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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 847 records · Page 47
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Planetary wave-mean flow interaction in the stratosphere: A comparison between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

Based on satellite-derived data supplied by the National Meteorological Center (NMC), the dynamical interaction between planetary waves and mean zonal winds in the stratosphere is investigated. Special attention is paid to the differences between the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and the Southern Hemisphere (SH). An analysis is made using Eliassen-Palm (E-P) flux diagnostics for the period from June 1981 to May 1982. In a climatological sense, different seasonal evolutions of large-scale motions between the NH and the SH in the stratosphere are demonstrated. Vertical cross-section analysis is presented to show the day-to-day variation in the mean zonal wind and wave activity, in particular, the following phenomena: (1) the poleward shifting of the westerly jet, and (2) episodes after the shifting of the westerly jet.

Shiotani, M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Analysis of systems hardware flown on LDEF: New findings and comparison to other retrieved spacecraft hardware

The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was retrieved in 1990 after spending 69 months in low-earth-orbit (LEO). A wide variety of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical systems, subsystems, and components were flown on LDEF. The Systems Special Investigation Group (Systems SIG) was formed by NASA to investigate the effects of the 69 month exposure on systems related hardware and to coordinate and collate all systems analysis of LDEF hardware. This report is the Systems SIG final report which updates earlier findings and compares LDEF systems findings to results from other retrieved spacecraft hardware such as Hubble Space Telescope. Also included are sections titled (1) Effects of Long Duration Space Exposure on Optical Scatter, (2) Contamination Survey of LDEF, and (3) Degradation of Optical Materials in Space.

Dursch, Harry↗
NASA NTRS2008

The NASA MSFC Earth Global Reference Atmospheric Model-2007 Version

Reference or standard atmospheric models have long been used for design and mission planning of various aerospace systems. The NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Global Reference Atmospheric Model (GRAM) was developed in response to the need for a design reference atmosphere that provides complete global geographical variability, and complete altitude coverage (surface to orbital altitudes) as well as complete seasonal and monthly variability of the thermodynamic variables and wind components. A unique feature of GRAM is that, addition to providing the geographical, height, and monthly variation of the mean atmospheric state, it includes the ability to simulate spatial and temporal perturbations in these atmospheric parameters (e.g. fluctuations due to turbulence and other atmospheric perturbation phenomena). A summary comparing GRAM features to characteristics and features of other reference or standard atmospheric models, can be found Guide to Reference and Standard Atmosphere Models. The original GRAM has undergone a series of improvements over the years with recent additions and changes. The software program is called Earth-GRAM2007 to distinguish it from similar programs for other bodies (e.g. Mars, Venus, Neptune, and Titan). However, in order to make this Technical Memorandum (TM) more readable, the software will be referred to simply as GRAM07 or GRAM unless additional clarity is needed. Section 1 provides an overview of the basic features of GRAM07 including the newly added features. Section 2 provides a more detailed description of GRAM07 and how the model output generated. Section 3 presents sample results. Appendices A and B describe the Global Upper Air Climatic Atlas (GUACA) data and the Global Gridded Air Statistics (GGUAS) database. Appendix C provides instructions for compiling and running GRAM07. Appendix D gives a description of the required NAMELIST format input. Appendix E gives sample output. Appendix F provides a list of available parameters to enable the user to generate special output. Appendix G gives an example and guidance on incorporating GRAM07 as a subroutine in other programs such as trajectory codes or orbital propagation routines.

Leslie, F.W.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Transmission Electron Microscopy of Itokawa Regolith Grains

Introduction: In a remarkable engineering achievement, the JAXA space agency successfully recovered the Hayabusa space-craft in June 2010, following a non-optimal encounter and sur-face sampling mission to asteroid 25143 Itokawa. These are the first direct samples ever obtained and returned from the surface of an asteroid. The Hayabusa samples thus present a special op-portunity to directly investigate the evolution of asteroidal sur-faces, from the development of the regolith to the study of the effects of space weathering. Here we report on our preliminary TEM measurements on two Itokawa samples. Methods: We were allocated particles RA-QD02-0125 and RA-QD02-0211. Both particles were embedded in low viscosity epoxy and thin sections were prepared using ultramicrotomy. High resolution images and electron diffraction data were ob-tained using a JEOL 2500SE 200 kV field-emission scanning-transmission electron microscope. Quantitative maps and anal-yses were obtained using a Thermo thin-window energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectrometer. Results: Both particles are olivine-rich (Fo70) with μm-sized inclusions of FeS and have microstructurally complex rims. Par-ticle RA-QD02-0125 is rounded and has numerous sub-μm grains attached to its surface including FeS, albite, olivine, and rare melt droplets. Solar flare tracks have not been observed, but the particle is surrounded by a continuous ~50 nm thick, stuctur-ally disordered rim that is compositionally similar to the core of the grain. One of the surface adhering grains is pyrrhotite show-ing a S-depleted rim (~8-10 nm thick) with nanophase Fe metal grains (<5 nm) decorating the outermost surface. The pyrrhotite displays a complex superstructure in its core that is absent in the S-depleted rim. Particle RA-QD02-0211 contains solar flare particle tracks (~2x109 cm-2) and shows a structurally disordered rim ~100 nm thick. The track density corresponds to a surface exposure of ~103-104 years based on the track production rate of [1]. The dis-ordered rim is nanocrystalline with minor amorphous material between crystalline domains. Quantitative element maps show the outermost ~10 nm of the disordered rim is Si-rich. Discussion and Conclusions: Both particles record the ef-fects of space weathering processes on Itokawa. Noguchi et al. [2] proposed that the disordered rims they observed on Itokawa particles largely result from solar wind radiation damage and we arrive at a similar conclusion for the two particles we analyzed. The microstructure of the S-depleted layer on the pyrrhotite grain in RA-QD02-0125 is similar to that observed in troilite irradiated with ~1018 4 kV He+ [3, 4]. Prolonged irradiation has also been shown to disorder pyrrhotite such that the superstructure reflec-tions are lost [5].

Keller, Lindsay P.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

New Developments In NASA’s Entry Systems Modeling Project

This paper describes recent developments for modeling entry, descent, and landing (EDL)of spacecraft in support of NASA’s exploration missions. Mission-specific research and model development for entry systems occurs across the Agency (e.g., within flight programs like Artemis/Orion and Mars Sample Return), however the aim of this paper is to discuss the research conducted by NASA’s Entry Systems Modeling (ESM) Project, which serves as the Agency’s only effort dedicated to advancing modeling capabilities that cross-cut multiple technical disciplines, missions and destinations. The ESM portfolio is developed to address the specific needs expressed by a cross-section of NASA stakeholders, including flight and research projects, technical leadership, and subject matter experts. Technology development in ESM is organized and prioritized from a system-level perspective, resulting in four broad technical areas of investment: (1) Thermal Protection System (TPS) material modeling, (2) Shock layer kinetics and radiation, (3) Aerosciences, and (4) Guidance, navigation, and control. In addition to the core technical areas, special topics are rolled into the project portfolio as specific demands arise. Current special topics include TPS Certification by Analysis, improving understanding of woven TPS material performance; Hypersonic Wake Flows, assessing and improving predictions of base flows; and the MEDLI2 Deep Dive, furthering analysis of data obtained during Mars2020 mission’s entry and descent at Mars. Key results from each of these areas are presented in this paper, along with associated references to serve as a roadmap for other EDL researchers to access NASA’s publications.

Aaron M Brandis↗
DOE OSTI2017

Determination of origin and intended use of plutonium metal using nuclear forensic techniques

Nuclear forensics techniques, including micro-XRF, gamma spectrometry, trace elemental analysis and isotopic/chronometric characterization were used to interrogate two, potentially related plutonium metal foils. These samples were submitted for analysis with only limited production information, and a comprehensive suite of forensic analyses were performed. Resulting analytical data was paired with available reactor model and historical information to provide insight into the materials’ properties, origins, and likely intended uses. Both were super-grade plutonium, containing less than 3% 240 Pu, and age-dating suggested that most recent chemical purification occurred in 1948 and 1955 for the respective metals. Additional consideration of reactor modelling feedback and trace elemental observables indicate plausible U.S. reactor origin associated with the Hanford site production efforts. In conclusion, based on this investigation, the most likely intended use for these plutonium foils was 239 Pu fission foil targets for physics experiments, such as cross-section measurements, etc.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Comparing modern measurements of the {sup 11}B(d,n{gamma}{sub 15.1}){sup 12}C excitation function with previous values

A possible means of active interrogation of special nuclear materials is detection of signature emissions following induced photofission. This method requires a probe gamma-ray beam to induce the photofission. The {sup 11}B(d,n{gamma}{sub 15.1}){sup 12}C reaction is a candidate for the source of this probe beam. The reaction is prolific and the produced 15.1 MeV gamma-ray is close to a photofission cross-section peak for {sup 235,238}U and {sup 238,239}Pu. In order to model an active interrogation system using the {sup 11}B(d,n{gamma}{sub 15.1}){sup 12}C reaction as a source probe an accurate value for its differential crosssection must be included in data libraries. Measurements of the differential cross-section for the {sup 11}B(d,n{gamma}{sub 15.1}){sup 12}C reaction have been carried out with a BGO detector and found to differ from previous measurements reported by Kavanagh (1958) and Kuan (1964). The discrepancy in the measurements may be explained by examining the detector response function used by Kavanagh and presumably Kuan to that modeled with MCNP5. A comparison of the MCNP5 and Kavanagh detector response functions normalized to the 15.1 MeV gamma-ray peak pulse height shows a factor of approximately 1.7 difference in integrated counts. Applying this correction to the differential cross-section previously reported by Kuan brings the values into agreement, within uncertainties, to the more recent measurements. The evaluation of the detector response function for the 15.1 MeV gamma-ray signal in the NaI detector reported by Kavanagh to that modeled by MCNP5 is shown. This result is applied to the comparison of recent measurements on the {sup 11}B(d,n{gamma}{sub 15.1}){sup 12}C reaction differential cross-section to those previously reported.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Whole-Genome Comparisons of Ergot Fungi Reveals the Divergence and Evolution of Species within the Genus Claviceps Are the Result of Varying Mechanisms Driving Genome Evolution and Host Range Expansion

The genus Claviceps has been known for centuries as an economically important fungal genus for pharmacology and agricultural research. Only recently have researchers begun to unravel the evolutionary history of the genus, with origins in South America and classification of four distinct sections through ecological, morphological, and metabolic features (Claviceps sects. Citrinae, Paspalorum, Pusillae, and Claviceps). The first three sections are additionally characterized by narrow host range, whereas section Claviceps is considered evolutionarily more successful and adaptable as it has the largest host range and biogeographical distribution. However, the reasons for this success and adaptability remain unclear. Our study elucidates factors influencing adaptability by sequencing and annotating 50 Claviceps genomes, representing 21 species, for a comprehensive comparison of genome architecture and plasticity in relation to host range potential. Our results show the trajectory from specialized genomes (sects. Citrinae and Paspalorum) toward adaptive genomes (sects. Pusillae and Claviceps) through colocalization of transposable elements around predicted effectors and a putative loss of repeat-induced point mutation resulting in unconstrained tandem gene duplication coinciding with increased host range potential and speciation. Alterations of genomic architecture and plasticity can substantially influence and shape the evolutionary trajectory of fungal pathogens and their adaptability. Furthermore, our study provides a large increase in available genomic resources to propel future studies of Claviceps in pharmacology and agricultural research, as well as, research into deeper understanding of the evolution of adaptable plant pathogens.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1991

Evaluating lightning hazards to building environments using explicit numerical solutions of Maxwell's equations

The objective here is to describe the lightning hazards to buildings and their internal environments using advanced formulations of Maxwell's Equations. The method described is the Three Dimensional Finite Difference Time Domain Solution. It can be used to solve for the lightning interaction with such structures in three dimensions with the inclusion of a considerable amount of detail. Special techniques were developed for including wire, plumbing, and rebar into the model. Some buildings have provisions for lightning protection in the form of air terminals connected to a ground counterpoise system. It is shown that fields and currents within these structures can be significantly high during a lightning strike. Time lapse video presentations were made showing the electric and magnetic field distributions on selected cross sections of the buildings during a simulated lightning strike.

Collier, Richard S.↗
DOE OSTI2011

Novel 4{pi} Detection System for the Measurement of the {sup 6}Li(n,{alpha}){sup 3}H Reaction Cross Section

A dedicated one-dimensional Time Projection Chamber (1D-TPC) was designed and produced at IRMM to determine the {sup 6}Li(n,{alpha}){sup 3}H cross section in the 0.4-2.8 MeV energy range, aiming at 5% accuracy. The basic TPC components were a twin gridded ionisation chamber (GIC) with interwired electrodes and fast digitisation of the anode and cathode signals. The energy of both reaction products emitted from a thin {sup 6}LiF sample at the common TPC cathode was measured. A Kr(97%)CO{sub 2}(3%) mixture was used as the detector gas at a pressure up to 3.5 bar. A {sup 238}U sample mounted on the cathode of an ionisation chamber without grid was used as the neutron flux monitor. Special care was taken to reduce the experimental sources of uncertainty. The beam-monitor {sup 238}U sample was characterised at IRMM by low-geometry {alpha}-counting with an accuracy of 0.1%. A {sup 6}Li sample was produced at IRMM by vacuum evaporation of {sup 6}LiF onto transparent aluminium backing. The number of {sup 6}Li atoms will be measured via Thermal Neutron Depth Profiling with an expected accuracy of 2% with respect to an IRMM Standard Reference Material. First test measurements were performed using a monoenergetic neutron beam produced by the T(p,n){sup 3}He reaction at the IRMM 7 MV Van de Graaff accelerator. The experimental method and preliminary results are presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Double Hard Axes of Hysteresis Loop in Wide-Angle Obliquely Sputtered CoFeB Amorphous Films

Soft magnetic Co{sub 40}Fe{sub 40}B{sub 20} films with different tilt angle were successfully deposited on silicon substrates by using oblique sputtering technique. Different oblique angles are achieved by controlling the position of samples. The corresponding static magnetic properties of these samples were then systematically investigated. Interestingly, with the oblique angle increasing from 38° to 55°, the MOKE hysteresis loop of the thin films displays a unique and special performance with double hard axes. Meanwhile, despite of the measurement magnetic field along PR or AR direction, both of the hysteresis loops have two-stage magnetization reversal that means there are two comparably strong anisotropies in the CoFeB films. Moreover, rotating samples from in-plane to out-of-plane, the hysteresis loops demonstrate the perpendicular anisotropy exist in CoFeB films. The cross-section SEM characterizations further verify that the residual field from the magnetic cylinder will strongly impact the microstructures of thin film.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

The CMV Matrix and the Generalized Lanczos Process

The CMV matrix is the five-diagonal matrix that represents the operator of multiplication by the independent variable in a special basis formed of Laurent polynomials orthogonal on the unit circle C. The article by Cantero, Moral, and Velázquez, published in 2003 and describing this matrix, has attracted much attention because it implies that the conventional orthogonal polynomials on C can be interpreted as the characteristic polynomials of the leading principal submatrices of a certain five-diagonal matrix. The present paper recalls that finite-dimensional sections of the CMV matrix appeared in papers on the unitary eigenvalue problem long before the article by Cantero et al. was published. Moreover, band forms were also found for a number of other situations in the normal eigenvalue problem.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2017

Energy dependence of fission product yields from 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu with monoenergetic neutrons between thermal and 14.8 MeV

Under a joint collaboration between TUNL-LANL-LLNL, a set of absolute fission product yield measurements has been performed. The energy dependence of a number of cumulative fission product yields (FPY) have been measured using quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams for three actinide targets, 235 U, 238 U and 239 Pu, between 0.5 and 14.8 MeV. The FPYs were measured by a combination of fission counting using specially designed dual-fission chambers and γ-ray counting. Each dual-fission chamber is a back-to-back ionization chamber encasing an activation target in the center with thin deposits of the same target isotope in each chamber. This method allows for the direct measurement of the total number of fissions in the activation target with no reference to the fission cross-section, thus reducing uncertainties. γ-ray counting of the activation target was performed on well-shielded HPGe detectors over a period of two months post irradiation to properly identify fission products. Reported are absolute cumulative fission product yields for incident neutron energies of 0.5, 1.37, 2.4, 3.6, 4.6, 5.5, 7.5, 8.9 and 14.8 MeV. Preliminary results from thermal irradiations at the MIT research reactor will also be presented and compared to present data and evaluations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Experimental explanation of the formation mechanism of surface mound-structures by femtosecond laser on polycrystalline Ni{sub 60}Nb{sub 40}

Femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP) is an emerging technique for creating functionalized surfaces with specialized properties, such as broadband optical absorption or superhydrophobicity/superhydrophilicity. It has been demonstrated in the past that FLSP can be used to form two distinct classes of mound-like, self-organized micro/nanostructures on the surfaces of various metals. Here, the formation mechanisms of below surface growth (BSG) and above surface growth (ASG) mounds on polycrystalline Ni{sub 60}Nb{sub 40} are studied. Cross-sectional imaging of these mounds by focused ion beam milling and subsequent scanning electron microscopy revealed evidence of the unique formation processes for each class of microstructure. BSG-mound formation during FLSP did not alter the microstructure of the base material, indicating preferential valley ablation as the primary formation mechanism. For ASG-mounds, the microstructure at the peaks of the mounds was clearly different from the base material. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that hydrodynamic melting of the surface occurred during FLSP under ASG-mound forming conditions. Thus, there is a clear difference in the formation mechanisms of ASG- and BSG-mounds during FLSP.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1979

Higher dimensional Hadamard matrices

The paper defines higher dimensional Hadamard matrices and enumerates on some of the simplest three-, four-, and five-dimensional cases and procedures for generating them. Special emphasis is given to proper matrices that have a dimensional hierarchy of orthogonalities. It is determined that this property lends itself primarily to the application of higher dimensional Hadamard matrices to error-correcting codes. A list of derived statements for n-dimensional Hadamard matrices are given, as well as a definition of Hadamard matrix families, such as minimal, Petrie polygon, antipodal (n-2)-dimensional sections, and double proximity shells.

Schlichta, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1967

Integrating Matrix Method for Determining the Natural Vibrations of a Rotating, Unsymmetrical Beam with Application to Twisted Propeller Blades

A numerical method is Presented for determining the natural vibration frequencies, and the corresponding mode shapes, of a rotating cantilever beam which has a nonuniform, unsymmetrical cross section. Two coupled fourth-order differential equations of motion with variable coefficients are derived which govern the motion of such a beam having deformations in two directions. Through the development and utilization of the integrating matrix, the solution of the differential equations is obtained in the form of an eigenvalue problem. The solutions to the eigenvalue problem are determined by an iteration method based upon a special orthogonality relationship which is derived. Numerical examples, including an application to a twisted propeller blade, are presented with the results of the integrating matrix solutions being compared to exact solutions and experimental data.

Hunter, William F.↗
NASA NTRS1958

Application of the Method of Coordinate Perturbation to Unsteady Duct Flow

The method of coordinate perturbation is applied to the unsteady flow of a compressible fluid in ducts of variable cross section. Solutions, in the form of perturbation series, are obtained for unsteady flows in ducts for which the logarithmic derivative of area variation with respect to the space coordinate is a function of the 'smallness' parameter of the perturbation series. This technique is applied to the problem of the interaction of a disturbance and a shock wave in a diffuser flow. It is found that, for a special choice of the function describing the disturbance, the path of the shock wave can be expressed in closed form to first order. The method is then applied to the determination of the flow field behind a shock wave moving on a prescribed path in the x,t-plane. Perturbation series solutions for quite general paths are developed. The perturbation series solutions are compared with the more exact solutions obtained by the application of the method of characteristics. The approximate solutions are shown to be in reasonably accurate agreement with the solutions obtained by the method of characteristics.

Himmel, Seymour C.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Moment-based, self-consistent linear analysis of gyrotron oscillators

A new model for simulating gyrotron oscillators in the monomode time-dependent linear self-consistent regime is presented. Starting from a nonlinear time-dependent monomode model, the linearization and the following simplification of the model, based on a moment approach, are described. This simplified model represents a numerically efficient model and allows to have a deeper physical insight, in particular, for regimes dominated by self-consistent effects such as for the gyro-backward wave instability. One specific case of a gyrotron cavity is studied in detail and compared with experimental results, with special attention to self-consistent effects and to the differences with a model using a fixed field profile. Self-consistent linear simulations are, amongst other applications, important for the design of frequency-tunable gyrotrons or high-power gyrotrons with cavities having a relatively low quality factor, but also for studies of parasitic oscillations as they may occur in beam ducts and/or in the launcher section following the interaction cavity.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗