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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

Telemetry Tracking and Control Through Commercial LEO Satellites

Personnel from the Goddard Space Flight Center Wallops Flight Facility (GSFC/WFF in Virginia have successfully tested commercial LEO communications satellites for sounding rocket, balloon and aircraft flight TT&C. The Flight Modern became a GSFC/WFF Advanced Range Technology Initiative (ARTI) in an effort to streamline TT&C capability to the user community at low cost. Ground tests of the Flight Modem verified duplex communications quality of service and measured transmission latencies. These tests were completed last year and results reported in the John Hopkins University (JHU) Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) 4th International Symposium on Reducing Spacecraft Costs for Ground Systems and Operations. The second phase of the Flight Modem baseline test program was a demonstration of the ruggedized version of the WFF Flight Modem flown on a sounding rocket launched it the Swedish rocket range (Esrangc) near Kiruna, Sweden, with results contained in this paper. Aircraft flight tests have been and continue to be conducted. Flights of opportunity are being actively pursued with other centers, ranges and users at universities. The WFF Flight Modem contains a CPS receiver to provide vehicle position for tracking and vehicle recovery. The system architecture, which integrates antennas, CPS receiver, commercial satellite packet data modem and a single board computer with custom software, is described. Small satellite use of the WFF Flight Modem is also being investigated, The Flight Modem provides an independent vehicle position source for Range Safety applications. The LEO communication system contains a coarse position location system, which is compared to GPS ace acy. This comparison allows users, to determine the need for a CPS receiver in addition to the satellite packet data modem for their application.

Streich, Ronald C.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Research to Develop Flood Barrier Testing Strategies for Nuclear Power Plants

This report presents results of research performed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to identify and develop strategies for testing nuclear power plant (NPP) flood barriers. This research project began with a literature review that documented the results of previous NRC-funded research, work performed by other government agencies, reports generated by industry organizations, NRC licensee submittals, information from testing facilities, and information from commercial firms engaged in NPP decommissioning. This literature review was then used to develop a simplified flood protection categorization scheme and related glossaries. Using this categorization scheme and glossaries, a survey of currently used flood barriers was conducted, focusing on both permanent and temporary flood barriers. External flood barriers such as levees and berms were outside the scope of this survey. This research project also assessed the current state of NPP decommissioning for potential flood barrier harvesting opportunities, surveyed capabilities of domestic and international flood testing facilities, and explored technical challenges to harvesting and testing of flood barriers. Other factors that should be considered in developing flood barrier testing strategies were also explored and are documented in this report (e.g., selection of flood barriers for testing, codes and standards for flood barrier testing, potential alternatives to harvesting such as in-situ testing, testing performance criteria, and testing parameters).

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS2012

Common Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) Software Development for Rocket Propulsion Test (RPT) Test Facilities - A General Overview

The advent of the commercial space launch industry and NASA's more recent resumption of operation of Stennis Space Center's large test facilities after thirty years of contractor control resulted in a need for a non-proprietary data acquisition system (DAS) software to support government and commercial testing. The software is designed for modularity and adaptability to minimize the software development effort for current and future data systems. An additional benefit of the software's architecture is its ability to easily migrate to other testing facilities thus providing future commonality across Stennis. Adapting the software to other Rocket Propulsion Test (RPT) Centers such as MSFC, White Sands, and Plumbrook Station would provide additional commonality and help reduce testing costs for NASA. Ultimately, the software provides the government with unlimited rights and guarantees privacy of data to commercial entities. The project engaged all RPT Centers and NASA's Independent Verification & Validation facility to enhance product quality. The design consists of a translation layer which provides the transparency of the software application layers to underlying hardware regardless of test facility location and a flexible and easily accessible database. This presentation addresses system technical design, issues encountered, and the status of Stennis' development and deployment.

Hebert, Phillip W., Sr.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Reference earth orbital research and applications investigations (blue book). Volume 6: Materials sciences and manufacturing

The development of commercial manufacturing and research activities in space is discussed. The capability is to be installed in space stations in order to exploit the extended free fall which makes many novel manipulations of materials possible and alters the behavior of certain chemical and physical processes. The broad objectives are: (1) to develop technical basis required for commercial use of manned space facilities, (2) to provide indirect economic benefits by exploiting advantages of space laboratory facilities to solve critical experimental problems, and (3) to initiate manufacturing operations in space by private enterprise for commercial purposes and by agencies of the Government for public purposes.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1988

Commercial ELV services and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Concord or discord?

In implementation of the U.S. policy to foster and encourage the commercial expendable launch vehicle (ELV) industry, tensions have developed between the industry and U.S. Government agencies in two distinct areas: industry use of government facilities and government purchase of commercial ELV services. The reasons for the tensions and discrete legal problems for each area are identified and discussed. Specifically, in the use of government facilities area, issues of insurance and indemnification for third-party liability and government property, concerns over priority and scheduling, and dispute-resolution procedures are discussed. In the area of government purchase of ELV launch services, a comparison is made between a launch service purchase and prior procurement practice. In all areas, the conclusion is reached that while problems still exist, they generally are understood and great progress has been made toward their resolution.

Frankle, Edward A.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Commercially Fabricated Antenna-Coupled Transition Edge Sensor Bolometer Detectors for Next-Generation Cosmic Microwave Background Polarimetry Experiment

We report on the development of commercially fabricated multi-chronic antenna-coupled transition edge sensor (TES) bolometer arrays for cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarimetry experiments. The orders of magnitude increase in detector count for next-generation CMB experiments require a new approach in detector wafer production to increase fabrication throughput. Here, we describe collaborative efforts with a commercial superconductor electronics fabrication facility (SeeQC, Inc.) to fabricate antenna-coupled TES bolometer detectors. We have successfully fabricated an operational dual-polarization, dichroic sinuous antenna-coupled TES detector array on a 150-mm-diameter wafer. The fabricated detector arrays have average yield of 95% and excellent uniformity across the wafer. Both RF characteristics and TES bolometer properties are suitable for CMB observations. We successfully fabricated different types of TES bolometers optimized for frequency multiplexing readout, time-domain multiplexing readout, and microwave SQUID multiplexing readout. We also demonstrated high production throughput. We discuss the motivation, design considerations, fabrication processes, test results, and how industrial detector fabrication could be a path to fabricate hundreds of detector wafers for future CMB polarimetry experiments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

LandScan HD: a high-resolution gridded ambient population methodology for the world

Unwarned population distributions accounting for routine human activities are needed to address many global human security challenges, including disasters, conflict, and infrastructure demand. LandScan High Definition (LSHD) supports this need through gridded ambient population estimates that measure average human presence between daytime and nighttime at a high spatial resolution of 3 arcseconds (approximately 90 m). Although LSHD has traditionally been produced on a country-specific basis, advances in global foundational data and computational resources now enable scaling its methodology to the world. Combining aspects of top-down and bottom-up gridded population methods, LSHD allocates subnational population totals from authoritative statistics to built-up areas based on occupancy estimates for multiple facility types (e.g., residential, commercial) and then reaggregates these estimates to a global population grid. We scale this approach by organizing the LSHD data stack into a 1° resolution tileset of vector analytic features, enabling an efficient and repeatable workflow for all countries worldwide. Examining the Philippines as an output of the global LSHD baseline dataset, we contrast unwarned and residential (WorldPop) population distributions by (1) exploring a practical application of flood risk assessment and (2) evaluating their congruence with outcomes of collective human activities (subnational CO 2 emissions). Finally, we discuss plans to address current LSHD limitations through data/modeling and uncertainty quantification improvements and provide outlook for workflow automation and extending the model to social, demographic and economic population characteristics.

Building morphology↗
DOE OSTI2021

Remote methane sensor for emissions from pipelines and compressor stations using chirped-laser dispersion spectroscopy

Leak rates of methane (CH 4 ) from the natural gas supply chain result in lost profit from unsold product, public safety and property concerns due to potential explosion hazards, and a potentially large source of economic damages from legal liabilities. Yet large measurement challenges exist in identifying and quantifying CH 4 leak rates along the vast number and type of components in the natural gas supply chain. This is particularly true of the “midstream” components involved in the gathering, processing, compression, transmission, and storage of natural gas. This project developed and deployed new advances in chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) to detect methane leaks from pipelines, compressor stations, and other midstream infrastructure from a remote position (standoff detection). The system was deployed from a van to measure fugitive methane leaks from a local compressor station as a proof-of-concept. The technique was validated through mobile laboratory measurements with in-situ sensors as well as controlled releases of methane. The system also mapped a plume from a controlled release of methane by tracking a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) that carried a corner cube retroreflector which reflected the beam back to the instrument. The drone-based system quantified a leak rate to within 30% of the actual rate and localized the emission location within 5 m of the actual release location at standoff distances of 25-45 m. This sUAS-reflector tracking approach has benefits for mapping leak locations remotely using small drones flying around a facility. Benefits of a commercial sensor with these capabilities include reductions of leaks for pipeline operators (more profit), earlier detection of leaks to avoid catastrophic explosion hazards for public health and to mitigate property damage, and reduced methane emissions to the atmosphere (improving air quality).

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Western Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (Final Technical Report)

Since 2018, the Western Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) has been dedicated to advancing the adoption and implementation of Combined Heat and Power. The CHP TAP has diligently worked towards its mission of fostering end-user engagement, promoting technical solutions, and enhancing energy security within the region. As we reflect on our journey, we are proud to announce the completion of the required metrics set forth at the beginning of our endeavor. From the outset, our aim has been clear: to leverage CHP technology as a catalyst for bolstering American competitiveness, utilizing local fuels, and fortifying energy resilience. Through collaborative efforts with a diverse array of stakeholders, including manufacturing, commercial, institutional, and federal facilities, and campuses, we have strived to realize this vision. In this report, we outline the achievements, activities, and impact of the Western CHP TAP, highlighting the transformative journey undertaken since 2018. From providing technical assistance and guidance to conducting educational workshops and advocating for supportive policies, our initiatives have been guided by a commitment to excellence and innovation. As we celebrate the completion of our required metrics, we reaffirm our dedication to continuing our mission, building upon our accomplishments, and shaping a sustainable energy future for the Western region. Through ongoing collaboration and engagement, we are confident that the Western CHP TAP will continue to serve as a beacon of progress and a catalyst for positive change in the years to come.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Voucher Opportunity 5-15: Independent Assessment of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Technologies and Practices for Enhanced Rock Weathering (CRADA 718) Abstract

Development of robust, transparent, and precise monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) technologies and practices is critical for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) project developers to comply with regulatory and permitting requirements, voluntary carbon market (VCM) protocols, and to ensure safety while reducing environmental impacts. Enhanced rock weathering (ERW)-based CDR technologies focus on removing atmospheric carbon through conversion into thermodynamically stable solid or aqueous carbonate forms for permanent storage (i.e., mineralization). This highly durable form of CDR enhances naturally occurring silicate rock weathering cycles by optimizing application of finely-ground silicate rock particles (i.e., from basalt) on terrestrial agricultural lands to accelerate natural silicate rock weathering and mineralization. Enhanced rock weathering may also provide improved crop yields and enhance soil health. A critical aspect for commercialization of these technologies is the development of MRV to quantify the net removal and durable storage of atmospheric CO 2 . For ERW systems, it is essential to accurately characterize the mineral feedstock selected for application to establish the baseline geochemical composition, mineral dissolution rates, and carbon removal potential of the feedstocks to estimate overall net removal. Given the difficulty with conducting MRV for ERW in diverse soil/environment types, over large application areas, and due to complex chemical reaction networks, this project will accelerate understanding towards consensus on best practices for MRV. The overall objectives of the proposed voucher project are to: 1) Characterize and analyze feedstock(s) intended for ERW field application by Lithos Carbon (“Voucher Recipient”/ “CRADA Participant”) to determine overall mineralization potential; 2) Facilitate knowledge transfer and documentation of experimental protocols, instrumentation, and other relevant best practices; and 3) Support the Voucher Recipient’s broader technology commercialization and ERW Research Facility development plans. This work will align with the Voucher Recipient’s MRV plans for field sites and build upon complementary efforts conducted by PNNL on mineralization MRV.

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

Interface Engineering using Vapor Transport Deposited Perovskite Films for Solar Cells

The overarching goal of this project was to demonstrate the viability of vapor transport deposition (VTD) for the fabrication of efficient and stable metal-halide perovskite solar cells. VTD is a solvent-free alternative to conventional solution-processing of the light-absorbing, perovskite active layer. Since solution-processing frequently requires the use of toxic solvents, transition to a dry-processing approach has the potential to remove an obstacle to facile and economically meaningful commercialization. Further, VTD bears similarity to existing industrially-relevant processing approaches used for the production of thin-film CdTe solar modules, suggesting the potential for rapid adoption and transition to industry. The results described within this report offer design rules for the processing of metal-halide perovskites via VTD and new insights into the design of deposition systems to inform future applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Green Era Anaerobic Digester

Green Era Educational NFP constructed and commissioned the Green Era Renewable Energy & Urban Farming Campus in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The project transformed a long-vacant brownfield site into a commercial-scale anaerobic digestion facility that converts food waste into renewable natural gas and nutrient-rich material for agricultural use. The facility can process up to 80,000 wet tons of food waste annually and supports approximately 15 permanent jobs while advancing food waste diversion, renewable energy production, nutrient recovery and community revitalization.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI1989

Nuclear Safety [Vol. 30, No. 3, July-September 1989]

Nuclear Safety is a review journal that covers significant developments in the field of nuclear safety. Its scope includes the analysis and control of hazards associated with nuclear energy, operations involving fissionable materials, and the products of nuclear fission and their effects on the environment. Primary emphasis is on safety in reactor design, construction, and operation; however, the safety aspects of the entire fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, spent-fuel processing, nuclear waste disposal, handling of radioisotopes, and environmental effects of these operations, are also treated. Table of Contents for this issue follows. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 325 Safety of Framatome Advanced Nuclear Steam Supply Systems Designs by J. A. Charles and D. Lange, 333 Book Review of Nuclear Accidents: Intervention Levels for the Protection of the Public by H. B. Piper; ACCIDENT ANALYSIS: 335 Living PRA Computer Systems by S. C. Dinsmore and H.-P. Balfanz, 343 Summary of ICAP Assessments of RELAP5/MOD2 by W. E. Driskell and R. G. Hanson; CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION: 352 Thermal Performance Monitoring System at Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant by H.-J. Chao, Y.-P. Lin, G.-H. Jou, L.-Y. Liao, and Y.-B. Chen; DESIGN FEATURES: 358 Warning Systems for Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies by J. H. Sorensen and D. S. Mileti; WASTE AND SPENT FUEL MANAGEMENT: 371 Activities Related to Waste Management Compiled by E G. Silver; OPERATING EXPERIENCES: 382 Steam Generator Tube Performance: Experience with Water-Cooled Nuclear Power Reactors During 1985 by O. S. Tatone and R. L. Tapping, 400 Systems Interaction Analyses: Concepts and Techniques (Part II) by M. D. Muhlheim and G. A. Murphy, 413 Reactor Shutdown Experience Compiled by J. W. Cletcher, 416 Operating U.S. Power Reactors Compiled by E G. Silver; RECENT DEVELOPMENTS: 440 General Administrative Activities Compiled by E G. Silver, 460 Reports, Standards, and Safety Guides by D. S. Queener, 466 Status of Power-Reactor Licensing Activities Compiled by E G. Silver, 470 Proposed Rule Changes as of Mar. 31, 1989; ANNOUNCEMENTS: 334 Proceedings Published, 351 CEC Seminar on Methods and Codes for Assessing the Off-Site Consequences of Nuclear Accidents, 357 Short Course on Multiphase Flow and Heat Transfer: Bases and Applications in A: The Nuclear Power Industry B: The Process Industries, 357 International Conference on Probabilistic Safety Assessment and Management, 478 International Topical Meeting on the Safety, Status, and Future of Non-Commercial Reactors and Irradiation Facilities, 475 The Authors.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1978

Commercial Fishing Port Development in North Florida

The author has identified the following significant results. Seven major counties were examined: Escambia, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Nassau, and Duval. Population and economic activity were reviewed, along with commercial fishing and port facilities. Recommendations for five northwest Florida counties were based on interpretation of aerial photographs, satellite imagery, an aerial survey site visit, and published data. Major needs in Pensacola included docking, ice supply, and net and engine repair services. Costs for additional docks, an ice plant, and gear storage were estimated at $3,658,600. Port users in Panama City identified additional docking and gear storage as primary needs, along with gear repair and a marine railway. Estimated costs for dock and gear storage were $2,860,000. Added docking, gear storage, and ice supply, as well as gear electronics and diesel repair were needed in Port St. Joe. Costs were calculated at $1,231,500. Franklin County has three ports (Apalachicola - $1,107,000 for docks and gear storage, Eastpoint - $420,000 for additional docks, and Carrabella - $2,824,100 for docks, gear storage, and ice plant).

Mathis, K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Space Station needs, attributes and architectural options. Volume 2, book 2, part 1: Mission implementation concepts

The overall configuration and modules of the initial and evolved space station are described as well as tended industrial and polar platforms. The mass properties that are the basis for costing are summarized. User friendly attributes (interfaces, resources, and facilities) are identified for commercial; science and applications; industrial park; international participation; national security; and the external tank option. Configuration alternates studied to determine a baseline are examined. Commonality for clustered 3-man and 9-man stations are considered as well as the use of tethered platforms. Requirements are indicated for electrical, communication and tracking; data management Subsystem requirements for electrical, data management, communication and tracking, environment control/life support system; and guidance navigation and control subsystems are identified.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1992

A periodic moment method solution for TM scattering from lossy dielectric bodies with application to wedge absorber

The periodic moment method (PMM) solution for the scattering from two-dimensional lossy dielectric bodies is developed in this paper. The purpose is to design microwave wedge absorber for low reflectivity so that one can improve the performance of anechoic chamber measurements. With PMM, the reflection and transmission coefficients of periodically distributed bodies illuminated by a plane wave have been accurately calculated using a Cray Y-MP supercomputer. Through these studies, some wedge absorber configurations have been designed, fabricated, and then tested in the OSU/ESL compact range measurement facility. Two 8 in. commercial wedges, a curved wedge, and a four-layer wedge are studied in this paper. In all cases, good agreement between calculations and measurements has been obtained.

Yang, Chang-Fa↗
NASA NTRS1993

The technology base for agile manufacturing

The effective use of information is a critical problem faced by manufacturing organizations that must respond quickly to market changes. As product runs become shorter, rapid and efficient development of product manufacturing facilities becomes crucial to commercial success. Effective information utilization is a key element to successfully meeting these requirements. This paper reviews opportunities for developing technical solutions to information utilization problems within a manufacturing enterprise and outlines a research agenda for solving these problems.

Brost, R. C.↗