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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 1,801 records · Page 100

High-Q contacted ring microcavities with scatterer-avoiding “wiggler” Bloch wave supermode fields

High-Q ring resonators with contacts to the waveguide core provide a versatile platform for various applications in chip-scale optomechanics, thermo-, and electro-optics. We propose and demonstrate azimuthally periodic contacted ring resonators based on multi-mode Bloch matching that support contacts on both the inner and outer radius edges with small degradation to the optical quality factor (Q). Radiative coupling between degenerate modes of adjacent radial spatial order leads to imaginary frequency (Q) splitting and a scatterer avoiding high-Q “wiggler” supermode field. We experimentally measure Qs up to 258 000 in devices fabricated in a silicon device layer on buried oxide undercladding and up to 139 000 in devices fully suspended in air using an undercut step. Wiggler supermodes are true modes of the microphotonic system that offer additional degrees of freedom in electrical, thermal, and mechanical design.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Thermoelectric properties of two-dimensional topological insulators doped with nonmagnetic impurities

We present a theoretical study on the thermoelectric properties of two-dimensional topological insulators (2DTIs) doped with nonmagnetic impurities. We develop a tractable model to calculate the electronic band structure without additional input parameters and to evaluate the thermoelectric properties of 2DTIs based on CdTe/HgTe quantum wells. We find that with increasing the doping concentration of nonmagnetic impurity, the edge states dominate the thermoelectric transport and the bulk-state conduction is largely suppressed. For typical sample parameters, the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT (a quantity used to characterize the conversion efficiency of a thermoelectric device between the heat and electricity) can be much larger than 1, which is a great advance over conventional thermoelectric materials. Furthermore, we show that with decreasing the 2DTI ribbon width or the Hall-bar width, ZT can be considerably further improved. These results indicate that the CdTe/HgTe 2DTIs doped with nonmagnetic impurities can be potentially applied as high-efficiency thermoelectric materials and devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High-resolution Compton spectroscopy using x-ray microcalorimeters

X-ray Compton spectroscopy is one of the few direct probes of the electron momentum distribution of bulk materials in ambient and operando environments. Herein, we report high-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering experiments with high momentum and energy transfer performed at a storage-ring-based high-energy x-ray light source facility using an x-ray transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter detector. The performance was compared with a silicon drift detector (SDD), an energy-resolving semiconductor detector, and Compton profiles were measured for lithium and cobalt oxide powders relevant to lithium-ion battery research. Spectroscopic analysis of the measured Compton profiles demonstrates the high-sensitivity to the low- Z elements and oxidation states. The line shape analysis of the measured Compton profiles in comparison with computed Hartree–Fock profiles is usually limited by the resolution of the semiconductor detector. We have characterized an x-ray TES microcalorimeter detector for high-resolution Compton scattering experiments using a bending magnet source at the Advanced Photon Source with a double crystal monochromator, providing monochromatic photon energies near 27.5 keV. The momentum resolution below 0.16 atomic units (a.u.) was measured, yielding an improvement of more than a factor of 7 over a state-of-the-art SDD for the same scattering geometry. Furthermore, the lineshapes of narrow valence and broad core electron profiles of sealed lithium metal were clearly resolved using an x-ray TES compared to smeared and broadened lineshapes observed when using the SDD. High-resolution Compton scattering using the energy-resolving area detector shown here presents new opportunities for spatial imaging of electron momentum distributions for a wide class of materials with applications ranging from electrochemistry to condensed matter physics.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Atomistic measurement and modeling of intrinsic fracture toughness of two-dimensional materials

Quantifying the intrinsic mechanical properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials is essential to predict the long-term reliability of materials and systems in emerging applications ranging from energy to health to next-generation sensors and electronics. Currently, measurements of fracture toughness and identification of associated atomistic mechanisms remain challenging. Herein, we report an integrated experimental–computational framework in which in-situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) measurements of the intrinsic fracture energy of monolayer MoS 2 and MoSe 2 are in good agreement with atomistic model predictions based on an accurately parameterized interatomic potential. Changes in crystalline structures at the crack tip and crack edges, as observed in in-situ HRTEM crack extension tests, are properly predicted. Such a good agreement is the result of including large deformation pathways and phase transitions in the parameterization of the inter-atomic potential. The established framework emerges as a robust approach to determine the predictive capabilities of molecular dynamics models employed in the screening of 2D materials, in the spirit of the materials genome initiative. Moreover, it enables device-level predictions with superior accuracy (e.g., fatigue lifetime predictions of electro- and opto-electronic nanodevices).

Zhang, Xu↗

SU-E-T-42: A Method to Determine the Optimal Proton Scanned Beam Angle to Ensure Robust Treatment Planning

Purpose: The ability of pencil beam scanning (PBS) to deliver highly conformal dose distributions may be affected by patient- and physics-related uncertainties. In clinical practice, selection of proton beam angles is determined qualitatively. This study investigates whether an optimal proton PBS beam angle could be quantitatively determined to ensure robust planning for pelvic targets. Methods: PBS beam angles were optimized based on two independent criteria; shortest and most homogeneous path from the patient surface to the distal edge of the target. The beam angle optimization criteria for gantry angles between 90°-270° were quantified in 10° increments for each ray, calculated as the straight line distance from the surface of the skin to the CTV’s distal edge. The goal was to minimize the path length of a proton PBS beam from the patient surface to the distal edge of the CTV, relative to the entry point, while minimizing HU inhomogeneity along the ray. HU homogeneity (i.e. HU variation) was quantitatively defined as the standard deviation of the average intra-ray HU intensity distribution of the rays comprising a single beam. This method was validated relative to inter-fraction changes on ten consecutive, locally advanced, rectal cancer patients, who underwent an average 4 verification CTs. The displacement of the 95–98% isodose lines was determined from forward calculated dose distributions on verification CTs. Results: The posterior beam (180°) had the average shortest path length, 132.7±17.2mm, and the most homogenous path, 31.9±4.3HU. The 95–98% isodose lines from all plans verified our path length to within 2.3±1.2% and HU homogeneity to within 1.2±0.5%. Conclusion: The proposed optimization algorithm determined the posterior beam dose distribution as the most robust relative to inter-fraction variation for large pelvic targets treated with PBS and was validated via verification CT for our patient cohort. Future work will focus on further algorithm development.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Mortality and injury assessment for three species of fish exposed to simulated turbine blade strike

Injury and mortality of fish during downstream passage through hydropower turbines is among the leading direct impacts of hydropower. Understanding the relationships among various strike variables and injury and mortality rates are necessary for improvements in turbine design. We subjected three species of fish to simulated blade strike in laboratory studies with different blade thicknesses, impact velocities, and body orientations to develop relationships between these variables and probability of injury and mortality. Midbody strikes resulted in higher mortality than head strikes, and tail strikes produced the least mortality. Lateral strikes caused more mortality than dorsal and ventral strikes, and higher strike velocities and thinner blades contributed to increased mortality. Several injury types were significantly associated with increased mortality, including injuries to the operculum, gills, viscera, heart, liver, swim bladder, muscle, and bone fractures. Here, the results from this study will be used to define biologically based design criteria that can be used by turbine designers to improve designs (e.g., increased leading-edge thickness and slower turbine speeds) to minimize the probability and impact of blade strike.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Investigations on an 0.030-scale space shuttle vehicle configuration 140A/B orbiter model in the Ames Research Center 9 by 7-foot supersonic wind tunnel (OA53B)

A wind tunnel test of an 0.030-scale space shuttle vehicle orbiter configuration 140A/B model was conducted in the Ames Research Center 9- by 7-foot supersonic wind tunnel. This part of test series OA53 was conducted at Mach numbers of 1.60 and 2.00 and at Reynolds numbers ranging from 1.0 million per foot to 4.0 million per foot. The objective was to establish and verify longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic performance, stability, and control characteristics for the configuration 140A/B SSV orbiter. Reynolds number studies were performed on certain nominal control-setting configurations, and examinations were made of the incremental effects of an alternate wing leading-edge configuration and of a sealed elevon-split construction. Six-component force and moment data, base and cavity pressures, bodyflap, elevon, speedbrake, and rudder hinge moments, and vertical tail forces and moments were measured for the orbiter.

Nichols, M. E.↗

Space shuttle engineering and operations support. Isolation between the S-band quad antenna and the S-band payload antenna. Engineering systems analysis

The isolation between the upper S-band quad antenna and the S-band payload antenna on the shuttle orbiter is calculated using a combination of plane surface and curved surface theories along with worst case values. A minimum value of 60 db isolation is predicted based on recent antenna pattern data, antenna locations on the orbiter, curvature effects, dielectric covering effects and edge effects of the payload bay. The calculated value of 60 db is significantly greater than the baseline value of 40 db. Use of the new value will result in the design of smaller, lighter weight and less expensive filters for S-band transponder and the S-band payload interrogator.

Lindsey, J. F.↗

Low-speed wind tunnel investigation of an advanced supersonic cruise arrow-wing configuration

A preliminary assessment of possible means for improving the low speed aerodynamic characteristics of advanced supersonic cruise arrow wing configurations and to extend the existing data base of such configurations has been made. Principle configuration variables included wing-leading and trailing-edge flap deflection, fuselage nose strakes, and engine exhaust nozzle deflection. Results showed that deflecting the wing leading edge apex flaps downward provided improved longitudinal stability but resulted in reduced directional stability. The model exhibited relatively low values of directional stability over the operational angle of attack range and experienced large asymmetric yawing moments at high angles of attack. The use of nose strakes was found to be effective in increasing the directional stability and eliminating the asymmetric yawing moment.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

Noise characteristics of upper surface blown configurations: Analytical Studies

Noise and flow results of upper surface blown configurations were analyzed. The dominant noise source mechanisms were identified from experimental data. From far-field noise data for various geometric and operational parameters, an empirical noise prediction program was developed and evaluated by comparing predicted results with experimental data from other tests. USB aircraft compatibility studies were conducted using the described noise prediction and a cruise performance data base. A final design aircraft was selected and theory was developed for the noise from the trailing edge wake assuming it as a highly sheared layer.

Reddy, N. N.↗

Helical automatic approaches of helicopters with microwave landing systems

A program is under way to develop a data base for establishing navigation and guidance concepts for all-weather operation of rotorcraft. One of the objectives is to examine the feasibility of conducting simultaneous rotorcraft and conventional fixed-wing, noninterfering, landing operations in instrument meteorological conditions at airports equipped with microwave landing systems (MLSs) for fixed-wing traffic. An initial test program to investigate the feasibility of conducting automatic helical approaches was completed, using the MLS at Crows Landing near Ames. These tests were flown on board a UH-1H helicopter equipped with a digital automatic landing system. A total of 48 automatic approaches and landings were flown along a two-turn helical descent, tangent to the centerline of the MLS-equipped runway to determine helical light performance and to provide a data base for comparison with future flights for which the helical approach path will be located near the edge of the MLS coverage. In addition, 13 straight-in approaches were conducted. The performance with varying levels of state-estimation system sophistication was evaluated as part of the flight tests. The results indicate that helical approaches to MLS-equipped runways are feasible for rotorcraft and that the best position accuracy was obtained using the Kalman-filter state-estimation with inertial navigation systems sensors.

Foster, J. D.↗

LANDSAT-D investigations in snow hydrology

Progress on the registration of TM data to digital topographic data; on comparison of TM, MSS and NOAA meteorological satellite data for snowcover mapping; and on radiative transfer models for atmospheric correction is reported. Some methods for analyzing spatial contiguity of snow within the snow covered area were selected. The methods are based on a two-channel version of the grey level co-occurence matrix, combined with edge detection derived from an algorithm for computing slopes and exposures from digital terrain data.

Dozier, J.↗

VORCAM: A computer program for calculating vortex lift effect of cambered wings by the suction analogy

A user's guide to an improved version of Woodward's chord plane aerodynamic panel computer code is presumed. The guide can be applied to cambered wings exhibiting edge separated flow, including those with leading edge vortex flow at subsonic and supersonic speeds. New orientations for the rotated suction force are employed based on the momentum principal. The supersonic suction analogy method is improved by using an effective angle of attack defined through a semiempirical method.

Lan, C. E.↗

Cyclone development in the South Pacific convergence zone during FGGE, 10-17 January 1979

An analysis is presented of the life cycles of three different South Pacific cyclones. Emphasis is given to two of the cyclones which propagate south-eastward along the western edge of the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) and reach middle latitudes before decaying. The analysis is based on imagery from the GOES-West Satellite and on data from the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (EMWF). A comparison between estimates of the mean sea level pressure in the vicinity of the cyclones taken at observation stations and from ECMWF predictions shows good agreement when the cyclone disturbances are above grid-scale. The propagation characteristics of the cyclones are discussed in detail.

Vincent, D. G.↗

Range data description based on multiple characteristics

An algorithm for describing range images based on Mean curvature (H) and Gaussian curvature (K) is presented. Range images are unique in that they directly approximate the physical surfaces of a real world 3-D scene. The curvature parameters are derived from the fundamental theorems of differential geometry and provides visible invariant pixel labels that can be used to characterize the scene. The sign of H and K can be used to classify each pixel into one of eight possible surface types. Due to the sensitivity of these parameters to noise the resulting HK-sing map does not directly identify surfaces in the range images and must be further processed. A region growing algorithm based on modeling the scene points with a Markov Random Field (MRF) of variable neighborhood size and edge models is suggested. This approach allows the integration of information from multiple characteristics in an efficient way. The performance of the proposed algorithm on a number of synthetic and real range images is discussed.

Al-Hujazi, Ezzet↗

Development and verification of global/local analysis techniques for laminated composites

A two-dimensional to three-dimensional global/local finite element approach was developed, verified, and applied to a laminated composite plate of finite width and length containing a central circular hole. The resulting stress fields for axial compression loads were examined for several symmetric stacking sequences and hole sizes. Verification was based on comparison of the displacements and the stress fields with those accepted trends from previous free edge investigations and a complete three-dimensional finite element solution of the plate. The laminates in the compression study included symmetric cross-ply, angle-ply and quasi-isotropic stacking sequences. The entire plate was selected as the global model and analyzed with two-dimensional finite elements. Displacements along a region identified as the global/local interface were applied in a kinematically consistent fashion to independent three-dimensional local models. Local areas of interest in the plate included a portion of the straight free edge near the hole, and the immediate area around the hole. Interlaminar stress results obtained from the global/local analyses compares well with previously reported trends, and some new conclusions about interlaminar stress fields in plates with different laminate orientations and hole sizes are presented for compressive loading. The effectiveness of the global/local procedure in reducing the computational effort required to solve these problems is clearly demonstrated through examination of the computer time required to formulate and solve the linear, static system of equations which result for the global and local analyses to those required for a complete three-dimensional formulation for a cross-ply laminate. Specific processors used during the analyses are described in general terms. The application of this global/local technique is not limited software system, and was developed and described in as general a manner as possible.

Thompson, Danniella Muheim↗

A Method for Computing Leading-Edge Loads

In this report a formula is developed that enables the determination of the proper design load for the portion of the wing forward of the front spar. The formula is inherently rational in concept, as it takes into account the most important variables that affect the leading-edge load, although theoretical rigor has been sacrificed for simplicity and ease of application. Some empirical corrections, based on pressure distribution measurements on the PW-9 and M-3 airplanes have been introduced to provide properly for biplanes. Results from the formula check experimental values in a variety of cases with good accuracy in the critical loading conditions. The use of the method for design purposes is therefore felt to be justified and is recommended.

Rhode, Richard V↗

Investigation of Separated Flows in Supersonic and Subsonic Streams with Emphasis on the Effect of Transition

Report presents the results of experimental and theoretical research conducted on flow separation associated with steps, bases, compression corners, curved surfaces, shock-wave boundary-layer reflections, and configurations producing leading-edge separation. Results were obtained from pressure-distribution measurements, shadowgraph observations, high-speed motion pictures, and oil-film studies. The maximum scope of measurement encompassed Mach numbers between 0.4 and 3.6, and length Reynolds numbers between 4,000 and 5,000,000.

Chapman, Dean R↗

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