Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Strain improvement”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 757 records · Page 42

Pre-exercise glycerol hydration improves cycling endurance time

The effects of glycerol ingestion (GEH) on hydration and subsequent cycle ergometer submaximal load exercise were examined in well conditioned subjects. We hypothesized that GEH would reduce physiologic strain and increase endurance. The purpose of Study I (n = 11) was to determine if pre-exercise GEH (1.2 gm/kg glycerol in 26 ml/kg solution) compared to pre-exercise placebo hydration (PH) (26 ml/kg of aspartame flavored water) lowered heart rate (HR), lowered rectal temperature (Tc), and prolonged endurance time (ET) during submaximal load cycle ergometry. The purpose of Study II (n = 7) was to determine if the same pre-exercise regimen followed by carbohydrate oral replacement solution (ORS) during exercise also lowered HR, Tc, and prolonged ET. Both studies were double-blind, randomized, crossover trials, performed at an ambient temperature of 23.5-24.5 degrees C, and humidity of 25-27%. Mean HR was lower by 2.8 +/- 0.4 beats/min (p = 0.05) after GEH in Study I and by 4.4 +/- 1.1 beats/min (p = 0.01) in Study II. Endurance time was prolonged after GEH in Study I (93.8 +/- 14 min vs. 77.4 +/- 9 min, p = 0.049) and in Study II (123.4 +/- 17 min vs. 99.0 +/- 11 min, p = 0.03). Rectal temperature did not differ between hydration regimens in both Study I and Study II. Thus, pre-exercise glycerol-enhanced hyperhydration lowers HR and prolongs ET even when combined with ORS during exercise. The regimens tested in this study could potentially be adapted for endurance activities.

Non-NASA Center↗

Improved chemical and isotopic labeling of biomembranes in Bacillus subtilis by leveraging CRISPRi inhibition of beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase (fabF)

Assessing the structure of living microbial cell membranes is a challenging analytical goal. The cell membrane is defined by its transverse structure, an approximately 5 nm-thick selectively permeable bilayer that serves many important cellular functions. Compositionally complex, dynamic, and organized in both the transverse and lateral dimensions, understanding the cell membrane structure—and the role that structure plays in cellular function, communication, and environmental sensing is an active scientific effort. Previously, we have devised a novel isotopic labeling approach for membrane lipids to enable direct in vivo structural studies of the cell membrane in the Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus subtilis , using small-angle neutron scattering. This was accomplished through a genetic inhibition of fatty acid (FA) degradation (Δ fadN ) and a chemical inhibition of FA biosynthesis using cerulenin, an irreversible inhibitor of type II fatty acid synthases. Here, we improve upon the previous system by introducing a dCas9/sgRNA- fabF complex that blocks transcription of the essential fabF gene when under xylose induction. This leads to greater sensitivity to cerulenin in the mutant strain (JEBS102) and more robust cell growth when supplementary FAs are introduced to the culture medium. A subtle change in FA uptake is noted when compared to the prior labeling strategy. This is seen in the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) data as a higher ratio of n 16:0 to a 15:0, and manifests in an apparent increase in the membrane thickness determined via neutron scattering. This represents an improved method of isotopic labeling for the cell membrane of Bacillus subtilis; enabling improved investigations of cellular uptake and utilization of FAs, cell membrane structure and organization as a phenotypic response to metabolic and environmental changes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A predictive strain-gradient model with no undetermined constants or length scales

A general meso–scale (GM) crystal plasticity (CP) model was developed that accounts for lower-order (strain hardening) and higher-order (internal stress) effects of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs). It is predictive: no arbitrary parameters or length scales were invoked and no ad hoc numerical techniques were employed. It uses general stress field equations for GND content and a novel harmonization technique to enforce consistency of elastic long-range singular defect fields with applied elastic-plastic fields. The model facilitates implementation in commercial finite element programs without requiring special elements, special boundary conditions, or access to element shape functions. GM simulations confirmed, with improved accuracy, previously published predictions of the Hall-Petch effect, Bauschinger effect, and anelasticity. Previously unpredicted phenomena were also predicted: anelasticity and hysteresis for single Ta crystals and strain-hardening stagnation. The internal stresses (higher-order effect) dominate at large length scales, while at small length scales, the GND density hardening (lower-order effect) dominates. As a result, GM predicts that strain heterogeneity and consequent GND internal stresses are important factors in anelasticity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Biological upgrading of pyrolysis-derived wastewater: Engineering Pseudomonas putida for alkylphenol, furfural, and acetone catabolism and (methyl)muconic acid production

While biomass-derived carbohydrates have been predominant substrates for biological production of renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials, organic waste streams are growing in prominence as potential alternative feedstocks to improve the sustainability of manufacturing processes. Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) is a promising approach to generate biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass, but it generates a complex, carbon-rich, and toxic wastewater stream that is challenging to process catalytically but could be biologically upgraded to valuable co-products. Here, we implemented modular, heterologous catabolic pathways in the Pseudomonas putida KT2440-derived EM42 strain along with the overexpression of native toxicity tolerance machinery to enable utilization of 89% (w/w) of carbon in CFP wastewater. The dmp monooxygenase and meta-cleavage pathway from Pseudomonas putida CF600 were constitutively expressed to enable utilization of phenol, cresols, 2- and 3-ethyl phenol, and methyl catechols, and the native chaperones clpB, groES, and groEL were overexpressed to improve toxicity tolerance to diverse aromatic substrates. Next, heterologous furfural and acetone utilization pathways were incorporated, and a native alcohol dehydrogenase was overexpressed to improve methanol utilization, generating reducing equivalents. All pathways (encoded by genes totaling ~30 kilobases of DNA) were combined into a single strain that can catabolize a mock CFP wastewater stream as a sole carbon source. Further engineering enabled conversion of all aromatic compounds in the mock wastewater stream to (methyl)muconates with a ~90% (mol/mol) yield. Biological upgrading of CFP wastewater as outlined in this work provides a roadmap for future applications in valorizing other heterogeneous waste streams.

(methyl)muconates↗

Accelerating engineered microbe optimization through machine learning and multi-omics datasets

This project demonstrated the use of a combination of multi-omics data with deep learning and a high-throughput Design- Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle to improve the production of malonic acid, a versatile product with a large market. The project leveraged the unique capabilities of both Lygos and the Agile BioFoundry (ABF): Lygos provided its expertise efficiently designing, building, and cultivating P. kudriavzevii strains; LBNL, PNNL, and NTESS provided multi-omics analysis in the Test phase, LBNL provided machine learning techniques in the Learn phase to analyze the -omics datasets and make recommendations so as to increase malonic acid production in the next DBTL cycle. This project is the first to use large amounts of multi-omics time-series data to feed deep learning models, creating around 80,000 data points in a single DBTL cycle. This project has 1) demonstrated the utility of combining deep learning and multi-omics data sets by improving the production of malonic acid two fold, 2) created a large time-series datasets to be released publicly for external development of new machine learning algorithms, and 3) shown that supply chain problems, strain building bottlenecks, and adaptation times for new ML approaches are key obstacles for fast DBTL cycle times.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The Influence of Strain Path and Heat Treatment Variations on Recrystallization in Cold-Rolled High-Purity Niobium Polycrystals

With the standard material and cavity production guidelines, the properties and performance of industrially produced high-purity niobium superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities are unpredictably variable. Currently, assembled niobium SRF cavities undergo post-purification vacuum heat treatment at 800 °C for three hours to remove hydrogen and increase performance; however, recent work has shown significant improvements in cavity performance when annealed between 900–1000 °C, causing recrystallization (Rx). Increasing the annealing temperature and/or the heating rate should facilitate the onset of Rx, resulting in a greater reduction in the density of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) that are strongly associated with the degradation of cavity performance via trapped magnetic flux. Improving the SRF community's understanding of the influence of both heat treatment and deformation history on the resulting microstructure and Rx behavior in high-purity niobium is needed. This fundamental metallurgy is critical for identifying improved specifications for the consistent production of high-performing niobium SRF cavities. This research investigates variations in deformation paths, heating rates, and annealing temperatures on Rx of deformed samples of polycrystalline high-purity niobium. To assess the effects of strain path, samples were cold-rolled to ~30% reduction prior to annealing, with half of the sample set rolled parallel to the as-received niobium sheet and the other half in the transverse direction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of error, chimera, bias, and GC content on the accuracy of amplicon sequencing

ABSTRACT Targeted amplicon sequencing is widely used in microbial ecology studies. However, sequencing artifacts and amplification biases are of great concern. To identify sources of these artifacts, a systematic analysis was performed using mock communities comprised of 16S rRNA genes from 33 bacterial strains. Our results indicated that while sequencing errors were generally isolated to low-abundance operational taxonomic units, chimeric sequences were a major source of artifacts. Singleton and doubleton sequences were primarily chimeras. Formation of chimeric sequences was significantly correlated with the GC content of the targeted sequences. Low-GC-content mock community members exhibited lower rates of chimeric sequence formation. GC content also had a large impact on sequence recovery. The quantitative capacity was notably limited, with substantial recovery variations and weak correlation between anticipated and observed strain abundances. The mock community strains with higher GC content had higher recovery rates than strains with lower GC content. Amplification bias was also observed due to the differences in primer affinity. A two-step PCR strategy reduced the number of chimeric sequences by half. In addition, comparative analyses based on the mock communities showed that several widely used sequence processing pipelines/methods, including DADA2, Deblur, UCLUST, UNOISE, and UPARSE, had different advantages and disadvantages in artifact removal and rare species detection. These results are important for improving sequencing quality and reliability and developing new algorithms to process targeted amplicon sequences. IMPORTANCE Amplicon sequencing of targeted genes is the predominant approach to estimate the membership and structure of microbial communities. However, accurate reconstruction of community composition is difficult due to sequencing errors, and other methodological biases and effective approaches to overcome these challenges are essential. Using a mock community of 33 phylogenetically diverse strains, this study evaluated the effect of GC content on sequencing results and tested different approaches to improve overall sequencing accuracy while characterizing the pros and cons of popular amplicon sequence data processing approaches. The sequencing results from this study can serve as a benchmarking data set for future algorithmic improvements. Furthermore, the new insights on sequencing error, chimera formation, and GC bias from this study will help enhance the quality of amplicon sequencing studies and support the development of new data analysis approaches.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Gradient nanostructured steel with superior tensile plasticity

Nanostructured metallic materials with abundant high-angle grain boundaries exhibit high strength and good radiation resistance. While the nanoscale grains induce high strength, they also degrade tensile ductility. We show that a gradient nanostructured ferritic steel exhibits simultaneous improvement in yield strength by 36% and uniform elongation by 50% compared to the homogenously structured counterpart. In situ tension studies coupled with electron backscattered diffraction analyses reveal intricate coordinated deformation mechanisms in the gradient structures. The outermost nanolaminate grains sustain a substantial plastic strain via a profound deformation mechanism involving prominent grain reorientation. This synergistic plastic co-deformation process alters the rupture mode in the post-necking regime, thus delaying the onset of fracture. The present discovery highlights the intrinsic plasticity of nanolaminate grains and their significance in simultaneous improvement of strength and tensile ductility of structural metallic materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Combining computational modeling and experimental library screening to affinity-mature VEEV-neutralizing antibody F5

Engineered monoclonal antibodies have proven to be highly effective therapeutics in recent viral outbreaks. However, despite technical advancements, an ability to rapidly adapt or increase antibody affinity and by extension, therapeutic efficacy, has yet to be fully realized. We endeavored to stand-up such a pipeline using molecular modeling combined with experimental library screening to increase the affinity of F5, a monoclonal antibody with potent neutralizing activity against Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV), to recombinant VEEV (IAB) E1E2 antigen. We modeled the F5/E1E2 binding interface and generated predictions for mutations to improve binding using a Rosetta-based approach and dTERMen, an informatics approach. The modeling was complicated by the fact that a high-resolution structure of F5 is not available and the H3 loop of F5 exceeds the length for which current modeling approaches can determine a unique structure. A subset of the predicted mutations from both methods were incorporated into a phage display library of scFvs. This library and a library generated by error-prone PCR were screened for binding affinity to the recombinant antigen. Results from the screens identified favorable mutations which were incorporated into 12 human-IgG1 variants. The best variant, containing eight mutations, improved KD from 0.63 nM (parental) to 0.01 nM. While this did not improve neutralization or therapeutic potency of F5 against IAB, it did increase cross-reactivity to other closely related VEEV epizootic and enzootic strains, demonstrating the potential of this method to rapidly adapt existing therapeutics to emerging viral strains.

affinity-maturation↗

Rewiring cell-free metabolic flux in E. coli lysates using a block—push—pull approach

Abstract Cell-free systems can expedite the design and implementation of biomanufacturing processes by bypassing troublesome requirements associated with the use of live cells. In particular, the lack of survival objectives and the open nature of cell-free reactions afford engineering approaches that allow purposeful direction of metabolic flux. The use of lysate-based systems to produce desired small molecules can result in competitive titers and productivities when compared to their cell-based counterparts. However, pathway crosstalk within endogenous lysate metabolism can compromise conversion yields by diverting carbon flow away from desired products. Here, the ‘block—push—pull’ concept of conventional cell-based metabolic engineering was adapted to develop a cell-free approach that efficiently directs carbon flow in lysates from glucose and toward endogenous ethanol synthesis. The approach is readily adaptable, is relatively rapid and allows for the manipulation of central metabolism in cell extracts. In implementing this approach, a block strategy is first optimized, enabling selective enzyme removal from the lysate to the point of eliminating by-product-forming activity while channeling flux through the target pathway. This is complemented with cell-free metabolic engineering methods that manipulate the lysate proteome and reaction environment to push through bottlenecks and pull flux toward ethanol. The approach incorporating these block, push and pull strategies maximized the glucose-to-ethanol conversion in an Escherichia coli lysate that initially had low ethanologenic potential. A 10-fold improvement in the percent yield is demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successfully rewiring lysate carbon flux without source strain optimization and completely transforming the consumed input substrate to a desired output product in a lysate-based, cell-free system.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Acetate as a Platform for Carbon-Negative Production of Renewable Fuels and Chemicals (Final Technical Report)

This project was an industrial-academic collaboration between experts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Kentucky, and LanzaTech, a world leader in the use of gas fermentation to sustainably produce fuels and chemicals. The project developed technologies to create an integrated process for converting carbon dioxide and renewable hydrogen into molecules that can be blended with liquid transportation fuels or used in an array of chemical applications. The project was motivated by the Program Objectives of eliminating carbon dioxide release in the production of chemicals by integrating the unique and efficient capabilities of two microorganisms into a single process. The first microbe, an acetogen, produces acetate from carbon dioxide and hydrogen while the second microbe upgrades acetate from acetogen fermentation permeates to higher-value chemical products. The carbon dioxide released in the upgrading process is recycled internally to produce more acetate. As such, the process can be designed to operate with zero carbon dioxide release and net positive carbon dioxide capture. The process has the potential to provide an alternative paradigm to the current bioeconomy – one in which acetate is the primary energy carrier instead of sugars. Our process by-passes photosynthesis and the barriers created by biomass as primary chemical feedstock. As such, the process can be scaled to meet existing sources of carbon dioxide emissions and located anywhere renewable hydrogen can be provided. Our work developed microorganisms with optimized metabolism for producing acetate and other microorganisms with improved conversion of acetate to dodecanol and dodecyl-acetate. We developed synthetic biology tools for a promising non-model bacterium that could enhance metabolic engineering efforts to convert acetate to chemical products. We conducted protein engineering studies to improve the activity of key enzymes involved in our metabolic pathways. We conducted a full technoeconomic analysis that set technical targets for each strain to meet economic goals. We identified key technical barriers in our process and proposed strategies to overcome them.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Field Validation of Dynamic Mechanical Torque Measurements for Geared Wind Turbines

Accurate knowledge of the mechanical loads of wind turbine gearboxes has become essential in modern, highly loaded gearbox designs, as maintaining or even improving gearbox reliability with increasing torque density demands is proving to be challenging. Unfortunately, the traditional method of measuring dynamic mechanical torque using strain gauges placed on the outer surface of a rotating shaft and transmitting the resulting signal is unsuitable for serial deployment due to technical and economic constraints. An alternative method based on fiber-optic strain sensors placed on the stationary outer surface of the gearbox ring gear has been proposed. Like shaft torsion, the radial deformation of the ring gear is proportionate to the rotor torque. Placing the sensors on a stationary component is a cost-effective alternative for serial implementation because the need for complex and expensive data transfer via wireless transmission or a slip ring is eliminated. In this paper, we present the results of an extensive field experiment conducted to evaluate the torque measurement accuracy of this novel sensing solution installed on the gearbox of a Gamesa G97 2-MW wind turbine at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Flatirons Campus. Torque measurements derived from fiber-optic strain sensors placed on the ring gear of the planetary stage are compared to conventional torque measurements from strain gauges placed on the main shaft. Two different torque estimation data processing methods were evaluated, with the method based on operational deflection shapes providing the most accurate results with an average normalized root mean square error below 0.7% for a load revolution distribution analysis. The effect of operating conditions on the torque estimate was also investigated, and the third planet-passing operational deflection shape was found to be the least sensitive to nontorque load-related effects. The fiber-optic strain sensors' successful operation during the complete test campaign has demonstrated a robust and accurate solution for fleet-wide enhanced gearbox remaining useful life estimation.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Quiet Clean Short-haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) under-the-wing engine composite fan blade: Preliminary design test report

Results of tests conducted on preliminary design polymeric-composite fan blade for the under the wing (UTW) OCSEE engine are presented. During this phase of the program a total of 17preliminary OCSEE UTW composite fan blades were manufactured for various component tests including frequency characteristics, strain distribution, bench fatigue, dovetail pull, whirligig overspeed and whirligig impact. All tests were successfully completed with the exception of whirligig impact tests. Improvements in local impact capability are being evaluated for the OCSEE blade under other NASA and related programs.

Source record↗

NASA space materials research

The effect of the space environment on: (1) thermal control coatings and thin polymer films; (2) radiation stability of 250 F and 350 F cured graphite/epoxy composites; and (3) the thermal mechanical stability of graphite/epoxy, graphite/glass composites are considered. Degradation in mechanical properties due to combined radiation and thermal cycling is highlighted. Damage mechanisms are presented and chemistry modifications to improve stability are suggested. The dimensional instabilities in graphite/epoxy composites associated with microcracking during thermal cycling is examined as well as the thermal strain hysteresis found in metal-matrix composites.

Tenney, D. R.↗

Laser Peening Effects on Friction Stir Welding

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a welding technique that uses frictional heating combined with forging pressure to produce high strength bonds. It is attractive for aerospace applications. Although residual stresses in FSW are generally lower when compared to conventional fusion welds, recent work has shown that significant tensile residual stresses can be present in the weld after fabrication. Therefore, laser shock peening was investigated as a means of moderating the tensile residual stresses produced during welding. This slide presentation reviews the effect of Laser Peening on the weld, in tensile strength, strain, surface roughness, microhardness, surface wear/friction, and fatigue crack growth rates. The study concluded that the laser peening process can result in considerable improvement to crack initiaion, propagation and mechanical properties in FSW.

Hatamleh, Omar↗

Development and Testing of a Friction-Based Post-Installable Sensor for Subsea Fiber-Optic Monitoring Systems

This paper presents the design and development of a friction-based coupling device for a fiber-optic monitoring system that can be deployed on existing subsea structures. This paper provides a summary of the design concept, prototype development, prototype performance testing, and design refinements of the device. The results of the laboratory testing of the first prototype performed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) are included in this paper. Limitations of the initial design were identified and future design improvements were proposed. These new features will enhance the coupling of the device and improve the monitoring system measurement capabilities. A major challenge of a post-installed instrumentation monitoring system is to ensure adequate coupling between the instruments and the structure of interest for reliable measurements. Friction-based coupling devices have the potential to overcome coupling limitations caused by marine growth and soil contamination on subsea structures, flowlines or risers. The work described in this paper investigates the design of a friction-based coupling device (friction clamp), which is applicable for pipelines and structures that are suspended in the water column and those that are resting on the seabed. The monitoring elements consist of fiber-optic sensors that are bonded to a metal clamshell with a high-friction coating. The friction clamp has a single hinge design to facilitate the operation of the clamp and dual rows of opposing fasteners to distribute the clamping force on the structure. The friction clamp can be installed by divers in shallow depths or by remotely operated vehicles in deep-water applications. NASA-JSC was involved in the selection and testing of the friction coating, and in the design and testing of the prototype clamp device. Four-inch diameter and eight-inch diameter sub-scale friction clamp prototypes were built and tested to evaluate the strain measuring capabilities of the design under different loading scenarios. The testing revealed some limitations of the initial design concept, and subsequent refinements were explored to improve the measurement performance of the system. This study was part of a collaboration between NASA-JSC and Astro Technology, Inc. within a study called Clear Gulf. The primary objective of the Clear Gulf study is to develop advanced instrumentation technologies that will improve operational safety and reduce the risk of hydrocarbon spillage. NASA provided unique insights, expansive test facilities, and technical expertise to advance these technologies that would benefit the environment, the public, and commercial industries.

Bentley, Nicole↗

Development and Testing of a Friction-Based Post-Installable Sensor for Subsea Fiber-Optic Monitoring System

This paper presents the design and development of a friction-based coupling device for a fiber-optic monitoring system that can be deployed on existing subsea structures. This paper provides a summary of the design concept, prototype development, prototype performance testing, and design refinements of the device. The results of the laboratory testing of the first prototype performed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) are included in this paper. Limitations of the initial design were identified and future design improvements were proposed. These new features will enhance the coupling of the device and improve the monitoring system measurement capabilities. A major challenge of a post-installed instrumentation monitoring system is to ensure adequate coupling between the instruments and the structure of interest for reliable measurements. Friction-based coupling devices have the potential to overcome coupling limitations caused by marine growth and soil contamination on subsea structures, flowlines or risers. The work described in this paper investigates the design of a friction-based coupling device (friction clamp), which is applicable for pipelines and structures that are suspended in the water column and those that are resting on the seabed. The monitoring elements consist of fiber-optic sensors that are bonded to a metal clamshell with a high-friction coating. The friction clamp has a single hinge design to facilitate the operation of the clamp and dual rows of opposing fasteners to distribute the clamping force on the structure. The friction clamp can be installed by divers in shallow depths or by remotely operated vehicles in deep-water applications. NASA-JSC was involved in the selection and testing of the friction coating, and in the design and testing of the prototype clamp device. Four-inch diameter and eight-inch diameter sub-scale friction clamp prototypes were built and tested to evaluate the strain measuring capabilities of the design under different loading scenarios. The testing revealed some limitations of the initial design concept, and subsequent refinements were explored to improve the measurement performance of the system. This study was part of a collaboration between NASA-JSC and Astro Technology, Inc. within a study called Clear Gulf. The primary objective of the Clear Gulf study is to develop advanced instrumentation technologies that will improve operational safety and reduce the risk of hydrocarbon spillage. NASA provided unique insights, expansive test facilities, and technical expertise to advance these technologies that would benefit the environment, the public, and commercial industries.

Bentley, Nicole L.↗