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At least 1,153 records · Page 64

Laser-Induced Fluorescence Measurements of Energetic Ions in a 100-A LaB6 Hollow Cathode

Increasingly long-duration space missions require a better understanding of the failure mechanisms of hollow cathodes to enable prediction of lifetime. Energetic ions have been measured in the plume of hollow cathodes but the energies are higher than can be explained classically. One of the mechanisms that appears to be contributing to the ion heating is ion acoustic turbulence (IAT), which has been investigated with plasma probes recently at JPL. In this work the ion velocity distribution has been measured using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) at several high-current operating conditions on the centerline of a 100 A class hollow cathode at JPL. A retarding potential analyzer was (RPA) was used to measure the ion energy profile in the far plume and a Langmuir probe was used to measure electron temperature and plasma potential fluctuations. RPA energies are shown to correlate with the values measured by LIF. The ion temperature is shown to increase with distance downstream of the cathode. A parametric study of the ion heating as a function of discharge current and cathode flow rate was performed. It was found that for increasing current the ion temperature evolution did not vary even though the wave IAT wave energy increased. The effect of flow rate was more pronounced, with higher values reducing both ion temperature and wave energy linearly. These results indicate that IAT is at least partially responsible for energetic ion production in the hollow cathode plume.

Dodson, Christopher A.↗

PolyFit: A C++ code for Polynomial Curve Fit with Calculation of Error Bars

In radiobiology, many dose-response results are modeled using the so-called linear-quadratic (LQ)model, which means that results are modeled as a function of dose Das 𝑅(𝐷)=𝛽0+𝛽1𝐷+𝛽2𝐷2. The coefficients 𝛽0, 𝛽1and 𝛽2are obtained from fitting a series of data points (𝑥𝑖, 𝑦𝑖), which is usually done using a least-square method. The LQ and more generally the polynomial fit capability is implemented in many software that analyzes data. However, there are some instances where the fitting needs to be done programmatically. Furthermore, depending on the software used, some features may not be implemented. In this mini-review, I discuss the basis of polynomial fitting, including the calculation of errors on the coefficients and results, use of weighting and fixing the intercept value (the coefficient 𝛽0). A simple C++ code to perform the polynomial curve fitting is also provided. This code should be useful not only in radiobiology but in other fields of science as well.

Ianik Plante↗

PolyFit: A C++ code for Polynomial Curve Fit with Calculation of Error Bars

In radiobiology, many dose-response results are modeled using the so-called linear-quadratic(LQ)model, which means that results are modeled as a function of dose Das 𝑅(𝐷)=𝛽0+𝛽1𝐷+𝛽2𝐷2. The coefficients 𝛽0, 𝛽1and 𝛽2are obtained from fitting a series of data points (𝑥𝑖,𝑦𝑖), which is usually done using a least-square method. The LQ and more generally the polynomial fit capability is implemented in many software that analyzes data. However, it is often convenient to do the fitting programmatically, especially when a large number of datasets should be analyzed. Furthermore, depending on the software used, some features may not be implemented. In this mini-review, I discuss the basis of polynomial fitting, including the calculation of errors on the coefficients and results, use of weighting and fixing the intercept value (the coefficient 𝛽0). A simple C++ code to perform the polynomial curve fitting is also provided. This code should be useful not only in radiobiology but in other fields of science as well.

Ianik Plante↗

Pre-Launch Characterization of the Hyperspectral Ocean Color Instrument on NASA’s Pace Mission

Launched in February 2024, the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission represents NASA’s next investment in ocean biology, clouds, and aerosol data records. A key feature of PACE is the inclusion of an advanced satellite radiometer known as the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), a global mapping radiometer that combines multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing. Like its predecessors, OCI provides two day global coverage of top-of-atmosphere radiances. Unlike its predecessors, OCI covers a spectral range from 340 nm to 2260 nm. Below 900 nm, OCI provides hyperspectral radiances sampled every 2.5 nm or 1.25nm, with a bandwidth of 5 nm for each channel. Its spatial resolution is about 1.2km. The high radiometric accuracy of OCI was made possible by a thorough and extensive prelaunch characterization campaign, conducted at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. This presentation describes the prelaunch radiometric characterization (approach and results) of OCI, such as e.g. the linearity correction, signal to noise ratio, polarization, IFOV, relative spectral response, radiometric gain, temperature sensitivity, optical crosstalk, and response versus scan angle.

Gerhard Meister↗

Blade loss transient dynamics analysis, volume 2. Task 2: TETRA 2 user's manual

This is the user's manual for the TETRA 2 Computer Code, a program developed in the NASA-Lewis Blade Loss Program. TETRA 2 calculates a turbine engine's dynamic structural response from applied stimuli. The calculation options are: (1) transient response; and (2) steady state forced response. Based on the method of modal syntheses, the program allows the use of linear, as well as nonlinear connecting elements. Both transient and steady state options can include: flexible Bladed Disk Module, and Nonlinear Connecting Elements (including deadband, hardening/softening spring). The transient option has the additional capability to calculate response with a squeeze film bearing module. TETRA 2 output is summarized in a plotfile which permits post processing such as FFT or graphical animation with the proper software and computer equipment.

Black, Gerald↗

Development of a linearized unsteady Euler analysis for turbomachinery blade rows

A linearized unsteady aerodynamic analysis for axial-flow turbomachinery blading is described in this report. The linearization is based on the Euler equations of fluid motion and is motivated by the need for an efficient aerodynamic analysis that can be used in predicting the aeroelastic and aeroacoustic responses of blade rows. The field equations and surface conditions required for inviscid, nonlinear and linearized, unsteady aerodynamic analyses of three-dimensional flow through a single, blade row operating within a cylindrical duct, are derived. An existing numerical algorithm for determining time-accurate solutions of the nonlinear unsteady flow problem is described, and a numerical model, based upon this nonlinear flow solver, is formulated for the first-harmonic linear unsteady problem. The linearized aerodynamic and numerical models have been implemented into a first-harmonic unsteady flow code, called LINFLUX. At present this code applies only to two-dimensional flows, but an extension to three-dimensions is planned as future work. The three-dimensional aerodynamic and numerical formulations are described in this report. Numerical results for two-dimensional unsteady cascade flows, excited by prescribed blade motions and prescribed aerodynamic disturbances at inlet and exit, are also provided to illustrate the present capabilities of the LINFLUX analysis.

Verdon, Joseph M.↗

Comparison of two weighted integration models for the cueing task: linear and likelihood

In a task in which the observer must detect a signal at two locations, presenting a precue that predicts the location of a signal leads to improved performance with a valid cue (signal location matches the cue), compared to an invalid cue (signal location does not match the cue). The cue validity effect has often been explained with a limited capacity attentional mechanism improving the perceptual quality at the cued location. Alternatively, the cueing effect can also be explained by unlimited capacity models that assume a weighted combination of noisy responses across the two locations. We compare two weighted integration models, a linear model and a sum of weighted likelihoods model based on a Bayesian observer. While qualitatively these models are similar, quantitatively they predict different cue validity effects as the signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) increase. To test these models, 3 observers performed in a cued discrimination task of Gaussian targets with an 80% valid precue across a broad range of SNR's. Analysis of a limited capacity attentional switching model was also included and rejected. The sum of weighted likelihoods model best described the psychophysical results, suggesting that human observers approximate a weighted combination of likelihoods, and not a weighted linear combination.

NASA Program Biomedical Research and Countermeasur↗

A linear quadratic tracker for Control Moment Gyro based attitude control of the Space Station

The paper discusses a design for an attitude control system for the Space Station which produces fast response, with minimal overshoot and cross-coupling with the use of Control Moment Gyros (CMG). The rigid body equations of motion are linearized and discretized and a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) design and analysis study is performed. The resulting design is then modified such that integral and differential terms are added to the state equations to enhance response characteristics. Methods for reduction of computation time through channelization are discussed as well as the reduction of initial torque requirements.

Kaidy, J. T.↗

Large deflection, large amplitude vibrations and random response of symmetrically laminated rectangular plates

An analytical method is presented for determining large-deflection static bending, large-amplitude free and forced vibrations, and large-amplitude random response of a clamped, symmetrically laminated, rectangular, thin plate subjected to a uniformly distributed transverse loading. Both movable and immovable inplane boundary conditions are considered. Numerical results for bending deflections and strains, frequency ratios, mean-square center deflections and mean-square maximum strains are presented showing the parametric effects of plate length-to-width ratio, orientation of layers, and intensities of applied force for both the linear and nonlinear cases. The analytical results for large-deflection random response are verified through comparison with experimental data.

Gray, C. E., Jr.↗

Variability of Phenology and Fluxes of Water and Carbon with Observed and Simulated Soil Moisture in the Ent Terrestrial Biosphere Model (Ent TBM Version 1.0.1.0.0)

The Ent Terrestrial Biosphere Model (Ent TBM) is a mixed-canopy dynamic global vegetation model developed specifically for coupling with land surface hydrology and general circulation models (GCMs). This study describes the leaf phenology submodel implemented in the Ent TBM version 1.0.1.0.0 coupled to the carbon allocation scheme of the Ecosystem Demography (ED) model. The phenology submodel adopts a combination of responses to temperature (growing degree days and frost hardening), soil moisture (linearity of stress with relative saturation) and radiation (light length). Growth of leaves, sapwood, fine roots, stem wood and coarse roots is updated on a daily basis. We evaluate the performance in reproducing observed leaf seasonal growth as well as water and carbon fluxes for four plant functional types at five Fluxnet sites, with both observed and prognostic hydrology, and observed and prognostic seasonal leaf area index. The phenology submodel is able to capture the timing and magnitude of leaf-out and senescence for temperate broadleaf deciduous forest (Harvard Forest and Morgan- Monroe State Forest, US), C3 annual grassland (Vaira Ranch, US) and California oak savanna (Tonzi Ranch, US). For evergreen needleleaf forest (Hyytiäla, Finland), the phenology submodel captures the effect of frost hardening of photosynthetic capacity on seasonal fluxes and leaf area. We address the importance of customizing parameter sets of vegetation soil moisture stress response to the particular land surface hydrology scheme. We identify model deficiencies that reveal important dynamics and parameter needs.

Soil moisture↗

Teal Cycle Ergometer Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System Human-in-the-Loop Ground Evaluation for Long-Duration Spaceflight

Purpose: To counter the deleterious effects of weightlessness on the cardiopulmonary system, astronauts living on the International Space Station exercise on a variety of countermeasure equipment including the Cycle Ergometer Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System (CEVIS). Operational since 2001, the onboard CEVIS will be replaced by a new model, known as Teal CEVIS (TC). As a part of ground evaluation, TC hardware underwent human-in-the-loop (HITL) testing to verify the TC hardware produces workloads that elicit physiologic responses comparable to a laboratory cycle ergometer (LAB). Methods: Seven subjects (5 M/2 F) performed submaximal cycle ergometer testing with indirect calorimetry measures on TC and LAB on separate test days. Testing consisted of graded 30 watt increases in workload until subjects reached 85% of age-predicted max heart rate (HR). Exercise outcomes included rate of oxygen uptake (VO2; liters/min), rate of energy expenditure (REE; kcal/min), and HR (beats/min). Linear mixed models (LMM) were fitted to compare VO2, REE, and HR responses between devices across power outputs with fixed effects for power (P) and device (D) and with random effects for subject. LMM effect coefficients (β), std errors (SE), pseudo-partial R2 of effects (pR2), and model likelihood ratio statistics (χ2, Pr(> chisq); α<.05) are provided. Results: LMM main effects for P and D were observed for VO2 (βp=.0107, SE = .0002, pR2=0.97; βd = -0.075, SE = 0.019, pR2=0.14; χ2(1)= 13.57, p<.001), such that VO2 was higher across stages on TC. Main effects of P and D were observed for REE (βp= .0586, SE = 0.001, pR2= 0.97; βd = -0.33208, SE = 0.099, pR2= 0.056; χ2(1)=10.481, p < .01), such that REE was higher across power outputs on TC. A P x D interaction was observed for HR, along with main effects for P and D (βp x d =-0.048, SE = 0.02, pR2=0.048; βp= 0.42, SE = 0.016, pR2=0.87; χ2(1) = 5.398, p = 0.02), such that higher workloads elicited a greater difference in HR between devices. Conclusions: HITL results show, TC elicits greater physiologic responses across power outputs compared to LAB. However, pR2 for device effects show small differences between devices. Therefore, TC can be expected to provide appropriate physiological stimulus across workloads and be considered a reliable tool to mitigate the effects of weightlessness.

Cycle Ergometer Vibration and Isolation System↗

Significant and Variable Linear Polarization During the Prompt Optical Flash of GRB 160625B

Measurement of polarized light provides a direct probe of magnetic fields in collimated outflows (jets) of relativistic plasma from accreting stellar-mass black holes at cosmological distances. These outflows power brief and intense flashes of prompt gamma-rays known as Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs), followed by longer-lived afterglow radiation detected across the electromagnetic spectrum. Rapid-response polarimetric observations of newly discovered GRBs have probed the initial afterglow phase. Linear polarization degrees as high as Π∼30% are detected minutes after the end of the prompt GRB emission, consistent with a stable, globally ordered magnetic field permeating the jet at large distances from the central source. In contrast, optical and gamma-ray observations during the prompt phase led to discordant and often controversial results, and no definitive conclusions on the origin of the prompt radiation or the configuration of the magnetic field could be derived. Here we report the detection of linear polarization of a prompt optical flash that accompanied the extremely energetic and long-lived prompt gamma-ray emission from GRB 160625B. Our measurements probe the structure of the magnetic field at an early stage of the GRB jet, closer to the central source, and show that the prompt GRB phase is produced via fast cooling synchrotron radiation in a large-scale magnetic field advected from the central black hole and distorted from dissipation processes within the jet.

High-energy astrophysics↗

Significant and Variable Linear Polarization During the Prompt Optical Flash of GRB 160625B

Measurement of polarized light provides a direct probe of magnetic fields in collimated outflows (jets) of relativistic plasma from accreting stellar-mass black holes at cosmological distances. These outflows power brief and intense flashes of prompt gamma-rays known as Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs), followed by longer-lived afterglow radiation detected across the electromagnetic spectrum. Rapid-response polarimetric observations of newly discovered GRBs have probed the initial afterglow phase. Linear polarization degrees as high as Π∼30% are detected minutes after the end of the prompt GRB emission, consistent with a stable, globally ordered magnetic field permeating the jet at large distances from the central source. In contrast, optical and gamma-ray observations during the prompt phase led to discordant and often controversial results, and no definitive conclusions on the origin of the prompt radiation or the configuration of the magnetic field could be derived. Here we report the detection of linear polarization of a prompt optical flash that accompanied the extremely energetic and long-lived prompt gamma-ray emission from GRB 160625B. Our measurements probe the structure of the magnetic field at an early stage of the GRB jet, closer to the central source, and show that the prompt GRB phase is produced via fast cooling synchrotron radiation in a large-scale magnetic field advected from the central black hole and distorted from dissipation processes within the jet.

High-energy astrophysics↗

Normal mode projections of GCM response to tropical forcing

The transient response of a general circulation model (GCM) is examined for the first 10 days of integration after a tropical heating source is switched on. Model output from 10 control and 10 experiment GCM runs are projected onto the normal modes of an adiabatic primitive equation model linearized about a basic state at rest to quantify the contributions from different modes to the 200 mb wind response. The response in the vicinity of the source is similar to that predicted by models linearized about uniform basic states, with important contributions from the internal Rossby and Kelvin modes in the tropics. The heating also excites internal gravity modes with contributions to the 200 mb winds about 40 percent of those of the internal Rossby modes through the 10-day integration time. The response in the external Rossby modes in the extratropics becomes statistically significant after five days.

Zhong, Weili↗

The Biological Effectiveness of Silicon Ions is Significantly Higher than Iron Ions for the Induction of Chromosome Damage in Human Lymphocytes

Chromosome aberrations were measured in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after in vitro exposure to Si-28-ions with energies ranging from 90 to 600 MeV/u, or Fe-56-ions with energies ranging from 200 to 5,000 MeV/u. The LET of the various Fe beams in this study ranged from 145 to 440 keV/micron and the LET Si ions ranged from 48 to 158 keV/micron. Doses delivered were in the 10 to 200 cGy range. Dose response curves for chromosome exchanges in cells at first division after exposure, measured using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with whole chromosome probes, were fitted with linear or linear-quadratic functions. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) was estimated from the initial slope of the dose response curve for chromosome damage with respect to gamma-rays. The estimates of RBE(sub max) values for total chromosome exchanges ranged from 4.4+/-0.4 to 31.5+/-2.6 for Fe ions, and 11.8+/-1.0 to 42.2+/-3.3 for Si ions. The highest RBE(sub max) value for Fe ions was obtained with the 600 Mev/u beam and 170 MeV/u beam produced the highest RBE(sub max) value for Si ions. For both ions the RBE(sub max) values increased with LET, reaching a maximum at about 180 keV/micron for Fe and about 100 keV/micron for Si, and decreased with further increase in LET.

George, Kerry↗

The Response of a Mechanical Oscillator Due to Swept and Dithered Excitation

A single degree-of-freedom oscillator subject to linearly swept and/or dithered excitation is considered. Dither refers to the variation of an excitation frequency about a given nominal, or primary, frequency. Dither in rocket engine turbopump shaft speeds can be an important consideration when analyzing the dynamic response of turbomachinery components such as turbine blades. Results indicate that the incorporation of dithered excitation into a fatigue analysis may extend the predicted fatigue life of the structure by a factor of two or more.

Davis, R. Benjamin↗

Role of genetic background in induced instability

Genomic instability is effectively induced by ionizing radiation. Recently, evidence has accumulated supporting a relationship between genetic background and the radiation-induced genomic instability phenotype. This is possibly due to alterations in proteins responsible for maintenance of genomic integrity or altered oxidative metabolism. Studies in human cell lines, human primary cells, and mouse models have been performed predominantly using high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, or high doses of low LET radiation. The interplay between genetics, radiation response, and genomic instability has not been fully determined at low doses of low LET radiation. However, recent studies using low doses of low LET radiation suggest that the relationship between genetic background and radiation-induced genomic instability may be more complicated than these same relationships at high LET or high doses of low LET radiation. The complexity of this relationship at low doses of low LET radiation suggests that more of the population may be at risk than previously recognized and may have implications for radiation risk assessment.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

The middeck 0-gravity dynamics experiment

The Middeck 0-Gravity Dynamics Experiment (MODE), flown onboard the Shuttle STS-48 Mission, consists of three major elements: the Experiment Support Module, a dynamics test bed providing computer experiment control, analog signal conditioning, power conditioning, an operator interface consisting of a keypad and display, experiment electrical and thermal control, and archival data storage: the Fluid Test Article assembly, used to investigate the dynamics of fluid-structure interaction in 0-gravity; and the Structural Test Article for investigating the open-loop dynamics of structures in 0-gravity. Deployable, erectable, and rotary modules were assembled to form three one- and two-dimensional structures, in which variations in bracing wire and rotary joint preload could be introduced. Change in linear modal parameters as well as the change in nonlinear nature of the response is examined. Trends in modal parameters are presented as a function of force amplitude, joint preload, and ambient gravity. An experimental study of the lateral slosh behavior of contained fluids is also presented. A comparison of the measured earth and space results identifies and highlights the effects of gravity on the linear and nonlinear slosh behavior of these fluids.

Crawley, Edward F.↗