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At least 577 records · Page 32

Structural analysis of Gd 6 FeBi 2 from single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods and electronic structure calculations

The crystal structure of the gadolinium iron bis­muthide Gd 6 FeBi 2 has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and analyzed in detail using first-principles calculations. The structure is isotypic with the Zr 6 CoAl 2 structure, which is a variant of the ZrNiAl structure and its binary prototype Fe 2 P (Pearson code hP 9, Wyckoff sequence g f d a ). As such, the structure is best viewed as an array of tricapped trigonal prisms of Gd atoms centered alternately by Fe and Bi. The magnetic-ordering temperature of this compound ( ca 350 K) is much higher than that of other rare-earth metal-rich phases with the same or related structures. It is also higher than the ordering temperature of many other Gd-rich ternary phases, where the magnetic exchange is typically governed by Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida (RKKY) inter­actions. First-principles calculations reveal a larger than expected Gd magnetic moment, with the additional contribution arising from the Gd 5 d electrons. The electronic structure analysis suggests strong Gd 5 d –Fe 3 d hybridization to be the cause of this effect, rather than weak inter­actions between Gd and Bi. These details are of importance for understanding the magnetic response and explaining the high ordering tem­per­ature in this material.

Chemistry↗

Structure of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase Q151M mutant: insights into the inhibitor resistance of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and the structure of the nucleotide-binding pocket of Hepatitis B virus polymerase

The structure of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase Q151M mutant was determined at a resolution of 2.6 Å in space group P321. Hepatitis B virus polymerase (HBV Pol) is an important target for anti-HBV drug development; however, its low solubility and stability in vitro has hindered detailed structural studies. Certain nucleotide reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors (NRTIs) such as tenofovir and lamivudine can inhibit both HBV Pol and Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) RT, leading to speculation on structural and mechanistic analogies between the deoxynucleotide triphosphate (dNTP)-binding sites of these enzymes. The Q151M mutation in HIV-1 RT, located at the dNTP-binding site, confers resistance to various NRTIs, while maintaining sensitivity to tenofovir and lamivudine. The residue corresponding to Gln151 is strictly conserved as a methionine in HBV Pol. Therefore, the structure of the dNTP-binding pocket of the HIV-1 RT Q151M mutant may reflect that of HBV Pol. Here, the crystal structure of HIV-1 RT Q151M, determined at 2.6 Å resolution, in a new crystal form with space group P321 is presented. Although the structure of HIV-1 RT Q151M superimposes well onto that of HIV-1 RT in a closed conformation, a slight movement of the β-strands (β2–β3) that partially create the dNTP-binding pocket was observed. This movement might be caused by the introduction of the bulky thioether group of Met151. The structure also highlighted the possibility that the hydrogen-bonding network among amino acids and NRTIs is rearranged by the Q151M mutation, leading to a difference in the affinity of NRTIs for HIV-1 RT and HBV Pol.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Structural health monitoring of engineered structures using a space-borne synthetic aperture radar multi-temporal approach: from cultural heritage sites to war zones

Typically, structural health monitoring (SHM) of engineered structures consists of an automated or semi-automated survey system that seeks to assess the structural condition of an anthropogenic structure. The aim of an SHM system is to provide insights into possible induced damage or any inherent signals of deformation affecting the structure in terms of detection, localization, assessment, and prediction. During the last decade there has been a growing interest in using several remote sensing techniques, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR), for SHM. Constellations of SAR satellites with short repeat time acquisitions permit detailed surveys temporal resolution and millimetric sensitivity to deformation that are at the scales relevant to monitoring large structures. The all-weather multi-temporal characteristics of SAR make its products suitable for SHM systems, especially in areas where in situ measurements are not feasible or not cost effective. To illustrate this capability, we present results from COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) and TerraSAR-X SAR observations applied to the remote sensing of engineered structures. We show how by using multiple-geometry SAR-based products which exploit both phase and amplitude of the SAR signal we can address the main objectives of an SHM system including detection and localization. We highlight that, when external data such as rain or temperature records are available or simple elastic models can be assumed, the SAR-based SHM capability can also provide an interpretation in terms of assessment and prediction. We highlight examples of the potential for such imaging capabilities to enable advances in SHM from space, focusing on dams and cultural heritage areas.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

An Integrated Control and Minimum Mass Structural Optimization Algorithm for Large Space Structures

A new approach is discussed for solving dual structural control optimization problems for high-order flexible space structures, where reduced-order structural models are employed and minimum mass designs are sought. For a given initial structural design, a quadratic control cost is minimized subject to a constant-mass constraint. The sensitivity of the optimal control cost with respect to the structural design variables is then determined and used to obtain successive structural redesigns, using a constrained gradient optimization algorithm. This process is repeated until the constrained control cost sensitivity becomes negligible. The minimum mass design is obtained by solving a sequence of neighboring optimal constant mass designs, where the sequence of optimal performance indices has a minimum at the optimal minimum mass design. A numerical example is presented which demonstrates that this new approach effectively addresses the problem of dual optimization for potentially very high-order structures.

Messac, A.↗

Lewis Structures Technology, 1988. Volume 2: Structural Mechanics

Lewis Structures Div. performs and disseminates results of research conducted in support of aerospace engine structures. These results have a wide range of applicability to practitioners of structural engineering mechanics beyond the aerospace arena. The engineering community was familiarized with the depth and range of research performed by the division and its academic and industrial partners. Sessions covered vibration control, fracture mechanics, ceramic component reliability, parallel computing, nondestructive evaluation, constitutive models and experimental capabilities, dynamic systems, fatigue and damage, wind turbines, hot section technology (HOST), aeroelasticity, structural mechanics codes, computational methods for dynamics, structural optimization, and applications of structural dynamics, and structural mechanics computer codes.

Source record↗

Computational structural mechanics for engine structures

The computational structural mechanics (CSM) program at Lewis encompasses the formulation and solution of structural mechanics problems and the development of integrated software systems to computationally simulate the performance, durability, and life of engine structures. It is structured to supplement, complement, and, whenever possible, replace costly experimental efforts. Specific objectives are to investigate unique advantages of parallel and multiprocessing for reformulating and solving structural mechanics and formulating and solving multidisciplinary mechanics and to develop integrated structural system computational simulators for predicting structural performance, evaluating newly developed methods, and identifying and prioritizing improved or missing methods.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Computational structural mechanics for engine structures

The computational structural mechanics (CSM) program at Lewis encompasses the formulation and solution of structural mechanics problems and the development of integrated software systems to computationally simulate the performance, durability, and life of engine structures. It is structured to supplement, complement, and, whenever possible, replace costly experimental efforts. Specific objectives are to investigate unique advantages of parallel and multiprocessing for reformulating and solving structural mechanics and formulating and solving multidisciplinary mechanics and to develop integrated structural system computational simulators for predicting structural performance, evaluating newly developed methods, and identifying and prioritizing improved or missing methods.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Structural Health Monitoring of Large Structures

This paper describes a damage detection and health monitoring method that was developed for large space structures using on-orbit modal identification. After evaluating several existing model refinement and model reduction/expansion techniques, a new approach was developed to identify the location and extent of structural damage with a limited number of measurements. A general area of structural damage is first identified and, subsequently, a specific damaged structural component is located. This approach takes advantage of two different model refinement methods (optimal-update and design sensitivity) and two different model size matching methods (model reduction and eigenvector expansion). Performance of the proposed damage detection approach was demonstrated with test data from two different laboratory truss structures. This space technology can also be applied to structural inspection of aircraft, offshore platforms, oil tankers, ridges, and buildings. In addition, its applications to model refinement will improve the design of structural systems such as automobiles and electronic packaging.

Kim, Hyoung M.↗

Aircraft Structural Mass Property Prediction Using Conceptual-Level Structural Analysis

This paper describes a methodology that extends the use of the Equivalent LAminated Plate Solution (ELAPS) structural analysis code from conceptual-level aircraft structural analysis to conceptual-level aircraft mass property analysis. Mass property analysis in aircraft structures has historically depended upon parametric weight equations at the conceptual design level and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) at the detailed design level ELAPS allows for the modeling of detailed geometry, metallic and composite materials, and non-structural mass coupled with analytical structural sizing to produce high-fidelity mass property analyses representing fully configured vehicles early in the design process. This capability is especially valuable for unusual configuration and advanced concept development where existing parametric weight equations are inapplicable and FEA is too time consuming for conceptual design. This paper contrasts the use of ELAPS relative to empirical weight equations and FEA. ELAPS modeling techniques are described and the ELAPS-based mass property analysis process is detailed Examples of mass property stochastic calculations produced during a recent systems study are provided This study involved the analysis of three remotely piloted aircraft required to carry scientific payloads to very high altitudes at subsonic speeds. Due to the extreme nature of this high-altitude flight regime,few existing vehicle designs are available for use in performance and weight prediction. ELAPS was employed within a concurrent engineering analysis process that simultaneously produces aerodynamic, structural, and static aeroelastic results for input to aircraft performance analyses. The ELAPS models produced for each concept were also used to provide stochastic analyses of wing structural mass properties. The results of this effort indicate that ELAPS is an efficient means to conduct multidisciplinary trade studies at the conceptual design level.

Sexstone, Matthew G.↗

Aircraft Structural Mass Property Prediction Using Conceptual-Level Structural Analysis

This paper describes a methodology that extends the use of the Equivalent LAminated Plate Solution (ELAPS) structural analysis code from conceptual-level aircraft structural analysis to conceptual-level aircraft mass property analysis. Mass property analysis in aircraft structures has historically depended upon parametric weight equations at the conceptual design level and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) at the detailed design level. ELAPS allows for the modeling of detailed geometry, metallic and composite materials, and non-structural mass coupled with analytical structural sizing to produce high-fidelity mass property analyses representing fully configured vehicles early in the design process. This capability is especially valuable for unusual configuration and advanced concept development where existing parametric weight equations are inapplicable and FEA is too time consuming for conceptual design. This paper contrasts the use of ELAPS relative to empirical weight equations and FEA. ELAPS modeling techniques are described and the ELAPS-based mass property analysis process is detailed. Examples of mass property stochastic calculations produced during a recent systems study are provided. This study involved the analysis of three remotely piloted aircraft required to carry scientific payloads to very high altitudes at subsonic speeds. Due to the extreme nature of this high-altitude flight regime, few existing vehicle designs are available for use in performance and weight prediction. ELAPS was employed within a concurrent engineering analysis process that simultaneously produces aerodynamic, structural, and static aeroelastic results for input to aircraft performance analyses. The ELAPS models produced for each concept were also used to provide stochastic analyses of wing structural mass properties. The results of this effort indicate that ELAPS is an efficient means to conduct multidisciplinary trade studies at the conceptual design level.

Sexstone, Matthew G.↗

Apparatus for integrating a rigid structure into a flexible wall of an inflatable structure

For an inflatable structure having a flexible outer shell or wall structure having a flexible restraint layer comprising interwoven, load-bearing straps, apparatus for integrating one or more substantially rigid members into the flexible shell. For each rigid member, a corresponding opening is formed through the flexible shell for receiving the rigid member. A plurality of connection devices are mounted on the rigid member for receiving respective ones of the load-bearing straps. In one embodiment, the connection devices comprise inner connecting mechanisms and outer connecting mechanisms, the inner and outer connecting mechanisms being mounted on the substantially rigid structure and spaced along a peripheral edge portion of the structure in an interleafed array in which respective outer connecting mechanisms are interposed between adjacent pairs of inner connecting mechanisms, the outer connecting mechanisms projecting outwardly from the peripheral edge portion of the substantially rigid structure beyond the adjacent inner connecting mechanisms to form a staggered array of connecting mechanisms extending along the panel structure edge portion. In one embodiment, the inner and outer connecting mechanisms form part of an integrated, structure rotatably mounted on the rigid member peripheral edge portion.

Johnson, Christopher J.↗

Orion Crew Module / Service Module Structural Weight and Center of Gravity Simulator and Vehicle Motion Simulator Hoist Structure for Orion Service Module Umbilical Testing

An Orion Crew Module Service Module Structural Weight and Center of Gravity Simulator and a Vehicle Motion Simulator Hoist Structure for Orion Service Module Umbilical Testing were designed during a summer 2014 internship in Kennedy Space Centers Structures and Mechanisms Design Branch. The simulator is a structure that supports ballast, which will be integrated into an existing Orion mock-up to simulate the mass properties of the Exploration Mission-1 flight vehicle in both fueled and unfueled states. The simulator mimics these configurations through the use of approximately 40,000 lbf of steel and water ballast, and a steel support structure. Draining four water tanks, which house the water ballast, transitions the simulator from the fueled to unfueled mass properties. The Ground Systems Development and Operations organization will utilize the simulator to verify and validate equipment used to maneuver and transport the Orion spacecraft in its fueled and unfueled configurations. The second design comprises a cantilevered tripod hoist structure that provides the capability to position a large Orion Service Module Umbilical in proximity to the Vehicle Motion Simulator. The Ground Systems Development and Operations organization will utilize the Vehicle Motion Simulator, with the hoist structure attached, to test the Orion Service Module Umbilical for proper operation prior to installation on the Mobile Launcher. Overall, these two designs provide NASA engineers viable concepts worthy of fabricating and placing into service to prepare for the launch of Orion in 2017.

VMS↗

Ion-Scale Current Structures in Short Large-Amplitude Magnetic Structures

We investigate electric current structures in Short Large-Amplitude Magnetic Structures (SLAMS) in the terrestrial ion foreshock region observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission. The structures with intense currents (|J|~1 𝜇𝐴/𝑚2) have scale lengths comparable to the local ion inertial length (di). One current structure type is a current sheet due to the magnetic field rotation of the SLAMS, and a subset of these current sheets can exhibit reconnection features including the electron outflow jet and X-line-type magnetic topology. The di-scale current sheet near the edge of a SLAMS propagates much more slowly than the overall SLAMS, suggesting that it may result from compression. The current structures also exist as magnetosonic whistler waves with fci < f < flh, where fci and flh are the ion cyclotron frequency and the lower- hybrid frequency, respectively.The field rotations in the current sheets and whistler waves generate comparable |J| and energy conversion rates. Electron heating is clearly observed in one whistler packet embedded in a larger-scale current sheet of the SLAMS, where the parallel electric field and the curvature drift opposite to the electric field energize electrons. The results give insight about the thin current structure generation and energy conversion at thin current structures in the shock transition region.

Shan Wang↗

In Situ ATR-FTIR Study of the Cathode–Electrolyte Interphase: Electrolyte Solution Structure, Transition Metal Redox, and Surface Layer Evolution

We present a study of the lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 , NMC622) cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) during galvanostatic charging and discharging using in situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) methods to investigate the voltage dependent electrolyte solution structure changes at the interface, transition metal (TM) redox chemistry, and cathode/electrolyte interfacial layer evolution. Furthermore, our in situ cell design provides both reliable electrochemical device testing and strong FTIR vibrational absorption signals near the cathode surface. Specifically, advanced spectral analysis elucidates changes of near-surface Li+ ion (de)solvation by solvent molecules during galvanostatic cycling. Moreover, cathode metal-oxygen vibrational absorptions, sensitive to TM redox behaviors and subsequent local structural variations, were correlated to cathode de-lithiation (and lithiation) and electrolyte solution structure changes. In addition, we have detected the formation and evolution of a CEI surface layer on the NMC622 cathode that contributes to the cell's capacity fade.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Syntheses, and crystal and electronic structures of the new Zintl phases Na{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} and K{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} (A=Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu, Yb): Structural relationship with Yb{sub 2}CdSb{sub 2} and the solid solutions Sr{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2}, Ba{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} and Eu{sub 2-x}Yb{sub x}CdSb{sub 2}

Presented are the details of the syntheses, crystal and electronic structures of a new family of Zintl phases Na{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} and K{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} (A=Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu, Yb), as well as the solid solutions Sr{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2}, Ba{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} and Eu{sub 2-x}Yb{sub x}CdSb{sub 2}. The structures of Na{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} and K{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} (A=Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu, Yb) were determined to be of a new type with the non-centrosymmetric space group Pmc2{sub 1} (no. 26), Pearson symbol oP12, with lattice parameters a=4.684(1)-4.788(1) A; b=9.099(3)-9.117(2) A; c=7.837(1)-8.057(2) A for the Na{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} series, and a=4.6637(9)-5.0368(8) A; b=9.100(2)-9.8183(15) A; and c=7.7954(15)-8.4924(13) A for K{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2}, respectively. The solid solutions Sr{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2}, Ba{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} and Eu{sub 2-x}Yb{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} (x{approx}1) are isostructural and isoelectronic to the recently reported Yb{sub 2}CdSb{sub 2} (space group Cmc2{sub 1} (no. 36), Pearson symbol cP20). All discussed structures are based upon CdSb{sub 2}{sup 4-} polyanionic layers, similar to the ones observed in Yb{sub 2}CdSb{sub 2}, with various alkali- and/or alkaline-earth cations coordinated to them. Magnetic susceptibility and Seebeck coefficient measurements on selected Eu{sub 2-x}Yb{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} samples, taken at low temperatures up to 300 K, are also reported. -- Graphical abstract: The quaternary Zintl phases Na{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} and K{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} (A=Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu, Yb) with novel layered structures have been synthesized for the first time and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Reported as well are the results from crystallographic and property studies of the closely related solid solutions Sr{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2}, Ba{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} (x{approx}1), and Eu{sub 2-x}Yb{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} (1<x{<=}2). Display Omitted Research highlights: {yields} Na{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} and K{sub 2}ACdSb{sub 2} (A=Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu, Yb) are new quaternary Zintl phases. {yields} Sr{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2}, Ba{sub 2-x}A{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} (x{approx}1), and Eu{sub 2-x}Yb{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} (1<x<2) are solid solutions. {yields} Both structures are layered, based on corner-shared CdSb{sub 4} tetrahedra. {yields} Eu{sub 2-x}Yb{sub x}CdSb{sub 2} (1<x<2) exhibit high Seebeck coefficient (217 {mu}V/K at RT).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗