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Results for “barrier method”

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 721 records · Page 40

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NASA NTRS2018

Towards a Rigorous Basis for Specific Operations Risk Assessment of UAS

The Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) guidance represents the consensus of various national aviation authorities on a common process to identify, qualitatively assess, and manage the safety risk posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), when preparing the safety case required for regulatory approval to conduct certain types of operations. As such, it can be considered a de facto standard, being increasingly adopted by various relevant stakeholders. This paper first gives an overview of the SORA process and associated methods, identifying a number of inconsistencies in risk identification and assessment, also discussing plausible strategies to close the associated gaps. Then, we give a well-founded basis for the applicable concepts, such as barrier integrity, assurance, and robustness, following which we present a preliminary and simple probabilistic formalization of the underpinning barrier-based safety model. We illustrate our overall approach through a worked example, also discussing how a Bayesian framework can facilitate extending and enhancing our initial formalization. We conclude with a discussion of the opportunities afforded by our approach, such as a well-founded basis for barrier selection, whilst addressing the associated challenges. The main objective of this work is to complement the current SORA guidance through a principled, mathematicallybased approach to risk assessment, particularly when it is applied to higher-risk operational concepts that warrant greater rigor in safety assessment and assurance.

Safety Cases↗

NASA NTRS2018

In-space Biomanufacturing Using CO2 with Methylobacterium Extorquens

Long duration missions to deep space will require new approaches for supplying astronauts. In-space microbial manufacturing could generate many important compounds (such as nutrients, pharmaceuticals and fuels) but there are significant barriers to deploying reliable bioproduction platforms to space. These include ensuring adequate production and proper purification of the desired product, especially in the unique radiation and microgravity environment. Here we are focused on developing methods and technologies to feed microbial factories using the resources available in space. CO2, found in abundance in spacecraft cabins and the Mars atmosphere, can be sequestered and converted into bioproducts. While autotrophic organisms can use CO2 directly, they are generally slow growing and have less-developed biotechnology toolkits. Therefore we are developing an alternative paradigm in which CO2 is first reduced to more energetic carbon compounds that can support more rapid growth of workhorse biotechnology platforms (E. coli, S. cerevisiae, P. pastoris).Various technologies exist or are being developed to convert CO2. For example, the Sabatier system currently installed on the ISS, reacts CO2 and H2 to generate CH4 and H2O. This methane could be consumed by engineered methanotrophic bacteria. Alternatively, electrochemical systems can convert CO2 into formate (CHO2) which could be consumed by formatotrophic bacteria. In either case, synthetic biology techniques allow these microbes to serve as reprogrammable biofactories capable of producing a vast number or products.

Synthetic biology; Formate metabolism↗

NASA NTRS2024

Spatiotemporal Evolution of Marine Heatwaves Globally

The spatiotemporal evolution of marine heatwaves (MHWs) is explored using a tracking algorithm termed Ocetrac that provides objective characterization of MHW spatiotemporal evolution. Candidate MHW grid points are defined in detrended gridded sea temperature data using a seasonally varying temperature threshold. Identified MHW points are collected into spatially distinct objects using edge detection with weak sensitivity to edge detection and size threshold criteria. These MHW objects are followed in space and time while allowing objects to split and merge. Ocetrac is applied to monthly satellite sea surface temperature data from September 1981 through January 2021. The resulting MHWs are characterized by their intensity, duration, and total area covered. The global analysis shows that MHWs in the Gulf of Maine and Mediterranean Sea evolve within a relatively small region, while major MHWs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans are linked in space and time. The largest and most long lasting MHW using this method lasts for 60 months from November 2013 to October 2018, encompassing previously identified MHW events including those in the Northeast Pacific (2014-2015), the Tasman Sea (2015-2016, 2017-2018), and the Great Barrier Reef (2016).

spatiotemporal↗

NASA NTRS1980

Evaluation of approximate methods for the prediction of noise shielding by airframe components

An evaluation of some approximate methods for the prediction of shielding of monochromatic sound and broadband noise by aircraft components is reported. Anechoic-chamber measurements of the shielding of a point source by various simple geometric shapes were made and the measured values compared with those calculated by the superposition of asymptotic closed-form solutions for the shielding by a semi-infinite plane barrier. The shields used in the measurements consisted of rectangular plates, a circular cylinder, and a rectangular plate attached to the cylinder to simulate a wing-body combination. The normalized frequency, defined as a product of the acoustic wave number and either the plate width or cylinder diameter, ranged from 4.6 to 114. Microphone traverses in front of the rectangular plates and cylinders generally showed a series of diffraction bands that matched those predicted by the approximate methods, except for differences in the magnitudes of the attenuation minima which can be attributed to experimental inaccuracies. The shielding of wing-body combinations was predicted by modifications of the approximations used for rectangular and cylindrical shielding. Although the approximations failed to predict diffraction patterns in certain regions, they did predict the average level of wing-body shielding with an average deviation of less than 3 dB.

Ahtye, W. F.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Advancing Solar Innovation for Low and Moderate-Income Households (Final Technical Report)

The overarching goal of this project was to deepen the understanding of the social and economic aspects of solar adoption, with a specific eye towards any pathways or barriers that could be identified that directly impact low and moderate-income households. Specific objectives included (1) identifying and assessing significant non-economic barriers that complicate the ability of LMI households to adopt and benefit from solar, even under scenarios with low economic barriers; (2) assessing the differential ability of groups to benefit from solar adoption based on their ability to invest in different solar innovations; (3) explaining why some LMI communities nonetheless experience significantly higher rates of solar adoption and benefit than others; (4) developing a methodological model for generating data addressing key issues to the project; and (5) designing and developing an interactive web portal that aggregates existing datasets, provides researchers trend analysis capabilities, standardizes project protocols for other states and communities; provides the opportunities for researchers using the same protocol in other communities to upload their results; and engages with the general public by providing them the ability to upload their own perspectives and stories of solar technology adoption. Through a common framework for conducting semi-structured field interviews. In partnership with cooperative extension services, in conjunction with survey research and the aggregation of existing solar adoption datasets, this study has identified that currently ,there is a strong values alignment and knowledge access challenge that continues to affect solar adoption. Participants in this study – many of whom are either low or moderate-income and/or live in underserved rural communities do not believe solar is an option where they live or believe solar is appropriate for their lifestyle. This perception challenge is further exacerbated by the absolute dearth of adopters in most communities and a total lack of local marketing for solar energy. What marketing that does exist is geared towards audiences other than those in the participant's community, reinforcing a perception that 22% of survey respondents (n = 1,551) have: that solar energy is not meant for them and their community. Overcoming these serious human challenges pertaining to knowledge and marketing are critical to reducing the customer acquisition costs incurred amongst LMI communities and especially those in rural America where the opportunities solar provides to increase local energy resilience, security, all while engaging in personal stewardship of the planet could align with local values. Community-Based Social Marketing, built in partnership with community leaders and geared towards meeting local visions of ideal life, is a near term opportunity to bridge the gap between local priorities and national market and policy imperatives for solar while moving towards the administration's goals for renewable energy as part of a just and equitable decarbonization program. The tools and methods developed for this study can serve as a template for identifying other specific local challenges for solar adoption in other state, and provide the opportunity for a common data framework for understanding system-wide trends and barriers to achieving uptake of residential solar in communities that may, ultimately, benefit the most from the technology.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Entanglement perspective on the quantum approximate optimization algorithm

Many quantum algorithms seek to output a specific bitstring solving the problem of interest—or a few if the solution is degenerate. It is the case for the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) in the limit of large circuit depth, which aims to solve quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problems. Hence, the expected final state for these algorithms is either a product state or a low-entangled superposition involving a few bitstrings. What happens in between the initial N -qubit product state | 0 〉 ⊗ N and the final one regarding entanglement? Here, we consider the QAOA algorithm for solving the paradigmatic MaxCut problem on different types of graphs. We study the entanglement growth and spread resulting from randomized and optimized QAOA circuits and find that there is a volume-law entanglement barrier between the initial and final states. We also investigate the entanglement spectrum in connection with random matrix theory. In addition, we compare the entanglement production with a quantum annealing protocol aiming to solve the same MaxCut problems. Finally, we discuss the implications of our results for the simulation of QAOA circuits with tensor network-based methods relying on low-entanglement for efficiency, such as matrix product states.

Dupont, Maxime↗

DOE OSTI2024

Advanced thermal/environmental barrier coatings of high-entropy rare earth disilicates tuned by strong anharmonicity of Eu 2 Si 2 O 7

Advancing thermal/environmental barrier coating (TEBC) materials with integrated thermal-mechanical functions is paramount for safeguarding SiC-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in high-efficiency gas turbines. Herein, we employ a synergistic approach, combining density functional theory (DFT) methods and combinatorial chemistry techniques, to design high-performance and low-cost RE 2 Si 2 O 7 (RE = rare earth elements) TEBC materials tailored for enhanced compatibility with SiC-based CMCs. Expanding on phase stability of alloying pure RE 2 Si 2 O 7 , the investigation extends to the mechanical and thermal properties of solid solution systems, including Er 1/2 Y 3/4 Yb 3/4 Si 2 O 7 , Gd 1/4 Er 1/4 Y 3/4 Yb 3/4 Si 2 O 7 , and Eu 1/4 Er 1/4 Y 3/4 Yb 3/4 Si 2 O 7 . The solid solution systems exhibit a major reduction in lattice thermal conductivity relative to their pure counterparts, achieving ultralow values of 0.25 to 0.39 W m −1 K −1 at 1500 K. Furthermore, the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of these solid solutions are precisely tuned within the desired range for SiC (4.4 to 5.5 × 10 −6 K −1 ), while maintaining good mechanical properties. Here, in particular, the addition of Eu 2 Si 2 O 7 demonstrates to be an important variable to the tuning of CTE and lattice thermal conductivity by leveraging its strong anharmonicity, presenting a pioneering avenue for fine-tuning material properties. In summary, this research not only identifies promising TEBC materials with superior thermal properties, but also introduces a valuable computational material design methodology for the rapid discovery of complex materials for harsh environments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Fermi-Löwdin-orbital self-interaction correction using the optimized-effective-potential method within the Krieger-Li-Iafrate approximation

Perdew-Zunger self-interaction correction (PZ-SIC) offers a route to remove self interaction errors on an orbital-by-orbital basis. A recent formulation of PZ-SIC by Pederson, Ruzsinszky and Perdew proposes restricting the unitary transformation to localized orbitals called Fermi-Löwdin orbitals. This formulation, called the FLOSIC method, simplifies PZ-SIC calculations and was implemented self-consistently using a Jacobi-like (FLOSIC-Jacobi) iteration scheme. In this work we implement the FLOSIC approach using the Krieger-Li-Iafrate (KLI) approximation to the optimized effective potential (OEP). We compare the results of present FLOSIC-KLI approach with FLOSIC-Jacobi scheme for atomic energies, atomization energies, ionization energies, barrier heights, polarizability of chains of hydrogen molecules etc. to validate the FLOSIC-KLI approach. The FLOSICKLI approach, which is within the realm of Kohn-Sham theory, predicts smaller energy gaps between frontier orbitals due to the lowering of eigenvalues of the lowest unoccupied orbitals. Results show that atomic energies, atomization energies, ionization energy as an absolute of highest occupied orbital eigenvalue, and polarizability of chains of hydrogen molecules between the two methods agree within 2%. Lastly the FLOSIC-KLI approach is used to determine the vertical ionization energies of water clusters.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Development and Use of a Natural Gas / Oxygen Burner Rig for Environmental Barrier Coating and Ceramic Matrix Composite Technology Maturation

This work outlines the development of a new natural gas/oxygen (NG/O2) fueled combustion rig located at the NASA Glenn Research Center for high-temperature environmental durability studies of advanced materials and components at atmospheric pressure. The NG/O2 burner rig can simulate the high-temperature, high-heat flux, and high-velocity thermal environments encountered in gas turbine engines. It also provides the capability to study environmental effects such as water vapor and other foreign contaminants relevant to these applications. The rig is anticipated to bridge the gap between other laboratory methods such as furnaces, jet-fueled burner rigs, high-heat flux lasers, and more expensive engine rig testing. The NG/O2 rig is expected to have maximum sample temperature capabilities over 3,000°F (1,649°C) and result in higher water vapor content compared to our Mach 0.3 to Mach 1.0 jet-A burner rigs which is important for characterizing current and next-generation environmental barrier coatings. This paper will provide an overview of the development of the NG/O2 burner rig, initial characterization, and current research and development efforts on environmental barrier coated ceramic matrix composites.

Burner rig↗

DOE OSTI2024

RandONets: Shallow networks with random projections for learning linear and nonlinear operators

Deep neural networks have been extensively used for the solution of both the forward and the inverse problem for dynamical systems. However, their implementation necessitates optimizing a high-dimensional space of parameters and hyperparameters. This fact, along with the requirement of substantial computational resources, pose a barrier to achieving high numerical accuracy, but also interpretability. Here, to address the above challenges, we present Random Projection-based Operator Networks (RandONets): shallow networks with random projections and tailor-made numerical analysis methods that learn accurately and fast linear and nonlinear operators. Building on previous works, we prove that RandOnets are universal approximators of linear and nonlinear operators. Due to their simplicity, RandONets provide a one-step transformation of the input space, facilitating interpretability. For the evaluation of their performance, we focus on operators of PDEs. We show, that RandONets outperform by several orders of magnitude, both in terms of numerical approximation accuracy and computational cost, the “vanilla” DeepONets. Hence, we believe that our method will trigger further developments in the field of scientific machine learning, for the development of new ‘’light”schemes that will provide high accuracy while reducing dramatically the computational cost. A MATLAB toolbox for RandONets, including demos, is available on GitHub at https://github.com/GianlucaFabiani/RandONets.

Interpretable machine learning↗

DOE OSTI2023

Recent advances in biomass pretreatment using biphasic solvent systems

The complexity and recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass seriously hinder its subsequent conversion to liquid fuels. To achieve high-value utilization of lignocellulosic biomass, the physical–chemical barrier should be overcome through appropriate pretreatment techniques to improve the accessibility of cellulose for efficient enzymatic hydrolysis. With the rapid emergence of novel pretreatment solvents, biphasic solvent pretreatments represent a nascent and green pretreatment method that has shown outstanding advantages and broad application prospects in the biorefinery of lignocellulosic substrates due to its ability to provide economically viable biomass upgrading, the separation process for products in the solvent phase, and the reutilization of solvents. Herein, different types of biphasic solvents (e.g., 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, methyl isobutyl ketone, 1-butanol, phenoxyethanol, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents) were reviewed systematically, including the fundamental designs of biphasic solvents for biomass pretreatment, their effect on the fractionation of individual biomass components (e.g., carbohydrate and lignin) and the enzymatic hydrolysis performance, and the coproduction of furan and hydroxymethylfurfural. Finally, the main pros and cons of these different biphasic solvent systems are summarized, and the future development direction is also proposed. Finally, this review can provide a reference for designing and selecting effective biphasic pretreatment methods for various types of lignocellulosic biomass.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Metastable piezoelectric group-IV monochalcogenide monolayers with a buckled honeycomb structure

Multiple two-dimensional materials are being naïvely termed stable on the grounds of displaying phonon dispersions with no negative frequencies and of not collapsing on molecular dynamics calculations at fixed volume. But, if these phases do not possess the smallest possible structural energy, how does one understand and establish their actual meta stability? To answer this question, twelve two-dimensional group-IV monochalcogenide monolayers (SiS, SiSe, SiTe, GeS, GeSe, GeTe, SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbS, PbSe, and PbTe) with a buckled honeycomb atomistic structure—belonging to symmetry group P3m1—displaying an out-of-plane intrinsic electric polarization are shown to be metastable by three independent methods. First, we uncover a coordination-preserving structural transformation from the low-buckled honeycomb structure onto the lower-energy Pnm2 1 (or Pmmn for PbS, PbSe, and PbTe) phase to estimate energy barriers E B that must be overcome during such structural transformation. Using the curvature of the local minima and E B as inputs to Kramers escape formula, large escape times are found, implying the structural metastability of the buckled honeycomb phase (with the exception of PbS and PbSe, these phases display escape times ranging from 700 years to multiple times the age of the universe and can be considered “stable” for practical purposes in that relative sense). The second demonstration is provided by phonon dispersion relations that include the effect of long-range Coulomb forces and display no negative vibrational modes. The third and final demonstration of structural metastability is furnished by room-temperature ab initio molecular dynamics for selected compounds. Here, the magnitude of the electronic band gap evolves with chemical composition. Different from other binary two-dimensional compounds such as transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers and hexagonal boron nitride monolayers which only develop an in-plane piezoelectric response, the twelve group-IV monochalcogenide monolayers with a buckled honeycomb structure also display out-of-plane piezoelectric properties.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2021

Tunnel magnetoresistance detection of skyrmions (Final Scientific/Technical Report for Magnon Current Transmission Through Insulators)

Micromagnetic simulations are used to investigate different strategies for tunnel magnetoresistance detection of the Néel skyrmion core direction and Bloch skyrmion chirality. When a Néel skyrmion passes beneath a perpendicularly magnetized dot separated by a tunnel barrier, a peak or dip in the tunnel magnetoresistance as a function of time shows a peak followed by a dip, or vice versa, depending on the chirality. The results are compared with existing detection methods based on the Hall resistance.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2023

Abstract for CRADA between National Energy Technology Laboratory and Western Michigan University

NETL will team up with Western Michigan University (WMU) on designing, developing, and testing the integration of enzyme/Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) treatment with kraft pulping with a focus on optimizing kraft pulp conditions and testing pulp strength, and optical, and barrier properties. NETL will perform pulping experiments by combining Kraft pulping with DES to allow lower temperature, and reduced chemical use thus improved yield. The main purpose of this study is to investigate different heating methods during chlorine dioxide bleaching of kraft pulps. This study also compares the methods with one another with respect to pulp properties and fiber morphologies. In addition, the energy consumption and quality of bleached pulps under different bleaching conditions are going to be analyzed to provide a solid basis for scale up microwave bleaching process.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2024

Characterization of Humanized Mouse Model of Organophosphate Poisoning and Detection of Countermeasures via MALDI-MSI

Organophosphoate (OP) chemicals are known to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Studying OP poisoning is difficult because common small animal research models have serum carboxylesterase, which contributes to animals’ resistance to OP poisoning. Historically, guinea pigs have been used for this research; however, a novel genetically modified mouse strain (KIKO) was developed with nonfunctional serum carboxylase (Es1 KO) and an altered acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene, which expresses the amino acid sequence of the human form of the same protein (AChE KI). KIKO mice were injected with 1xLD50 of an OP nerve agent or vehicle control with or without atropine. After one to three minutes, animals were injected with 35 mg/kg of the currently fielded Reactivator countermeasure for OP poisoning. Postmortem brains were imaged on a Bruker RapifleX ToF/ToF instrument. Data confirmed the presence of increased acetylcholine in OP-exposed animals, regardless of treatment or atropine status. More interestingly, we detected a small amount of Reactivator within the brain of both exposed and unexposed animals; it is currently debated if reactivators can cross the blood–brain barrier. Further, we were able to simultaneously image acetylcholine, the primary affected neurotransmitter, as well as determine the location of both Reactivator and acetylcholine in the brain. This study, which utilized sensitive MALDI-MSI methods, characterized KIKO mice as a functional model for OP countermeasure development.

2-PAM↗

NASA NTRS1978

FORTRAN program for calculating coolant flow and metal temperatures of a full-coverage-film-cooled vane or blade

A computer program that calculates the coolant flow and the metal temperatures of a full-coverage-film-cooled vane or blade was developed. The analysis was based on compressible, one-dimensional fluid flow and on one-dimensional heat transfer and treats the vane or blade shell as a porous wall. The calculated temperatures are average values for the shell outer-surface area associated with each film-cooling hole row. A thermal-barrier coating may be specified on the shell outer surface, and centrifugal effects can be included for blade calculations. The program is written in FORTRAN 4 and is operational on a UNIVAC 1100/42 computer. The method of analysis, the program input, the program output, and two sample problems are provided.

Meitner, P. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

The development and utilization of solar photovoltaic cells: An assessment of the potential for a new energy technology

The Government set the goal of accelerating the adaptation of photovoltaics by reducing system costs to a competitive level and overcoming the technical, institutional, legal, environmental, and social barriers impeding the diffusion of photovoltaic technology. The technology of silicon solar arrays was examined and the status of development efforts are reviewed. The political, legal, economic, social, and environmental issues are discussed, and several methods for selecting development projects are described. A number of market forecasting techniques, including time trend, judgemental, and econometric methods, were reviewed, and the results of these models are presented.

Cyr, K. J.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Thermal Properties of Oxides With Magnetoplumbite Structure for Advanced Thermal Barrier Coatings

Oxides having magnetoplumbite structure are promising candidate materials for applications as high temperature thermal barrier coatings because of their high thermal stability, high thermal expansion, and low thermal conductivity. In this study, powders of LaMgAl11O19, GdMgAl11O19, SmMgAl11O19, and Gd0.7Yb0.3MgAl11O19 magnetoplumbite oxides were synthesized by citric acid sol-gel method and hot pressed into disk specimens. The thermal expansion coefficients (CTE) of these oxide materials were measured from room temperature to 1500 C. The average CTE value was found to be approx.9.6x10(exp -6)/C. Thermal conductivity of these magnetoplumbite-based oxide materials was also evaluated using steady-state laser heat flux test method. The effects of doping on thermal properties were also examined. Thermal conductivity of the doped Gd0.7Yb0.3MgAl11O19 composition was found to be lower than that of the undoped GdMgAl11O19. In contrast, thermal expansion coefficient was found to be independent of the oxide composition and appears to be controlled by the magnetoplumbite crystal structure. Thermal conductivity testing of LaMgAl11O19 and LaMnAl11O19 magnetoplumbite oxide coatings plasma sprayed on NiCrAlY/Rene N5 superalloy substrates indicated resistance of these coatings to sintering even at temperatures as high as 1600 C.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗