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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Jet charge modification in dense QCD matter

In these proceedings we report a recent calculation of the jet charge modification in heavy-ion relative to proton collisions at the LHC. Jets have played an essential role in constraining theories of in-medium parton shower evolution and in determining the properties of the quark-gluon plasma created in ultra-relativistic nuclear reactions. It is important to extend these studies to flavor-tagged jets and explore observables that are sensitive to their partonic origin. The average jet charge, introduced early on in the history of quantum chromodynamics, is a proxy for the electric charge of the quark or gluon that initiates the jet. In the framework of soft-collinear effective theory, we show how to evaluate the jet charge in a dense strongly-interacting matter environments. We identify observables that can isolate the contribution of in-medium branching from isospin effects and present predictions for the transverse momentum dependence of the jet charge distribution in nucleus-nucleus collisions and its modification relative to the proton case.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2015

The Measurement of Reversible Redox Dependent Post-translational Modifications and Their Regulation of Mitochondrial and Skeletal Muscle Function

Mitochondrial oxidative stress is a common feature of skeletal myopathies across multiple conditions; however, the mechanism by which it contributes to skeletal muscle dysfunction remains controversial. Oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA has received the most attention, yet an important role for reversible redox post-translational modifications (PTMs) in pathophysiology is emerging. The possibility that these PTMs can exert dynamic control of muscle function implicates them as a mechanism contributing to skeletal muscle dysfunction in chronic disease. Herein, we discuss the significance of thiol-based redox dependent modifications to mitochondrial, myofibrillar and excitation-contraction (EC) coupling proteins with an emphasis on how these changes could alter skeletal muscle performance under chronically stressed conditions. A major barrier to a better mechanistic understanding of the role of reversible redox PTMs in muscle function is the technical challenges associated with accurately measuring the changes of site-specific redox PTMs. Here we will critically review current approaches with an emphasis on sample preparation artifacts, quantitation, and specificity. Despite these challenges, the ability to accurately quantify reversible redox PTMs is critical to understanding the mechanisms by which mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes to skeletal muscle dysfunction in chronic diseases.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2022

With a Little Help from My Cell Wall: Structural Modifications in Pectin May Play a Role to Overcome Both Dehydration Stress and Fungal Pathogens

Cell wall structural modifications through pectin cross-linkages between calcium ions and/or boric acid may be key to mitigating dehydration stress and fungal pathogens. Water loss was profiled in a pure pectin system and in vivo. While calcium and boron reduced water loss in pure pectin standards, the impact on Allium species was insignificant (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, synchrotron X-ray microscopy showed the localization of exogenously applied calcium to the apoplast in the epidermal cells of Allium fistulosum. Exogenous calcium application increased viscosity and resistance to shear force in Allium fistulosum, suggesting the formation of calcium cross-linkages (“egg-box” structures). Moreover, Allium fistulosum (freezing tolerant) was also more tolerant to dehydration stress compared to Allium cepa (freezing sensitive). Furthermore, the addition of boric acid (H 3 BO 3 ) to pure pectin reduced water loss and increased viscosity, which indicates the formation of RG-II dimers. The Arabidopsis boron transport mutant, bor1, expressed greater water loss and, based on the lesion area of leaf tissue, a greater susceptibility to Colletotrichum higginsianum and Botrytis cinerea. While pectin modifications in the cell wall are likely not the sole solution to dehydration and biotic stress resistance, they appear to play an important role against multiple stresses.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Analysis and modification of defective surface aggregates on PCDTBT:PCBM solar cell blends using combined Kelvin probe, conductive and bimodal atomic force microscopy

Organic photovoltaic systems comprising donor polymers and acceptor fullerene derivatives are attractive for inexpensive energy harvesting. Extensive research on polymer solar cells has provided insight into the factors governing device-level efficiency and stability. However, the detailed investigation of nanoscale structures is still challenging. Here we demonstrate the analysis and modification of unidentified surface aggregates. The aggregates are characterized electrically by Kelvin probe force microscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM), whereby the correlation between local electrical potential and current confirms a defective charge transport. Bimodal AFM modification confirms that the aggregates exist on top of the solar cell structure, and is used to remove them and to reveal the underlying active layer. The systematic analysis of the surface aggregates suggests that the structure consists of PCBM molecules.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Demonstrating the Value of 3D Models to Support Large-Scale Digital Modifications at Nuclear Power Plants

Many Nuclear Power Plants are currently in the process of extending their operating licenses for continued generation. The use of three-dimensional (3D) modeling in the early stages of large scale NPP modernization efforts is one lower cost method that can verify proposed design changes against established guidelines and allows for visual presentation of the 3D model to various stakeholders in the project. Guidance from Nuclear Regulatory Commission NUREG 0711 and 0700, and other sources on performing HF/E for control rooms and design modifications can be visually represented in 3D models. Distance and measurements, workstation design, anthropometric considerations, and early feedback of modifications are used in 3D models to identify potential human issues early in the design process. 3D modeling is a useful tool for early design and help to reduce costs and present visuals to stakeholders early in the design.

3D Models↗
NASA NTRS1972

Effect of configuration modifications on the low-subsonic aerodynamic characteristics of a space shuttle orbiter concept with a blended delta wing-body

An investigation of several configuration modifications to improve the subsonic stability and performance of a blended delta wing-body space shuttle-orbiter concept has been conducted in the Langley low-turbulence pressure tunnel. These modifications included variations in vertical-tail location and orientation, wing planform shape, and afterbody shape. The model was tested at a Reynolds number, based on body length, of 17 x one million, at a Mack number of 0.25, and at angles of attack from about -4 deg to 22 deg.

Freeman, D. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Modification of a fuel-cell engine for control by a digital computer

A manually operated fuel-cell system was modified to be monitored and controlled by a digital computer. The purpose was to have a test item with which to study possible system-computer interface problems. The modification consisted of installing solenoid valves, circuitry, transducers, and limit switches on the system. These modifications permit computer control of load current, reactant purge, water removal, and electrolyte concentration and computer initiation of system shutdown.

Hagedorn, N. H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Exploration of alloy surface and slurry modification to improve oxidation life of fused silicide coated niobium alloys.

Edge and surface modification of niobium alloys prior to coating with Si-20Cr-20Fe and slurry composition modification were investigated to improve performance in a 1370 C, ambient pressure, slow-cycle test. The best coating obtained was Si-20Cr-20Mn with an average life of 63 cycles compared to 40 for Si-20Cr-20Fe on FS-85 (100 percent improvement in weight parity life). Edge beading extended the lives of Si-20Cr-20Fe coated Cb-752 and FS-85 to 57 and 41 cycles, respectively (50 and 20 percent improvements in weight parity life, respectively).

Levine, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Use of meteorological satellite observations in weather modification programs

The potential value of weather satellite data in field operations of weather modification is appraised. It was found that satellites could play a useful role in operational weather modification projects, particularly in the recognition of treatment opportunities. Satellite cloud photographs and infrared observations appear promising in the identification of treatment opportunities in seeding orographic cloud systems for increased snowpack, in seeding convective clouds for increased rainfall, in identifying hail threats, and in tracking and observing hurricanes as an aid to timing and location of seeding treatments. It was concluded that the potential value of satellite data in the treatment and evaluation phases of operational projects is not as great as in the recognition of treatment opportunity.

Dennis, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Acoustic results of supersonic tip speed fan blade modification

A supersonic tip speed single stage fan was modified with the intent of reducing multiple pure tone (MPT) or buzz saw noise. There were three modifications to the blades from the original design. The modifications to the blade resulted in an increase in cascade throat area causing the shock to start at a lower corrected fan speed. The acoustic results without acoustically absorbing liners showed substantial reduction in multiple pure tone levels. However, an increase in the blade passing frequency noise at takeoff fan speed accompanied the MPT reduction. The net result however, was a reduction in the maximum 1000-foot (304.8 m) altitude level flyover PNL. For the case with acoustic treatment in the inlet outer wall, the takeoff noise increased relative to an acoustically treated baseline. This was largely due to the increased blade passing frequency noise which was not effectively reduced by the liner.

Jutras, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Inadvertent weather modification by Chicago-northern Indiana pollution sources observed by ERTS-1

Discussion of an apparent case of cloud modification by the effluents from numerous industrial sites in the Chicago-Gary complex. An analysis is made of a series of ERTS-1 images taken over Lake Michigan on Nov. 24, 1972, which apparently show modification of 1.5-km-wide cumulus cloud streets by the effluents of the industries at the southern end of the lake. A close inspection of these images reveals numerous interesting phenomena, the most important of which is the apparent alteration of the cumulus clouds along the axis of the major pollution plumes.

Lyons, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

NASTRAN modifications for recovering strains and curvatures

Modifications to the NASTRAN structural analysis computer program are described. The modifications allow the recovery of strain and curvature data for the general two-dimensional elements, in addition to the usual stress data. Option features allow the transformation of the strain/curvature (or stress) data to a common coordinate system and representation at the grid points of the structural model rather than at the conventional element center locations. Usage information is provided which will allow present users of NASTRAN to easily utilize the new capability.

Hennrich, C. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Modifications of the law of the wall and algebraic turbulence modelling for separated boundary layers

Various modifications of the conventional algebraic eddy viscosity turbulence model are investigated for application to separated flows. Friction velocity is defined in a way that avoids singular behavior at separation and reattachment but reverts to the conventional definition for flows with small pressure gradients. This leads to a modified law of the wall for separated flows. The effect on the calculated flow field of changes in the model that affect the eddy viscosity at various distances from the wall are determined by (1) switching from Prandtl's form to an inner layer formula due to Clauser at various distances from the wall, (2) varying the constant in the Van Driest damping factor, (3) using Clauser's inner layer formula all the way to the wall, and (4) applying a relaxation procedure in the evaluation of the constant in Clauser's inner layer formula. Numerical solutions of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations are used to determine the effects of the modifications. Experimental results from shock-induced separated flows at Mach numbers 2.93 and 8.45 are used for comparison. For these cases improved predictions of wall pressure distribution and positions of separation and reattachment are obtained from the relaxation version of the Clauser inner layer eddy viscosity formula.

Baldwin, B. S.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Quaternary and quinary modifications of the eutectic superalloy gamma/gamma prime-delta

Quaternary modifications and quinary additions from the elements Co, Ti, Mo, W, Re, B, Si, and Ta to the baseline quaternary alloy gamma/gamma prime-delta Ni-19.7 at.% Nb-6.0 at.% Cr-2.5 at.% Al are examined for various concentrations. From modification studies five alloys were chosen for detailed mechanical property characterization: Ni-19.7 Nb-6.0 Cr-2.5 Al-1.0 W; Ni-19.7 Nb-6.0 Cr-2.5 Al-1.0 Mo; Ni-18.6 Nb-6.0 Cr-2.5 Al-0.87 Ti; Ni-20.2 Nb-6.0 Cr-2.5 Al-2.0 Co; and Ni-17.9 Nb-6.0 Cr-2.5 Al-3.0 Ta. It is shown that extensive alloying of the baseline quaternary alloy is possible for elements exhibiting a wide solubility range in both phases, and that limited substitution of W, Mo, Re, Si, and B is possible for elements with restricted solid solubility especially in the delta phase. Improvement of creep rupture strength and cyclic oxidation resistance at 1100 C is discussed.

Lemkey, F. D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Space shuttle orbiter trimmed center-of-gravity extension study: Volume 2: Effects of configuration modifications on the aerodynamic characteristics of the 140 A/B orbiter at transonic speeds

Tests were conducted in the LaRC 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel to determine effects of fuselage nose and wing fillet modifications on the transonic aerodynamic characteristics of a space shuttle orbiter configuration. In addition to reshaping the baseline wing planform fillet, small canards were added to the configuration. The modifications considered were of interest in extending the forward center-of-gravity boundary for the configuration.

Phillips, W. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Position paper on the potential of inadvertent weather modification of the Florida peninsula resulting from the stabilized ground cloud

Based on the climatology of the Florida Peninsula, we assessed the risk for weather modification. Certain weather situations warrant launch rescheduling because of the risk of possible impact on hurricanes, hail formation and lightning activity, strong wind developments, and intensification of high rainfall rates. The cumulative effects of 40 launches per year on weather modification were found to be insignificant.

Bollay, E.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Space Shuttle Orbiter trimmed center-of-gravity extension study. Volume 4: Effects of configuration modifications on the aerodynamic characteristics of the 139B orbiter at Mach 20.3

Force tests were conducted at Mach 20.3 to determine the effect of several forebody, wing-fillet, and canard modifications on the hypersonic trim capability of a 139B Space Shuttle Orbiter model. Force and moment data were obtained at angles of attack of 10 deg to 54 deg at zero sideslip angle and at a Reynolds number of 1,900,000 based on body length. The results indicated that wing-fillet and canard modifications would increase the allowable forward trimmed center-of-gravity capability by as much as 3.0 percent of the body length.

Scallion, W. I.↗