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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2017

Cart3D Simulations for the Second AIAA Sonic Boom Prediction Workshop

Simulation results are presented for all test cases prescribed in the Second AIAA Sonic Boom Prediction Workshop. For each of the four nearfield test cases, we compute pressure signatures at specified distances and off-track angles, using an inviscid, embedded-boundary Cartesian-mesh flow solver with output-based mesh adaptation. The cases range in complexity from an axisymmetric body to a full low-boom aircraft configuration with a powered nacelle. For efficiency, boom carpets are decomposed into sets of independent meshes and computed in parallel. This also facilitates the use of more effective meshing strategies - each off-track angle is computed on a mesh with good azimuthal alignment, higher aspect ratio cells, and more tailored adaptation. The nearfield signatures generally exhibit good convergence with mesh refinement. We introduce a local error estimation procedure to highlight regions of the signatures most sensitive to mesh refinement. Results are also presented for the two propagation test cases, which investigate the effects of atmospheric profiles on ground noise. Propagation is handled with an augmented Burgers' equation method (NASA's sBOOM), and ground noise metrics are computed with LCASB.

Prediction↗
DOE OSTI2025

Oscillate and renormalize: Fast phonons reshape the Kondo effect in flat-band systems

Here, we examine the interplay between electron correlations and phonons in an Anderson-Holstein impurity model with an Einstein phonon. When the phonons are slow compared to charge fluctuations (frequency 𝜔 0 ≪ 𝑈/2, the onsite Coulomb scale 𝑈/2), we demonstrate analytically that the expected phonon-mediated reduction of interactions is completely suppressed, even in the strong-coupling regime. This suppression arises from the oscillator's inability to respond to rapid charge fluctuations, manifested as a compensation effect between the polaronic cloud and the excited-state phonons associated with valence fluctuations. We identify a frozen mixed valence phase, above a threshold dimensionless electron-phonon coupling 𝛼* when the phonons are slow, where the static phonon cloud locks the impurity into specific valence configurations, potentially explaining the puzzling coexistence of mixed valence behavior and insulating properties in materials like rust. Conversely, when the phonon is fast (𝜔 0 ≳ 𝑈/2), the system exhibits conventional polaronic behavior with renormalized onsite interactions effectively 𝑈 eff due to phonon-mediated attraction, with additional satellite features in the local spectral function due to phonon excitations. Using numerical renormalization group calculations, a fully dynamic renormalization technique, we confirm these behaviors in both regimes. These findings have important implications for strongly correlated systems where phonon energy scales may be comparable to the Coulomb scale, such as in twisted bilayer graphene, necessitating careful consideration of interaction renormalizations in theoretical models.

Anderson impurity model↗
NASA NTRS2013

First X-Ray Diffraction Results from Mars Science Laboratory: Mineralogy of Rocknest Aeolian Bedform at Gale Crater

Numerous orbital and landed observations of the martian surface suggest a reasonably uniform martian soil composition, likely as a result of global aeolian mixing [1, 2]. Chemical data for martian soils are abundant [e.g., 2, 3], and phase information has been provided by lander thermal emission and Moessbauer spectroscopic measurements [3, 4, 5, 6]. However, until now no X-ray diffraction (XRD) data were available for martian soil nor has XRD ever been used on another body apart from Earth. XRD is generally considered the most definitive method for determining the crystalline phases in solid samples, and it is the method of choice for determining mineralogy. CheMin s first XRD analysis on Mars coincided with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of X-ray diffraction by von Laue. Curiosity delivered scooped samples of loose, unconsolidated material ("soil") acquired from an aeolian bedform at the Rocknest locality to instruments in the body of the rover (the laboratory). Imaging shows that the soil has a range of particle sizes, of 1-2 mm and smaller, presumably representing contributions from global, regional, and local sources.

Bish, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS2022

The Impact of Flooding on Food Security Across Africa

Recent record rainfall and flood events have prompted increased attention to flood impacts on human systems. Information regarding flood effects on food security is of particular importance for humanitarian organizations and is especially valuable across Africa's rural areas that contribute to regional food supplies. We quantitatively evaluate where and to what extent flooding impacts food security across Africa, using a Granger causality analysis and panel modeling approaches. Within our modeled areas, we find that ∼12% of the people that experienced food insecurity from 2009 to 2020 had their food security status affected by flooding. Furthermore, flooding and its associated meteorological conditions can simultaneously degrade food security locally while enhancing it at regional spatial scales, leading to large variations in overall food security outcomes. Dedicated data collection at the intersection of flood events and associated food security measures across different spatial and temporal scales are required to better characterize the extent of flood impact and inform preparedness, response, and recovery needs.

Connor Reed↗
DOE OSTI2022

Photolithography of atomic layer resist

In a method of atomic precision advanced manufacturing (APAM), an atomic or molecular resist layer on a substrate surface is selectively depassivated by locally exciting the substrate surface with an optical beam effective to eject adsorbed atoms or molecules from the substrate surface. The substrate surface is further processed by exposing it to a precursor gas, decomposing the precursor gas to release a dopant, and incorporating the dopant into the substrate surface.

Katzenmeyer, Aaron Michael↗
NASA NTRS1973

Arctic and subarctic environmental analyses utilizing ERTS-1 imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Physiognomic landscape features were used as geologic and vegetative indicators in preparation of a surficial geology, vegetation, and permafrost map at a scale of 1:1 million using ERTS-1 band 7 imagery. The detail from this map compared favorably with USGS maps at 1:250,000 scale. Physical boundaries mapped from ERTS-1 imagery in combination with ground truth obtained from existing small maps and other sources resulted in improved and more detailed maps of permafrost terrain and vegetation for the same area. ERTS-1 imagery provides for the first time, a means of monitoring the following regional estuarine processes: daily and periodic surface water circulation patterns; changes in the relative sediment load of rivers discharging into the inlet; and, several local patterns not recognized before, such as a clockwise back eddy offshore from Clam Gulch and a counterclockwise current north of the Forelands. Comparison of ERTS-1 and Mariner imagery has revealed that the thermokarst depressions found on the Alaskan North Slope and polygonal patterns on the Yukon River Delta are possible analogs to some Martian terrain features.

Anderson, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Telerobotics - Problems and research needs

With major emphasis on simulation, a university laboratory telerobotics facility permits problems to be approached by groups of graduate students. Helmet-mounded displays provide realism; the slaving of the display to the human operator's viewpoint gives a sense of 'telepresence' that may be useful for prolonged tasks. Using top-down three-dimensional model control of distant images allows distant images to be reduced to a few parameters to update the model used for display to the human operator in a preview mode to circumvent, in part, the communication delay. Also, the model can be used as a format for supervisory control and permit short-term local autonomous operations. Image processing algorithms can be made simpler and faster without trying to construct sensible images from the bottom. Control studies of telerobots lead to preferential manual control modes and basic paradigms for human motion and thence, perhaps, to redesign of robotic control, trajectory path planning, and rehabilitation prosthetics.

Stark, Lawrence↗
NASA NTRS1991

The spin state and homogeneity of Comet Halley's nucleus

The present model of the spin rate of Comet Halley, which takes the form of an excited, axially symmetric rotator with prolate spheroid shape, accommodates both the imaging data from the Vega and Giotto encounters and a range of ground-based data for CN jets and shells, C2 production rates, and photometric variability. The model ratio of moments-of-inertia maxima to minima, at 2.28, implies a nearly constant density distribution throughout its interior. One of the five localized areas on the nucleus which dominate the activity observed appears to be uniquely responsible for the initiation of CN-shell boundaries which propagate through the coma, and may be indicative of either large-scale chemical inhomogeneity or a surface region with unusual physical structure.

Belton, Michael J. S.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Method and system for near-field spectroscopy using targeted deposition of nanoparticles

There is provided in one embodiment of the invention a method for analyzing a sample material using surface enhanced spectroscopy. The method comprises the steps of imaging the sample material with an atomic force microscope (AFM) to select an area of interest for analysis, depositing nanoparticles onto the area of interest with an AFM tip, illuminating the deposited nanoparticles with a spectrometer excitation beam, and disengaging the AFM tip and acquiring a localized surface enhanced spectrum. The method may further comprise the step of using the AFM tip to modulate the spectrometer excitation beam above the deposited nanoparticles to obtain improved sensitivity data and higher spatial resolution data from the sample material. The invention further comprises in one embodiment a system for analyzing a sample material using surface enhanced spectroscopy.

Anderson, Mark S.↗
NASA NTRS2017

The Future of Evapotranspiration: Global Requirements for Ecosystem Functioning, Carbon and Climate Feedbacks, Agricultural Management, and Water Resources

The fate of the terrestrial biosphere is highly uncertain given recent and projected changes in climate. This is especially acute for impacts associated with changes in drought frequency and intensity on the distribution and timing of water availability. The development of effective adaptation strategies for these emerging threats to food and water security are compromised by limitations in our understanding of how natural and managed ecosystems are responding to changing hydrological and climatological regimes. This information gap is exacerbated by insufficient monitoring capabilities from local to global scales. Here, we describe how evapotranspiration (ET) represents the key variable in linking ecosystem functioning, carbon and climate feedbacks, agricultural management, and water resources, and highlight both the outstanding science and applications questions and the actions, especially from a space-based perspective, necessary to advance them.

Fisher, Joshua B.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A mass additive technique for modal testing as applied to the Space Shuttle ASTRO-1 payload

Traditionally, a fixed base modal test has been performed as a means of verifying the coupled loads math model for Space Shuttle flight payloads. An alternate method, a free-free configured payload using mass loaded boundary conditions, is presented as a means of verifying the coupled loads model of the ASTRO-1 flight payload. This method allows evaluation of the influence of local load paths into the frequency range of the free-free test. The method is cost effective and does not contaminate the modal test results with fixture coupled modes or boundary condition uncertainties. This paper describes the mass additive modal test technique as applied to the Space Shuttle ASTRO-1 flight payload.

Coleman, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Shock strength effects on separated flows in non-equilibrium chemically reacting air - Shock wave/boundary layer interaction

This work is part of a general study to examine the effects of nonequilibrium chemical reactions on hypersonic separated flows. In particular, the work presented is the first attempt to quantitatively predict the effects of impinging shock strength on the separation region in non-equilibrium chemically reacting air over a flat plate. Of special interest is the local heat transfer rate to the plate at the reattachment point. The effects of chemically non-equilibrium on the flow field are assessed by making direct comparisons to the results calculated assuming a calorically perfect flow. Chemical reactions are found to increase heat transfer rates, and this increase becomes significantly larger as Reynolds number increases.

Ballaro, Charles A.↗
NASA NTRS1958

Local Instability of the Elements of a Truss-core Sandwich Plate

The charts presented give the compressive buckling coefficients for a single-truss-core and a double-truss-core sandwich plate. These charts cover a wide range of sandwich proportions and may be used for sandwiches with unequal faces. They apply to inplane compressive loads acting parallel or perpendicular to the core direction or for various combinations of these loads. (author)

Anderson, Melvin S↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure of medium burn-up U-Mo monolithic fuel foils

Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), this study evaluates the microstructure evolution of U-Mo fuel foils made with and without heat treatment at medium burn-up (of approximately 5 x 10 21 f/cm 3 ). The impact of annealing treatments on critical microstructural properties of the U-Mo fuel foils, including porosity, grain structure, Mo homogeneity, and fuel interaction with the Zr interlayer, was examined using large area lift outs (LALOs). The heat-treated specimens presented less grain refining at these burnups when compared to the un-heated specimens. Grain refinement was associated with porosities and fission products precipitation. Heat treatment can reduce fuel swelling during irradiation. Chemical inhomogeneity (Mo banding) was found to persist in the un-heated samples but was not present in the heat-treated samples. Thus, heat-treated U-Mo foils allows for more predictable fuel behavior under irradiation with respect to un-heated foils. The U-Mo and Zr interaction layer appears to be thicker and more continuous in the heat-treated sample which has been associated with stronger interface integrity during irradiation, as also observed in previous studies. These observations may indicate an overall improved performance of heat-treated fuel foil in a reactor. Further, the effect of local burn-up on grain size/refinement and porosities in each LALO specimen, sampled from different positions in the fuel foil, was difficult to analyze due to the large standard deviation of these parameters. Finally, evidence of grain refinement by polygonization may be present in these specimens.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1961

Heat Transfer to Surfaces of Finite Catalytic Activity in Frozen Dissociated Hypersonic Flow

The heat transfer due to catalytic recombination of a partially dissociated diatomic gas along the surfaces of two-dimensional and axisymmetric bodies with finite catalytic efficiencies is studied analytically. An integral method is employed resulting in simple yet relatively complete solutions for the particular configurations considered. A closed form solution is derived which enables one to calculate atom mass-fraction distribution, therefore catalytic heat transfer distribution, along the surface of a flat plate in frozen compressible flow with and without transpiration. Numerical calculations are made to determine the atom mass-fraction distribution along an axisymmetric conical body with spherical nose in frozen hypersonic compressible flow. A simple solution based on a local similarity concept is found to be in good agreement with these numerical calculations. The conditions are given for which the local similarity solution is expected to be satisfactory. The limitations on the practical application of the analysis to the flight of the blunt bodies in the atmosphere are discussed. The use of boundary-layer theory and the assumption of frozen flow restrict application of the analysis to altitudes between about 150,000 and 250,000 feet.

Chung, Paul M.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mechanisms Controlling the Energy Barrier for Ion Hopping in Polymer Electrolytes

Here, the present work studies the mechanisms controlling the energy barrier for ion hopping in conducting polymers. Polymer electrolytes usually show Arrhenius-like temperature dependence of the conductivity relaxation time (characteristic time of local ion rearrangements) at temperatures below their glass transition T g . However, our analysis reveals that the Arrhenius fit of this regime leads to unphysically small prefactors, τ 0 $\ll$ 10 –13 s. Imposing a value of 10 –13 s for this parameter renders the fairly unexpected result that the energy barrier for charge transport in these polymers has strong temperature dependence even below T g . Our study also reveals significant temperature variations of the dielectric permittivity and the instantaneous shear modulus in the glassy state of these polymers. Using the Anderson and Stuart model, we demonstrate that these variations provide strong justifications for the temperature variation of energy barrier for ion hopping. Most importantly, the proposed approach reveals that the energy barrier controlling ion hopping in polymer electrolytes is significantly (~30–40%) lower than that estimated using traditional Arrhenius fit. These new insights call for revisions of many earlier results based on apparent Arrhenius fits, and the newly proposed approach can provide more accurate guidance for the design of solid-state electrolytes with enhanced ionic conductivity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Early Failure of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries at Practical Conditions: Crosstalk between Sulfur Cathode and Lithium Anode

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are one of the most promising next-generation energy storage technologies due to their high theoretical energy and low cost. However, Li–S cells with practically high energy still suffer from a very limited cycle life with reasons which remain unclear. Here, through cell study under practical conditions, it is proved that an internal short circuit (ISC) is a root cause of early cell failure and is ascribed to the crosstalk between the S cathode and Li anode. The cathode topography affects S reactions through influencing the local resistance and electrolyte distribution, particularly under lean electrolyte conditions. The inhomogeneous reactions of S cathodes are easily mirrored by the Li anodes, resulting in exaggerated localized Li plating/stripping, Li filament formation, and eventually cell ISC. Manipulating cathode topography is proven effective to extend the cell cycle life under practical conditions. The findings of this work shed new light on the electrode design for extending cycle life of high-energy Li–S cells, which are also applicable for other rechargeable Li or metal batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1986

Estimation of absolute water surface temperature based on atmospherically corrected thermal infrared multispectral scanner digital data

Airborne remote sensing systems, as well as those on board Earth orbiting satellites, sample electromagnetic energy in discrete wavelength regions and convert the total energy sampled into data suitable for processing by digital computers. In general, however, the total amount of energy reaching a sensor system located at some distance from the target is composed not only of target related energy, but, in addition, contains a contribution originating from the atmosphere itself. Thus, some method must be devised for removing or at least minimizing the effects of the atmosphere. The LOWTRAN-6 Program was designed to estimate atmospheric transmittance and radiance for a given atmospheric path at moderate spectral resolution over an operational wavelength region from 0.25 to 28.5 microns. In order to compute the Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) digital values which were recorded in the absence of the atmosphere, the parameters derived from LOWTRAN-6 are used in a correction equation. The TIMS data were collected at 1:00 a.m. local time on November 21, 1983, over a recirculating cooling pond for a power plant in southeastern Mississippi. The TIMS data were analyzed before and after atmospheric corrections were applied using a band ratioing model to compute the absolute surface temperature of various points on the power plant cooling pond. The summarized results clearly demonstrate the desirability of applying atmospheric corrections.

Anderson, James E.↗