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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 469 records · Page 26

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NASA NTRS2013

Assessment of the Performance of a Dual-Frequency Surface Reference Technique

The high correlation of the rain-free surface cross sections at two frequencies implies that the estimate of differential path integrated attenuation (PIA) caused by precipitation along the radar beam can be obtained to a higher degree of accuracy than the path-attenuation at either frequency. We explore this finding first analytically and then by examining data from the JPL dual-frequency airborne radar using measurements from the TC4 experiment obtained during July-August 2007. Despite this improvement in the accuracy of the differential path attenuation, solving the constrained dual-wavelength radar equations for parameters of the particle size distribution requires not only this quantity but the single-wavelength path attenuation as well. We investigate a simple method of estimating the single-frequency path attenuation from the differential attenuation and compare this with the estimate derived directly from the surface return.

precipitation↗

NASA NTRS1972

Cardiovascular system simulation in biomedical engineering education.

Use of complex cardiovascular system models, in conjunction with a large hybrid computer, in biomedical engineering courses. A cardiovascular blood pressure-flow model, driving a compartment model for the study of dye transport, was set up on the computer for use as a laboratory exercise by students who did not have the computer experience or skill to be able to easily set up such a simulation involving some 27 differential equations running at 'real time' rate. The students were given detailed instructions regarding the model, and were then able to study effects such as those due to septal and valve defects upon the pressure, flow, and dye dilution curves. The success of this experiment in the use of involved models in engineering courses was such that it seems that this type of laboratory exercise might be considered for use in physiology courses as an adjunct to animal experiments.

Rideout, V. C.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Temperature and Density on the Forsterite Liquid‐Vapor Phase Boundary

Abstract The physical processes during planet formation span a large range of pressures and temperatures. Giant impacts, such as the one that formed the Moon, achieve peak pressures of 100s of GPa. The peak shock states generate sufficient entropy such that subsequent decompression to low pressures intersects the liquid‐vapor phase boundary. The entire shock‐and‐release thermodynamic path must be calculated accurately in order to predict the post‐impact structures of planetary bodies. Forsterite (Mg 2 SiO 4 ) is a commonly used mineral to represent the mantles of differentiated bodies in hydrocode models of planetary collisions. Here, we performed shock experiments on the Sandia Z Machine to obtain the density and temperature of the liquid branch of the liquid‐vapor phase boundary of forsterite. This work is combined with previous work constraining pressure, density, temperature, and entropy of the forsterite principal Hugoniot. We find that the vapor curves in previous forsterite equation of state models used in giant impacts vary substantially from our experimental results, and we compare our results to a recently updated equation of state. We have also found that due to under‐predicted entropy production on the principal Hugoniot and elevated temperatures of the liquid vapor phase boundary of these past models, past impact studies may have underestimated vapor production. Furthermore, our results provide experimental support to the idea that giant impacts can transform much of the mantles of rocky planets into supercritical fluids.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Interplay between strong correlations and electronic topology in the underlying kagome lattice of $\mathrm{Na_{2/3}CoO_2}$

Electronic topology in metallic kagome compounds is under intense scrutiny. We present transport experiments in $\mathrm{Na_{2/3}CoO_2}$ n which the Na order differentiates a Co kagome sublattice in the triangular CoO 2 layers. Hall and magnetoresistance (MR) data under high fields give evidence for the coexistence of light and heavy carriers. At low temperatures, the dominant light carrier conductivity at zero field is suppressed by a B-linear MR, suggesting Dirac-like quasiparticles. Lifshitz transitions induced at large B and T unveil the lower mobility carriers. They display a negative B 2 MR due to scattering from magnetic moments likely pertaining to a flat band. So, we emphasize an analogy with heavy fermion physics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Data-Driven Discovery of Active Nematic Hydrodynamics

Active nematics can be modeled using phenomenological continuum theories that account for the dynamics of the nematic director and fluid velocity through partial differential equations (PDEs). While these models provide a statistical description of the experiments, the relevant terms in the PDEs and their parameters are usually identified indirectly. We adapt a recently developed method to automatically identify optimal continuum models for active nematics directly from spatio-temporal data, via sparse regression of the coarse-grained fields onto generic low order PDEs. After extensive benchmarking, we apply the method to experiments with microtubule-based active nematics, finding a surprisingly minimal description of the system. Furthermore, our approach can be generalized to gain insights into active gels, microswimmers, and diverse other experimental active matter systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2020

Light-nuclei production and search for the QCD critical point

We discuss the potential of light-nuclei measurements in heavy-ion collisions at intermediate energies for the search of the hypothetical QCD critical end-point. A previous proposal based on neutron density fluctuations has brought appealing experimental evidences of a maximum in the ratio of the number of tritons times protons, divided over deuterons square, $\mathcal{O}_{tpd}$. However these results are difficult to reconcile with the state-of-the-art statistical thermal model predictions. Based on the idea that the QCD critical point can lead to a substantial attraction among nucleons, we propose new light-nuclei multiplicity ratios involving 4 He in which the maximum would be more noticeable. We argue that the experimental extraction is feasible by presenting these ratios formed from actual measurements of total and differential yields at low and high collision energies from FOPI and ALICE experiments, respectively. We also illustrate the possible behavior of these ratios at intermediate energies applying a semiclassical method based on flucton paths using the preliminary NA49 and STAR data for $\mathcal{O}_{tpd}$ as input.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Simulation of CEFR neutronic start-up tests with FENNECS

This paper presents simulation results of selected Neutronic Start-up Tests of the China Experimental Fast Reactor (CEFR) obtained by the neutronics code FENNECS that have been performed within the frame of the IAEA Coordinated Research Program I31032. The Finite Element Neutronics code FENNECS is developed at GRS and solves the few-group steady-state and transient diffusion equation using a Galerkin-based finite element approach. Its main purpose is the safety assessment of Small Modular Reactors and Micro Reactors with complex geometry (e.g., rotating control drums) which gain increased interest internationally. Serpent has been applied to create reference models of the CEFR and cross-section libraries in 10 energy groups for FENNECS. Using these libraries, the following experiments have been simulated with FENNECS: net criticality, control rod integral and differential worth, void reactivity effect, subassembly exchange reactivity effects and reaction rate distribution. The obtained satisfactory agreements with the measurements represent a valuable contribution to the validation of FENNECS. (author)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Inclusive and Inelastic Scattering in Neutrino-Nucleus Interactions

Neutrino-nucleus cross section measurements can provide both insights into nuclear physics and important data that can be used to improve model predictions used for neutrino oscillation physics. Two measurements of neutrino-nucleus cross sections were performed using data from the MINERvA experiment, each probing different classes of neutrino interactions. Double and single-differential flux-integrated measurements of inclusive charged current neutrino-nucleus cross sections at a peak neutrino energy of 3.5 GeV are presented as a function of the longitudinal and transverse momentum of the muon produced in the interaction. Additionally, an analysis of charged-current deep inelastic scattering (DIS) of muon neutrinos was performed in carbon, iron, lead and hydrocarbon in a neutrino beam with a peak energy of 6 GeV. Cross sections were measured in each material, and ratios were also taken between the cross sections of each of the materials and hydrocarbon, allowing for examination of nuclear dependencies of the neutrino cross section. Absolute DIS cross sections as a function of neutrino energy and flux integrated differential cross sections as a function of the Bjorken-x scaling variable were both measured.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2020

Photo-Production of eta Mesons

In this work we present the GlueX experiment extensive high statistics measurements of the eta meson photo-production differential cross sections at beam energies between 3 GeV and 11.6 GeV. We compared the low energy (2.9 GeV< Ey < 5.9 GeV) differential cross section (d-sigma/d-Omega) results to previous experimental results from the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) collaboration. These (d-sigma/d-Omega) results are also compared to the theoretical isobar model EtaMAID2018 by Tiator et. al., and the Regge model by Nys et. al. The differential cross section d-sigma/dt is also presented and compared to the previous experimental results, and to the above models, in addition to a model by J. M. Laget. The high energy (6.2 GeV< Ey < 11.6 GeV) cross section results (d-sigma/d-Omega, and d-sigma/dt) are compared to the isobar model EtaMAID2018. These results will provide new constraints on eta photo-production mechanisms and high energy t-channel processes.

Kamel, Mahmoud↗

DOE OSTI2022

Progress Towards A Measurement of Neutrino Induced Charged Current Neutral Pion Production in the MicroBooNE Experiment

An analysis of MicroBooNE data with a signal of one muon, one neutral pion, and no charged pions is presented. Studying neutral pion production in the MicroBooNE detector provides an opportunity to better understand neutrino-argon interactions, and is crucial for future accelerator-based neutrino oscillation experiments. This analysis presents the progress towards the first measurement of the differential cross section for charged current (CC) $π^0$ production in neutrino-argon interactions. Using a dataset corresponding to about 7 × 10 20 protons on target (POT), we present an analysis which aims to measure the single differential cross sections as a function of the $π^0$ kinematic variables such as momentum and scattering angle. The Wiener-SVD technique for unfolding the measurement is presented and demonstrated using multiple generator predictions. A future iteration of this analysis will compare an unfolded data measurement to these models.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

NASA NTRS1976

Payload/orbiter contamination control requirement study: Preliminary contamination mission support plan

Progress is reported on the mission support plan and those support activities envisioned to be applicable and necessary during premission and postmission phases of the Spacelab program. The purpose, role, and requirements of the contamination control operations for the first two missions of the Spacelab equipped Space Transportation System are discussed. The organization of the contamination control operation and its relationship to and interfaces with other mission support functions is also discussed. Some specific areas of contamination to be investigated are treated. They are: (1) windows and viewports, (2) experiment equipment, (3) thermal control surfaces, (4) the contaminant induced atmosphere (as differentiated from the normal ambient atmosphere at the orbit altitude), and (5) optical navigation instruments.

Bareiss, L. E.↗

NASA NTRS1976

The search for life on Mars - Viking 1976 gas changes as indicators of biological activity

The objective of the gas exchange experiment (GEX) in the Viking lander biology instrument package is to determine whether life exists in a 1-cc Martian soil sample delivered to it. The GEX is capable of maximum flexibility while protecting the indigenous organisms from exposure to physiologically incompatible medium. The discussion covers the biological premises implemented in the GEX, the requirements for the GEX M4 medium, the operational aspects of the incubation chamber, nonbiological and biological changes, and Antarctica soil experiment. Sources of biological gas changes are examined along with ways of differentiating biological gas changes from nonbiological ones. From cold incubation of low-frequency soils, it is concluded that decisive negative tests of GEX may require extended incubations beyond the nominal mission plan of 60 days, barring any outright information that negates the presence of life on Mars.

Oyama, V. I.↗

NASA NTRS1977

A rocket-borne airglow photometer

The design of a rocket-borne photometer to measure the airglow emission of ionized molecular nitrogen in the 391.4 nm band is presented. This airglow is a well known and often observed phenomenon of auroras, where the principal source of ionization is energetic electrons. It is believed that at some midlatitude locations energetic electrons are also a source of nighttime ionization in the E region of the ionosphere. If this is so, then significant levels of 391.4 nm airglow should be present. The intensity of this airglow will be measured in a rocket payload which also contains instrumentation to measured in a rocket payload which also contains instrumentation to measure energetic electron differential flux and the ambient electron density. An intercomparison of the 3 experiments in a nightime launch will allow a test of the importance of energetic electrons as a nighttime source of ionization in the upper E region.

Paarmann, L. D.↗

NASA NTRS1986

An intensity-modulated dual-wavelength He-Ne laser for remote sensing of methane

A new type of dual wavelength He-Ne laser is described in which the output power at each of the two wavelengths is modulated with equal amplitude and opposite phase to each other. This laser source can greatly simplify the setup and improve the sensitivity of the differential absorption measurements for the methane detection, as verified by a preliminary experiment. A simple scheme to measure the concentration of methane is also proposed.

Uehara, K.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Possible lunar ores

Despite the conventional wisdom that there are no lunar ores, geochemical considerations suggest that local concentrations of useful rare elements exist on the Moon in spite of its extreme dryness. The Moon underwent protracted igneous activity in its history, and certain magmatic processes can concentrate incompatible elements even if anhydrous. Such processes include: (1) separation of a magma into immiscible liquid phases (depending on composition, these could be silicate-silicate, silicate-oxide, silicate-sulfide, or silicate-salt); (2) cumulate deposits in layered igneous intrusions; and (3) concentrations of rare, refractory, lithophile elements (e.g., Be, Li, Zr) in highly differentiated, silica-rich magmas, as in the lunar granites. Terrestrial mining experience indicates that the single most important characteristic of a potential ore is its concentration of the desire element. The utility of a planet as a resource base is that the welter of interacting processes over geologic time can concentrate rare element automatically. This advantage is squandered if adequate exploration for ores is not first carried out.

Gillett, Stephen L.↗

NASA NTRS1993

The nanosphere iron mineral(s) in Mars soil

A series of surface-modified clays containing nanophase (np) iron/oxyhydroxides of extremely small particle sizes, with total iron contents as high as found in Mars soil, were prepared by iron deposition on the clay surface from ferrous chloride solution. Comprehensive studies of the iron mineralogy in these 'Mars-soil analogs' were conducted using chemical extractions, solubility analyses, pH and redox, x ray and electron diffractometry, electron microscopic imaging specific surface area and particle size determinations, differential thermal analyses, magnetic properties characterization, spectral reflectance, and Viking biology simulation experiments. The clay matrix and the procedure used for synthesis produced nanophase iron oxides containing a certain proportion of divalent iron, which slowly converts to more stable, fully oxidized iron minerals. The noncrystalline nature of the iron compounds precipitated on the surface of the clay was verified by their complete extractability in oxalate. Lepidocrocite (gamma-FeOOH) was detected by selected area electron diffraction. It is formed from a double iron Fe(II)/Fe(III) hydroxyl mineral such as 'green rust', or ferrosic hydroxide. Magnetic measurements suggested that lepidocrocite converted to the more stable meaghemite (gamma-Fe203) by mild heat treatment and then to nanophase hematite (aplha-Fe203) by extensive heat treatment. Their chemical reactivity offers a plausible mechanism for the somewhat puzzling observations of the Viking biology experiments. Their unique chemical reactivities are attributed to the combined catalytic effects of the iron oxide/oxyhydroxide and silicate phase surfaces. The mode of formation of these (nanophase) iron oxides on Mars is still unknown.

Banin, A.↗

NASA NTRS1996

MGLab: An Interactive Multigrid Environment

MGLab is a set of Matlab functions that defines an interactive environment for experimenting with multigrid algorithms. The package solves two-dimensional elliptic partial differential equations discretized using either finite differences or finite volumes, depending on the problem. Built-in problems include the Poisson equation, the Helmholtz equation, a convection-diffusion problem, and a discontinuous coefficient problem. A number of parameters controlling the multigrid V-cycle can be set using a point-and-click mechanism. The menu-based user interface also allows a choice of several Krylov subspace methods, including CG, GMRES(k), and Bi-CGSTAB, which can be used either as stand-alone solvers or as multigrid acceleration schemes. The package exploits Matlab's visualization and sparse matrix features and has been structured to be easily extensible.

Bordner, James↗

NASA NTRS2002

Some User's Insights Into ADIFOR 2.0D

Some insights are given which were gained by one user through experience with the use of the ADIFOR 2.0D software for automatic differentiation of Fortran code. These insights are generally in the area of the user interface with the generated derivative code - particularly the actual form of the interface and the use of derivative objects, including "seed" matrices. Some remarks are given as to how to iterate application of ADIFOR in order to generate second derivative code.

Giesy, Daniel P.↗