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At least 865 records · Page 48

Elementary Particle Physics (Final Report)

vATLAS and the LHC are delivering on the promise of discovery physics at the high energy frontier. Using 4.8 fb -1 of 2011 $\sqrt{s}$=7 TeV data and the first 5.8 fb -1 of 2012 $\sqrt{s}$=8 TeV data, ATLAS published the observation of a new particle with a mass of 126 GeV with a significance of 5.9σ that is compatible with a Standard Model (SM) Higgs. The LHC is outperforming initial projections for the 2012 run, and ATLAS is on track to integrate ~20 fb -1 of proton-proton collisions in 2012 before Long Shutdown 1 (LS1) begins in Spring 2013. University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) physicists will complete work on two ATLAS analyses this fall. The first is the search for the gauge bosons of a hypothesized dark sector. For 2011 data, UTD is responsible for the dark photon search in the electron-jet channel, and we are looking forward to an expanded leadership role in the dark photon search using the full 2012 data set. Our second analysis interest is the study of X/Y/Z exotic states having cc content, which builds on our experience in this field from the BABAR experiment After completing a measurement of the Xc(3872) production cross section this fall, we will search for evidence of the Z(4430)+ which is reported by Belle but not confirmed by BABAR. The UTD group has played a strong role in ATLAS operations, with group members serving as Pixel Run Coordinator, ATLAS Shift Leader, and Pixel/Inner Detector Shifter. For most of the current 3-year funding cycle, a group member coordinated the development of the Pixel DAQ code, and another continues to build and maintain the data quality monitoring (DQM) application that is used by the Inner Detector control room shifter. Additionally, members of our group take Pixel on-call expert shifts for DQM and DAQ. We led an optoboard lifetime study to assess concerns of premature on-detector VCSEL failure using the Pixel working prototype detector at CERN. Physicists based at UTD participated through Pixel Offline DQM and ATLAS Distributed Computing Operations Shifts (ADCoS) During Summer 2012, UTD joined upgrade activities in preparation for LS1. We took a major role in the testing of Electro-Readout (ER) Bundle testing for new Service Quarter Panels (nSQPs), and we developed two utilities to measure the timing jitter and bit error rate of the Pixel readout chain for use commissioning Pixel detector upgrades. During BABAR's heyday, the UTD group pioneered the use of e + e - annihilation events with hard Initial State Radiation (ISR) to study the charm threshold region, and we carried out the first BABAR double-cc analysis. Our most recent ISR paper, written in collaboration with A. Palano (Bari) is Exclusive Production of Ds + Ds - , D S *+ Ds - , and Ds *+ Ds *- via e+ e- Annihilation with Initial-State-Radiation was published in Physical Review D 82, 052004 (2010). Work continues on a study of ISR Λc + Λc - production, and a new search to establish and study double-ss production is starting.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Ex-Situ Surface Characterization Studies and Boundary Plasma Diagnostic Development for DIII-D (Final Report)

This report details the accomplishments for award DE-SC0016318, which sponsored collaborative research activities between the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the DIII-D experiment at General Atomics, led by the PI (Donovan), which officially began on August 1, 2016 and ended July 31, 2020. Though the official start date for the award was August 1, 2016, the PI had already initiated collaborative activities with DIII-D during 2015 supported by internal UTK start-up funds utilized by the PI. This prior work enabled UTK to have a substantial role in the June 2016 Metal Rings Campaign (MRC). The DOE funds then provided the opportunity to expand the UTK team with funding for students and a postdoc to perform ex-situ analysis on the wide array of samples exposed during the MRC and develop more sophisticated analysis tools and interpretive modeling techniques.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Method for nonlinear exponential regression analysis

Two computer programs developed according to two general types of exponential models for conducting nonlinear exponential regression analysis are described. Least squares procedure is used in which the nonlinear problem is linearized by expanding in a Taylor series. Program is written in FORTRAN 5 for the Univac 1108 computer.

Junkin, B. G.↗

Floating reference frames for flexible spacecraft

Floating reference frames which move with the flexible body under dynamic analysis offer the advantages of a linear vibration analysis in the presence of large system rotations. When the deformations of an elastic continuum are expanded in terms of the free-free modes on an unconstrained system, the rigid body modes are found to be fixed in a reference frame called the Tisserand frame, with respect to which the relative momentum is zero. This result also guarantees the independence of small variations of frame motions and coordinates for all modes with nonzero natural frequencies, a condition which can greatly simplify the formulation of equations of motion. A Modified Tisserand Constraint is introduced in order to define a floating reference frame with similar properties for an elastic body which contains spinning rotors.

Canavin, J. R.↗

Tectonic deformation of Galileo Regio and limits to the planetary expansion of Ganymede

Galileo Regio is the largest and most prominent unit of dark, ancient, heavily cratered terrain on Ganymede. Its major tectonic feature, an arcuate system of rimmed furrows, formed very early, as nearly the entire cratering record post-dates it. Galileo Regio has undergone very little subsequent structural alteration, as opposed to the rest of the planet (i.e., replacement by grooved and smooth terrain). Its survival as an intact lithospheric unit during the era of grooved terrain formation constrains the concomitant expansion of Ganymede, if any, to be less than one percent in radius. This limit is derived from an analysis which considers Galileo Regio to be a thin, freely floating elastic spherical shell on an expanding planet. A comparison of tectonic features (both endogenic and impact produced) on Ganymede and Callisto suggests that the ultimate source that powered the creation of grooved terrain lies in the Ganymedean core.

Mckinnon, W. B.↗

NGC 2024: Multi-wavelength Infrared and Radio Observations

A series of far-infrared maps obtained on the KAO find the total IR luminosity of NGC 2024 is to the 4th power L, and show a peak in flux density and optical depth about 1' south of IRS 2. High resolution spectra of IRS 2 in Brackett alfa and Pfund gamma indicate the presence of an optically thick wind with M approx. 7 x 10 to the minus 7 power M sub yr to minus 1 power, from which we infer that IRS 2 is unable to supply the luminosity observed. A six centimeter continuum map peaks near the location of the far-infrared peak and confirms it as a likely site for a source to provide this luminosity. Maps in HCN, CS, and H2CO show the gas is dense in the direction of the far IR peak. Velocity analysis shows the H2 region created by the far IR source and IRS 2 forms an expanding bubble in front of which the H2CO is seen in absorption, and which is bounded in the south and behind by dense material.

Smith, H. A.↗

Overpressurized zero pressure balloon system

Typical zero pressure scientific balloon systems experiencing diurnal cycles require on board expendable ballast to maintain design float altitude. In the past, pressurized balloon systems have been employed to overcome the need for ballast while maintaining small diurnal altitude excursions. However, requirements on material characteristics and manufacturing methods have enforced limitations on balloon size and therefore payload and altitude capabilities. This effort was aimed at considering the use of current (or slightly modified) zero pressure balloon systems (design, manufacturing and materials) as candidates for pressurized vehicles. Data gathered through performance analysis, structural analysis and flight testing has shown that the use of current zero pressure designs can be expanded to enhance balloon performance.

Simpson, Joel M.↗

Reliability studies of integrated modular engine system designs

A study was performed to evaluate the reliability of Integrated Modular Engine (IME) concepts. Comparisons were made between networked IME systems and non-networked discrete systems using expander cycle configurations. Both redundant and non-redundant systems were analyzed. Binomial approximation and Markov analysis techniques were employed to evaluate total system reliability. In addition, Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (FMEA), Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) were performed to allow detailed evaluation of the IME concept. A discussion of these system reliability concepts is also presented.

Hardy, Terry L.↗

Exact methods for modal transient response analysis including feedback control

This paper presents a modal method for the analysis of controlled structural systems that retains the uncoupled nature of the classical transient response analysis of a structure subjected to a prescribed time-varying load. The control force is expanded as a Taylor series that remains on the right side of the equations, and it does not lead to a computational approach that requires coupling between modes on the left side. Retaining a sufficient number of terms in the series produces a solution to the modal equations that is accurate to machine precision. The approach is particularly attractive for large problems in which standard matrix exponential methods become computationally prohibitive. Numerical results are presented to show the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach for dynamic feedback compensation of a truss structure with local member modes in the controller bandwidth.

Anderson, Melvin S.↗

Reliability studies of Integrated Modular Engine system designs

A study was performed to evaluate the reliability of Integrated Modular Engine (IME) concepts. Comparisons were made between networked IME systems and non-networked discrete systems using expander cycle configurations. Both redundant and non-redundant systems were analyzed. Binomial approximation and Markov analysis techniques were employed to evaluate total system reliability. In addition, Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (FMEA), Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) were performed to allow detailed evaluation of the IME concept. A discussion of these system reliability concepts is also presented.

Hardy, Terry L.↗

Displacement based multilevel structural optimization

Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) is expected to play a major role in the competitive transportation industries of tomorrow, i.e., in the design of aircraft and spacecraft, of high speed trains, boats, and automobiles. All of these vehicles require maximum performance at minimum weight to keep fuel consumption low and conserve resources. Here, MDO can deliver mathematically based design tools to create systems with optimum performance subject to the constraints of disciplines such as structures, aerodynamics, controls, etc. Although some applications of MDO are beginning to surface, the key to a widespread use of this technology lies in the improvement of its efficiency. This aspect is investigated here for the MDO subset of structural optimization, i.e., for the weight minimization of a given structure under size, strength, and displacement constraints. Specifically, finite element based multilevel optimization of structures (here, statically indeterminate trusses and beams for proof of concept) is performed. In the system level optimization, the design variables are the coefficients of assumed displacement functions, and the load unbalance resulting from the solution of the stiffness equations is minimized. Constraints are placed on the deflection amplitudes and the weight of the structure. In the subsystems level optimizations, the weight of each element is minimized under the action of stress constraints, with the cross sectional dimensions as design variables. This approach is expected to prove very efficient, especially for complex structures, since the design task is broken down into a large number of small and efficiently handled subtasks, each with only a small number of variables. This partitioning will also allow for the use of parallel computing, first, by sending the system and subsystems level computations to two different processors, ultimately, by performing all subsystems level optimizations in a massively parallel manner on separate processors. It is expected that the subsystems level optimizations can be further improved through the use of controlled growth, a method which reduces an optimization to a more efficient analysis with only a slight degradation in accuracy. The efficiency of all proposed techniques is being evaluated relative to the performance of the standard single level optimization approach where the complete structure is weight minimized under the action of all given constraints by one processor and to the performance of simultaneous analysis and design which combines analysis and optimization into a single step. It is expected that the present approach can be expanded to include additional structural constraints (buckling, free and forced vibration, etc.) or other disciplines (passive and active controls, aerodynamics, etc.) for true MDO.

Striz, Alfred G.↗

Nanotube-based Sensors and Systems for Outer Planetary Exploration

Direct sensing and processing at the nanometer scale offer NASA the opportunity to expand its capabilities in deep space exploration, particularly for the search for signatures of life, the analysis of planetary oceans and atmospheres, and communications systems. Carbon nanotubes, with their unique mechanical, electrical, and radiation-tolerant properties, are a promising tool for this exploration. We are developing devices based on carbon nanotubes, including sensors, actuators, and oscillators. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Noca, F.↗

FUSE Observations of Galactic and LMC Novae in Outburst

This document is a collection of five abstracts from papers written on the 'FUSE Observations of Galactic and LMC Novae in Outburst'. The titles are the following: (1) Analyzing FUSE Observations of Galactic and LMC Novae; (2) Detailed NLTE Model Atmospheres for Novae during Outburst: Modeling Optical and Ultraviolet Observations for Nova LMC 1988; (3) Numerical Solution of the Expanding Stellar Atmosphere Problem; (4) A Non-LTE Line-Blanketed Expanding Atmosphere Model for A-supergiant Alpha Cygni; and (5) Non-LTE Model Atmosphere Analysis of the Early Ultraviolet Spectra of Nova Andromedae 1986. A list of journal publications is also included.

Huschildt, P. H.↗

Thermodynamics in the Suppressed Phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation Using a Multiplatform Strategy

The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) represents a prominent mode of intraseasonal tropical variability. It is manifest by coherent large-scale changes in atmospheric circulation, convection, and thermodynamic processes. Preconditioning of the environment prior to the active phase of the MJO has been noted, but the balance of theorized mechanisms to accomplish this process remains unresolved. Further, there is a lack of consensus on the means by which primary initiation of an MJO event occurs. Observational and modeling efforts have recently been undertaken to advance our understanding of the physical underpinnings governing MJO development. However these intensive studies are often limited in space and/or time and are potentially subject to model deficiencies. Satellite observations, especially those providing vertical resolution of temperature and moisture, provide an opportunity to expand our knowledge of processes critical to MJO initiation and preconditioning. This work will provide an analysis of suppressed phase thermodynamics with an emphasis on the use of a complementary suite of satellite observations including AIRS/AMSU-A profiles, CERES radiative fluxes, and cloud properties observed by MODIS. Emphasis of this work will regard the distribution of cloud regimes, their radiative-convective effects, and their relationship to moist static energy during the recharge and suppressed stages of MJO initiation and eastward propagation. The analyses will make use of cloud regimes from MODIS observations to provide a compositing technique that enables the identification of systematic connections between different cloud regimes and the larger scale environment. Within these cloud regimes, the relationship between the associated cloud-radiative effects observed by CERES, vertically-resolved and vertically-integrated thermodynamics using AIRS/AMSU-A observations, and atmospheric boundary layer fluxes will be demonstrated.

Roberts, J. Brent↗

Crystallography of Magnetite Plaquettes and their Significance as Asymmetric Catalysts for the Synthesis of Chiral Organics in Carbonaceous Chondrites

We have previously observed the magnetite plaquettes in carbonaceous chondrites using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, examined the crystal orientation of the polished surfaces of magnetite plaquettes in CI Orgueil using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis, and concluded that these magnetite plaquettes are likely naturally asymmetric materials. In this study, we expanded our EBSD observation to other magnetite plaquettes in Orgueil, and further examined the internal structure of these remarkable crystals with the use of X-ray computed microtomography.

Chan, Q. H. S.↗

"Giovanni at 20: Consistency and Persistency in Making Earth Remote Sensing Data Available (and Useful) to the Earth Science Community"

Since its creation in the year 2000, the NASA Geospatial Interactive Online Visualization ANd aNalysis Infrastructure (Giovanni) has been an exemplar of how to provide remotely-sensed satellite data and related Earth science datasets to a broad and globally diverse researcher community. One of the hallmarks of Giovanni system usage is that it is common to see practitioners of many branches of science – particularly those in fields not traditionally associated with remote-sensing data, such as animal behavior and paleooceanography – both accessing and employing datasets which the system provides. This usage pattern is attested to by the diversity of published science citing Giovanni. Giovanni has evolved through several versions, each of which increased analytical and visualization options while also enhancing ease-of-use. Information resources supporting Giovanni from the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC), which hosts the system, start with basic mapping and plotting functions and extend to “How-to” recipes demonstrating interusability with other data analysis systems and software. Giovanni is now being developed for use in a cloud environment, potentially expanding datasets the system can be applied to, and also improving performance for data having high spatial and temporal resolution. This presentation covers the system’s historical success with interesting examples of Giovanni-citing research, and will apply its current capabilities to a multi-dataset examination of derecho events associated with mesoscale convective phenomena in the summer of 2020, indicating how Giovanni is prepared for ongoing support of Earth science in a changing world.

Giovanni Derecho visualization↗

Gateway Program Development Progress

This paper provides an overview and status of Gateway, humanity’s first space station to orbit the Moon providing vital support for a sustained, long-term human return to the lunar surface and a steppingstone to Mars as part of the Artemis missions. As a lunar outpost, Gateway is a destination for deep space crew expeditions and science investigations, a port for deep space transportation, including landers transiting to the lunar surface or spacecraft embarking to deep space destinations beyond the Earth-Moon system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leads the Program and is the integrator of the spaceflight capabilities and contributions of U.S. commercial partners and international partners to develop Gateway. This paper will provide an overview of Gateway’s major components in various stages of development. The entire Gateway spacecraft is at preliminary design level of maturity, with some components at or near critical design review. Gateway’s major components are the Power and Propulsion Element; the Habitation and Logistics Outpost; Deep Space Logistics; the International Habitation module; Gateway External Robotics System; European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications; and an Airlock. This paper will also provide an update on the status of the integration activities necessary to fly and operate this complex, next-generation integrated spacecraft for a minimum 15 year design life, including systems engineering integrated analysis cycles, the autonomous Vehicle System Manager software, verification and validation labs, and common vehicle equipment. Expanding on the successful partnership that has provided over 20 years of continuous crew operations in low-Earth orbit on the International Space Station, Gateway is an evolution of this extraordinary partnership leveraging the capabilities of each contributor to expand humankind’s sustained exploration deeper into the cosmos. Highlighting the international program with participation from multiple space agencies, this paper will also provide a status of Gateway multilateral governance structure and international agreements.

Sean M Fuller↗

Risk of Bone Fracture due to Spaceflight-induced Changes to Bone

The Human Research Program (HRP) is taking a biomechanical approach to assessing subsequent fracture risk in active astronauts as a consequence of spaceflight exposure. Triennial testing of active and retired astronauts continues as Space Medicine monitors for a premature diagnosis of primary osteoporosis, which is associated with age-related bone loss and skeletal fragility. This updated 2023 Fracture Evidence Report has expanded the description of skeletal changes to capture the full effects of spaceflight on bone: • Recent analysis of fractures from health records of the full astronaut cohort, suggests an increased incidence rate of hip and spine fractures in astronauts following longer spaceflight duration flights compared to incident rates found in shorter duration flights. • Routine preflight-to-postflight surveillance by DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) does not provide the full detection of loss and recovery in the long-duration (LD) astronaut nor the full recovery of hip trabecular bone. • The inclusion of hip quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in flight studies delineates effects of spaceflight, of countermeasures, and of post-flight recovery on cortical and trabecular bone parameters—some of which are verified predictors of hip fracture in the aged. • QCT detects and compares the distinct countermeasure effects of the pharmaceutical alendronate and of resistive exercise (on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device, ARED) in specific cortical and trabecular bone sub-regions during spaceflight. • A published comparison of QCT-determined loss rates of hip trabecular bone in LD astronauts compared to terrestrial cohorts suggest that accelerated loss rates in trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) during spaceflight might be analogous to skeletal effects of accelerated loss rates in females due to menopause, potentially leading to disruptions in trabecular microarchitecture. • A dataset of finite element (FE) estimates of hip bone strength in aging terrestrial cohorts (spanning astronaut age-range) provides comparative context for changes in the FE of hip bone strength in LD astronauts, including comparison (force unit of newton) to percentiles (50th, 75th, and 100th) of sex-matched aged humans with hip fractures. • Risk of fracture, due to the mechanical overloading of bones, is being updated with IMPACT, the next-generation tool suite for probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) for exploration missions being created by the Exploration and Medical Capability Element (ExMC) at NASA. IMPACT is currently in development and will not be included in this 2024 update. The risk for fracture necessitates understanding the relationship between applied loads to bone and the biomechanical competence of bone. The Risk for Early Onset Osteoporosis focuses on the weakened condition of bone (including development of new technologies, measurements of novel skeletal attributes, translation of multiple measures to an index of bone fragility, and interpretations of data used to reflect a weakened bone), while the Risk for Fracture assesses factors that influence the probability an astronaut would encounter applied loads exceeding the biomechanical competence of bones, resulting in fracture. This Evidence Report combines the research gaps and tasks associated with both risks.

Fracture↗