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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2017

Arc Jet Test and Analysis of Asbestos Free Solid Rocket Motor Nozzle Dome Ablative Materials

Asbestos free solid motor internal insulation samples were recently tested at the MSFC Hyperthermal Arc Jet Facility. Objectives of the test were to gather data for solid rocket motor analog characterization of ablative and in-depth thermal performance of rubber materials subject to high enthalpy/pressure flow conditions. Tests were conducted over a range of convective heat fluxes for both inert and chemically reactive sub-sonic free stream gas flow. Active instrumentation included use of total calorimeters, in-depth thermocouples, and a surface pyrometer for in-situ surface temperature measurement. Post-test sample forensics involved determination of eroded depth, charred depth, total sample weight loss, and documentation of the general condition of the eroded profile. A complete Charring Material Ablator (CMA) style aero thermal analysis was conducted for the test matrix and results compared to the measured data. In general, comparisons were possible for a number of the cases and the results show a limited predictive ability to model accurately both the ablative response and the in-depth temperature profiles. Lessons learned and modeling recommendations are made regarding future testing and modeling improvements that will increase understanding of the basic chemistry/physics associated with the complicated material ablation process of rubber materials.

Clayton, J. Louie↗
NASA NTRS2017

Factors Limiting Li+ Charge Transfer Kinetics in Li-ion Batteries

Understanding the factors limiting Li+ charge transfer kinetics in Li-ion batteries is essential in improving the rate performance, especially at lower temperatures. The Li+ charge transfer process involved in the lithium intercalation of graphite anode includes the step of de-solvation of the solvated Li+ in the liquid electrolyte and the step of transport of Li+ in the preformed solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on electrodes until the Li+ accepts an electron at the electrode and becomes a Li in the electrode. Whether the de-solvation process or the Li+ transport through the SEI is a limiting step depends on the nature of the interphases at the electrode and electrolyte interfaces. Several examples involving the electrode materials such as graphite, lithium titanate (LTO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) and solid Li+ conductor such as lithium lanthanum titanate or Li-Al-Ti-phosphate are reviewed and discussed to clarify the conditions at which either the de-solvation or the transport of Li+ in SEI is dominating and how the electrolyte components affect the activation energy of Li+ charge transfer kinetics. How the electrolyte additives impact the Li+ charge transfer kinetics at both the anode and the cathode has been examined at the same time in 3-electrode full cells. The resulting impact on Li+ charge transfer resistance, Rct, and activation energy, Ea, at both electrodes are reported and discussed.

Delp, Samuel A.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Pre- and Post-Production Processes Increasingly Dominate Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Agri-Food Systems

We present results from the FAOSTAT emissions shares database, covering emissions from agri-food systems and their shares to total anthropogenic emissions for 196 countries and 40 territories for the period 1990–2019. We find that in 2019, global agri-food system emissions were 16.5 (95 %; CI range: 11–22) billion metric tonnes (GtCO2 eq. yr(exp -1)), corresponding to 31%(range: 19 %–43 %) of total anthropogenic emissions. Of the agri-food system total, global emissions within the farm gate – from crop and livestock production processes including on-farm energy use – were 7.2 GtCO2 eq. yr(exp -1); emissions from land use change, due to deforestation and peatland degradation, were 3.5 GtCO2 eq. yr(exp -1); and emissions from pre- and post-production processes – manufacturing of fertilizers, food processing, packaging, transport, retail, household consumption and food waste disposal – were 5.8 GtCO2 eq. yr(exp -1). Over the study period 1990–2019, agri-food system emissions increased in total by 17 %, largely driven by a doubling of emissions from pre- and post-production processes. Conversely, the FAOSTAT data show that since 1990 land use emissions decreased by 25 %, while emissions within the farm gate increased 9 %. In 2019, in terms of individual greenhouse gases (GHGs), pre- and postproduction processes emitted the most CO2 (3.9 GtCO2 yr(exp -1)), preceding land use change (3.3 GtCO2 yr(exp -1)) and farm gate (1.2 GtCO2 yr(exp -1)) emissions. Conversely, farm gate activities were by far the major emitter of methane (140 MtCH4 yr(exp -1)) and of nitrous oxide (7.8 MtN2Oyr(exp -1)). Pre- and post-production processes were also significant emitters of methane (49 MtCH4 yr(exp -1)), mostly generated from the decay of solid food waste in landfills and open dumps. One key trend over the 30-year period since 1990 highlighted by our analysis is the increasingly important role of food-related emissions generated outside of agricultural land, in pre- and post-production processes along the agri-food system, at global, regional and national scales. In fact, our data show that by 2019, pre- and post-production processes had overtaken farm gate processes to become the largest GHG component of agri-food system emissions in Annex I parties (2.2 GtCO2 eq. yr(exp -1)). They also more than doubled in non-Annex I parties (to 3.5 GtCO2 eq. yr(exp -1)), becoming larger than emissions from land use change. By 2019 food supply chains had become the largest agri-food system component in China (1100 MtCO2 eq. yr(exp -1)), the USA (700 MtCO2 eq. yr(exp -1)) and the EU-27 (600 MtCO2 eq. yr(exp -1)). This has important repercussions for food-relevant national mitigation strategies, considering that until recently these have focused mainly on reductions of non-CO2 gases within the farm gate and on CO2 mitigation from land use change. The information used in this work is available as open data with DOI https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5615082 (Tubiello et al., 2021d). It is also available to users via the FAOSTAT database (https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/EM; FAO, 2021a), with annual updates.

FAOSTAT agri-food systems emissions database↗
DOE OSTI2023

Study on the Carbon Nanostructures for Nanosized Si Electrodes

Silicon (Si) has been considered as a next-generation anode material due to natural abundance, low operating potential (<0.5 V vs. Li/Li+), and high theoretical specific capacity of 4200 mAh g-1.[1] However, the electrochemical alloying reaction of Si involves large volume changes of 400% during lithiation and delithiation, causing cracking and pulverization of Si.[1] In addition, solid electrolyte interface (SEI) of Si anode experiences constant changes due to unstable SEI reactivity.[2] Considerable efforts have been made to design nanostructured Si materials to address the issues because nanostructuring can relieve the mechanical strain.[3] However, when compared to micrometer-sized active materials having sufficient electrolyte pathway through interparticle space, the nanoparticle (NP)-based electrodes tend to be densely packed. As mass loading is higher and electrode is thicker, ion transport issue can become more severe in the densely packed electrodes.[4] In this work, we will present studies on engineered porosity impacts performance in Si NP electrodes by altering carbon nanostructures. We explore the extreme limit of effectively non-porous electrodes using quasi-spherical, Si NPs, which result in densely packed electrodes when slurry is prepared with conventional carbon black. We engineer porosity using carbon nanostructures including multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanorods in place of conventional carbon black to create pore structure in Si NP-based electrodes. These experiments provide a correlation between mass loading, porosity and silicon utilization in Si NP-based electrodes. References: [1] C. K. Chan, H. Peng, G. Liu, K. Mcllwrath, X. F. Zhang, R. A. Huggins, Y. Cui, "High-performance lithium battery anodes using silicon nanowires", Nat. Nanotechnol., 2008, 3, 31, [2] J. D. McBrayer, M.-T. F. Rodrigues, M. C. Schulze, D. P. Abraham, C. A. Apblett, I. Bloom, G. M. Carroll, A. M. Coclasure, C. Fang, K. L. Harrison, G. Liu, S. D. Minteer, N. R. Neale, G. M. Veith, C. S. Johnson, J. T. Vaughey, A. K. Burrel, B. Cunningham, "Calendar aging of silicon-containing batteries", Nat. Energy, 2021, 6, 1164, [3] H. Wu, G. Zheng, N. Liu, T. J. Carney, Y. Yang, Y. Cui, "Engineering Empty space between Si Nanoparticles for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes", Nano Lett., 2012, 12, 904, [4] X. Zhang, Z. Ju, Y. Zhu, K. J. Takeuchi, E. S. Takeuchi, A. C. Marschilok, G. Yu, "Multiscale Understanding and Architecture Design of High Energy/Power Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes", Adv. Energy Mater., 2021, 11, 2000808

carbon nanostructure↗
DOE OSTI2024

Uncovering the Network Modifier for Highly Disordered Amorphous Li‐Garnet Glass‐Ceramics

Abstract Highly disordered amorphous Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (aLLZO) is a promising class of electrolyte separators and protective layers for hybrid or all‐solid‐state batteries due to its grain‐boundary‐free nature and wide electrochemical stability window. Unlike low‐entropy ionic glasses such as Li x PO y N z (LiPON), these medium‐entropy non‐Zachariasen aLLZO phases offer a higher number of stable structure arrangements over a wide range of tunable synthesis temperatures, providing the potential to tune the LBU‐Li + transport relation. It is revealed that lanthanum is the active “network modifier” for this new class of highly disordered Li + conductors, whereas zirconium and lithium serve as “network formers”. Specifically, within the solubility limit of La in aLLZO, increasing the La concentration can result in longer bond distances between the first nearest neighbors of Zr─O and La─O within the same local building unit (LBU) and the second nearest neighbors of Zr─La across two adjacent network‐former and network‐modifier LBUs, suggesting a more disordered medium‐ and long‐range order structure in LLZO. These findings open new avenues for future designs of amorphous Li + electrolytes and the selection of network‐modifier dopants. Moreover, the wide yet relatively low synthesis temperatures of these glass‐ceramics make them attractive candidates for low‐cost and more sustainable hybrid‐ or all‐solid‐state batteries for energy storage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Reversible solid oxide cells: Early performance and microstructural evolution during electrolysis and switched mode operation

Incorporating more renewables into our energy mix will require a diversity of technological solutions. Reversible solid oxide cell systems (RSOCs) operating reversibly between fuel cell and electrolysis modes with high round-trip efficiencies offer one such solution. However, questions remain about the stability of the oxygen and fuel electrodes under reversible operation. Here, in this study, single cells with the configuration Ni-YSZ|YSZ|GDC10|NNO-NDC50|NNO are operated by reversible cycling under potentiostatic conditions. Test conditions are chosen to be representative of average stack conditions that are likely to be encountered during operation of a stack constructed of such cells. The results of reversible cycling over 500 h (21 cycles) are compared with operating the cells under potentiostatic conditions in the electrolysis-only mode (i.e., without cycling). Voltage-current density (DC), AC complex impedance spectroscopy, distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate excellent reversibility and stability of the neodymium nickelate-based oxygen electrodes in both electrolysis and reversible cycling modes. Degradation behavior is attributed to the loss and coarsening of connected Ni particles in the fuel electrode, particularly in the active layer. However, reversible operation mitigates this degradation compared to operation in the electrolysis-only (SOEC-only) mode.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2017

Organic Matter in Extraterrestrial Water-Bearing Salt Crystals

Introduction: Direct samples of early Solar System fluids are present in two thermally-metamorphosed ordinary chondrite regolith breccias (Monahans (1998) [H5] and Zag [H3-6]), which were found to contain brine-bearing halite (NaCl) crystals that have been added to the regolith of an S-type asteroid following asteroidal metamorphism [1, 2]. The brine-bearing halite grains were proposed to be formed on an icy C-type asteroids (possibly Ceres), and transferred to an S-type asteroid via cryovolcanic event(s) [3]. A unique aspect of these halites is that they contain abundant organic rich solid inclusions hosted within the halites alongside the water inclusions. Methods: We analyzed in detail the compositions of the organic solids and the amino acid content of the halite crystals with two-step laser desorption/laser ionization mass spectrometry (L(sup 2) MS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), and ultra-performance liquid chromatography fluorescence detection and quadrupole time of flight hybrid mass spectrometry (UPLC-FD/QToF-MS). Results and Discussion: The L(sup 2) MS results show signatures of low-mass polyaromatic hydro-carbons (PAHs) indicated by sequences of peaks separated by 14 atomic mass units (amu) due to successive addition of methylene (CH2) groups to the PAH skeletons [4]. Raman spectra of the micron-sized solid inclusions of the halites indicate the presence of abundant and highly variable organic matter that include a mixture of short-chain aliphatic compounds and macromolecular carbon. C-XANES analysis identified C-rich areas with peaks at 285.0 eV (aromatic C=C) and 286.6 eV (vinyl-keto C=O). However, there is no 1s-sigma* exciton peak (291.7 eV) that is indicative of the development of graphene structure [5], which suggests the organics were synthesized cold. Na-noSIMS analyses show C-rich and N-rich areas that exhibit similar isotopic values with that of the IOM in the unweathered CR chondrites and less metamorphosed meteorites [6], and are moderately enriched in N-15 (delta N-15 = 106.1-164.5 per mille). The total amino acid distribution and abundance of the Zag matrix (approximately 1,940 parts per billion [ppb]) is comparable to other ordinary chondrites (60-3,330 ppb) [7, 8]. While the Zag matrix is gamma-ABA and EACA-deficient, the halite is shown to exhibit an opposite trend and is almost depleted in amino acids. The striking difference in the amino acid contents between the halite and matrix indicates their separate synthetic origins. Conclusion: Abundant, primitive, and highly-diverse N-15-rich organic compounds were detected in brine-water bearing halite crystals that were synthesized on a cryovolcanically-active asteroid. Our study suggests that the asteroidal parent body where the halite precipitated, potentially Ceres, is a host to abundance large variety organic precursors. Insoluble organic matter and amino acids can be synthesized from similar organic precusors under hydrous conditions [9].We envision that similar organic synthetic processes could have occurred on Ceres that synthesized organic solids as well as biologically relevant molecules.

Chan, Q. H. S.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Unblocking Oxygen Charge Compensation for Stabilized High‐Voltage Structure in P2‐Type Sodium‐Ion Cathode

Abstract Layered transition‐metal (TM) oxides are ideal hosts for Li + charge carriers largely due to the occurrence of oxygen charge compensation that stabilizes the layered structure at high voltage. Hence, enabling charge compensation in sodium layered oxides is a fascinating task for extending the cycle life of sodium‐ion batteries. Herein a Ti/Mg co‐doping strategy for a model P2‐Na 2/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 cathode material is put forward to activate charge compensation through highly hybridized O 2 p TM 3 d covalent bonds. In this way, the interlayer OO electrostatic repulsion is weakened upon deeply charging, which strongly affects the systematic total energy that transforms the striking P2–O2 interlayer contraction into a moderate solid‐solution‐type evolution. Accordingly, the cycling stability of the codoped cathode material is improved superiorly over the pristine sample. This study starts a perspective way of optimizing the sodium layered cathodes by rational structural design coupling electrochemical reactions, which can be extended to widespread battery researches.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Self‐Lubricating Tribo‐Catalytic Activity of 2D High Entropy Alloy Nanoflakes

High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) have garnered attention due to their remarkable tribological attributes. Predominantly, failure mechanisms in HEAs emanate from stress‐induced dislocations, culminating in crack propagation and film delamination. In this study, we report on the synthesis of 2D HEA of (MoWNbTaV) 0.2 S 2 which facilitates shear‐induced energy dissipation at sliding interfaces. The ball‐on‐disk tribological investigations demonstrate unprecedentedly low average coefficients of friction (0.076) and wear rates (10 −9 mm 3 (N∙m) −1 ) under high contact pressures (0.936 GPa) within ambient conditions. Employing multi‐scale characterizations alongside molecular dynamic simulations, we elucidate that the presence of the HEA triggers tribocatalytic activity under high contact pressures emerging as a pivotal factor in extending lubricant lifespan during tribological tests. The resilient lubriciousness coupled with the facile spray coating methodology of (MoWNbTaV) 0.2 S 2 in ambient environments paves the way for the development of a new class of solid lubricants based on 2D HEA.

2D solid lubricant↗
DOE OSTI2021

Redox-stable symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells with exceptionally high performance enabled by electrode/electrolyte diffuse interface

Here, in this study, we report a high performance and redox-stable symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based on (Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 ) (Mo 0.1 Fe 0.9 )O 3-δ (BSMF) electrode and La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Ga 0.8 Mg 0.2 O 3-δ (LSGM) electrolyte. BSMF is able to operate both as anode and cathode. Excellent electrocatalytic activity has been achieved on BSMF towards hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction. Due to its closely matched lattice parameter to LSGM electrolyte, a unique diffuse interface is formed between BSMF and LSGM. Compared to a clean interface, e.g. BSMF/gadolinium doped ceria interface, this diffuse interface promotes the performance of BSMF electrode 1–1.8 times in 600–800 °C. Polarization resistance of the BSMF/LSGM specimen is as low as 0.047 and 0.007 Ωcm 2 in humidified H 2 and in air at 800 °C, respectively. On the BSMF/LSGM/BSMF symmetrical cell, a maximum power density of 2.28 W/cm 2 is achieved at 800 °C, the highest among with redox-stable ceramic electrodes to the best of our knowledge. Redox stability of this cell is confirmed. The role of anode and cathode is reversed back and forth in different operation modes. No apparent degradation is observed through 4 cycles within a 110 h operation period. These findings demonstrate that (Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 ) (M o0.1 Fe 0.9 )O 3-δ coupled with LSGM electrolyte is an excellent choice to build a high performance, redox-stable SOFC.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Improving Cycling Performance of Anode-Free Lithium Batteries by Pressure and Voltage Control

The anode-free lithium (Li) batteries (AFLBs) have great potential to provide higher energy density than most other batteries. However, the performance of AFLBs is very sensitive to pressure and other operating parameters, especially for coin cells widely used in AFLB investigations. Therefore, optimizing cell assembly parameters and test protocol is critical to get reliable and comparable results in this field. In this work, the operating voltage range of AFLBs using a localized high concentration electrolyte has been optimized. The morphology of the deposited Li in AFLBs is much more indicting to the pressure than other type of batteries due to the absence of anode active material (i.e. Li) as a pressure cushion layer in the as prepared cells. With an optimized cycling protocol, a thin layer of uniform nucleation sites can be formed in the initial cycle which will facilitate smooth Li desposition/stripping in the subsequent cycles of AFLBs. The solid electrolyte interphase layer formed under optimized pressure and uniform pressure distribution exhibits a good mechanical stability even after long-term cycling. In conclusion, with an optimized cell configuration, the internal pressure in the coin cells has been optimized to improve the cycling performance of AFLBs (Cu||NMC811) with 72% of capacity retention in 100 cycles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Protection and enrichment: how two different carbonaceous biofilm supports improve methane yield from encapsulated anaerobic microorganisms

Encapsulating anaerobic microorganisms allows for the separation of the solids retention time from the hydraulic retention time during anaerobic wastewater treatment. The harsh chemistries involved in the process of encapsulation can have adverse effects on microorganisms for anaerobic digestion, especially methanogens, and can lead to lower methane yields after encapsulation. Improving the survival and maintaining activity of anaerobic communities during encapsulation will likely be the key to improving methane yield. In this study, we investigated the encapsulation of biomass grown as biofilms on two carbonaceous materials, biochar and powdered activated carbon (PAC), to improve methane yield. Microorganisms grown as biofilms on biochar and PAC were encapsulated in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and incubated for 10 days. After 10 days, the unamended control capsules produced 81.6 ± 5.4 μmol of methane, while PAC-amended capsules produced 129.8 ± 1.9 μmol and biochar-amended capsules produced 432.96 ± 20.8 μmol methane, with the differences being statistically significant (p < 0.05). In biochar, a higher relative abundance of methanogens led to increased methane production capacity. The ratio of the methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) genes to total 16S rRNA genes in the encapsulated biochar-supported biofilms was significantly higher than that in the encapsulated unsupported (p = 4.9 × 10 −5 ) and the PAC-supported biofilms (p = 0.012). Biochar-supported biofilms also had higher methane output per mcrA or 16S rRNA gene copy number. For the PAC, biofilms were protected from ammonium persulfate (APS), a powerful oxidant used in the encapsulation process. PAC removed 92% of dissolved APS, reducing exposure of the methanogens to this chemical. Unfortunately, this removal of APS compromised capsule stability, limiting the amount of PAC that could be added to the capsules. Furthermore, amendments that improve survival and activity of methanogens should be used in the capsules instead of those that protect methanogens by interfering with encapsulant polymerization chemistry.

Resource recovery↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between National Energy Technology Laboratory and OxEon Energy LLC (Abstract)

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) will collaborate with OxEon Energy LLC (OxEon) to apply NETL’s patented single step electrode infiltration technique on OxEon solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft applications below one megawatt. The expanded application of the OxEon solid oxide cell technology on eVTOL aircraft seeks to demonstrate a high performance, durable SOFC system that will produce more electricity per weight based on possible operation on ammonia as fuel. NETL’s single-step electrode infiltration technique addresses these challenges by introducing a highly active nanocatalyst material into the SOFC electrode microstructure to improving cell performance, longevity, and fuel flexibility. Specifically for this project, OxEon will incorporate NETL’s technology to generate a small stack of cells (1 kW output) to demonstrate a fuel flexible system at a relevant scale. NETL will apply its infiltration technology to cells supplied by OxEon, test the effectiveness of the infiltration internally at NETL based on performance in hydrogen, and then supply infiltrated cells to OxEon and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for independent confirmation and for the 1 kW stack test.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
NASA NTRS1986

Wind tunnel test evaluation of a Shuttle derived launch system

The Shuttle Derived Vehicle (SDV) is a proposed unmanned launch system configured using Shuttle elements. The SDV incorporates two solid rocket boosters, an external tank and three Space Shuttle main engines identical to those used in the present Space Transportation System. Two new elements, a recoverable propulsion/avionics module housing the main engines and an expendable payload module, complete the SDV configuration. This paper describes the activities and results of wind tunnel tests conducted to validate the aerodynamic and controllability characteristics of SDV configurations. The configuration variables consisted of the payload module diameter, length and nose shape. The tests were conducted in the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center 14 inch trisonic wind tunnel. Aerodynamic force and moment data were obtained over a Mach number range of 0.6 to 4.96. The attack and sideslip angles were varied + or - 8.0 deg. Forces and moments were measured by a sting-supported six component strain gage balance.

Tewell, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

A View of the Lunar Interior Through Lunar Laser Range Analysis

Laser ranges between observatories on the Earth and retroreflectors on the Moon started in 1969 and continue to the present. Recent range accuracies are 2 cm while earliest ranges are an C, order of magnitude less certain. Four retroreflectors are ranged: three located at the Apollo 11, 14, and 15 sites and one on the Lunakhod 2 rover. Accurate analysis of the range data determines a number of lunar science parameters. The lunar interior variables include a fluid core parameter. The Lunar Laser Ranging effort is reviewed elsewhere. Many parameters are detected through their influence on rotation. Also detected are solid-body tides and accurate selenocentric reflector locations. Determined through the rotation are moment-of-inertia differences, gravitational harmonics, potential Love number, and dissipation effects due to tides and molten core. The rotation of the Moon is not at its minimum energy state; some recently active process has caused free librations. The moment differences contributed to the recent improvement of the Moon's moment of inertia from the Lunar Prospector gravity field. The Love numbers provide bulk elastic properties. Future possibilities for measurement include oblateness of the core-mantle boundary and core moment. A study of dissipation signatures in the rotation determines tidal Q vs. frequency and concludes that the Moon has a molten core. At 1 month the tidal Q is 37 and at 1 yr it is 60. The core radius is < or = 352 km for Fe and < or = 374 km for the Fe-FeS eutectic. The core detection exceeds 3x its uncertainty. The spin of the core is not aligned with the spin of the mantle and torque arises from the velocity difference at the boundary. Yoder's turbulent boundary layer theory is used to compute the radii. The present heat generation from tides and core interaction is minor compared to radiogenic heating. The heating for ancient times is more interesting. Peale and Cassen investigated lunar tidal heating while the lunar orbit expanded due to tides on Earth. Their calculations predate the measurement of Q and should be multiplied by 3.45 to match the lunar-laser-determined Love number and monthly Q. Tidal-heating computations depend on how fast the lunar orbit evolved and whether the tidal dissipation is localized. Neither is known, but plausible assumptions lead to early central region temperature increases of several hundred degrees. Most of the energy is deposited early in the Moon's history. The turbulent boundary layer theory allows a prediction of energy dissipated at the core-mantle boundary during orbit evolution. Under the assumption that the properties of the early core are the same as at present, the energy dissipated by core-mantle interaction is about the same as for tidal dissipation, but it is deposited in a smaller volume. This source of energy is capable of promoting convection in an early fluid core and driving a dynamo. This is a transient phase with a duration depending on the rate of orbit evolution. Plausible assumptions lead to a duration of a few hundred million years. Thus, the remnant magnetization of many lunar rocks is compatible with a brief global magnetic field powered by dynamical energy dissipation. Analysis of the lunar laser ranges is providing information on lunar geophysics. Future data will improve accuracies of present solution parameters, and several more interior effects should be detectable.

Williams, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Cosmic-Ray Background Flux Model Baed on a Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope Baloon Flight Engineering

Cosmic-ray background fluxes were modeled based on existing measurements and theories and are presented here. The model, originally developed for the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) Balloon Experiment, covers the entire solid angle (4(pi) sr), the sensitive energy range of the instrument ((approx) 10 MeV to 100 GeV) and abundant components (proton, alpha, e(sup -), e(sup +), (mu)(sup -), (mu)(sup +) and gamma). It is expressed in analytic functions in which modulations due to the solar activity and the Earth geomagnetism are parameterized. Although the model is intended to be used primarily for the GLAST Balloon Experiment, model functions in low-Earth orbit are also presented and can be used for other high energy astrophysical missions. The model has been validated via comparison with the data of the GLAST Balloon Experiment.

COSMIC RADIATION↗
NASA NTRS2014

Evaluation of Geopolymer Concrete for Rocket Test Facility Flame Deflectors

The current paper presents results from a combined research effort by Louisiana Tech University (LTU) and NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC) to develop a new alumina-silicate based cementitious binder capable of acting as a high performance refractory material with low heat ablation rate and high early mechanical strength. Such a binder would represent a significant contribution to NASA's efforts to develop a new generation of refractory 'hot face' liners for liquid or solid rocket plume environments. This project was developed as a continuation of on-going collaborations between LTU and SSC, where test sections of a formulation of high temperature geopolymer binder were cast in the floor and walls of Test Stand E-1 Cell 3, an active rocket engine test stand flame trench. Additionally, geopolymer concrete panels were tested using the NASA-SSC Diagnostic Test Facility (DTF) thruster, where supersonic plume environments were generated on a 1ft wide x 2ft long x 6 inch deep refractory panel. The DTF operates on LOX/GH2 propellants producing a nominal thrust of 1,200 lbf and the combustion chamber conditions are Pc=625psig, O/F=6.0. Data collected included high speed video of plume/panel area and surface profiles (depth) of the test panels measured on a 1-inch by 1-inch giving localized erosion rates during the test. Louisiana Tech conducted a microstructure analysis of the geopolymer binder after the testing program to identify phase changes in the material.

Allgood, Daniel C.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Evolution of Archival Storage (from Tape to Memory)

Over the last three decades, there has been a significant evolution in storage technologies supporting archival of remote sensing data. This section provides a brief survey of how these technologies have evolved. Three main technologies are considered - tape, hard disk and solid state disk. Their historical evolution is traced, summarizing how reductions in cost have helped being able to store larger volumes of data on faster media. The cost per GB of media is only one of the considerations in determining the best approach to archival storage. Active archives generally require faster response to user requests for data than permanent archives. The archive costs have to consider facilities and other capital costs, operations costs, software licenses, utilities costs, etc. For meeting requirements in any organization, typically a mix of technologies is needed.

Magnetic Storage; Technology Evolution↗