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At least 1,639 records · Page 91

Determination of 2,3,7,8-chlorine-substituted dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans at the part per trillion level in United States beef fat using high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry

As part of the U.S. EPA Dioxin Reassessment Program, the 2,3,7,8-chlorine-substituted dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans were measured at part per trillion (ppt) levels in beef fat collected from slaughter facilities in the United States. This is the first statistically designed national survey of these compounds in the U.S. beef supply. Analyte concentrations were determined by high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry, using isotope dilution methodology. Method limits of detection on a whole weight basis were 0.05 ppt for TCDD and 0.10 ppt for TCDF, 0.50 ppt for the pentas (PeCDDs/PeCDFs)/hexas (HxCDDs/HxCDFs)/heptas (HpCDDs/HpCDFs), and 3.00 ppt for the octas (OCDD/OCDF). Method detection and quantitation limits were established on the basis of demonstrated performance criteria utilizing fortified samples rather than by conventional signal-to-noise or variability of response methods. The background subtraction procedures developed for this study minimized the likelihood of false positives and increased the confidence associated with reported values near the detection limits. Mean and median values for each of the 2,3,7,8-Cl-substituted dioxins and furans are reported, along with the supporting information required for their interpretation. The mean toxic equivalence values for the samples are 0.35 ppt (nondetects = 0) and 0.89 ppt (nondetects = 1/2 LOD).

Benzofurans/analysis↗

A Parametric Finite-Element Model for Evaluating Segmented Mirrors with Discrete, Edgewise Connectivity

Since future astrophysics missions require space telescopes with apertures of at least 10 meters, there is a need for on-orbit assembly methods that decouple the size of the primary mirror from the choice of launch vehicle. One option is to connect the segments edgewise using mechanisms analogous to damped springs. To evaluate the feasibility of this approach, a parametric ANSYS model that calculates the mode shapes, natural frequencies, and disturbance response of such a mirror, as well as of the equivalent monolithic mirror, has been developed. This model constructs a mirror using rings of hexagonal segments that are either connected continuously along the edges (to form a monolith) or at discrete locations corresponding to the mechanism locations (to form a segmented mirror). As an example, this paper presents the case of a mirror whose segments are connected edgewise by mechanisms analogous to a set of four collocated single-degree-of-freedom damped springs. The results of a set of parameter studies suggest that such mechanisms can be used to create a 15-m segmented mirror that behaves similarly to a monolith, although fully predicting the segmented mirror performance would require incorporating measured mechanism properties into the model. Keywords: segmented mirror, edgewise connectivity, space telescope

Gersh-Range, Jessica A.↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-33911-DND

Future NASA missions for space exploration require key technological elements that must provide sustainability, survivability and operational envelope in extreme environments, such as the high and low extremes in pressures and temperatures, ionizing radiations, chemical and/or physical corrosion, and hypervelocity particles. Advanced multifunctional materials enable revolutionary design schemes for future aerospace vehicles and structures for the extreme environments of NASA missions. Recent studies of nanocomposite materials have shown the potential for both structural integrity and multifunctional capabilities, such as sensing, actuating, health monitoring, radiation shielding, energy harvesting, thermal management, and thermal protection in extreme environments. After the advent of carbon nanotube (CNT) in 1991, scientists predicted that boron and nitrogen, carbons immediate neighbors on the periodic chart, might also form perfect nanotubes, namely boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). The discovery and progress of a new catalyst-free method for synthesizing highly crystalline, very long, and small diameter BNNTs under a high temperature and pressure (HTP) environment have enabled new applications for multifunctional materials. The white color BNNTs offer extraordinary properties including neutron radiation shielding, piezoelectricity, electrostriction, high thermal oxidative stability (>800?C in air), not present in CNTs, as well as excellent mechanical strength and toughness, equivalent to CNTs. The characteristics of the novel BNNTs and their composites along with CNT composites are discussed in this presentation along with their potential aerospace applications in extreme environments.

Cheol Park↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-35440-DND

Future NASA missions for space exploration require key technological elements that must provide sustainability, survivability and operational envelope in extreme environments, such as the high and low extremes in pressures and temperatures, ionizing radiations, chemical and/or physical corrosion, and hypervelocity particles. Advanced multifunctional materials enable revolutionary design schemes for future aerospace vehicles and structures for the extreme environments of NASA missions. Recent studies of nanocomposite materials have shown the potential for both structural integrity and multifunctional capabilities, such as sensing, actuating, health monitoring, radiation shielding, energy harvesting, thermal management, and thermal protection in extreme environments. After the advent of carbon nanotube (CNT) in 1991, scientists predicted that boron and nitrogen, carbon's immediate neighbors on the periodic chart, might also form perfect nanotubes, namely boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). The discovery and progress of a new catalyst-free method for synthesizing highly crystalline, very long, and small diameter BNNTs under a high temperature and pressure (HTP) environment have enabled new applications for multifunctional materials. The white color BNNTs offer extraordinary properties including neutron radiation shielding, piezoelectricity, electrostriction, high thermal oxidative stability(>800 C in air), not present in CNTs, as well as excellent mechanical strength and toughness, equivalent to CNTs. The characteristics of the BNNTs and their composites along with CNT composites are discussed in this presentation along with their potential aerospace applications in extreme environments.

Cheol Park↗

Toward a NASA Deep Space Optical Communications System

As discussed at SpaceOps in 2016, we expect the data rates from deep space missions to increase approximately one order of magnitude per decade for the next 50 years. The first order of magnitude improvement will come from existing plans for radio frequency (RF) communications including enhancements to both spacecraft and Deep Space Network (DSN) facilities. The next two orders of magnitude are predicted to come from the introduction of deep space optical communications. Studies indicate that optical receive apertures of between 8m12m are desired. The large cost of dedicated receive telescopes makes this method unrealistic – at least in the near-term. The cost of large optical ground terminals is driven primarily by the cost of the optics and by the cost of a stable structure for the telescope. We propose a novel hybrid design in which existing DSN 34m beam waveguide (BWG) radio antennas can be modified to include an 8m equivalent optical primary. By utilizing a low-cost segmented spherical mirror optical design, pioneered by the optical astronomical community, and by exploiting the already existing extremely stable large radio aperture structures in the DSN, we can minimize both of these cost drivers for implementing large optical communications ground terminals. Two collocated hybrid RF/optical antennas could be arrayed to synthesize the performance of an 11.3m receive aperture to support more capable or more distant space missions or used separately to communicate with two optical spacecraft simultaneously. NASA is in the midst of building six new 34m BWG antennas in the DSN. The final two are planned to be built at the DSN Goldstone, California and Canberra complexes. We are now investigating building these last two antennas as RF/optical hybrids. By delaying their operational dates by two years, we would be able to add the 8m optical receive capability for these two antennas while fitting within existing budgetary constraints. This paper describes the hybrid antenna design, the technical challenges being addressed, and plan for using this concept, together with ongoing work on optical flight terminals, to infuse operation optical communications into deep space missions.

Cornwell, Donald M.↗

Calculating Potential Radiological Emissions for Waste Management Activities at INL - 20068

At Idaho National Laboratory (INL), work involving radionuclides is evaluated for potential emissions from a project in order to comply with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations, 40 CFR 61 Subpart H. Emission calculations are documented in an Air Permitting Applicability Determination (APAD) to analyze unmitigated and mitigated emissions and determine if an Application to Construct (ATC) or continuous monitoring is required. To calculate the unmitigated and mitigated emissions, a spreadsheet was developed to provide ease in determining potential emissions by providing the maximum operating temperature and the material being used. The spreadsheet aids in determining the potential emissions for research projects and waste management activities at Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) and other locations across the INL site. Furthermore, it can also be used for periodic confirmatory measurements (PCM) to justify low emissions. Elements that factor into the unmitigated and mitigated calculations include the amount of each radionuclide used (in curies or grams), specific activity (if amount is given in grams), the temperature the material is heated to in Celsius, the dose conversion factor which is derived from Clean Air Act Assessment Package - 1988 (CAP-88) modeling, and the number of HEPA filters used for mitigated measures. The main drivers for calculating the unmitigated emissions for a project are the amount used per radionuclide, the maximum operating temperature, and the location of the work. The maximum operating temperature determines the airborne release factor which is dependent on the physical state of the radionuclide. Prior to October 2017, if the radionuclide was heated to greater than 100 deg. C, the radionuclide was assumed to be a gas, which has the highest airborne release factor. This assumption would be overly conservative for radionuclides with high melting and boiling points, which provided a challenge to demonstrate low emissions. In October 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved an alternative method for INL. This method allows the airborne release factor to be determined by using the melting point and 90% of the boiling point of the radionuclide. This methodology was included in the spreadsheet to allow unmitigated emission calculations for APADs to be completed more efficiently and effectively. Results show a reduction in time completing air emission calculations as well as lower total emissions across all facilities at INL. MFC annual emissions were reduced by 62% from the previous year and Research and Education Campus (REC) facilities were reduced by 38% due to implementation of the approved alternative method. Time spent on APADs, PCMs, and documentation for the annual NESHAP report was also reduced significantly. The spreadsheet provided in Table I provides the potential emission calculations for the 'Advanced Retrieval and Disposition Techniques for Remote Handled Mixed Low Level Waste (RH MLLW) at the Radioactive Scrap and Waste Facility (RSWF)' project. Calculations show the Potential Effective Dose Equivalent (PEDE) at RSWF to be 7.27 E-04 mrem/yr (7.27 E-09 Sv/yr) which is well below the 0.1 mrem/yr threshold. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Dual-Fuel Ammonia Equivalence Ratio Sweep Data

Ammonia (NH3) has garnered significant interest as an alternative fuel for meeting international emissions reduction mandates in sectors with high weight and distance requirements, such as shipping. Technical barriers and unanswered questions remain on the combustion strategies that can maximize ammonia utilization and minimize emissions. Prior research studies at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have shown strong performance with NH3 under dual-fuel mode using conventional diesel combustion (CDC) manifold air pressure settings. Diesel airflow was initially used to simplify retrofitting (no turbocharger modification), which resulted in air-fuel equivalence ratios (λ) greater than 1.5. To characterize potential improvements in dual-fuel NH3 combustion performance at richer in-cylinder conditions, a global λ sweep compared the use of early (E-pilot) and late (L-pilot) single diesel injections. The experiments were conducted at 1200 RPM and 12.8 ± 0.2 bar (75 % load), and λ was varied by decreasing the commanded air flow to the engine at greater than 90 % ammonia energy substitution level. A diesel injection timing sweep was conducted for both the injection strategies at fixed λ, and the timing with the lowest engine-out N2O emissions was identified. The results indicated an optimal balance between CO2,eq and thermal efficiency benefits both E-pilot and L-pilot injection strategy cases compared with CDC at a λ of 1.4. The indicated nitrogen-based emissions exhibited a strong correlation to the ratio of CA5–50 and ignition delay for L-pilot, but no apparent trend emerged for the E-pilot injection strategy at the tested boundary conditions. This dataset includes the raw experimental data and documentation of the experiment conditions and methods.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

On exact-WKB analysis, resurgent structure, and quantization conditions

There are two well-known approaches to studying nonperturbative aspects of quantum mechanical systems: saddle point analysis of the partition functions in Euclidean path integral formulation and the exact-WKB analysis based on the wave functions in the Schrödinger equation. In this work, based on the quantization conditions obtained from the exact-WKB method, we determine the relations between the two formalism and in particular show how the two Stokes phenomena are connected to each other: the Stokes phenomenon leading to the ambiguous contribution of different sectors of the path integral formulation corresponds to the change of the “topology” of the Stoke curves in the exact-WKB analysis. We also clarify the equivalence of different quantization conditions including Bohr-Sommerfeld, path integral and Gutzwiller’s ones. In particular, by reorganizing the exact quantization condition, we improve Gutzwiller’s analysis in a crucial way by bion contributions (incorporating complex periodic paths) and turn it into an exact result. Furthermore, we argue the novel meaning of quasi-moduli integral and provide a relation between the Maslov index and the intersection number of Lefschetz thimbles.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

The deep-DRT: A deep neural network approach to deconvolve the distribution of relaxation times from multidimensional electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is an experimental technique ubiquitously used to study electrochemical systems. However, conventional EIS data interpretation through physical and equivalent circuit models is challenging because physical models are problem-specific, and equivalent circuits are often just lumped-element analogs lacking physical meaning. The distribution of relaxation times (DRT) has emerged as a complementary approach to resolve these issues. One drawback of conventional DRT deconvolution is that the EIS data is understood to be (only) a function of frequency (i.e. 1D data) and deconvolved accordingly. This work proposes a novel deconvolution method based on deep neural networks (DNNs), allowing the analysis of multidimensional EIS spectra to bridge data dependency on both frequencies and experimental conditions. Two particularly appealing traits of the deep-DRT method developed in this article are that neither regularization nor specific spacing on the state variables defining the experiment are required. Finally, leveraging DNN to examine complex EIS spectra and their dependence on experimental conditions, this work opens a new research direction in the area of EIS analysis and DRT deconvolution.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Photogrammetry of the Viking Lander imagery

The problem of photogrammetric mapping which uses Viking Lander photography as its basis is solved in two ways: (1) by converting the azimuth and elevation scanning imagery to the equivalent of a frame picture, using computerized rectification; and (2) by interfacing a high-speed, general-purpose computer to the analytical plotter employed, so that all correction computations can be performed in real time during the model-orientation and map-compilation process. Both the efficiency of the Viking Lander cameras and the validity of the rectification method have been established by a series of pre-mission tests which compared the accuracy of terrestrial maps compiled by this method with maps made from aerial photographs. In addition, 1:10-scale topographic maps of Viking Lander sites 1 and 2 having a contour interval of 1.0 cm have been made to test the rectification method.

Wu, S. S. C.↗

A manufacturing database of advanced materials used in spacecraft structures

Cost savings opportunities over the life cycle of a product are highest in the early exploratory phase when different design alternatives are evaluated not only for their performance characteristics but also their methods of fabrication which really control the ultimate manufacturing costs of the product. In the past, Design-To-Cost methodologies for spacecraft design concentrated on the sizing and weight issues more than anything else at the early so-called 'Vehicle Level' (Ref: DOD/NASA Advanced Composites Design Guide). Given the impact of manufacturing cost, the objective of this study is to identify the principal cost drivers for each materials technology and propose a quantitative approach to incorporating these cost drivers into the family of optimization tools used by the Vehicle Analysis Branch of NASA LaRC to assess various conceptual vehicle designs. The advanced materials being considered include aluminum-lithium alloys, thermoplastic graphite-polyether etherketone composites, graphite-bismaleimide composites, graphite- polyimide composites, and carbon-carbon composites. Two conventional materials are added to the study to serve as baseline materials against which the other materials are compared. These two conventional materials are aircraft aluminum alloys series 2000 and series 7000, and graphite-epoxy composites T-300/934. The following information is available in the database. For each material type, the mechanical, physical, thermal, and environmental properties are first listed. Next the principal manufacturing processes are described. Whenever possible, guidelines for optimum processing conditions for specific applications are provided. Finally, six categories of cost drivers are discussed. They include, design features affecting processing, tooling, materials, fabrication, joining/assembly, and quality assurance issues. It should be emphasized that this database is not an exhaustive database. Its primary use is to make the vehicle designer aware of some of the most important aspects of manufacturing associated with his/her choice of the structural materials. The other objective of this study is to propose a quantitative method to determine a Manufacturing Complexity Factor (MCF) for each material being contemplated. This MCF is derived on the basis of the six cost drivers mentioned above plus a Technology Readiness Factor which is very closely related to the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) as defined in the Access To Space final report. Short of any manufacturing information, our MCF is equivalent to the inverse of TRL. As more manufacturing information is available, our MCF is a better representation (than TRL) of the fabrication processes involved. The most likely application for MCF is in cost modeling for trade studies. On-going work is being pursued to expand the potential applications of MCF.

Bao, Han P.↗

Advanced analysis technique for the evaluation of linear alternators and linear motors

A method for the mathematical analysis of linear alternator and linear motor devices and designs is described, and an example of its use is included. The technique seeks to surpass other methods of analysis by including more rigorous treatment of phenomena normally omitted or coarsely approximated such as eddy braking, non-linear material properties, and power losses generated within structures surrounding the device. The technique is broadly applicable to linear alternators and linear motors involving iron yoke structures and moving permanent magnets. The technique involves the application of Amperian current equivalents to the modeling of the moving permanent magnet components within a finite element formulation. The resulting steady state and transient mode field solutions can simultaneously account for the moving and static field sources within and around the device.

Holliday, Jeffrey C.↗

Assessment of Off-Design Low-Boom Characteristics of a Low-Boom Supersonic Transport

Most conceptual design methods for low-boom supersonic aircraft are developed for achieving an undertrack low-boom goal at the start of cruise. Although attempts have been made to design a supersonic aircraft achieving a low-boom goal for multiple azimuthal angles at the start of cruise, one unanswered question in inverse design optimization is how to define an achievable low-boom goal for multiple azimuthal angles. This paper proposes a new analysis method to assess off-design low-boom characteristics of a low-boom supersonic transport designed for an undertrack low-boom goal at the start of cruise. This method opens a potentially feasible path for conceptual design of a supersonic aircraft that has desired low-boom characteristics over the primary boom carpet for the entire cruise segment.

Low-boom supersonic transport↗

Novel Method for Domestic Stable Isotope Production (CRADA #667) Final Report

This report presents the progress achieved on our chlorine isotope separation efforts in the CRADA #667 agreement. We used a microchannel distillation (MCD) packing structure to enrich HCl isotopes (H35Cl, H37Cl) and an isotachophoresis (ITP) separation to enrich ionic chloride species (35Cl- and 37Cl-). A 2 m tall MCD column was constructed and achieved 264 separation stages over several days, which is well above the goal of 50 stages outlined in the CRADA. The resulting height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) was 0.76 cm. ITP tests were run ~ 24 hours and achieved a single-stage separation factor of 1.559.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Acoustic Treatment Design Scaling Methods: Analytical and Experimental Data Correlation - Volume 5

The primary purpose of the study presented in this volume is to present the results and data analysis of in-duct transmission loss measurements. Transmission loss testing was performed on full-scale, 1/2-scale, and 115-scale treatment panel samples. The objective of the study was to compare predicted and measured transmission loss for full-scale and subscale panels in an attempt to evaluate the variations in suppression between full- and subscale panels which were ostensibly of equivalent design. Generally, the results indicated an unsatisfactory agreement between measurement and prediction, even for full-scale. This was attributable to difficulties encountered in obtaining sufficiently accurate test results, even with extraordinary care in calibrating the instrumentation and performing the test. Test difficulties precluded the ability to make measurements at frequencies high enough to be representative of subscale liners. It is concluded that transmission loss measurements without ducts and data acquisition facilities specifically designed to operate with the precision and complexity required for high subscale frequency ranges are inadequate for evaluation of subscale treatment effects.

Chien, W. E.↗

Acoustic Treatment Design Scaling Methods: Test Plans, Hardware, Results, and Evaluation - Volume 3

The ability to design, build, and test miniaturized acoustic treatment panels on scale-model fan rigs representative of the full-scale engine provides not only a cost-savings, but an opportunity to optimize the treatment by allowing tests of different designs. To be able to use scale model treatment as a full-scale design tool, it is necessary that the designer be able to reliably translate the scale model design and performance to an equivalent full-scale design. The primary objective of the study presented in this volume of the final report was to conduct laboratory tests to evaluate liner acoustic properties and validate advanced treatment impedance models. These laboratory tests include DC flow resistance measurements, normal incidence impedance measurements, DC flow and impedance measurements in the presence of grazing flow, and in-duct liner attenuation as well as modal measurements. Test panels were fabricated at three different scale factors (i.e., full-scale, half-scale, and one-fifth scale) to support laboratory acoustic testing. The panel configurations include single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) perforated sandwich panels, SDOF linear (wire mesh) liners, and double-degree-of-freedom (DDOF) linear acoustic panels.

Yu, J.↗

High-level coupled-cluster energetics by Monte Carlo sampling and moment expansions: Further details and comparisons

We recently proposed a novel approach to converging electronic energies equivalent to high-level coupled-cluster (CC) computations by combining the deterministic CC(P;Q) formalism with the stochastic configuration interaction (CI) and CC Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) propagations. This article extends our initial study [J. E. Deustua, J. Shen, and P. Piecuch, Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 223003 (2017)], which focused on recovering the energies obtained with the CC method with singles, doubles, and triples (CCSDT) using the information extracted from full CI QMC and CCSDT-MC, to the CIQMC approaches truncated at triples and quadruples. It also reports our first semi-stochastic CC(P;Q) calculations aimed at converging the energies that correspond to the CC method with singles, doubles, triples, and quadruples (CCSDTQ). The ability of the semi-stochastic CC(P;Q) formalism to recover the CCSDT and CCSDTQ energies, even when electronic quasi-degeneracies and triply and quadruply excited clusters become substantial, is illustrated by a few numerical examples, including the F–F bond breaking in F 2 , the automerization of cyclobutadiene, and the double dissociation of the water molecule.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

In-pixel automatic threshold calibration for the CMS Endcap Timing Layer readout chip

We present the implementation and verification of an in-pixel automatic threshold calibration circuit for the CMS Endcap Timing Layer (ETL) in the High-Luminosity LHC upgrade. The discriminator threshold of the ETL readout chip (ETROC) needs to be calibrated regularly to mitigate the circuit baseline change. Traditional methods need a lot of communication through a slow control system hence are time-consuming. This paper describes an in-pixel automatic scheme with improvements in operating time and usability. In this scheme, a sample-accumulation circuit is used to measure the average discriminator output. A binary successive approximation and linear combination scan are applied to find the equivalent baseline. The actual calibration procedure has been first implemented in FPGA firmware and tested with the ETROC front-end prototype chip (ETROC0). The calibration circuit has been implemented with Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) and verified with Single Event Effects (SEEs) simulation. A complete calibration process lasts 35 ms with a 40 MHz clock. In the worst case, the dynamic and static power consumption are estimated to be 300 uW and 10.4 uW, respectively. The circuit design, implemented in a 65 CMOS technology, will be integrated into ETROC2, the next iteration of the ETROC with a 16 x16 pixel matrix.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗