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At least 37 records · Page 2

Life associated with a 2.76 Ga ephemeral pond?: evidence from Mount Roe #2 paleosol

Dark sericitic material at and near the top of the 2.765 +/- 0.01 Ga Mount Roe #2 paleosol in Western Australia contains 0.05-0.10 wt% organic carbon with delta 13C values between -33% and -51% PDB (Peedee belemnite). Such negative isotopic values strongly indicate that methanotrophs once inhabited this material. The textures and the chemical composition of the dark sericitic material indicate that the methanotrophs lived in or at the edges of ephemeral ponds, that these ponds became desiccated, and that heavy rains transported the material to its present sites. The discovery of methanotrophs associated with the Mount Roe #2 paleosol may extend their geologic record on land by at least 1.5 b.y. Methanotrophy in this setting is consistent with the notion that atmospheric methane levels were > or = 20 (mu)atm during the Late Archean. The radiative forcing due to such high atmospheric methane levels could have compensated for the faint younger sun and helped to prevent massive glaciation during the Late Archean.

Non-NASA Center↗

Magnetomechanical damping in cryogenic TbDy

Vibration damping in polycrystalline TbDy alloys was studied at cryogenic temperatures. The material was prepared by cold-rolling to induce crystallographic texture, and was then heat-treated to relieve internal stress. Mechanical hysteretic losses were measured at various strains, frequencies, and loading configurations at 77 K. Some textured TbDy materials demonstrated 22.6% energy dissipation in mechanical measurements at low frequency (0.01 Hz) and a mean logarithmic decrement of 0.23 at a higher frequency (25 kHz). Ultrasonic velocities of longitudinal and shear elastic waves were measured on single and polycrystalline TbDy; little variation in ultrasonic velocities was found evenfor samples with large variation in crystallographic texture and magnetomechanical properties.

magnetomechanical TbDy↗

Radar determination of Mars surface properties

Radar studies of Mars have provided measurements of surface texture on scales of centimeters to hundreds of meters and measurements of surface material properties. Texture (rms surface tilts and estimates of small-scale roughness) may be inferred from dispersion and/or polarization of the radar echo; material properties (reflectivity of dielectric constant) are derived from echo strength. Mars is a diverse target; depending on location, rms surface tilts have been found to vary over the range 0.25 to 10 deg while reflectivity covers at least 3 to 13 percent. Plains units are the most variable, having both the smoothest and roughest surfaces, cratered terrain can be considered predictable and 'average' by comparison. Recent data identify scattering by small structures (perhaps rocks on or near the surface) as playing a more important role than previously recognized. Scattering by the residual ice cap near Mars' south pole is particularly unusual. The present state of radar surface studies is summarized.

Simpson, Richard A.↗

Ion beam sputter modification of the surface morphology of biological implants

The surface chemistry and texture of materials used for biological implants may significantly influence their performance and biocompatibility. Recent interest in the microscopic control of implant surface texture has led to the evaluation of ion beam sputtering as a potentially useful surface roughening technique. Ion sources, similar to electron bombardment ion thrusters designed for propulsive applications, are used to roughen the surfaces of various biocompatible alloys or polymer materials. These materials are typically used for dental implants, orthopedic prostheses, vascular prostheses, and artificial heart components. Masking techniques and resulting surface textures are described along with progress concerning evaluation of the biological response to the ion beam sputtered surfaces.

Weigand, A. J.↗

Ion-beam-sputter modification of the surface morphology of biological implants

The surface chemistry and texture of materials used for biological implants may significantly influence their performance and biocompatibility. Recent interest in the microscopic control of implant surface texture has led to the evaluation of ion-beam sputtering as a potentially useful surface roughening technique. Ion sources, similar to electron-bombardment ion thrusters designed for propulsive applications, are used to roughen the surfaces of various biocompatible alloys or polymer materials. These materials are typically used for dental implants, orthopedic prostheses, vascular prostheses, and artificial heart components. Masking techniques and resulting surface textures are described along with progress concerning evaluation of the biological response to the ion-beam-sputtered surfaces.

Weigand, A. J.↗

The emittance of space radiator materials measured at elevated temperatures

The spectral emittances of textured space radiator materials between 1.7 and 14.7 micrometer have been evaluated at room temperature and elevated temperature (630 C) in air. Heating in air caused a permanent increase in spectral emittance for all materials tested: HCl/ion beam textured 304 stainless steel, untextured Ti (6 percent Al, 4 percent V), and sandblasted Ti (6 percent Al, 4 percent V). Changes in the surface chemistry and/or surface morphology of these materials were also observed. Elevated temperature spectral emittance was measured in an argon atmosphere and compared to the measurements in air. Similarity between the room temperature and elevated temperature spectral emittance measurements was also investigated, and limited agreement was found.

Mirtich, Michael J.↗

Phase curves of materials on Io - Interpretation in terms of Hapke's function

Disk-resolved near-opposition phase curves, derived for regions on Io suggest differences in surface texture among materials of different color on the satellite. This suggestion is tested quantitatively, using a photometric function having physically meaningful parameters. Derived values of the Hapke compaction parameter suggest that (1) a large percentage of the material on Io's surface has a porosity significantly greater than 60 percent and (2) average and polar materials are significantly more porous than Bright material, a contrast consistent with the Matson and Nash (1983) SO2 cold trap model. For the color classes, and for Io as a whole, the degree of backscattering tends to increase toward longer wavelengths. The average macroscopic roughness of the Ionian surface, characterized by a mean slope angle of about 25 degrees, is similar to that of other solid surfaces in the solar system.

Simonelli, Damon P.↗

Martian fluidized crater morphology - Variations with crater size, latitude, altitude, and target material

The paper investigates the influence of crater latitude, target material, and elevation on the morphology of the ejecta facies and crater interiors as a function of crater diameter. It is shown that only pancake craters exhibit latitudinal variation in their distribution. It is also shown that several crater types are associated with specific target materials: radial textured craters are found primarily on Tharsis and Elysium lavas, and pancake craters are found on fractured terrain, old lavas, and channel materials. Craters formed on recent lavas more frequently possess secondary craters, central peaks, and terraces than primary craters found on other geological units. The maximum radial extent of fluidized ejecta is demonstrated to be a function of crater altitude and latitude.

Mouginis-Mark, P.↗

Textural evolution of partially-molten planetary materials in microgravity

Recent Earth-based experiments examining the textural evolution of partially-molten rocks have revealed two important ways in which surface energy considerations affect magma. An initial experimental program addressing surface-energy effects on partially-molten materials in microgravity would involve simple, isothermal treatment of natural samples (meteorites, perioditic komatiite) at preselected temperatures in the melting range. Textural evolution would be assessed by time studies in which the only experiment variable would be run duration. Textural characterization of each sample would be done by quenching, recover, and sectioning for generally later, computer-aided interpretation of features.

Watson, E. B.↗

Mineralogy and origin of Fra Mauro fines and breccias.

Textural features, glassy spherule and glassy aggregate contents, and size-frequency distributions of lithic components of the regolith fines indicate that the Fra Mauro regolith of the smooth terrain is a highly reworked accumulation of debris derived primarily by impact comminution of annealed breccias. Analyses of the glassy spherules suggest that mare-derived debris must amount to less than 5% of the regolith, but exotic materials having the composition of the Fra Mauro breccias (highland-like) cannot be recognized. Breccia samples from the Fra Mauro site include (1) regolith breccias derived by lithification of local regolith material, (2) texturally and compositionally unique white rock breccias that may have been derived from ancient ejecta buried beneath the Fra Mauro formation, and (3) annealed breccias that are excavated samples of the Fra Mauro formation. The latter were deposited as heated impact ejecta, probably by avalanches produced by the Imbrian event and were annealed in situ in a thermal regime perhaps equivalent to that responsible for the pyroxene-hornfels facies of metamorphism in terrestrial rocks.

Quaide, W.↗

A Framework for Inverse Prediction Using Functional Response Data

Inverse prediction models have commonly been developed to handle scalar data from physical experiments. However, it is not uncommon for data to be collected in functional form. When data are collected in functional form, it must be aggregated to fit the form of traditional methods, which often results in a loss of information. For expensive experiments, this loss of information can be costly. In this study, we introduce the functional inverse prediction (FIP) framework, a general approach which uses the full information in functional response data to provide inverse predictions with probabilistic prediction uncertainties obtained with the bootstrap. The FIP framework is a general methodology that can be modified by practitioners to accommodate many different applications and types of data. We demonstrate the framework, highlighting points of flexibility, with a simulation example and applications to weather data and to nuclear forensics. Results show how functional models can improve the accuracy and precision of predictions.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The photometric functions of Phobos and Deimos. II - Surface photometry of Deimos

Mariner 9 television pictures of Deimos are used to study the uniformity of a certain photometric scattering parameter over the surface of the satellite. It is shown that the photometric data considered satisfy the reciprocity principle and that the Hapke-Irvine scattering law is adequate for describing the surface. Phase functions for Deimos are obtained from scans along the photometric equator, and the photometric behavior of the brightest and darkest areas on the satellite's disk is examined. The results indicate that the surface of Deimos is covered uniformly by a dark and texturally complex material whose photometric behavior is well-represented by the Hapke-Irvine law, that the intrinsic phase coefficient of this material is about 0.017 mag/deg over the phase-angle range from 20 to 80 deg, and that slightly brighter material is present near some craters. Since enhanced brightening was not observed at the specular point of the photometric equator in any of the pictures studied, it is concluded that large exposures of solid rock are absent from the Mars-facing side of Deimos.

Noland, M.↗

Concepts of flywheels for energy storage using autostable high-T(sub c) superconducting magnetic bearings

A flywheel for energy storage using autostable high-T(sub c) superconducting magnetic bearings has been built. The rotating disk has a total weight of 2.8 kg. The maximum speed is 9240 rpm. A process that allows accelerated, reliable and reproducible production of melt-textured superconducting material used for the bearings has been developed. In order to define optimum configurations for radial and axial bearings, interaction forces in three dimensions and vertical and horizontal stiffness have been measured between superconductors and permanent magnets in different geometries and various shapes. Static as well as dynamic measurements have been performed. Results are being reported and compared to theoretical models.

Bornemann, Hans J.↗

Oxygen Isotope Systematics of Almahata Sitta

The Almahata Sitta (hereafter "AHS") meteorite was derived from an impact of asteroid 2008TC3 on Earth and is classified as an anomalous polymict ureilite. More than 600 meteorite fragments have been recovered from the strewnfield. Previous reports indicate that these fragments consist mainly of ureilitic materials with textures and compositions, while some fragments are found to be chondrites of a wide range of chemical classes. Bulk oxygen three isotope analyses of ureilitic fragments from AHS fall close to the CCAM (Carbonaceous Chondrite Anhydrous Mineral) line similar to ureilites. In order to further compare AHS with known ureilites, we performed high precision SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer) oxygen isotope analyses of some AHS samples

Kita, N. T.↗

Enigma Version 12

Enigma Version 12 software combines model building, animation, and engineering visualization into one concise software package. Enigma employs a versatile user interface to allow average users access to even the most complex pieces of the application. Using Enigma eliminates the need to buy and learn several software packages to create an engineering visualization. Models can be created and/or modified within Enigma down to the polygon level. Textures and materials can be applied for additional realism. Within Enigma, these models can be combined to create systems of models that have a hierarchical relationship to one another, such as a robotic arm. Then these systems can be animated within the program or controlled by an external application programming interface (API). In addition, Enigma provides the ability to use plug-ins. Plugins allow the user to create custom code for a specific application and access the Enigma model and system data, but still use the Enigma drawing functionality. CAD files can be imported into Enigma and combined to create systems of computer graphics models that can be manipulated with constraints. An API is available so that an engineer can write a simulation and drive the computer graphics models with no knowledge of computer graphics. An animation editor allows an engineer to set up sequences of animations generated by simulations or by conceptual trajectories in order to record these to highquality media for presentation. Enigma Version 12 Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 28 NASA Tech Briefs, September 2013 Planetary Protection Bioburden Analysis Program NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California This program is a Microsoft Access program that performed statistical analysis of the colony counts from assays performed on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) spacecraft to determine the bioburden density, 3-sigma biodensity, and the total bioburdens required for the MSL prelaunch reports. It also contains numerous tools that report the data in various ways to simplify the reports required. The program performs all the calculations directly in the MS Access program. Prior to this development, the data was exported to large Excel files that had to be cut and pasted to provide the desired results. The program contains a main menu and a number of submenus. Analyses can be performed by using either all the assays, or only the accountable assays that will be used in the final analysis. There are three options on the first menu: either calculate using (1) the old MER (Mars Exploration Rover) statistics, (2) the MSL statistics for all the assays, or This software implements penetration limit equations for common micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shield configurations, windows, and thermal protection systems. Allowable MMOD risk is formulated in terms of the probability of penetration (PNP) of the spacecraft pressure hull. For calculating the risk, spacecraft geometry models, mission profiles, debris environment models, and penetration limit equations for installed shielding configurations are required. Risk assessment software such as NASA's BUMPERII is used to calculate mission PNP; however, they are unsuitable for use in shield design and preliminary analysis studies. The software defines a single equation for the design and performance evaluation of common MMOD shielding configurations, windows, and thermal protection systems, along with a description of their validity range and guidelines for their application. Recommendations are based on preliminary reviews of fundamental assumptions, and accuracy in predicting experimental impact test results. The software is programmed in Visual Basic for Applications for installation as a simple add-in for Microsoft Excel. The user is directed to a graphical user interface (GUI) that requires user inputs and provides solutions directly in Microsoft Excel workbooks. This work was done by Shannon Ryan of the USRA Lunar and Planetary Institute for Johnson Space Center. Further information is contained in a TSP (see page 1). MSC- 24582-1 Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) Shield Ballistic Limit Analysis Program Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas Commercially, because it is so generic, Enigma can be used for almost any project that requires engineering visualization, model building, or animation. Models in Enigma can be exported to many other formats for use in other applications as well. Educationally, Enigma is being used to allow university students to visualize robotic algorithms in a simulation mode before using them with actual hardware.

Shores, David↗

Manipulation of the magnetic monopole injection for topological transition

Abstract Manipulating the topological properties of spin textures in magnetic materials is of great interest due to the rich physics and promising technological applications of these materials in advanced electronic devices. A spin texture with desired topological properties can be created by magnetic monopole injection, resulting in topological transitions involving changes in the topological charge. Therefore, controlling magnetic monopole injection has paramount importance for obtaining the desired spin textures but has not yet been reported. Here, we report the use of reliably manipulated magnetic monopole injection in the topological transition from stripe domains to skyrmions in an Fe/Gd multilayer. An easily tunable in-plane magnetic field applied to an Fe/Gd multilayer plays a key role in the magnetic monopole injection by modulating the local exchange energy. Our findings facilitate the efficient management of topological transitions by providing an important method for controlling magnetic monopole injection.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multiscale and Machine Learning Modeling for Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques provide the opportunity to simultaneously design new materials and components with complex structures in less time, enabling faster material developments. Even though compositionally similar, the texture of the materials produced by such techniques is significantly different from conventionally manufactured materials. Additively manufactured materials produces highly heterogeneous microstructure within a single build. Such variations in the microstructure make qualifying AM products challenging for extreme environment applications. Understanding the AM process and its influence on the materials’ microstructures/properties is paramount for evaluating the workability and performance of the manufactured materials. The performance of AM materials for advanced nuclear reactor applications is of interest to the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program under the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy. Hence, considering the microstructural variabilities in the AM products and their impact on the performance of the material, it is important to correlate the process conditions to the final product and establish a process-structure-property- performance (PSPP) correlation for AM materials.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Real-space texture and pole-figure analysis using the 3D pair distribution function on a platinum thin film

An approach is described for studying texture in nanostructured materials. The approach implements the real-space texture pair distribution function (PDF), txPDF, laid out by Gong & Billinge {(2018). arXiv:1805.10342 [cond-mat]}. It is demonstrated on a fiber-textured polycrystalline Pt thin film. The approach uses 3D PDF methods to reconstruct the orientation distribution function of the powder crystallites from a set of diffraction patterns, taken at different tilt angles of the substrate with respect to the incident beam, directly from the 3D PDF of the sample. A real-space equivalent of the reciprocal-space pole figure is defined in terms of interatomic vectors in the PDF and computed for various interatomic vectors in the Pt film. Furthermore, it is shown how a valid isotropic PDF may be obtained from a weighted average over the tilt series, including the measurement conditions for the best approximant to the isotropic PDF from a single exposure, which for the case of the fiber-textured film was in a nearly grazing incidence orientation of ∼10°. Finally, an open-source Python software package, FouriGUI , is described that may be used to help in studies of texture from 3D reciprocal-space data, and indeed for Fourier transforming and visualizing 3D PDF data in general.

3D pair distribution functions↗