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At least 1,351 records · Page 75

10 micron imaging of UZ Tauri: Evidence for circumstellar disk clearing due to a close companion star

We present 10 micrometer images of the multiple T Tauri star system UZ Tau taken with the Berkeley mid-infrared array camera at the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) and evidence that UZ Tau E and W are a common proper pair. The mid-infrared emission is resolved for the first time into the two components UZ Tau E and UZ Tau W. The mid-infrared excess deduced for UZ Tau W appears to be much lower than that observed for UZ Tau E. This excess emission is consistent with an optically thin circumstellar disk in the case of UZ Tau W, whereas UZ Tau E's excess is consistent with an optically thick disk. We suggest that the close binary star pair in UZ Tau W is responsible for the observed difference between UZ Tau E and W's mid-infrared excess. In the proposed model, the binary star interacts with the local circumstellar disk environment and clears out much of the material inside its orbital radius (approximately 50 AU). As a result, the hot dust, observed at mid-infrared wavelengths, in UZ Tau W is suppressed compared to its 'wider' companion UZ Tau E. This scenario can also plausibly account for differences observed in UZ Tau E's and UZ Tau W's optical line strengths and profiles.

Chez, A. M.↗

Experimental and Analytical Characterization of Fluted-Core Sandwich Composite Structures

As composite materials continue to gain wider acceptance for aerospace primary structures, experimental characterization and analysis methods must evolve, especially if new or underutilized composite structural concepts are to be successfully implemented. One such potentially underutilized concept is the fluted-core sandwich composite, which consists of facesheets separated by angled web members, and has a number of potential advantages over traditional-core (honeycomb, foam, etc.) sandwich composites. However, fluted-core sandwich composites also exhibit a behaviors not seen with traditional-core sandwich composites. For example, stable local buckling that can lead to material failure can occur in the facesheets between webs or in the webs themselves. Additionally, in the direction perpendicular to the webs, the effective transverse-shear stiffness is largely determined by the bending stiffnesses of the facesheets and the webs and is generally much lower than in the direction parallel to the webs. These local buckling and transverse-shear behaviors can have a large influence on material failure and global buckling, respectively. Thus, it is important to accurately characterize and model these behaviors. In this report, a series of experiments designed to elicit some of these fluted-core sandwich composite structural responses is discussed and the results are compared with results from a previously developed finite element analysis approach; qualitative and quantitative agreement between the experiment and analysis is shown.

Marc R. Schultz↗

The Impact of Soft Magnetic Materials in Electrified Aircraft Applications

Electrical systems with high power and high power density are integral to many aerospace and energy applications. These systems, enabled by power electronics with wide bandgap semiconductor devices, require management of both efficiency/thermal aspects and electromagnetic interference that are problems specific to high power and high frequency applications, respectively. In addition to advanced active components, these applications also require passive components (inductors, capacitors, conductors) capable of operation under challenging conditions. This work surveys the state of the art of magnetic components and soft magnetic materials used as inductive cores. The wide variety of motor and converter topologies translates to a variety of requirements in the magnetics including mechanical properties, permeabilities, and frequency response. The scaling impact of material properties will be surveyed with respect to component performance and sizing, using both data from experiment and the published literature. Variations on simulations, both in lumped circuits and finite element models, will also be discussed as these are important aspects of the design phase of modern power electronics.

Alex Leary↗

Active Plasmonics and Active Chiral Plasmonics through Orientation-Dependent Multipolar Interactions

While most active plasmonic efforts focus on responsive metamaterials to modulate optical response, we present a simple alternative based on applied orientation control that can likely be implemented for many passive plasmonic materials. Passive plasmonic motifs are simpler to prepare but cannot be altered postfabrication. Here, we show that such systems can be easily manipulated through substrate orientation control to generate both active plasmonic and active chiral plasmonic responses. Using gold nanocrescents as our model platform, we demonstrate tuning of optical extinction from -21% to +36% at oblique incidence relative to normal incidence. Variation of substrate orientation in relation to incident polarization is also demonstrated to controllably switch chiroptical handedness (e.g., Δg = ± 0.55). These active plasmonic responses arise from the multipolar character of resonant modes. In particular, we correlate magnetoelectric and dipole–quadrupole polarizabilities with different light-matter orientation-dependence in both near- and far-field localized surface plasmon activity. Additionally, the attribution of far-field optical response to higher-order multipoles highlights the sensitivity offered by these orientation-dependent characterization techniques to probe the influence of localized electromagnetic field gradients on a plasmonic response. The sensitivity afforded by orientation-dependent optical characterization is further observed by the manifestation in both plasmon and chiral plasmon responses of unpredicted structural nanocrescent variance (e.g., left- and right-tip asymmetry) not physically resolved through topographical imaging.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Enhancing the efficiency of time-dependent density functional theory calculations of dynamic response properties

X-ray Thomson scattering (XRTS) constitutes an essential technique for diagnosing material properties under extreme conditions, such as high pressures and intense laser heating. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) is one of the most accurate available ab initio methods for modeling XRTS spectra, as well as a host of other dynamic material properties. However, strong thermal excitations, along with the need to account for variations in temperature and density as well as the finite size of the detector significantly increase the computational cost of TDDFT simulations compared to ambient conditions. In this work, we present a broadly applicable method for optimizing and enhancing the efficiency of TDDFT calculations. Our approach is based on a one-to-one mapping between the dynamic structure factor and the imaginary time density–density correlation function, which naturally emerges in Feynman’s path integral formulation of quantum many-body theory. Specifically, we combine rigorous convergence tests in the imaginary time domain with a constraints-based attenuation of narrow-band fluctuations to improve the efficiency of TDDFT modeling without the introduction of any significant bias. As a result, we can report a speed-up by up to an order of magnitude, thus substantially reducing the burden of computational cost required for XRTS analysis.

Moldabekov, Zhandos A. [Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-↗

Finite Element Simulation of Smart Structures

Finite element equations representing the behavior of piezoelectric materials when bounded to a typical structure and used as sensors and actuators were developed. Emphasis was placed on generating sensor output equations of piezoelectric sensors and responses of a typical structure bonded with piezoelectric sensors and actuators on the basis of finite element formulation. The model can predict not only structural responses due to both mechanical and electrical loading but also electrical potential due to mechanical or thermal effects. The resulted finite element equations were then used for simple control design and performance evaluation. In the control algorithm, voltages coming out from piezoelectric sensors, which are proportional to strains at sensing locations, are taken as input. The voltages applied to the piezoelectric actuators are used as output. The feasibility of integrating control algorithm with the element routine developed herein and FEAP was demonstrated. In particular, optimal independent modal space control was implemented in a software package on the basis of finite element formulation. A rudimentary finite element-control algorithm package was also developed to evaluate the performance of candidate control laws. A few numerical simulations using the software package developed herein were given. The integrated software package will provide a design tool to address issues such as how adaptive smart systems will scale to a full size aircraft, the amount of piezoelectric materials and the powers needed to actuate it for desired performance. It will also provide a viable new structural control design concept for practical applications in large flexible structures such as aerospace vehicles and aircraft.

Cui, Y. Lawrence↗

Application of an Elongated Kelvin Model to Space Shuttle Foams

Spray-on foam insulation is applied to the exterior of the Space Shuttle s External Tank to limit propellant boil-off and to prevent ice formation. The Space Shuttle foams are rigid closed-cell polyurethane foams. The two foams used most extensively on the Space Shuttle External Tank are BX-265 and NCFI24-124. Since the catastrophic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia, numerous studies have been conducted to mitigate the likelihood and the severity of foam shedding during the Shuttle s ascent to space. Due to the foaming and rising process, the foam microstructures are elongated in the rise direction. As a result, these two foams exhibit a non-isotropic mechanical behavior. In this paper, a detailed microstructural characterization of the two foams is presented. The key features of the foam cells are summarized and the average cell dimensions in the two foams are compared. Experimental studies to measure the room temperature mechanical response of the two foams in the two principal material directions (parallel to the rise and perpendicular to the rise) are also reported. The measured elastic modulus, proportional limit stress, ultimate tensile stress and the Poisson s ratios for the two foams are compared. The generalized elongated Kelvin foam model previously developed by the authors is reviewed and the equations which result from this model are presented. The resulting equations show that the ratio of the elastic modulus in the rise direction to that in the perpendicular-to-rise direction as well as the ratio of the strengths in the two material directions is only a function of the microstructural dimensions. Using the measured microstructural dimensions and the measured stiffness ratio, the foam tensile strength ratio and Poisson s ratios are predicted for both foams. The predicted tensile strength ratio is in close agreement with the measured strength ratios for both BX-265 and NCFI24-124. The comparison between the predicted Poisson s ratios and the measured values is not as favorable.

Sullivan, Roy M.↗

Basic research on design analysis methods for rotorcraft vibrations

The objective of the present work was to develop a method for identifying physically plausible finite element system models of airframe structures from test data. The assumed models were based on linear elastic behavior with general (nonproportional) damping. Physical plausibility of the identified system matrices was insured by restricting the identification process to designated physical parameters only and not simply to the elements of the system matrices themselves. For example, in a large finite element model the identified parameters might be restricted to the moduli for each of the different materials used in the structure. In the case of damping, a restricted set of damping values might be assigned to finite elements based on the material type and on the fabrication processes used. In this case, different damping values might be associated with riveted, bolted and bonded elements. The method itself is developed first, and several approaches are outlined for computing the identified parameter values. The method is applied first to a simple structure for which the 'measured' response is actually synthesized from an assumed model. Both stiffness and damping parameter values are accurately identified. The true test, however, is the application to a full-scale airframe structure. In this case, a NASTRAN model and actual measured modal parameters formed the basis for the identification of a restricted set of physically plausible stiffness and damping parameters.

Hanagud, S.↗

Effects of engine emissions from high-speed civil transport aircraft: A two-dimensional modeling study, part 1

The AER two-dimensional chemistry-transport model is used to study the effect on stratospheric ozone (O3) from operations of supersonic and subsonic aircraft. The study is based on six emission scenarios provided to AER. The study showed that: (1) the O3 response is dominated by the portion of the emitted nitrogen compounds that is entrained in the stratosphere; (2) the entrainment is a sensitive function of the altitude at which the material is injected; (3) the O3 removal efficiency of the emitted material depends on the concentrations of trace gases in the background atmosphere; and (4) evaluation of the impact of fleet operations in the future atmosphere must take into account the expected changes in trace gas concentrations from other activities. Areas for model improvements in future studies are also discussed.

Ko, Malcolm K. W.↗

Oxide dissolution and oxygen diffusion scenarios in niobium and implications on the Bean–Livingston barrier in superconducting cavities

We generalize a native Nb 2 O 5 dissolution model [G. Ciovati, Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 022507 (2006)] to sequential overlayer dissolutions, multilayer dissolution, and realistic temperature profiles, which may be applicable to other materials. The model is applied to secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profile measurements for varying temperature profiles and two-step oxide dissolution in Nb and found to agree well. In the context of the Meissner screening response due to impurity profiles on the length scale of the London penetration depth, the shallow diffusion of O impurities results in a substantial decrease in the peak supercurrent density near the surface. In this framework, oxide dissolution and oxygen diffusion can account for a rise in peak supportable magnetic field in SRF cavities with baking time and a suppression after the optimal baking time is reached, in good agreement with peak-field baking temperatures and times as well as recent quench field measurements.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

TRUST Nonlinear Dynamics Testbed Assessment

The following assessment evaluates the efficacy of the control script for carrying out a linear signal to generate a linear mechanical response of the system: the TRUST nonlinear dynamics (TRUSTND) testbed. The hardware has three main components: the controller (NI PXIe 8861) embedded in the National Instruments chassis (NI PXIe 1092), the signal amplifier (The Modal Shop Linear Power Amplifier 2050E09) to amplify the output of a custom LabVIEW script, and a shaker (The Modal Shop Electrodynamic Exciter 2075E) where wave spring specimens live and are tested within the attached aluminum testbed (center mass). Different kinds of signals (single-tone, swept frequency and white noise) were sent through this hardware in the E-1 lab space at TA-53. First, the linearity of the setup was tested by specifying a sine wave in the control script and checking the quality of the oscillations in a wave spring (McMaster-Carr 9714K19 [1]). When passing a sine wave through the amplifier was succeeded, the frequency response of the wave spring was tested with white noise for comparison to finite-element model predictions. The testbed outputs a repeatable, linear response to the input excitation when used with the wave spring. These measurements reduce the uncertainty associated with the testbed and test procedure to better characterize uncertainty associated with material behavior (SX358 foam samples) in future tests

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Oxide dissolution and oxygen diffusion scenarios in niobium and implications on the Bean–Livingston barrier in superconducting cavities

We generalize a native Nb2O5 dissolution model [G. Ciovati, Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 022507 (2006)] to sequential overlayer dissolutions, multilayer dissolution, and realistic temperature profiles, which may be applicable to other materials. The model is applied to secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profile measurements for varying temperature profiles and two-step oxide dissolution in Nb and found to agree well. In the context of the Meissner screening response due to impurity profiles on the length scale of the London penetration depth, the shallow diffusion of O impurities results in a substantial decrease in the peak supercurrent density near the surface. In this framework, oxide dissolution and oxygen diffusion can account for a rise in peak supportable magnetic field in SRF cavities with baking time and a suppression after the optimal baking time is reached, in good agreement with peak-field baking temperatures and times as well as recent quench field measurements.

Lechner, Eric↗

Analysis of the charging of the SCATHA (P78-2) satellite

The charging of a large object in polar Earth orbit was investigated in order to obtain a preliminary indication of the response of the shuttle orbiter to such an environment. Two NASCAP (NASA Charging Analyzer Program) models of SCATHA (Satellite Charging at High Altitudes) were used in simulations of charging events. The properties of the satellite's constituent materials were compiled and representations of the experimentally observed plasma spectra were constructed. Actual charging events, as well as those using test environments, were simulated. Numerical models for the simulation of particle emitters and detectors were used to analyze the operation of these devices onboard SCATHA. The effect of highly charged surface regions on the charging conductivity within a photosheath was used to interpret results from the onboard electric field experiment. Shadowing calculations were carried out for the satellite and a table of effective illuminated areas was compiled.

Stannard, P. R.↗

On the solution of problems involving impact type loading

The response of beam and plate members to pulse and impact loading is investigated, and numerical methods are analyzed and compared. The equations of motion, the finite difference and finite element methods, the time integration/Runge-Kutta techniques, and material modeling are discussed in detail. It is found that both the finite difference and the finite element methods could be accurately employed to discretize the spatial variation in the displacements. Central differences or a fourth order Runge-Kutta algorithm could be used for the time integration. The total energy of the system would give the stability and accuracy of the solution. Results showed that the finite element method provided better efficiency in obtaining accurate solution than the finite difference method when a scalar processor is used. However, the finite difference method was more efficient on the vector processor. Therefore, the most efficient method of solution depends on the type of computer present for the analysis.

Moyer, E. T., Jr.↗

Overview of Ablation Modeling at NASA

The ambitious scientific payload and crew delivery goals of imminent and future NASA missions are associated with challenging and complex vehicle entries. Advanced ablative Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials will be required for such missions, and, as such, a robust ablation modeling capability is critical to assessing performance by bridging the wide gap between ground testing and entry conditions. The traditional ablation modeling toolset - continuum thermal/materials response analysis - has grown recently to include high-fidelity, multi-scale, and multi-physics techniques that provide a more complete description of the rich physics and chemistry of ablation to better drive down risks related to extreme entries. The present talk provides a snapshot of ongoing NASA activities in ablation modeling, including a review of the current technical capabilities and tools at play within the Agency, the important role academia plays in supporting technical area advancements, and how such internal and external investments intersect with upcoming missions to drive down risks.

TPS↗

SuperScreen: An open-source package for simulating the magnetic response of two-dimensional superconducting devices

Quantitative understanding of the spatial distribution of magnetic fields and Meissner screening currents in two-dimensional (2D) superconductors and mesoscopic thin film superconducting devices is critical to interpreting the results of magnetic measurements of such systems. Here, we introduce SuperScreen, an open-source Python package for simulating the response of 2D superconductors to trapped flux and applied time-independent or quasi-DC magnetic fields for any value of the effective magnetic penetration depth, Λ. Given an applied magnetic field, SuperScreen solves the 2D London equation using an efficient matrix inversion method to obtain the Meissner currents and magnetic fields in and around structures composed of one or more superconducting thin films of arbitrary geometry with spatially nonuniform magnetic penetration depth. SuperScreen can be used to model screening effects and calculate self- and mutual-inductance in superconducting devices, and simulate the magnetic response of inhomogeneous 2D superconductors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Modeling the Nonlinear, Strain Rate Dependent Deformation of Shuttle Leading Edge Materials with Hydrostatic Stress Effects Included

An analysis method based on a deformation (as opposed to damage) approach has been developed to model the strain rate dependent, nonlinear deformation of woven ceramic matrix composites, such as the Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) material used on the leading edges of the Space Shuttle. In the developed model, the differences in the tension and compression deformation behaviors have also been accounted for. State variable viscoplastic equations originally developed for metals have been modified to analyze the ceramic matrix composites. To account for the tension/compression asymmetry in the material, the effective stress and effective inelastic strain definitions have been modified. The equations have also been modified to account for the fact that in an orthotropic composite the in-plane shear response is independent of the stiffness in the normal directions. The developed equations have been implemented into LS-DYNA through the use of user defined subroutines (UMATs). Several sample qualitative calculations have been conducted, which demonstrate the ability of the model to qualitatively capture the features of the deformation response present in woven ceramic matrix composites.

Goldberg, Robert K.↗

Strata-1: An International Space Station Experiment into Fundamental Regolith Processes in Microgravity

The Strata-1 experiment will study the evolution of asteroidal regolith through long-duration exposure of simulant materials to the microgravity environment on the International Space Station (ISS). Many asteroids feature low bulk densities, which implies high values of porosity and a mechanical structure composed of loosely bound particles, (i.e. the "rubble pile" model), a prime example of a granular medium. Even the higher-density, mechanically coherent asteroids feature a significant surface layer of loose regolith. These bodies are subjected to a variety of forces and will evolve in response to very small perturbations such as micrometeoroid impacts, planetary flybys, and the YORP effect. Our understanding of this dynamical evolution and the inter-particle forces involved would benefit from long-term observations of granular materials exposed to small vibrations in microgravity. A detailed understanding of asteroid mechanical evolution is needed in order to predict the surface characteristics of as-of-yet unvisited bodies, to understand the larger context of samples collected by missions such as OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa 1 and 2, and to mitigate risks for both manned and unmanned missions to asteroidal bodies. Understanding regolith dynamics will inform designs of how to land and set anchors, safely sample/move material on asteroidal surfaces, process large volumes of material for in situ resource utilization (ISRU) purposes, and, in general, predict behavior of large and small particles on disturbed asteroid surfaces.

Fries, M.↗