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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 685 records · Page 38
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Dust in the Sky: Atmospheric Composition. Modeling of Aerosol Optical Thickness

Aerosol is any small particle of matter that rests suspended in the atmosphere. Natural sources, such as deserts, create some aerosols; consumption of fossil fuels and industrial activity create other aerosols. All the microscopic aerosol particles add up to a large amount of material floating in the atmosphere. You can see the particles in the haze that floats over polluted cities. Beyond this visible effect, aerosols can actually lower temperatures. They do this by blocking, or scattering, a portion of the sun's energy from reaching the surface. Because of this influence, scientists study the physical properties of atmospheric aerosols. Reliable numerical models for atmospheric aerosols play an important role in research.

Chin, Mian↗
DOE OSTI2014

Modeling the optical-X-ray accretion lag in LMC X-3: Insights into black-hole accretion physics

The X-ray persistence and characteristically soft spectrum of the black hole X-ray binary LMC X-3 make this source a touchstone for penetrating studies of accretion physics. We analyze a rich, ten-year collection of optical/infrared (OIR) time-series data in conjunction with all available contemporaneous X-ray data collected by the All-Sky Monitor and Proportional Counter Array detectors aboard the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. A cross-correlation analysis reveals an X-ray lag of ≈2 weeks. Motivated by this result, we develop a model that reproduces the complex OIR light curves of LMC X-3. The model is comprised of three components of emission: stellar light, accretion luminosity from the outer disk inferred from the time-lagged X-ray emission, and light from the X-ray-heated star and outer disk. Using the model, we filter a strong noise component out of the ellipsoidal light curves and derive an improved orbital period for the system. Concerning accretion physics, we find that the local viscous timescale in the disk increases with the local mass accretion rate; this in turn implies that the viscosity parameter α decreases with increasing luminosity. Finally, we find that X-ray heating is a strong function of X-ray luminosity below ≈50% of the Eddington limit, while above this limit X-ray heating is heavily suppressed. We ascribe this behavior to the strong dependence of the flaring in the disk upon X-ray luminosity, concluding that for luminosities above ≈50% of Eddington, the star lies fully in the shadow of the disk.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Uncertainty quantification due to optical potentials in models for ( d , p ) reactions

Recent work has studied the uncertainty in predictions for $A(d,p)B$ reactions using the distorted-wave Born approximation (DWBA), coming from the parametrization of the effective $dA$ interactions [Lovell et al. Phys. Rev. C 95, 024611 (2017)]. There are different levels of sophistication in reaction theories for one-nucleon transfer reactions, including the adiabatic wave approximation (ADWA) which takes deuteron breakup into account to all orders. In this paper, we quantify the uncertainties associated with the ADWA method that come from the parametrization of the NA interactions and compare ADWA with DWBA. Similar to Lovell et al., we use nucleon elastic-scattering data on a wide variety of targets at the appropriate incoming and outgoing energies to constrain the optical potential input to the ADWA theory. Pulling from the χ 2 distribution, we obtain 95% confidence bands for the elastic distributions. From the resulting parameters, we predict 95% confidence bands for the ( d , p ) transfer cross sections. Results obtained with the standard uncorrelated χ 2 are compared to those using the correlated χ 2 of Lovell et al. We also repeat the DWBA calculations for the exact same reactions for comparison purposes. We find that NA elastic-scattering data provide a significant constraint to the interactions, and, when the uncertainties are propagated to the transfer reactions using ADWA, predictions are consistent with the transfer data. The angular distributions for ADWA differ from those predicted by DWBA, particularly at small angles. As in Lovell et al., confidence bands obtained using the uncorrelated χ 2 function are unrealistically narrow and become much wider when the correlated χ 2 function is considered. For most cases, the uncertainty bands obtained in ADWA are narrower than DWBA when using elastic data of similar quality and range. However, given the large uncertainties predicted from the correlated χ 2 function, at this point, the transfer data cannot discriminate between these two methods.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Observations and Modeling of Fiber Optic Strain on Hydraulic Fracture Height Growth in Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site 2 (HFTS-2)

Summary Understanding fracture height growth can be of great significance to optimizing field development and improving recovery. The Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site 2 (HFTS-2) has provided a unique opportunity and an advanced data set to allow us to observe and understand fracture geometries rigorously. Low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing (LF-DAS) data from a vertical well in HFTS-2 showed three key observations: (i) excessive upward height growth (>1,000 ft) and limited downward growth of the hydraulic fractures during pumping, (ii) considerable additional upward fracture height growth (~300 ft) after well shut in, and (iii) very complex LF-DAS strain rate patterns for a small fiber-to-stage offset. Advanced geomechanical modeling was performed to simulate the hydraulic fracture propagation and the resulting strain responses in the vertical direction. The modeling results demonstrated asymmetric upward and downward fracture height growths as observed in HFTS-2 with a similar upward height growth rate. Simulated waterfall plots of vertical strain rate showed distinct patterns for different fiber-to-fracture distances. The upward-growing fracture tip can be clearly identified by the interfaces between compressing and extending zones. It was also found that the complex strain rate patterns observed in HFTS-2 for small fiber-stage offsets were not caused by the mechanical layering but possibly result from the simultaneous propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures at different rates. The simulation results improved the understating of the HFTS-2 LF-DAS data, and the simulated strain rate patterns could also serve as templates for fracture height interpretation from LF-DAS data in future.

Engineering↗
NASA NTRS1989

An investigation of a mathematical model of an optically pumped Ti(3+):Al2O3 laser system

During the last several years, solid state lasers were developed that have the potential for meeting rigorous performance requirements for space-based remote sensing of the atmosphere. In order to design a stable and efficient laser and to understand the effect on laser output of changes in the physical and design parameters, an understanding of the development of the dynamical processes of the laser is necessary. Typically, the dynamical processes in a laser system are investigated via rate equations describing the evolution of the occupancy in the electronic levels and of the photon density in the laser cavity. There are two approaches to this type of study. Most often, for the sake of simplicity, the spatial variations of the dynamic variables in the laser system are disregarded and the mathematical model consists of a system of first order nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODE). The second approach is to take into account both spatial and temporal variations in the dynamic variables in the laser cavity. The resulting model consists of a first order semilinear system of partial differential equations (PDE). The model which was studied was studied was generic in the sense that it was a four-level laser system, but the parameters used in the numerical study were specific to Titanium-doped sapphire. For simplicity, a constant, spatially uniform pumping scheme was considered. In addition, a simplification of the model was made so that it treats a single lasing wavelength with a narrow bandwidth. The purpose was to investigate both versions of the mathematical model and to determine whether the numerical solutions are similar both qualitatively and quantitatively. The systems of ordinary differential equations were solved numerically using a Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg algorithm which was very efficient for typical values of the physical parameters. A numerical scheme, based on the Modified Euler method, for computing solutions to the system of partial differential equations was developed and implemented. The PDE model was solved numerically at the expense of greatly increased computer time.

Roberts, Lila F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The determination of the interplanetary orbits of Vikings 1 and 2

A description is presented of the navigation-related events of the Viking Mars mission. Orbit determination system fundamentals are discussed, taking into account the trajectory models, observation models, radio data models, range considerations, optical data models, filter models, the orbit determination process, critical orbit determination inputs, and orbit determination errors. Attention is also given to questions of orbit determination strategy, orbit determination results, optical measurements processing, aspects of approach orbit determination evaluation, and the orbit determination software system.

Rourke, K. H.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Detect-and-Avoid Safety and Operational Suitability Analysis using an Electro-Optical/Infared Sensor Model

This report documents a closed-loop analysis of an DAA system using a Electro/Optical sensor model. Safety and operational suitability metrics are computed. Results show that the safety metrics are most sensitive to the angular rate accuracy of the intruder aircraft. Trade-off between safety and operationl suitability metrics is discussed. Results from this work directly inform the requirements of an electro/optical sensors for detect-and-avoid.

Detect-and-avoid↗
NASA NTRS1982

Optical Studies of model binary miscibility gap system

In order to develop a better understanding of separation processes in binary miscibility gap metal alloys, model transparent fluid systems were studied. The system selected was diethylene glycol-ethyl salicylate which has convenient working temperatures (288 to 350 K), low toxicity, and is relatively easy to purify. The system is well characterized with respect to its phase diagram, density, surface and interfacial tensions, viscosity and other pertinent physical properties. Studies of migration of the dispersed phase in a thermal gradient were performed using conventional photomicroscopy. Velocities of the droplets of the dispersed phase were measured and compared to calculated rates which included both Stokes and thermal components. A holographic microscopy system was used to study growth, coalescence, and particle motions. Sequential holograms allowed determination of particle size distribution changes with respect to time and temperature. Holographic microscopy is capable of recording particle densities up to 10 to the 7th power particles/cu cm and is able to resolve particles of the order of 2 to 3 microns in diameter throughout the entire volume of the test cell. The reconstructed hologram produces a wavefront that is identical to the original wavefront as it existed when the hologram was made. The reconstructed wavefront is analyzed using a variety of conventional optical methods.

Lacy, L. L.↗
DOE OSTI2013

AN X-RAY AND OPTICAL LIGHT CURVE MODEL OF THE ECLIPSING SYMBIOTIC BINARY SMC3

Some binary evolution scenarios for Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) include long-period binaries that evolve to symbiotic supersoft X-ray sources in their late stage of evolution. However, symbiotic stars with steady hydrogen burning on the white dwarf's (WD) surface are very rare, and the X-ray characteristics are not well known. SMC3 is one such rare example and a key object for understanding the evolution of symbiotic stars to SNe Ia. SMC3 is an eclipsing symbiotic binary, consisting of a massive WD and red giant (RG), with an orbital period of 4.5 years in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The long-term V light curve variations are reproduced as orbital variations in the irradiated RG, whose atmosphere fills its Roche lobe, thus supporting the idea that the RG supplies matter to the WD at rates high enough to maintain steady hydrogen burning on the WD. We also present an eclipse model in which an X-ray-emitting region around the WD is almost totally occulted by the RG swelling over the Roche lobe on the trailing side, although it is always partly obscured by a long spiral tail of neutral hydrogen surrounding the binary in the orbital plane.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1972

Design and fabrication of engineering model fiber-optics detector

The design and fabrication of an annular ring detector consisting of optical fibers terminated with photodetectors is described. The maximum width of each concentric ring has to be small enough to permit the resolution of a Ronchi ruling transform with a dot spacing of 150 microns. A minimum of 100 concentric rings covering a circular area of 2.54 cm diameter also is necessary. A fiber-optic array consisting of approximately 89,000 fibers of 76 microns diameter was fabricated to meet the above requirements. The fibers within a circular area of 2.5 cm diameter were sorted into 168 adjacent rings concentric with the center fiber. The response characteristics of several photodetectors were measured, and the data used to compare their linearity of response and dynamic range. Also, coupling loss measurements were made for three different methods of terminating the optical fibers with a photodetector.

Mcsweeney, A.↗