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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,567 records · Page 87
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

Radiogenic cell transformation and carcinogenesis

Radiation carcinogenesis is one of the major biological effects considered important in the risk assessment for space travel. Various biological model systems, including both cultured cells and animals, have been found useful for studying the carcinogenic effects of space radiations, which consist of energetic electrons, protons and heavy ions. The development of techniques for studying neoplastic cell transformation in culture has made it possible to examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of radiation carcinogenesis. Cultured cell systems are thus complementary to animal models. Many investigators have determined the oncogenic effects of ionizing and nonionizing radiation in cultured mammalian cells. One of the cell systems used most often for radiation transformation studies is mouse embryonic cells (C3H10T1/2), which are easy to culture and give good quantitative dose-response curves. Relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for heavy ions with various energies and linear energy transfer (LET) have been obtained with this cell system. Similar RBE and LET relationship was observed by investigators for other cell systems. In addition to RBE measurements, fundamental questions on repair of sub- and potential oncogenic lesions, direct and indirect effect, primary target and lesion, the importance of cell-cell interaction and the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in radiogenic carcinogenesis have been studied, and interesting results have been found. Recently several human epithelial cell systems have been developed, and ionizing radiation have been shown to transform these cells. Oncogenic transformation of these cells, however, requires a long expression time and/or multiple radiation exposures. Limited experimental data indicate high-LET heavy ions can be more effective than low-LET radiation in inducing cell transformation. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses can be performed with cloned transformants to provide insights into basic genetic mechanism(s) of radiogenic transformation of human epithelial cells.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗
DOE OSTI2025

A high-temperature heat flux sensor using the transverse Seebeck effect in elemental rhenium

Heat flux sensors compatible with hot environments are critical to advance aerospace, materials, and energy generation technologies that cope with extreme thermal conditions. In this work, we report on the development and characterization of a high-temperature heat flux sensor using the transverse Seebeck effect in rhenium single crystals. The sensor leverages refractory alloys and ceramics compatible with temperatures exceeding 1000 °C. The heat flux sensor was characterized from room temperature to 500 °C using a temperature-controlled calibration facility. At constant temperature, the sensor’s voltage output is linear with respect to the absorbed heat flux. The responsivity of the sensor varies with temperature, from 1.3 μV/(W/cm 2 ) at room temperature to −3.2 μV/(W/cm 2 ) at 500 °C, increasing monotonically in magnitude after changing sign from positive to negative at approximately 300 °C. The experimental results are in good agreement with analytical predictions of the sensor’s temperature-dependent responsivity, which suggest a further increase in magnitude up to −7.4 μV/(W/cm 2 ) at 1000 °C. These results highlight the unique characteristics of rhenium as a TSE transducer. The design offers compatibility with a wide range of operating temperatures and yields a measurement sensitivity that increases as the environmental conditions become more challenging.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Characterization of fast magnetosonic waves driven by compact toroid plasma injection along a magnetic field

Magnetosonic waves are low-frequency, linearly polarized magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves commonly found in space, responsible for many well-known features, such as heating of the solar corona. In this work, we report observations of interesting wave signatures driven by injecting compact toroid (CT) plasmas into a static Helmholtz magnetic field at the Big Red Ball Facility at Wisconsin Plasma Physics Laboratory. By comparing the experimental results with the MHD theory, we identify that these waves are the fast magnetosonic modes propagating perpendicular to the background magnetic field. Additionally, we further investigate how the background field, preapplied poloidal magnetic flux in the CT injector, and the coarse grid placed in the chamber affect the characteristics of the waves. Since this experiment is part of an ongoing effort of creating a target plasma with tangled magnetic fields as a novel fusion fuel for magneto-inertial fusion (MIF), our current results could shed light on future possible paths of forming such a target for MIF.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Systematic multi-machine analysis of the exhaust time-dependent behavior in tokamaks

The understanding of the time-scales and associated transient behavior of fusion exhaust plasmas plays a crucial role in its dynamic modeling and its control. This work presents an overview of experimental investigations of the exhaust dynamics in TCV, MAST-U, ASDEX-Upgrade, WEST, DIII-D, and JET. From the presented experiments, a clear picture arises on properties of the exhaust dynamics across machines. Particularly, we observe that the scrape-off layer equilibrates on fast time-scales ($>$ 70 Hz) and that exhaust dynamics measured in response to gas valve modulations mostly behave smoothly and linearly, with similarities across devices, across scenarios (H-mode, L-mode), injected species, and injection locations. The measurements presented have formed the basis for systematic exhaust control on the considered devices. We now present this database for the essential validation of dynamic exhaust models for reactor design and control.

control↗
DOE OSTI2022

Multi-channel front-end ASIC for a 3D position-sensitive detector

Arrays of 3D position-sensitive detectors (3DPSD), operating at room temperature and using cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and thallium bromide (TIBr) sensors, are suitable for gamma-ray spectrometry in many applications. One detector configuration, the 3D position-sensitive Virtual Frisch-Grid detector (VFG), is particularly advantageous for integrating into large area arrays. The signals generated inside each detector of the array are captured with the anode, cathode and four pads that enable the reconstruction of the position and energy of the ionizing interaction by measurements of amplitude and timing of the signals. For these applications, a low-noise front-end ASIC has been developed, capable of processing bipolar signals (needed because of AC-coupling of certain electrodes). The ASIC can be coupled to an ADC in order to form a compound “waveform digitizer” capable of post-processing the analog signals and determining amplitude and timing information. This paper describes a 32-channel front-end ASIC that is suitable for reading out a 3 × 3 or 4 × 4 element matrix in the VFG configuration. Each channel is composed of a low-noise charge amplifier with an adaptive continuous reset feedback circuit suitable for both positive and negative charge, a first order shaper and a single-to-differential converter output stage. Voltage and current references are all internally generated by 10-bit DACs and the chip is fully controllable with the I 2 C communication protocol. The readout channel response has been verified using the implemented injection circuit. Linear behavior up to ~75 ke ± with the gain of ~80 mV/fC, and up to ~200 ke ± with the gain of ~30 mV/fC was demonstrated. In conclusion, the first test result waveforms using a 137 Cs radioactive source on a 5 × 5 × 12 mm 3 TIBr crystal are reported.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

System-Independent X-Ray Characterization

We have developed a method for image reconstruction and analysis of dual-energy X-ray scans that has been demonstrated to yield a physically intuitive characterization of materials (by electron density and effective atomic number) in a system-independent way. Our methodology stands in contrast to common practice of reconstructing images to yield linear attenuation coefficients, which depend strongly on system spectral response. At the core of our method, a technique called dual-energy decomposition is used to generate spectral energy-independent characterizations of the attenuation properties of a material. Inputs to this decomposition include system spectral response estimates and dual-energy X-ray projection data. X-ray cross-section tables are used to convert decomposition results to physical feature estimates (electron density, effective atomic number). Our method currently works best for materials with atomic numbers below 22 (titanium). In prior work for DHS, we demonstrated in a controlled, no-clutter environment that the decomposition technique could be applied to scans of a well-characterized materials on multiple systems with different X-ray spectral responses. In cases where LAC values showed a standard deviation of as much as 20% of mean value, application of our method yielded results with standard deviations as low as 1–3% of mean value.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Simulator for Neyer Tests of Explosives

Explosives and explosive devices such as detonators are typically tested by applying a range of stimuli such as voltage or mechanical shock, and recording binary “detonated/did not detonate” responses. These are analyzed using maximum likelihood or generalized linear models to provide estimates of quantities such as the all-fire and no-fire points. Given that the true threshold for detonation is unknown a priori , sequential design methods are typically used to optimize the set of test points. One popular method, implemented in commercial software, is Neyer’s algorithm. To support simulation and experimental design, we have developed code in the R programming language to duplicate the functions of the Neyer software. We provide code for the simulator along with a description and examples of usage.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Aerosol-deep convection interaction based on joint cell-thermal tracking in Large Eddy Simulations during the TRACER campaign

In cumulus clouds, aerosol concentrations control cloud droplet concentrations, modifying cloud radiative properties, precipitation processes, and cloud electrification. However, mechanisms of aerosol-deep convection interactions are not well understood due to complex cloud dynamics and microphysics. We investigate the interaction of aerosols with isolated deep convection using Large Eddy Simulations of two cases during the TRacking Aerosol Convection interactions ExpeRiment (TRACER) near Houston, Texas, using a joint cell-thermal tracking algorithm. Cumulus thermals are droplet generators, since supersaturation and droplet nucleation coincide with thermal centers, where the strongest updrafts occur. Primary ice crystal formation does not take place inside thermals, but at layers where previous thermals detrained moisture. As subsequent thermals containing supercooled droplets penetrate these layers, hail and graupel form at or near these thermals. Higher aerosol concentrations result in higher droplet concentrations that suppress drizzle, delay warm rain processes, and transport more moisture aloft. This increases snow and ice amount, as well as graupel and hail, leading to more lightning. Polluted thermals initiate at slightly higher altitudes, and are slightly larger and faster, suggesting a weak invigoration. We also find more thermals per cell, but fewer isolated cells, since convection is more aggregated and intense, especially near the end of the 24 h simulation. Non-linear mesoscale feedback likely triggered by temperature and moisture responses to aerosol-thermal interactions causes the aggregation. Time-lagged aerosol-reinitialization experiments show that the mesoscale response is the predominant forcing for the invigoration. These changes happen within one day, on a smaller scale than previously suggested.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Racoons ( Procyon Lotor ) Show Higher Trypanosoma Cruzi Detection Rates than Virginia Opossums ( Didelphis Virginiana ) in South Carolina, USA

Chagas disease, a significant public health concern in the Americas, is caused by a protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The life cycle of T. cruzi involves kissing bugs (Triatoma spp.) functioning as vectors and mammalian species serving as hosts. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) have been identified as important reservoir species in the life cycle of T. cruzi, but prevalence in both species in the southeastern US is currently understudied. We quantified T. cruzi prevalence in these two key reservoir species across our study area in South Carolina, US, and identified factors that may influence parasite detection. We collected whole blood from 183 raccoons and 126 opossums and used PCR to detect the presence of T. cruzi. We then used generalized linear models with parasite detection status as a binary response variable and predictor variables of land cover, distance to water, sex, season, and species. Our analysis indicated that raccoons experienced significantly higher parasite detection rates than Virginia opossums, with T. cruzi prevalence found to be 26.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.0–33.8) in raccoons and 10.5% (95% CI, 5.51–17.5) in opossums. Altogether, our results concur with previous studies, in that T. cruzi is established in reservoir host populations in natural areas of the southeastern US.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

STOL ride quality criteria - Passenger acceptance.

The ability to mathematically model human reaction to variables involved in transportation systems offers a very desirable tool both for the prediction of passenger acceptance of proposed systems, and for establishing acceptance criteria for the system designer. As a first step in the development of a general model for STOL systems, a mathematical formulation is presented which accepts as inputs nine variables felt to be important in flight under STOL-type conditions and presents an index of human response as the output. The variables used are three linear motions, three angular motions, pressure, temperature and noise level. The results are used to establish specifications for stability augmentation systems to improve the ride quality of existing STOL aircraft.

Jacobson, I. D.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Effects of vibration and shock on the performance of gas-bearing space-power Brayton cycle turbomachinery. Part 3: Sinusoidal and random vibration data reduction and evaluation, and random vibration probability analysis

The random vibration response of a gas bearing rotor support system has been experimentally and analytically investigated in the amplitude and frequency domains. The NASA Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU), a 36,000 rpm, 10 KWe turbogenerator had previously been subjected in the laboratory to external random vibrations, and the response data recorded on magnetic tape. This data has now been experimentally analyzed for amplitude distribution and magnetic tape. This data has now been experimentally analyzed for amplitude distribution and frequency content. The results of the power spectral density analysis indicate strong vibration responses for the major rotor-bearing system components at frequencies which correspond closely to their resonant frequencies obtained under periodic vibration testing. The results of amplitude analysis indicate an increasing shift towards non-Gaussian distributions as the input level of external vibrations is raised. Analysis of axial random vibration response of the BRU was performed by using a linear three-mass model. Power spectral densities, the root-mean-square value of the thrust bearing surface contact were calculated for specified input random excitation.

Tessarzik, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A simple Fourier analysis technique for measuring the dynamic response of manual control systems.

From a practical standpoint most dynamic response analysis techniques are complicated, expensive, and time consuming to mechanize and operate. Adaptive parameter tracking techniques partially overcome these faults, but they have prescribed forms which is an undesirable restriction for basic research. To overcome these drawbacks, an on-line Fourier analysis technique has been developed which deals only with the input and error signals in a manual feedback control system. Several sine waves are used for the input, and the on-line data measurement includes the error variance and a simple means for obtaining the sine and cosine transforms of the error signal at each of the input frequencies. From this relatively small amount of data, we show simple ways to compute the open- and closed-loop dynamic response at input frequencies and the relative amount of linearly correlated power in the error signal.

Allen, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Input design for identification of aircraft stability and control derivatives

An approach for designing inputs to identify stability and control derivatives from flight test data is presented. This approach is based on finding inputs which provide the maximum possible accuracy of derivative estimates. Two techniques of input specification are implemented for this objective - a time domain technique and a frequency domain technique. The time domain technique gives the control input time history and can be used for any allowable duration of test maneuver, including those where data lengths can only be of short duration. The frequency domain technique specifies the input frequency spectrum, and is best applied for tests where extended data lengths, much longer than the time constants of the modes of interest, are possible. These technqiues are used to design inputs to identify parameters in longitudinal and lateral linear models of conventional aircraft. The constraints of aircraft response limits, such as on structural loads, are realized indirectly through a total energy constraint on the input. Tests with simulated data and theoretical predictions show that the new approaches give input signals which can provide more accurate parameter estimates than can conventional inputs of the same total energy. Results obtained indicate that the approach has been brought to the point where it should be used on flight tests for further evaluation.

Gupta, N. K.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Hydrogen detection study

The effectiveness was assessed of a hydrogen (H2) detection concept for regenerative environmental control life support systems (EC/LSS). The concept evaluated was that utilized for the electrochemical depolarized concentrator (EDC) design, constructed, and tested for the EC/LSS space station prototype program. The EDC contains combustible gas detectors (CGDs) which were evaluated with H2. The CGDs were evaluated for linearity, position sensitivity, reproducibility, ambient effects, repeatability, speed of response, recovery time, and interchangeability. The effectiveness of CGDs located within the EDC for sensing H2 leaks at various line replaceable units in the subsystem was determined. The effects of H2 leak rate, H2 concentration of leaking gas and air currents in the vicinity of the EDC were determined. Proposed improvements for the H2 detection concept were documented and alternative H2 detection approaches were identified and analyzed.

Shumar, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Transfer-function parameters

Computer program fits linear-factored form transfer function to given frequency-response data. Program is based on conjugate-gradient search procedure that minimizes error between given frequency-response data and frequency response of transfer function that is supplied by user.

Seidel, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The STAGS computer code

Basic information about the computer code STAGS (Structural Analysis of General Shells) is presented to describe to potential users the scope of the code and the solution procedures that are incorporated. Primarily, STAGS is intended for analysis of shell structures, although it has been extended to more complex shell configurations through the inclusion of springs and beam elements. The formulation is based on a variational approach in combination with local two dimensional power series representations of the displacement components. The computer code includes options for analysis of linear or nonlinear static stress, stability, vibrations, and transient response. Material as well as geometric nonlinearities are included. A few examples of applications of the code are presented for further illustration of its scope.

Almroth, B. O.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Free-Edge Failures of Composite Laminates

The free-edge delamination of graphite/epoxy laminates under static loading is being analyzed to obtain fundamental understanding of the continuum mechanics involved. The analyses are conducted by idealizing the material response of each ply in the laminate as homogenous, linear elastic, and anisotropic. A generalized plane strain elastic boundary value problem was formulated to investigate the energy variation of such a body.

Source record↗