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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Predicting cutoff L-shells of solar protons using the GPPSn particle dataset

Solar energetic protons (SEPs) arriving at the Earth trigger severe radiation storms in the near-Earth space, directly impacting space missions operating at various altitudes. Therefore, monitoring SEP events and predicting the penetration depths of solar protons are critical for aerospace sectors. Building on previous efforts, here we demonstrate the feasibility of using proton measurements from the Global Prompt Proton Sensor network (GPPSn), enabled by Los Alamos National Laboratory developed combined X-ray dosimeters aboard GPS satellites, to characterize and predict the penetration of solar protons into the geomagnetic field. The inclined medium-Earth-orbits (MEOs) of the global GPS constellation offer a unique advantage of allowing simultaneous measurements of penetrating solar protons inside both open- and closed-field line regions. Therefore, the L-profiles of ∼10s–100 MeV solar protons and their associated cutoff L-shells can be determined from the GPPSn dataset, using predefined threshold proton flux values rather than traditional flux ratios. After examining a list of SEP event intervals across solar cycles 23, 24 and 25—including the 2024 Mother’s Day superstorm, we showcase how the latest GPPSn proton dataset (release v1.10), reprocessed and calibrated, can not only be used to monitor solar proton distributions inside the dynamic geomagnetic field for individual events, but also to derive a new empirical model linking cutoff L-shells with several key space weather parameters. This newly developed SEPCL-MEO model demonstrates high predictive performance; for example, predictions for > 30 MeV solar protons yield a correlation coefficient of 0.85 and performance efficiency of 0.67 when validated against GPPSn observations. Results from this pilot study underscores the scientific and operational value of the GPPSn dataset, and this dataset—when paired with machine-learning techniques—can play a critical role in observing and predicting the effects of future incoming SEP events, including extreme ones.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

CIGS Material and Device Stability: A Processing Perspective (Presentation)

This is a general overview of CIGS material and device fundamentals. In the first part, the basic features of high efficiency CIGS absorbers and devices are described. In the second part, some examples of previous collaboration with Shell Solar CIGSS graded absorbers and devices are shown to illustrate how process information was used to correct deviations and improve the performance andstability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1990

Development of pitch angle anisotropy and velocity diffusion of pickup ion shell distribution by solar wind turbulence

The evolution of pitch angle anisotropy in initially isotropic spherical shell distribution of pickup ions subjected to a continuous influence of weak or moderate intrinsic solar wind turbulence is investigated using a physical model which assumes that the wave of the solar wind turbulence is propagating mainly in the direction parallel to the ambient magnetic field. It is shown that, because of the pitch angle dependence of the velocity diffusion process, a significant pitch angle anisotropy of pickup ion shell distribution develops in the early stage of the diffusion process. Although it is smeared out later on, the result can be of significant importance, especially if the pickup ion density is large, because the pitch angle anisotropy can excite collective instabilities and increase the wave level, thus accelerating the diffusion process.

Yoon, Peter H.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Expansion pattern of helium-enriched shells associated with solar flares

The dependence of the thickness of the helium-enriched shell on the longitudinal position of the parent flares is considered along with the large-scale configuration of the expanding shell in interplanetary space. It is found that shock waves, magnetic bottles, and helium-enriched shells appear to expand eastwards of the meridian plane which crosses the flare region. It seems that the formation of the observed pattern of the shells is influenced by the interplanetary magnetic field between the sun and the earth.

Sakurai, K.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Core-shell ITO/ZnO/CdS/CdTe nanowire solar cells

Radial p-n junction nanowire (NW) solar cells with high densities of CdTe NWs coated with indium tin oxide (ITO)/ZnO/CdS triple shells were grown with excellent heterointerfaces. The optical reflectance of the devices was lower than for equivalent planar films by a factor of 100. The best efficiency for the NW solar cells was η = 2.49%, with current transport being dominated by recombination, and the conversion efficiencies being limited by a back contact barrier (ϕ{sub B} = 0.52 eV) and low shunt resistances (R{sub SH} < 500 Ω·cm{sup 2})

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2012

III-nitride core-shell nanowire arrayed solar cells

A solar cell based on a III-nitride hybrid nanowire-film architecture is demonstrated. It consists of a vertically-aligned array of InGaN/GaN multi-quantum well core-shell nanowires, electrically connected by a coalesced p-type InGaN canopy layer. This hybrid structure allows for standard planar device processing, solving an important challenge with nanowire device integration. It also enables various advantages such as higher indium composition InGaN layers via elastic strain relief, efficient carrier collection through thin layers, and enhanced light trapping. This proof-of-concept nanowire-based device presents a path forward for high-efficiency III-nitride solar cells. Fabricated III-nitride nanowire solar cells exhibit a photoresponse out to 2.1eV and short circuit current density of ~1 mA/cm 2 (1 sun AM1.5G).

Wierer Jr., Jonathan J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

X-rays from Eta Carinae

X-ray observations of Eta Car obtained with the high-resolution imager and solid-state spectrometer of the Einstein observatory are reported and interpreted in terms of a two-shell model. A soft component with temperature 5 million K is located in the expanding outer shell, and the hard core component with temperature 80 million K is attributed to the interaction of a high-velocity stellar wind from the massive central object with the inner edge of a dust shell. Model calculations based on comparison with optical and IR data permit estimation of the mass of the outer shell (0.004 solar mass), the mass of the dust shell (3 solar mass), and the total shell expansion energy (less than 2 x 10 to the 49th ergs).

Chlebowski, T.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Production of core–shell type conducting FTO/TiO{sub 2} photoanode for dye sensitized solar cells

Core–shell type photoanode composed of electrically conducting fluorine doped tin dioxide (FTO) matrix and TiO{sub 2} shell layer was prepared and applied in dye sensitized solar cells. Effects of fluorine doping on tin dioxide based cells and precursor material on shell layer were investigated. Fluorine doped tin dioxide nanoparticles were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and resistivity value down to 17 Ω cm was achieved. Cells constructed from FTO nanoparticles show enhanced performance compared to intrinsic SnO{sub 2}. Deposition of thin blocking TiO{sub 2} layers was conducted using ammonium hexafluorotitanate and titanium tetrachloride aqueous solutions for different dipping durations which yielded significant deviations in the layer morphology and affected cell parameters. Best results were obtained with titanium tetrachloride treated cells giving 11.51 mA/cm{sup 2} photocurrent density and they were comparable with that of pure TiO{sub 2} based cells prepared under identical conditions. - Graphical abstract: Core shell type FTO matrix was formed as TiO{sub 2} is the shell material to create a blocking layer between FTO core and the electrolyte for suppressed recombination and efficiency enhancement. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Core–shell type photoanode using conducting FTO matrix and TiO{sub 2} shell was prepared. • FTO nanoparticles having resistivity value down to 17 Ω cm was achieved. • Best cell parameters were obtained with TiCl{sub 4} treated cells. • FTO nanoparticle based cells show enhanced performance compared to intrinsic SnO{sub 2}. • Photocurrent in TiCl{sub 4} treated cells is found as comparable to pure TiO{sub 2} cell.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1997

Solar Thermal Propulsion Optical Figure Measuring and Rocket Engine Testing

Solar thermal propulsion has been an important area of study for four years at the Propulsion Research Center. Significant resources have been devoted to the development of the UAH Solar Thermal Laboratory that provides unique, high temperature, test capabilities. The facility is fully operational and has successfully conducted a series of solar thruster shell experiments. Although presently dedicated to solar thermal propulsion, the facility has application to a variety of material processing, power generation, environmental clean-up, and other fundamental research studies. Additionally, the UAH Physics Department has joined the Center in support of an in-depth experimental investigation on Solar Thermal Upper Stage (STUS) concentrators. Laboratory space has been dedicated to the concentrator evaluation in the UAH Optics Building which includes a vertical light tunnel. Two, on-going, research efforts are being sponsored through NASA MSFC (Shooting Star Flight Experiment) and the McDonnell Douglas Corporation (Solar Thermal Upper Stage Technology Ground Demonstrator).

Bonometti, Joseph↗
NASA NTRS1980

Theoretical studies of massive stars. II - Evolution of a 15 solar-mass star from carbon shell burning to iron core collapse

The evolution of a Population I star of 15 solar masses is described from the carbon shell burning stage to the formation and collapse of an iron core. An unusual aspect of the evolution is that neon ignition occurs off-center and neon burning propagates inward by a series of shell flashes. The extent of the core burning is generally smaller than the Chandrasekhar mass, so that most of the nuclear energy generation occurs in shell sources. Because of degeneracy and the influence of rapid convective mixing, these shell sources are unstable and the core goes through large excursions in temperature and density. The small core also causes the shell sources to converge into a narrow mass region slightly above the Chandrasekhar mass. Thus, the final nucleosynthesis yields are generally small, with silicon being most strongly enhanced with respect to solar system abundances.

Sparks, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS2017

AZ-2000-IECW and StaMet Black Kapton Options for Solar Probe Plus MAG Sensor MLI Kevlar/Polyimide Shells

AZ-2000-IECW white paint and StaMet black Kapton have been evaluated for the Kevlar/polyimide shells that enclose the Solar Probe Plus Magnetometer (MAG) sensors and multilayer insulation. Flight qualification testing on AZ-2000-IECW painted Kevlar/polyimide laminate was completed at Goddard Space Flight Center. This paint potentially meets all the requirements. However, it has no flight heritage. StaMet is hotter in the sun, and is specular. The results of the MAG thermal balance test show StaMet meets the thermal requirement and heater power budget. The mission prefers to fly StaMet after evaluating the risks of AZ-2000-IECW flaking and glint from StaMet to the Star Trackers.

AZ-2000-IECW; StaMet Black Kapton; Kevlar/Polyimid↗
DOE OSTI2014

Low temperature grown ZnO@TiO{sub 2} core shell nanorod arrays for dye sensitized solar cell application

High aspect ratio ZnO nanorod arrays were synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide glasses via a low temperature solution method. By adjusting the growth condition and adding polyethylenimine, ZnO nanorod arrays with tunable length were successfully achieved. The ZnO@TiO{sub 2} core shells structures were realized by a fast growth method of immersion into a (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}·TiF{sub 6} solution. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray Diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray measurements all confirmed the existence of a titania shell uniformly covering the ZnO nanorod's surface. Results of solar cell testing showed that addition of a TiO{sub 2} shell to the ZnO nanorod significantly increased short circuit current (from 4.2 to 5.2 mA/cm{sup 2}), open circuit voltage (from 0.6 V to 0.8 V) and fill factor (from 42.8% to 73.02%). The overall cell efficiency jumped from 1.1% for bare ZnO nanorod to 3.03% for a ZnO@TiO{sub 2} core shell structured solar cell with a 18–22 nm shell thickness, a nearly threefold increase. - Graphical abstract: The synthesis process of coating TiO{sub 2} shell onto ZnO nanorod core is shown schematically. A thin, uniform, and conformal shell had been grown on the surface of the ZnO core after immersing in the (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}·TiF{sub 6} solution for 5–15 min. - Highlights: • ZnO@TiO{sub 2} core shell nanorod has been grown on FTO substrate using low temperature solution method. • TEM, XRD, EDX results confirmed the existing of titana shell, uniformly covered rod's surface. • TiO{sub 2} shell suppressed recombination, demonstrated significant enhancement in cell's efficiency. • Core shell DSSC's efficiency achieved as high as 3.03%, 3 times higher than that of ZnO nanorods.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗