A coupling signals and characterizing the profiles of atmospheric heat and moisture to surface energy flux behavior, we investigate the physical mechanisms linking land surface processes to boundary layer development. We find that during interstorm drydowns, the atmospheric column follows a consistent pattern: moisture increases within the boundary layer, peaks near its top, and declines rapidly above, while warming occurs through the depth. Drydowns that shift toward evaporation produce stronger and deeper thermodynamic responses than cases dominated by sensible heating, which are weaker and shallower. Additionally, moisture is accumulated faster within the boundary layer during shorter drydowns, with longer drydowns representing slower, moisture-limited growth. Drydowns with wetter initial soil moisture will sustain stronger moistening within and above the boundary layer, accelerating buoyancy growth and convective potential toward the next storm. These results provide observational evidence linking surface flux evolution to boundary layer thermodynamics and offer a process-level benchmark for evaluating coupled L-A representations in models and demonstrating the influence of soil moisture on short-term weather forecasting skill.

Zhang, M. S. [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (M↗

DOE OSTI2020

Initial development for the introduction of provisions for irradiation effects in Division 5 rules

Heat pipe microreactor concept involves the use of a solid core block to encapsulate the nuclear fuel and the passive extraction of heat from the core block to the heat exchanger block by advanced heat pipes. The core block is a key component of the heat pipe microreactor design. It integrates the functions of reactor vessel, core structural components and fuel cladding of traditional Gen IV advanced reactor designs into one single structure. The effects of irradiation on the structural failure modes are outside the scope of the rules of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section III, Division 5, Subsection HB, Subpart B for metallic Class A components. Methods to account for the irradiation effect were investigated in order to develop design methods that can be applied to the core block design in the heat pipe microreactor. This report presents an initial development of an approach to account for the irradiation effects in the design rules.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Preliminary Thermal-hydraulics and Selected Safety Analysis for Holos-Quad Reactor Design

This report presents thermal hydraulics and safety analyses of the 10 MWe Holos-Quad micro-reactor design developed by HolosGen LLC. These analyses were executed under steady-state and station black-out (SBO) transient conditions using the System Analysis Module (SAM), with a focus on ensuring peak fuel temperatures do not exceed the safety thresholds of 1,250°C for steady state normal operating conditions and 1,600°C for transient conditions. For steady-state temperature predictions, a coupled 1D fluid-to-3D solid heat conduction methodology was used. The steady-state simulations included a model of the central core region where power peaking occurs to predict the maximum steady-state fuel temperature, and a coarse-mesh full-core model to provide the initial condition for the consequent transient SBO decay heat removal simulation. The maximum fuel temperature predicted from the central core region simulations under the normal operating condition was 1,222°C, which is below the design limit 1,250°C. To simulate a SBO transient, a full core model was necessary because of the non-axial symmetric core design and heat loss from the outer core structures to the environment. To reduce the required computational costs, a novel scaled subassembly approach was used to model the full core domain. With the full core steady-state temperature distribution provided as the initial condition, the passive decay heat removal of the core was simulated with the scaled subassembly full core model under SBO transient conditions. This analysis showed that the peak fuel temperatures of the Holos-Quad core remained below their steady-state values during the transient, therefore much lower than the safety limit 1,600°C. This is mainly due to the large thermal inertia of the graphite matrix, relatively low power density, and the large surface-to-volume-ratio of the core. The preliminary analyses presented in this report confirm the inherent safety of the Holos-Quad micro-reactor thermal-hydraulics design, as the peak fuel temperatures under both normal and off-normal operational conditions remain within design and safety limits.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Cost Efficient-by-Design Microreactors: Trade-offs between cost, technical, and regulatory factors

This research evaluates a cost reduction investigation through adoption of a functional containment approach on the microreactor system and structure. Trade-offs between microreactor system designs, fuels and reactor module sizes are evaluated based on performance-based and risk-informed design procedures. Cost savings are evaluated against trade-offs in the reliability of passive heat removal systems, reactivity control, and radioactive material containment. Results can inform the Microreactor Program and reactor designs on “sweet spots” for microreactors that are cost-efficient while meeting required safety limits.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

NASA NTRS1972

Development of advanced fuel cell system

Weight, life and performance characteristics optimization of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell power systems were considered. A promising gold alloy cathode catalyst was identified and tested in a cell for 5,000 hours. The compatibility characteristics of candidate polymer structural materials were measured after exposure to electrolyte and water vapor for 8,000 hours. Lightweight cell designs were prepared and fabrication techniques to produce them were developed. Testing demonstrated that predicted performance was achieved. Lightweight components for passive product water removal and evaporative cooling of cells were demonstrated. Systems studies identified fuel cell powerplant concepts for meeting the requirements of advanced spacecraft.

Grevstad, P. E.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Passive scalar entrainment and mixing in a forced, spatially-developing mixing layer

Numerical simulations are performed for the forced, spatially-developing plane mixing layer in two and three dimensions. Transport of a passive scalar field is included in the computation. This, together with the allowance for spatial development in the simulations, affords the opportunity for study of the asymmetric entrainment of irrotational fluid into the layer. The inclusion of a passive scalar field provides a means for simulating the effect of this entrainment asymmetry on the generation of 'products' from a 'fast' chemical reaction. Further, the three-dimensional simulations provide useful insight into the effect of streamwise structures on these entrainment and 'fast' reaction processes. Results from a two-dimensional simulation indicate 1.22 parts high-speed fluid are entrained for every one part low-speed fluid. Inclusion of streamwise vortices at the inlet plane of a three-dimensional simulation indicate a further increase in asymmetric entrainment - 1.44:1. Results from a final three-dimensional simulation are presented. In this case, a random velocity perturbation is imposed at the inlet plane. The results indicate the 'natural' development of the large spanwise structures characteristic of the mixing layer.

Lowery, P. S.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Note on the Effect of Horizontal Gradients for Nadir-Viewing Microwave and Infrared Sounders

Passive microwave and infrared nadir sounders such as the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit A (AMSU-A) and the Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS), both flying on NASA s EOS Aqua satellite, provide information about vertical temperature and humidity structure that is used in data assimilation systems for numerical weather prediction and climate applications. These instruments scan cross track so that at the satellite swath edges, the satellite zenith angles can reach approx. 60 deg. The emission path through the atmosphere as observed by the satellite is therefore slanted with respect to the satellite footprint s zenith. Although radiative transfer codes currently in use at operational centers use the appropriate satellite zenith angle to compute brightness temperature, the input atmospheric fields are those from the vertical profile above the center of the satellite footprint. If horizontal gradients are present in the atmospheric fields, the use of a vertical atmospheric profile may produce an error. This note attempts to quantify the effects of horizontal gradients on AIRS and AMSU-A channels by computing brightness temperatures with accurate slanted atmospheric profiles. We use slanted temperature, water vapor, and ozone fields from data assimilation systems. We compare the calculated slanted and vertical brightness temperatures with AIRS and AMSU-A observations. We show that the effects of horizontal gradients on these sounders are generally small and below instrument noise. However, there are cases where the effects are greater than the instrument noise and may produce erroneous increments in an assimilation system. The majority of the affected channels have weighting functions that peak in the upper troposphere (water vapor sensitive channels) and above (temperature sensitive channels) and are unlikely t o significantly impact tropospheric numerical weather prediction. However, the errors could be significant for other applications such as stratospheric analysis. Gradients in ozone and tropospheric temperature appear to be well captured by the analyses. In contrast, gradients in upper stratospheric and mesospheric temperature as well as upper tropospheric humidity are less well captured. This is likely due in part to a lack of data to specify these fields accurately in the analyses. Advanced new sounders, like AIRS, may help to better specify these fields in the future.

Joiner, J.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Progress in the Fabrication and Testing of Telescope Mirrors for the James Webb Space Telescope

The telescope of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is an f/20, three mirror anastigmat design, passively cooled (40K) in an L2 orbit. The design provides diffraction limited performance (Strehl > or = 0.8) at .=2 m. To fit within the launch vehicle envelope (Arianne V), the 6.6 meter primary mirror and the secondary mirror support structure are folded for launch, then deployed and aligned in space. The primary mirror is composed of 18 individual, 1.3 meter (flat flat) hexagonal segments, each adjustable in seven degrees of freedom (six rigid body + radius of curvature) provided by a set of high precision actuators. The actuated secondary mirror (approx.0.74m) is similarly positioned in six degrees of rigid body motion. The approx..70x.51m, fixed tertiary and approx. 0.17m, flat fine steering mirror complete the telescope mirror complement. The telescope is supported by a composite structure optimized for performance at cryogenic temperatures. All telescope mirrors are made of Be with substantial light-weighting (21 kg for each 1.3M primary segment). Additional Be mounting and supporting structure for the high precision (approx.10nm steps) actuators are attached to the primary segments and secondary mirror. All mirrors undergo a process of thermal stabilization to reduce stress. An extensive series of interferometric measurements guide each step of the polishing process. Final polishing must account for any deformation between the ambient temperature of polishing and the cryogenic, operational temperature. This is accomplished by producing highly precise, cryo deformation target maps of each surface which are incorporated into the final polishing cycle. All flight mirrors have now completed polishing, coating with protected Au and final cryo testing, and the telescope is on track to meet all system requirements. We here review the measured performance of the component mirrors and the predicted performance of the flight telescope.

Bowers, Charles↗

DOE OSTI2020

Deep Isolation-Development of the Safety Case for Disposal of Radioactive Wastes in Horizontal Boreholes - 20028

Deep Isolation has developed a safe, secure, and permanent geological disposal method for high-level waste, including spent nuclear fuel as well as sealed sources and other highly radioactive materials. The method leverages well established directional drilling technology to create horizontal repositories deep underground. The combination of great depth (1-3 km) and the ability to precisely position repositories in a horizontal orientation provides access to geologic strata that are inaccessible for typical mined and deep vertical borehole repositories. A number of potential direct and indirect safety benefits accrue including:1) greater depth below regional freshwater aquifers; 2) increased flexibility and more geologic options for siting; 3) access to deep formations with persistent and sustained reducing conditions. In addition there are a number of safety elements related specifically to the horizontal repository geometry including: 1) passive direction of thermally driven fluid and radionuclide movement away from the vertical access hole and toward the 'dead end' portion of the repository; 2) mitigation of seismic hazards by orienting repositories parallel to local and regional fault structures. In this paper we explore and discuss some of the key technologic, geologic and hydrologic elements that support the deep horizontal borehole safety case. The stalemate seen across the globe on the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste can be broken. Deep Isolation offers a novel option for safe, secure, and permanent deep geological disposal of nuclear waste that can be developed as centralized repositories or adapted to smaller regional or site-specific repositories located near waste sources. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Electrospun Silica Nanofibers as Passive Thermal Control Materials for the Extreme Environment of Low Earth Orbit

Effective thermal management is crucial for maintaining spacecraft and onboard systems at optimal temperatures, ensuring their longevity in space missions. Passive thermal management is particularly promising due to its lower power consumption compared to active systems. This study focuses on developing materials with low solar absorptance and large thermal emittance to facilitate self-cooling under the harsh thermal conditions of space. We employ electrospinning, a nano/micro-manufacturing technique, to create a lightweight, fibrous thermal control material from silica (SiO 2 ). Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we examine the nanoporous structure of the electrospun material. Its optical properties, including reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance across ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths, are assessed using spectrometers interfaced with integrating spheres. To test durability in space, we conduct high temperature endurance and ultraviolet resistance tests to observe changes in optical properties of the materials and evaluate their performance in low Earth orbit (LEO). We also compare the material's solar reflectance and thermal emittance to existing spacecraft materials. The findings suggest that electrospun silica nanofibers presents a new paradigm for passive thermal control in space applications.

thermal emittance↗

DOE OSTI2024

Performance data for an axial-flow turbine with passive adaptive blades

To support the development of simulation tools for passive adaptive turbine rotors, an experimental data set from a laboratory-scale axial-flow turbine with passive adaptive blades is provided. The 0.45-meter diameter turbine was tested in the Alice C. Tyler Flume at the University of Washington. Blade and rotor loads were measured at 1 kHz using six-axis force/torque sensors while deflection and twist at the blade tip were tracked using a high-speed camera. This data submission includes a technical report, the raw and processed experimental data, and a README file explaining the file/folder structure and where to find the processing/plotting scripts used to produce the figures in the technical report.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

NASA NTRS1988

Improvements to tilt rotor performance through passive blade twist control

A passive blade twist control is presented in which the twist distribution of a tilt rotor blade is elastically changed as a function of rotor speed. The elastic twist deformation is used to achieve two different blade twist distributions corresponding to the two rotor speeds used on conventional tilt rotors in hover and forward flight. By changing the blade twist distribution, the aerodynamic performance can be improved in both modes of flight. The concept presented obtains a change in twist distribution with extension-twist-coupled composite blade structure. This investigation first determines the linear twists which are optimum for each flight mode. Based on the optimum linear twist distributions, three extension-twist-coupled blade designs are developed using coupled-beam and laminate analyses integrated with an optimization analysis. The designs are optimized for maximum twist deformation subject to material strength limitations. The aerodynamic performances of the final designs are determined which show that the passive blade twist control concept is viable, and can enhance conventional tilt rotor performance.

Nixon, Mark W.↗

DOE OSTI2019

Ligand Effect on the Electronic Structure of Cobalt Sulfide Clusters: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

Recent studies have shown that capping ligands offer a new dimension for fine-tuning the properties of clusters. In this work, we investigate this concept by measuring the anion photoelectron spectra of a series of hexanuclear cobalt sulfide clusters, Co 6 S 8 , passivated by different numbers of triethylphosphine ligands, PEt 3 . We find that the addition of PEt 3 gradually shifts the electronic spectrum of the cluster to higher energy, leading to a decrease in its electron affinity. Density functional theory calculations reveal that adding ligands demagnetizes the Co6S8 core. The decrease in electron affinity results from a monotonic increase in the energy of the cluster lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO). This effect is attributed to the electron donation from the ligands to the cluster core, which increases the charge density in the core region.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS2017

Fatigue Life and Damage Tolerance of Postbuckled Composite Stiffened Structures with Indentation Damage

The fatigue life and damage tolerance of composite stiffened panels with indentation damage are investigated experimentally using single-stringer compression specimens. The indentation damage was induced to one of the two flanges of the stringer of every panel. The advantages of indentation compared to impact are the simplicity of application, less dependence on boundary conditions, better controllability, and repeatability of the imparted damage. The tests were conducted using advanced instrumentation, including digital image correlation, passive thermography, and in situ ultrasonic scanning. Specimens with initial indentation damage ranging between 32 and 56 mm in length were tested quasi-statically and in fatigue, and the effects of cyclic load amplitude and damage size were studied. A means of comparison of the damage propagation rates and collapse loads based on a stress intensity measure and the Paris law is proposed. The stress intensity measure provides the means to compare the collapse loads of specimens with different damage types and damage sizes, while the Paris law is used to compare the damage propagation rates in specimens subjected to different cyclic loads. This approach enables a comparison of different tests and the potential identification of the effects that influence the fatigue lives and damage tolerance of postbuckled structures with defects.

Davila, Carlos G.↗

DOE OSTI2025

STILGAR End-of-Project Report

The Subsurface Tunnel Imaging LeveraGed by Analysis of Rayleigh wave ellipticity (STILGAR) project demonstrated an integrated geophysical approach for detecting, locating, and characterizing underground structural changes using dense seismic arrays and advanced inversion techniques. Field campaigns were conducted at two operational mines—the Redmond salt mine (Utah) and Graymont Pleasant Gap limestone mine (Pennsylvania)—providing real-world testbeds for monitoring anthropogenic subsurface activity. At the Redmond salt mine, seismic interferometry combined with back-projection inversion successfully identified continuous, low-amplitude signals from mining operations. The approach differentiated stationary from migrating anthropogenic sources, captured daily operational cycles, and validated the potential of passive seismic monitoring for remote detection of underground activity. At the Graymont Pleasant Gap mine, two dense seismic deployments in the spring and fall of 2023 generated over 4 TB of high-resolution data. Key outcomes included the relocation of 199 underground and 8 surface explosions with accuracies within tens of meters and the development of a 3D P-wave velocity model using the triple-difference tomography algorithm (tomoTD) that resolved major structural features such as the mine entrance, low-velocity tunnels, and roof-collapse areas. Ambient noise cross-correlation and back-projection analyses revealed persistent sources linked to ongoing mining activity, whereas horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) and ellipticity studies confirmed stable site responses across seasons and identified soil thickness trends consistent with regional erosional and depositional processes. Checkerboard and sensitivity tests further validated the robustness of the tomographic results. Overall, the findings emphasize that although significant progress has been made in subsurface imaging, further work is needed to enhance the detection and localization of underground structures. Accurate imaging requires higher frequencies, yet anthropogenic sources tend to dominate the seismic record at those frequencies, and high-frequency surface waves are affected by higher modes that complicate interpretation. The improved detection and localization of human-induced signals enabled detailed temporal and spatial mapping of daily mine operations, demonstrating the feasibility of continuous anthropogenic source monitoring. Sensitivity to signals from nontraditional sources, such as fan operations, highlights the broader applicability of this approach to other industrial environments in which continuous and impulsive signals are present. The field campaigns produced a substantial volume of high-quality seismic data, supporting the development and testing of new methods for seismic source characterization and subsurface imaging. Future deployments should include sensors capable of recording lower frequencies to probe deeper structures, increase bandwidth to enhance resolution and sensitivity to both shallow and deep targets, and collect additional large-scale datasets to refine imaging and source characterization techniques. Moreover, conducting 3D modeling studies of seismic wavefields at higher frequencies will provide a better understanding of wave scattering and cavity–wavefield interactions in complex underground environments. In conclusion, the STILGAR project demonstrated that integrated seismic monitoring can effectively characterize underground operations, capturing both natural and anthropogenic signals. The approaches developed provide a foundation for improved detection, localization, and imaging of subsurface structures and are directly transferable to broader industrial monitoring applications.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗