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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 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1972

A comparative study of nonparametric methods for pattern recognition

The applied research discussed in this report determines and compares the correct classification percentage of the nonparametric sign test, Wilcoxon's signed rank test, and K-class classifier with the performance of the Bayes classifier. The performance is determined for data which have Gaussian, Laplacian and Rayleigh probability density functions. The correct classification percentage is shown graphically for differences in modes and/or means of the probability density functions for four, eight and sixteen samples. The K-class classifier performed very well with respect to the other classifiers used. Since the K-class classifier is a nonparametric technique, it usually performed better than the Bayes classifier which assumes the data to be Gaussian even though it may not be. The K-class classifier has the advantage over the Bayes in that it works well with non-Gaussian data without having to determine the probability density function of the data. It should be noted that the data in this experiment was always unimodal.

Hahn, S. F.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A comparative study of electric power distribution systems for spacecraft

The electric power distribution systems for spacecraft are compared concentrating on two interrelated issues: the choice between dc and high frequency ac, and the converter/inverter topology to be used at the power source. The relative merits of dc and ac distribution are discussed. Specific converter and inverter topologies are identified and analyzed in detail for the purpose of detailed comparison. Finally, specific topologies are recommended for use in dc and ac systems.

Stuart, Thomas A.↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-581: A Comparative Study of Standard IMRT and VMAT Planning Techniques for Unilateral and Bilateral Head and Neck Irradiation

Purpose: To compare dosimetric properties and monitor units (MU) of IMRT plans with several VMAT head and neck (H and N) plans. Methods: Seventeen unilateral H and N (UHN) and five bilateral H and N (BHN) patients initially treated with IMRT were replanned with VMAT. Several arc arrangements were studied for each patient: 1)for UHN, two 360° arcs, two 260° arcs, two 210° arcs, two 360° arcs with contralateral avoidance sectors, and 2)for BHN, two 360° arcs, two 360° arcs with bilateral avoidance sectors, two 360° arcs with bilateral avoidance sectors and a third arc limited to the upper neck. Optimization constraints were adjusted for each patient and plan. All plans were normalized to achieve the same highest-dose PTV coverage. Percent differences (IMRT-VMAT)/VMAT in MU, dose homogeneity (HI=maximum point dose/prescription dose), and organ-at-risk (OAR) metrics are reported and statistical significance evaluated (p<0.05; paired Student t-test). Results: Average reduction in MU with VMAT was 28% for UHN (p<0.0001) and 63% for BHN (p<0.0001). Average HI for UHN IMRT and 360° arc VMAT plans was 1.08 and for plans with arcs <360° average HI=1.10. Average HI for BHN IMRT was 1.07, for three-arc VMAT 1.08, and for two-arc VMAT 1.11. For UHN, two 210° arcs achieved lower contralateral parotid max (−2.6 Gy, p<0.02) and mean (−1.2 Gy, p=0.06) dose. For BHN two-arc plans, contralateral parotid mean dose increased (3.3 Gy, p<0.04) and larynx max dose increased (2.9 Gy, p<0.02) with no change in larynx mean dose. Conclusion: For UHN, 360degree arc VMAT consistently produced plans dosimetrically comparable to IMRT with the benefit of lower MU. VMAT with arcs <360degrees produced plans inferior to IMRT in dose homogeneity and without significantly improved OAR sparing. For BHN, three-arc plans were dosimetrically comparable to IMRT with lower MU, while two-arc plans were inferior to IMRT in HI and OAR dose. Research supported in part by a Kaye Family Award.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-355: A Comparative Study of Robotic and Linac-Based Stereotactitc Body Radiation Therapy for Lumbar Spinal Tumors

Purpose: Dosimetrically compare CyberKnife (CK) and linac-based (LB) stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) plans for lumbar spine. Methods: Ten patient plans with lumbar spine tumors treated with CK were selected and retrospectively optimized using three techniques: CK, volumetric modulated arc (VMAT, three arcs), and 9-field-intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). For the LB plans, the target volume was expanded by 1mm to accommodate additional uncertainty in patient positioning. All plans were optimized to a prescription dose of 27Gy in 3 fractions covering 90% of the PTV. If the dose constraints to the cauda equina (cauda) were not met, the prescription dose was lowered to 24Gy. Parameters evaluated included Paddick Conformity-Index (CI) and Gradient-Index (GI). A two-tailed paired t-test was used to establish statistically significant differences in cauda doses. Results: Target volumes for LB plans were on average 38% larger. In terms of the indices, the closer the index values to unity the steeper the dose falloff and the higher the dose conformity to the target. The results showed that LB plans were in general statistically superior to CK plans. The IMRT plan showed the best average gradient index of 2.995, with VMAT and CK GI values of 3.699 and 5.476, respectively. Similarly, the same trend occurs with the average CI results: 0.821, 0.814, and 0.758, corresponding to IMRT, VMAT, and CK. Notably, in one CK plan the target dose was reduced to 24Gy to meet cauda constraints. Additionally, there was a statistically significant dose difference for the cauda between the CK and LB plans. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that LB plans for lumbar spine SBRT can be as effective or even better than CK plans. Despite the expansion of the target volume, the LB plans did not demonstrate dosimetric inferiority. The LB plans Resultin 2-to-3 fold decrease of treatment time.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2002

Dosimetry and microdosimetry using COTS ICs: A comparative study

A new method using an array of MOS transistors formeasuring dose absorbed from ionizing radiation is compared to previous dosimetric methods., The accuracy and precision of dosimetry based on COTS SRAMs, DRAMs, and WPROMs are compared and contrasted. Applications of these devices in various space missions will be discussed. TID results are presented for this summary and microdosimetricresults will be added to the full paper. Finally, an analysis of the optimal condition for a digital dosimeter will be presented.

microdosimetry↗
DOE OSTI2025

State-level suicide mortality insights: a comparative study of VHA veterans and the whole US population

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the US Comparative State-level spatial analysis between Veterans Health Administration (VHA veterans) and the whole US population can reveal differences in conditions for targeted interventions and intricate geographical patterns. Methods: The study population contains 2018 and 2019 suicide deaths of VHA veterans and the whole US population. They were used to calculate state-level rates. States were classified by whether their VHA veteran and whole US population rates were above or below respective mean rates. Local Moran’s I was leveraged to examine spatial autocorrelation. Results: State-level suicide mortality rates and disparities among states were generally higher for VHA veterans (2018: 37.3 ± 7.2; 2019: 46.8 ± 8.3) than for the whole US population (2018: 16.6 ± 4.3; 2019: 16.4 ± 4.4). For both populations, there were statistically significant clusters with high suicide rates. Over one-fourth of states demonstrated inverse relationships, with rates above mean for one group but below for other. VHA veterans are at higher risk with over one-third of states had greater than average veteran suicide risk ratio. Conclusions: VHA veterans are at higher risk than the whole population across all states. Mortality disparities among states and clusters of states with high and low rates suggest targeted interventions and cooperative health strategies may help address these differences.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Comparative study on multifunctional behavior of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.24}Sr{sub 0.06}MnO{sub 3} and La{sub 0.88}Ca{sub 0.12}MnO{sub 3} single crystals

We have investigated electrical-transport, magneto-transport, magnetic and thermal properties of the hole doped La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.24}Sr{sub 0.06}MnO{sub 3} (LCSMO) and La{sub 0.88}Ca{sub 0.12}MnO{sub 3} (LCMO) single crystals, prepared using floating zone technique. The crystallographic direction dependence of metal to insulator transition (T{sub P}) occurs at 290 K along c-axis and T{sub P} = 280 K along ab-plane for LCSMO single crystal, while no electronic transition was observed over the whole temperature range under the magnetic field at 8 T for LCMO single crystal. Resistivity study shows that the T{sub P} is higher along the c-axis as compared to that in the ab-plane, so signifying more favorable hoping of electrons is along the c-axis in LCSMO. The ac-susceptibility study confirms that these crystals, revealing ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition temperature (T{sub C}) at 277 K for LCSMO and T{sub C} = 118 K for LCMO single crystals, which is close to the sharp peak around T{sub C} in heat capacity data. For magneto-electric device application point of view, these crystals show the maximum MR of 80% and 65% for LCSMO and LCMO single crystals at 8 T applied magnetic field respectively.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1993

A comparative study of multivariable robustness analysis methods as applied to integrated flight and propulsion control

Three multivariable robustness analysis methods are compared and contrasted. The focus of the analysis is on system stability and performance robustness to uncertainty in the coupling dynamics between two interacting subsystems. Of particular interest is interacting airframe and engine subsystems, and an example airframe/engine vehicle configuration is utilized in the demonstration of these approaches. The singular value (SV) and structured singular value (SSV) analysis methods are compared to a method especially well suited for analysis of robustness to uncertainties in subsystem interactions. This approach is referred to here as the interacting subsystem (IS) analysis method. This method has been used previously to analyze airframe/engine systems, emphasizing the study of stability robustness. However, performance robustness is also investigated here, and a new measure of allowable uncertainty for acceptable performance robustness is introduced. The IS methodology does not require plant uncertainty models to measure the robustness of the system, and is shown to yield valuable information regarding the effects of subsystem interactions. In contrast, the SV and SSV methods allow for the evaluation of the robustness of the system to particular models of uncertainty, and do not directly indicate how the airframe (engine) subsystem interacts with the engine (airframe) subsystem.

Schierman, John D.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Integrating AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor with Si: A comparative study of integration schemes

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor stacks deposited on a single growth platform are used to compare the most common transition, AlN to GaN, schemes used for integrating GaN with Si. The efficiency of these transitions based on linearly graded, step graded, interlayer, and superlattice schemes on dislocation density reduction, stress management, surface roughness, and eventually mobility of the 2D-gas are evaluated. In a 500 nm GaN probe layer deposited, all of these transitions result in total transmission electron microscopy measured dislocations densities of 1 to 3 × 10{sup 9}/cm{sup 2} and <1 nm surface roughness. The 2-D electron gas channels formed at an AlGaN-1 nm AlN/GaN interface deposited on this GaN probe layer all have mobilities of 1600–1900 cm{sup 2}/V s at a carrier concentration of 0.7–0.9 × 10{sup 13}/cm{sup 2}. Compressive stress and changes in composition in GaN rich regions of the AlN-GaN transition are the most effective at reducing dislocation density. Amongst all the transitions studied the step graded transition is the one that helps to implement this feature of GaN integration in the simplest and most consistent manner.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1997

Highly Reusable Space Transportation (HRST) Baseline Concepts and Analysis: Rocket/RBCC Options: A Comparative Study - Part 2

This study is an extension of a previous effort by the Principal Investigator to develop baseline data to support comparative analysis of Highly Reusable Space Transportation (HRST) concepts. The analyses presented herin develop baseline data bases for two two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) concepts: (1) Assisted horizontal take-off all rocket (assisted HTOHL); and (2) Assisted vertical take-off rocket based combined cycle (RBCC). The study objectives were to: (1) Provide configuration definitions and illustrations for assisted HTOHL and assisted RBCC; (2) Develop a rationalization approach and compare these concepts with the HRST reference; and (3) Analyze TSTO configurations which try to maintain SSTO benefits while reducing inert weight sensitivity.

Woodcock, Gordon↗
DOE OSTI2016

Comparative study of the cooling energy performance of variable refrigerant flow systems and variable air volume systems in office buildings

Variable air volume (VAV) and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are widely used in office buildings. This study investigated VAV and VRF systems in five typical office buildings in China, and compared their cooling energy use. Site survey and field measurements were conducted to collect the data of building characteristics and operation. Measured cooling electricity use was collected from sub-metering in the five buildings. The sub-metering data normalized by climate and operating hours indicated that the cooling energy consumed by VRF systems was up to 70% lower than that consumed by VAV systems. This was mainly because of the different operation modes of both system types that led to significantly fewer operating hours for the VRF systems. Building simulations were used to quantify the impact of operation modes of VRF and VAV systems on cooling loads. A prototype office building in China was used as the model. The simulation results showed that the VRF operation mode required much lower cooling load when compared to the VAV operation mode. For example, the cooling loads decreased by 42% in Hong Kong and 53% in Qingdao. Key findings include the following: the VRF systems operated in the part-time-part-space mode enabling occupants to turn on the air-conditioning only when needed and when the spaces were occupied. However, the VAV systems operated in the full-time-full-space mode limiting occupants’ control of operation. These findings provide insights into VRF systems operation and controls as well as their energy performance, which could help guide HVAC designers on system selection and building operators or facility managers on system operations to achieve low- or zero-net energy buildings.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS1977

A numerical analysis for a comparative study of the pointing accuracy of flexible satellites

The analytical models for flexible satellites have been reported earlier. Numerical results comparing the pointing accuracy of three-axes stabilized, spinning, and dual-spin satellites are presented here. The responses are compared for deterministic and random models with and without external torques. The performances of a uniform control system have been compared to a time-optimal control system for the same base-line configurations.

Huang, T. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A comparative study of soviet versus western helicopters. Part 2: Evaluation of weight, maintainability and design aspects of major components

A detailed comparative insight into design and operational philosophies of Soviet vs. Western helicopters is provided. This is accomplished by examining conceptual approaches, productibility and maintainability, and weight trends/prediction methodology. Extensive use of Soviet methodology (Tishchenko) to various weight classes of helicopters is compared to the results of using Western based methodology.

Stepniewski, W. Z.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Comparative study of water reactivity with Mo{sub 2}O{sub y}{sup −} and W{sub 2}O{sub y}{sup −} clusters: A combined experimental and theoretical investigation

A computational investigation of the Mo{sub 2}O{sub y}{sup −} + H{sub 2}O (y = 4, 5) reactions as well as a photoelectron spectroscopic probe of the deuterated Mo{sub 2}O{sub 6}D{sub 2}{sup −} product have been carried out to understand a puzzling question from a previous study: Why is the rate constant determined for the Mo{sub 2}O{sub 5}{sup −} + H{sub 2}O/D{sub 2}O reaction, the terminal reaction in the sequential oxidation of Mo{sub 2}O{sub y}{sup −} by water, higher than the W{sub 2}O{sub 5}{sup −} + H{sub 2}O/D{sub 2}O reaction? This disparity was intriguing because W{sub 3}O{sub y}{sup −} clusters were found to be more reactive toward water than their Mo{sub 3}O{sub y}{sup −} analogs. A comparison of molecular structures reveals that the lowest energy structure of Mo{sub 2}O{sub 5}{sup −} provides a less hindered water addition site than the W{sub 2}O{sub 5}{sup −} ground state structure. Several modes of water addition to the most stable molecular and electronic structures of Mo{sub 2}O{sub 4}{sup −} and Mo{sub 2}O{sub 5}{sup −} were explored computationally. The various modes are discussed and compared with previous computational studies on W{sub 2}O{sub y}{sup −} + H{sub 2}O reactions. Calculated free energy reaction profiles show lower barriers for the initial Mo{sub 2}O{sub y}{sup −} + H{sub 2}O addition, consistent with the higher observed rate constant. The terminal Mo{sub 2}O{sub y}{sup −} sequential oxidation product predicted computationally was verified by the anion photoelectron spectrum of Mo{sub 2}O{sub 6}D{sub 2}{sup −}. Based on the computational results, this anion is a trapped dihydroxide intermediate in the Mo{sub 2}O{sub 5}{sup −} + H{sub 2}O/D{sub 2}O → Mo{sub 2}O{sub 6}{sup −} + H{sub 2}/D{sub 2} reaction.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Assessing the Level of Inter-Sectoral Policy Integration for Governance in the Water–Energy Nexus: A Comparative Study of Los Angeles and Beijing

As concerns around water scarcity and energy security increase, so too has interest in the connections between these resources, through a concept called the water–energy nexus. Efforts to improve the integration of water and energy management and to understand their cross-sector relevance are growing. In particular, this paper develops a better empirical understanding on the extent to which governance settings hinder and/or enable policy coherence between the water and energy sectors through a comparative analysis of two case studies, namely, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, and the city of Beijing, China. This paper examines the extent to which the institutional context enables policy coordination within (vertically) and between (horizontally) the water and energy sectors in Beijing and Los Angeles. To do so, we propose a framework for analyzing policy integration for the water energy nexus based on environmental policy integration (EPI). The results highlight the multiple and flexible approaches of EPI in nexus governance, not least with regards to horizontal and vertical policy integration, but also in terms of explicit (i.e., intended) and implicit (i.e., unintended) coordination. The level of nexus-focused policy integration is highly dependent on the motivation at the local context and the criteria to evaluate policy success in each sector.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Expanding the Zinc Precursor Toolbox: A Comparative Study of Precursors for Thermal ALD of ZnO Thin Films

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of zinc oxide (ZnO) has been widely researched using diethyl zinc (DEZ)-based methods. The significant importance of thin films of ZnO as transparent conductive oxides (TCO) in optoelectronic devices and photovoltaics warrants examining alternative Zn precursors for ZnO ALD as potential replacements for the pyrophoric DEZ. In this study, we investigated three alternative Zn precursors: Zn(EEKI)2, Zn(DMP)2, ZnEt(HMDS), in the process development for high-quality ZnO thin films and compared them to DEZ. The ALD processes were studied using in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. The properties of the ALD ZnO films were characterized using ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and nuclear reaction analysis (RBS/NRA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) spectrophotometry. These measurements confirmed the formation of pure, stoichiometric, and polycrystalline ZnO films using all four Zn precursors. Although the selected precursors are chemically diverse Zn compounds, they all yielded saturating ALD processes and high-quality ZnO thin films at 200 °C. This study highlights the potential benefits of alternative zinc precursors in designing ALD processes for ZnO thin films.

Obenlüneschloß, Jorit↗
DOE OSTI2019

A Comparative Study on Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of A4, AE41, AS41 and AJ41 Magnesium Alloys

Microstructure, tensile and wear properties of as-cast A4 (Mg-4Al), AE41 (Mg-4Al-0.5Ce-0.5La), AS41 (Mg-4Al-1Si) and AJ41 (Mg-4Al-1Sr) alloys were investigated, and the results were compared with each other in this study. Microstructures were investigated by XRD, optical and scanning electron microscopes. Tensile tests were conducted at both room and elevated temperatures. Tribological properties were examined by pin-on-disk wear tests under different applied loads. Microstructure characterizations revealed that the volume fraction of second phases considerably increased by alloying additions of 1 wt.% Ce/La, Si and Sr. The microstructure of A4 alloy consisted of α-Mg grains and divorced β-Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} phases. After individual alloying additions of 1 wt.% Ce/La, Si and Sr, the secondary phases were primarily replaced by needle-shaped and massive blocky-shaped Al{sub 11}(Ce,La){sub 3} phases in AE41 alloy, Chinese-script-type Mg{sub 2}Si phases in AS41 alloy and divorced globular-like and massive blocky-shaped Al{sub 4}Sr and (Mg,Al){sub 17}Sr{sub 2} phases in AJ41 alloy. The tensile tests showed that at both room and elevated temperatures alloying additions of 1 wt.% Ce/La, Si and Sr resulted in an increase in the strength but a decrease in the ductility. Among the studied alloys, AS41 alloy exhibited the best strength. Wear test results showed that AE41 and AJ41 alloys similarly exhibited the best wear resistance owing to the presence of hard and dense intermetallics. Abrasion was the main wear mechanism under low applied loads while delamination, adhesion and oxidation mechanisms were majorly observed under high applied loads.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗