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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 NTRS2010

ISS Logistics Hardware Disposition and Metrics Validation

I was assigned to the Logistics Division of the International Space Station (ISS)/Spacecraft Processing Directorate. The Division consists of eight NASA engineers and specialists that oversee the logistics portion of the Checkout, Assembly, and Payload Processing Services (CAPPS) contract. Boeing, their sub-contractors and the Boeing Prime contract out of Johnson Space Center, provide the Integrated Logistics Support for the ISS activities at Kennedy Space Center. Essentially they ensure that spares are available to support flight hardware processing and the associated ground support equipment (GSE). Boeing maintains a Depot for electrical, mechanical and structural modifications and/or repair capability as required. My assigned task was to learn project management techniques utilized by NASA and its' contractors to provide an efficient and effective logistics support infrastructure to the ISS program. Within the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) I was exposed to Logistics support components, such as, the NASA Spacecraft Services Depot (NSSD) capabilities, Mission Processing tools, techniques and Warehouse support issues, required for integrating Space Station elements at the Kennedy Space Center. I also supported the identification of near-term ISS Hardware and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) candidates for excessing/disposition prior to October 2010; and the validation of several Logistics Metrics used by the contractor to measure logistics support effectiveness.

Rogers, Toneka R.↗
NASA NTRS2003

The Technical Work Plan Tracking Tool

The Technical Work Plan Tracking Tool is a web-based application that enables interactive communication and approval of contract requirements that pertain to the administration of the Science, Engineering, Analysis, and Test (SEAT) contract at Johnson Space Center. The implementation of the application has (1) shortened the Technical Work Plan approval process, (2) facilitated writing and documenting requirements in a performance-based environment with associated surveillance plans, (3) simplified the contractor s estimate of the cost for the required work, and (4) allowed for the contractor to document how they plan to accomplish the work. The application is accessible to over 300 designated NASA and contractor employees via two Web sites. For each employee, the application regulates access according to the employee s authority to enter, view, and/or print out diverse information, including reports, work plans, purchase orders, and financial data. Advanced features of this application include on-line approval capability, automatic e-mail notifications requesting review by subsequent approvers, and security inside and outside the firewall.

Chullen, Cinda↗
NASA NTRS2012

Summer Final Report

The summer of 2012 has been filled with many memorable events and activities. As an intern, I had responsibilities that had to be fulfilled. My tour of duty was completed as an administrative student trainee in the Information Technology and Communications Services Business Office (IT-A). In accordance with the Business Objectives and Agreement of the Business Office and my performance plan, I was to provide business office support, improve business, project management, and technical work processes. With this being stated, I supported a project called "The Big Move Project" (TBMP), which will take course over the next several years. The Big Move Project is the planning of the Information Technology (IT) Directorate's relocation to various buildings in the course of upcoming years, when designs and the building of Central Campus have been completed. Working directly with my supervisor and the project manager, I was responsible for gathering both administrative and operational area requirements for the Information Technology (IT) Directorate, along with its outsourced support and contractors, such as IMCS, NICS, and ACES. My first action was to create rubrics that will serve as a guideline for the information that should be given by each branch of IT. After receiving that information via a few KAITS actions, I was able to start the consolidation process, and begin working on a presentation. A SharePoint was created shortly after for others to view the progression of the project, which I managed. During the consolidation ofthis information, I would occasionally present to the IT Deputy Director and IT Chiefs. The draft of this presentation was shown to employees of Center Operations (T A) and stakeholders-IT Chief Officers and contractor managers-in the relocation of IT to make them aware of what requirements must be met that will enable IT to be accommodated appropriately in the design of Central Campus Phase 11-the time in which IT and its contractors are scheduled to be relocated. Besides supporting TBMP, I also supported the Section 508 Policy Compliance Coordinator, R. Liang. Section 508 is a policy that requires employers to implement accessibility assurance of information and technology to disabled communities. On Thursday, July 19, 2012, I was able to go to Camp Boggy Creek-a camp for disabled children-for an education outreach, in collaboration with the Education Office. We shared with them information about how astronauts live and work in space, they were able to ride hovercrafts, build paper rockets, and then launch them outside. Although this outreach was quite fun with the kids at the camp, this was a learning opportunity to gain some insight to those with cognitive and physical disabilities, the problems they typically face, and in tum, how to accommodate those with disabilities in the work environment. In the process of implementing accessibility and Section 508 compliance, I attended various teleconferences, did field runs to supply closed-caption call phones to employees with limited hearing, and helped with the development of the charter ofthe Section 508 Compliance Working Group.

Makidi, Nitou↗
NASA NTRS2017

Upgrades to Common Data Acquisition System Software Development for NASA's Rocket Propulsion Test Facilities and Software Reuse

Approximately five years ago, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Stennis Space Center (SSC) resumed operation of its large rocket engine test facilities after thirty years of contractor control. During this period, contactors used their own proprietary Data Acquisition System (DAS) to record and process rocket propulsion test data. The transition from a contractor managed facility to a NASA managed facility posed a difficult challenge. In order to support the commercial space launch initiative, SSC needed to develop a software replacement for the contractor proprietary DAS. This replacement software would enable SSC to operate propulsion test facilities more cost effectively and to be more readily able to adapt software for reuse, while at the same time provide internal and external customers with reliable population test data. Therefore, SSC developed in-house, a non-proprietary software suite of applications to replace the previously used proprietary DAS. The requirements for the DAS suite included recording and processing propulsion test data. This capability eliminates the necessity for customers to provide a DAS or rely on a competitor's DAS. An additional benefit of owning the software suite included enabling the ability to add additional features and functionality at a lower cost. The Rocket Propulsion Test (RPT) Program Office reviewed consideration for funding this project with the caveat that development of the software included availability for use with minimal modifications to all SSC test facilities and RPT centers: Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), White Sands Test Facility (WSTF), and Glenn Research Center (GRC) Plum Brook Station. Based upon this guideline, SSC created the NASA Data Acquisition System (NDAS) software suite. The ability to use the software at multiple centers, even though each field center uses differing DAS hardware with different capabilities, drove a requirement that the software design be portable with minimal modifications to the software. Then, with software release requirements, evaluations, and approvals completed, the NDAS software suite could also become available to other government agencies, corporations, universities, and the general United States public.

Herbert, Phillip W., Sr.↗
NASA NTRS2017

NASA's Space Launch System Gains Momentum Toward Integration and Testing

NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) entered a new phase in 2017, completing major structural manufacturing on the core stage and delivering the first flight hardware to NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The program is now transitioning to integration, assembly and testing in preparation for launch readiness in late 2019. Core stage prime contractor Boeing concluded welding of the major core stage components for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) with the liquid hydrogen flight tank, following completion of the engine section, liquid oxygen tank, and forward skirt. Technicians also completed assembly of the bolted intertank, and all sections are currently in hardware integration. The engine section structural test article was shipped to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and began testing in 2017. The core stage pathfinder shipped to NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF). Booster prime contractor Orbital ATK made significant progress casting motor segments for SLS, with several segments finishing processing and in storage. Forward and aft sections of the boosters are being refurbished at KSC. RS-25 prime contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne completed SLS adaptation testing and qualification of four new EM-1 controllers. The four EM-1 engines are ready and waiting for shipment from NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC) to Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) for core stage integration in preparation for green run testing at SSC. The EM-1 Interim Cryogenic Propulsion System (ICPS) became the first major piece of SLS to arrive at KSC. Welding is complete on the EM-1 Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter (LVSA) and the flight Orion Stage Adapter (OSA). SLS is critical to U.S. leadership in future human and robotic space exploration, including a presence on the moon in preparation for missions deeper into space. This paper will elaborate on 2017 SLS progress and progress envisioned for 2018.

Askins, Bruce R.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Convertor Development for Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems

Dynamic power conversion technologies are being developed for future space science and exploration missions by NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (DRPS) Project is working to mature dynamic power convertors and controllers for infusion into a potential future flight generators.1,2 Maturation of power conversion technologies is being executed by the DRPS Project and the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch, located at NASA’s Glenn Research Center (GRC), and includes convertor technology development contracts and in-house controller development. The convertor technology development contracts consist of three contractors tasked to design, fabricate, and complete performance testing before the units are delivered to GRC for independent assessment. All contractors have completed convertor designs and are fabricating convertors to enable performance testing, while one has demonstrated initial performance of their design. The contractors also have provided generator conceptual designs, which utilize their respective convertor technologies being developed.

Dynamic↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Lessons Learned From the Construction of a Portable Cleanroom for NASA OSIRIS-REx Mission Deintegration

NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Infrastructure and Astromaterials Acquisition & Curation Office completed construction and commissioning of the OSIRIS-REx (OREx) Deintegration portable cleanroom at the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR). The new portable cleanroom was designed to receive the OREx sample return capsule from the landing point on the range to an ISO7 environment. Scientists used the portable clean-room to deintegrate the sample canister from the sample return capsule. Once separated, the sample canister was put in a container under nitrogen purge for transportation to B31 at the Johnson Space Center for astromaterial sample extraction, preliminary analysis, and long-term curation. The portable cleanroom was built by a subcontractor at their facility and then deconstructed to be transported to the remote location at UTTR. Since construction was completed in a remote location all tools and materials had to be transported from contractor site in Dallas, TX. The cleanroom was constructed within an existing facility, which provided conditioned air, electric power, and protection from the elements. Careful coordination was required between the host facility, cleanroom contractor, mission scientists, and JSC facilities and curation personnel. An existing anteroom at JSC was transported to UTTR and added to the portable cleanroom after there was concern about contamination without one for personnel entry/exit. The scientific study of organics is critical for the mission, so a stringent contamination control plan was implemented for low organics. Given these mission requirements the cleanroom construction materials were carefully selected to not hinder the scientific search for amino acids and the study of organics in the samples. The same cleanroom contractor that built the long-term astromaterial curation cleanroom back at JSC Houston, TX was selected to build the portable cleanroom and instructed to use the same materials. The cleanroom had double doors to open and allow the sample return capsule to fit into the cleanroom on its stand and be transferred to a clean stand already in the cleanroom. The portable cleanroom successfully completed its mission and the sample canister was safely deintegrated and transported to JSC under nitrogen purge.

astromaterials curation↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Portable Cleanroom for NASA OSIRIS-REx Mission Deintegration

NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Infrastructure and Astromaterials Acquisition & Curation Office completed construction and commissioning of the OSIRIS-REx (OREx) Deintegration portable cleanroom at the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR). The new portable cleanroom was designed to receive the OREx sample return capsule from the landing point on the range to an ISO7 environment. Scientists used the portable clean-room to deintegrate the sample canister from the sample return capsule. Once separated, the sample canister was put in a container under nitrogen purge for transportation to B31 at the Johnson Space Center for astromaterial sample extraction, preliminary analysis, and long-term curation. The portable cleanroom was built by a subcontractor at their facility and then deconstructed to be transported to the remote location at UTTR. Since construction was completed in a remote location all tools and materials had to be transported from contractor site in Dallas, TX. The cleanroom was constructed within an existing facility, which provided conditioned air, electric power, and protection from the elements. Careful coordination was required between the host facility, cleanroom contractor, mission scientists, and JSC facilities and curation personnel. An existing anteroom at JSC was transported to UTTR and added to the portable cleanroom after there was concern about contamination without one for personnel entry/exit. The scientific study of organics is critical for the mission, so a stringent contamination control plan was implemented for low organics. Given these mission requirements the cleanroom construction materials were carefully selected to not hinder the scientific search for amino acids and the study of organics in the samples. The same cleanroom contractor that built the long-term astromaterial curation cleanroom back at JSC Houston, TX was selected to build the portable cleanroom and instructed to use the same materials. The cleanroom had double doors to open and allow the sample return capsule to fit into the cleanroom on its stand and be transferred to a clean stand already in the cleanroom. The portable cleanroom successfully completed its mission and the sample canister was safely deintegrated and transported to JSC under nitrogen purge.

astromaterials curation↗
DOE OSTI2022

Case Studies of Residential Façade Upgrades in Four Climate Zones

This paper reports on a project that explored the viability of insulation and window upgrades during siding retrofits in four case studies across the United States. Thousands of homes are re-sided every year, but only a fraction of consumers add insulation and upgrade the windows at the same time, even though a siding replacement is the ideal time to update the thermal performance of building enclosures. To better understand why more siding retrofits do not include insulation and window upgrades, research staff from several organizations collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy on a multi-faceted research project that included a cost analysis, workforce analysis, market assessment, and contractor assessment. This paper will review four in-field case studies conducted with contractors actively engaged in home re-siding projects that agreed to add rigid insulation and window upgrades as part of their projects. Findings from the case studies will be presented including contractor perspectives, cost, and technical approaches on projects, located in multiple climate zones including Bellingham WA, Jackson MS, Kalamazoo MI, and Phoenix AZ. All projects involved adding continuous rigid insulation on the exterior walls and installation of new cladding. Cladding types varied from wood and metal to fiber cement, vinyl, and traditional stucco. All homes also received a window upgrade, although upgrades varied depending on the original condition of the windows and climate; upgrades included triple-pane windows, low-e storm windows, and exterior shading. Key findings including technical approaches, opportunities, barriers, and project cost will be presented.

re-siding, insulation, rigid insulation, exterior ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Integrated Environmental Management System Communication at Large Sites - 20480

At a large Department of Energy-owned (DOE) site, there are challenges to communicating Environmental Management System (EMS) topics effectively. With multiple contractors and Environmental Management System scopes, as well as a large number of employees, communication preferences and possibilities vary, providing both the benefit and the challenge of differing pathways for sharing information. Additionally, data collection for site-wide environmental reporting involves numerous points of contact spread across contractors and requires organization and integrated communication. Focusing on the value of communication to enhance EMS education and awareness to drive environmental performance, we discuss the communication methods used both at a site-wide level and by individual organizations. Example methods include site-wide working group meetings, internal Share Point, site-wide surveys, collaborative reporting, weekly newsletters, and combined communication efforts with the Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS). Using external audit results to gauge employee environmental awareness and culture, we analyze the effectiveness of EMS communications. In conclusion, integration of EMS communication in alignment with the ISMS has assisted in meeting International Organization of Standardization 14001 (ISO 14001) requirements and strengthened the concept that environmental protection is part of safety for workers and the site. Increased environmental enthusiasm and awareness supports the effectiveness of EMS communication methods and positive external audit results. These results benefit other sites with EMS to gain knowledge of integrated communication efforts that increase the effectiveness of the EMS, environmental performance, and conformance with ISO 14001. By assessing the effectiveness of actual EMS communication methods, contractors will be able to take away tools to enhance environmental communication in their workplace. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

SPC-71123 Rev 1 MARVEL Control Drum Actuator Torsional Spring

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is developing a microreactor to produce electrical power utilizing a small nuclear core under the Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) program. This specification defines the requirements for the procurement and factory acceptance testing of the MARVEL control drum actuator torsional spring. The purpose of this specification is to define the requirements to procure the MARVEL control drum actuator torsional spring component and witness a torsional spring rate Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at the subcontractor’s facility with the contractor present. Any conflict between this specification and referenced Codes and Standards, or any supplementary specifications in the procurement documents requires written clarification from the Contractor prior to proceeding with any work. Any deviation from the procurement documents requires approval by the Contractor with the change request process.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Integrated Issues and Risk Management: A Theoretical Framework Overview

The contractor requirements document for DOE O 226.1B, Implementation of Department of Energy Oversight Policy, requires DOE/NNSA contractors to establish an assurance system that includes, among other things, “Rigorous, risk-informed, and credible self-assessment and feedback and improvement activities. Assessment programs must be risk-informed, formally described and documented, and appropriately cover potentially high consequence activities” and “Contains an issues management process that is capable of categorizing the significance of findings based on risk and priority and other appropriate factors….” However, the term “risk-informed” is not defined in this or any other DOE order, and no formal guidance on how to integrate the two concepts currently exists. The Risk Management Guide for Defense Programs released by NA-18, Office of Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I), states it is “a framework and general guidance to program office personnel on the effective management of program risks and issues”, however it then defines issues as “events with 100% likelihood of affecting program objectives” and states “unless specified otherwise, the term “risk” will also serve to represent issues for the remainder of this plan,” severally limiting its ability to provide adequate guidance on this topic. Outside of DOE scope, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC) imposes similar requirements. ASME NQA-1-2015 Requirement 16 states “Conditions adverse to quality shall be identified promptly and corrected as soon as practicable. In the case of a significant condition adverse to quality, the cause of the condition shall be determined, and corrective action taken to preclude recurrence. The identification, cause, and corrective action for significant conditions adverse to quality shall be documented and reported to appropriate levels of management. Completion of corrective actions shall be verified”. The purpose of this document is to provide a best-in-class framework for an integrated risk and issues management process. This process would provide a robust feedback loop between risk management and issues management to: Enhance risk identification and characterization, use risk handling principles to improve corrective action planning, and ensure regulatory compliance.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mentor Protégé Program Brochure

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Mentor Protégé Program is designed to help small businesses obtain mentoring from DOE prime contractors. The program is meant to foster long-term business relationships between small businesses and DOE prime contractors while increasing the overall number of small business entities that receive DOE contract and subcontract awards.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Panel Session 68: Key EFCOG Actions: Risk Communication, Supply Chain Management, Human Capital and More

Overview on the Energy Facility Contractor Group's (EFCOG) most recent work in partnership with DOE to improve performance and EFCOG's mission is to ensure safety, security, and quality across the US DOE complex. Best practices were highlighted in discussions with US DOE/ NNSA leaders and key project executives. EFCOG's key priorities for 2020 were featured in the panel discussions to include: addressing human capital issues to ensure future mission needs can be met; addressing supply chain issues for nuclear projects; improving the data quality and performance assurance; and improving risk communication and stakeholder relations. EFCOG accomplishes its mission through working groups that provide forums to address common challenges and exchange proven techniques and other management and technical information among member contractors. Panelists with presentations: WM EFCOG Panel Slides (Morgan Smith); EFCOG DOE Supply Chain Initiative (SCI) - Enabling The DOE Mission - (Darrell Graddy); Data Quality and Performance Assurance (JD Dowell); Risk Communication - Different Events - Very Different Responses from the Community (Rick McLeod); Current State of Cybersecurity (Liz Porter)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2020

Special Analyses for the Hanford Integrated Disposal Facility Performance Assessment - 20102

In 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of River Protection and its contractors began to develop a performance assessment for the near-surface disposal of low-level and mixed low-level waste at the Hanford Site's Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF). The IDF is a doubly-lined landfill that was constructed between 2004 and 2006 to be the disposal facility for the vitrified low-activity waste that will be produced at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP). IDF is also expected to receive solid secondary waste produced at the WTP and other solid wastes from site activities. The IDF has been in a preoperational state awaiting authorization from DOE and a RCRA permit modification from the State of Washington Department of Ecology to receive waste. Both the Disposal Authorization Statement and permit modification require a performance assessment demonstrating that the system of engineered and natural features will limit releases of radionuclides and hazardous chemicals from the IDF and be protective of human health and the environment. The simulated duration is 10,000 years. Based on the analyses presented in the 2017 Integrated Disposal Facility Performance Assessment, DOE issued a conditional Operating Disposal Authorization Statement for the IDF in June 2018. The long-term performance of the IDF to be protective of human health and the environment was evaluated under the requirements of DOE Order 435.1, Radioactive Waste Management. Computer simulations were performed to evaluate whether or not the IDF would comply with DOE requirements. In the time that has passed since the performance assessment was approved by DOE, new information has been discovered that had not been considered in the performance assessment. Since this new information has not been evaluated, the potential impact of the changes have not been taken into consideration in DoE's disposal authorization. DOE and its contractors follow a change control process to screen and, when necessary, evaluate new information that could potentially impact the conclusions of the completed performance assessment. This paper will describe the change control process and provide two examples of evaluations performed following the change control process. The first example evaluates a new waste form for liquid secondary waste that was not evaluated in the performance assessment. In the performance assessment, liquid secondary waste was assumed to be solidified with grout. A new recommendation to dispose of the liquid secondary waste after drying it to a powder was evaluated. The second example evaluates inventory implications from changes to the flow sheet that estimates the feed composition to the low-activity waste vitrification facility. The changes result in higher strontium concentrations in the vitrified waste stream. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Building Business Network (B-Biz): Addressing Gaps in the High-Performance Building Technology Market, Especially for Underserved Customers

Increased market intelligence and business model innovation is needed to build contractor confidence in high-performance building technologies in order to increase the speed and scale of adoption to meet the U.S. Department of Energy's building stock decarbonization goals. Although there have been important innovations in energy efficiency, affordability, and decarbonization of building technologies, consumers are not purchasing these technologies at the necessary speed and scale partially due to a gap in institutional understanding around barriers contractors face in providing and servicing these technologies. Small businesses in this market must mitigate risk around high-performance building technologies, limiting their opportunities in the market and impacting the rate of adoption. The Building Business Network (B-Biz) aims to provide high-performance building technology solutions to underserved customers by collaborating with local small businesses that provide and service high-performance building technologies in communities with the lowest rates of adoption. This research explores the current market, the importance of business models, and the opportunity to utilize small businesses to address market gaps in underserved communities.

B-Biz↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of a Safe, Reliable, and Versatile Explosive Demolition Initiation System

Demolition contractors have a need to simultaneously detonate many demolition charges safely, cheaply, and reliably. An explosive distribution company has contracted the Initiation Systems Group at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory as consultants. The task is to develop a new, safer initiation system to detonate anywhere from 1 to 2000 demolition charges. The primary user of the system will be the explosive demolition contractors.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

FIU Projects 4 & 5: DOE-FIU Science and Technology Workforce Development Program

The DOE-FIU Science and Technology Workforce Development Program has been designed to build upon the existing DOE/FIU relationship by creating a “pipeline” of minority engineers specifically trained and mentored to enter the Department of Energy workforce in technical areas of need. The main objective of the program is to provide interested students with a unique opportunity to integrate course work, DOE field work, and research work at FIU into a well-structured academic program that leads to entry into DOE EM’s Pathways Program. Students selected as DOE EM Fellows perform research at FIU and at DOE sites, national laboratories, and DOE contractors. Graduation and completion of this fellowship leads to employment opportunities with DOE EM, DOE contractors, DOE national laboratories, other federal agencies, and private industry as well as the pursuit of post-master or post-doctoral positions at DOE national labs.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗