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At least 217 records · Page 12

STS-99 Crew Interviews: Gorie

Live footage of a preflight interview with Pilot Dominic L. Pudwell Gorie is seen. The interview addresses many different questions including why Gorie became an astronaut, the events that led to his interest, and his career path. Other interesting information that this one-on-one interview discusses is the purpose for the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The main interest is on the importance of this SRTM flight, the knowledge we will learn gain from the 3D topographic map of the Earth, and the possible similarity to the tethered Satellite System Flight. The two antennas that will be taking the pictures, the involvement of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), mass deployment and retraction, gravity gradient force, flight cast maneuvers, EARTHCAM, a student-controlled camera on the Endeavour Orbiter, and Gorie's responsibility during this 24 hour mission.

Source record↗

Multiscale Modeling of Reconstructed Tricalcium Silicate using NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool

To study microstructure characteristics of cementitious materials hydrated in space; previously, cement binder formations were processed under microgravity conditions and was further compared against ground-based experiments. For accurate estimation of process-structure-property linkage, particularly on samples hydrated in the microgravity environment, it is desired to have a high-fidelity volumetric representation of the microstructure. However, owing to small sample size and high porosity of the space-returned samples, conventional experimental characterization techniques are not viable. Hence, a deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm was employed to obtain high fidelity 3D volumes from sparse high resolution 2D Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images, as inputs to micromechanics-based modeling. This machine learning-based reconstruction methodology validated against low-order statistical descriptors, captured the microstructural topology of both sample types (ground, 1g and microgravity, μg). Due to the lack of gravity, hydration products of the samples processed in space differed from those processed-on ground. Such AI-generated virtual samples were analyzed in a multiscale recursive micromechanics approach using the NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool (NASMAT). Here, we present a methodology to rapidly integrate and evaluate these AI-generated volumes in NASMAT. The synthesized microstructural volumes are directly employed as Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) to preserve the fidelity (1 pixel = 0.54 m). Invariably, analysis of such largescale problems (5123 voxels) requires huge amount of computational resources. By taking advantage of the NASMAT architecture, we also focused on systematic multiscale integration of these AI-reconstructed virtual volumes to reduce the computational demands. In this work, this methodology is demonstrated on the ground-based, 1g samples. The estimated stiffness value of 15.90 GPa is comparable to experimentally obtained modulus of hydrated tricalcium silicate sample. The workflow presented here paves the way for utilizing the NASMAT tool to perform multiscale analyses of other multi-phase material systems using either 3D virtual datasets synthesized using AI or obtained via micro-CT.

Machine Learning↗

Transport across interfaces in symmetric orbifolds

We examine how conformal boundaries encode energy transport coefficients — namely transmission and reflection probabilities — of corresponding conformal interfaces in symmetric orbifold theories. These constitute a large class of irrational theories and are closely related to holographic setups. Our central goal is to compare such coefficients at the orbifold point (a field theory calculation) against their values when the orbifold is highly deformed (a gravity calculation) — an approach akin to past AdS/CFT-guided comparisons of physical quantities at strong versus weak coupling. At the orbifold point, we find that the (weighted-average) transport coefficients are simply averages of coefficients in the underlying seed theory. We then focus on the symmetric orbifold of the T 4 sigma model interface CFT dual to type IIB supergravity on the 3d Janus solution. We compare the holographic transmission coefficient, which was found by [1], to that of the orbifold point. We find that the profile of the transmission coefficient substantially increases with the coupling, in contrast to boundary entropy. We also present some related ideas about twisted-sector data encoded by boundary states.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Rotating black hole entropy from M5-branes

We compute the superconformal index of 3d N = 2 superconformal field theories obtained from N M5-branes wrapped on a hyperbolic 3-manifold. Exploiting the 3d-3d correspondence, we use perturbative invariants of SL(N, C) Chern-Simons theory to determine the superconformal index in the large N limit, including corrections logarithmic in N. The leading order partition function provides a microscopic foundation for the entropy function of the dual rotating asymptotically AdS 4 black holes. We also verify that the supergravity one-loop contribution to the log N term coincides with the field theoretic result. We propose a 3d-3d formulation for the refined topologically twisted index, and provide strong evidence in support of its vanishing — which agrees with the fact that the expected dual rotating magnetically-charged black hole does not exist. This provides an interesting link between gravity and a tantalizing mathematical result.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Emergence of Unstable Focused Flow Induced by Variable‐Density Flows in Vertical Fractures

Abstract Fluids with different densities often coexist in subsurface fractures and lead to variable‐density flows that control subsurface processes such as seawater intrusion, contaminant transport, and geologic carbon sequestration. In nature, fractures have dip angles relative to gravity, and density effects are maximized in vertical fractures. However, most studies on flow and transport through fractures are often limited to horizontal fractures. Here, we study the mixing and transport of variable‐density fluids in vertical fractures by combining three‐dimensional (3D) pore‐scale numerical simulations and visual laboratory experiments. Two miscible fluids with different densities are injected through two inlets at the bottom of a fracture and exit from an outlet at the top of the fracture. Laboratory experiments show the emergence of an unstable focused flow path, which we term a “runlet.” We successfully reproduce the unstable runlet using 3D numerical simulations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms triggering the runlet. Dimensionless number analysis shows that the runlet instability arises due to the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability (RTI), and flow topology analysis is applied to identify 3D vortices that are caused by the RTI. Even under laminar flow regimes, fluid inertia is shown to control the runlet instability by affecting the size and movement of vortices. Finally, we confirm the emergence of a runlet in rough‐walled fractures. Since a runlet dramatically affects fluid distribution, residence time, and mixing, the findings in this study have direct implications for the management of groundwater resources and subsurface applications.

Environmental Sciences & Ecology↗

The QBO as Potential Amplifier and Conduit to Lower Altitudes of Solar Cycle Influence

The solar cycle (SC) effect in the lower atmosphere has been linked observationally to the Quasi-biennial Oscillation (QBO), which is generated primarily by small-scale gravity waves. Salby and Callaghan analyzed the QBO observations covering more than 40 years and found that it contains a relatively large SC signature at 20 km. Following up on a 2D study with our Numerical Spectral Model (NSM), we discuss here a 3D study in which we simulated the QBO under the influence of the SC. For a SC period of 10 years, the amplitude of the relative variations of radiative forcing is taken to vary from 0.2% at the surface to 2% at 50 km to 20% at 100 km and above. This model produces in the lower stratosphere a relatively large modulation of the QBO, which appears to be related to the SC and is in qualitative agreement with the observations. Further studies are needed, (1) to determine whether the effect is real and the results are robust and (2) to explore the mechanism(s) that may amplify the SC effect. Quasi-decadal oscillations, generated internally by the QBO interacting with the seasonal cycles, may interfere with or aid the SC effect.

Mayr, Hans G.↗

STEREO/SECCHI Stereoscopic Observations Constraining the Initiation of Polar Coronal Jets

We report on the first stereoscopic observations of polar coronal jets made by the EUVI/SECCHI imagers on board the twin STEREO spacecraft. The significantly separated viewpoints (approximately 11 degrees ) allowed us to infer the 3D dynamics and morphology of a well-defined EUV coronal jet for the first time. Triangulations of the jet's location in simultaneous image pairs led to the true 3D position and thereby its kinematics. Initially the jet ascends slowly at approximately equal to 10-20 kilometers per second and then, after an apparent 'jump' takes place, it accelerates impulsively to velocities exceeding 300 kilometers per second with accelerations exceeding the solar gravity. Helical structure is the most important geometrical feature of the jet which shows evidence of untwisting. The jet structure appears strikingly different from each of the two STEREO viewpoints: face-on in the one viewpoint and edge-on in the other. This provides conclusive evidence that the observed helical structure is real and is not resulting from possible projection effects of single viewpoint observations. The clear demonstration of twisted structure in polar jets compares favorably with synthetic images from a recent MHD simulation of jets invoking magnetic untwisting as their driving mechanism. Therefore, the latter can be considered as a viable mechanism for the initiation of polar jets.

Patsourakos, S.↗

Multiphase Model of Semisolid Slurry Generation and Isothermal Holding During Cooling Slope Rheoprocessing of A356 Al Alloy

In the present paper, we present an experimentally validated 3D multiphase and multiscale solidification model to understand the transport processes involved during slurry generation with a cooling slope. In this process, superheated liquid alloy is poured at the top of the cooling slope and allowed to flow along the slope under the influence of gravity. As the melt flows down the slope, it progressively loses its superheat, starts solidifying at the melt/slope interface with formation of solid crystals, and eventually exits the slope as semisolid slurry. In the present simulation, the three phases considered are the parent melt as the primary phase, and the solid grains and air as secondary phases. The air phase forms a definable air/liquid melt interface as the free surface. After exiting the slope, the slurry fills an isothermal holding bath maintained at the slope exit temperature, which promotes further globularization of microstructure. The outcomes of the present model include prediction of volume fractions of the three different phases considered, grain evolution, grain growth, size, sphericity and distribution of solid grains, temperature field, velocity field, macrosegregation and microsegregation. In addition, the model is found to be capable of making predictions of morphological evolution of primary grains at the onset of isothermal coarsening. The results obtained from the present simulations are validated by performing quantitative image analysis of micrographs of the rapidly oil-quenched semisolid slurry samples, collected from strategic locations along the slope and from the isothermal slurry holding bath.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Tool for the Automated Collection of Space Utilization Data: Three Dimensional Space Utilization Monitor

Space Human Factors and Habitability (SHFH) Element within the Human Research Program (HRP), in collaboration with the Behavioral Health and Performance (BHP) Element, is conducting research regarding Net Habitable Volume (NHV), the internal volume within a spacecraft or habitat that is available to crew for required activities, as well as layout and accommodations within that volume. NASA is looking for innovative methods to unobtrusively collect NHV data without impacting crew time. Data required includes metrics such as location and orientation of crew, volume used to complete tasks, internal translation paths, flow of work, and task completion times. In less constrained environments methods for collecting such data exist yet many are obtrusive and require significant post‐processing. Example technologies used in terrestrial settings include infrared (IR) retro‐reflective marker based motion capture, GPS sensor tracking, inertial tracking, and multiple camera filmography. However due to constraints of space operations many such methods are infeasible, such as inertial tracking systems which typically rely upon a gravity vector to normalize sensor readings, and traditional IR systems which are large and require extensive calibration. However multiple technologies have not yet been applied to space operations for these explicit purposes. Two of these include 3‐Dimensional Radio Frequency Identification Real‐Time Localization Systems (3D RFID‐RTLS) and depth imaging systems which allow for 3D motion capture and volumetric scanning (such as those using IR‐depth cameras like the Microsoft Kinect or Light Detection and Ranging / Light‐Radar systems, referred to as LIDAR).

Vos, Gordon A.↗

A Differential Abundance Analysis of Very Metal-poor Stars

We have performed a differential line-by-line chemical abundance analysis, ultimately relative to the Sun, of nine very metal-poor main-sequence (MS) halo stars, near [Fe/H] = −2 dex. Our abundances range from −2.66⩽[Fe/H]⩽−1.40 dex with conservative uncertainties of 0.07 dex. We find an average [α/Fe] = 0.34 ± 0.09 dex, typical of the Milky Way. While our spectroscopic atmosphere parameters provide good agreement with Hubble Space Telescope parallaxes, there is significant disagreement with temperature and gravity parameters indicated by observed colors and theoretical isochrones. Although a systematic underestimate of the stellar temperature by a few hundred degrees could explain this difference, it is not supported by current effective temperature studies and would create large uncertainties in the abundance determinations. Both 1D and 〈3D〉 hydrodynamical models combined with separate 1D non-LTE effects do not yet account for the atmospheres of real metal-poor MS stars, but a fully 3D non-LTE treatment may be able to explain the ionization imbalance found in this work.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DEEPEN Leapfrog Geodata Model Cleaned and Reformatted Exploration Datasets from Newberry Volcano

DEEPEN stands for DE-risking Exploration of geothermal Plays in magmatic ENvironments. As part of the DEEPEN 3D play fairway analysis (PFA) conducted at Newberry Volcano for multiple play types (conventional hydrothermal, superhot EGS, and supercritical), existing geoscientific exploration datasets needed to be acquired, cleaned, reformatted, and assembled in Leapfrog Geothermal. This GDR submission includes all of the cleaned and reformatted (X (m), Y (m), elevation (m), processed data values) datasets used to build the Leapfrog Geodata model. Existing datasets were acquired from the GDR, from AltaRock, and from other sources. This yielded the following datasets: - Digital elevation model produced from LiDAR data by Ramsey and Bard, 2016 - MT surveys from 2006, 2011, 2014, and 2017 (including single inversions) - Gravity surveys from 2006, 2007, and 2011 (including single) - Earthquake catalogs from PNSN, LLNL, and the Newberry EGS Demonstration project - Seismic velocity model from Templeton et al., 2014 - The Frone, 2015 temperature model and a new one produced through extrapolating downhole temperature measurements and the SMU temperature at depth maps. Two versions of the new model are provided: 250 m spacing and 500 m spacing - EarthVision geologic model with alteration from Moser et al., 2016 - Well data from EGS well 55-29, deep geothermal wells, coreholes (GEO N-2 through 5) and several thermal gradient holes - "Newberry Well Data:" Location, simple lithology, directional survey data, and temperature data for the 34 wells and coreholes used in the Newberry PFA Although there are additional 2D datasets available in the area, such as aeromagnetic surveys, these were not included in the analysis. While it may be possible to project these datasets into three dimensions by assuming the surface measurements do not vary with depth, this method is associated with high uncertainty. Preexisting inversions of these data were unavailable, and inverting additional geophysical datasets is outside the scope of this project.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

NASA Tech Briefs, November 2012

The topics include: Visual System for Browsing, Analysis, and Retrieval of Data (ViSBARD); Time-Domain Terahertz Computed Axial Tomography NDE System; Adaptive Sampling of Time Series During Remote Exploration; A Tracking Sun Photometer Without Moving Parts; Surface Temperature Data Analysis; Modular, Autonomous Command and Data Handling Software with Built-In Simulation and Test; In-Situ Wire Damage Detection System; Amplifier Module for 260-GHz Band Using Quartz Waveguide Transitions; Wideband Agile Digital Microwave Radiometer; Buckyball Nucleation of HiPco Tubes; FACT, Mega-ROSA, SOLAROSA; An Integrated, Layered-Spinel Composite Cathode for Energy Storage Applications; Engineered Multifunctional Surfaces for Fluid Handling; Polyolefin-Based Aerogels; Adjusting Permittivity by Blending Varying Ratios of SWNTs; Gravity-Assist Mechanical Simulator for Outreach; Concept for Hydrogen-Impregnated Nanofiber/Photovoltaic Cargo Stowage System; DROP: Durable Reconnaissance and Observation Platform; Developing Physiologic Models for Emergency Medical Procedures Under Microgravity; Spectroscopic Chemical Analysis Methods and Apparatus; Low Average Sidelobe Slot Array Antennas for Radiometer Applications; Motion-Corrected 3D Sonic Anemometer for Tethersondes and Other Moving Platforms; Water Treatment Systems for Long Spaceflights; Microchip Non-Aqueous Capillary Electrophoresis (MicronNACE) Method to Analyze Long-Chain Primary Amines; Low-Cost Phased Array Antenna for Sounding Rockets, Missiles, and Expendable Launch Vehicles; Mars Science Laboratory Engineering Cameras; Seismic Imager Space Telescope; Estimating Sea Surface Salinity and Wind Using Combined Passive and Active L-Band Microwave Observations; A Posteriori Study of a DNS Database Describing Super critical Binary-Species Mixing; Scalable SCPPM Decoder; QuakeSim 2.0; HURON (HUman and Robotic Optimization Network) Multi-Agent Temporal Activity Planner/Scheduler; MPST Software: MoonKommand

Source record↗

PRIME ISS Ground Prototype

In Additive Manufacturing (AM) with metal powders, layers of material are deposited and fused to form metal 3D parts. However, in most cases, remnant powder still must be removed from interior cavities and channels to fully clean the part before use. Ground demonstrations such as ultrasonic cleaning have been proven to work during ground testing at MSFC and Florida State University. However, manufacturing in the low gravity environment of space introduces challenges to this powder removal. Therefore, if this concept could be demonstrated in microgravity, the ability to clean AM parts or contaminated parts can bring new advancements to in-space manufacturing (ISM). The goal of this work was to make significant progress on developing an ISS payload using the ultrasonic technology called Powder Removal in Microgravity Environments (PRIME). This would also create new opportunities for in-space manufacturing (ISM) and the additive manufacturing community to develop new standards and practices for powder removal and the cleaning of contaminated parts in space.

Microgravity↗

Deformed twistors and higher spin conformal (super-)algebras in four dimensions

Massless conformal scalar field in d = 4 corresponds to the minimal unitary representation (minrep) of the conformal group SU(2, 2) which admits a one-parameter family of deformations that describe massless fields of arbitrary helicity. The minrep and its deformations were obtained by quantization of the nonlinear realization of SU(2, 2) as a quasiconformal group in arXiv:0908.3624. We show that the generators of SU(2,2) for these unitary irreducible representations can be written as bilinears of deformed twistorial oscillators which transform nonlinearly under the Lorentz group and apply them to define and study higher spin algebras and superalgebras in AdS 5 . The higher spin (HS) algebra of Fradkin-Vasiliev type in AdS 5 is simply the enveloping algebra of SU(2, 2) quotiented by a two-sided ideal (Joseph ideal) which annihilates the minrep. We show that the Joseph ideal vanishes identically for the quasiconformal realization of the minrep and its enveloping algebra leads directly to the HS algebra in AdS 5 . Furthermore, the enveloping algebras of the deformations of the minrep define a one parameter family of HS algebras in AdS 5 for which certain 4d covariant deformations of the Joseph ideal vanish identically. These results extend to superconformal algebras SU(2, 2|N) and we find a one parameter family of HS superalgebras as enveloping algebras of the minimal unitary supermultiplet and its deformations. Our results suggest the existence of a family of (supersymmetric) HS theories in AdS 5 which are dual to free (super)conformal field theories (CFTs) or to interacting but integrable (supersymmetric) CFTs in 4d. We also discuss the corresponding picture in HS algebras in AdS 4 where the corresponding 3d conformal group Sp(4,R) admits only two massless representations (minreps), namely the scalar and spinor singletons.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Interface for Physics Simulation Engines

DSS-Prototyper is an open-source, realtime 3D virtual environment software that supports design simulation for the new Vision for Space Exploration (VSE). This is a simulation of NASA's proposed Robotic Lunar Exploration Program, second mission (RLEP2). It simulates the Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM), which is designed to carry up to four astronauts to the lunar surface for durations of a week or longer. This simulation shows the virtual vehicle making approaches and landings on a variety of lunar terrains. The physics of the descent engine thrust vector, production of dust, and the dynamics of the suspension are all modeled in this set of simulations. The RLEP2 simulations are drivable (by keyboard or joystick) virtual rovers with controls for speed and motor torque, and can be articulated into higher or lower centers of gravity (depending on driving hazards) to enable drill placement. Gravity also can be set to lunar, terrestrial, or zero-g. This software has been used to support NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in simulations of proposed vehicles for robotically exploring the lunar surface for water ice, and could be used to model all other aspects of the VSE from the Ares launch vehicles and Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to the International Space Station (ISS). This simulator may be installed and operated on any Windows PC with an installed 3D graphics card.

Damer, Bruce↗

Large ejecta fragments from asteroids

The asteroid 4 Vesta, with its unique basaltic crust, remains a key mystery of planetary evolution. A localized olivine feature suggests excavation of subcrustal material in a crater or impact basin comparable in size to the planetary radius (R(sub vesta) is approximately = 280 km). Furthermore, a 'clan' of small asteroids associated with Vesta (by spectral and orbital similarities) may be ejecta from this impact 151 and direct parents of the basaltic achondrites. To escape, these smaller (about 4-7 km) asteroids had to be ejected at speeds greater than the escape velocity, v(sub esc) is approximately = 350 m/s. This evidence that large fragments were ejected at high speed from Vesta has not been reconciled with the present understanding of impact physics. Analytical spallation models predict that an impactor capable of ejecting these 'chips off Vesta' would be almost the size of Vesta! Such an impact would lead to the catastrophic disruption of both bodies. A simpler analysis is outlined, based on comparison with cratering on Mars, and it is shown that Vesta could survive an impact capable of ejecting kilometer-scale fragments at sufficient speed. To what extent does Vesta survive the formation of such a large crater? This is best addressed using a hydrocode such as SALE 2D with centroidal gravity to predict velocities subsequent to impact. The fragmentation outcome and velocity subsequent to the impact described to demonstrate that Vesta survives without large-scale disassembly or overturning of the crust. Vesta and its clan represent a valuable dataset for testing fragmentation hydrocodes such as SALE 2D and SPH 3D at planetary scales. Resolution required to directly model spallation 'chips' on a body 100 times as large is now marginally possible on modern workstations. These boundaries are important in near-surface ejection processes and in large-scale disruption leading to asteroid families and stripped cores.

Asphaug, E.↗

Integrated Reflection Seismic Monitoring and Reservoir Modeling for Geologic CO 2 Sequestration

The US DOE/NETL CCS MVA program funded a project with Fusion Petroleum Technologies Inc. (now SIGMA) to model the proof of concept of using sparse seismic data in the monitoring of CO 2 injected into saline aquifers. The goal of the project was to develop and demonstrate an active source reflection seismic imaging strategy based on deployment of spatially sparse surface seismic arrays. The primary objective was to test the feasibility of sparse seismic array systems to monitor the CO 2 plume migration injected into deep saline aquifers. The USDOE/RMOTC Teapot Dome (Wyoming) 3D seismic and reservoir data targeting the Crow Mountain formation was used as a realistic proxy to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed methodology. Though the RMOTC field has been well studied, the Crow Mountain as a saline aquifer has not been studied previously as a CO 2 sequestration (storage) candidate reservoir. A full reprocessing of the seismic data from field tapes that included prestack time migration (PSTM) followed by prestack depth migration (PSDM) was performed. A baseline reservoir model was generated from the new imaging results that characterized the faults and horizon surfaces of the Crow Mountain reservoir. The 3D interpretation was integrated with the petrophysical data from available wells and incorporated into a geocellular model. The reservoir structure used in the geocellular model was developed using advanced inversion technologies including Fusion's ThinMAN™ broadband spectral inversion. Seal failure risk was assessed using Fusion's proprietary GEOPRESS™ pore pressure and fracture pressure prediction technology. CO 2 injection was simulated into the Crow Mountain with a commercial reservoir simulator. Approximately 1.2MM tons of CO 2 was simulated to be injected into the Crow Mountain reservoir over 30 years and subsequently let 'soak' in the reservoir for 970 years. The relatively small plume developed from this injection was observed migrating due to gravity to the apexes of the double anticline in the Crow Mountain reservoir of the Teapot dome. Four models were generated from the reservoir simulation task of the project which included three saturation models representing snapshots at different times during and after simulated CO 2 injection and a fully saturated CO 2 fluid substitution model. The saturation models were used along with a Gassmann fluid substitution model for CO 2 to perform fluid volumetric substitution in the Crow Mountain formation. The fluid substitution resulted in a velocity and density model for the 3D volume at each saturation condition that was used to generate a synthetic seismic survey. FPTI's (Fusion Petroleum Technologies Inc.) proprietary SeisModelPRO™ full acoustic wave equation software was used to simulate acquisition of a 3D seismic survey on the four models over a subset of the field area. The simulated acquisition area included the injection wells and the majority of the simulated plume area.

02 PETROLEUM↗