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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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NASA NTRS1985

Rapid evaluation of ion thruster lifetime using optical emission spectroscopy

A major life-limiting phenomenon of electric thrusters is the sputter erosion of discharge chamber components. Thrusters for space propulsion are required to operate for extended periods of time, usually in excess of 10,000 hr. Lengthy and very costly life-tests in high-vacuum facilities have been required in the past to determine the erosion rates of thruster components. Alternative methods for determining erosion rates which can be performed in relatively short periods of time at considerably lower costs are studied. An attempt to relate optical emission intensity from an ion bombarded surface (screen grid) to the sputtering rate of that surface is made. The model used a kinetic steady-state (KSS) approach, balancing the rates of population and depopulation of ten low-lying excited states of the sputtered molybdenum atom (MoI) with those of the ground state to relate the spectral intensities of the various transitions of the MoI to the population densities. Once this is accomplished, the population density can be related to the sputting rate of the target. Radiative and collisional modes of excitation and decay are considered. Since actual data has not been published for MoI excitation rate and decay constants, semiempirical equations are used. The calculated sputtering rate and intensity is compared to the measured intensity and sputtering rates of the 8 and 30 cm ion thrusters.

Rock, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Astrometry of millijansky sources using a phase reference VLBI technique

A technique for the reliable VLBI detection of weak (mJy at cm wavelengths) celestial radio sources such as radio stars, fast pulsars, and faint extragalactic objects is described and demonstrated. The coherence time is increased by observing a strong phase-reference source alternately with the program source, thus providing an accurate astrometric position relative to the reference source. Typical results are presented in tables, graphs, and a contour map and briefly characterized.

Lestrade, Jean-Francois↗

NASA NTRS1992

Bose-Einstein correlations in Si + Al and Si + Au collisions at 14.6A GeV/c

The E802 Spectrometer at the Brookhaven Alternating Gradient Synchrotron has been used to measure the correlation in relative momentum between like-sign pions emitted in central Si + Al and Si + Au collisions at 14.6A GeV/c. Data are presented in terms of the correlation function for both identified pi(-) and pi(+) pairs near the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass rapidity. All parametrizations of the correlation function are consistent with a spherically symmetric source of rms radius 3.5 +/- 0.4 fm and lifetime fm/c.

Abbott, T.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Results of a zonally truncated three-dimensional model of the Venus middle atmosphere

Although the equatorial rotational speed of the solid surface of Venus is only 4 m s(exp-1), the atmospheric rotational speed reaches a maximum of approximately 100 m s(exp-1) near the equatorial cloud top level (65 to 70 km). This phenomenon, known as superrotation, is the central dynamical problem of the Venus atmosphere. We report here the results of numerical simulations aimed at clarifying the mechanism for maintaining the equatorial cloud top rotation. Maintenance of an equatorial rotational speed maximum above the surface requires waves or eddies that systematically transport angular momentum against its zonal mean gradient. The zonally symmetric Hadley circulation is driven thermally and acts to reduce the rotational speed at the equatorial cloud top level; thus wave or eddy transport must counter this tendency as well as friction. Planetary waves arising from horizontal shear instability of the zonal flow (barotropic instability) could maintain the equatorial rotation by transporting angular momentum horizontally from midlatitudes toward the equator. Alternatively, vertically propagating waves could provide the required momentum source. The relative motion between the rotating atmosphere and the pattern of solar heating, which as a maximum where solar radiation is absorbed near the cloud tops, drives diurnal and semidiurnal thermal tides that propagate vertically away from the cloud top level. The effect of this wave propagation is to transport momentum toward the cloud top level at low latitudes and accelerate the mean zonal flow there. We employ a semispectral primitive equation model with a zonal mean flow and zonal wavenumbers 1 and 2. These waves correspond to the diurnal and semidiurnal tides, but they can also be excited by barotropic or baroclinic instability. Waves of higher wavenumbers and interactions between the waves are neglected. Symmetry about the equator is assumed, so the model applies to one hemisphere and covers the altitude range 30 to 110 km. Horizontal resolution is 1.5 deg latitude, and vertical resolution is 1.5 km. Solar and thermal infrared heating, based on Venus observations and calculations drive the model flow. Dissipation is accomplished mainly by Rayleigh friction, chosen to produce strong dissipation above 85 km in order to absorb upward propagating waves and limit extreme flow velocities there, yet to give very weak Rayleigh friction below 70 km; results in the cloud layer do not appear to be sensitive to the Rayleigh friction. The model also has weak vertical diffusion, and very weak horizontal diffusion, which has a smoothing effect on the flow only at the two grid points nearest the pole.

Newman, M.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Stress corrosion evaluation of HP 9Ni-4Co-0.30C steel plate welds

A stress corrosion cracking (SCC) investigation was conducted on HP 9Ni-4Co-0.30C steel plate welds (welded by using straight polarity plasma arc and HP 9Ni-4Co-0.20C weld wire) since this material is being considered for use in the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) program. Prior to the welding, the material was double tempered at 538 C (1,000 F). After welding, only part of the material was stress relieved at 510 C (950 F) for 3 h. Round tensile specimens obtained from nonstress-relieved material were tested in 100-percent relative humidity at 38 C (100 F), in 3.5-percent NaCl alternate immersion, and in 5-percent salt spray at 35 C (95 F). Specimens obtained from stress-relieved material were tested in alternate immersion. The stress levels were 50, 75, and 90 percent of the corresponding 0.2-percent yield strength (YS). All the nonstress-relieved specimens exposed to salt spray and alternate immersion failed. Stress-relieved specimens (exposed to alternate immersion) failed at 75 and 90 percent of YS. No failures occurred at 50 percent of YS in the stress-relieved specimens which indicates a beneficial effect of the stress relief on the SCC resistance of these welds. The stress relief also had a positive effect on the mechanical properties of the welds (the most important being an increase of 21 percent on the YS). Under the conditions of these tests, the straight polarity plasma are welded HP 9Ni4Co-0.30C steel plate was found highly susceptible to SCC in the nonstress-relieved condition. This susceptibility to SCC was reduced by stress relieving.

Torres, Pablo D.↗

NASA NTRS2000

On Reformulating Planning as Dynamic Constraint Satisfaction

In recent years, researchers have reformulated STRIPS planning problems as SAT problems or CSPs. In this paper, we discuss the Constraint-Based Interval Planning (CBIP) paradigm, which can represent planning problems incorporating interval time and resources. We describe how to reformulate mutual exclusion constraints for a CBIP-based system, the Extendible Uniform Remote Operations Planner Architecture (EUROPA). We show that reformulations involving dynamic variable domains restrict the algorithms which can be used to solve the resulting DCSP. We present an alternative formulation which does not employ dynamic domains, and describe the relative merits of the different reformulations.

Frank, Jeremy↗

NASA NTRS2011

Wave Forcing of Saturn's Equatorial Oscillation

Ground-based measurements and Cassini data from CIRS thermal-infrared spectra and radio-occultation soundings have characterized the spatial structure and temporal behavior of a 15-year equatorial oscillation in Saturn's stratosphere. The equatorial region displays a vertical pattern of alternating warm and cold anomalies and, concomitantly, easterly and westerly winds relative to the cloud-top winds, with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 200 m/s. Comparison of the Cassini data over a four-year period has established that the pattern of mean zonal winds and temperatures descends at a rate of roughly I scale height over 4 years. This behavior is reminiscent of the equatorial oscillations in Earth's middle atmosphere. Here the zonal-mean spatial structure and descending pattern are driven by the absorption of vertically propagating waves. The maximum excursions in the pattern of easterly and westerly winds is determined by the limits of the zonal phase velocities of the waves. Here we report on the characterization of the waves seen in the temperature profiles retrieved from the Cassini radio-occultation soundings. The equatorial profiles exhibit a complex pattern of wavelike structure with dimensions one pressure scale height and smaller. We combine a spectral decomposition with a WKBJ analysis, where the vertical wavelength is assumed to vary slowly with the ambient static stability and doppler-shifted phase velocity of the wave. Use of the temperature and zonal wind maps from CIRS makes this approach viable. On Earth, the wave forcing associated with the equatorial oscillations generates secondary meridional circulations that affect the mean flow and planetary wave ducting well away from the equator. This may relate to the triggering of the recently reported mid-latitude storms on Saturn.

Flasar, F. M.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Selecting an Architecture for a Safety-Critical Distributed Computer System with Power, Weight and Cost Considerations

This report presents an example of the application of multi-criteria decision analysis to the selection of an architecture for a safety-critical distributed computer system. The design problem includes constraints on minimum system availability and integrity, and the decision is based on the optimal balance of power, weight and cost. The analysis process includes the generation of alternative architectures, evaluation of individual decision criteria, and the selection of an alternative based on overall value. In this example presented here, iterative application of the quantitative evaluation process made it possible to deliberately generate an alternative architecture that is superior to all others regardless of the relative importance of cost.

Torres-Pomales, Wilfredo↗

NASA NTRS2015

RACORO Continental Boundary Layer Cloud Investigations: 3. Separation of Parameterization Biases in Single-Column Model CAM5 Simulations of Shallow Cumulus

Climatically important low-level clouds are commonly misrepresented in climate models. The FAst-physics System TEstbed and Research (FASTER) Project has constructed case studies from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Climate Research Facility's Southern Great Plain site during the RACORO aircraft campaign to facilitate research on model representation of boundary-layer clouds. This paper focuses on using the single-column Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (SCAM5) simulations of a multi-day continental shallow cumulus case to identify specific parameterization causes of low-cloud biases. Consistent model biases among the simulations driven by a set of alternative forcings suggest that uncertainty in the forcing plays only a relatively minor role. In-depth analysis reveals that the model's shallow cumulus convection scheme tends to significantly under-produce clouds during the times when shallow cumuli exist in the observations, while the deep convective and stratiform cloud schemes significantly over-produce low-level clouds throughout the day. The links between model biases and the underlying assumptions of the shallow cumulus scheme are further diagnosed with the aid of large-eddy simulations and aircraft measurements, and by suppressing the triggering of the deep convection scheme. It is found that the weak boundary layer turbulence simulated is directly responsible for the weak cumulus activity and the simulated boundary layer stratiform clouds. Increased vertical and temporal resolutions are shown to lead to stronger boundary layer turbulence and reduction of low-cloud biases.

parameterization↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Quality of Candidate Flights and Submission Prediction in Collaborative Digital Departure Reroute

Collaborative Digital Departure Reroute (CDDR) enables the reroute of flights using a flight operator proposed set of alternative route options, referred to as Trajectory Option Set (TOS), in order to reduce delay on the airport's surface and in the Metroplex environment. The reroute functionality is enabled through NASA's Digital Information Platform (DIP). TOS candidate flights are defined as flights with an alternative route with delay savings greater than the flight operator defined relative trajectory cost. This paper analyzes the TOS candidate flights at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW) in the North Texas Metroplex to gain insight into which candidate flights are higher quality through a scoring method. This insight will inform refinements to help CDDR focus on high quality reroute opportunities. Binary classification models for predicting the flight operator's submission of candidate flights are also explored in this paper.

Machine Learning↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Quality of Candidate Flights and Submission Prediction in Collaborative Digital Departure Reroute

Machine Learning↗

DOE OSTI2023

Methane and methane-carbon dioxide activated synergystic biomass gasification for hydrogen rich syngas production

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to methods for biomass gasification to produce sustainable and renewable alternatives to fossil fuels including, but not limited to syngas having a high H2 content. The method can produce an H2/CO ratio close to 2:1, which is desirable for further chemical or transportation fuel synthesis. In another aspect, the methods disclosed herein have high yields and make use of agricultural and industrial waste (e.g., hardwood pellets and grain stovers) as starting materials. In a further aspect, the methods disclosed herein can produce useful byproducts including, but not limited to, carbon nanofibers (CNF). This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Hu, Jianli↗

NASA NTRS1972

Component duration and relative response rates in multiple schedules.

Pigeons were trained on a multiple variable-interval 30-sec, variable interval 90-sec schedule with each component presented alternately for an equal duration. This duration of exposure was varied from 5 to 300 sec. The rate of response in the variable-interval 30-sec component relative to the rate of response in the variable-interval 90-sec component was studied. Results are plotted and discussed.

Todorov, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Dirac cosmology

The large numbers hypothesis (LNH) linking the magnitude of large dimensionless ratios in physics (on the order of 10 to the 40th power) to cosmic time is examined. The LNH is checked against evidence on 3K background radiation of the universe and the (log N, log S)-relation for radio galaxies. Earlier criticisms of LNH by Gamow and Teller are examined, and alternative hypotheses put forth by Dicke and Carter (1974) are discussed. The discussion covers: continuous (additive or multiplicative) creation of matter, the Einstein metric and the atomic metric, and general cosmological and local astronomical implications of LNH. LNH is also viewed in relation to solar evolution and pulsar physics.

Canuto, V.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Disentangling the Influences of Storm-Relative Flow and Horizontal Streamwise Vorticity on Low-Level Mesocyclones in Supercells

Sufficient low-level storm-relative flow is a necessary ingredient for sustained supercell thunderstorms and is connected to supercell updraft width. Assuming a supercell exists, the role of low-level storm-relative flow in regulating supercells’ low-level mesocyclone intensity is less clear. One possibility considered in this article is that storm-relative flow controls mesocyclone and tornado width via its modulation of overall updraft extent. This hypothesis relies on a previously postulated positive correspondence between updraft width, mesocyclone width, and tornado width. An alternative hypothesis is that mesocyclone characteristics are primarily regulated by horizontal streamwise vorticity irrespective of storm-relative flow. A matrix of supercell simulations was analyzed to address the aforementioned hypotheses, wherein horizontal streamwise vorticity and storm-relative flow were independently varied. Among these simulations, mesocyclone width and intensity were strongly correlated with horizontal streamwise vorticity, and comparatively weakly correlated with storm-relative flow, supporting the second hypothesis. Accompanying theory and trajectory analysis offers the physical explanation that, when storm-relative flow is large and updrafts are wide, vertically tilted streamwise vorticity is projected over a wider area but with a lesser average magnitude than when these parameters are small. These factors partially offset one another, degrading the correspondence of storm-relative flow with updraft circulation and rotational velocity, which are the mesocyclone attributes most closely tied to tornadoes. In conclusion, these results refute the previously purported connections between updraft width, mesocyclone width, and tornado width, and emphasize horizontal streamwise vorticity as the primary control on low-level mesocyclones in sustained supercells.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Metallurgical and mechanical characterization of ATP-5 aluminum alloys for minimizing machining distortion

ATP-5 aluminum alloy was considered as an alternative to 6061-T651 aluminum alloy to minimize machining distortion. ATP-5 is a proprietary cast alloy that is compositionally similar to 5083 aluminum and is purported to have excellent machinability, stability, and corrosion response. Dimensional stability tests, mechanical testing, chemical analysis, microstructural analysis, and fractography were completed to understand the metallurgy of the ATP-5 alloy and assess its potential as a 6061-T651 alloy alternative. Ultimately, the ATP-5 was found to retain dimensional stability issues, albeit to a lesser extent, relative to the 6061-T651 alloy. Combined with the residual cast structure observed microstructurally and lot-to-lot mechanical property variation, the alloy was deemed not suitable for a structural application. Alternative uses of ATP-5 include tooling, molds, vacuum chucks, fixtures, and jigs, where the material can shine in non-load bearing applications with a need for dimensional control and machinability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Complex Sources and Impacts on Remediation and Monitoring Approaches - 19058

Remedy selection, implementation, and coordination with tank farm activities for adjacent waste sites need to be facilitated by a technically defensible description of sources and their relative strength and temporal contributions to groundwater contamination. Detailed data describing contaminant source releases are typically not available, so source locations are highly uncertain. Furthermore, data on sources and model parameters are not readily available through direct measurements. Instead, source data are often derived by extrapolation from a few direct and/or indirect measurements, while model parameters are commonly estimated using inverse modeling or calibration methods. Because the conceptual model of sources will influence the mass and timing of the flux of contaminants to groundwater, uncertainty in the source terms should be considered. Even though a best-fit model can often be identified, it may not be the best representation of the sources given the sparse, uncertain nature of the data used for estimating source terms. To support future feasibility studies, a systematic approach is needed for identifying remediation and monitoring activities appropriate under conditions of uncertainty. In this study, an integrated assessment of alternative conceptual model elements has been examined using the B-Complex site in the Hanford Central Plateau to demonstrate how multiple sources in a waste management complex can be described to identify their relative contributions to groundwater. The heterogeneous structure of the system is modeled based on available field information on the lithological data for both the vadose zone and aquifer. The approach includes a simulation assessment and linkages to site data, with an uncertainty analysis applied to evaluate the effects of source term uncertainty on contaminant mass flux to groundwater. An integrated assessment of alternative conceptual model elements was evaluated to identify how parameter uncertainty impacts both temporal and spatial uncertainties associated with vadose zone source terms. Modeling scenarios identify important characteristics of remediation target zones to provide context for how surface barriers, in situ remedies, and water-table treatment zones can be designed to account for source dynamics. Ramifications for remediation and monitoring are discussed within the context of the source term uncertainty. The described approach facilitates systematically addressing alternative conceptual model questions in relation to remediation and monitoring and supports the remedial investigation/ feasibility study process and the remediation strategy development for the Hanford Central Plateau. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

NASA NTRS2003

Performance Testing of Thermal Interface Filler Materials in a Bolted Aluminum Interface Under Thermal/Vacuum Conditions

A thermal interface material is one of the many tools often used as part of the thermal control scheme for space-based applications. Historically, at Marshall Space Flight Center, CHO-THERM 1671 has primarily been used for applications where an interface material was deemed necessary. However, numerous alternatives have come on the market in recent years. It was decided that a number of these materials should be tested against each other to see if there were better performing alternatives. The tests were done strictly to compare the thermal performance of the materials relative to each other under repeatable conditions and do not take into consideration other design issues, such as off-gassing, electrical conduction, isolation, etc. The purpose of this Technical Memorandum is to detail the materials tested, test apparatus, procedures, and results of these tests. The results show that there are a number of better performing alternatives now available.

Glasgow, S. D.↗