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At least 1,369 records · Page 76

Deep Cryogenic Low Power 24 Bits Analog to Digital Converter with Active Reverse Cryostat

LBNL is developing an innovative data acquisition module for superconductive magnets where the front-end electronics and digitizer resides inside the cryostat. This electronic package allows conventional electronic technologies such as enhanced metal–oxide–semiconductor to work inside cryostats at temperatures as low as 4.2 K. This is achieved by careful management of heat inside the module that keeps the electronic envelop at approximately 85 K. This approach avoids all the difficulties that arise from changes in carrier mobility that occur in semiconductors at deep cryogenic temperatures. There are several advantages in utilizing this system. A significant reduction in electrical noise from signals captured inside the cryostat occurs due to the low temperature that the electronics is immersed in, reducing the thermal noise. The shorter distance that signals are transmitted before digitalization reduces pickup and cross-talk between channels. This improved performance in signal-to-noise rate by itself is a significant advantage. Another important advantage is the simplification of the feedthrough interface on the cryostat head. Data coming out of the cryostat is digital and serial, dramatically reducing the number of lines going through the cryostat feedthrough interface. It is important to notice that all lines coming out of the cryostat are digital and low voltage, reducing the possibility of electric breakdown inside the cryostat. This paper will explain in details the architecture and inner workings of this data acquisition system. It will also provide the performance of the analog to digital converter when the system is immersed in liquid helium, and in liquid nitrogen. Parameters such as power dissipation, integral non-linearity, effective number of bits, signal-to-noise and distortion, will be presented for both temperatures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE STRONGEST GALACTIC METHANOL MASER

The high-mass star-forming site G009.62+00.20 E hosts the 6.7 GHz methanol maser source with the greatest flux density in the Galaxy which has been flaring periodically over the last 10 yr. We performed high-resolution astrometric measurements of the CH{sub 3}OH, H{sub 2}O, and OH maser emission and 7 mm continuum in the region. The radio continuum emission was resolved in two sources separated by 1300 AU. The CH{sub 3}OH maser cloudlets are distributed along two north–south ridges of emission to the east and west of the strongest radio continuum component. This component likely pinpoints a massive young stellar object which heats up its dusty envelope, providing a constant IR pumping for the Class II CH{sub 3}OH maser transitions. We suggest that the periodic maser activity may be accounted for by an independent, pulsating, IR radiation field provided by a bloated protostar in the vicinity of the brightest masers. We also report the discovery of an elliptical distribution of CH{sub 3}OH maser emission in the region of periodic variability.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Comparison of Rolling Moment Characteristics During Roll Oscillations for a Low and a High Aspect Ratio Configuration

Improvements in testing and modeling of nonlinear and unsteady aerodynamic effects for flight dynamics predictions of vehicle performance is critical to enable the design and implementation of new, innovative vehicle concepts. Any configuration which exhibits significant flow separation, nonlinear aerodynamics, control interactions or attempts maneuvering through one or more conditions such as these is, at present, a challenge to test, model or predict flight dynamic responses prior to flight. Even in flight test experiments, adequate models are not available to study and characterize the complex nonlinear and time-dependent flow effects occurring during portions of the maneuvering envelope. Traditionally, airplane designs have been conducted to avoid these areas of the flight envelope. Better understanding and characterization of these flight regimes may not only reduce risk and cost of flight test development programs, but also may pave the way for exploitation of those characteristics that increase airplane capabilities. One of the hurdles is that the nonlinear/unsteady effects appear to be configuration dependent. This paper compares some of the dynamic aerodynamic stability characteristics of two very different configurations - representative of a fighter and a transport airplane - during dynamic body-axis roll wind tunnel tests. The fighter model shows significant effects of oscillation frequency which are not as apparent for the transport configuration.

Brandon, Jay M.↗

Flat H Frangible Joint Evolution

Space vehicle staging and separation events require pyrotechnic devices. They are single-use mechanisms that cannot be tested, nor can failure-tolerant performance be demonstrated in actual flight articles prior to flight use. This necessitates the implementation of a robust design and test approach coupled with a fully redundant, failure-tolerant explosive mechanism to ensure that the system functions even in the event of a single failure. Historically, NASA has followed the single failure-tolerant (SFT) design philosophy for all human-rated spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Program. Following the end of this program, aerospace companies proposed building the next generation human-rated vehicles with off-the-shelf, non-redundant, zero-failure-tolerant (ZFT) separation systems. Currently, spacecraft and launch vehicle providers for both the Orion and Commercial Crew Programs (CCPs) plan to deviate from the heritage safety approach and NASA's SFT human rating requirements. Both programs' partners have base-lined ZFT frangible joints for vehicle staging and fairing separation. These joints are commercially available from pyrotechnic vendors. Non-human-rated missions have flown them numerous times. The joints are relatively easy to integrate structurally within the spacecraft. In addition, the separation event is debris free, and the resultant pyro shock is lower than that of other design solutions. It is, however, a serious deficiency to lack failure tolerance. When used for critical applications on human-rated vehicles, a single failure could potentially lead to loss of crew (LOC) or loss of mission (LOM)). The Engineering and Safety & Mission Assurance directorates within the NASA Johnson Space Center took action to address this safety issue by initiating a project to develop a fully redundant, SFT frangible joint design, known as the Flat H. Critical to the ability to retrofit on launch vehicles being developed, the SFT mechanisms must fit within the same three-dimensional envelope as current designs as well as meet structural loads requirements. There is increased mass associated with the redundant design, and the goal is to minimize the weight impact as much as possible. These requirements presented significant challenges, both technically and financially; these challenges will be explored in this paper. Perhaps greater than the technical issues confronted during this design process, were the financial considerations. These were a significant part of the story of this design and development plan. Insufficient financial and labor resources were formidable barriers to completing this project. Nevertheless, JSC personnel successfully conducted several test series at JSC with very useful results. The many lessons learned drove design improvements, performance efficiency, and increased functional reliability. This paper examines the significant technical and financial challenges that these requirements posed to the project team. It discusses the evolution of the SFT frangible joint design, including optimization, testing, and successful partnering of the Johnson Space Center (JSC) engineering and JSC safety organizations, to enhance the flight safety margin for America's next generation of human-rated space vehicles.

Diegelman, Thomas E.↗

Innovative compact braze-free accelerating cavity

We report that high energy physics experiments using particle accelerators as well as industrial and medical applications are continuously seeking more compact, robust and cheaper accelerating structures. As of today, stable operating gradients, exceeding 100 MV/m, have been demonstrated by the SLAC group in the X-Band (11.424 GHz). These experiments show that hard structures, fabricated without high-temperature processes, achieve a better high gradient performance in terms of accelerating gradients. Therefore, we present an innovative and compact type of accelerating cavity that avoids any high-temperature processes like brazing or diffusion bonding. All cells are joined together by means of specifically designed and proprietary screws which ensure good vacuum and RF contacts. Two three-cell standing-wave accelerating structures, designed to operate in the pi-mode at 11.424 GHz, have been successfully built and cold tested. In order to guarantee a vacuum envelope and mechanically robust assembly, we used the Electron Beam Welding (EBW) and the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) processes. Lastly, this work has been carried out in the framework of a funded project by the Vth Committee of the INFN for the Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati (LNF), within a large international collaboration between LNF, SLAC and KEK for the development of X-Band accelerating cavities using "hard structure" technology.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Optical feedback effects on the performance of Pb/1-x/Sn/x/Se semiconductor lasers

The effects of optical feedback on the performance of Pb(1-x)Sn(x)Se semiconductor lasers are reported. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate that uncontrolled optical feedback can occur from optics external to the laser cavity and that these external optical elements can result in the formation of a composite cavity. This composite cavity can sustain a number of narrow closely spaced emission modes with the spectral characteristics of these modes dependent upon the parameters of the cavity. With weak feedback, the spectral width of the amplitude envelope of the new lasing modes resembles that of the original laser mode with no optical feedback. With strongly coupled feedback the envelope of the external cavity modes substantially broadens the apparent linewidth of the laser. It is shown that these effects can be eliminated, and, moreover, they offer the potential for obtaining spectrally narrow single-mode emission from Pb-salt lasers through the use of carefully designed external cavities.

Harward, C. N.↗

Measure Guideline: Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit for Interior Insulation of Masonry Walls and Flat Roofs

Measure Guideline: Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit for Zero Energy Ready House Flat Roofs BSC TO5 Task 7.4 Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit (DEER) for Interior Insulation of Masonry Walls Lawrence, MA 01840 This Measure Guideline describes a deep energy enclosure retrofit solution for insulating mass masonry buildings from the interior. It describes the retrofit assembly, technical details, and installation sequence for retrofitting masonry walls. Interior insulation of masonry retrofits might adversely affect the durability of the wall. This guideline includes a review of decision criteria pertinent to retrofitting masonry walls from the interior and the possible risk of freeze-thaw damage. This Measure Guideline is intended to support contractors who are implementing an interior insulation-based high-performance enclosure retrofit for masonry buildings and designers who are looking to design such retrofits. It may also be helpful to building owners who wish to learn more about strategies that are available for deep energy enclosure retrofit of masonry residential buildings on the interior. This Measure Guideline is important to the high-performance retrofit industry because the solution described here provides an opportunity to retrofit masonry buildings with ambitious energy performance goals by insulating them from the interior without disturbing their exterior appearance. BSC TO5 Task 7.4 Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit (DEER) for Zero Energy Ready House (ZERH) Flat Roofs House Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 This Measure Guideline provides design and construction information for a deep energy enclosure retrofit solution of a flat roof assembly. It describes the strategies and procedures for an exterior retrofit of a flat wood-framed roof with brick masonry exterior walls using exterior and interior (framing cavity) insulation. The approach supported in this guide could also be adapted for use with flat wood-framed roofs with wood-framed exterior walls. Designers, contractors, and building code officials will benefit from the information contained in this Measure Guideline. The guide may also be helpful to building owners who wish to learn more about strategies for deep energy enclosure retrofit of flat roofs. This Measure Guideline is important to the high-performance retrofit industry because it demonstrates techniques for retrofitting flat roofs from the exterior, which is less disruptive to the living space and allows the structure to remain occupied during the project. It also illustrates a solution for preparing homes to become zero energy ready.

Array↗

Pathway to Zero Energy Windows: Advancing Technologies and Market Adoption

Improving the performance of windows has the potential to reduce U.S. annual energy use by 1.7% and CO2 emissions by 1.9% in 2050. Beyond static windows, dynamic technologies could reduce U.S. annual energy use by 1.6 quads and CO2 emissions by 68 million metric tons. In addition, the widespread adoption of static and dynamic technologies would substantially reduce peak electricity demand from buildings. Beyond energy use and CO2 emissions reductions, improving window performance will increase occupant comfort and well-being. In a new report, Pathway to Zero Energy Windows: Advancing Technologies and Market Adoption, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) outlines multiple avenues for technology development, deployment, and adoption to increase the impact that windows can have on decarbonizing America's buildings.

building energy efficiency↗

Theoretical simulations of protective thin film Fabry-Pérot filters for integrated optical elements of diode pumped alkali lasers (DPAL)

The lifetime of Diode-Pumped Alkali Lasers (DPALs) is limited by damage initiated by reaction of the glass envelope of its gain medium with rubidium vapor. Rubidium is absorbed into the glass and the rubidium cations diffuse through the glass structure, breaking bridging Si-O bonds. A damage-resistant thin film was developed enhancing high-optical transmission at natural rubidium resonance input and output laser beam wavelengths of 780 nm and 795 nm, while protecting the optical windows of the gain cell in a DPAL. The methodology developed here can be readily modified for simulation of expected transmission performance at input pump and output laser wavelengths using different combination of thin film materials in a DPAL. High coupling efficiency of the light through the gas cell was accomplished by matching the air-glass and glass-gas interfaces at the appropriate wavelengths using a dielectric stack of high and low index of refraction materials selected to work at the laser energies and protected from the alkali metal vapor in the gain cell. Thin films as oxides of aluminum, zirconium, tantalum, and silicon were selected allowing the creation of Fabry-Perot optical filters on the optical windows achieving close to 100% laser transmission in a solid optic combination of window and highly reflective mirror. This approach allows for the development of a new whole solid optic laser.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Long-Term and Low-Level Envelope C2V3 Stimulation by Highly Diverse Virus Isolates Leads to Frequent Development of Broad and Elite Antibody Neutralization in HIV-1-Infected Individuals

A minority of HIV-1-infected patients produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Identification of viral and host correlates of bNAb production may help develop vaccines. We aimed to characterize the neutralizing response and viral and host-associated factors in Angola, which has one of the oldest, most dynamic, and most diverse HIV-1 epidemics in the world. Three hundred twenty-two HIV-1-infected adults from Angola were included in this retrospective study. Phylogenetic analysis of C2V3C3 env gene sequences was used for virus subtyping. Env-binding antibody reactivity was tested against polypeptides comprising the C2, V3, and C3 regions. Neutralizing-antibody responses were determined against a reference panel of tier 2 Env pseudoviruses in TZM-bl cells; neutralizing epitope specificities were predicted using ClustVis. All subtypes were found, along with untypeable strains and recombinant forms. Notably, 56% of the patients developed cross neutralizing, broadly neutralizing, or elite neutralizing responses. Broad and elite neutralization was associated with longer infection time, subtype C, lower CD4 + T cell counts, higher age, and higher titer of C2V3C3-specific antibodies relative to failure to develop bNAbs. Neutralizing antibodies targeted the V3-glycan supersite in most patients. V3 and C3 regions were significantly less variable in elite neutralizers than in weak neutralizers and nonneutralizers, suggesting an active role of V3C3-directed bNAbs in controlling HIV-1 replication and diversification. In conclusion, prolonged and low-level envelope V3C3 stimulation by highly diverse and ancestral HIV-1 isolates promotes the frequent elicitation of bNAbs. These results provide important clues for the development of an effective HIV-1 vaccine. Studies on neutralization by antibodies and their determinants in HIV-1-infected individuals have mostly been conducted in relatively recent epidemics caused by subtype B and C viruses. Results have suggested that elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is uncommon. The mechanisms underlying the elicitation of bNAbs are still largely unknown. We performed the first characterization of the plasma neutralizing response in a cohort of HIV-1-infected patients from Angola. Angola is characterized by an old and dynamic epidemic caused by highly diverse HIV-1 variants. Remarkably, more than half of the patients produced bNAbs, mostly targeting the V3-glycan supersite in HIV-1. This was associated with higher age, longer infection time, lower CD4 + T cell counts, subtype C infection, or higher titer of C2V3C3-specific antibodies relative to patients that did not develop bNAbs. These results may help develop the next generation of vaccine candidates for HIV-1.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Systems Packages for Washington State Building Performance Standard Incentive Program: Phase 1 Analysis

Starting in 2026 Washington State building performance standards will come into effect that require commercial buildings larger than 50,000 sf to meet site energy use intensity targets. To support a state incentive program designed to encourage building owners to start complying early, we characterized the building stock energy use of 11 building types, analyzed 43 energy upgrade measures, and developed seven packages of energy upgrade measures using the ComStock energy analysis tool. Each energy upgrade package included from 4 to 17 energy measures consisting of lighting, HVAC, and envelope upgrades. Package savings were calculated for four priority building types using a sample of 35,000 buildings characterized by four building area bins, three climate zones, and two county types (urban and rural). Of the 28 package and building type combinations analyzed, 17 (61%) met or exceeded program energy savings targets and two packages met targets for all four building types.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Multi-objective/loading optimization for rotating composite flexbeams

With the evolution of advanced composites, the feasibility of designing bearingless rotor systems for high speed, demanding maneuver envelopes, and high aircraft gross weights has become a reality. These systems eliminate the need for hinges and heavily loaded bearings by incorporating a composite flexbeam structure which accommodates flapping, lead-lag, and feathering motions by bending and twisting while reacting full blade centrifugal force. The flight characteristics of a bearingless rotor system are largely dependent on hub design, and the principal element in this type of system is the composite flexbeam. As in any hub design, trade off studies must be performed in order to optimize performance, dynamics (stability), handling qualities, and stresses. However, since the flexbeam structure is the primary component which will determine the balance of these characteristics, its design and fabrication are not straightforward. It was concluded that: pitchcase and snubber damper representations are required in the flexbeam model for proper sizing resulting from dynamic requirements; optimization is necessary for flexbeam design, since it reduces the design iteration time and results in an improved design; and inclusion of multiple flight conditions and their corresponding fatigue allowables is necessary for the optimization procedure.

Hamilton, Brian K.↗

Using multiple sensors for printed circuit board insertion

As more and more activities are performed in space, there will be a greater demand placed on the information handling capacity of people who are to direct and accomplish these tasks. A promising alternative to full-time human involvement is the use of semi-autonomous, intelligent robot systems. To automate tasks such as assembly, disassembly, repair and maintenance, the issues presented by environmental uncertainties need to be addressed. These uncertainties are introduced by variations in the computed position of the robot at different locations in its work envelope, variations in part positioning, and tolerances of part dimensions. As a result, the robot system may not be able to accomplish the desired task without the help of sensor feedback. Measurements on the environment allow real time corrections to be made to the process. A design and implementation of an intelligent robot system which inserts printed circuit boards into a card cage are presented. Intelligent behavior is accomplished by coupling the task execution sequence with information derived from three different sensors: an overhead three-dimensional vision system, a fingertip infrared sensor, and a six degree of freedom wrist-mounted force/torque sensor.

Sood, Deepak↗

First flight test results of the Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER) propulsion unit

The Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) is a small, self-contained, propulsive-backpack system that provides free-flying mobility for an astronaut engaged in a space walk, also known as extravehicular activity (EVA.) SAFER contains no redundant systems and is intended for contingency use only. In essence, it is a small, simplified version of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) last flown aboard the Space Shuttle in 1985. The operational SAFER unit will only be used to return an adrift EVA astronaut to the spacecraft. Currently, if an EVA crew member inadvertently becomes separated from the Space Shuttle, the Orbiter will maneuver to within the crew member's reach envelope, allowing the astronaut to regain contact with the Orbiter. However, with the advent of operations aboard the Russian MIR Space Station and the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle will not be available to effect a timely rescue. Under these conditions, a SAFER unit would be worn by each EVA crew member. Flight test of the pre-production model of SAFER occurred in September 1994. The crew of Space Shuttle Mission STS-64 flew a 6.9 hour test flight which included performance, flying qualities, systems, and operational utility evaluations. We found that the unit offers adequate propellant and control authority to stabilize and enable the return of a tumbling/separating crew member. With certain modifications, production model of SAFER can provide self-rescue capability to a separated crew member. This paper will present the program background, explain the flight test results and provide some insight into the complex operations of flight test in space.

Meade, Carl J.↗

Editors’ Choice—Flooded by Success: On the Role of Electrode Wettability in CO 2 Electrolyzers that Generate Liquid Products

Economic operation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) electrolyzers generating liquid products will likely require high reactant conversions and product concentrations, conditions anticipated to challenge existing gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs). Notably, electrode wettability will increase as lower surface tension products (e.g., formic acid, alcohols) are introduced into electrolyte streams, potentially leading to flooding. To understand the hydraulically stable operating envelopes in mixed aqueous-organic liquid domains, we connect intrinsic electrode wettability descriptors to operating parameters such as electrolyte flow rate and current. We first measure contact angles of water-organic product dilutions on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and graphite surfaces as planar analogues for GDE components. We then use material balances around the reactive gas-liquid-solid interface to calculate product mass fractions as functions of water sweep rate and current. Product composition maps visualize the extent to which changes in cell performance influence capillary pressure, a determinant of GDE saturation. Analyses suggest that formic acid mixtures pose little risk for GDE flooding across a wide range of conditions, but effluents containing <30% alcohol by mass may cause flooding. This study reveals opportunities to integrate microstructural features and oleophobic surface treatments into GDEs to repel aqueous-organic mixtures and expand the window of stable operating conditions.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The CARMENES Search for Exoplanets around M Dwarfs: A Low-mass Planet in the Temperate Zone of the Nearby K2-18

K2-18 is a nearby M2.5 dwarf, located at 34 pc and hosting a transiting planet that was first discovered by the K2 mission and later confirmed with Spitzer Space Telescope observations. With a radius of ∼2 R {sub ⊕} and an orbital period of ∼33 days, the planet lies in the temperate zone of its host star and receives stellar irradiation similar to that of Earth. Here we perform radial velocity follow-up observations with the visual channel of CARMENES with the goal of determining the mass and density of the planet. We measure a planetary semi-amplitude of K {sub b} ∼ 3.5 m s{sup −1} and a mass of M {sub b} ∼ 9 M {sub ⊕}, yielding a bulk density around ρ{sub b}∼4 g cm{sup −3}. This indicates a low-mass planet with a composition consistent with a solid core and a volatile-rich envelope. A signal at 9 days was recently reported using radial velocity measurements taken with the HARPS spectrograph. This was interpreted as being due to a second planet. We see a weaker, time- and wavelength-dependent signal in the CARMENES data set and thus favor stellar activity for its origin. K2-18 b joins the growing group of low-mass planets detected in the temperate zone of M dwarfs. The brightness of the host star in the near-infrared makes the system a good target for detailed atmospheric studies with the James Webb Space Telescope.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Augmentation of Fighter-Aircraft Performance by Spanwise Blowing over the Wing Leading Edge

Spanwise blowing over the wing and canard of a 1:35 model of a close-coupled-canard fighter airplane configuration (similar to the Kfir-C2) was investigated experimentally in low-speed flow. Tests were conducted at airspeeds of 30 m/sec (Reynolds number of 1.8 x 10 to the 5th power based on mean aerodynamic chord) with angle-of-attack sweeps from -8 to 60 deg, and yaw-angle sweeps from -8 to 36 deg at fixed angles of attack 0, 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35 deg. Significant improvement in lift-curve slope, maximum lift, drag polar and lateral/directional stability was found, enlarging the flight envelope beyond its previous low-speed/maximum-lift limit. In spite of the highly swept (60 deg) leading edge, the efficiency of the lift augmentation by blowing was relatively high and was found to increase with increasing blowing momentum on the close-coupled-canard configuration. Interesting possibilities of obtaining much higher efficiencies with swirling jets were indicated.

Seginer, A.↗

Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion Baseline Control Law: Flight-Test Results for the Full-scale Advanced Systems Testbed F/A-18 Airplane

A model reference nonlinear dynamic inversion control law has been developed to provide a baseline controller for research into simple adaptive elements for advanced flight control laws. This controller has been implemented and tested in a hardware-in-the-loop simulation and in flight. The flight results agree well with the simulation predictions and show good handling qualities throughout the tested flight envelope with some noteworthy deficiencies highlighted both by handling qualities metrics and pilot comments. Many design choices and implementation details reflect the requirements placed on the system by the nonlinear flight environment and the desire to keep the system as simple as possible to easily allow the addition of the adaptive elements. The flight-test results and how they compare to the simulation predictions are discussed, along with a discussion about how each element affected pilot opinions. Additionally, aspects of the design that performed better than expected are presented, as well as some simple improvements that will be suggested for follow-on work.

Miller, Christopher J.↗