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At least 145 records · Page 8

Determining structure in molecular clouds

We descibe an automatic, objective routine for analyzing the clumpy structure in a spectral line position-position-velocity data cube. The algorithm works by first contouring the data at a multiple of the rms noise of the observations, then searches for peaks of emission which locate the clumps, and then follows them down to lower intensities. No a proiri clump profile is assumed. By creating simulated data, we test the performance of the algorithm and show that a contour map most accurately depicts internal structure at a contouring interval equal to twice the rms noise of the map. Blending of clump emission leads to small errors in mass and size determinations and in severe cases can result in a number of clumps being misidentified as a single unit, flattening the measured clump mass spectrum. The algorithm is applied to two real data sets as an example of its use. The Rosette molecular cloud is a 'typical' star-forming cloud, but in the Maddalena molecular cloud high-mass star formation is completely absent. Comparison of the two clump lists generated by the algorithm show that on a one-to-one basis the clumps in the star-forming cloud have higher peak temperatures, higher average densities, and are more gravitationally bound than in the non-star-forming cloud. Collective properties of the clumps, such as temperature-size-line-width-mass relations appear very similar, however. Contrary to the initial results reported in a previous paper (Williams & Blitz 1993), we find that the current, more thoroughly tes ted analysis finds no significant difference in the clump mass spectrum of the two clouds.

Williams, Jonathan P.↗

UV Spectropolarimetry With Polstar: Protoplanetary Disks

Polstar is a proposed NASA MIDEX mission that carries a high resolution UV spectropolarimeter capable of measure all four Stokes parameters onboard a 60 cm telescope. The mission has been designed to pioneer the field of time-domain UV spectropolarimetry. Time domain UV spectropolarimetry offers the best resource to determine the geometry and physical conditions of protoplanetary disks from the stellar surface to <5 AU.We detail two key objectives that a dedicated time domain UV spectropolarimetry survey, such as that enabled by Polstar or a similar mission concept, could achieve: 1) Test the hypothesis that magneto-accretion operating in young planet-forming disks around lower-mass stars transitions to boundary layer accretion in planet-forming disks around higher mass stars; and 2) Discriminate whether transient events in the innermost regions of planet-forming disks of intermediate mass stars are caused by inner disk misalignments or from stellar or disk emissions.

John P Wisniewski↗

The Odd Dark Matter Halos of Isolated Gas-rich Ultradiffuse Galaxies

Abstract We analyze circular velocity profiles of seven ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs) that are isolated and gas-rich. Assuming that the dark matter halos of these UDGs have a Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW) density profile or a Read density profile (which allows for constant-density cores), the inferred halo concentrations are systematically lower than the cosmological median, even as low as −0.6 dex (about 5 σ away) in some cases. Alternatively, similar fits can be obtained with a density profile that scales roughly as 1/ r 2 for radii larger than a few kiloparsecs. Both solutions require the radius where the halo circular velocity peaks ( R max ) to be much larger than the median expectation. Surprisingly, we find an overabundance of such large- R max halos in the IllustrisTNG dark-matter-only simulations compared to the Gaussian expectation. These halos form late and have higher spins compared to median halos of similar masses. The inner densities of the most extreme among these late-forming halos are higher than their NFW counterparts, leading to a ∼1/ r 2 density profile. However, the two well-resolved UDGs in our sample strongly prefer lower dark matter densities in the center than the simulated ones. Comparing to IllustrisTNG hydrodynamical simulations, we also find a tension in getting both low enough circular velocities and high enough halo mass to accommodate the measurements. Our results indicate that the gas-rich UDGs present a significant challenge for galaxy formation models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Balloon borne Antarctic frost point measurements and their impact on polar stratospheric cloud theories

The first balloon-borne frost point measurements over Antarctica were made during September and October, 1987 as part of the NOZE 2 effort at McMurdo. The results indicate water vapor mixing ratios on the order of 2 ppmv in the 15 to 20 km region which is somewhat smaller than the typical values currently being used significantly smaller than the typical values currently being used in polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) theories. The observed water vapor mixing ratio would correspond to saturated conditions for what is thought to be the lowest stratospheric temperatures encountered over the Antarctic. Through the use of available lidar observations there appears to be significant evidence that some PSCs form at temperatures higher than the local frost point (with respect to water) in the 10 to 20 km region thus supporting the nitric acid theory of PSC composition. Clouds near 15 km and below appear to form in regions saturated with respect to water and thus are probably mostly ice water clouds although they could contain relatively small amounts of other constituents. Photographic evidence suggests that the clouds forming above the frost point probably have an appearance quite different from the lower altitude iridescent, colored nacreous clouds.

Rosen, James M.↗

Experimental and modeling study of the autoignition behavior of a saturated heterocycle: Pyrrolidine

Experiments are conducted in both rapid compression machine (RCM) and shock tube (ST) to better quantify autoignition behavior (e.g., ignition delay, heat release) and understand heteroatomic effects in heterocyclic compounds, which are important reference components for the combustion of biomass-derived liquid fuels. These tests focus on the nitrogen-containing, five-membered saturated ring, pyrrolidine, at diluted conditions covering pressures of 20 and 50 bar, temperatures of 720–1450 K and a range of stoichiometries (ϕ = 0.5–2). A chemical kinetic model is developed and coupled to an existing combustion kinetics framework describing key nitrogen containing intermediates (e.g. pyrrole, ammonia and NOx). H-abstraction reactions by OH, H, CH 3 and HO 2 , are determined using ab-initio transition state theory methods, while analogies to cyclopentane are adopted for many other reactions, such as ring-opening. Here, the autoignition measurements reveal the lack of negative temperature coefficient (NTC) behavior and low-temperature chemistry for pyrrolidine, as opposed to its saturated hydrocarbon analogue, cyclopentane. Interestingly, at the lowest temperatures (T < 750 K), the reactivity of cyclopentane is greater than pyrrolidine, while at higher temperatures, pyrrolidine becomes more reactive. Agreement between the experimental measurements and the model is good, and it is found that H-abstraction reactions by HO 2 and ensuing chemistry play key roles in controlling the reactivity of this cyclic amine. Most of the fluxes, i.e., >70 %, are predicted to move through 1- or 2-pyrroline (C 4 H 7 N) and then the cyclic C 4 H 6 N radical, at both lower and higher temperatures, to form either CH 2 CHCHCHNH via ring-opening or pyrrole via β-scission. It appears that the ring opens more easily at lower temperature whereas the C–H β-scission dominates at higher temperature and lower pressure, such that the reaction of the fuel radical intermediate carrying an unpaired electron on the nitrogen atom with HO 2 is the next most notable in promoting oxidation. When comparing pyrrolidine and cyclopentane, which exhibits distinct pathways in different temperature regimes, the pyrrolidine pathways and sensitivity analysis align more closely to the high temperature case of cyclopentane where the important role of HO 2 radicals is seen to provide chain branching through HO 2 reaction with the fuel, accompanied by H 2 O 2 formation and decomposition to OH. The formation of 5-membered diene rings and ring opening reactions are also found to be highly relevant. Of particular note, it is found that there is little influence of small molecule nitrogen-chemistry, e.g., NH 2 , HCN, NO/NO 2 on the reactivity of the pyrrolidine mixtures investigated here where no recirculated combustion gases are included.

Autoignition↗

Solution Blowing Synthesis of Li-Conductive Ceramic Nanofibers

Solid state electrolytes (SSEs) offer great potential to enable high-performance and safe lithium (Li) batteries. However, the scale-up synthesis and processing of SSEs is a major challenge. In this work, three-dimensional networks of lithium lanthanum titanite (LLTO) nanofibers are produced through a scale-up technique based on solution blowing. Compared with the conventional electrospinning method, the solution blowing technique enables high-speed fabrication of SSEs (e.g., 15 times faster) with superior productivity and quality. Additionally, the room-temperature ionic conductivity of composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) formed from solution-blown LLTO fibers is 70% higher than the ones formed from electrospun fibers (1.9 x 10 -4 vs 1.1 x 10 -4 S cm -1 for 10 wt % LLTO fibers). Furthermore, the cyclability of the CPEs made from solution-blown fibers in the symmetric Li cell is more than 2.5 times that of the CPEs made from electrospun fibers. These comparisons here show that solution-blown ion-conductive fibers hold great promise for applications in Li metal batteries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Exploring the Promise of Multifunctional “Zintl-Phase-Forming” Electrolytes for Si-Based Full Cells

Li-M-Si ternary Zintl phases have gained attention recently due to their high structural stability, which can improve the cycling stability compared to a bulk Si electrode. Adding multivalent cation salts (such as Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ) in the electrolyte was proven to be a simple way to form Li-M-Si ternary phases in situ in Si-based Li-ion cells. To explore the promise of Zintl-phaseforming electrolytes, we systematically investigated their application in pouch cells via electrochemical and multiscale postmortem analysis. The introduction of multivalent cations, such as Mg 2+ , during charging can form Li x M y Si ternary phases. They can stabilize Si anions and reduce side reactions with electrolyte, improving the bulk stability. More importantly, Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ incorporate into interfacial side reactions and generate inorganic-rich solid- electrolyte interphase, thus enhancing the interfacial stability. Therefore, the full cells with Zintl-phase-forming electrolytes achieve higher capacity retentions at the C/3 rate after 100 cycles, compared to a baseline electrolyte. Additionally, strategies for mitigating the electrode-level fractures of Si were evaluated to make the best use of Zintl-phase-forming electrolytes. In conclusion, this work highlights the significance of synergistic impact of multifunctional additives to stabilize both bulk and interface chemistry in high-energy Si anode materials for Li-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Advanced method and processing technology for complicated shape airframe part forming

Slow deformation modes of forming give considerably higher residual fatigue life of the airframe part. It has experimentally proven that fatigue life of complicated shape integral airframe panels made of high strength aluminum alloys is significantly increased after creep deformation process. To implement the slow deformation mode forming methods, universal automated equipment was developed. Multichannel forming systems provide high accuracy of airframe part shape eliminating residual stresses and spring effect. Forming process multizone control technology was developed and experimentally proved that static/fatigue properties of formed airframe parts are increased.

Miodushevsky, P. V.↗

Experimental studies of gas trapping in amorphous ice and thermal modelling of comets: Implications for Rosetta

The trapping of mixtures of CO, CH4, N2 and Ar in amorphous water ice was studied experimentally. It is shown that the ice particles could not have been formed at a higher temperature and, subsequently, cool down. Experiments where ice was deposited at elevated temperatures, then cooled down and gas was flowed into the ice, showed that the amount of trapped gas depends only on the highest temperature at which the ice was formed, or resided, prior to cooling and gas flow into it. Consequently, the cometary ice had to be formed at approx. 48 K and the ice is therefore amorphous. The thermal profile of a comet in Halley's orbit was calculated, including the build-up of an insulating dust layer. It was found that an insulating dust layer a few cm thick is enough to choke most of the water emission from the surface. A similar thermal model was calculated for comet P/Temple-1, a candidate for both CRAF and Rosetta (CNSR) missions. The temperature at a depth of 10 m is approx. 160 K for all models considered and, hence, the ice at this depth is crystalline. A crystalline ice layer 40 to 240 m thick was found to overly the gas-laden amorphous ice. Consequently, it should be difficult for the probes of the two comet missions to sample pristine amorphous ice, unless they are aimed at the bottom of an active crater.

Bar-Nun, Akiva↗

Jarosite in Gale Crater, Mars: The Importance of Temporal and Spatial Variability and Implications for Habitiability

The Curiosity rover has recently found evidence for small amounts of jarosite, a ferric sulfate, in the Pahrump Hills region at the base of Aeolis Mons (Mount Sharp), Gale crater. While jarosite has been described previously at other locations on Mars, including several sites at Meridiani Planum (explored by the Opportunity rover; and Mawrth Vallis (by remote MRO-CRISM observations; this is the first identification in Gale. Jarosite is interpreted to be a mineral indicator of acidic conditions (pH less than 4; on Earth, it is most commonly found in acid rock-drainage or acid sulfate soil environments. However, jarosite has also been described from a number of terrestrial environments where widespread acidic conditions are not prevalent. As a case study, we describe here an occurrence of sedimentary pyrite nodules that have been variably oxidized in situ to gypsum, schwertmannite, K-/Na-jarosite and iron oxides in a polar desert environment on Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada. Remarkably, these nodules occur in loosely consolidated carbonate sediments, which would have required a higher pH environment at their time of formation and deposition. Thus, acidic conditions may only exist at a small (sub-cm) scale or in a restricted temporal window in an otherwise well-buffered environment. On Devon Island, the jarosite occurs in the most oxidized nodules and is never associated directly with pyrite. Schwertmannite, a metastable iron oxyhydroxysulfate that can form at pH higher than that required for jarosite, occurs in association with partially oxidized pyrite. The paragenetic sequence observed here suggests initial formation of schwertmannite and late-stage precipitation of jarosite in restricted micro-environments, possibly forming via transformation of an amorphous schwertmannite-like phase. While the carbonate environment on Devon Island differs significantly from that of Gale crater, i.e., where we find predominantly basaltic sedimentary rocks, this terrestrial analog provides insight into the significance of jarosite with respect to habitability. For example, the variable abundance of jarosite on Mars and possibly in Gale crater points to potentially localized conditions favorable for jarosite formation. Interestingly, small amounts of sulfide minerals have also been detected by Curiosity at Yellowknife Bay; oxidation of sulfide minerals at Pahrump could explain the presence of small amounts of jarosite. The iron-rich rocks at Pahrump may also represent relatively altered basaltic sediments, or they could be sediments that were altered further by a fluid with a distinct, possibly more acidic, composition. In addition, the abundance of iron-rich amorphous material in Gale rocks allows for the possibility that pre-cursor, iron-bearing phases transform to jarosite post-depositionally. Thus, the occurrence of jarosite at Pahrump could reflect changing paleoenvironmental conditions, though continuing study of its context and textural relationships should provide a fuller understanding of the significance of this mineral to past fluid compositions and past habitability at Gale crater.

Leveille, R. J.↗

Characteristics of Pool Boiling on Graphite-Copper Composite Surfaces

Nucleate pool boiling performance of different liquids on graphite-copper composite (Gr-Cu) surfaces has been experimentally studied and modeled. Both highly wetting fluids, such as freon-113 and pentane, and a moderately wetting fluid (water) were tested on the Gr-Cu surfaces with different graphite-fiber volume fractions to reveal the enhancement effects of the composite surfaces on the nucleate pool boiling. Results of the experiments show that the graphite-fiber volume fraction has an optimum value. The Gr-Cu composite surface with 25 percent graphite-fiber volume (f=0.25) has a maximum enhancement effect on the nucleate boiling heat transfer comparing to the pure copper surface. For the highly wetting fluid, the nucleate boiling heat transfer is generally enhanced on the Gr- Cu composite surfaces by 3 to 6 times shown. In the low heat flux region, the enhancement is over 6 times, but in the high heat flux region, the enhancement is reduced to about 40%. For the moderately wetting fluid (water), stronger enhancement of nucleate boiling heat transfer is achieved on the composite surface. It shown the experimental results in which one observes the nucleate boiling heat transfer enhancement of 5 to 10 times in the low heat flux region and an enhancement of 3 to 5 times in the high heat flux region. Photographs of bubble departure during the initial stage of nucleate boiling indicate that the bubbles detached from the composite surface are much smaller in diameter than those detached from the pure copper surface. Typical photographs are presented.It shows that the bubbles departed from the composite surface have diameters of only O(0.1) mm, while those departed from the pure copper surface have diameters of O(1) mm. It is also found that the bubbles depart from the composite surface at a much higher frequency, thus forming vapor columns. These two phenomena combined with high thermal conductivity of the graphite fiber are considered the mechanisms for such a significant augmentation in nucleate boiling heat transfer on the composite surfaces. A physical model is developed to describe the phenomenon of bubble departure from the composite surface: The preferred site of bubble nucleation is the fiber tip because of higher tip temperature than the surrounding copper base and poor wettability of the graphite tip compared with that of the base material (copper). The high evaporation rate near the contact line produces the vapor cutback due to the vapor recoil pushing the three-phase line outwards from the fiber tip, and so a neck of the bubble is formed near the bubble bottom. Evaporation and surface tension accelerate the necking process and finally result in the bubble departure while a new small bubble is formed at the tip when the surface tension pushes the three-phase line back to the tip. The process is schematically shown. The proposed model is based on and confirmed by experimental results.

Zhang, Nengli↗

Bed form-induced hyporheic exchange and geochemical hotspots

Small-scale bed form topographies control hyporheic exchange and biogeochemical processes within aquatic sediments, which ultimately affect water quality and nutrient cycling at the watershed scale. The impact of three-dimensional and small-scale bed form topographies on hyporheic exchange and solute mixing is investigated in the present work. The effect of bed form morphologies on the development of zones of enhanced reaction rates (i.e., hotspots) is also studied. A computational fluid dynamics model to simulate river flow over bed forms is combined with a subsurface flow and multicomponent reactive solute transport model. A wide variety of bed form topographies are generated using geometric models by varying parameters controlling curvature as well as bed form wavelength and amplitude. The results in this research suggest that out-of-phase bed forms generate more complex hyporheic flow patterns which reduce the efficiency of solute transformations. Higher phase shifts in bed form shapes result in overall higher average velocity, larger zones of enhanced pressure and reaction rates, and higher amounts of solute exchange. Moreover, the bed form shapes control the reaction process for a wide range of sediment conductivities. Here this study advances the understanding of the effects of complex and small scale morphological features on hyporheic exchange processes including the rate and spatio-temporal distribution of reaction hotspots.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Characterization of Al-Cu-Li Alloy 2090 Near Net Shape Extrusion

Aluminum-lithium (Al-Li) alloys near net shape extrusions are being evaluated for potential application in launch vehicle structures. The objective of this study was to determine tensile and fracture properties, corrosion resistance, and weldability of integrally stiffened panels of Al-Cu-Li alloy 2090 in the T8 temper. The microstructure was pre-dominantly unrecrystallized. Texture analyses revealed the presence of fiber components in the stiffeners and a combination of fiber and rolling components in the skin. Variations in grain morphology and texture through the extruded cross section were correlated with the tensile, fracture, and corrosion behavior. Tensile strengths at room and cryogenic temperatures of the 2090 extrusions were similar to other 2090 product forms and were higher than 2219-T87, the primary structural material in the Space Shuttle external tank; however, ductilities were lower. The fracture resistance of the 2090 extrusion was lower than 2219-T87 plate at room temperature. At cryogenic temperatures, tensile ductility and fracture behavior of the 2090 extrusion were similar to other 2090 product forms but were lower than 2219-T87 plate. The exfoliation and stress corrosion resistance of the 2090 extrusion compared favorably with the characteristics of other 2090 product forms. The weldability and weldment properties of the extrusions were similar to 2090 and 2219 plates.

Birt, M. J.↗

Iodate interactions with calcite: implications for natural attenuation

Solid-phase interactions and speciation are important to radioiodine transport in groundwater. At the Hanford Site in Southeastern Washington State, iodate (IO 3 - ) is the main aqueous species in dilute radioiodine groundwater plumes. Like other oxyanions, IO 3 - may be incorporated into and/or adsorbed onto calcite, a common mineral at Hanford, decreasing its mobility in the environment. A series of macroscale batch experiments combined with solid phase characterization were conducted to identify variables impacting time-dependent aqueous IO 3 - removal via calcite precipitation and determine the location of IO 3 - within the calcite crystal structure. Results demonstrated 11.5-97% aqueous IO 3 - removal during initial rapid calcite precipitation. Incorporation was apparently the main removal mechanism, although later slower precipitation and/or adsorption may have also contributed to IO 3 - removal. Using a higher concentration of the calcite forming solutions (i.e., using 1M vs. 0.1M concentrations) resulted in an increase in the amount of precipitated calcite and a greater percentage of IO 3 - removed; however, calcite formed with lower molarity solutions resulted in higher IO 3 - mass (µg/g) removal. Solubility testing of laboratory produced calcites showed only small differences in solubility for calcite with and without IO 3 - incorporated into the structure. Evidence collected from SEM/FIB and TEM/SAED suggested that the IO 3 - incorporated into calcite was present in regions close to surface (implying potential easy release upon calcite dissolution).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Graviceptor development in jellyfish ephyrae in space and on Earth

Graviceptor (rhopalium) development in Aurelia aurita ephyrae which developed on Earth and in space during the nine-day NASA SLS-1 mission was compared. The space-developed ephyrae made graviceptors which were morphologically similar to those of their ground-based controls. Rhopalia of both groups developed statocysts with statoliths, ocelli, ciliated mechanoreceptor cells, and immature touch-plates with one type of hair cell. The number of rhopalia formed per arm of ephyrae of both groups revealed no significant differences. The number of statoliths formed per rhopalium was statistically higher in ephyrae which were induced to form in space with iodine than in L(Launch)+8h controls. Statolith numbers were not significantly different between Earth-formed control ephyrae and those formed from polyps induced on Earth and then sent into space 24h and 48h later. Statolith loss from rhopalia was significantly enhanced in the space-maintained ephyrae in artificial sea water (ASW) as compared to their controls. Ephyrae formed through thyroxine treatment and those maintained in thyroxine in space had statolith numbers comparable to thyroxine-treated controls. Pulsing abnormalitities seen in some space-developed ephyrae suggest that some space-formed ephyrae may have developed abnormal rhopalia because normal rhopalia development and function is necessary for normal pulsing.

Spangenberg, D. B.↗

Coronal Hard X-Ray Sources Revisited

This paper reports on the re-analysis of solar flares in which the hard X-rays (HXRs) come predominantly from the corona rather than from the more usual chromospheric footpoints. All of the 26 previously analyzed event time intervals, over 13 flares, are re-examined for consistency with a flare model in which electrons are accelerated near the top of a magnetic loop which has a sufficiently high density to stop most of the electrons by Coulomb collisions before they can reach the footpoints. Of particular importance in the previous analysis was the finding that the length of the coronal HXR source increased with energy in the 20–30 keV range. However, after allowing for the possibility that footpoint emission at the higher energies affects the inferred length of the coronal HXR source, and using analysis techniques that suppress the possible influence of such footpoint emission, we conclude that there is no longer evidence that the length of the HXR coronal sources increase with increasing energy. In fact, for the six flares and 12 time intervals that satisfied our selection criteria, the loop lengths decreased on average by 1.0 ± 0.2 arcsec between 20 and 30 keV, with a standard deviation of 3.5 arcsec. We find strong evidence that the peak of the coronal HXR source increases in altitude with increasing energy. For the thermal component of the emission, this is consistent with the standard CHSKP flare model in which magnetic reconnection in a coronal current sheet results in new hot loops being formed at progressively higher altitudes. The explanation for the nonthermal emission is not so clear.

Gamma rays↗

Numerical Modeling of the South Pole-Aitkin Impact

The South Pole-Aitkin (SPA) basin, on the far side of the Moon, is the largest and oldest impact structure still preserved in the solar system. The crater is about 2500 km in diameter and formed in the Pre-Nectarian era of lunar history, over 4 Gyr ago. At this time, the thermal state of the Moon was much hotter than it is today. Accretional energy from the rapidly forming Moon melted the outermost few hundred kilometers of the Moon. As this magma ocean differentiated and cooled a 60 100-km thick low-density crust formed at the surface; below this the residual melt, with a higher density, cooled to form the lunar mantle. The giant SPA impact event punctured the Moon some time during the cooling of the magma ocean and thus provides a unique window for studying the lunar interior and the early formative processes of the Moon. The impact excavated otherwise inaccessible samples of the deep crust and (possibly) upper mantle, which has inspired proposed sample return missions. Furthermore, the thermal and rheologic state of the early Moon played a role in shaping the final structure of the basin. To aid in site selection for future sample return missions to the SPA basin, and to investigate the effect of thermal state on final crater structure, we performed some numerical simulations of the SPA impact event.

Collins, G. S.↗