Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Component effects”

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 1,351 records · Page 75

Microbiology operations and facilities aboard restructured Space Station Freedom

With the restructure and funding changes for Space Station Freedom, the Environmental Health System (EHS)/Microbiology Subsystem revised its scheduling and operational requirements for component hardware. The function of the Microbiology Subsystem is to monitor the environmental quality of air, water, and internal surfaces and, in part, crew health on board Space Station. Its critical role shall be the identification of microbial contaminants in the environment that may cause system degradation, produce unsanitary or pathogenic conditions, or reduce crew and mission effectiveness. EHS/Microbiology operations and equipment shall be introduced in concert with a phased assembly sequence, from Man Tended Capability (MTC) through Permanently Manned Capability (PMC). Effective Microbiology operations and subsystem components will assure a safe, habitable, and useful spacecraft environment for life sciences research and long-term manned exploration.

Cioletti, Louis A.↗

Equivalent radiation damage in zirconium irradiated in various reactors - 2016-0101

The physical properties and in-reactor performance of core components made from zirconium alloys are a function of the radiation-induced atomic displacements that occur during service. The vacancy and interstitial point defects and their clusters created by the atomic displacements modify the microstructure, and therefore physical properties such as strength and ductility, by forming dislocation loops. The rate of production of point defects also affects time-dependent properties such as creep and diffusion (mass transport). To simulate the effect of irradiation on core components, researchers have used materials test reactors for many years to irradiate and test materials. Such reactor tests can target an accumulated displacement damage dose to simulate the state of a material at a given stage in reactor life but at an accelerated rate. Each nuclear reactor has a specific neutron energy spectrum that also depends on the in-reactor location. Therefore, to use test reactor data to determine the effect of radiation damage on power reactor materials, one must convert the accumulated dose into a unit that is common in its effect on the material properties. For many property changes in nuclear reactor cores, this unit is displacements per atom. This paper compares the damage production for zirconium irradiated under differing neutron energy spectra in various power and test reactors. The damage rates as a function of different measures of neutron flux were used to relate atomic displacements in various materials test reactors to CANDU and light-water reactor conditions. (authors)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Molecular composition and volatility of isoprene photochemical oxidation secondary organic aerosol under low- and high-NO<sub><i>x</i></sub> conditions

Abstract. We present measurements of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from isoprene photochemical oxidation in an environmental simulation chamber at a variety of oxidant conditions and using dry neutral seed particles to suppress acid-catalyzed multiphase chemistry. A high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-CIMS) utilizing iodide-adduct ionization coupled to the Filter Inlet for Gases and Aerosols (FIGAERO) allowed for simultaneous online sampling of the gas and particle composition. Under high-HO2 and low-NO conditions, highly oxygenated (O : C ≥ 1) C5 compounds were major components (∼ 50 %) of SOA. The SOA composition and effective volatility evolved both as a function of time and as a function of input NO concentrations. Organic nitrates increased in both the gas and particle phases as input NO increased, but the dominant non-nitrate particle-phase components monotonically decreased. We use comparisons of measured and predicted gas-particle partitioning of individual components to assess the validity of literature-based group-contribution methods for estimating saturation vapor concentrations. While there is evidence for equilibrium partitioning being achieved on the chamber residence timescale (5.2 h) for some individual components, significant errors in group-contribution methods are revealed. In addition, > 30 % of the SOA mass, detected as low-molecular-weight semivolatile compounds, cannot be reconciled with equilibrium partitioning. These compounds desorb from the FIGAERO at unexpectedly high temperatures given their molecular composition, which is indicative of thermal decomposition of effectively lower-volatility components such as larger molecular weight oligomers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Thermodynamic Analysis of Thermo-vacuum Clothes Drying Operation

Clothes drying accounts for a significant amount of energy consumed in residential and commercial sectors. A thermal vacuum clothes drying technology (TVCD) is proposed as an advanced clothes dryer which can significantly reduce the energy requirements by expediting the drying process. In the conventional convective clothes dryer, hot dry air is introduced into the drum which gets in direct contact to dry the clothes. This process is energy inefficient since the significant amount of heat and the water carried out with the exhaust stream are wasted. In contrast to the conventional convective drying technique, the drying mechanism of TVCD is through nucleate boiling at low temperature due to reduced vessel pressure. The process is not only efficient but also reduces the required time for drying. The objective of this paper is to develop a comprehensive thermodynamic model to predict the transient drying process of TVCD. The three-stage system model including the detail analysis of individual components is capable of simulating the variation of the water content in the textile under various operational conditions. The preliminary results show that the drying time of 3 lb textile from 70% to 2.5% in TVCD is approximately four times less than the time required in the conventional clothes dryer. Parametric studies are carried out to understand the effect of operation conditions and component geometry on the system performance. Energy consumption of the system is also analyzed.

Yang, Cheng-Min↗

TANGENTIAL VELOCITY OF THE DARK MATTER IN THE BULLET CLUSTER FROM PRECISE LENSED IMAGE REDSHIFTS

We show that the fast-moving component of the ''Bullet Cluster'' (1E0657-56) can induce potentially resolvable redshift differences between multiply lensed images of background galaxies. This moving cluster effect, due to the tangential peculiar velocity of the lens, can be expressed as the scalar product of the lensing deflection angle with the tangential velocity of the mass components; the effect is maximal for clusters colliding in the plane of the sky with velocities boosted by their mutual gravity. The Bullet Cluster is likely to be the best candidate for the first measurement of this effect due to the large collision velocity and because the lensing deflection and the cluster fields can be calculated in advance. We derive the deflection field using multiply lensed background galaxies detected with the Hubble Space Telescope. The velocity field is modeled using self-consistent N-body/hydrodynamical simulations constrained by the observed X-ray and gravitational lensing features of this system. We predict that the triply lensed images of systems ''G'' and ''H'' straddling the critical curve of the bullet component will show the largest frequency shifts up to {approx}0.5 km s{sup -1}. These shifts are within the range of the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array for molecular emission, and are near the resolution limit of the new generation high-throughput optical-IR spectrographs. The detection of this effect measures the tangential motion of the subclusters directly, thereby clarifying the tension with {Lambda}CDM, which is inferred from the gas motion less directly. This method may be extended to smaller redshift differences using the Ly{alpha} forest toward QSOs lensed by more typical clusters of galaxies. More generally, the tangential component of the peculiar velocities of clusters derived by our method complements the radial component determined by the kinematic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, providing a full three-dimensional description of velocities.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Two-component multi-configurational second-order perturbation theory with Kramers restricted complete active space self-consistent field reference function and spin-orbit relativistic effective core potential

We report the formulation and implementation of KRCASPT2, a two-component multi-configurational second-order perturbation theory based on Kramers restricted complete active space self-consistent field (KRCASSCF) reference function, in the framework of the spin-orbit relativistic effective core potential. The zeroth-order Hamiltonian is defined as the sum of nondiagonal one-electron operators with generalized two-component Fock matrix elements as scalar factors. The Kramers symmetry within the zeroth-order Hamiltonian is maintained via the use of a state-averaged density, allowing a consistent treatment of degenerate states. The explicit expressions are derived for the matrix elements of the zeroth-order Hamiltonian as well as for the perturbation vector. The use of a fully variational reference function and nondiagonal operators in relativistic multi-configurational perturbation theory is reported for the first time. A series of initial calculations are performed on the ionization potential and excitation energies of the atoms of the 6p-block; the results display a significant improvement over those from KRCASSCF, showing a closer agreement with experimental results. Accurate atomic properties of the superheavy elements of the 7p-block are also presented, and the electronic structures of the low-lying excited states are compared with those of their lighter homologues.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Probabilistic/Fracture-Mechanics Model For Service Life

Computer program makes probabilistic estimates of lifetime of engine and components thereof. Developed to fill need for more accurate life-assessment technique that avoids errors in estimated lives and provides for statistical assessment of levels of risk created by engineering decisions in designing system. Implements mathematical model combining techniques of statistics, fatigue, fracture mechanics, nondestructive analysis, life-cycle cost analysis, and management of engine parts. Used to investigate effects of such engine-component life-controlling parameters as return-to-service intervals, stresses, capabilities for nondestructive evaluation, and qualities of materials.

Watkins, T., Jr.↗

Higher-order harmonics in electromagnetic scattering from a nonlinear anisotropic cylinder

The general solution of the scattering of harmonic signals, by a medium which has nonlinear constitutive relations, contains higher harmonics. The scattering amplitude consists of the linear component and additional correction terms that depend on the amplitude of the incident wave. In this paper, we examine the effects of nonlinearities on the field components and on the radar cross section at the second and third harmonics.

Hasan, Moh'd A.↗

A Ground Systems Architecture Transition for A Distributed Operations System

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Ground Systems Department (GSD) recently undertook an architecture change in the product line that serves the ISS program. As a result, the architecture tradeoffs between data system product lines that serve remote users versus those that serve control center flight control teams were explored extensively. This paper describes the resulting architecture that will be used in the ISS payloads program, and the resulting functional breakdown of the products that support that architecture. It also describes the lessons learned from the path that was followed, as a migration of products cause the need to reevaluate the allocation of functions across the architecture. The result is a set of innovative ground system solutions that is scalable so it can support facilities of wide-ranging sizes, from a small site up to large control centers. Effective use of system automation, custom components, design optimization for data management, data storage, data transmissions, and advanced local and wide area networking architectures, plus the effective use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products, provides flexible Remote Ground System options that can be tailored to the needs of each user. This paper offers a description of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ground Systems architectural options that have been implemented, and includes successful implementation examples and lessons learned.

Sellers, Donna↗

A Ground Systems Architecture Transition for a Distributed Operations System

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Ground Systems Department (GSD) recently undertook an architecture change in the product line that serves the ISS program. As a result, the architecture tradeoffs between data system product lines that serve remote users versus those that serve control center flight control teams were explored extensively. This paper describes the resulting architecture that will be used in the International Space Station (ISS) payloads program, and the resulting functional breakdown of the products that support this architecture. It also describes the lessons learned from the path that was followed, as a migration of products cause the need to reevaluate the allocation of functions across the architecture. The result is a set of innovative ground system solutions that is scalable so it can support facilities of wide-ranging sizes, from a small site up to large control centers. Effective use of system automation, custom components, design optimization for data management, data storage, data transmissions, and advanced local and wide area networking architectures, plus the effective use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products, provides flexible Remote Ground System options that can be tailored to the needs of each user. This paper offers a description of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ground Systems architectural options that have been implemented, and includes successful implementation examples and lessons learned.

Sellers, Donna↗

The Effect of Fiber Architecture on Matrix Cracking in Sic/sic Cmc's

Applications incorporating silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix composites (CMC's) will require a wide range of fiber architectures in order to fabricate complex shape. The stress-strain response of a given SiC/SiC system for different architectures and orientations will be required in order to design and effectively life-model future components. The mechanism for non-linear stress-strain behavior in CMC's is the formation and propagation of bridged-matrix cracks throughout the composite. A considerable amount of understanding has been achieved for the stress-dependent matrix cracking behavior of SiC fiber reinforced SiC matrix systems containing melt-infiltrated Si. This presentation will outline the effect of 2D and 3D architectures and orientation on stress-dependent matrix-cracking and how this information can be used to model material behavior and serve as the starting point foe mechanistic-based life-models.

Morscher, Gregory N.↗

A theoretical basis for the analysis of multiversion software subject to coincident errors

Fundamental to the development of redundant software techniques (known as fault-tolerant software) is an understanding of the impact of multiple joint occurrences of errors, referred to here as coincident errors. A theoretical basis for the study of redundant software is developed which: (1) provides a probabilistic framework for empirically evaluating the effectiveness of a general multiversion strategy when component versions are subject to coincident errors, and (2) permits an analytical study of the effects of these errors. An intensity function, called the intensity of coincident errors, has a central role in this analysis. This function describes the propensity of programmers to introduce design faults in such a way that software components fail together when executing in the application environment. A condition under which a multiversion system is a better strategy than relying on a single version is given.

Eckhardt, D. E., Jr.↗

Xenon in the Protoplanetary Disk (PPD), in Two Planets, and a Comet

Isotopic anomalies in several elements, as recently observed in meteorites, are generally interpreted to indicate nonequilibrium environments in the protoplanetary disk (PPD). Here we study reported Xe isotopic compositions on planets Earth and Mars, in a comet, and in meteorites for precursor discrepancies. Abundance variations of inferred presolar nano-diamonds, the carrier phase of the Xe-HL component, appear to be the primary source of nonuniformity of Xe precursors in the PPD, together with mechanisms of mass-dependent fractionation. While planet Mars kept a record of initial solar Xe isotopic abundances, such a record is missing for planet Earth. Xe isotopic abundances in paleo-atmospheres of both planets represent secondary reservoirs that show mass-dependent fractionation effects, but the inferred compositions of their PPD precursors differ: Mars atmospheric precursor Xe had solar isotopic composition, while Earth’s Xe precursor is consistent with a PPD reservoir of low nano-diamond abundance. Strong mass-dependent fractionation effects are observed in Xe components of IAB irons and in Yamato carbonaceous (CY) chondrites, and show that fractionation mechanisms are not restricted to planetary atmospheres. These records show that Xe isotopes in solar system reservoirs are useful tracers of evolutionary processes and of nonequilibrated presolar components in the PPD.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Constraining the baryonic feedback with cosmic shear using the DES Year-3 small-scale measurements

ABSTRACT We use the small scales of the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Year-3 cosmic shear measurements, which are excluded from the DES Year-3 cosmological analysis, to constrain the baryonic feedback. To model the baryonic feedback, we adopt a baryonic correction model and use the numerical package baccoemu to accelerate the evaluation of the baryonic non-linear matter power spectrum. We design our analysis pipeline to focus on the constraints of the baryonic suppression effects, utilizing the implication given by a principal component analysis on the Fisher forecasts. Our constraint on the baryonic effects can then be used to better model and ameliorate the effects of baryons in producing cosmological constraints from the next-generation large-scale structure surveys. We detect the baryonic suppression on the cosmic shear measurements with a ∼2σ significance. The characteristic halo mass for which half of the gas is ejected by baryonic feedback is constrained to be $M_c \gt 10^{13.2} \, h^{-1} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ (95 per cent C.L.). The best-fitting baryonic suppression is $\sim 5{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at $k=1.0 \, {\rm Mpc}\ h^{-1}$ and $\sim 15{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at $k=5.0 \, {\rm Mpc} \ h^{-1}$. Our findings are robust with respect to the assumptions about the cosmological parameters, specifics of the baryonic model, and intrinsic alignments.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The behavior of quantization spectra as a function of signal-to-noise ratio

An expression for the spectrum of quantization error in a discrete-time system whose input is a sinusoid plus white Gaussian noise is derived. This quantization spectrum consists of two components: a white-noise floor and spurious harmonics. The dithering effect of the input Gaussian noise in both components of the spectrum is considered. Quantitative results in a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) example show the behavior of spurious harmonics as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). These results have strong implications for digital reception and signal analysis systems. At low SNRs, spurious harmonics decay exponentially on a log-log scale, and the resulting spectrum is white. As the SNR increases, the spurious harmonics figure prominently in the output spectrum. A useful expression is given that roughly bounds the magnitude of a spurious harmonic as a function of the SNR.

Flanagan, M. J.↗

Bottomonium meson spectrum with quenched and unquenched quark models

An open question in hadronic phenomenology concerns the “unquenching” effects of higher Fock space components on the leading Fock space description of hadrons. Here, we address this by making a comparison of the bottomonium spectrum as computed with the relativized Godfrey–Isgur quark model and an unquenched coupled channel model driven by the “$^3P_0$” mechanism of hadronic decay. Our results show that both models can describe the spectrum well, indicating that the influence of coupled channel effects can be largely absorbed into the parameters of the quenched quark model. This conclusion is reinforced by a perturbative calculation that shows that the spin-dependence of mass splittings due to mixing with the continuum recapitulates quenched quark model spin-dependent interactions. We also show that softening of the quark-antiquark wavefunction due to continuum mixing improves the description of vector bottomonium decay constants. Together, these results illustrate and substantiate the surprising robustness of simple constituent quark model descriptions of hadrons.

Sultan, M. Atif [Nankai Univ., Tianjin (China); Un↗

Widely Tunable Berry Curvature in the Magnetic Semimetal Cr 1+ δ Te 2

Abstract Magnetic semimetals have increasingly emerged as lucrative platforms hosting spin‐based topological phenomena in real and momentum spaces. Cr 1+ δ Te 2 is a self‐intercalated magnetic transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD), which exhibits topological magnetism and tunable electron filling. While recent studies have explored real‐space Berry curvature effects, similar considerations of momentum‐space Berry curvature are lacking. Here, the electronic structure and transport properties of epitaxial Cr 1+ δ Te 2 thin films are systematically investigated over a range of doping, δ (0.33 – 0.71). Spectroscopic experiments reveal the presence of a characteristic semi‐metallic band region, which shows a rigid like energy shift with δ. Transport experiments show that the intrinsic component of the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) is sizable and undergoes a sign flip across δ. Finally, density functional theory calculations establish a link between the doping evolution of the band structure and AHE: the AHE sign flip is shown to emerge from the sign change of the Berry curvature, as the semi‐metallic band region crosses the Fermi energy. These findings underscore the increasing relevance of momentum‐space Berry curvature in magnetic TMDs and provide a unique platform for intertwining topological physics in real and momentum spaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Testing for Random Limit Load Versus Static Limit Load

This document is an effort to report the basic test findings in an ongoing quest for understanding how random load factors should be applied to structural components in order to verify the strength of space flight hardware. A Spacelab experiment known as the Atmospheric Emission Photometric Imager (AEPI) was subjected to both an expected flight random environment and the associated Miles' equation equivalent static load. During each of these tests, the fiberglass pedestal was instrumented with 16 triaxial strain gauges around its base. Component strains and invariant stresses were compared. As seen previously in other hardware tests, the stress distribution from the random environment was an order of magnitude below the comparable static stresses. With a proposed data acquisition system, a strain database will be developed that will quantify an empirical relationship between dynamic and static limit stresses. This event will allow a more accurate estimate of launch environment effects on new technology structural components.

Lee, H. M.↗