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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 1,135 records · Page 63
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Impact of ITCZ width on global climate: ITCZ-MIP

Abstract. The width of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affects tropical rainfall, Earth's albedo, large-scale circulation, and climate sensitivity. To better understand the ITCZ width and its effects on global climate, we present a protocol to force changes in ITCZ width in climate models. Starting from an aquaplanet configuration with a slab ocean, adding surface heat fluxes in the deep tropics forces the ITCZ to narrow, and subtracting them causes it to widen. The protocol successfully generates changes in ITCZ width in all four climate models used in this study. ITCZ width in each model responds linearly to forcing magnitude and sign. Comparing across the four climate models, a response to varying ITCZ width that is remarkably consistent among models is the ITCZ strength, which is greater the narrower the ITCZ. On the other hand, the effect of varying ITCZ width on climate sensitivity is divergent among our four models, varying even in sign. Results from this pilot study highlight the connections between surface fluxes, ITCZ width, and the wider climate. A comprehensive model intercomparison project (MIP) has the potential to advance understanding of both the physical processes shaping ITCZ width and its influence on remote atmospheric circulations and global climate.

Geology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Soil carbon accrual and biopore formation across a plant diversity gradient

Plant diversity promotes soil organic carbon (SOC) gains through intricate changes in root-soil interactions and their subsequent influence on soil physical and biological processes. We assessed SOC and pore characteristics of soils under a range of switchgrass-based plant systems 12 years after their establishment. The systems represented a gradient of plant diversity with species richness ranging from 1 to 30 species. We focused on soil biopores as indicators of the legacy of root activity and explored biopore relationships with SOC accumulation. Biopores were measured using X-ray computed micro-tomography. Plant functional richness explained 29 % of bioporosity and 36 % of SOC variation, while bioporosity itself explained 36 % of the variation in SOC. The most diverse plant system (30 species) had the highest SOC, while long-term bare soil fallow and monoculture switchgrass had the lowest. Of particular note was a 2-species mixture of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and ryegrass (Elymus canadensis), which exhibited the highest bioporosity and achieved SOC levels comparable to those of the systems with 6 and 10 plant species, and were inferior only to the system with 30 species. We conclude that plant diversity may enhance SOC through biopore-mediated mechanisms and suggest a potential for identifying specific plant combinations that may be particularly efficient for fostering biopore formation and, subsequently, SOC sequestration.

Kim, Kyungmin [Seoul National Univ. (Korea, Republ↗
NASA NTRS1974

Assessment of an analytical procedure for predicting supersonic ejector nozzle performance

The ability of analysis to predict ejector nozzle characteristics over a wide range of conditions and to study the relation between design parameters and performance is assessed. The analytical method investigated provided an accurate and economical method for predicting the performance of supersonic ejector nozzles. The factors which had the greatest influence over ejector nozzle behavior were those which influenced the initial expansion and recompression process.

Anderson, B. H.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Study to improve the low frequency noise characteristics of (Hg,Cd)Te detectors

Efforts made to identify and reduce the sources of l/f noise in 15 micron n-type (Hg,Cd)Te detectors operating at 77 K are reported. The investigation covered: evaluation of the influence of material properties and detector processing techniques, determination of the relative importance of surfaces, volumes, regions, and contracts, and generation of theoretical models for guidance of the experimental work.

Broudy, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Advances in the analysis and design of adhesive-bonded joints in composite aerospace structures

Several aspects of adhesive-bonded joint analysis and design are presented from the reference of size of structure or load intensity. This integrates the individual characterizations of double-lap, single-lap, stepped-lap, tapered-lap and scarf joints. The paper includes an overview of bonded joint selection from the standpoints of design, fabrication, and processing, each bearing in mind the influence of such considerations on the strength of the joint. A case study is presented of the optimization of a specific relatively thick titanium-to-graphite epoxy stepped-lap joint, using the digital computer analysis program A4EG. The factors accounted for are adhesive plasticity, adherend stiffness imbalance, adherend thermal mismatch, and change of material properties within the range of temperature environment and with load direction. The strength increases obtainable by refining the initial design are demonstrated.

Hart-Smith, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Discrete component bonding and thick film materials study

The results are summarized of an investigation of discrete component bonding reliability and a fundamental study of new thick film resistor materials. The component bonding study examined several types of solder bonded components with some processing variable studies to determine their influence upon bonding reliability. The bonding reliability was assessed using the thermal cycle: 15 minutes at room temperature, 15 minutes at +125 C 15 minutes at room temperature, and 15 minutes at -55 C. The thick film resistor materials examined were of the transition metal oxide-phosphate glass family with several elemental metal additions of the same transition metal. These studies were conducted by preparing a paste of the subject composition, printing, drying, and firing using both air and reducing atmospheres. The resulting resistors were examined for adherence, resistance, thermal coefficient of resistance, and voltage coefficient of resistance.

Kinser, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

NO-NO2 measurements in a methane-fueled swirl-stabilized combustor

Exhaust plane measurements of NO and NO2 emissions from a methane-fueled swirl-stabilized combustor are reported. Samples were obtained by water-cooled probes and analyzed by chemiluminescent and UV absorption techniques. The combustor consists of two confined concentric jets having swirl. The inner jet flows premixed fuel and air, the outer jet is air. Variable outer jet swirl allows operation with jets swirling either in the same or opposite directions (co- or counter-swirl), and the combustion is stabilized by the resulting recirculation zone formed on the combustor centerline. Swirl conditions strongly affect the NOx emissions because of the influence of swirl on the combustion process. In the co-swirl conditions, the inner flow reaches high temperatures, and the correspondingly high NOx emissions are primarily NO. Under counter-swirl conditions much lower values of total NO are found, and these emissions are almost entirely NO2. In this case vigorous mixing in the inter-jet shear layer leads to severe flame quenching and lower temperatures. Formation of NO2 is associated with quenching processes in the combustor and is thought to be formed via NO oxidation by HO2 free radicals.

Oven, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The influence of wall resonances on the levitation of objects in a single-axis acoustic processing chamber

Instabilities were observed in high temperature, single axis acoustic processing chambers. At certain temperatures, strong wall resonances were generated within the processing chamber itself and these transverse resonances were thought sufficient to disrupt the levitation well. These wall resonances are apparently not strong enough to cause instabilities in the levitation well.

Ross, B. B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Predictability of quasi-geostrophic planetary waves in global and hemispheric domains

Factors which affect the long term predictability, and also the feasibility of defining an ultimate level of weather predictability, are discussed. It is noted that current models yield a one week forecast at the best. Long range predictability, however, is a restriction on the knowledge of evolutive processes of the atmosphere, and does not characterize the prediction of specific atmospheric quantities. The influences of local phenomena such as cyclones and other nonlinear processes can cause planetary waves which affect the predictability of weather everywhere. It is suggested that any successful prediction model will necessarily account for the evolution of ultralong waves. Although significant differences in predictions have been found between hemispheric and global predictions, the location of the errors in extrapolating the hemispheric to the global scale have been identified.

Roads, J. O.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Error detection process - Model, design, and its impact on computer performance

An analytical model is developed for computer error detection processes and applied to estimate their influence on system performance. Faults in the hardware, not in the design, are assumed to be the potential cause of transition to erroneous states during normal operations. The classification properties and associated recovery methods of error detection are discussed. The probability of obtaining an unreliable result is evaluated, along with the resulting computational loss. Error detection during design is considered and a feasible design space is outlined. Extension of the methods to account for the effects of extant multiple faults is indicated.

Shin, K. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Spacecraft system study: A study to define the impact of laser communication systems on their host spacecraft

The mutual influence of a laser communication system and its host spacecraft and the degree to which the mutual influence limited acquisition, tracking and pointing processes were investigated. A laser klink between a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbiting (GEO) satellite was used as a baseline. The laser link between satellites was a generic channel transferring 500 Mbps data from the LEO to GEO using the GaAlAs laser as the laser light source. Major aspects of pointing and tracking with a satelliteborne optical system were evaluated including: (1) orbital aspects such as spacecraft relative motions, point ahead, and Sun snd Moon optical noise; (2) burst errors introduced by the electronic and optical noise levels; (3) servo system design and configurations, and the noise sources such as, sensor noise, base motion disturbances, gimbal friction torque noise; (4) an evaluation of the tracking and beacon link and the type of sensors used; (5) the function of the acquisition procedure and an evaluation of the sensors employed; and (6) an estimate of the size, weight and power needed for the satellite system.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

Thermal-infrared spectral observations of geologic materials in emission

The thermal-infrared spectra of geologic materials in emission were studied using the prototype Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES). A variety of of processes and surface modifications that may influence or alter the spectra of primary rock materials were studied. It was confirmed that thermal emission spectra contain the same absorption features as those observed in transmission and reflection spectra. It was confirmed that the TES instrument can be used to obtain relevant spectra for analysis of rock and mineral composition.

Christensen, Philip R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Human performance in aerospace environments: The search for psychological determinants

A program of research into the psychological determinants of individual and crew performance in aerospace environments is described. Constellations of personality factors influencing behavior in demanding environments are discussed. Relationships between attitudes and performance and attitudes and personality are also reported. The efficacy of training in interpersonal relations as a means of changing attitudes and behavior is explored along with the influence of personality on attitude change processes. Finally, approaches to measuring group behavior in aerospace settings are described.

Helmreich, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Optimal placement of critical speeds in rotor-bearing systems

The design of a rotor-bearing system is an iterative process in which the parameters that influence the design are modified until the desired design objectives are achieved. Primary among the design objectives is the minimization of the response amplitude within the operating range of the rotor system. An automated design procedure for the optimal placement of the critical speeds of a rotor is presented. The desired design objective is cast as a nonlinear programming problem that minimizes an objective function subject to constraints. The optimization program interacts with an analysis program to search for the feasible optimal design.

Rajan, M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Si(111) cleavage and the (2 x 1) reconstruction process

Using a computer simulation technique with a semiempirical potential, a Si crystal was cleaved along the (111) plane. The pi-bonded chain structural features of the Si(111) cleavage surface are observed and found to be a consequence of the dynamics of this cleavage process and seem not to be influenced by the final energetics.

Pearson, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Interplanetary proton (Ep = 0.61-3.41 MeV) events observed with Pioneer 11, 1973-1986 and out to 22.4 AU

A survey of interplanetary proton (Ep = 0.61-3.41 MeV) events is summarized in graphical and tabular form for the period April 1973 - December 1986. The observations were obtained by an effectively continuous data stream from the University of Iowa instrument on the NASA Ames spacecraft Pioneer 11 as it moved outward in the solar system from 1.0 to 22.4 AU. A total of 265 distinct events are identified. The spectra and intensities of the protons, presumed to be originally of solar origin, are influenced dramatically by propagative and accelerative processes in the interplanetary medium.

Van Allen, James A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Current collection and current closure in the Tethered Satellite System

Current collection and closure-path modeling are examined analytically with respect to the Tethered Satellite System (TSS). A particle-in cell code is compared with a one-dimensional unmagnetized fluid code to model the behavior of a positively charged satellite in the ionosphere. The morphology of the sheath and the sheath-region processes are thus examined, and the influence of ions leaving the sheath region is found to cause the attraction of an electron current that is 40 times greater than the steady state value. The enhancement is transient and enhances the acceleration of the electrons in the sheath. A set of modified MHD equations, including those for ion inertia, quasineutrality, and electron drift, is employed to model TSS current closure. Whistler modes are found to exist and can be excited as the TSS passes through the ionosphere. Important conclusions include a significant fluctuation level in the steady state sheath, an ion void which affects the electron population, and some long-lived electrons trapped in the settled sheath with respect to two directions.

Drobot, Adam↗