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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 1,531 records · Page 85
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

An airborne study of microwave surface sensing and boundary layer heat and moisture fluxes for FIFE

The objectives of this work were to perform imaging radar and scatterometer measurements over the Konza Prairie as a part of the First International land surface climatology project Field Experiments (EIFE) and to develop an mm-wave radiometer and the data acquisition system for this radiometer. We collected imaging radar data with the University of Kansas Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) operating at 9.375 GHz and scatterometer data with a helicopter-mounted scatterometer at 5.3 and 9.6 GHz. We also developed a 35-GHz null-balancing radiometer and data acquisition system. Although radar images showed good delineation of various features of the FIFE site, the data were not useful for quantitative analysis for extracting soil moisture information because of day-to-day changes in the system transfer characteristics. Our scatterometer results show that both C and X bands are sensitive to soil moisture variations over grass-covered soils. Scattering coefficients near vertical are about 4 dB lower for unburned areas because of the presence of a thatch layer, in comparison with those for burned areas. The results of the research have been documented in reports, oral presentations, and published papers.

Gogineni, S. P.↗
NASA NTRS2006

A Novel, Free-Space Optical Interconnect Employing Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser Diodes and InGaAs Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Photodetectors for Gbit/s RF/Microwave Systems

Emerging technologies and continuing progress in vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) diode and metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector research are making way for novel, high-speed forms of optical data transfer in communication systems. VCSEL diodes operating at 1550 nm have only recently become commercially available, while MSM photodetectors are pushing the limits of contact lithography with interdigitated electrode widths reaching sub micron levels. We propose a novel, free-space optical interconnect operating at about 1Gbit/s utilizing VCSEL diodes and MSM photodetectors. We report on development, progress, and current work, which are as follows: first, analysis of the divergent behavior of VCSEL diodes for coupling to MSM photodetectors with a 50 by 50 m active area and second, the normalized frequency response of the VCSEL diode as a function of the modulating frequency. Third, the calculated response of MSM photodetectors with varying electrode width and spacing on the order of 1 to 3 m as well as the fabrication and characterization of these devices. The work presented here will lead to the formation and characterization of a fully integrated 1Gbit/s free-space optical interconnect at 1550 nm and demonstrates both chip level and board level functionality for RF/microwave digital systems.

Savich, Gregory R.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Development and Analysis of Cold Trap for Use in Fission Surface Power-Primary Test Circuit

The design and analysis of a cold trap proposed for use in the purification of circulated eutectic sodium potassium (NaK-78) loops is presented. The cold trap is designed to be incorporated into the Fission Surface Power-Primary Test Circuit (FSP-PTC), which incorporates a pumped NaK loop to simulate in-space nuclear reactor-based technology using non-nuclear test methodology as developed by the Early Flight Fission-Test Facility. The FSP-PTC provides a test circuit for the development of fission surface power technology. This system operates at temperatures that would be similar to those found in a reactor (500-800 K). By dropping the operating temperature of a specified percentage of NaK flow through a bypass containing a forced circulation cold trap, the NaK purity level can be increased by precipitating oxides from the NaK and capturing them within the cold trap. This would prevent recirculation of these oxides back through the system, which may help prevent corrosion.

Wolfe, T. M.↗
NASA NTRS2013

A Wind-powered Rover for a Low-Cost Venus Mission

Venus, with a surface temperature of 450 C and an atmospheric pressure 90 times higher than that of the Earth, is a difficult target for exploration. However, high-temperature electronics and power systems now being developed make it possible that future missions may be able to operate in the Venus environment. Powering such a rover within the scope of a Discovery class mission will be difficult, but harnessing Venus' surface winds provides a possible way to keep a powered rover small and light. This project scopes out the feasibility of a wind-powered rover for Venus surface missions. Two rover concepts, a land-sailing rover and a wind-turbine-powered rover, were considered. The turbine-powered rover design is selected as being a low-risk and low-cost strategy. Turbine detailed analysis and design shows that the turbine can meet mission requirements across the desired range of wind speeds by utilizing three constant voltage generators at fixed gear ratios.

Benigno, Gina↗
NASA NTRS2013

Observation of Neutral Sodium Above Mercury During the Transit of November 8, 2006

We mapped the absorption of sunlight by sodium vapor in the exosphere of Mercury during the transit of Mercury on November 8, 2006, using the IBIS Interferometric BIdimensional Spectrometer at the Dunn Solar Telescope operated by the National Solar Observatory at Sunspot, New Mexico. The measurements were reduced to line-of-sight equivalent widths for absorption at the sodium D2 line around the shadow of Mercury. The sodium absorption fell off exponentially with altitude up to about 600 km. However there were regions around north and south polar-regions where relatively uniform sodium absorptions extended above 1000 km. We corrected the 0-600 km altitude profiles for seeing blur using the measured point spread function. Analysis of the corrected altitude distributions yielded surface densities, zenith column densities, temperatures and scale heights for sodium all around the planet. Sodium absorption on the dawn side equatorial terminator was less than on the dusk side, different from previous observations of the relative absorption levels. We also determined Earthward velocities for sodium atoms, and line widths for the absorptions. Earthward velocities resulting from radiation pressure on sodium averaged 0.8 km/s, smaller than a prediction of 1.5 km/s. Most line widths were in the range of 20 mA after correction for instrumental broadening, corresponding to temperatures in the range of 1000 K.

Spectrometer↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Establishing an Urban Heat Exposure Severity Index for Infrastructure Prioritization in Tempe, Arizona, Using NASA Earth Observations and LiDAR

Located on the banks of the Salt River in the Sonoran Desert, Tempe, Arizona, features a semi-arid climate with summer daily maximum temperatures regularly exceeding 37.8°C. Tempe is also subject to the southwestern monsoon season from July-September and the humidity exacerbates the high temperatures. Furthermore, the rapid urbanization experienced in Tempe has resulted in an intensification of the urban heat island. The summer of 2020 shattered the previous record of days exceeding 43.4°C, leading to higher energy and water costs, lower comfort, and increased risk of heat stroke for residents. Recognizing the impacts of extreme heat, the City of Tempe partnered with the Healthy Urban Environments initiative and NASA DEVELOP to identify census tracts that experience a higher mean land surface temperature than the city average. The NASA DEVELOP team used remotely sensed land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference built-up index (NDBI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and albedo data calculated from Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) instruments from 2015 to 2020 to create heat hazard and exposure maps. LiDAR point cloud data, provided by the United States Geological Survey through Arizona State University’s Map and Geospatial Hub, were used to derive 3D buildings, building footprints, and tree point data for a shading analysis of walking paths, roads, and buildings at the census tract level. In situ meteorological measurements including air temperature and humidity were used to compare the macro-scale temperature measurements. The team worked with the City of Tempe to develop a methodology to process available data and identify areas of highest concern for urban heat effects within the city. With these insights, Tempe, Arizona can better address these issues with data-driven information to make decisions regarding heat mitigation and adaptation efforts.

John Dialesandro↗
NASA NTRS2018

Hollow Cathode Thermal Modelling and Self-Consistent Plasma Solution: Work Function Evaluation for a LaB6 Cathode.

Self-heating hollow cathodes are central components in modern electric thrusters. The plasma discharge inside these devices heats the internal components, thus maintaining the temperatures required for electron emission. Precise knowledge of the physical phenomena governing hollow cathode operation is key to predict their lifetime, specifically, their thermionic emission characteristics. A simulation platform has been built to couple plasma and thermal models of the self-heating hollow cathode to produce a self-consistent solution. A self-consistent solution has been found for a LaB6 hollow cathode operating at 25A and 13 sccm where the work function is assumed to be spatially uniform along the emitter with a value which is allowed to vary as the coupled model iterates to a self-consistent solution. The emitter temperature from the converged solution does not agree with experimental temperature measurements, however. The results of a sensitivity analysis suggest that none of the tolerances in the measurement are responsible for the discrepancy. We hypothesize that either the work function needs to be a function of position along the emitting surfaces or the heat fluxes have been overestimated in the plasma solver.

Meiron, Daniel I.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Using Computational Cognitive Modeling to Diagnose Possible Sources of Aviation Error

We present a computational model of a closed-loop, pilot-aircraft-visual scene-taxiway system created to shed light on possible sources of taxi error. Creating the cognitive aspects of the model using ACT-R required us to conduct studies with subject matter experts to identify experiential adaptations pilots bring to taxiing. Five decision strategies were found, ranging from cognitively-intensive but precise, to fast, frugal but robust. We provide evidence for the model by comparing its behavior to a NASA Ames Research Center simulation of Chicago O'Hare surface operations. Decision horizons were highly variable; the model selected the most accurate strategy given time available. We found a signature in the simulation data of the use of globally robust heuristics to cope with short decision horizons as revealed by errors occurring most frequently at atypical taxiway geometries or clearance routes. These data provided empirical support for the model.

Pilots↗
DOE OSTI2024

Limit Cycle Oscillating Detonation Wave Behavior Analysis Within a Rotating Detonation Engine

Limit cycle oscillation (LCO) detonation wave behaviors are presented and analyzed for test times exceeding 20 s in a water-cooled rotating detonation engine (RDE). LCO detonation waves exhibit cyclic acceleration and deceleration, resulting in oscillating wave spacing at unique process conditions. In previous RDE studies, similar behaviors have been studied as microsecond-scale instabilities leading to ascending or descending modal transitions. In the current work, however, LCO waves are considered a persistent wave mode, occupying unique portions of the operational envelope adjacent to those of their equally spaced counterparts. These occurrences of LCO waves are repeatable, enduring behaviors. A method to generate shifted contour surfaces specifically intended to extract and analyze wave spacing variation through time, termed limit cycle oscillation visualization (LCOV) surfaces, is presented. LCOV surfaces transform data into the reference frame of a primary traveling wave and are used to analyze quasi-steady, short-timescale, and transitional LCO modes. Results are leveraged to understand the relationship between fill height, wave strength, local wave acceleration, and subsequent LCO wave spacing for individual wave sets. In conclusion, quasi-steady LCO waves display wave spacing oscillations between equal spacing values associated with ±1 wave across runs exceeding 18 s.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1997

Satellite Analysis of Ocean Biogeochemistry and Mesoscale Variability in the Sargasso Sea

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of spatial variability on the time-series of biogeochemical measurements made at the U.S. JGOFS Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) site. Originally the study was planned to use SeaWiFS as well as AVHRR high-resolution data. Despite the SeaWiFS delays we were able to make progress on the following fronts: (1) Operational acquisition, processing, and archive of HRPT data from a ground station located in Bermuda; (2) Validation of AVHRR SST data using BATS time-series and spatial validation cruise CTD data; (3) Use of AVHRR sea surface temperature imagery and ancillary data to assess the impact of mesoscale spatial variability on P(CO2) and carbon flux in the Sargasso Sea; (4) Spatial and temporal extent of tropical cyclone induced surface modifications; and (5) Assessment of eddy variability using TOPEX/Poseidon data.

Siegel, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Aeroheating Analysis for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter with Comparison to Flight Data

The aeroheating environment of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has been analyzed using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo and free-molecular techniques. The results of these analyses were used to develop an aeroheating database to be used for the pre-flight planning and the in-flight operations support for the aerobraking phase of the MRO mission. The aeroheating predictions calculated for the MRO include the heat transfer coefficient (C(H)) over a range of angles-of-attack, side-slip angles, and number densities. The effects of flow chemistry were also investigated. Flight heat flux data deduced from surface temperature sensors have been compared to pre-flight predictions and agree favorably.

Liechty, Derek S.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fundamental study of gas species transport in the oxygen electrode of solid oxide fuel and electrolysis cells

A fundamental analysis of multicomponent gas transport models was performed in application to the oxygen electrodes of solid oxide cells. It is common practice to neglect the effect of pressure gradients within oxygen electrodes, even though a net molar flux at the electrolyte surface implies that a pressure gradient must exist. The influence of both Darcy velocity and Knudsen flux are considered in the context of ordinary (Fickian) diffusion, the dusty gas model, and the binary friction model. Comparisons between the models and different sets of assumptions are made via parametric studies on operating load, oxygen partial pressure, microstructural properties, and electrode thickness. Results show that the pressure gradient will have a significant impact on the oxygen concentration distribution and therefore the concentration overpotential. In electrolysis mode, pressure increases up to 1 atm are predicted, indicating that pressure at the electrode/electrolyte interface could contribute to electrode delamination. Additionally, it is found that Darcy's law is insufficient for calculating the pressure distribution without accounting for the flux due to Knudsen diffusion. Additionally, it is found that for the range of properties typical of oxygen electrodes, there is a negligibly small difference between the dusty gas model and binary friction model from a practical standpoint.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluating the Origins of Aerobic Oxidation Catalysis with TAM-3, a MOF with Accessible Co(II) Sites and Large Pores

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are attractive platforms that merge concepts of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Catalyst design and optimization are enabled by an array of synthetic methods that offer independent control over the local chemical structure of lattice-embedded metal ions (i.e., ligand identity and geometry) and the long-range materials properties (i.e., porosity). Establishing the origin of catalytic activity in MOF-promoted reactions remains a significant challenge: The relative rates of catalyst turnover and substrate diffusion dictate the extent to which interstitial sites are accessible and operational in catalysis. To minimize the contributions of surface sites in catalysis, materials with large pore dimensions are often sought, however, the impact of pore expansion on the origins of catalytic activity is similarly challenging to establish. Here, we describe TAM-3, a Co(II) based MOF with accessible metal sites supported by a facially coordinating tris-tetrazole ligand set. TAM-3 features large channel-like pores (17 × 23 Å) and promotes aerobic C−H oxidation and olefin epoxidation. Using a set of simple kinetics experiments, based on the analysis of kinetic isotope effects and olefin oxidation diastereoselectivities, we demonstrate that despite the large pores, interstitial metal ions do not significantly contribute to the observed substrate oxidation. This study highlights the importance of conducting kinetic experiments to assess the origin of apparent catalytic activity with MOFs and the challenge of harnessing reactive oxidants with microporous catalyst materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1976

An equivalent energy for the outgassing of space materials

Materials for space applications must have low outgassing rates at normal operating temperatures, and the outgassing products should include a minimum of condensables at the temperatures of nearby surfaces. A screening method, developed several years ago and used at many space laboratories, consists of holding a material sample at 398 K (125 C) for 24 hours and measuring its percentage total mass loss (TML) and the percentage volatile condensable mass (VCM) accreted on a 298-K (25-C) collector. In general, the material is acceptable if the TML is less than 1 percent and the VCM is less than 0.1 percent. An analysis of the test and its results is presented.

Scialdone, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Recommended procedures for measuring aircraft noise and associated parameters

Procedures are recommended for obtaining experimental values of aircraft flyover noise levels (and associated parameters). Specific recommendations are made for test criteria, instrumentation performance requirements, data-acquisition procedures, and test operations. The recommendations are based on state-of-the-art measurement capabilities available in 1976 and are consistent with the measurement objectives of the NASA Aircraft Noise Prediction Program. The recommendations are applicable to measurements of the noise produced by an airplane flying subsonically over (or past) microphones located near the surface of the ground. Aircraft types covered by the recommendations are fixed-wing airplanes powered by turbojet or turbofan engines and using conventional aerodynamic means for takeoff and landing. Various assumptions with respect to subsequent data processing and analysis were made (and are described) and the recommended measurement procedures are compatible with the assumptions. Some areas where additional research is needed relative to aircraft flyover noise measurement techniques are also discussed.

Marsh, A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Water sprays in space retrieval operations

Recent experiments involving liquid jets exhausting into a vacuum have led to significant conclusions regarding techniques for detumbling and despinning disabled spacecraft during retrieval operations. A fine water spray directed toward a tumbling or spinning object may quickly form ice over its surface. The added mass of water will absorb angular momentum and slow the vehicle. As this ice sublimes it carries momentum away with it. Thus, a complete detumble or despin is possible by simply spraying water at a disabled vehicle. Experiments were conducted in a ground based vacuum chamber to determine physical properties of water-ice in a space-like environment. Additional ices, alcohol and ammonia, were also studied. An analytical analysis based on the conservation of angular momentum, resulted in despin performance parameters, i.e., total water mass requirements and despin times. The despin and retrieval of a disabled spacecraft was considered to illustrate a potential application of the water spray technique.

Freesland, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Hot section viewing system

This report covers the development and testing of a prototype combustor viewing system. The system allows one to see and record images from the inside of an operating gas turbine combustor. The program proceeded through planned phases of conceptual design, preliminary testing to resolve problem areas, prototype design and fabrication, and rig testing. Successful tests were completed with the viewing system in the laboratory, in a high pressure combustor rig, and on a Pratt and Whitney PW20307 jet engine. Both film and video recordings were made during the tests. Digital image analysis techniques were used to enhance images and bring out special effects. The use of pulsed laser illumination was also demonstrated as a means for observing liner surfaces in the presence of luminous flame.

Morey, W. W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Computational effects of inlet representation on powered hypersonic, airbreathing models

Computational results are presented to illustrate the powered aftbody effects of representing the scramjet inlet on a generic hypersonic vehicle with a fairing, to divert the external flow, as compared to an operating flow-through scramjet inlet. This study is pertinent to the ground testing of hypersonic, airbreathing models employing scramjet exhaust flow simulation in typical small-scale hypersonic wind tunnels. The comparison of aftbody effects due to inlet representation is well-suited for computational study, since small model size typically precludes the ability to ingest flow into the inlet and perform exhaust simulation at the same time. Two-dimensional analysis indicates that, although flowfield differences exist for the two types of inlet representations, little, if any, difference in surface aftbody characteristics is caused by fairing over the inlet.

Huebner, Lawrence D.↗