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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 703 records · Page 39
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Insights into an unusual Auxiliary Activity 9 family member lacking the histidine brace motif of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are redox-enzymes involved in biomass degradation. All characterized LPMOs possess an active site of two highly conserved histidine residues coordinating a copper ion (the histidine brace), which are essential for LPMO activity. However, some protein sequences that belong to the AA9 LPMO family display a natural N-terminal His to Arg substitution (Arg-AA9). These are found almost entirely in the phylogenetic fungal class Agaricomycetes, associated with wood decay, but no function has been demonstrated for any Arg-AA9. Through bioinformatics, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses we present data, which suggest that Arg-AA9 proteins could have a hitherto unidentified role in fungal degradation of lignocellulosic biomass in conjunction with other secreted fungal enzymes. We present the first structure of an Arg-AA9, LsAA9B, a naturally occurring protein from Lentinus similis The LsAA9B structure reveals gross changes in the region equivalent to the canonical LPMO copper-binding site, whereas features implicated in carbohydrate binding in AA9 LPMOs have been maintained. We obtained a structure of LsAA9B with xylotetraose bound on the surface of the protein although with a considerably different binding mode compared with other AA9 complex structures. In addition, we have found indications of protein phosphorylation near the N-terminal Arg and the carbohydrate-binding site, for which the potential function is currently unknown. Finally, our results are strong evidence that Arg-AA9s function markedly different from canonical AA9 LPMO, but nonetheless, may play a role in fungal conversion of lignocellulosic biomass.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Reconciling Heliostat and Solar Panel Wind Loads To Develop a Reduced-Order Model for Heliostat Wind Loads

This work has been carried out as part of the HelioCon Field Deployment subtask, with the aim to distill published literature in papers and standards on heliostat and solar panel wind loads to develop a reduced order model for heliostat wind loads. It is intended to be understood and applied by structural engineers and heliostat designers as inputs to determine wind loads on heliostats due to the underlying derivations and factors that influence the complex structural dynamics and wind-induced behavior of heliostats.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1989

Volumetric visualization of 3D data

In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the ability to obtain detailed data on large complex structures in three dimensions. This development occurred first in the medical field, with CAT (computer aided tomography) scans and now magnetic resonance imaging, and in seismological exploration. With the advances in supercomputing and computational fluid dynamics, and in experimental techniques in fluid dynamics, there is now the ability to produce similar large data fields representing 3D structures and phenomena in these disciplines. These developments have produced a situation in which currently there is access to data which is too complex to be understood using the tools available for data reduction and presentation. Researchers in these areas are becoming limited by their ability to visualize and comprehend the 3D systems they are measuring and simulating.

Russell, Gregory↗
NASA NTRS1991

The 3rd Annual Controlled Structures Technology Symposium

Viewgraphs of presentations at the Controlled Structures Technology (CST) MIT Space Engineering Research Center 3rd Annual Symposium are included. Topics covered include optical interferometer testbed; active impedence matching of complex structural systems; application of CST to adaptive optics; middeck 0-G dynamics Experiment (MODE); inhibiting multiple mode vibration in controlled flexible systems; the middeck active control experiment (MACE); robust control for uncertain structures; cost averaging techniques for robust structural control; and intelligent structures technology.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2019

Reliable Bonding of Composite Laminates Using Reflowable Epoxy Resins

Epoxy matrix composites assembled with adhesives maximize the performance of aerospace structures, but the possibility of forming weak bonds requires the installation of redundant fasteners, which add weight and manufacturing cost. Co-cured joints (e.g. unitized composite structures) are immune to weak bonds because the uncured resin undergoes diffusion and mixing through the joint. A means of co-curing complex structures may reduce the need for redundant fasteners in bondlines. To this end, NASA started the AERoBOND project to develop novel joining materials to enable a “secondary-co-cure” assembly process. Aerospace epoxy resin systems reformulated with offset stoichiometry prevented the resin from advancing beyond the gel point during a conventional autoclave cure cycle up to 180 °C. The offset resins were applied to the joining surfaces of laminate preforms as prepreg. Two surfaces with complimentary offset resins were joined using conventional secondary bonding techniques. Preliminary efforts have indicated that the resulting joint has no discernable interface and appears as a conventional co-cured laminate under optical magnification. This report will discuss the initial work performed regarding formulation of the epoxy resin system using calorimetry, rheology, and mechanical testing.

Palmieri, Frank L.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Studying the hadron structure with PANDA and CLAS using machine learning techniques

The hadron spectroscopy and structure are currently very active fields of research to study the non-perturbative regime of quantum chronodynamics. The first one studies the complex structure of excited hadrons by looking at their decay products, while the latter uses lepton scattering on nucleons. Both methods require reconstruction algorithms with great efficiency and good particle identification and background rejection rates. This work aims to provide these by either improving the existing methods or developing new ones. The first part of this document presents a feasibility study of a predicted hybrid charmonium state for the PANDA experiment. Lattice QCD calculations predict the ground state hybrid charmonium to be a spin exotic with quantum numbers of JP C = 1?+ at a mass of around 4.3 GeV with a width to be around 20 MeV. A machine learning based data analysis scheme is proposed to further improve the signal efficiency and the background reduction, alongside with improvements of the analysis software (PandaRoot), that are vital for this study. These improvements include a reworked clustering algorithm for the electromagnetic calorimeter (EMC) and an optimized monte carlo matching for neutral particles. The second part of this document is about studying the proton structure. A multidimensional study of the structure function ratio Fsin(?)LU /FUU has been performed for K±, based on the measurement of beam-spin asymmetries. It uses the high statistics data recorded with the CLAS12 spectrometer at Jefferson Laboratory. Fsin(?)LU is a twist-3 quantity that provides information about the quark gluon correlations in the proton. This document will present for the first time a simultaneous analysis of two kaon channels over a large kinematic range of z, xB , PT and Q2 with virtualities Q2 ranging from 1 GeV2 up to 8 GeV2 using machine learning techniques for improved particle identification.

Kripko, Aron↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electronic structure of the honeycomb iridate Cu 2 ⁢IrO 3 at high pressure

Cu 2 IrO 3 has attracted recent interest due to its proximity to the Kitaev quantum spin liquid state and the complex structural response observed at high pressures. We use x-ray spectroscopy and scattering as well as electrical transport techniques to unveil the electronic structure of Cu 2 IrO 3 at ambient and high pressures. Despite featuring a Ir 4+ J eff = 1/2 state at ambient pressure, Ir L 3 -edge resonant inelastic x-ray scattering reveals broadened electronic excitations that point to the importance of Ir 5d-Cu 3d interaction. High pressure first drives an Ir-Ir dimer state with collapsed < L · S > and < L z >/< S z >, signaling the formation of 5d molecular orbitals. A novel Cu → Ir charge transfer is observed above 30 GPa at low temperatures, leading to an approximate Ir 3+ and Cu 1.5+ valence, with persistent insulating electrical transport seemingly driven by charge segregation of Cu 1+ /Cu 2+ ions into distinct sites. Concomitant x-ray spectroscopy and diffraction measurements through different thermodynamic paths demonstrate a strong electron-lattice coupling, with J eff = 1/2 and Ir 3+ /Cu 1.5+ electronic states occurring only in phases 1 and 5, respectively. Remarkably, the charge-transfer state can only be reached if Cu 2 IrO 3 is pressurized at low temperature, suggesting that phonons play an important role in the inhibiting this phase. Furthermore, these results point to the choice of thermodynamic path across interplanar collapse transition as a key parameter to access novel states in intercalated iridates.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1983

Estimating Design Loads in Coupled Vibrating Structures

Approximate spectral analysis faster and less expensive than transient analysis. Method of vibration analysis combines separate modes of spacecraft and launcher to determine approximate conditions for resonance. Useful for analysis of any complex structure made up of substructures not coupled too closely; however important to note, method includes effect of dynamic impedance between launcher and payload.

Trubert, M. R.↗
DOE OSTI2020

A comparative look at structural variation among RC–LH1 ‘Core’ complexes present in anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria

All purple photosynthetic bacteria contain RC–LH1 ‘Core’ complexes. The structure of this complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Thermochromatium tepidum has been solved using X-ray crystallography. Recently, the application of single particle cryo-EM has revolutionised structural biology and the structure of the RC–LH1 ‘Core’ complex from Blastochloris viridis has been solved using this technique, as well as the complex from the non-purple Chloroflexi species, Roseiflexus castenholzii. It is apparent that these structures are variations on a theme, although with a greater degree of structural diversity within them than previously thought. Furthermore, it has recently been discovered that the only phototrophic representative from the phylum Gemmatimonadetes, Gemmatimonas phototrophica, also contains a RC–LH1 ‘Core’ complex. At present only a low-resolution EM-projection map exists but this shows that the Gemmatimonas phototrophica complex contains a double LH1 ring. This short review compares these different structures and looks at the functional significance of these variations from two main standpoints: energy transfer and quinone exchange.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Application of the FW-CADIS variance reduction method to calculate a precise N-flux distribution for the FRJ-2 research reactor - 15603

In order to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure and to minimize the radioactive waste and respectively cost by the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, the radiological characteristics and the activity atlases are required. Therefore, a significant step is the accurate determination of the neutron fluence distribution resulting from the operation of a reactor. For this purpose, computer codes based on the Monte-Carlo method are employed because of the flexibility in the modelling of the complex structures and physical processes. In the scope of the research project founded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and implemented by the Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Technology Transfer (NET) -RWTH Aachen, sophisticated simulation tools are developed, which have the capability to cover the range of demands for activity and dose rate distribution using the example of the German research reactor FRJ-2. Due to the complex geometry of FRJ-2, which consists of different structures and configuration, the MCNP5 Monte Carlo Code is the optimal method for a precise neutron transport simulation. This work presents a method to achieve a precise N-Flux distribution for the FRJ-2 research reactor using hybrid deterministic Monte Carlo method. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2014

Laboratory micro- and nanoscale X-ray tomographic investigation of Al–7 at.%Cu solidification structures

X-ray computed tomography across multiple length scales provides an opportunity to non-destructively visualize and quantify the micro- to nano-scale microstructural features of solidification structures in three dimensions. Aluminum–7 at.%copper samples were directionally solidified at three cooling rates (0.44, 0.67, and 1.33 °C/s), resulting in systematic changes in the as-solidified microstructure, which are difficult to quantify using traditional microscopic techniques. The cooling rate of a material affects its ultimate microstructure, and characterizing that microstructure is key to predicting and understanding its bulk properties. Here, two different laboratory X-ray computed tomography instruments were used to characterize as-solidified microstructures, including micro-scale computed tomography with approximately 1 mm field-of-view, ∼ 1.7 μm resolution, and nano-scale X-ray computed tomography ∼ 65 μm FOV, 150 nm resolution. Micro-scale X-ray radiography and computed tomography enabled a quantitative investigation of changes in the primary dendritic solidification structure with increasing cooling rate. Nano-scale absorption contrast X-ray computed tomography resolved the distinct phases of the lamellar eutectic structure and three dimensional measurements of the ∼ 1 μm interlamellar spacing. It is found that the lamella eutectic structure thickness is inversely proportional to the cooling rate. Nano-scale Zernike phase contrast was also used to image voids at eutectic colony boundaries. The application and resolution of these two instruments are discussed with respect to the resolvable features of the solidification structures. - Highlights: • Al–Cu eutectic is a model system for studying solidification microstructure. • X-ray computed tomography provides a 3D picture of these complex structures. • Micro-scale tomography images the primary and secondary dendritic structures. • Nano-scale tomography images the eutectic lamella and measures its thickness. • The ∼ 1 micrometer thickness of the eutectic lamella correlates to the cooling rate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evolutionary Origins of Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer

Metabolic changes that facilitate tumor growth are one of the hallmarks of cancer. These changes are not specific to tumors but also take place during the physiological growth of tissues. Indeed, the cellular and tissue mechanisms present in the tumor have their physiological counterpart in the repair of tissue lesions and wound healing. These molecular mechanisms have been acquired during metazoan evolution, first to eliminate the infection of the tissue injury, then to enter an effective regenerative phase. Cancer itself could be considered a phenomenon of antagonistic pleiotropy of the genes involved in effective tissue repair. Cancer and tissue repair are complex traits that share many intermediate phenotypes at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels, and all of these are integrated within a Systems Biology structure. Complex traits are influenced by a multitude of common genes, each with a weak effect. This polygenic component of complex traits is mainly unknown and so makes up part of the missing heritability. Here, we try to integrate these different perspectives from the point of view of the metabolic changes observed in cancer.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1988

Vibration suppression in a large space structure

The Yale University Center for Systems Science and the NASA Johnson Space Center collaborated in a study of vibration suppression in a large space structure during the period January 1985 to August 1987. The research proposal submitted by the Center to NASA concerned disturbance isolation in flexible space structures. The general objective of the proposal was to create within the Center a critical mass of expertise on problems related to the dynamics and control of large flexible space structures. A specific objective was to formulate both passive and active control strategies for the disturbance isolation problem. Both objectives were achieved during the period of the contract. While an extensive literature exists on the control of flexible space structures, it is generally acknowledged that many important questions remain open at even a fundamental level. Hence, instead of studying grossly simplified models of complex structural systems, it was decided as a first step to confine attention to detailed and thorough analyses of simple structures.

Narendra, Kumpati S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Computational structural mechanics methods research using an evolving framework

Advanced structural analysis and computational methods that exploit high-performance computers are being developed in a computational structural mechanics research activity sponsored by the NASA Langley Research Center. These new methods are developed in an evolving framework and applied to representative complex structural analysis problems from the aerospace industry. An overview of the methods development environment is presented, and methods research areas are described. Selected application studies are also summarized.

Knight, N. F., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2019

MELT POOL MONITORING FOR CONTROL AND DATA ANALYTICS IN LARGE-SCALE METAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Laser-wire based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processes are being developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, in collaboration with GKN Aerospace, for large volume metal additive manufacturing of metallic structures. The technology has the potential to deliver reduced costs and lead times when compared to conventional methods of manufacturing in several industries. While complex structures are being produced with relatively high deposition rates and at near-net shape, issues persist with achieving consistent geometric accuracy and thermal stability. A significant research effort is focused on developing coordinated, multi-modal sensing and control for addressing these issues. An introduction to this large-volume metal process will be provided, followed by investigations into real-time thermal monitoring capabilities that support control and data analytics frameworks. Studies focused on melt pool monitoring via infrared thermography, thermal and geometric effects on melt pool size measurement, and interactions between process variables and thermal monitoring metrics are presented.

Gibson, Brian↗
DOE OSTI2025

Extrusion‐Based Printing of Nanostructured Fatty Acid Gels Incorporated in Hydrogels

Soft materials with unique nanostructures such as lamellar, hexagonal, and cubic morphologies can replicate complex structures that have potential in various fields, including biomedical and industrial applications. However, a key challenge in advancing the broader applications of 3D printing for these nanostructured soft materials is insufficient mechanical properties that hinder their printability and compromise structural stability in the final product. In this study, the suitability of a fatty acid‐based lamellar gel is evaluated for direct extrusion‐based 3D printing. Here, the lamellar gel with varying water content is integrated with a photocurable hydrogel to preserve the shape and stability of the final prints. Complex 2D and 3D design patterns are used to assess extrusion behavior, structural stability, and print precision under varying pressures. Small‐angle X‐ray Scattering (SAXS) measurements reveal the formation of lamellar nanostructures and confirm their retention after photocuring in various gels. Rheological analysis confirms that these gels exhibit key properties suitable for extrusion‐based 3D printing, such as shear‐thinning behavior. Additionally, tensile testing is conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties across cured print samples. This study underscores the potential of nanostructured gels as a robust and versatile platform, facilitating the development of materials engineered for various applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Structure and properties of densified silica glass: characterizing the order within disorder

The broken symmetry in the atomic-scale ordering of glassy versus crystalline solids leads to a daunting challenge to provide suitable metrics for describing the order within disorder, especially on length scales beyond the nearest neighbor that are characterized by rich structural complexity. Here, we address this challenge for silica, a canonical network-forming glass, by using hot versus cold compression to (i) systematically increase the structural ordering after densification and (ii) prepare two glasses with the same high-density but contrasting structures. The structure was measured by high-energy X-ray and neutron diffraction, and atomistic models were generated that reproduce the experimental results. The vibrational and thermodynamic properties of the glasses were probed by using inelastic neutron scattering and calorimetry, respectively. Traditional measures of amorphous structures show relatively subtle changes upon compacting the glass. The method of persistent homology identifies, however, distinct features in the network topology that change as the initially open structure of the glass is collapsed. The results for the same high-density glasses show that the nature of structural disorder does impact the heat capacity and boson peak in the low-frequency dynamical spectra. Densification is discussed in terms of the loss of locally favored tetrahedral structures comprising oxygen-decorated SiSi 4<:sub> tetrahedra.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗