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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 739 records · Page 41

The preparation and properties of polyurethane foams reinforced with bamboo fiber sources in China

Abstract Polyurethane (PU) foams reinforced with bamboo fiber sources in China, i.e. , bamboo fiber, bamboo α -cellulose fiber, and bamboo nanocellulose fiber, were prepared and their physico-mechanical properties were analyzed in this work. The bamboo fiber sources and PU foams were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and universal compression testing. The results indicated that the hydroxyl groups on the fiber surfaces were enhanced by removing non-celluloses in the preparation of α -cellulose and nanocellulose. With the addition of small particle size α -cellulose and nanocellulose, the cell sizes of PU foams were reduced due to more nucleating agents being introduced. The FTIR spectra confirmed that the bamboo fiber sources were involved in the foaming reaction. The PU foams with bamboo fiber sources had a higher thermal stability than neat foam, and they were satisfactory enough to be used as insulation. PU foams reinforced with 5% bamboo fiber, 3% α -cellulose fiber and 3% nanocellulose fiber had better physico-mechanical performance than other foams. The reinforcement performance of 3% bamboo α -cellulose fiber on PU foam was comparable with that of high-cost nanocellulose. Accordingly, bamboo α -cellulose fiber was demonstrated to be a promising candidate to reinforce PU foam, which could be used in the reinforcement of foam insulation.

Qiu, Chongpeng↗

Numerical fluid dynamics for FRG flow equations: Zero-dimensional QFTs as numerical test cases. I. The O ( N ) model

The functional renormalization group (FRG) approach is a powerful tool for studies of a large variety of systems, ranging from statistical physics over the theory of the strong interaction to gravity. The practical application of this approach relies on the derivation of so-called flow equations, which describe the change of the quantum effective action under the variation of a coarse-graining parameter. In the present work, we discuss in detail a novel approach to solve such flow equations. This approach relies on the fact that RG equations can be rewritten such that they exhibit similarities with the conservation laws of fluid dynamics. This observation can be exploited in different ways. First of all, we show that this allows to employ powerful numerical techniques developed in the context of fluid dynamics to solve RG equations. In particular, it allows us to reliably treat the emergence of nonanalytic behavior in the RG flow of the effective action as it is expected to occur in studies of, e.g., spontaneous symmetry breaking. Second, the analogy between RG equations and fluid dynamics offers the opportunity to gain novel insights into RG flows and their interpretation in general, including the irreversibility of RG flows. Further, we work out this connection in practice by applying it to zero-dimensional quantum-field theoretical models. The generalization to higher-dimensional models is also discussed. Our findings are expected to help improving future FRG studies of quantum field theories in higher dimensions both on a qualitative and quantitative level.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Field Theory of the Fermi Function

The Fermi function F ( Z , E ) accounts for QED corrections to beta decays that are enhanced at either small electron velocity β or large nuclear charge Z . For precision applications, the Fermi function must be combined with other radiative corrections and with scale- and scheme-dependent hadronic matrix elements. We formulate the Fermi function as a field theory object and present a new factorization formula for QED radiative corrections to beta decays. We provide new results for the anomalous dimension of the corresponding effective operator complete through three loops, and resum perturbative logarithms and π enhancements with renormalization-group methods. Our results are important for tests of fundamental physics with precision beta decay and related processes. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Biocompatibility of a novel heat-treated and ceramic-coated magnesium alloy (Mg–1.2Zn–0.5Ca–0.5Mn) for resorbable skeletal fixation devices

Our recent exploration into the use of biodegradable metals and surface treatments resulting in sufficient strength for skeletal reconstruction applications has led to the need to test these devices’ cytotoxicity. More specifically, our group has developed a resorbable magnesium alloy, Mg–1.2Zn–0.5Ca–0.5Mn, that can be strengthened by heat treatment and coated with a ceramic layer offering time-certain resorption of a medical device. This in vitro study shows that these treatments do not result in cytotoxicity. Both heat-treated (HT) and HT + ceramic-coated (sol–gel) coupons demonstrated more than 70% viability. Thus, these processing steps are likely to be useful in producing biocompatible, resorbable implants that incorporate our Mg–1.2Zn–0.5Ca–0.5Mn alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Solar Farm Development Impacts on Eastern Box Turtle ( Terrapene carolina ) Home Ranges

Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) populations have declined drastically since 1970 because of continued destruction and fragmentation of their habitat. Although they are known to shift their home ranges because of environmental degradation, it is unknown how solar arrays impact Eastern Box Turtles. From 2011–2018, we collected data on Eastern Box Turtle movement and occupancy in a 79-ha solar farm. The solar farm is divided into six fenced areas, each containing wildlife openings for movement of terrestrial fauna every 23 m around the fenced solar arrays. For this work, we hypothesized that the solar arrays changed the home range sizes of turtles that interacted with the field. We fitted 41 Eastern Box Turtles with radio transmitters and tracked their locations twice per week in June–August from 2011–2018. Seventeen turtles had home ranges that overlapped with the solar arrays whereas 24 turtles had home ranges that never interacted with the solar arrays. We calculated home range sizes and tested for differences between overlapping and nonoverlapping groups. We further considered if the number of observations within the solar farm impacted home range size and displacement. We found that Eastern Box Turtles that used the solar farm exhibited 55–83% larger home ranges on average than turtles in natural habitats, but there was no significant association of home range size with the amount of time observed within the solar farm. Finally, we discuss strategies to mitigate negative impacts of solar farm development on turtles.

Radio telemetry↗

Improvements of SCALE Infrastructure on Microsoft Windows [Slides]

This presentation is on improvements of SCALE infrastructure on Microsoft Windows. This presentation begins with an overview and history of the group and history of SCALE infrastructure and testing as well. Improvements made to testing and the introduction of the cloud is brought up. Other topics include: GitLab Testing Suite and Windows Toolchain. Benefits to testing, to developers, and to users are discussed.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗

A life study of AISI M-50 and Super Nitralloy spur gears with and without tip relief

Tests were conducted at 170 F with groups of 3.5-in.-pitch-diameter spur gear with and without tip relief made of consumable-electrode vacuum melted (CVM) Spur Nitralloy (5Ni-2Al) and CVM AISI M-50 steel. The AISI M-50 gears without tip relief had lives approximately 50 percent longer than the Super Nitralloy gears without tip relief. However, the Super Nitralloy gears with tip relief had lives equal to the AISI M-50 gears without tip relief. The difference in lives were not statistically significant. All gears failed by classical pitting fatigue at the pitch circle. However, the AIAI M-50 gears with tip relief failed by tooth fracture. AISI M-50 gear sets without tip relief having a spalled gear tooth which were deliberately overrun after spalling had occurred, failed by tooth fracture.

Townsend, D. P.↗

A first look at the application of signal extraction techniques to the analysis of body surface potential maps

Partial body surface potential maps from both normal subjects and subjects with independently diagnosed myocardial infarcts are visually compared from superimposed plots. A correlation test is devised to distinguish the two groups, with the reference waveform determined by means of a gradient-search algorithm. The results are encouraging, and suggest further investigation of these techniques as a future diagnostic tool.

Weinstein, S. B.↗

Hormonal indices of tolerance to +Gz acceleration in female subjects

As a possible predictive test for screening Space Shuttle passengers, the secretions of the pituitary adrenal system and the adrenal medulla have been studied in conjunction with exposure to gravitational acceleration three times the normal level. The 12 female subjects in the test were divided into ambulatory and bedrest groups. Before bedrest, a high tolerance to centrifugation appeared to be linked to increases in plasma ACTH and cortisol. This relationship did not hold after bedrest. The correlation between tolerance to centrifugation and 24-hour urinary epinephrine-to-norepinephrine ratios was not significant.

Vernikos-Danellis, J.↗

JANTX1N649-1 diode

Samples mamufactured by Semtech and Micro Semiconductor were tested. Both lots did quite well in tests. Plot showing cumulative failure distribution for group 2 was drawn for both lots. Graphs for groups 1 and 3 failures could not be drawn because of extremely low occurence.

Source record↗

Shelf stable meals for public sector uses

The NASA Meal System was developed with three simple concepts in mind: (1) nutritious, conventional foods are packaged in single-serving units and assembled into complete meals; (2) the meals have an extended shelf-life and can be transported and stored without need for refrigeration or freezing; (3) preparation of the meal by the consumer is an easy task which is accomplished in ten minutes or less. The meal system was tested in 1975 and 1976 by different groups of elderly individuals. NASA and the LBJ School of Public Affairs sponsored a national conference to report on the demonstration of the meal system for the elderly and to explore potential uses of the system for social services, institutional feeding programs, disaster relief, and international aid. The proceedings of the conference and how different groups assessed the potential of the meal system are reported.

Schmandt, J.↗

Treatment of CELSS and PCELSS waste to produce nutrients for plant growth

The research program entitled 'Development of a Prototype Experiment for Treating CELSS (Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems) and PCELSS (Partially Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems) Wastes to Produce Nutrients for Plant Growth' consists of two phases: (1) the development of the neccessary facilities, chemical methodologies and models for meaningful experimentation, and (2) the application of what methods and devices are developed to the interfacing of waste oxidation with plant growth. Homogeneous samples of freeze-dried human feces and urine have been prepared to ensure comparability of test results between CELSS waste treatment research groups. A model of PCELSS food processing wastes has been developed, and an automated gas chromatographic system to analyze oxidizer effluents was designed and brought to operational status. Attention is given the component configuration of the wet oxidation system used by the studies.

Modell, M.↗

CROP type analysis using Landsat digital data

Classification and statistical sampling techniques for crop type discrimination using Landsat digital data have been developed by the University of California in cooperation with NASA and the California Department of Water Resources. Ratioed bands (MSS 7/5 and 5/4) and a sun-angle corrected Euclidean albedo band were prepared from data for the Sacramento Valley for five different dates. The test area was stratified into general crop groupings based on the particular patterns of irrigation timing for each crop. Data classified within each stratum were used to produce a crop type map. Comparison with ground data indicates that certain crops and crop groups are discernable. Small grains and rice are easily identifiable, as are deciduous fruit varieties as a group. However, it is not feasible to separate various fruit and nut varieties, or separate vegetable crops with these techniques at present.

Brown, C. E.↗

Solar neutrino: Flux, cosmic rays and the 11 year solar cycle

It is shown that the results of maximum likelihood treatment of Monte Carlo simulation with constant production rate of 7.6 SNU and 1.Epsilon SNU are consistent with the constant production rate when the tests of hypotheses (e.g., t-test, sigma squared-test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, run test, etc.) are applied to the two groups of data formed from sunspot minimum range and sunspot maximum range, whereas the real data pulsates with the solar activity cycle. It is shown that SN flux-change is in opposition phase to the solar activity cycle and lags behind the latter by about one year. A correlation between SN flux and the cosmic rays is suggested.

Raychaudhuri, P.↗

General Automatic Components of Motion Sickness

A body of investigations performed in support of experiments aboard the space shuttle, and designed to counteract the symptoms of Space Adaptation Syndrome, which resemble those of motion sickness on Earth is reviewed. For these supporting studies, the automatic manifestations of earth-based motion sickness was examined. Heart rate, respiration rate, finger pulse volume and basal skin resistance were measured on 127 men and women before, during and after exposure to nauseogenic rotating chair tests. Significant changes in all autonomic responses were observed across the tests. Significant differences in autonomic responses among groups divided according to motion sickness susceptibility were also observed. Results suggest that the examination of autonomic responses as an objective indicator of motion sickness malaise is warranted and may contribute to the overall understanding of the syndrome on Earth and in Space.

Suter, S.↗

Technology and test

The chairman of the Technology Applications in Space Working Group summarizes the technology issues for each of the disciplines in Tethered Satellite Systems. The disciplines are Tether Materials and Configurations, Tether System Dynamic Simulation Capability, Tether System Instrumentation, TAS Program Related Science Instrumentation, Atmospheric/Aerothermodynamic tethered system research, and TAS Discipline Program Accomplishment. To enable these tether applications, design and development programs have been recommended and are presently underway relative to the demonstration of the hollow cathode concept which is an enabling electrodynamic tether mission technology.

Siemers, P.↗