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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 1,639 records · Page 91
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Roadmap to Cooperative Operating Practices for Strategic Conflict Detection and Resolution in the Upper Class E Traffic Management Concept

As the governing body of flight operations in the highly anticipated emergent area of Upper Class E airspace (60,000 ft and above), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recognized the potential for a possible extensible traffic management system for new entrants into this domain. Following the successes with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) and Advanced / Urban Air Mobility (AAM / UAM) Traffic Management programs, FAA put forth an initial concept of operations for supporting the start of the Upper Class E Traffic Management (ETM) concept. Like UTM and AAM / UAM, ETM is envisioned to also be a community-based, industry driven cooperative management concept. However, tailoring it to be adaptable to the atmospheric communication, navigation, and surveillance deficits, as well as the diverse vehicle and mission profiles operating in the ETM environment will be the challenge. As such, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center has been investigating several technologies that will help enable industry in the development of this new type of cooperative operating environment. These technologies are being prototyped and will be tested in a collaborative evaluation of an initial ETM system in late 2023. The evaluation will concentrate on building out ETM system technologies that will inform the participants regarding operational intent sharing, strategic conflict detection, and the resultant deconfliction process. In addition to the technical aspects, key roles and responsibilities will need to be defined. This will be done through exploring community-agreed upon Cooperative Operating Practices (COPs) that include procedures and capabilities to aid in timely, strategic conflict identification and resolution to be developed during the evaluation. As an initial step to the evaluation, the ETM research team at NASA Ames solicited industry feedback on various aspects of ETM operations from subject matter experts. A virtual tabletop walkthrough session was held over a two-day period to follow a roadmap through the functional steps needed to build COPs, focusing on strategic conflict detection and resolution.

Upper Class E Traffic Management (ETM)↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ion beam applications research - A 1981 summary of Lewis Research Center programs

In 1975 the NASA's Lewis Research Center initiated a technology specific spinoff program to more broadly utilize benefits resulting from ion thruster technology. An Ion Beam Applications Research (IBAR) program was organized to enable the development of new or improved materials, products, and processes through the nonpropulsive application of ion thruster technology. Focused efforts to identify, evaluate, develop and transfer applications to the user community were conducted. A summary of the NASA Lewis Research Center's in-house, grant, and contract projects involving IBAR is given. Specific application efforts utilizing ion beam sputter etching, deposition, and texturing are discussed as well as ion source and component technology applications.

Banks, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

General purpose free floating platform for KC-135 flight experimentation

The Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) program is evaluating higher plants as a means of providing life support functions aboard space craft. These plant systems will be capable of regenerating air and water while meeting some of the food requirements of the crew. In order to grow plants in space, a series of systems are required to provide the necessary plant support functions. Some of the systems required for CELSS experiments are such that is is likely that existing technologies will require refinement, or novel technologies will need to be developed. To evaluate and test these technologies, a series of KC-135 precursor flights are being proposed. A general purpose free floating experiment platform is being developed to allow the KC-135 flights to be used to their fullest. This paper will outline the basic design for the CELSS Free Floating Test Bed (FFTB), and the requirements for the individual subsystems. Several preliminary experiments suitable for the free floater will also be discussed.

Borchers, Bruce A.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Renewable Thermal Energy Systems: Characterization of the Most Important Thermal Energy Applications in Buildings and Industry (Report 1)

This report is the first in a three-report series that evaluates the provision of renewable heat for industry and buildings via current and prospective renewable thermal energy system (RTES) technologies. The RTES project has undertaken initial research focused on technologies that could be suited for industrial process heat applications at different temperature levels, and, where possible, gathered performance and cost data for these technologies. This project does not directly evaluate RTES for distributed residential or commercial applications, nor does it yet include documented cases or modeling of RTES using geothermal, biomass, waste heat, renewable fuels like renewable natural gas, or hydrogen production. The three technical reports are summarized as follows: Renewable Thermal Energy Systems: Characterization of the Most Important Thermal Energy Applications in Buildings and Industry (Report 1), this report: summary of thermal demands of U.S. industry and buildings, and relevant hybrid RTES configurations; Renewable Thermal Energy Systems: Systemic Challenges and Transformational Policies (Report 2): discussion of socio-technical characteristics of RTES, innovation challenges, and supporting policies. Available at: https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/83020.pdf; Renewable Thermal Energy Systems: Modeling Developments and Future Directions (Report 3): Energy yield and performance modeling of RTES, techno-economic analysis via case studies, and proposed development of a user decision support tool. Available at: https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/83021.pdf.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1986

The Lidar In-Space Technology Experiment (LITE)

A spaceborne lidar system is presently being constructed for flight aboard the U. S. Space Shuttle in early 1991. The experiment, Lidar In Space Technology Experiment (LITE), utilizes a neodymium:YAG laser and 0.85 meter effective diameter Cassegranian-configured telescope receiver for making elastic backscatter measurements. The laser will be frequency doubled and tripled simulataneously producing a 10 Hz rate of 200 mJ at 1064 nm, 400 mJ at 532 nm, and 150 mJ at 355 nm. The technological objectives of LITE are to evaluate lidar system operations in space, lidar techniques in space, and to provide a test bed for new lidar technologies in later flights. The measurement objectives include the determination of cloud top and planetary boundary layer heights, the measurement of tropospheric and stratospheric aerosols, and the measurement of temperature and density between 10 to 40 km altitude. Detailed simulations will be presented showing the errors associated with each of these measurement objectives. In addition, the experiment scenario will be described including measurement times, data flow, processing and archival, and initial plans for validation of the LITE data set with correlative measurements.

Mccormick, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1992

An assessment of waste processing/resource recovery technologies for lunar/Mars life applications

NASA's future manned missions to explore the solar system are by nature of long duration, mandating extensive regeneration of life support consumables from wastes generated in space-based habitats. Long-duration exploration missions would otherwise be prohibitive due to the number and frequency of energy-intensive resupply missions from Earth. Resource recovery is therefore a critical component of the controlled ecological life support system (CELSS). In order to assess resource recovery technologies for CELSS applications, the Crew and Thermal Systems Division at NASA-Johnson Space Center convened a three-day workshop to assess potential resource recovery technologies for application in a space-based CELSS. This paper describes the methodology of assessing and ranking of these technologies. Recommendations and issues are identified. Evaluations focused on the processes for handling and treatment of inedible plant biomass, human waste, and human generated trash. Technologies were assessed on the basis of safety, reliability, technology readiness, and performance characteristics.

Verostko, Charles E.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Conceive, Believe and Achieve; A Path to Miniaturization, COTS Infusion, and Size Weight and Power Realization for Flight

JPL along with other aerospace agencies such as the US Air Force Space Pro-grams and a packaging technology innovator, i3 Electronics, Inc., are evaluating the use of state-of-the-art (SOA) commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and alternative packaging technologies for future high performance and high reliability space applications. Utilization of SOA COTS technologies have resulted in large scale reduction in electronics volume, weight, power, cost and schedule with outstanding electrical performance and high reliability. We will share JPL’s joint design, architectural approach, alternative substrate materials selection, associated processes, and mission assurance role in identifying reliability and qualification risks, as part of the three year Heterogeneous Packaging/Device Integration effort under the guidance and leadership of JPL’s Mission Assurance Directorate.

Hunter, Don J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

An update of engine system research at the Army Propulsion Directorate

The Small Turboshaft Engine Research (STER) program provides a vehicle for evaluating the application of emerging technologies to Army turboshaft engine systems and to investigate related phenomena. Capitalizing on the resources at hand, in the form of both the NASA facilities and the Army personnel, the program goal of developing a physical understanding of engine system dynamics and/or system interactions is being realized. STER entries investigate concepts and components developed both in-house and out-of-house. Emphasis is placed upon evaluations which evolved from on-going basic research and advanced development programs. Army aviation program managers are also encouraged to make use of STER resources, both people and facilities. The STER personnel have established their reputations as experts in the fields of engine system experimental evaluations and engine system related phenomena. The STER facility has STER program provides the Army aviation community the opportunity to perform system level investigations, and then to offer the findings to the entire engine community for their consideration in next generation propulsion systems. In this way results of the fundamental research being conducted to meet small turboshaft engine technology challenges expeditiously find their way into that next generation of propulsion systems.

Bobula, George A.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Strategic Surface Metering at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

NASA is conducting a field test of the Airspace Technology Demonstration2 (ATD-2) to evaluate an Integrated Arrival, Departure, and Surface (IADS) traffic management system. The IADS system was deployed to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in 2017 for a three-year field evaluation. The Phase 1 field evaluation included tactical surface metering, which manages departure excess taxi time by tactically assigning gate holds. Phase 2 built upon the lessons learned from Phase 1 to extend surface metering into the strategic metering timeframes. In this paper, we describe the strategic metering capabilities of the ATD-2 IADS system and the operational results from CLT.

Airspace Technology Demonstration 2↗
DOE OSTI2021

Microhole drilling technology utilizing a golden section search algorithm

A fundamental issue in microhole drilling is that delivering high weight-on-bit (WOB), high torque rotational horsepower to a conventional drill bit does not scale down to the hole sizes necessary to realize the envisioned cost savings An optimization algorithm called a golden section search (GSS) was used to systematically identify the preferred WOB for a given set of conditions. This research focused on implementing and evaluating two low WOB drilling technologies for microhole drilling: - Laser-assisted mechanical drill, which was tested in the laboratory - Lightly modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) percussive hammer, which was tested in a limited field test. Data were collected for microhole GSS using WOB optimization via simulation as well as at the Blue Canyon Dome Site in Socorro, NM. Information on the attached files and folders are as follows: - the .tdms files are LabView data files, which can be opened within Excel using a .tdms add-in or using a Matlab .tdms converter - the .tdms_index files are part of the .tdms file structure - sampling rate, column headers, and length data within the .tdms files follow SOP when utilizing Excel and/or Matlab as described above

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1990

An update of engine system research at the Army Propulsion Directorate

The Small Turboshaft Engine Research (STER) program provides a vehicle for evaluating the application of emerging technologies to Army turboshaft engine systems and to investigate related phenomena. Capitalizing on the resources at hand, in the form of both the NASA facilities and the Army personnel, the program goal of developing a physical understanding of engine system dynamics and/or system interactions is being realized. STER entries investigate concepts and components developed both in-house and out-of-house. Emphasis is placed upon evaluations which have evolved from on-going basic research and advanced development programs. Army aviation program managers are also encouraged to make use of STER resources, both people and facilities. The STER personnel have established their reputations as experts in the fields of engine system experimental evaluations and engine system related phenomena. The STER facility has demonstrated its utility in both research and development programs. The STER program provides the Army aviation community the opportunity to perform system level investigations, and then to offer the findings to the entire engine community for their consideration in next generation propulsion systems. In this way results of the fundamental research being conducted to meet small turboshaft engine technology challenges expeditiously find their way into that next generation of propulsion systems.

Bobula, George A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Concept of using a benchmark part to evaluate rapid prototype processes

A conceptual benchmark part for guiding manufacturers and users of rapid prototyping technologies is proposed. This is based on a need to have some tool to evaluate the development of this technology and to assist the user in judiciously selecting a process. The benchmark part is designed to have unique product details and features. The extent to which a rapid prototyping process can reproduce these features becomes a measure of the capability of the process. Since rapid prototyping is a dynamic technology, this benchmark part should be used to continuously monitor process capability of existing and developing technologies. Development of this benchmark part is, therefore, based on an understanding of the properties required from prototypes and characteristics of various rapid prototyping processes and measuring equipment that is used for evaluation.

Cariapa, Vikram↗
NASA NTRS1986

ACTS Experiments Program

An overview of the ACTS Experiments Program is presented. ACTS is being developed and will flight test the advanced technologies associated with: a Ka-band multibeam antenna, onboard signal processing and switching as well as laser communications. A nominal 3 yr experiments program is planned. Through the experiments program, the capabilities of the ACTS system will be made available to U.S. industry, university and government experimenters to test, prove the feasibility and evaluate the key ACTS system technologies. Communication modes of operation using the baseband processor and microwave switch matrix are presented, along with the antenna coverage pattern. Potential experiment categories are also presented and briefly discussed. An overall schedule of activities associated with the experiments program is outlined. Results of the ACTS Experiments Program will provide information vital to successful industry implementation of ACTS technology in a future operational system.

Schertler, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Technology utilization office data base analysis and design

NASA Headquarters is placing a high priority on the transfer of NASA and NASA contractor developed technologies and expertise to the private sector and to other federal, state and local government organizations. The ultimate objective of these efforts is positive economic impact, an improved quality of life, and a more competitive U.S. posture in international markets. The Technology Utilization Office (TUO) currently serves seven states with its technology transfer efforts. Since 1989, the TUO has handled over one-thousand formal requests for NASA related technologies assistance. The technology transfer process requires promoting public awareness of NASA related soliciting requests for assistance, matching technologies to specific needs, assuring appropriate technology transfer, and monitoring and evaluating the process. Each of these activities have one very important aspect in common: the success of each is dissemination of appropriate high quality information. The purpose of the research was to establish the requirements and develop a preliminary design for a database system to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the TUO's technology transfer function. The research was conducted following the traditional systems development life cycle methodology and was supported through the use of modern structured analysis techniques. The next section will describe the research and findings as conducted under the life cycle approach.

Floyd, Stephen A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

System technology analysis of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles: Moderate lift/drag (0.75-1.5),volume 1B, part 1, study results

Significant performance benefits can be realized via aerodynamic breaking and/or aerodynamic maneuvering on return from higher altitude orbits to low Earth orbit. This approach substantially reduces the mission propellant requirements by using the aerodynamic drag, D, to brake the vehicle to near circular velocity and the aerodynamic lift, L, to null out accumulated errors as well as change the orbital inclination to that required for rendezous with the Space Shuttle Orbiter. A study was completed where broad concept evaluations were performed and the technology requirements and sensitivities for aeroassisted Orbital Transfer Vehicles (AOTVs) over a range of vehicle hypersonic L/D from 0.75 to 1.5 were systematically identified and assessed. The AOTV is capable of evolving from an initial delivery only system to one eventually capable of supporting manned roundtrip missions to geosynchronous orbit. Concept screenings were conducted on numerous configurations spanning the L/D = 0.75 to 1.5 range, and several with attractive features were identified. Initial payload capability was evaluated for a baseline of delivery to GEO, six hour polar, and Molniya orbits with return and recovery of the AOTV at LEO. Evolutionary payload requirements that were assessed include a GEO servicing mission and a manned GEO mission.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2005

Technology Assessment for the Future Aeronautical Communications System

To address emerging saturation in the VHF aeronautical bands allocated internationally for air traffic management communications, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has requested development of a common global solution through its Aeronautical Communications Panel (ACP). In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Eurocontrol initiated a joint study, with the support of NASA and U.S. and European contractors, to provide major findings on alternatives and recommendations to the ICAO ACP Working Group C (WG-C). Under an FAA/Eurocontrol cooperative research and development agreement, ACP WG-C Action Plan 17 (AP-17), commonly referred to as the Future Communications Study (FCS), NASA Glenn Research Center is responsible for the investigation of potential communications technologies that support the long-term mobile communication operational concepts of the FCS. This report documents the results of the first phase of the technology assessment and recommendations referred to in the Technology Pre-Screening Task 3.1 of AP-17. The prescreening identifies potential technologies that are under development in the industry and provides an initial assessment against a harmonized set of evaluation criteria that address high level capabilities, projected maturity for the time frame for usage in aviation, and potential applicability to aviation. A wide variety of candidate technologies were evaluated from several communications service categories including: cellular telephony; IEEE-802.xx standards; public safety radio; satellite and over-the-horizon communications; custom narrowband VHF; custom wideband; and military communications.

Budinger, James M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimization of prefabricated component installation using a real-time evaluator (RTE) connection locating system

Prefabrication promises to industrialize the construction industry. By constructing elements within a manufacturing environment, producers can better control quality and maximize production efficiency. Since the major adoption of prefabrication, a wide variety of prefabricated components have been produced for varying applications such as new construction and exterior wall retrofits. While the production processes of these prefabricated components have seen much innovation, the installation process has remained relatively unchanged for decades. To innovate the installation process with modern technologies, a real-time evaluator (RTE) has been developed to reduce the installation cost of prefabricated components by reducing installation time, decreasing rework, and improving accuracy. The RTE uses developed software solutions with off-the-shelf hardware to assist erectors in completing an installation by measuring the real-time positions of connections and prefabricated components, providing installation guidance through a graphical user interface, and monitoring the accumulated installation errors. An overview of the RTE and proposed workflow is presented. A connection locating system that guides users in expediting the installation of connections is introduced. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the accuracy improvement and time savings of the RTE in installing connections for prefabricated components. RTE enabled a time saving of up to 37% compared to traditional connection installation methods using handheld measurement tools.

Hayes, Nolan↗
NASA NTRS2021

LET and Range Characteristics of Proton Recoil Ions in Gallium Nitride (GaN)

A better understanding of the linear energy transfer and the range of proton recoil ions in gallium nitride is necessary to properly evaluate GaN device radiation tolerance. By analyzing the linear energy transfer (LET) and range of recoil heavy ions in GaN we can begin to reproduce the body of knowledge that exists for Si-based devices for this upcoming technology. Although the previous data on older technology has impressive depth and breadth we must be diligent and cautious in the application of these institutional intuitions when applied to emerging technologies such as GaN. As ever increasing materials science advances emerge, a sound methodology for evaluating new technologies must be established in order to apply what we know towards the effort of ensuring radiation tolerance.

gallium nitride (GaN)↗