Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “extreme value”

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

High Strain Rate Deformation Modeling of a Polymer Matrix Composite: Composite Micromechanical Model - Part 2

Recently applications have exposed polymer matrix composite materials to very high strain rate loading conditions, requiring an ability to understand and predict the material behavior under these extreme conditions. In this second paper of a two part report, a three-dimensional composite micromechanical model is described which allows for the analysis of the rate dependent, nonlinear deformation response of a polymer matrix composite. Strain rate dependent inelastic constitutive equations utilized to model the deformation response of a polymer are implemented within the micromechanics method. The deformation response of two representative laminated carbon fiber reinforced composite materials with varying fiber orientation has been predicted using the described technique. The predicted results compare favorably to both experimental values and the response predicted by the Generalized Method of Cells, a well-established micromechanics analysis method.

Goldberg, Robert K.↗

Electric Field Induced Interfacial Instabilities

The study of the interface in a charge-free, critical and near-critical binary fluid in the presence of an externally applied electric field is presented. At sufficiently large fields, the interface between the two phases of the binary fluid should become unstable and exhibit an undulation with a predefined wavelength on the order of the capillary length. As the critical point is approached, this wavelength is reduced, potentially approaching length-scales such as the correlation length or critical nucleation radius. At this point the critical properties of the system may be affected. In this paper, the flat interface of a marginally polar binary fluid mixture is stressed by a perpendicular alternating electric field and the resulting instability is characterized by the critical electric field E(sub c) and the pattern observed. The character of the surface dynamics at the onset of instability is found to be strongly dependent on the frequency f of the field applied. The plot of E(sub c) vs. f for a fixed temperature shows a sigmoidal shape, whose low and high frequency limits are well described by a power-law relationship, E(sub c) = epsilon(exp zeta) with zeta = 0.35 and zeta = 0.08, respectively. The low-limit exponent compares well with the value zeta = 4 for a system of conducting and non-conducting fluids. On the other hand, the high-limit exponent coincides with what was first predicted by Onuki. The instability manifests itself as the conducting phase penetrates the non-conducting phase. As the frequency increases, the shape of the pattern changes from an array of bifurcating strings to an array of column-like (or rod-like) protrusions, each of which spans the space between the plane interface and one of the electrodes. For an extremely high frequency, the disturbance quickly grows into a parabolic cone pointing toward the upper plate. As a result, the interface itself changes its shape from that of a plane to that of a high sloping pyramid.

Kusner, Robert E.↗

Real-time rapid leakage estimation for deep space habitats using exponentially-weighted adaptively-refined search

The recent accelerated growth in space-related research and development activities makes the near-term need for long-term extraterrestrial habitats evident. Such habitats must operate under continuous disruptive conditions arising from extreme environments like meteoroid impacts, extreme temperature fluctuations, galactic cosmic rays, destructive dust, and seismic events. Loss of air or atmospheric leakage from a habitat poses safety challenges that demand proper attention. Such leakage may arise from micro-meteoroid impacts, crack growth, bolt/rivet loosening, and seal deterioration. In this paper, leakage estimation in deep space habitats is posed as an inverse problem. A forward pressure-based dynamical model is formulated for atmospheric leakage. Experiments are performed on a small-scaled pressure chamber where different leakage scenarios are emulated and corresponding pressure values are measured. An exponentially-weighted adaptively-refined search (EWARS) algorithm is developed and validated for the inverse problem of real-time leakage estimation. It is demonstrated that the proposed methodology can achieve real-time estimation and tracking of constant and variable leaks with accuracy.

Deep space habitats↗

Utilisation of flavonoids from Lycium barbarum L. leaves cross‐linked with whey protein for the stabilisation and delivery of β ‐carotene emulsions

Summary Although β ‐carotene is an essential nutrient for the maintenance of human health, it is insoluble in water and extremely unstable, which limits its application. Here, we prepared a stable emulsification system of whey protein (WP)‐ Lycium barbarum L. leaves flavonoids (LBLF) complex as a carrier to load β ‐carotene. The rheological properties, antioxidant properties and stability of emulsion were studied, and the effects of emulsion on the biological retention of β ‐carotene and stability were investigated. The results indicate that, compared with WP, the WP‐LBLF emulsion has smaller particles, a smaller creaming index, and significantly enhanced chemical stability under light and heat treatment conditions. The thiobarbituric acid value of the WP‐LBLF emulsion (0.031 ± 0.016 mg/kg) was dramatically lower than that of the WP emulsion (0.045 ± 0.012 mg/kg) ( P < 0.05). In the simulated gastrointestinal digestion experiment, the retention rate of β ‐carotene was higher in WP‐LBLF emulsion. Additionally, the WP‐LBLF emulsion loaded with β ‐carotene has good salt tolerance and heat stability. In our study, WP‐LBLF was used as an emulsifier to load β ‐carotene emulsion to improve its bioavailability and stability, which provides a new preparation and application method for a complex functional emulsifier.

Fan, Yanli↗

Probabilistic picture for particle number densities in stretched tips of the branching Brownian motion

Abstract In the framework of a stochastic picture for the one-dimensional branching Brownian motion, we compute the probability density of the number of particles near the rightmost one at a time T , that we take very large, when this extreme particle is conditioned to arrive at a predefined position x T chosen far ahead of its expected position m T . We recover the previously conjectured fact that the typical number density of particles at a distance Δ to the left of the lead particle, when both Δ and are large, is smaller than the mean number density by a factor proportional to , where ζ is a constant that was so far undetermined. Our picture leads to an expression for the probability density of the particle number, from which a value for ζ may be inferred.

Physics↗

The 2014 X-Ray Minimum of Eta Carinae as Seen by Swift

We report on Swift X-ray Telescope observations of Eta Carinae ( Car), an extremely massive, long-period, highly eccentric binary obtained during the 2014.6 X-ray minimumperiastron passage. These observations show that Car may have been particularly bright in X-rays going into the X-ray minimum state, while the duration of the 2014 X-ray minimum was intermediate between the extended minima seen in 1998.0 and 2003.5 by Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE), and the shorter minimum in 2009.0. The hardness ratios derived from the Swift observations showed a relatively smooth increase to a peak value occurring 40.5 days after the start of the X-ray minimum, though these observations cannot reliably measure the X-ray hardness during the deepest part of the X-ray minimum when contamination by the central constant emission component is significant. By comparing the timings of the RXTE and Swift observations near the X-ray minima, we derive an updated X-ray period of P X equals 2023.7 +/- 0.7 days, in good agreement with periods derived from observations at other wavelengths, and we compare the X-ray changes with variations in the He ii lambda 4686 emission. The middle of the Deep Minimum interval, as defined by the Swift column density variations, is in good agreement with the time of periastron passage derived from the He ii 4686 line variations.

binaries: general↗

The MISSE-9 Polymers and Composites Experiment Being Flown on the MISSE-Flight Facility

Materials on the exterior of spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) are subject to extremely harsh environmental conditions, including various forms of radiation (cosmic rays, ultraviolet, x-ray, and charged particle radiation), micrometeoroids and orbital debris, temperature extremes, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen (AO). These environmental exposures can result in erosion, embrittlement and optical property degradation of susceptible materials, threatening spacecraft performance and durability. To increase our understanding of space environmental effects such as AO erosion and radiation induced embrittlement of spacecraft materials, NASA Glenn has developed a series of experiments flown as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) missions on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). These experiments have provided critical LEO space environment durability data such as AO erosion yield values for many materials and mechanical properties changes after long term space exposure. In continuing these studies, a new Glenn experiment has been proposed, and accepted, for flight on the new MISSE-Flight Facility (MISSE-FF). This experiment is called the Polymers and Composites Experiment and it will be flown as part of the MISSE-9 mission, the inaugural mission of MISSE-FF. Figure 1 provides an artist rendition of MISSE-FF ISS external platform. The MISSE-FF is manifested for launch on SpaceX-13.

De Groh, Kim K.↗

A Data Quality-Aware Framework to Reliably Forecast Photovoltaic Generation and Consumer Load for an Improved Resilience of Microgrids

Photovoltaic (PV) power and consumer load forecasting plays a critical role to ensure operational resilience of the electric grid. Most data-driven forecasting algorithms rely heavily on the continuous availability of good quality data for periodic training and validation. When deployed at the grid’s edge, prolonged disruptions to communications during extreme events degrade data quality. Factors such as missing observations, epistemic uncertainties, data drift, and concept drift are manifestations of data quality that impact the generalization of such field-deployed forecasting models. Currently, there exists no mechanism in the literature to dynamically switch between models under varying degrees of data quality as quantified by certain metrics for each factor highlighted above. This paper addresses this shortcoming by conceptually introducing a data qualityaware framework for reliable PV generation and consumer load forecasting. The framework’s design incorporates components of missing values, divergence tests, and continuous monitoring of generalization performance to detect changes in data quality caused by communications disruptions and trigger specific classes of forecasting models grouped under three use cases (UC1- UC3). As a first step towards validating this framework, real data collected from an actual field microgrid system is used to demonstrate the viability of the three use cases. Results show that the performance is the best in UC1 with an unadjusted R-square value of 0.954, followed by 0.939 for UC2 and 0.757 for UC3.

Sundararajan, Aditya↗

Data, model inputs, and analysis scripts associated with a manuscript on stream intermittency controls across spatial scales in Pacific Northwest watersheds

NOTE: The manuscript associated with this data package is currently in review. The data may be revised based on reviewer feedback. Upon manuscript acceptance, this data package will be updated with the final dataset and additional metadata. This data package is associated with the manuscript "Hydroclimatic Memory and Watershed Template Shape Stream Intermittency: Multi-scale Attribution Using Process-based Simulation and Explainable ML" by Niroula et al. (2026), submitted to Water Resources Research (WRR). The study investigates the dominant controls on stream intermittency across local, reach, and watershed scales using a coupled process-based simulation and explainable machine-learning framework. Long-term daily simulations from the Advanced Terrestrial Simulator (ATS) were used to generate wetness states and ponded-depth responses over river-corridor cells. These ATS outputs were then aggregated across scales and used to train XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting) models. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) was applied to quantify the relative importance of hydroclimatic forcings, watershed template attributes, and antecedent-memory effects in shaping intermittency behavior. The analysis is carried out for three contrasting Pacific Northwest watersheds: Oak Creek (OCW), American River Watershed (ARW), and H.J. Andrews (HJA). Across these testbeds, the package contains ATS-ready watershed inputs, ATS run configuration and selected output files, model-evaluation data products, intermittency-analysis datasets, machine-learning target-feature tables, SHAP outputs, and notebooks used to organize, analyze, and visualize results. At a high level, the package documents a workflow in which ATS provides the physically based simulation backbone and explainable machine learning is used as a post-processing attribution tool. The contents are intended to support interpretation of the manuscript figures and results, provide context for how intermittency metrics were generated at multiple scales, and preserve the key artifacts needed to understand and reuse the analysis workflow. The package contains a high-level directory summary file (`summary.txt`) and four main content folders (1) `evaluation_plots` contains evaluation figures and supporting evaluation datasets; (2) `intermittency_plots` contains intermittency-focused analysis notebook and prepared datasets; (3) `ml-training-and-shap_values_plots` contains ML training inputs, SHAP outputs, and figure-generation notebooks; and (4) `watershed_mesh_and_ats_input` contains ATS model setup materials, forcing inputs, geometry, and selected run files. More specifically, the `evaluation_plots` folder contains the notebook used for ATS evaluation plotting and site-specific evaluation datasets. These include evapotranspiration and water-balance products for three watersheds, as well as an Oak Creek field-measurement discharge file. The `intermittency_plots` folder contains the notebook used for intermittency analysis and the prepared datasets used to analyze intermittent and non-intermittent wetness behavior across the study watersheds. The `ml-training-and-shap_values_plots` folder contains notebooks and outputs for the machine-learning and explainability workflow. This includes the main XGBoost and SHAP notebook(s), a beeswarm plotting notebook, target-feature tables for machine-learning training, SHAP summary tables, and per-sample SHAP value archives. The `watershed_mesh_and_ats_input` folder contains ATS-related watershed inputs and supporting materials. This includes mesh and shape products, ATS-readable LAI and meteorological forcing inputs, selected ATS spinup and transient-run files, and a watershed workflow example notebook. Subdirectories are organized by watershed where applicable.All files are .cpg (codepage files), .csv (comma-separated values), .dbf (database files), .exo (Exodus mesh format), .h5 (HDF5 format), .ipynb (Jupyter notebooks), .pkl (Python pickle), .prj (projection files), .sh (shell scripts), .shp (shapefile geometry), .shx (shapefile index), .txt (text files), or .xml (markup data).

Advanced Terrestrial Simulator↗

High-order limiting methods using maximum principle bounds derived from the Boltzmann equation I: Euler equations

The use of limiting methods for high-order numerical approximations of hyperbolic conservation laws generally requires defining an admissible region/bounds for the solution. In this work, we present a novel approach for computing solution bounds and limiting for the Euler equations through the kinetic representation provided by the Boltzmann equation, which allows for extending limiters designed for linear advection directly to the Euler equations. Given an arbitrary set of solution values to compute bounds over (e.g., numerical stencil) and a desired linear advection limiter, the proposed approach yields an analytic expression for the admissible region of particle distribution function values, which may be numerically integrated to yield a set of bounds for the density, momentum, and total energy. Further, these solution bounds are shown to preserve positivity of density/pressure/internal energy and, when paired with a limiting technique, can robustly resolve strong discontinuities while recovering high-order accuracy in smooth regions without any ad hoc corrections (e.g., relaxing the bounds). This approach is demonstrated in the context of an explicit unstructured high-order discontinuous Galerkin/flux reconstruction scheme for a variety of difficult problems in gas dynamics, including cases with extreme shocks and shock-vortex interactions. Furthermore, this work presents a foundation for limiting techniques for more complex macroscopic governing equations that can be derived from an underlying kinetic representation for which admissible solution bounds are not well-understood.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Chemically Recyclable Analogs of Styrene–Butadiene Copolymers Enabling Perfectly Linear Ethylene–Styrene Materials with Random Phenyl Distribution

Copolymerization of cyclopentene (CP) and 4-phenylcyclopentene (4PCP) at a full range of comonomer feed ratios is reported using Ru-based ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) yielding homogeneous copolymers analogous to poly(styrene-ran-1,4-butadiene) and poly(ethylene-ran-styrene) copolymers following hydrogenation under mild conditions. In all cases, total monomer conversions of 86%–92% yielded copolymers with compositions within 4% of monomer feeds. Analysis of equilibrium copolymerization thermodynamics, rarely performed on two cycloolefin monomers with low ring strain energies, provides rational design strategies for negotiating two monomers with different equilibrium monomer concentrations. Inverse-gated decoupled 13 C NMR analysis of dyad sequences on the resulting copolymer microstructures concludes a near-random distribution of comonomer units. The copolymers produced from ROMP have number-average molar masses up to 60 kg mol –1 , moderate dispersities (1.5 ± 0.1), and high trans olefin content (86% ± 2%) while glass-transitions temperatures follow the Fox equation and span the full range between homopolymer extremities of PCP (−96 °C) and P4PCP (17 °C). Unlike most prevulcanized elastomers, these materials undergo facile chemical recycling to monomer, producing complete ring-closing metathesis depolymerization (RCMD) of the polymer back to the CP comonomers. Quantitative olefin hydrogenation produced perfectly linear polyethylene with 4%–16% of the backbone carbons containing a phenyl pendant, analogous to ES copolymers with up to 71.5% w/w styrene units but with random distribution of the aromatic pendants. Thermal properties of these materials are discussed, which span from semicrystalline to amorphous, and with T g values notably less than the reported ES copolymer analogs at similar compositions.

animal feed↗

Innovations Toward the Valorization of Plastics Waste

Plastics are an extremely important class of materials that are prevalent in all facets of society; however, their widespread use over time, combined with limited end-of-life strategies, has led to increasing levels of waste accumulation. Although currently considered a burden, plastics waste is potentially an untapped feedstock for numerous chemical and manufacturing processes. In this study, we discuss the state of the art of approaches for valorization of plastics waste from a materials research perspective, including previous efforts to utilize plastics waste and recent innovations that have opportunities to add significant value. Although additional progress is necessary, we present several diverse capabilities and strategies for valorization that, when brought together, address end-of-life challenges for plastics at every stage of design and product consumption. In short, a materials research–based framework offers a unique perspective to address the urgent issues posed by plastics, unlocking the potential of polymers and plastics waste.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

What Is the Limit of Quantification for the Minor Phase in Time-of-Flight Neutron Diffraction? A Case Study on Fe and Ni Powder Mixtures at VULCAN

A phase present in small quantities within materials may not simply serve as a secondary component; it can play a crucial role in determining the integrity, properties, and performance of the material. These minor but important phases usually draw attention in material design and processing for fundamental understanding as well as material quality control. Accurately quantifying a minor phase amid a majority phase, especially at extremely low fractions, remains a challenging task. Time-of-flight neutron diffraction, coupled with advanced pattern analysis techniques like Rietveld refinement, is a powerful tool for crystal structure identification and phase quantification. The deep penetrating capability of neutrons enables the detection and quantification of trace phases within materials. In this study, the quantification limits of time-of-flight neutron diffraction were explored using the VULCAN diffractometer at the Spallation Neutron Source, using Fe–Ni powder mixtures as a sample system. By comparing the refinement results to the known weighed values, it was determined that the reliable quantification of a minor Ni phase is achievable down to about 0.1 wt% while a Ni fraction as low as 0.02 wt% is difficult to trace. Effective control of the refinement parameters, especially the profile function parameters, are found to significantly influence the convergence of fittings and the accuracy of phase quantification.

Rietveld refinement↗

Simulation studies for surfaces and materials strength

From intermolecular force studies, it is now known that the overall non-additive contribution to the lattice enegy is positive so that analysis based on only pairwise additivity suggests a shallower intermolecular potential than the true value. Two body contributions alone are also known to be categorically unable to even qualitatively describe some configurations of molecular clusters in the gas phase or the general relaxation and reconstruction of fcc crystal surfaces. In addition, the many-body contribution was shown to play a key role in the stability of certain crystal structures. In these recent analyses, a relatively simple potential energy function (PEF), comprising only a two-body Mie-type potential plus a three-body Axilrod-Teller-type potential, was found to be extremely effective. This same parametric PEF is applied to describe the bulk stability and surface energy for the diamond cubic structure. To test the stability condition, the FCC, BCC, diamond cubic, graphite and beta-tin structures were considered.

Halicioglu, T.↗

Recent History of Large-Scale Ecosystem Disturbances in North America Derived from the AVHRR Satellite Record

Ecosystem structure and function are strongly impacted by disturbance events, many of which in North America are associated with seasonal temperature extremes, wildfires, and tropical storms. This study was conducted to evaluate patterns in a 19-year record of global satellite observations of vegetation phenology from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) as a means to characterize major ecosystem disturbance events and regimes. The fraction absorbed of photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR) by vegetation canopies worldwide has been computed at a monthly time interval from 1982 to 2000 and gridded at a spatial resolution of 8-km globally. Potential disturbance events were identified in the FPAR time series by locating anomalously low values (FPAR-LO) that lasted longer than 12 consecutive months at any 8-km pixel. We can find verifiable evidence of numerous disturbance types across North America, including major regional patterns of cold and heat waves, forest fires, tropical storms, and large-scale forest logging. Summed over 19 years, areas potentially influenced by major ecosystem disturbances (one FPAR-LO event over the period 1982-2000) total to more than 766,000 km2. The periods of highest detection frequency were 1987-1989, 1995-1997, and 1999. Sub- continental regions of Alaska and Central Canada had the highest proportion (greater than 90%) of FPAR-LO pixels detected in forests, tundra shrublands, and wetland areas. The Great Lakes region showed the highest proportion (39%) of FPAR-LO pixels detected in cropland areas, whereas the western United States showed the highest proportion (16%) of FPAR-LO pixels detected in grassland areas. Based on this analysis, an historical picture is emerging of periodic droughts and heat waves, possibly coupled with herbivorous insect outbreaks, as among the most important causes of ecosystem disturbance in North America.

Potter, Christopher↗

Dynamic Properties of FeCrMnNi, a High Entropy Alloy

High entropy alloys (HEAs) represent a new class of materials that potentially possess an ideal combination of high strength and ductility and may be candidate materials that can withstand high amounts of damage before failure, especially under extreme conditions. To this end, a series of shock/spall loading experiments were conducted on an Fe/Cr/Mn/Ni HEA to assess not only its equation of state (EOS) but also its resistance to damage and failure. A single-stage light gas gun was used to conduct a series of flyer plate symmetric impact experiments coupled with recovery of the samples for post-mortem microstructural analysis to obtain fundamental understanding regarding the damage morphology. Our results show that the measured EOS for this alloy was in reasonable agreement with an estimated Hugoniot value. Additionally, the spall strength of these alloys was found to vary between 1.4 and 1.9 GPa within the same plate but was comparable to other iron-based conventional alloys. DOE/NV/03624--1059

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Extreme Blazars Studied with Fermi-Lat and Suzaku: 1ES 0347-121 and Blazar Candidate HESS J1943+213

We report on our study of high-energy properties of two peculiar TeV emitters: the "extreme blazar" 1ES 0347-121 and the "extreme blazar candidate" HESS J1943+213 located near the Galactic plane. Both objects are characterized by quiescent synchrotron emission with flat spectra extending up to the hard X-ray range, and both were reported to be missing GeV (gigaelectronvolt) counterparts in the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) two-year Source Catalog. We analyze a 4.5 year accumulation of the Fermi-LAT data, resulting in the detection of 1ES 0347-121 in the GeV band, as well as in improved upper limits for HESS J1943+213. We also present the analysis results of newly acquired Suzaku data for HESS J1943+213. The X-ray spectrum is well represented by a single power law extending up to 25 keV (kiloelectronvolts) with photon index 2.00 plus or minus 0.02 and a moderate absorption in excess of the Galactic value, which is in agreement with previous X-ray observations. No short-term X-ray variability was found over the 80 kilosecond duration of the Suzaku exposure. Under the blazar hypothesis, we modeled the spectral energy distributions of 1ES 0347-121 and HESS J1943+213, and we derived constraints on the intergalactic magnetic field strength and source energetics. We conclude that although the classification of HESS J1943+213 has not yet been determined, the blazar hypothesis remains the most plausible option since, in particular, the broadband spectra of the two analyzed sources along with the source model parameters closely resemble each other, and the newly available Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) and UKIRT (United Kingdom Infrared Telescope) Infrared Deep Sky Survey data for HESS J1943+213 are consistent with the presence of an elliptical host at the distance of approximately 600 Mpc (megaparsecs).

blazar↗

Mechanistic understanding of pH effects on the oxygen evolution reaction

The oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) is pivotal in many energy-conversion technologies as it is an important counter reaction to others that convert stable chemicals to higher-value products using electrochemistry. The local microenvironment and pH for the anode OER can vary from acidic to neutral to alkaline depending on the system being explored, making definitive mechanistic insights difficult. In this paper, we couple experiments, first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, microkinetics, and transport modeling to explore the entire pH range of the OER. At low current densities, neutral pH values unexpectedly perform better than the acidic and alkaline conditions, and this trend is reversed at higher current densities (> 20 mA cm -2 ). Using multiscale modeling, this switch is rationalized by a change from a dual-reaction mechanism to a single rate-determining step. The model also shows how the alkaline reaction rates dominate in the middle to high pH range. Furthermore, we explore that the local pH for near-neutral conditions is much different (e.g., 2.4 at the reaction surface vs. 9 in the bulk) than the pH extremes, demonstrating the criticality that transport phenomena plays in kinetic activity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗