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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2021

Contrasting Community Assembly Forces Drive Microbial Structural and Potential Functional Responses to Precipitation in an Incipient Soil System

Microbial communities in incipient soil systems serve as the only biotic force shaping landscape evolution. However, the underlying ecological forces shaping microbial community structure and function are inadequately understood. We used amplicon sequencing to determine microbial taxonomic assembly and metagenome sequencing to evaluate microbial functional assembly in incipient basaltic soil subjected to precipitation. Community composition was stratified with soil depth in the pre-precipitation samples, with surficial communities maintaining their distinct structure and diversity after precipitation, while the deeper soil samples appeared to become more uniform. The structural community assembly remained deterministic in pre- and post-precipitation periods, with homogenous selection being dominant. Metagenome analysis revealed that carbon and nitrogen functional potential was assembled stochastically. Sub-populations putatively involved in the nitrogen cycle and carbon fixation experienced counteracting assembly pressures at the deepest depths, suggesting the communities may functionally assemble to respond to short-term environmental fluctuations and impact the landscape-scale response to perturbations. We propose that contrasting assembly forces impact microbial structure and potential function in an incipient landscape; in situ landscape characteristics (here homogenous parent material) drive community structure assembly, while short-term environmental fluctuations (here precipitation) shape environmental variations that are random in the soil depth profile and drive stochastic sub-population functional dynamics.

16S amplicon sequencing↗

NASA NTRS2012

Rainbow Fourier Transform

We present a novel technique for remote sensing of cloud droplet size distributions. Polarized reflectances in the scattering angle range between 135deg and 165deg exhibit a sharply defined rainbow structure, the shape of which is determined mostly by single scattering properties of cloud particles, and therefore, can be modeled using the Mie theory. Fitting the observed rainbow with such a model (computed for a parameterized family of particle size distributions) has been used for cloud droplet size retrievals. We discovered that the relationship between the rainbow structures and the corresponding particle size distributions is deeper than it had been commonly understood. In fact, the Mie theory-derived polarized reflectance as a function of reduced scattering angle (in the rainbow angular range) and the (monodisperse) particle radius appears to be a proxy to a kernel of an integral transform (similar to the sine Fourier transform on the positive semi-axis). This approach, called the rainbow Fourier transform (RFT), allows us to accurately retrieve the shape of the droplet size distribution by the application of the corresponding inverse transform to the observed polarized rainbow. While the basis functions of the proxy-transform are not exactly orthogonal in the finite angular range, this procedure needs to be complemented by a simple regression technique, which removes the retrieval artifacts. This non-parametric approach does not require any a priori knowledge of the droplet size distribution functional shape and is computationally fast (no look-up tables, no fitting, computations are the same as for the forward modeling).

Alexandrov, Mikhail D.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Isolating Curvature Effects in Computing Wall-Bounded Turbulent Flows

The flow over the zero-pressure-gradient So-Mellor convex curved wall is simulated using the Navier-Stokes equations. An inviscid effective outer wall shape, undocumented in the experiment, is obtained by using an adjoint optimization method with the desired pressure distribution on the inner wall as the cost function. Using this wall shape with a Navier-Stokes method, the abilities of various turbulence models to simulate the effects of curvature without the complicating factor of streamwise pressure gradient can be evaluated. The one-equation Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model overpredicts eddy viscosity, and its boundary layer profiles are too full. A curvature-corrected version of this model improves results, which are sensitive to the choice of a particular constant. An explicit algebraic stress model does a reasonable job predicting this flow field. However, results can be slightly improved by modifying the assumption on anisotropy equilibrium in the model's derivation. The resulting curvature-corrected explicit algebraic stress model possesses no heuristic functions or additional constants. It lowers slightly the computed skin friction coefficient and the turbulent stress levels for this case (in better agreement with experiment), but the effect on computed velocity profiles is very small.

Rumsey, Christopher L.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Clustering of CODEX clusters

The clustering of galaxy clusters links the spatial nonuniformity of dark matter halos to the growth of the primordial spectrum of perturbations. The amplitude of the clustering signal is widely used to estimate the halo mass of astrophysical objects. The advent of cluster mass calibrations enables using clustering in cosmological studies. Aims. We analyze the autocorrelation function of a large contiguous sample of galaxy clusters, the Constrain Dark Energy with X-ray (CODEX) sample, in which we take particular care of cluster definition. These clusters were X-ray selected using the ROentgen SATellite All-Sky Survey and then identified as galaxy clusters using the code redMaPPer run on the photometry of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We develop methods for precisely accounting for the sample selection effects on the clustering and demonstrate their robustness using numerical simulations. Methods. Using the clean CODEX sample, which was obtained by applying a redshift-dependent richness selection, we computed the two-point autocorrelation function of galaxy clusters in the 0.1 < z < 0.3 and 0.3 < z < 0.5 redshift bins. We compared the bias in the measured correlation function with values obtained in numerical simulations using a similar cluster mass range. Results. By fitting a power law, we measured a correlation length r 0 = 18.7 ± 1.1 and slope γ = 1.98 ± 0.14 for the correlation function in the full redshift range. By fixing the other cosmological parameters to their nine-year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe values, we reproduced the observed shape of the correlation function under the following cosmological conditions: Ω m0 = $0.22_{-0.03}^{+0.04}$ and S 8 = σ 8 (Ω m0 /0.3)0.5 = $0.85_{-0.08}^{+0.10}$ with estimated additional systematic errors of σ Ω m0 = 0.02 and σS 8 = 0.20. We illustrate the complementarity of clustering constraints by combining them with CODEX cosmological constraints based on the X-ray luminosity function, deriving Ωm = 0.25 ± 0.01 and σ 8 = $0.81_{-0.02}^{+0.01}$ with an estimated additional systematic error of σ Ω m0 = 0.07 and σ σ8 = 0.04. The mass calibration and statistical quality of the mass tracers are the dominant source of uncertainty.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2024

The plant cell wall—dynamic, strong, and adaptable—is a natural shapeshifter

Mythology is replete with good and evil shapeshifters, who, by definition, display great adaptability and assume many different forms—with several even turning themselves into trees. Cell walls certainly fit this definition as they can undergo subtle or dramatic changes in structure, assume many shapes, and perform many functions. In this review, we cover the evolution of knowledge of the structures, biosynthesis, and functions of the 5 major cell wall polymer types that range from deceptively simple to fiendishly complex. Along the way, we recognize some of the colorful historical figures who shaped cell wall research over the past 100 years. The shapeshifter analogy emerges more clearly as we examine the evolving proposals for how cell walls are constructed to allow growth while remaining strong, the complex signaling involved in maintaining cell wall integrity and defense against disease, and the ways cell walls adapt as they progress from birth, through growth to maturation, and in the end, often function long after cell death. We predict the next century of progress will include deciphering cell type–specific wall polymers; regulation at all levels of polymer production, crosslinks, and architecture; and how walls respond to developmental and environmental signals to drive plant success in diverse environments.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Landmark-embedded Gaussian process with applications for functional data modeling

In practice, we often need to infer the value of a target variable from functional observation data. A challenge in this task is that the relationship between the functional data and the target variable is very complex: the target variable not only influences the shape but also the location of the functional data. In addition, due to the uncertainties in the environment, the relationship is probabilistic, that is, for a given fixed target variable value, we still see variations in the shape and location of the functional data. To address this challenge, we present a landmark-embedded Gaussian process model that describes the relationship between the functional data and the target variable. A unique feature of the model is that landmark information is embedded in the Gaussian process model so that both the shape and location information of the functional data are considered simultaneously in a unified manner. Gibbs-Metropolis-Hasting algorithm is used for model parameters estimation and target variable inference. The performance of the proposed framework is evaluated by extensive numerical studies and a case study of nano-sensor calibration.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2022

Effect of applied potential on metal surfaces: Surface energy, Wulff shape and charge distribution

Here we use grand canonical density functional theory to predict the surface energies, Wulff shapes, charge distributions and catalytically active sites of different metal surfaces under electrochemical conditions. We propose a method for computing surface energies from grand canonical density functional theory (GC-DFT) calculations of periodic slab models and use it to compute the surface energies of the facets of Pt, Cu, and Ag crystals to predict their Wulff shapes under electrochemical conditions. GC-DFT predicts that, for the pure metals studied, solvation only slightly affects the Wulff shape while applied potentials considerably affect the surface energies and corresponding Wulff shapes. We used Bader charge analysis of GC-DFT computed electron densities to investigate the effect of applied potential on the distribution of electron density over the atoms of the surfaces of Pt, Cu, Ag, and the 75–25 Ag-Pt and Au-Ni alloys. This analysis shows that, under an applied potential, the electron density is unevenly distributed over the surface atoms and that the charges of atoms more exposed to solvent are more sensitive to bias. Our results show that the most sensitive atom to bias can be used to identify the most favorable adsorption site and thus, the active sites of electrochemical reactions, which is computationally less demanding than calculating the adsorption energies on all possible adsorption sites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1976

Thermodynamics of two-dimensional plasmas or discrete line vortex fluids

The equilibrium properties of a two-dimensional plasma are examined theoretically within the framework of the random-phase approximation. The guiding-center case is of most interest because of the formal equivalence to two-dimensional discrete-line vortex fluids and because of the formal admissibility of negative temperatures. Using a judicious treatment of the periodic boundary conditions, extensive thermodynamics for nonnegative temperatures and a new value for the energy at which the temperature becomes negative are found. An explicit form for the structure function is derived and compared with the result of a Monte Carlo calculation. Good agreement is found for the negative-temperature-threshold prediction and for the general shape of the structure function. An equilibrium energy spectrum is calculated, which for positive temperatures, is the Debye-Hueckel result; for negative temperatures, it predicts an enhanced excitation of the lowest mode, corresponding to macroscopic charge separation.

Seyler, C. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2005

HYBRID NEURAL NETWORK AND SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE METHOD FOR OPTIMIZATION

System and method for optimization of a design associated with a response function, using a hybrid neural net and support vector machine (NN/SVM) analysis to minimize or maximize an objective function, optionally subject to one or more constraints. As a first example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied iteratively to design of an aerodynamic component, such as an airfoil shape, where the objective function measures deviation from a target pressure distribution on the perimeter of the aerodynamic component. As a second example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied to data classification of a sequence of data points in a multidimensional space. The NN/SVM analysis is also applied to data regression.

Rai, Man Mohan↗

NASA NTRS2007

Hybrid Neural Network and Support Vector Machine Method for Optimization

Rai, Man Mohan↗

NASA NTRS1982

Wind tunnel evaluation of air-foil performance using simulated ice shapes

A two-phase wind tunnel test was conducted in the 6 by 9 foot Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) at NASA Lewis Research Center to evaluate the effect of ice on the performance of a full scale general aviation wing. In the first IRT tests, rime and glaze shapes were carefully documented as functions of angle of attack and free stream conditions. Next, simulated ice shapes were constructed for two rime and two glaze shapes and used in the second IRT tunnel entry. The ice shapes and the clean airfoil were tapped to obtain surface pressures and a probe used to measure the wake characteristics. These data were recorded and processed, on-line, with a minicomputer/digital data acquisition system. The effect of both rime and glaze ice on the pressure distribution, Cl, Cd, and Cm are presented.

Bragg, M. B.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Optical and IR luminosity functions of IRAS galaxies

The optical and infrared luminosity functions are determined for a 60 micron flux-limited sample of 68 IRAS galaxies covering a total area of 150 deg sq. The IR function is in good agreement with that obtained by other authors. The shape of the optical luminosity function is similar to that of optically selected galaxy samples. The integrated light of most objects in the sample have (NII) to H alpha line flux ratios characteristic of HII-region galaxies. In the absolute magnitude range M sub J = -18, -22 about 14% of late-type galaxies are IRAS galaxies. The apparent companionship frequency is about twice as large as that for a comparable sample of non-IRAS late-type galaxies.

Vader, J. Patricia↗

NASA NTRS2010

Analysis of Flight Management System Predictions of Idle-Thrust Descents

To enable arriving aircraft to fly optimized descents computed by the flight management system (FMS) in congested airspace, ground automation must accurately predict descent trajectories. To support development of the predictor and its uncertainty models, descents from cruise to the meter fix were executed using vertical navigation in a B737-700 simulator and a B777-200 simulator, both with commercial FMSs. For both aircraft types, the FMS computed the intended descent path for a specified speed profile assuming idle thrust after top of descent (TOD), and then it controlled the avionics without human intervention. The test matrix varied aircraft weight, descent speed, and wind conditions. The first analysis in this paper determined the effect of the test matrix parameters on the FMS computation of TOD location, and it compared the results to those for the current ground predictor in the Efficient Descent Advisor (EDA). The second analysis was similar but considered the time to fly a specified distance to the meter fix. The effects of the test matrix variables together with the accuracy requirements for the predictor will determine the allowable error for the predictor inputs. For the B737, the EDA prediction of meter fix crossing time agreed well with the FMS; but its prediction of TOD location probably was not sufficiently accurate to enable idle-thrust descents in congested airspace, even though the FMS and EDA gave similar shapes for TOD location as a function of the test matrix variables. For the B777, the FMS and EDA gave different shapes for the TOD location function, and the EDA prediction of the TOD location is not accurate enough to fully enable the concept. Furthermore, the differences between the FMS and EDA predictions of meter fix crossing time for the B777 indicated that at least one of them was not sufficiently accurate.

Stell, Laurel↗

NASA NTRS2000

Trajectories in Close Proximity to Asteroids

Spacecraft motion in close proximity to irregularly shaped, rotating bodies such as asteroids presents a unique dynamical environment as compared to most space missions. There are several fundamental novelties in this environment that spacecraft must deal with. These include the possibility of orbital instabilities that can act over very short time spans (on the order of hours for some systems), possible non-uniform rotation of the central gravity field, divergence of traditional gravity field representations when close to the asteroid surface, dominance of perturbing forces, an extremely large asteroid model parameter space that must be prepared for in the absence of reliable information, and the possibility of employing new and novel trajectory control techniques such as hovering and repeated landings on the asteroid surface. An overview of how these novelties impact the space of feasible close proximity operations and how different asteroid model properties will affect their implementation is given. In so doing, four fundamental types of close proximity operations will be defined. Listed in order of increasing technical difficulty these are: (1) close, stable orbits; (2) low-altitude flyovers; (3) landing trajectories; and (4) hovering trajectories. The feasibility and difficulty of implementing these operations will vary as a function of the asteroid shape, size, density, and rotation properties, and as a function of the spacecraft navigation capability. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Scheeres, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The luminosity function for the CfA redshift survey slices

The luminosity function for two complete slices of the extension of the CfA redshift survey is calculated. The nonparametric technique of Lynden-Bell (1971) and Turner (1979) is used to determine the shape for the luminosity function of the 12 deg slice of the redshift survey. The amplitude of the luminosity function is determined, taking large-scale inhomogeneities into account. The effects of the Malmquist bias on a magnitude-limited redshift survey are examined, showing that the random errors in the magnitudes for the 12 deg slice affect both the determination of the luminosity function and the spatial density constrast of large scale structures.

De Lapparent, Valerie↗

DOE OSTI2020

Deposit geometry and oxygen concentration spatial variations due to composition change in printed functionally graded components

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) with site specific chemical composition are commonly manufactured by directed energy deposition (DED). Although previous work fabricated an FGM with a compositional variation between a ferritic and austenitic alloy, difficulties arose due to variations in deposit shape with composition change. This problem also occurs for FGMs in literature; however, unlike other cases, the thermophysical properties of these two alloys were similar throughout the build. Here, we investigate the role of chemical composition and surface-active elements on deposit geometry during the manufacture of FGMs by laser DED. Single-track experiments for the relevant FGM compositions are analyzed with results from a well-tested, three-dimensional, transient numerical heat transfer and fluid flow model and thermodynamic calculations. Experiments showed deposit shape varied as a function of composition for constant laser power and scan speed. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the oxygen solubility in the fusion zone varied significantly for each composition used for the FGM. Numerical modeling revealed that the change in fluid flow caused by Marangoni convection due to dissolved oxygen in the fusion zone were mainly responsible for the changes in deposit shape observed in experiments. Finally, because oxygen can be introduced into the fusion zone through the feedstock as well as the surrounding atmosphere, these findings elucidate a previously unconsidered aspect of process control during DED fabrication of FGMs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2007

Code Assesses Risks Posed by Meteoroids and Orbital Debris

BUMPER II version 1.92e is a computer code for assessing the risk of damage from impacts of micrometeoroids and orbital debris on the International Space Station (ISS), including those parts of the ISS covered by shielding that affords partial protection against such impacts. (Other versions of BUMPER II have been written for other spacecraft.) Bumper II quantifies the probability of penetration of shielding and the damage to spacecraft equipment as functions of the size, shape, and orientation of the spacecraft; the parameters of its orbit; failure criteria that quantify impact damage at the threshold of failure for each spacecraft surface; and the impact-damage resistance of each spacecraft surface as defined by "ballistic limit equations" that return the size of a failure-causing particle as a function of target parameters (including materials, configurations, thicknesses, and gap distances) and impact conditions (impact velocity and the density and shape of the impactor). BUMPER II version 1.92e contains several dozen ballistic limit equations that are based on results from thousands of hypervelocity impact tests conducted by NASA on ISS shielding and other hardware, and on results from numerical simulations of impacts.

Christiansen, Eric L.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Understanding and Strategies for Controlled Interfacial Phenomena in Lithium-Ion Batteries and Beyond

Electrolyte chemistry and properties and electrode structure and chemical properties particularly at the interfaces are crucial for the development of advanced battery components. This project focused on elucidating the roles of the electrolyte and electrode on the formation and evolution of the SEI layer and cell electrochemical performance on silicon and on Li metal anodes. For Si nano/microstructures we evaluated lithiation, volume changes, reactivity, and chemo-mechanical transformations as functions of nanoparticle size, shape, presence of coatings, electrolyte composition, electron leakage to the electrolyte, and cycling. For Li metal anodes we provided detailed analyses of the electrode and electrolyte effects on interfacial reactivity and as a function of microstructural evolution and underlying stochasticity as dendrites nucleate and grow. We thoroughly investigated and simulated how the chemistry of the various components of the electrolyte and the electrode architecture may affect the electrochemical reactions as well as cell degradation. A multiscale modeling approach was utilized, where atomistic simulations informed about the microscopic behavior of the system, and intermediate time and length scales were investigated with mesoscopic models. Results were also tested against selected experiments from our collaborators. The combined theoretical-experimental strategy saves costs by utilizing predictions from computational analyses to guide experimentation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗