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At least 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Rock Valley Direct Comparison Relocation Working Group Location Results and Recommendations (Version 4.0)

The Source Physics Experiments (SPE) were designed to improve our physics-based understanding of explosion sources for the purposes of nuclear test monitoring. Phase I consisted of 6 chemical explosions in the Climax Stock Granite of the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), while Phase II consisted of 4 explosions in a contrasting dry alluvium geology (DAG) in Yucca Flat, providing essential data in various media and emplacement conditions to further modeling efforts. For Phase III, the Rock Valley Direct Comparison (RVDC) seeks to directly compare earthquake and explosion source types. An unusually shallow series of events in 1993 along the Rock Valley Fault Zone in the southeastern portion of the NNSS has been targeted for this direct comparison. Depth ranges for the events, previously estimated to be less than 3 km, is achievable by modern drilling techniques and accessibility to the epicentral locations would require minimal improvements to the infrastructure. The events providing this unique opportunity for direct comparison are the focus of this report.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Stable Spin Direction Measurements at RHIC with Polarized Proton Beams

We describe methods for measuring the three-dimensional stable spin vector at the STAR detector (using STAR local polarimetry) and at the proton-Carbon coulomb nuclear interaction polarimeter at the 12 o’clock RHIC interaction region (hereafter the pC polarimeter). These polarimeters can only provide information about the two transverse components of the stable spin direction. If a known, local spin rotation can be generated at the location of the polarimeter, then the longitudinal component can be calculated by comparing the transverse components before and after the rotation. At STAR the stable spin direction can be rotated using the helical dipole spin rotators. At the pC polarimeter, a local horizontal orbital angle is introduced to rotate the stable spin direction. The stable spin direction at the hydrogen jet polarimeter is determined by transporting the spin vector at the pC polarimeter target to the location of the jet using a Zgoubi model. We describe the measurement and analysis methods used and present results of measurements made during RHIC Run 22.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hydrogen and Power Co-Production Using Direct sCO 2 Power Cycles

This report presents the techno-economic analysis (TEA) results of integrating a modified autothermal reforming (ATR) hydrogen (H 2 ) production plant with a natural gas-fired, utility-scale power plant based on the direct supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO 2 ) power cycle. In this study, the H 2 production and the power plant are fully integrated in terms of heat, fuel, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). The ATR process has significant waste heat available for heat integration with a direct-fired sCO 2 power plant that benefits the power plant efficiency. The off-gas stream from the modified ATR process is primarily carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), and residual H 2 . As supplemental fuel, it has beneficial heating value in the CO and H 2 that can be used in the direct sCO 2 power cycle. Finally, the direct sCO 2 power plant can isolate the CO 2 produced at the facility for CCS.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Review on Metallic Alloys Fabrication Using Elemental Powder Blends by Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition Process

The laser powder directed energy deposition process is a metal additive manufacturing technique, which can fabricate metal parts with high geometric and material flexibility. The unique feature of in-situ powder feeding makes it possible to customize the elemental composition using elemental powder mixture during the fabrication process. Thus, it can be potentially applied to synthesize industrial alloys with low cost, modify alloys with different powder mixtures, and design novel alloys with location-dependent properties using elemental powder blends as feedstocks. This paper provides an overview of using a laser powder directed energy deposition method to fabricate various types of alloys by feeding elemental powder blends. At first, the advantage of laser powder directed energy deposition in manufacturing metal alloys is described in detail. Then, the state-of-the-art research and development in alloys fabricated by laser powder directed energy deposition through a mix of elemental powders in multiple categories is reviewed. Finally, critical technical challenges, mainly in composition control are discussed for future development.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Simulating Reflected Light Exoplanet Spectra of the Promising Direct Imaging Target, υ Andromedae d, with a New, Fast Sampling Method Using the Planetary Spectrum Generator

Simulations of exoplanet albedo profiles are key to planning and interpreting future direct imaging observations. In this paper we demonstrate the use of the Planetary Spectrum Generator (PSG) to produce simulations of reflected light exoplanet spectra. We use PSG to examine multiple issues relevant to all models of directly imaged exoplanet spectra and to produce sample spectra of the bright, nearby exoplanet υ Andromedae d (υ And d), a potential direct imaging target for next-generation facilities. We introduce a new, fast, and accurate subsampling technique that enables calculations of disk-integrated spectra one order of magnitude faster than Chebyshev–Gauss sampling for moderate- to high-resolution sampling. Using this method and a first-principles-derived atmosphere for υ And d, we simulate phase-dependent spectra for a variety of different potential atmospheric configurations. The simulated spectra for υ And d include versions with different haze and cloud properties. Based on our combined analysis of this planet’s orbital parameters, phase- and illumination-appropriate model spectra, and realistic instrument noise parameters, we find that υ And d is a potentially favorable direct imaging and spectroscopy target for the Coronagraph Instrument (CGI) on the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. When a noise model corresponding to the Roman CGI SPC spectroscopy mode is included, PSG predicts the time required to reach a signal-to-noise ratio of 10 of the simulated spectra in both the central wavelength bin of the Roman CGI SPC spectroscopy mode (R = 50 spectrum) and of the Band 1 HLC imaging mode is approximately 400 and less than 40 hr, respectively. We also discuss potential pathways to extricating information about the planet and its atmosphere with future observations and find that Roman observations may be able to bound the interior temperature of the planet.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dust semi-direct effects: low-level cloud response to free-tropospheric dust-induced longwave radiation over the North Atlantic Ocean

Aerosol semi-direct effect is the adjustment of the radiative budget due to the cloud response to radiation absorption. Although dust accounts for about a third of aerosols' shortwave absorption, our understanding of its semi-direct effect often relies on traditional shortwave-focused mechanisms previously established for biomass-burning aerosols, and implications of dust longwave absorption on clouds have yet to be explored. Here, we assess the low-level cloud cover (LLCC) response to changes in properties and characteristics of the free-tropospheric dust layer over the North Atlantic Ocean (May–August, 2007–2017). We find that, consistent with previous studies, LLCC typically responds positively (increases in clouds) to an overlying dust layer. However, this response weakens with increasing dust optical depth (DOD), dust geometric thickness (DGT), and dust-layer base height (DBH). Specifically, we find that the LLCC response weakens by 4.3 ± 1.04 % and 1.6 ± 0.65 %, respectively, for a one-standard-deviation increase in DOD and DGT, and a smaller response to DBH (0.19 ± 0.45 %). We also find that the weakened LLCC response is primarily due to enhanced dust-induced longwave-dominated cloud-top warming, which counteracts the mean cloud-top cooling by as much as 19 % (mean of 9 %). Sensitivity analysis further indicates that the variability in dust properties, influenced by dust size distribution and refractive index, dominates the changes in dust-induced cloud-top warming, rather than variabilities in cloud properties or thermodynamic profiles. Our result adds to the traditional understanding of LLCC enhancement through shortwave-driven atmospheric stability, often associated with aerosol semi-direct effects, and highlights the role of dust-induced cloud-top longwave warming in dust semi-direct effects.

Pandey, Satyendra K. [Univ. of California, Merced,↗
DOE OSTI2020

Changing the rotational direction of a wind turbine under veering inflow: a parameter study

All current-day wind-turbine blades rotate in clockwise direction as seen from an upstream perspective. The choice of the rotational direction impacts the wake if the wind profile changes direction with height. Here, we investigate the respective wakes for veering and backing winds in both hemispheres by means of large-eddy simulations. We quantify the sensitivity of the wake to the strength of the wind veer, the wind speed, and the rotational frequency of the rotor in the Northern Hemisphere. A veering wind in combination with counterclockwise-rotating blades results in a larger streamwise velocity output, a larger spanwise wake width, and a larger wake deflection angle at the same downwind distance in comparison to a clockwise-rotating turbine in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the same wake characteristics occur if the turbine rotates counterclockwise. These downwind differences in the wake result from the amplification or weakening or reversion of the spanwise wind component due to the effect of the superimposed vortex of the rotor rotation on the inflow's shear. An increase in the directional shear or the rotational frequency of the rotor under veering wind conditions increases the difference in the spanwise wake width and the wake deflection angle between clockwise- and counterclockwise-rotating actuators, whereas the wind speed lacks a significant impact.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1972

The influence of magnetic total intensity and inclination on directions preferred by migrating European robins (Erithacus rubecula)

The directional orientation of migratory European robins in relation to magnetic cues is analyzed. Major efforts were made to determine what information the birds derive from the fields. It was determined that magnetic fields provide: (1) field intensity which determines whether the magnetic field can be used for orientation, (2) a means by which axial direction may be perceived, and (3) a means by which the bird can find the north direction. The north direction is sensed from the angle between gravity and the magnetic field.

Wiltschko, W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Distribution and directional fabric of ash-flow sheets in the northwestern Mogollon Plateau, New Mexico.

Individual ash-flow sheets distributed over wide areas in the Mogollon-Datil volcanic province can be delineated and related by flow direction techniques to specific source cauldrons. Two major mid-Tertiary ash flows in the Mogollon Plateau have measurable microscopic directional fabric indicative of primary flow direction imprinted in the ash-flow sheets during late-stage laminar flow. Regional stratigraphic relationships and flow patterns of the ash-flow sheets indicate a late Tertiary origin of the Mogollon Plateau depression. They also show that Basin-Range faulting in southwestern New Mexico was not initiated until after emplacement of the younger ash flow (23 m.y. B.P.). Directional fabric is an inherent property of many calc-alkalic ash-flow sheets and measurement of preferred orientation provides a powerful tool in unravelling the geologic history of complex volcanic terrane.

Rhodes, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Flight calibration tests of a nose-boom-mounted fixed hemispherical flow-direction sensor

Flight calibrations of a fixed hemispherical flow angle-of-attack and angle-of-sideslip sensor were made from Mach numbers of 0.5 to 1.8. Maneuvers were performed by an F-104 airplane at selected altitudes to compare the measurement of flow angle of attack from the fixed hemispherical sensor with that from a standard angle-of-attack vane. The hemispherical flow-direction sensor measured differential pressure at two angle-of-attack ports and two angle-of-sideslip ports in diametrically opposed positions. Stagnation pressure was measured at a center port. The results of these tests showed that the calibration curves for the hemispherical flow-direction sensor were linear for angles of attack up to 13 deg. The overall uncertainty in determining angle of attack from these curves was plus or minus 0.35 deg or less. A Mach number position error calibration curve was also obtained for the hemispherical flow-direction sensor. The hemispherical flow-direction sensor exhibited a much larger position error than a standard uncompensated pitot-static probe.

Armistead, K. H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Degree and direction of polarization of multiple scattered light. I - Homogeneous cloud layers.

It is shown that the Monte Carlo method can provide useful information on the polarization and its direction for homogeneous layers corresponding to the haze C, nimbostratus, and ice crystals models. Results for various optical thicknesses and two solar zenith angles show the variation with these parameters. In most cases the direction of polarization with respect to the meridian plane (which contains the outgoing photon) does not change appreciably with the optical thickness of the scattering layer, so that the conclusion that the direction of polarization is determined mainly by the direction of the incident and scattered photons, obtained for single scattering, should apply approximately when multiple scattering is taken into account.

Kattawar, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Development and testing of a portable wind sensitive directional air sampler

A portable wind sensitive directional air sampler was developed as part of an air pollution source identification system. The system is designed to identify sources of air pollution based on the directional collection of field air samples and their analysis for TSP and trace element characteristics. Sources can be identified by analyzing the data on the basis of pattern recognition concepts. The unit, designated Air Scout, receives wind direction signals from an associated wind vane. Air samples are collected on filter slides using a standard high volume air sampler drawing air through a porting arrangement which tracks the wind direction and permits collection of discrete samples. A preset timer controls the length of time each filter is in the sampling position. At the conclusion of the sampling period a new filter is automatically moved into sampling position displacing the previous filter to a storage compartment. Thus the Air Scout may be set up at a field location, loaded with up to 12 filter slides, and left to acquire air samples automatically, according to the wind, at any timer interval desired from 1 to 30 hours.

Deyo, J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Multiple scattered radiation emerging from continental haze layers. 2: Ellipticity and direction of polarization

The ellipticity and the direction of polarization are calculated for radiation that has undergone multiple scattering from plane parallel layers. Both the radiation emerging from the top of the layer and that transmitted through the bottom are considered. Two different phase functions are used for the scattering layer: Rayleigh and haze L. The direction of polarization of the reflected radiation shows little variation as the optical depth of the layer increases, while there is a much larger variation for the transmitted radiation. When the optical thickness is small, the direction of polarization for haze L varies rapidly with zenith angle near those angles at which the single scattered polarization is zero. The ellipticity of the radiation from haze L layers increases at first in direct proportion to the optical thickness of the layer. In general the ellipticity of the transmitted radiation is considerably greater than that of the reflected because of the greater average number of photon collisions in the former case.

Plass, G. N.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Development and testing of a portable wind sensitive directional air sampler

A portable wind-sensitive directional air sampler has been developed as part of an air pollution source identification system. The system is designed to identify sources of air pollution based on the directional collection of field air samples and their analysis for TSP and trace element characteristics. Sources can be identified by analyzing the data on the basis of pattern recognition concepts. Functional testing of a prototype sampler is described; all items exhibited performance and life sufficient to carry out field performance test operations. Life testing of the wind direction sensor and the directional porting valves, which are critical to reliable operation, was emphasized with successful results.

Deyo, J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Directivity of low frequency solar type 3 radio bursts

The occurrence rate of type 3 solar bursts in the frequency range 4.9 MHz to 30 kHz was analyzed as a function of burst intensity and burst arrival direction. Results show that: (1) the occurrence rate of bursts falls off with increasing flux and (2) the distribution of burst arrival directions at each frequency shows a significantly larger number of bursts observed west of the earth-sun line than east of it. This western excess in occurrence rate appears to be correlated with the direction of the average interplanetary magnetic field, and is interpreted as beaming of the observed burst radiation along the magnetic field direction.

Fitzenreiter, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Multiple scattered radiation emerging from Rayleigh and continental haze layers. II - Ellipticity and direction of polarization

The ellipticity and the direction of polarization are calculated for radiation that has undergone multiple scattering from plane-parallel layers. Both the radiation emerging from the top of the layer and that transmitted through the bottom are considered. Two different phase functions are used for the scattering layer: Rayleigh and haze L. The direction of polarization of the reflected radiation shows little variation as the optical depth of the layer increases, but there is a much larger variation for the transmitted radiation. When the optical thickness is small, the direction of polarization for haze L varies rapidly with zenith angle near those angles at which the single-scattered polarization is zero. The ellipticity of the radiation from haze L layers increases at first in direct proportion to the optical thickness of the layer. In general, the ellipticity of the transmitted radiation is considerably greater than that of the reflected due to the greater average number of photon collisions in the former case. When the ellipticity is small, it is shown that the product of the polarization and the ellipticity is closely equal to -V/2I, where I and V are the first and fourth components of the Stokes vector.

Plass, G. N.↗
NASA NTRS1976

On the minimum variance direction of magnetic field fluctuations in the azimuthal velocity structure of the solar wind

The paper examines the properties of microscale magnetic field fluctuations for diverse classes of large-scale azimuthal velocity structures in the solar wind, with particular reference to the orientation of the wave normal vector for MHD waves in the interplanetary medium. It is shown that the direction of minimum variance does not exhibit any characteristic refraction pattern with respect to large-scale velocity structures in the solar wind. It is suggested that the direction of minimum variance is not indicative of the wave normal vector directions. The determination of the wave normal vector directions for the predominantly transverse MHD waves in the interplanetary medium is presently beyond the capability of single spacecraft observations.

Solodyna, C. V.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Pseudo-backscatter laser Doppler velocimeter employing antiparallel-reflector in the forward direction

A laser Doppler velocimeter for measuring the velocity of a flowing fluid was discussed. It comprises laser means for providing first and second beams of collimated coherent monochromatic electromagnetic radiation which are focused to intersect at a predetermined location in a flowing fluid. The movement of the particles of the fluid serve to scatter radiation in substantially all directions. The scattered radiation is shifted in frequency from that of the first beam by an amount corresponding to the velocity of the fluid at the predetermined location. A corner cube is disposed generally forward of the predetermined location, the corner cube responding to a portion of the radiation scattered in the forward direction and being operative to reflect the portion in a direction substantially antiparallel to the forward direction.

Gunter, W. D., Jr.↗