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At least 1,549 records · Page 86

Spatially separating redox centers on 2D carbon nitride with cobalt single atom for photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production

Redox cocatalysts play crucial roles in photosynthetic reactions, yet simultaneous loading of oxidative and reductive cocatalysts often leads to enhanced charge recombination that is detrimental to photosynthesis. This study introduces an approach to simultaneously load two redox cocatalysts, atomically dispersed cobalt for improving oxidation activity and anthraquinone for improving reduction selectivity, onto graphitic carbon nitride (C 3 N 4 ) nanosheets for photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production. Spatial separation of oxidative and reductive cocatalysts was achieved on a two-dimensional (2D) photocatalyst, by coordinating cobalt single atom above the void center of C 3 N 4 and anchoring anthraquinone at the edges of C 3 N 4 nanosheets. Such spatial separation, experimentally confirmed and computationally simulated, was found to be critical for enhancing surface charge separation and achieving efficient H 2 O 2 production. This center/edge strategy for spatial separation of cocatalysts may be applied on other 2D photocatalysts that are increasingly studied in photosynthetic reactions.

2D photocatalyst↗

Simulating water adsorption in metal–organic frameworks with open metal sites using the 12-6-4 Lennard–Jones potential

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with coordinatively unsaturated open metal sites (OMSs) are promising sorbent materials in atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) systems at low relative humidity (RH) due to their strong interactions with water molecules. However, accurate computational modelling of water adsorption in those materials are challenging, as standard force fields (FFs) based on the 12-6 Lennard-Jones (L-J) potential cannot properly describe the water-OMS interactions. In biomolecular simulations, the 12-6-4 L-J potential has been successfully used to model metal ion-water interactions in which the extra 1/r 4 -term is for charge-induced dipole electrostatics. In this work, we adopted this strategy and used the 12-6-4 L-J potential to model water-OMS interactions in MOFs for low RH AWH applications. Notably, without any modifications, the parameters used for aqueous metal ions were able to greatly improve the accuracy in predicting water adsorption isotherms in MOF-74, which highlights the simplicity and transferability of this method.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

An Efficient Distributed Reinforcement Learning for Enhanced Multi-Microgrid Management

Economic dispatch in multi-microgrid (MMG) systems requires coordinating distributed energy resources (DERs) of different microgrids, which leads to a significant increase in the number of states for energy management. In these cases, traditional reinforcement learning (RL) approaches become computationally expensive or output a solution that causes extra-operating costs for the system. This paper proposes an RL approach that employs local learning agents to interact with microgrid environments in a distributed manner and aggregates the outcomes to train the global agent to learn the policy for the MMG system. This distributed exploration and aggregation process provides an effective solution and guides the global agent to learn the dispatch policy efficiently. Case studies are performed on a system with three microgrids with different types of DERs. Results obtained using the proposed RL and comparisons with conventional methods substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in terms of operation costs, computation time, and peak-to-average ratio.

Das, Avijit↗

Positive-Sequence Modeling of Droop-Controlled Grid-Forming Inverters for Transient Stability Simulation of Transmission Systems

Here, this paper describes a positive-sequence model to represent two widely reported droop-controlled grid-forming inverters for bulk power systems simulation study. Methods of how to develop the equivalent voltage source behind impedance to represent inverters with and without inner control loops, modeling of P-f and Q-V droop controls, active and reactive power limiting modeling, and modeling of fault current limiting controls are described in detail. The model is implemented in commercially available positive-sequence simulation tools and compared with detailed electromagnetic transient models in both a single-grid-forming-inverter infinite-bus system and a modified IEEE 39-bus system. Finally, the model is tested on the full US Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) system. Study results show that the model has a good level of accuracy compared to the detailed EMT models, and at the same time also achieves a high computational efficiency, which is suitable for the bulk power system simulation study.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Dynamic characteristics of a variable-mass flexible missile: Dynamics of a two-stage variable-mass flexible rocket

The dynamic characteristics of two-stage slender elastic body were investigated. The first stage, containing a solid-fuel rocket, possesses variable mass while the second stage, envisioned as a flexible case, contains packaged instruments of constant mass. The mathematical formulation was in terms of vector equations of motion transformed by a variational principle into sets of scalar differential equations in terms of generalized coordinates. Solutions to the complete equations were obtained numerically by means of finite difference techniques. The problem has been programmed in the FORTRAN 4 language and solved on an IBM 360/50 computer. Results for limited cases are presented showing the nature of the solutions.

Meirovitch, L.↗

Measurement of the lidar cross sections of cube corner arrays for laser ranging of satellites

The satellite coordinate system necessary to describe the location and orientation of each cube corner in the array is discussed. The method of optical testing is described along with the gain function, and computational methods for deriving the gain function and experimental values for it. The velocity aberration is derived as a function of satellite orbit, a complete method for cross section evaluation is described, and finally the radar equation is described.

Minott, P. O.↗

Rotorcraft derivative identification from analytical models and flight test data

A general procedure is presented for systematic development of rotorcraft models for use in systems identification, which includes fuselage and rotor degrees of freedom (DOF). Formulations for rigid blade flap and lag as well as the normal mode representation of an elastic blade are developed for hingeless and articulated rotor systems. The method of multiblade coordinates is used to obtain linear constant coefficient state variable models of various levels of approximation. Two of the approximate models, a 6 DOF, are identified from a nonlinear articulated helicopter computer simulation. The results demonstrate the accuracy attainable for each model. Advanced results outline the status of rotorcraft modeling and systems identification and indicate areas that require further investigation.

Molusis, J. A.↗

Three-dimensional multigrid algorithms for the flux-split Euler equations

The Full Approximation Scheme (FAS) multigrid method is applied to several implicit flux-split algorithms for solving the three-dimensional Euler equations in a body fitted coordinate system. Each of the splitting algorithms uses a variation of approximate factorization and is implemented in a finite volume formulation. The algorithms are all vectorizable with little or no scalar computation required. The flux vectors are split into upwind components using both the splittings of Steger-Warming and Van Leer. The stability and smoothing rate of each of the schemes are examined using a Fourier analysis of the complete system of equations. Results are presented for three-dimensional subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flows which demonstrate substantially improved convergence rates with the multigrid algorithm. The influence of using both a V-cycle and a W-cycle on the convergence is examined.

Anderson, W. Kyle↗

Collaboration technology and space science

A summary of available collaboration technologies and their applications to space science is presented as well as investigations into remote coaching paradigms and the role of a specific collaboration tool for distributed task coordination in supporting such teleoperations. The applicability and effectiveness of different communication media and tools in supporting remote coaching are investigated. One investigation concerns a distributed check-list, a computer-based tool that allows a group of people, e.g., onboard crew, ground based investigator, and mission control, to synchronize their actions while providing full flexibility for the flight crew to set the pace and remain on their operational schedule. This autonomy is shown to contribute to morale and productivity.

Leiner, Barry M.↗

Publication of topographic atlas and control network of Mars

To aid planetary studies and the planning of future Mars missions, the Topographic Atlas and Control Network for Mars will be submitted by the end of fiscal year 1992 for publication as a NASA Special Publication. It will consist of reduced versions of 108 1:2 million-scale photomosaics that show contour lines from topographic maps at the same scale, as well as precisely located control points. The control points are from the planetwide network, which is not only instrumental in the compilation of maps at various scales, but is also widely used in other research such as studies of Mars' gravity and atmosphere. An example, a combination of MC 8-NW and -SW, of the photomosaics to be included in the atlas is presented. Contour lines in the figure are at 1-km intervals. The final adjusted ground coordinates and elevations of the 77 control points shown are given in table form. The last column in the table lists the topographic datum (zero elevation) that can be used to compute the solid radius of the control point from the center of mass of Mars. The atlas will also include information such as the adjusted C-matrices of each image, descriptions of the methods used, and their accuracy, and guidelines for users.

Wu, Sherman S. C.↗

Aerodynamics of loaded cascades in subsonic flows subject to unsteady three-dimensional vortical disturbances

A highly efficient numerical method is developed for three-dimensional, periodic, vortical flows around a cascade of loaded airfoils. The method linearizes Euler's equations about the mean flow of the cascade and thus fully accounts for the effects of distortion of the vortical disturbances as they propogate and interact with the cascade mean flow. The numerical scheme is based on splitting the unsteady velocity into vortical and potential parts. The latter is governed by a non-constant coefficient inhomogeneous convective wave equation. A new and computationally suitable out-flow conditions are derived and avoid the difficulties associated with the singular velocity downstream. Solutions were obtained in the frequency domain by using a body-fitted coordinate system. Results are presented to demonstrate the effects of the out-flow boundary conditions, cascade spacing, mean blade loading and gust upstream conditions on the aerodynamics response and unsteady pressure field of a cascade.

Fang, J.↗

An architecture for real-time vision processing

To study the feasibility of developing an architecture for real time vision processing, a task queue server and parallel algorithms for two vision operations were designed and implemented on an i860-based Mercury Computing System 860VS array processor. The proposed architecture treats each vision function as a task or set of tasks which may be recursively divided into subtasks and processed by multiple processors coordinated by a task queue server accessible by all processors. Each idle processor subsequently fetches a task and associated data from the task queue server for processing and posts the result to shared memory for later use. Load balancing can be carried out within the processing system without the requirement for a centralized controller. The author concludes that real time vision processing cannot be achieved without both sequential and parallel vision algorithms and a good parallel vision architecture.

Chien, Chiun-Hong↗

Neural Network Based Sensory Fusion for Landmark Detection

NASA is planning to send numerous unmanned planetary missions to explore the space. This requires autonomous robotic vehicles which can navigate in an unstructured, unknown, and uncertain environment. Landmark based navigation is a new area of research which differs from the traditional goal-oriented navigation, where a mobile robot starts from an initial point and reaches a destination in accordance with a pre-planned path. The landmark based navigation has the advantage of allowing the robot to find its way without communication with the mission control station and without exact knowledge of its coordinates. Current algorithms based on landmark navigation however pose several constraints. First, they require large memories to store the images. Second, the task of comparing the images using traditional methods is computationally intensive and consequently real-time implementation is difficult. The method proposed here consists of three stages, First stage utilizes a heuristic-based algorithm to identify significant objects. The second stage utilizes a neural network (NN) to efficiently classify images of the identified objects. The third stage combines distance information with the classification results of neural networks for efficient and intelligent navigation.

Kumbla, Kishan -K.↗

Rocket Engine Numerical Simulator (RENS)

Work is being done at three universities to help today's NASA engineers use the knowledge and experience of their Apolloera predecessors in designing liquid rocket engines. Ground-breaking work is being done in important subject areas to create a prototype of the most important functions for the Rocket Engine Numerical Simulator (RENS). The goal of RENS is to develop an interactive, realtime application that engineers can utilize for comprehensive preliminary propulsion system design functions. RENS will employ computer science and artificial intelligence research in knowledge acquisition, computer code parallelization and objectification, expert system architecture design, and object-oriented programming. In 1995, a 3year grant from the NASA Lewis Research Center was awarded to Dr. Douglas Moreman and Dr. John Dyer of Southern University at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to begin acquiring knowledge in liquid rocket propulsion systems. Resources of the University of West Florida in Pensacola were enlisted to begin the process of enlisting knowledge from senior NASA engineers who are recognized experts in liquid rocket engine propulsion systems. Dr. John Coffey of the University of West Florida is utilizing his expertise in interviewing and concept mapping techniques to encode, classify, and integrate information obtained through personal interviews. The expertise extracted from the NASA engineers has been put into concept maps with supporting textual, audio, graphic, and video material. A fundamental concept map was delivered by the end of the first year of work and the development of maps containing increasing amounts of information is continuing. Find out more information about this work at the Southern University/University of West Florida. In 1996, the Southern University/University of West Florida team conducted a 4day group interview with a panel of five experts to discuss failures of the RL10 rocket engine in conjunction with the Centaur launch vehicle. The discussion was recorded on video and audio tape. Transcriptions of the entire proceedings and an abbreviated video presentation of the discussion highlights are under development. Also in 1996, two additional 3year grants were awarded to conduct parallel efforts that would complement the work being done by Southern University and the University of West Florida. Dr. Prem Bhalla of Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, is developing the architectural framework for RENS. By employing the Rose Rational language and Booch Object Oriented Programming (OOP) technology, Dr. Bhalla is developing the basic structure of RENS by identifying and encoding propulsion system components, their individual characteristics, and cross-functionality and dependencies. Dr. Ruknet Cezzar of Hampton University, located in Hampton, Virginia, began working on the parallelization and objectification of rocket engine analysis and design codes. Dr. Cezzar will use the Turbo C++ OOP language to translate important liquid rocket engine computer codes from FORTRAN and permit their inclusion into the RENS framework being developed at Jackson State University. The Southern University/University of West Florida grant was extended by 1 year to coordinate the conclusion of all three efforts in 1999.

Davidian, Kenneth O.↗

Immersive cyberspace system

An immersive cyberspace system is presented which provides visual, audible, and vibrational inputs to a subject remaining in neutral immersion, and also provides for subject control input. The immersive cyberspace system includes a relaxation chair and a neutral immersion display hood. The relaxation chair supports a subject positioned thereupon, and places the subject in position which merges a neutral body position, the position a body naturally assumes in zero gravity, with a savasana yoga position. The display hood, which covers the subject's head, is configured to produce light images and sounds. An image projection subsystem provides either external or internal image projection. The display hood includes a projection screen moveably attached to an opaque shroud. A motion base supports the relaxation chair and produces vibrational inputs over a range of about 0-30 Hz. The motion base also produces limited translation and rotational movements of the relaxation chair. These limited translational and rotational movements, when properly coordinated with visual stimuli, constitute motion cues which create sensations of pitch, yaw, and roll movements. Vibration transducers produce vibrational inputs from about 20 Hz to about 150 Hz. An external computer, coupled to various components of the immersive cyberspace system, executes a software program and creates the cyberspace environment. One or more neutral hand posture controllers may be coupled to the external computer system and used to control various aspects of the cyberspace environment, or to enter data during the cyberspace experience.

Park, Brian V.↗

Natural Ocean Carbon Cycle Sensitivity to Parameterizations of the Recycling in a Climate Model

Sensitivities of the oceanic biological pump within the GISS (Goddard Institute for Space Studies ) climate modeling system are explored here. Results are presented from twin control simulations of the air-sea CO2 gas exchange using two different ocean models coupled to the same atmosphere. The two ocean models (Russell ocean model and Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model, HYCOM) use different vertical coordinate systems, and therefore different representations of column physics. Both variants of the GISS climate model are coupled to the same ocean biogeochemistry module (the NASA Ocean Biogeochemistry Model, NOBM), which computes prognostic distributions for biotic and abiotic fields that influence the air-sea flux of CO2 and the deep ocean carbon transport and storage. In particular, the model differences due to remineralization rate changes are compared to differences attributed to physical processes modeled differently in the two ocean models such as ventilation, mixing, eddy stirring and vertical advection. GISSEH(GISSER) is found to underestimate mixed layer depth compared to observations by about 55% (10 %) in the Southern Ocean and overestimate it by about 17% (underestimate by 2%) in the northern high latitudes. Everywhere else in the global ocean, the two models underestimate the surface mixing by about 12-34 %, which prevents deep nutrients from reaching the surface and promoting primary production there. Consequently, carbon export is reduced because of reduced production at the surface. Furthermore, carbon export is particularly sensitive to remineralization rate changes in the frontal regions of the subtropical gyres and at the Equator and this sensitivity in the model is much higher than the sensitivity to physical processes such as vertical mixing, vertical advection and mesoscale eddy transport. At depth, GISSER, which has a significant warm bias, remineralizes nutrients and carbon faster thereby producing more nutrients and carbon at depth, which eventually resurfaces with the global thermohaline circulation especially in the Southern Ocean. Because of the reduced primary production and carbon export in GISSEH compared to GISSER, the biological pump efficiency, i.e., the ratio of primary production and carbon export at 75 m, is half in the GISSEH of that in GISSER, The Southern Ocean emerges as a key region where the CO2 flux is as sensitive to biological parameterizations as it is to physical parameterizations. The fidelity of ocean mixing in the Southern Ocean compared to observations is shown to be a good indicator of the magnitude of the biological pump efficiency regardless of physical model choice.

Antarctic Ocean↗

Forecasting Space Weather Events for a Neighboring World

Shortly after NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN mission (MAVEN) spacecraft entered Mars' orbit on 21 September 2014, scientists glimpsed the Martian atmosphere's response to a front of solar energetic particles (SEPs) and an associated coronal mass ejection (CME). In response to some solar flares and CMEs, streams of SEPs burst from the solar atmosphere and are further accelerated in the interplanetary medium between the Sun and the planets. These particles deposit their energy and momentum into anything in their path, including the Martian atmosphere and MAVEN particle detectors. MAVEN scientists had been alerted to the likely CME-Mars encounter by a space weather prediction system that had its origins in space weather forecasting for Earth but now forecasts space weather for Earth's neighboring planets. The two Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory spacecraft and Solar Heliospheric Observatory observed a CME on 26 September, with a trajectory that suggested a Mars intercept. A computer model developed for solar wind prediction, the Wang-Sheeley-Arge-Enlil cone model [e.g., Zheng et al., 2013; Parsons et al., 2011], running in real time at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) located at NASA Goddard since 2006, showed the CME propagating in the direction of Mars (Figure 1). According to MAVEN particle detectors, the disturbance and accompanying SEP enhancement at the leading edge of the CME reached Mars at approximately 17 hours Universal Time on 29 September 2014. Such SEPs may have a profound effect on atmospheric escape - they are believed to be a possible means for driving atmospheric loss. SEPs can cause loss of Mars' upper atmosphere through several loss mechanisms including sputtering of the atmosphere. Sputtering occurs when atoms are ejected from the atmosphere due to impacts with energetic particles.

space weather↗

Comprehensive Assessment of Models and Events Using Library Tools (CAMEL) Framework: Time Series Comparisons

The Comprehensive Assessment of Models and Events using Library Tools (CAMEL) framework leverages existing Community Coordinated Modeling Center services: Run on Request post processing tools that generate model time series outputs and the new Community Coordinated Modeling Center Metadata Registry that describes simulation runs using Space Physics Archive Search and Extract metadata. The new CAMEL visualization tool compares the modeled time series with observational data and computes a suite of skill scores such as Prediction Efficiency, Root Mean Square Error, and Symmetric Signed Percentage Bias. Model data pairs used for skill calculations are obtained considering a user selected maximum difference between the time of observation and the nearest model output. The system renders available data for all locations and time periods selected using interactive visualizations that allow the user to zoom, pan, and pick data values along traces. Skill scores are reported for each selected event or aggregated over all events for all participating model runs. Separately, scores are reported for all locations (satellites or stations) and for each location individually. We are building on past experiences with model data comparisons of magnetosphere and ionosphere model outputs from GEM2008, GEMCEDAR Electrodynamics Thermosphere Ionosphere, and the SWPC Operational Space Weather Model challenges. The CAMEL visualization tool is demonstrated using three validation studies: (a) Wang Sheeley Arge heliosphere simulations compared against OMNI solar wind data, (b) ground magnetic perturbations from several magnetosphere and ionosphere electrodynamics models as observed by magnetometers, and (c) electron fluxes from several ring current simulations compared to Radiation Belt Storm Probes Helium Oxygen Proton Electron instrument measurements, integrated over different energy ranges.

Rastätter, Lutz↗