Propulsion

Briefs: Propulsion

Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Medium Entropy Alloy

This additively manufactured alloy is tailored for high-temperature applications.

Briefs: Propulsion

High-Power Microwaves for Launching Space-Bound Rockets

Using microwaves reduces the cost of launching rockets.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

3D-Printed Nanosatellite Thruster Emits Pure Ions

The thruster provides a low-cost, extremely efficient propulsion source for miniature satellites.

Briefs: Power

Rotating Detonation Engines for Rocket Propulsion

These engines will allow upper stage rockets for space missions to become lighter, travel farther, and burn more cleanly.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Hybrid Propellant Formulation Uses Graphene Foams

This method increases burn rate of solid propellants.

Briefs: Propulsion

Hybrid-Electric Plane Concept Could Reduce Air Pollution

The proposed design could reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 95 percent.

Briefs: Energy

Rocket Thruster Exploits the Mechanism Behind Solar Flares

Thrusters based on magnetic reconnection could complete long-distance missions in a shorter period of time.

Briefs: Energy

Electrohydraulically Actuated Valve Train

The new technology demonstrates a 20 percent savings in fuel in typical passenger car low-load operating conditions.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

SMART Solar Sail

The miniaturized, autonomous, reconfigurable solar sail is capable of very fine maneuvering by small surface deformation.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Machine Learning Enables Rapid Rocket Engine Design

This method provides a fast way to assess rocket engine performance in a variety of operating conditions.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Supersonic Spike Diffuser

This diffuser provides double the pumping efficiency in one-quarter the space.

Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing

Green Jet Fuel Additive Made from Acetone Plus Light

The additive creates fuel from biomass while improving engine performance.

Briefs: Propulsion

Power System for Hybrid Heavy-Duty Trucks

Electric motors and gas-alcohol engines could slash pollution levels and greenhouse gases from long-haul trucks.

Briefs: Propulsion

CubeSat Form Factor Thermal Control Louvers

These louvers provide passive thermal cooling for CubeSats.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Methylotrophic Microorganisms Expressing Soluble Methane Monooxygenase Proteins

This technology enables methane metabolism by yeast.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Superconductivity in a Nickel Oxide Material

Made with “Jenga chemistry,” the material could help in understanding how high-temperature superconductors work.

Briefs: Propulsion

Metallization for SiC Semiconductors

This technology provides simultaneous ohmic contacts and the process to make them.

Briefs: Propulsion

De-Orbit Device for SmallSats

This retractable de-orbit device facilitates targeted re-entry, attitude and orbital control, and collision avoidance.

Briefs: Software

Software Accelerates Engine Development for Hypersonic Flight

A numerical modeling tool allows for a better understanding of rotating detonation engines (RDEs).

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Microrobots Activated by Laser Pulses for Treating Tumors

Microrobots that can deliver drugs to specific spots inside the body while being monitored and controlled from outside the body have been developed that also can treat tumors in the...

Briefs: Materials

Origami-Inspired Material Softens Impact Forces

Landing is stressful on a rocket’s legs because they must handle the force from the impact with the landing pad. One way to combat this is to build legs out of materials that absorb some of...

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Generating Electrical Power from Waste Heat

Directly converting electrical power to heat is easy; however, converting heat into electrical power is not as easy. To address this issue, a tiny silicon-based device was developed that can...

Briefs: Power

Transforming Flat Elastomers into 3D Shapes

Mechanical systems such as engines and motors rely on two principal types of motions of stiff components: linear motion, which involves an object moving from one point to another in a straight...

Briefs: Motion Control

Directly Cooled Electric Motor Made from Polymer Materials

Making electric cars lighter also involves reducing the weight of the motor. One way to do that is by constructing it from fiber-reinforced polymer materials. A new cooling concept...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Achieving Carbon Footprint Reduction with Flywheel Technology

Recent technical advances have enabled flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) to become more compact and able to support higher-power applications. Due to their proven...