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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
NASA NTRS2026

X-Hab 2026: LiDAR-Powered Autonomous Charging Service Capability for Surface Rovers and Systems

This document details the timeline of the LiDAR-Powered Autonomous Charging Service Capability for Surface Rovers and Systems project, initiated by the Fall 2025 semester class and completed by the Spring 2026 semester class. This project focuses on developing a fully autonomous system composed of a mobile surface rover and an induction charging station with a robotic arm, both controlled by their own NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano. Structural improvements to the rover suspension system and body eliminated excessive camber, reduced stress and strain on the plexiglass body, and improved maneuverability and durability of the rover. The charging station robotic arm was fully redesigned to increase reach while minimizing weight and increasing misalignment tolerance during docking on uneven terrain. Electrical system improvements addressed previous torque and power limitations of both the rover and charging station arm. High-torque servo motors were selected based on updated calculations which incorporated terrain slope and Factor of Safety, enabling zero-point turning for the rover and increased payload capacity of the charging station arm. Significant progress was made in autonomy and perception. The rover now employs 3D LiDAR and SLAM mapping for localization, mapping, and path planning. The Battery Monitoring System (BMS) was created to coordinate battery management between the rover and charging station. The BMS provides continuous monitoring of battery state of charge, temperature, current, and will enable the autonomous initiation, execution, and termination of the charging cycle via Bluetooth communication. Testing of the WIBOTIC induction charging system demonstrated reliable power transfer under both aligned and misaligned conditions. This project demonstrated the ability of an autonomously navigating surface rover to independently plan a path to the charging station, dock, and the charging station to autonomously deploy a robotic charging arm and initiate charging of the rover. This work details the progress made to demonstrate the feasibility of autonomous surface rover navigation and recharging systems.

Megan Steele↗
NASA NTRS1986

A new instrument to measure charged and neutral cometary dust particles at low and high impact velocities

A new class of dust particle detector, the PVDF dust detector, was designed for space missions such as the Halley Comet missions where the particle impact velocity is very high. It is demonstrated that this same PVDF detector (operating in a different mode) also has the capability of detecting dust particles having low velocity (approx. 100 m/s). This low velocity detection capability is extremely important in terms of planned missions requiring measurement of low velocity dust particles such as comet rendezvous missions. An additional detecting element (charge induction cylinder) was also developed which, when combined with a PVDF detector, yields a system which will measure the charge (magnitude and sign) carried by a cometary particle as well as the particle velocity and mass for impact velocities in the range 100 to 500 m/s. Since the cylinder-PVDF detector system has a relatively small geometry factors, an array of PVDF detectors was included having a total sensing area of 0.1 sq m for measurements in regions of space where the dust flux is expected to be low. The characteristics of the detectors in this array have been chosen to provide optimum mass sensitivity for both low-velocity cometary dust as well as high-velocity asteroid associated and interplanetary dust.

Economon, T.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Integrated Magnetics for Multiport Inductive and Conductive Power Transfer Architecture for Electric Vehicles

This paper proposes a shared magnetic arrangement for an electric-vehicle charger that supports both conductive and inductive charging while preserving independent power control at the two ports. In the proposed implementation, the high-frequency transformer used for the conductive path and the resonant inductor required by the inductive path are realized in an integrated form. By combining the magnetic structure and primary-side converter hardware, the charger can deliver improved hardware utilization and higher power density without a corresponding increase in cost or implementation complexity. The paper describes the magnetic realization and presents finite-element and circuit-level simulation results to confirm minimal interaction between the two charging paths. The study demonstrates that the proposed charger is a viable option for flexible, high-power EV charging systems.

Mukherjee, Subho [ORNL] (ORCID:0009000672297925)↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Unified Off-Board Charger for Three-Phase Inductive and Single-Phase Conductive EV Charging

This paper presents a unified off-board charger integrating a three-phase inductive power transfer (IPT) system and a single-phase conductive (plug-in) charger for electric vehicles (EVs). The proposed charger shares a high-frequency inverter and an integrated magnetic structure that enables three operating modes: conductive charging, inductive charging, and simultaneous charging. The transmitter coils for the three-phase IPT and the high-frequency transformer windings for the conductive charger are arranged on a common ferrite pad while maintaining magnetic decoupling between the two power transfer paths. The proposed unified architecture effectively increases charger utilization and power density without a proportional increase in cost, weight, or volume. Finite-element analysis using Ansys Maxwell confirms negligible coupling between the inductive and conductive coils, and the extracted parameters are employed in PLECS simulations to verify the independent operation of each charging mode.

Jo, Cheolhui [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000322692434)↗
DOE OSTI2024

The DAMIC-M Low Background Chamber

The DArk Matter In CCDs at Modane (DAMIC-M) experiment isdesigned to search for light dark matter (m$_{χ}$ < 10 GeV/c$^{2}$)at the Laboratoire Souterrain de Modane (LSM) in France. DAMIC-Mwill use skipper charge-coupled devices (CCDs) as a kg-scale activedetector target. Its single-electron resolution will enable eV-scaleenergy thresholds and thus world-leading sensitivity to a range ofhidden sector dark matter candidates. A DAMIC-M prototype, the LowBackground Chamber (LBC), has been taking data at LSM since2022. The LBC provides a low-background environment, which has beenused to characterize skipper CCDs, study dark current, and measureradiopurity of materials planned for DAMIC-M. It also allows testingof various subsystems like readout electronics, data acquisitionsoftware, and slow control. This paper describes the technicaldesign and performance of the LBC.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Three and Two Phase Rotating Field Inductive Couplers for Wireless Power Transfer with One Phase per Layer Windings

Multiphase inductive wireless charging coils have been proposed recently to improve coupler surface power density, reduce component stress and size, and provide near-constant power delivery to charge mobile electric systems. Several aspects for the fundamental characterization of multiphase coils are explored up to six phases including approximate mutual inductance with size and turn variation, induced voltage, and output power estimation. The relative component stress and size of passive components for resonant operation are compared between the multiphase variants. A combination of an experimentally validated 3D electromagnetic finite element analysis (FEA) and power electronic co-simulations are used to validate the estimated quantities approximated with a mixture of analytical equations and an artificial neural network model for mutual inductance. A novel three-phase transmitter, two-phase receiver coil pair is also proposed for electric vehicle charging to reduce the number of connections and compensation complexity on the vehicle-side with improved power output compared to a two-phase configuration.

Lewis, Donovin D. [University of Kentucky]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multi-phase Wireless Power Transfer with High Power Density Inductive Coils for Electric Drone Charging

Wireless charging of unmanned ground vehi-cles and aircraft has been proposed to increase charging reliability and security, allow for autonomous functionality, and either reduce battery size or increase continuous flight time. This paper proposes a three-phase Litz wire primary and a two-phase PCB secondary for high secondary-side power density considering misalignment tolerances, surface and volumetric power density, and coil sizing. Elec-tromagnetic 3D finite element analysis (FEA) simulations are conducted to study variation in mutual inductance and coupling coefficient with different secondary coil sizes and number of turns, horizontal and vertical misalignment between the primary and secondary, and a combination of both for a set of designs with the same rated power. Results indicate that receiver coils of reduced size relative to the primary can deliver rated power for increased power density and higher tolerance to misalignment.

Gastineau, Lucas [University of Kentucky]↗
NASA NTRS1991

A new probe for measuring small electric fields in plasmas

A dipolar double probe has been developed for in situ measurements of small electric fields in laboratory plasmas. The probe measures dc to ac electric fields (f values between 0 and 20 MHz) with high sensitivity (Emin about 10 microV/cm) and responds to both space charge electric fields and inductive electric fields. Using voltage-to-frequency conversion, the probe signal is obtained free of errors and loading effects by a transmission line. Various examples of useful applications for the new probe are presented, such as measurements of dc ambipolar fields, ac space-charge fields of ion acoustic waves, ac inductive fields of whistler waves, and mixed inductive and space-charge electric fields in current-carrying magnetoplasmas.

Stenzel, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Double layer formation

An investigation is conducted of the plasma processes which occur during the formation of a double layer in response to an applied initial electric field, when triggered by a current in the plasma. The important feature of the formation process was the creation of an ion-rich plasma-density cavity. The positive space charge of the cavity was shielded by induction of a negative space charge on the low potential side of the cavity, giving rise to the formation of a fully developed double layer. The shielding was complete only when the electron current from the low potential side exceeded the electron thermal current. It was found that during the formation of double layers counterstreaming electrons are generated. Moreover, transient double layers with reverse polarity also occur during this phase. Thus, the recurring formation of double layers can give rise to flickering double layers.

Singh, N.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Automated seed manipulation and planting

Activities for the Fall Semester, 1987 focused on investigating the mechanical/electrical properties of wheat seeds and forming various Seed Planting System (SPS) concepts based on those properties. The Electrical Division of the design group was formed to devise an SPS using electrostatic charge fields for seeding operations. Experiments concerning seed separation using electrical induction (rearranging of the charges within the seed) were conducted with promising results. The seeds, when exposed to the high voltage and low current field produced by a Van de Graff generator, were observed to move back and forth between two electrodes. An SPS concept has been developed based on this phenomena, and will be developed throughout the Spring Semester, 1988. The Mechanical Division centered on SPS concepts involving valves, pumps, and fluids to separate and deliver seeds. An SPS idea utilizing the pressure difference caused by air as it rushes out of holes drilled in the wall of a closed container has been formulated and will be considered for future development. Also, a system of seed separation and delivery employing a combination of centrifugal force, friction, and air flow was considered.

Garcia, Ray↗
NASA NTRS1982

The 22-year solar cycle - A heliospheric oscillation

A new mechanism is proposed for the origin of the 22-year solar cycle in which the solar cycle is caused by a large scale oscillation of the heliosphere. In its simplest terms the oscillation is directly analogous to an LC oscillator, with the heliospheric current system providing the inductance, and accumulated charge near the heliosphere boundary providing the capacitance. Estimates of the oscillation period using reasonable parameters are close to 22 years.

Gurnett, D. A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Improving Longitudinal Impedance of Inductive Inserts

In this article, we discuss methods for improving the longitudinal impedance of inductive inserts used for space charge compensation in the proton storage ring (PSR) at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Facility. The PSR relies on inductive inserts to counteract the capacitive impedance produced by the space charge of the proton beam, which can otherwise lead to beam debunching. Existing inductive inserts, which utilize Toshiba M4C21A ferrite, have been effective but require heating to reduce resistive components that can cause instabilities at higher frequencies. This article explores the potential of alternative ferrite materials, specifically National Magnetics C2050, to enhance the performance of these inserts by reducing the need for heating and minimizing resistive impedance. Through both analytical modeling and CST Particle Studio simulations, it is demonstrated that optimized ferrite materials and geometries can significantly improve space charge compensation while mitigating instability risks, ultimately enhancing the performance of the PSR.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1975

Charge-transfer energy in closed-shell ion-atom interactions

The importance of charge-transfer energy in the interactions between closed-shell ions and atoms is investigated. Ab initio calculations on H(plus)-He and Li(plus)-He are used as a guide for the construction of approximate methods for the estimation of the charge-transfer energy for more complicated systems. For many alkali ion-rate gas systems the charge-transfer energy is comparable to the induction energy in the region of the potential minimum, although for doubly charged alkaline-earth ions in rare gases the induction energy always dominates. Surprisingly, an empirical combination of repulsion energy plus asymptotic induction energy plus asymptotic dispersion energy seems to give a fair representation of the total interaction, especially if the repulsion energy is parameterized, despite the omission of any explicit charge-transfer contribution. More refined interaction models should consider the charge-transfer energy contribution.

Alvarez-Rizzatti, M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Transient current interruption mechanism in a magnetically delayed vacuum switch

The capacity of a magnetically delayed vacuum switch to conduct current depends on the density of plasma injected into the switch. Exceeding the current capacity results in the switch entering a lossy mode of operation characterized by a transient interruption of the main current (opening behavior) and a rapid increase of voltage across the vacuum gap. Streak and framing photographs of the discharge indicate that a decrease of luminosity near the middle of the gap preceeds the transition to the opening phase. The zone of low luminosity propagates toward the cathode. This evidence suggests that the mechanism causing the opening phase is erosion of the background plasma in a manner similar to that in a plasma-opening switch. The resulting ion depletion forces a space-charge-limited conduction mode. The switch inductance maintains a high discharge current even during the space-charge-limited conduction phase, thus producing high internal fields. The high accelerating voltage, in turn, produces electron and ion beams that heat the electrode surfaces. As a result of the heating, jets of electrode vapor issue from the electrodes, either cathode or anode, depending on the selection of electrode materials.

Morris, Gibson, Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Thermal Shock-Resistant Composite Crucible

Heating rates of 350 degrees F per minute have not caused cracking. Surrounding inner crucible is annulus of loosely packed alumina powder, which serves as compressible insulating material. Second annulus consisting of section of fused-quartz tubing surrounds and retains alumina powder. Quartz tube held in place by refractory cement helps to contain alumina powder. Small holes in upper ring of cement allow alumina powder to outgas during operation in vacuum. Originally intended for use in Chill Block Melt Spinning (CBMS) apparatus, crucible adaptable to other operations involving rapid self-induction heating of metallic charges.

Geringer, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Pulsed currents carried by whistlers. I - Excitation by magnetic antennas

Time-varying plasma currents associated with low-frequency whistlers have been investigated experimentally. Pulsed currents are induced in the uniform, boundary-free interior of a large laboratory plasma by means of insulated magnetic antennas. The time-varying magnetic field is measured in three dimensions, and the current density is calculated from del x B(r,t) = mu(0)J, where J includes the displacement current density. Typical fields B(r,t) and J(r,t) induced by a magnetic loop antenna show three-dimensional helices due to linked toroidal and solenoidal field topologies. Constant amplitude and phase surfaces assume conical shapes since the propagation speed along B0 is higher than oblique to B0. The electric field in the wave packet contains both inductive and space-charge contributions, the latter arising from the different dynamics of electrons and ions. The dominant electric field in a whistler packet is a radial space-charge field.

Stenzel, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Inductively-Activated Short-Interval Timer

Timing circuit in pneumatically launched projectile triggers explosive charge in projectile at specified delay after launch. Both power and control signals coupled inductively to timer from stationary launcher circuitry. Eliminates need for direct electrical contacts, which are unreliable and generate sparks that trigger explosive accidentally. Inductive coupling also provides higher reliability in field operation than contacts. Concept useful in such other safety-related applications as remotely or automatically controlling flow of bottled flammable gas.

Wiker, Gordon A.↗