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At least 1,369 records · Page 76

Investigation on the light alkanes aromatization over Zn and Ga modified HZSM-5 catalysts in the presence of methane

The catalytic co-aromatization of methane and paraffin-rich raffinate oil was investigated along with hexane, heptane and octane as its model compounds over zinc and gallium modified ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts. The benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) components derived from light alkane aromatization were highly promoted with the assistance of methane. The co-existence of Zn and Ga metal species has a positive effect on the formation of BTX components, whereas the individual metal loaded catalyst resulted in the production of heavy aromatics, suggesting that zinc and gallium have a synergistic effect on the formation of BTX under the methane environment. When concerned with gaseous analysis, the introduced methane might interact with smaller intermediates and then transform into larger hydrocarbons. From the DRIFT observation, it was witnessed that the interaction between light alkane and methane occurred on the surface of the charged Zn-Ga/ZSM-5 catalyst. According to the comprehensive catalyst characterizations, the excellent catalytic performance may be closely associated with greatly dispersed metal species on the zeolite support, improved microporous characteristic, moderate Bronsted and increased Lewis acidic sites during the paraffin-rich liquid feedstock aromatization under methane environment. This research provides a promising pathway for the highly effective and profitable utilization of petrochemical resources and natural gas.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Fatigue of laser powder bed fusion processed 17-4 stainless steel using prior process exposed powder feedstock

The rapid pace of development seen in the metal additive manufacturing (AM) process of laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) requires in-step advances in processes qualification to enable full-scale adoption. This particularly applies to quantifying how powder feedstock conditions impact end-component quality. Here this study examines how in-machine 17-4 stainless steel powder feedstocks are affected by prior LPBF processes, and how these effects impact subsequent builds. Examinations of powder morphology, chemistry, flowability, and rheology were conducted to characterize the powder conditions. The resultant effects of powder feedstock condition on produced component quasi-static tensile and high-cycle fatigue properties were analyzed. Fatigue life was analyzed using a reliability modeling approach that enabled a robust statistical comparison of life. Powder characteristics were found to evolve with powder exposure to prior LPBF processes, particularly in the extremes of powder size distribution and measures of bulk flow. No significant effects of these changes on tensile properties were observed. Reliability modeling methods, including the lognormal and Weibull distributions as well as the empirical survival function, are shown to be effective tools for modeling fatigue variability in LPBF manufactured components. Through these tools, fatigue life was found to be invariant with changes in powder condition.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Role of ferroelectric/ferromagnetic layers on the ferroelectric properties of magnetoelectric composite films derived by chemical solution deposition

Highlights: • Multiferroic composite films with different components were prepared. • Individual layer effect on the properties of composite films was studied. • BTO-CFO film shows bigger ferroelectric polarization than BTO-BFO film. • Leakage current curves show BTO-CFO film has the smallest leakage current. • Leakage current is dominated by the space-charges-limited mechanisms. - Abstract: Composite thin films with BiFeO{sub 3} (BFO), CoFeO{sub 4} (CFO) and/or BaTiO{sub 3} (BTO) layers as the components are fabricated via CSD method. XRD and Raman patterns show all the composite films can be indexed to perovskite and spinel structures. Except the interfaces between BTO and CFO layers, the other two-phase interfaces can be clearly observed. Interestingly, the BTO-CFO film has bigger polarization than BTO-BFO, especially the thickness of CFO layer is smaller than the BFO layer, implying the ferromagnetic layer has a significant impact on the ferroelectric properties of the composite films, which is too thin to be fully polarized. The variation of leakage currents show BTO-CFO film has the smallest value, corroborating the results of ferroelectric measurements. The leakage current is dominated by the space-charges-limited mechanisms according to the fitting results, and the oxygen vacancies in the BFO layers play an important role for the variations of E{sub SCL} and E{sub TFL} voltages.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Real-space analysis of radiation-induced specific changes with independent component analysis

A method of analysis is presented that allows for the separation of specific radiation-induced changes into distinct components in real space. The method relies on independent component analysis (ICA) and can be effectively applied to electron density maps and other types of maps, provided that they can be represented as sets of numbers on a grid. Here, for glucose isomerase crystals, ICA was used in a proof-of-concept analysis to separate temperature-dependent and temperature-independent components of specific radiation-induced changes for data sets acquired from multiple crystals across multiple temperatures. ICA identified two components, with the temperature-independent component being responsible for the majority of specific radiation-induced changes at temperatures below 130 K. The patterns of specific temperature-independent radiation-induced changes suggest a contribution from the tunnelling of electron holes as a possible explanation. In the second case, where a group of 22 data sets was collected on a single thaumatin crystal, ICA was used in another type of analysis to separate specific radiation-induced effects happening on different exposure-level scales. Here, ICA identified two components of specific radiation-induced changes that likely result from radiation-induced chemical reactions progressing with different rates at different locations in the structure. In addition, ICA unexpectedly identified the radiation-damage state corresponding to reduced disulfide bridges rather than the zero-dose extrapolated state as the highest contrast structure. The application of ICA to the analysis of specific radiation-induced changes in real space and the data pre-processing for ICA that relies on singular value decomposition, which was used previously in data space to validate a two-component physical model of X-ray radiation-induced changes, are discussed in detail. This work lays a foundation for a better understanding of protein-specific radiation chemistries and provides a framework for analysing effects of specific radiation damage in crystallographic and cryo-EM experiments.

Borek, Dominika (ORCID:0000000243216253)↗

Energy and emissions saving potential of additive manufacturing: the case of lightweight aircraft components

Additive manufacturing (AM) holds great potential for improving materials efficiency, reducing life-cycle impacts, and enabling greater engineering functionality compared to conventional manufacturing (CM), and AM has been increasingly adopted by aircraft component manufacturers for lightweight, cost-effective designs. This study estimates the net changes in life-cycle primary energy and greenhouse gas emissions associated with AM technologies for lightweight metallic aircraft components through the year 2050, to shed light on the environmental benefits of a shift from CM to AM processes in the U.S. aircraft industry. A systems modeling framework is presented, with integrates engineering criteria, life-cycle environmental data, aircraft fleet stock and fuel use models under different AM adoption scenarios. Estimated fleet-wide life-cycle primary energy savings at most reach 70-173 million GJ/year in 2050, with cumulative savings of 1.2–2.8 billion GJ. Associated cumulative GHG emission reductions were estimated at 92.1–215.0 million metric tons. In addition, thousands of tons of aluminum, titanium and nickel alloys could be potentially saved per year in 2050. The results indicate a significant role of AM technologies in helping society meet its long-term energy use and GHG emissions reduction goals, and highlight barriers and opportunities for AM adoption for the aircraft industry.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Angular distributions of surface produced H{sup −} ions for reflection and desorption processes

A numerical simulation code, Atomic Collision in Amorphous Target, has been run to clarify the effects due to the incident angle of hydrogen flux onto surface collision cascade in the subsurface region of a Cs covered Mo plasma grid. The code has taken into account the threshold energy for negative hydrogen (H{sup −}) ions to leave the surface. This modification has caused the shift of energy distribution functions of H{sup −} from that of hydrogen atoms leaving the surface. The results have shown that large incident angle of hydrogen particle tilt the angular distribution of reflection component, while it caused a small effect onto the angular distribution of desorption component. The reflection coefficient has increased, while the desorption yield has decreased for increased angle of incidence measured from the surface normal.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Discovery of a visual T-dwarf triple system and binarity at the L/T transition

We present new high contrast imaging of eight L/T transition brown dwarfs (BDs) using the NIRC2 camera on the Keck II telescope. One of our targets, the T3.5 dwarf 2MASS J08381155+1511155, was resolved into a hierarchal triple with projected separations of 2.5 ± 0.5 AU and 27 ± 5 AU for the BC and A(BC) components, respectively. Resolved OSIRIS spectroscopy of the A(BC) components confirms that all system members are T dwarfs. The system therefore constitutes the first triple T-dwarf system ever reported. Using resolved photometry to model the integrated-light spectrum, we infer spectral types of T3 ± 1, T3 ± 1, and T4.5 ± 1 for the A, B, and C components, respectively. The uniformly brighter primary has a bluer J – K{sub s} color than the next faintest component, which may reflect a sensitive dependence of the L/T transition temperature on gravity, or alternatively divergent cloud properties among components. Relying on empirical trends and evolutionary models we infer a total system mass of 0.034-0.104 M {sub ☉} for the BC components at ages of 0.3-3 Gyr, which would imply a period of 12-21 yr assuming the system semimajor axis to be similar to its projection. We also infer differences in effective temperatures and surface gravities between components of no more than ∼150 K and ∼0.1 dex. Given the similar physical properties of the components, the 2M0838+15 system provides a controlled sample for constraining the relative roles of effective temperature, surface gravity, and dust clouds in the poorly understood L/T transition regime. For an age of 3 Gyr we estimate a binding energy of ∼20 × 10{sup 41} erg for the wide A(BC) pair, which falls above the empirical minimum found for typical BD binaries, and suggests that the system may have been able to survive a dynamical ejection during formation. Combining our imaging survey results with previous work we find an observed binary fraction of 4/18 or 22{sub −8}{sup +10}% for unresolved spectral types of L9-T4 at separations ≳ 0.''1. This translates into a volume-corrected frequency of 13{sub −6}{sup +7}%, which is similar to values of ∼9%-12% reported outside the transition. Our reported L/T transition binary fraction is roughly twice as large as the binary fraction of an equivalent L9-T4 sample selected from primary rather than unresolved spectral types (6{sub −4}{sup +6}%); however, this increase is not yet statistically significant and a larger sample is required to settle the issue.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Tidal Energy System for On-Shore Power Generation (Final Technical Report)

Addressing the urgent need to develop LCOE competitive renewable energy solutions for US energy security and to replace fossil-fuel generation with the associated benefits to environment impacts including a reduction in CO2 emissions, this Project focused on the advantages of using hydraulic energy transfer (HET) in large-scale Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) systems for harvesting off-shore tidal energy in US waters. A recent DOE resource assessment, identifies water power resources have a potential to meet 15% of the US electric supply by 2030, with MHK technologies being a major component. The work covered a TRL-4 laboratory proof-in-concept demonstration plus modeling of a 15MW full scale system based on an approach patented by NASA-JPL, in which submerged high-ratio gearboxes and electrical generators in conventional MHK turbine systems are replaced by a submerged hydraulic radial pump coupled to on-shore hydraulic motors driving a generator. The advantages are; first, the mean-time-between-failure (MTBF), or maintenance, can be extended from approximately 1 to 5 years and second, the range of tidal flow speeds which can be efficiently harvested can be extended beyond that of a conventional submerged generator. The approach uses scalable, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components, facilitating scale-up and commercialization. All the objectives of the Project have been successfully met (1) A TRL4 system was designed, constructed and tested. It simulates a tidal energy turbine, with a 2-m diameter blade in up to a 2.9 m/sec flow. The system consists of a drive motor assembly providing appropriate torque and RPM, attached to a radial piston pump. The pump circulates pressurized, environmentally-friendly, HEES hydraulic fluid in a closed loop to an axial piston motor which drives an electrical generator, with a resistive load. The performance of the components, subsystems and system were evaluated during simulated tidal cycles. The pump is contained in a tank for immersion testing. The COTS pump and motor were selected to scale to MW size and were oversized for the TRL-4 demonstration, operating at only 1-6% of rated values. Nevertheless, in for 2-18 kW drive power, in agreement with manufacturer performance data, we measured efficiencies of 85-90% and 75-80% for the pump and motor, respectively. These efficiencies being 95-96% at higher operating powers. (2) Two follow-on paths were identified. In both cases conventional turbine systems can be modified, replacing existing gear box and generator with a hydraulic pump and on-shore components. On a conventional path, a TRL5/6 15kW turbine system can be engineered and tested on a barge at an existing site in Maine. Alternatively, on an accelerated path, a TRL-8 100kW system can be engineered and tested by modifying a team member's existing MHK turbines, with barge and grid-connected test sites in-place. On both paths the work can be expedited and cost effective by reusing TRL-4 components, modifying existing turbines and using established test sites. (3) Sizing, performance modeling and costing of a scaled 15MW system, suitable for operation in Maine's Western Passage, was performed. COTS components are identified and the performance projections are favorable. The estimated LCOE is comparable to wind generation with peak production at high demand times. (4) We determined that a similar HET approach can be extended to on-shore and off-shore wind turbine systems. These are very large energy resources which can be addressed in parallel for even great National benefit. (5) Preliminary results on this project were presented at two International Conferences on renewable energy in 2012, providing a timely dissemination of information. We have thus demonstrated a proof-in-concept of a novel, tidal HET system that eliminates all submerged gears and electronics to improve reliability. Hydraulic pump efficiencies of 90% have been confirmed in simulated tidal flows between 1 and 3 m/s, and at only 1-6% of rated power. Total system efficiencies have also been modeled, up to MW-scale, for tidal, and wind, systems. Projected efficiencies are between 81% (full rated flow) and 86% (1/3 rated flow). This high efficiency in a wide operating range compares favorably with conventional systems having a performance range of 87% (full rated flow) to 0% (1/3 rated flow) efficiency. An accelerated path to commercialization is identified, leveraging conventional MHK system technology and COTS components to meet the urgent need for renewable energy generation.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Physical Nature of the Eclipsing δ Scuti Star AO Serpentis

We present the absolute properties of the eclipsing binary AO Ser with a pulsating component from our BV photometric and high-resolution spectroscopic observations, which were performed between 2017 April and May. The radial velocities (RVs) for both components were measured, and the effective temperature and projected rotational velocity of the primary star were determined to be T eff,1 = 8,820 ± 62 K and v 1 sini 1 = 90 ± 18 km s -1 , respectively, by comparing the observed spectrum with the Kurucz models. The accurate fundamental parameters of AO Ser were determined by a simultaneous analysis of the light and RV curves. The masses and radii of the primary and secondary components are M 1 = 2.55 ± 0.09 M ⊙ and R 1 = 1.64 ± 0.02 R ⊙ and M 2 = 0.49 ± 0.02 M ⊙ and R 2 = 1.38 ± 0.02 R ⊙ , respectively. Multiple frequency analyses for the eclipse-subtracted light residuals were conducted. As a result, we detected two frequencies of f 1 = 21.852 days -1 and f 2 = 23.484 days -1 . The evolutionary position on the HR diagram and the pulsational characteristics indicate that the primary star is a δ Sct pulsator with a radial fundamental mode. On the other hand, the relatively evolved secondary is oversized for its own mass.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Erosion of high-Z refractory coatings for helicon plasma source window

Proto-MPEX (Materials Plasma Exposure eXperiment), a linear plasma device (LPD), using a high power radio frequency (RF) (⩾100 kW, 13.56 MHz) helicon plasma source, has suffered RF sheath-induced window erosion. The sputtered impurities from the window surface transport toward the downstream target affecting plasma-material interaction studies. The rectified sheath voltage formed was high enough to cause window erosion by light ions due to its low-Z components (e.g. Si 3 N 4 and AlN). Hence, we are proposing impurity mitigation strategies, which involve the application of a Faraday screen to lower the rectified sheath voltage and the application of high-Z refractory coatings on the existing window plasma-facing surface. In this work, we report the erosion of two different coatings, i.e., tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ) and hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ) on a silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) window material under conditions of low-energy deuterium (D) ion impact, well below the Ta 2 O 5 sputtering energy threshold (i.e. 250 eV). The test samples were RF-biased and exposed to a high D-ion fluence (∼10 26 m −2 ) in Plasma Interaction with Surface Component Experimental Station (PISCES-A) LPD. The experimentally measured sputtering yields of the high-Z refractory coatings below the sputtering energy threshold of Ta 2 O 5 indicate an increased erosion due to the plasma impurities, especially due to oxygen. Improving the vacuum level could reduce the oxygen impurities and increase the lifespan of the coated helicon window for plasma operation. Post-surface analysis indicates no preferential erosion of oxygen or enrichment of the high-Z surface component. This is likely due to an effective energy transfer from the impurity ion for sputtering of the high-Z component in the coating. With the reduced rectified sheath voltage at the window surface and improved vacuum conditions, the proposed high-Z refractory coatings offer a promising solution for reducing window erosion in future MPEX plasma operations at ORNL.

RF bias↗

Washington State University Algae Biofuels Research

The goal of this project was to advance algal technologies for the production of biofuels and biochemicals by establishing the Washington State Algae Alliance, a collaboration partnership among two private companies (Targeted Growth, Inc. (TGI), Inventure Chemicals (Inventure) Inc (now Inventure Renewables Inc) and Washington State University (WSU). This project included three major components. The first one was strain development at TGI by genetically engineering cyanobacteria to yield high levels of lipid and other specialty chemicals. The second component was developing an algal culture system at WSU to produce algal biomass as biofuel feedstock year-round in the northern states of the United States. This system included two cultivation modes, the first one was a phototrophic process and the second a heterotrophic process. The phototrophic process would be used for algae production in open ponds during warm seasons; the heterotrophic process would be used in cold seasons so that year-round production of algal lipid would be possible. In warm seasons the heterotrophic process would also produce algal seeds to be used in the phototrophic culture process. Selected strains of green algae and cyanobacteria developed by TGI were tested in the system. The third component was downstream algal biomass processing by Inventure that included efficiently harvesting the usable fuel fractions from the algae mass and effectively isolating and separating the usable components into specific fractions, and converting isolated fractions into green chemicals.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Design criteria monograph for metal tanks and tank components

Significant elements in detail tank design are wall and end structures, weld joints at bulkhead and attachment junctures, and ports and access openings. Additional design considerations are influence and effect of fabrication processes on tank component design, and finally, testing and inspection that are required to establish confidence in tank design.

Source record↗

Optical spectral variability of the N galaxies 3C 382 and 3C 390.3

Multichannel spectrophotometry data acquired from 1969 to 1980 are used to study the absolute energy distribution and emission line variability of the N galaxies 3C 382 and 3C 390.3. It is shown that: (1) the continuum spectra can be decomposed into a nuclear nonthermal component of constant spectral shape and a constant elliptical galaxy component; (2) apparent visual magnitudes within a 10 arcsec aperture are derived for underlying galaxies, 3C 382 being 15.27 and 3C 390.3, 16.04; (3) forbidden lines and narrow Balmer lines do not change with the central continuum, but (4) the intensity variations of the broad Balmer lines are correlated nonlinearly with changes in the luminosity of the central continuum source. This correlation can be explained by a time-lag effect if there are two components of broad-line emission, one varying on a time scale of a few months and the other over a few years.

Yee, H. K. C.↗

The dynamo of the diurnal tide and its effect on the thermospheric circulation

A theoretical multiconstituent model (including O, N2, and O2) which describes the interactions between neutral winds, dynamo electric fields, and ion drifts is used to interpret observations that revealed a dominance of the fundamental diurnal tide in the upper thermosphere and at equatorial latitudes, and its effect on the thermospheric circulation. The model is shown to reproduce reasonably well the magnitudes of the neutral winds, ion drift velocities, and the ratio between the two. A solution for the neutral winds in which the dynamo electric field is forced to zero shows that the dynamo-induced ion drift is very important in accelerating the neutral atmosphere at higher altitudes. The dynamo interaction primarily affects the curl component of the field; its effect on the temperature and density perturbations is small.

Mayr, H. G.↗

Interferometric Techniques for Gravitational Wave Detection in Space

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission will detect gravitational waves from galactic and extragalactic sources, most importantly those involving supermassive black holes. The primary goal of this project is to investigate stability and robustness issues associated with LISA interferometry. We specifically propose to study systematic errors arising from: optical misalignments, optical surface errors, thermal effects and pointing tolerances. This report covers the first fiscal year of the grant, from January 1st to December 31st 1999. We have employed an optical modeling tool to evaluate the effect of misplaced and misaligned optical components. Preliminary results seem to indicate that positional tolerances of one micron and angular tolerances of 0.6 millirad produce no significant effect on the achievable contrast of the interference pattern. This report also outlines research plans for the second fiscal year of the grant, from January 1st to December 31st 2000. Since the work under NAG5-6880 has gone more rapidly than projected, our test bed interferometer is operational, and can be used for measurements of effects that cause beam motion. Hence, we will design, build and characterize a sensor for measuring beam motion, and then install it. We are also planning a differential wavefront sensor based on a quadrant photodiode as a first generation sensor.

Stebbins, Robin T↗

Assessment of the Effects of High-Speed Aircraft in the Stratosphere: 1998

This report assesses the potential atmospheric impacts of a proposed fleet of high-speed civil transport (HSCT) aircraft. The purpose of the report is to assess the effects of HSCT's on atmospheric composition and climate in order to provide a scientific basis for making technical, commercial, and environmental policy decisions regarding the HSCT fleet. The work summarized here was carried out as part of NASA's Atmospheric Effects of Aviation Project (a component of the High-Speed Research Program) as well as other NASA, U.S., and international research programs. The principal focus is on change in stratospheric ozone concentrations. The impact on climate change is also a concern. The report describes progress in understanding atmospheric processes, the current state of understanding of HSCT emissions, numerical model predictions of HSCT impacts, the principal uncertainties in atmospheric predictions, and the associated sensitivities in predicted effects of HSCT'S.

Kawa, S. Randolph↗

Assessment of the Effects of High-Speed Aircraft in the Stratosphere: 1998

This report assesses the potential atmospheric impacts of a proposed fleet of high-speed civil transport (HSCT) aircraft. The purpose of the report is to assess the effects of HSCT's on atmospheric composition and climate in order to provide a scientific basis for making technical, commercial, and environmental policy decisions regarding the HSCT fleet. The work summarized here was carried out as part of NASA's Atmospheric Effects of Aviation Project (a component of the High-Speed Research Program) as well as other NASA, U.S., and international research programs. The principal focus is on change in stratospheric ozone concentrations. The impact on climate change is also a concern. The report describes progress in understanding atmospheric processes, the current state of understanding of HSCT emissions, numerical model predictions of HSCT impacts, the principal uncertainties in atmospheric predictions, and the associated sensitivities in predicted effects of HSCT's.

Kawa, S. Randolph↗

Exploring Large Language Model Agents in Cybersecurity: A Literature Review with Experiments

The accelerated development and integration of large language model (LLM) agents have led researchers and developers to explore their effectiveness in cybersecurity, specifically with penetration testing (pentesting). Recent research efforts have attempted to use LLM agents to automate the process of pentesting because of the cost and time requirements that are required to perform a manual review. However, not all of the tools perform as expected. This paper reviews some of the newest and most popular autonomous pentesting frameworks, highlighting the capabilities and limitations of each one with the goal of providing the components needed to successfully and effectively build an autonomous pentesting agent in the future.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗