Electrical/​Electronics

Thermal Management

Explore the latest developments in tools and tactics used in thermal management. Discover innovative advances from NASA and major research labs that address the challenges facing aerospace, energy storage, 3D printing, and other high-performance applications.

Blog: Imaging
'HEAT' Uses Cameras to Detect Facial Temperatures and Keep the Room Cool
Technology Leaders: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Next-Generation Non-Contact Body-Temperature Monitoring
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Metals Change Surfaces in Response to Heat
Briefs: Materials
Graphene Device with Superconducting, Insulating, and Magnetic Properties
Briefs: Energy
Wearable Device Monitors Health
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Top Stories

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

'HEAT' Uses Cameras to Detect Facial Temperatures and Keep the Room Cool

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Carbon Nanostructure is Stronger Than Diamonds

Videos: Aerospace

'Mini Rover' Can Wiggle Out of Martian Sand Traps

Videos: Automotive

Design Contest Winner Jon Sumroy Shares Success Story

Blog: Test & Measurement

Answering Your Questions: Will the 2020 Mars Rover Have Back-Up Features?

Videos: Test & Measurement

Hyper-Efficient 'SlothBot' Uses Innovative Power Management Technology

Latest Briefs & News

Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Composites with Electrical and Thermal Characteristics
These composites could improve how unmanned vehicles dissipate energy.
Products: Materials
New on the Market: June 2020
Industrial PCs, power modules, processor blades, and more.
Products: Test & Measurement
Product of the Month: June 2020 Tech Briefs
The K6PM provides continuous, remote thermal monitoring of critical components such as high-voltage control panels, transformers, and hydraulic equipment.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Spin Capacitor for Energy-Efficient Electronics
The capacitor could enable a new generation of electronics that will require less power and generate less heat.
Briefs: Materials
System Provides Cooling with No Electricity
This passive device relies on a layer of material that blocks incoming sunlight but lets heat radiate away.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Wearable Air Conditioning
This on-skin electronic device provides a personal air conditioner without electricity.
Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Products of Tomorrow: May 2020
A cryptographic ID tag, a high-reliability NASA switch, and a stretchable thermoelectric generator...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Analyzing Wear and Tear of Metal
A new method could enable vehicles and equipment to better withstand high temperatures, loads, and speeds.
Facility Focus: Imaging
Facility Focus: NASA Ames Research Center
This NASA center hosts the world’s greatest collection of wind tunnels and flight simulation facilities
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Maximizing Safety in Advanced Battery Systems
Fuse devices enable circuit safety in high-power applications, such as motion control and alternative energy generation, in addition to electric vehicles.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
High Thermally Conductive Polymeric Composites
These carbon-based fillers can be used in thermally conductive clothing such as liquid-cooled garments.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Model Predicts Breaking Point of Conducting Material
This work could accelerate the development of flexible electronics.
Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Shortwave Infrared Cameras for High-Temperature Manufacturing and R&D Processes
There are longwave, midwave, and shortwave camera systems—each with its own advantages for specific industries and uses.
Briefs: Defense
Low-Inductance DC Power Bus
The bus is designed for high-frequency, high-temperature operation in electric drive systems and next-generation power electronics.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Layered Composite Insulation
This cost-saving piping insulation has uses in refrigerated containers that protect food, medicine, and other perishables.
Briefs: Communications
3D Inductor Technology Expands Microchip Capability
Using 3D components on a standardized 2D microchip manufacturing platform uses up to 100 times less chip space.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Improved Model Predicts Heat Loss in Gallium Nitride Semiconductors
This new understanding can help chip manufacturers find ways to better diffuse the heat that leads to device damage and decreased device lifespans.
Briefs: Energy
Bio-Inspired Mechanics to Make Robots More Effective
This technology could impact new directions in robotics design.
Question of the Week: Energy
Will Cooling Coatings Catch On?

This month’s Tech Briefs featured a potential alternative to the air conditioner: A painted-on polymer coating that can cool down a building.

Facility Focus: Photonics/Optics
Facility Focus: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Explore Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA's first space flight complex.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Polymer Coating Cools Down Buildings
This coating acts as a spontaneous air cooler and can be fabricated, dyed, and applied like paint.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Thermally Conductive Polymer Films
These materials may replace metals as lightweight, flexible heat dissipators in cars, computers, cellphones, and refrigerators.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
3D-Printed Structures Morph from Flat Layers into Predetermined Shapes
The flat structure morphs into another shape when temperature changes, enabling self-deploying tents or adaptive robotic fins.
Briefs: Communications
Long-Distance LADAR System and Method
The system provides three-dimensional imagery of potential threats at closer ranges.
Products: Sensors/Data Acquisition
New on the Market: February 2020
Low-viscosity plastic; coin cell holders; oxidation-resistant coatings; and more.
Blog: Materials
New Coating 'Confuses' Infrared Cameras by Hiding Temperature Changes
"View it as an infrared privacy shield," says Professor Mikhail Kats.
Briefs: Imaging
The Planetary Tides Simulation Facility for Simulation Tidal Strain in Planetary Ice Analogs
Applications include modeling of tidal stress response of icy satellites as well as fatigue of terrestrial ice shelves.
Q&A: Materials
Q&A: A Shape-Morphing, Self-Healing Soft Composite
Have you heard of "Thubber?"
Briefs: Aerospace
Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft
A carbon nanotube heat shield can better protect extremely fast aircraft.

Webcasts

Upcoming Webinars: Aerospace

Understanding O-ring Complexity in the Aerospace Industry

Upcoming Webinars: Robotics, Automation & Control

The Path to High-Level Autonomy for Commercial Vehicles

Upcoming Webinars: Medical

COVID-19: The New Design Paradigm and Emerging Technologies

Upcoming Webinars: Robotics, Automation & Control

Why Multiple Sensing Modalities Are Required to Achieve Level 3...

Upcoming Webinars: Aerospace

Aviation Electrification: Choosing Your Motor Topology and...

Upcoming Webinars: Robotics, Automation & Control

Collaborative Robotics: Sharing the Workspace

Trending Stories

Application Briefs: Lighting

Harness Wireless IoT Sensors for Integrated Building Management

Facility Focus: Materials

Facility Focus: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Lightweighting in Aerospace Component and System Design

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Picosatellite Design Incorporates Thin Aluminum Structure and Self-Clinching...

NASA Spinoff: Materials

Alloy-Enhanced Fans Maintain Fresh Air in Tunnels

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Single-Event Latchup Protection of Integrated Circuits

Videos