SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Differential Experiments”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,729 records · Page 96

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2003

The cumulative cost of additional wakefulness: dose-response effects on neurobehavioral functions and sleep physiology from chronic sleep restriction and total sleep deprivation

OBJECTIVES: To inform the debate over whether human sleep can be chronically reduced without consequences, we conducted a dose-response chronic sleep restriction experiment in which waking neurobehavioral and sleep physiological functions were monitored and compared to those for total sleep deprivation. DESIGN: The chronic sleep restriction experiment involved randomization to one of three sleep doses (4 h, 6 h, or 8 h time in bed per night), which were maintained for 14 consecutive days. The total sleep deprivation experiment involved 3 nights without sleep (0 h time in bed). Each study also involved 3 baseline (pre-deprivation) days and 3 recovery days. SETTING: Both experiments were conducted under standardized laboratory conditions with continuous behavioral, physiological and medical monitoring. PARTICIPANTS: A total of n = 48 healthy adults (ages 21-38) participated in the experiments. INTERVENTIONS: Noctumal sleep periods were restricted to 8 h, 6 h or 4 h per day for 14 days, or to 0 h for 3 days. All other sleep was prohibited. RESULTS: Chronic restriction of sleep periods to 4 h or 6 h per night over 14 consecutive days resulted in significant cumulative, dose-dependent deficits in cognitive performance on all tasks. Subjective sleepiness ratings showed an acute response to sleep restriction but only small further increases on subsequent days, and did not significantly differentiate the 6 h and 4 h conditions. Polysomnographic variables and delta power in the non-REM sleep EEG-a putative marker of sleep homeostasis--displayed an acute response to sleep restriction with negligible further changes across the 14 restricted nights. Comparison of chronic sleep restriction to total sleep deprivation showed that the latter resulted in disproportionately large waking neurobehavioral and sleep delta power responses relative to how much sleep was lost. A statistical model revealed that, regardless of the mode of sleep deprivation, lapses in behavioral alertness were near-linearly related to the cumulative duration of wakefulness in excess of 15.84 h (s.e. 0.73 h). CONCLUSIONS: Since chronic restriction of sleep to 6 h or less per night produced cognitive performance deficits equivalent to up to 2 nights of total sleep deprivation, it appears that even relatively moderate sleep restriction can seriously impair waking neurobehavioral functions in healthy adults. Sleepiness ratings suggest that subjects were largely unaware of these increasing cognitive deficits, which may explain why the impact of chronic sleep restriction on waking cognitive functions is often assumed to be benign. Physiological sleep responses to chronic restriction did not mirror waking neurobehavioral responses, but cumulative wakefulness in excess of a 15.84 h predicted performance lapses across all four experimental conditions. This suggests that sleep debt is perhaps best understood as resulting in additional wakefulness that has a neurobiological "cost" which accumulates over time.

NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology↗

NASA NTRS1970

Mechanisms of action of light on circadian rhythms in the monkey

Light is considered by many investigators to be the primary Zeitgeber for most physiologic rhythms. In order to study the effects on biorhythms of changing photoperiods and to provide information on the nature of the wave forms and the mechanisms of entrainment, unrestrained male monkeys (Cebus albifrons, Macaca nemestrina) were maintained in a sound-proofed environmental chamber. The Cebus was initially maintained on a 12L:12D schedule; it was subjected to a 180 degrees phase shift for 14 days, then returned to the original photoperiod. In two experiments (24 days; 27 days each) the same monkey was again maintained on a 12L:12D schedule which was gradually altered to a constant light environment. Deep body temperature (DBT) data were obtained with miniature radiotransmitters. Locomotor activity (LMA) was measured by strain gauges. Under the 12L:12D regimens the Macaca DBT cycles were uniform as to phase and wave form for over 60 weeks. These wave forms were analyzed by the use of periodogram and correlogram analyses and by fitting to the Volterra Integro-Differential Equation. Phase angle relationships between Zeitgeber and physiologic parameters were characterized. After the photoperiod phase shift the DBT cycle rephased in about 9 days. During the rephasing process the wave form changed. The shapes of the wave forms of DBT and activity were maintained with increasing light until an 18L:6D photoperiod was reached. The rhythms were entrained to the onset of darkness rather than lights on. Major and minor periods of LMA were detected. Hysteresis diagrams showed that DBT led the onset of major LA by 6 hr and the end of major activity by 2 hr.

Light↗

NASA NTRS2007

Particle and Smoke Detection on ISS for Next Generation Smoke Detectors

Rapid fire detection requires the ability to differentiate fire signatures from background conditions and nuisance sources. Proper design of a fire detector requires detailed knowledge of all of these signal sources so that a discriminating detector can be designed. Owing to the absence of microgravity smoke data, all current spacecraft smoke detectors were designed based upon normal-g conditions. The removal of buoyancy reduces the velocities in the high temperature zones in flames, increasing the residence time of smoke particles and consequently allowing longer growth time for the particles. Recent space shuttle experiments confirmed that, in some cases, increased particles sizes are seen in low-gravity and that the relative performance of the ISS (International Space Station) and space-shuttle smoke-detectors changes in low-gravity; however, sufficient particle size information to design new detectors was not obtained. To address this issue, the SAME (Smoke Aerosol Measurement Experiment) experiment is manifested to fly on the ISS in 2007. The SAME experiment will make measurements of the particle size distribution of the smoke particulate from several typical spacecraft materials providing quantitative design data for spacecraft smoke detectors. A precursor experiment (DAFT: Dust Aerosol measurement Feasibility Test) flew recently on the ISS and provided the first measurement of the background smoke particulate levels on the ISS. These background levels are critical to the design of future smoke detectors. The ISS cabin was found to be a very clean environment with particulate levels substantially below the space shuttle and typical ground-based environments.

Urban, David L.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Ground Radar Polarimetric Observations of High-Frequency Earth-Space Communication Links

Strategic roadmaps for NASA's Human Exploration and Development of Space (REDS) enterprise support near-term high-frequency communication systems that provide moderate to high data rates with dependable service. Near-earth and human planetary exploration will baseline Ka-Band, but may ultimately require the use of even higher frequencies. Increased commercial demand on low-frequency earth-space bands has also led to increased interest in the use of higher frequencies in regions like K u - and K,- band. Data is taken from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR), which operates at 13.8 GHz, and the true radar reflectivity profile is determined along the PR beam via low-frequency ground based polarimetric observations. The specific differential phase (Kdp) is measured along the beam and a theoretical model is used to determine the expected specific attenuation (k). This technique, called the k-Kdp method, uses a Fuzzy-Logic model to determine the hydrometeor type along the PR beam from which the appropriate k-Kdp relationship is used to determine k and, ultimately, the total path-integrated attenuation (PIA) on PR measurements. Measurements from PR and the NCAR S-POL radar were made during the TEFLUN-B experiment that took place near Melbourne, FL in 1998, and the TRMM-LBA campaign near Ji-Parana, Brazil in 1999.

Bolen, Steve↗

NASA NTRS2015

Differential Draining of Parallel-Fed Propellant Tanks in Morpheus and Apollo Flight

Parallel-fed propellant tanks are an advantageous configuration for many spacecraft. Parallel-fed tanks allow the center of gravity (cg) to be maintained over the engine(s), as opposed to serial-fed propellant tanks which result in a cg shift as propellants are drained from tank one tank first opposite another. Parallel-fed tanks also allow for tank isolation if that is needed. Parallel tanks and feed systems have been used in several past vehicles including the Apollo Lunar Module. The design of the feedsystem connecting the parallel tank is critical to maintain balance in the propellant tanks. The design must account for and minimize the effect of manufacturing variations that could cause delta-p or mass flowrate differences, which would lead to propellant imbalance. Other sources of differential draining will be discussed. Fortunately, physics provides some self-correcting behaviors that tend to equalize any initial imbalance. The question concerning whether or not active control of propellant in each tank is required or can be avoided or not is also important to answer. In order to provide data on parallel-fed tanks and differential draining in flight for cryogenic propellants (as well as any other fluid), a vertical test bed (flying lander) for terrestrial use was employed. The Morpheus vertical test bed is a parallel-fed propellant tank system that uses passive design to keep the propellant tanks balanced. The system is operated in blow down. The Morpheus vehicle was instrumented with a capacitance level sensor in each propellant tank in order to measure the draining of propellants in over 34 tethered and 12 free flights. Morpheus did experience an approximately 20 lb/m imbalance in one pair of tanks. The cause of this imbalance will be discussed. This paper discusses the analysis, design, flight simulation vehicle dynamic modeling, and flight test of the Morpheus parallel-fed propellant. The Apollo LEM data is also examined in this summary report of the flight data.

Hurlbert, Eric↗

NASA NTRS2016

Melting of the Primitive Mercurian Mantle, Insights into the Origin of Its Surface Composition

Recent findings of the MESSENGER mission on Mercury have brought new evidence for its reducing nature, widespread volcanism and surface compositional heteregeneity. MESSENGER also provided major elemental ratios of its surface that can be used to infer large-scale differentiation processes and the thermal history of the planet. Mercury is known as being very reduced, with very low Fe-content and high S and alkali contents on its surface. Its bulk composition is therefore likely close to EH enstatite chondrites. In order to elucidate the origin of the chemical diversity of Mercury's surface, we determined the melting properties of EH enstatite chondrites, at pressures between 1 bar and 3 GPa and oxygen fugacity of IW-3 to IW-5, using piston-cylinder experiments, combined with a previous study on EH4 melting at 1 bar. We found that the presence of Ca-rich sulfide melts induces significant decrease of Ca-content in silicate melts at low pressure and low degree of melting (F). Also at pressures lower than 3 GPa, the SiO2-content decreases with F, while it increases at 3 GPa. This is likely due to the chemical composition of the bulk silicate which has a (Mg+Fe+Ca)/Si ratio very close to 1 and to the change from incongruent to congruent melting of enstatite. We then tested whether the various chemical compositions of Mercury's surface can result from mixing between two melting products of EH chondrites. We found that the majority of the geochemical provinces of Mercury's surface can be explained by mixing of two melts, with the exception of the High-Al plains that require an Al-rich source. Our findings indicate that Mercury's surface could have been produced by polybaric melting of a relatively primitive mantle.

Boujibar, A.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE). Review of LACIE methodology, a project evaluation of technical acceptability

The author has identified the following significant results. Results indicated that the LANDSAT data and the classification technology can estimate the small grains area within a sample segment accurately and reliably enough to meet the LACIE goals. Overall, the LACIE estimates in a 9 x 11 kilometer segment agree well with ground and aircraft determined area within these segments. The estimated c.v. of the random classification error was acceptably small. These analyses confirmed that bias introduced by various factors, such as LANDSAT spatial resolution, lack of spectral resolution, classifier bias, and repeatability, was not excessive in terms of the required performance criterion. Results of these tests did indicate a difficulty in differentiating wheat from other closely related small grains. However, satisfactory wheat area estimates were obtained through the reduction of the small grain area estimates in accordance with relative amounts of these crops as determined from historic data; these procedures are being further refined.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2017

Investigation of Global Particulate Nitrate from the AeroCom Phase III Experiment

An assessment of global particulate nitrate and ammonium aerosol based on simulations from nine models participating in the Aerosol Comparisons between Observations and Models (AeroCom) phase III study is presented. A budget analysis was conducted to understand the typical magnitude, distribution, and diversity of the aerosols and their precursors among the models. To gain confidence regarding model performance, the model results were evaluated with various observations globally, including ground station measurements over North America, Europe, and east Asia for tracer concentrations and dry and wet depositions, as well as with aircraft measurements in the Northern Hemisphere mid-to-high latitudes for tracer vertical distributions. Given the unique chemical and physical features of the nitrate occurrence, we further investigated the similarity and differentiation among the models by examining (1) the pH-dependent NH3 wet deposition; (2) the nitrate formation via heterogeneous chemistry on the surface of dust and sea salt particles or thermodynamic equilibrium calculation including dust and sea salt ions; and (3) the nitrate coarse-mode fraction (i.e., coarse/total). It is found that HNO3, which is simulated explicitly based on full O3-HOx-NOx-aerosol chemistry by all models, differs by up to a factor of 9 among the models in its global tropospheric burden. This partially contributes to a large difference in NO3(-), whose atmospheric burden differs by up to a factor of 13. The atmospheric burdens of NH3 and NHC 4 differ by 17 and 4, respectively. Analyses at the process level show that the large diversity in atmospheric burdens of NO3(-), NH3, and NHC4(+) is also related to deposition processes. Wet deposition seems to be the dominant process in determining the diversity in NH3 and NHC 4 lifetimes. It is critical to correctly account for contributions of heterogeneous chemical production of nitrate on dust and sea salt, because this process overwhelmingly controls atmospheric nitrate production (typically greater than 80 %) and determines the coarse- and fine-mode distribution of nitrate aerosol.

Ammonium aerosol based on simulations↗

NASA NTRS2000

Airborne Aerosol Closure Studies During PRIDE

The Puerto Rico Dust Experiment (PRIDE) was conducted during June/July of 2000 to study the properties of Saharan dust aerosols transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Islands. During PRIDE, the NASA Ames Research Center six-channel (380 - 1020 nm) airborne autotracking sunphotometer (AATS-6) was operated aboard a Piper Navajo airplane alongside a suite of in situ aerosol instruments. The in situ aerosol instrumentation relevant to this paper included a Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP-100) and a Passive Cavity Aerosol Spectrometer Probe (PCASP), covering the radius range of approx. 0.05 to 10 microns. The simultaneous and collocated measurement of multi-spectral aerosol optical depth and in situ particle size distribution data permits a variety of closure studies. For example, vertical profiles of aerosol optical depth obtained during local aircraft ascents and descents can be differentiated with respect to altitude and compared to extinction profiles calculated using the in situ particle size distribution data (and reasonable estimates of the aerosol index of refraction). Additionally, aerosol extinction (optical depth) spectra can be inverted to retrieve estimates of the particle size distributions, which can be compared directly to the in situ size distributions. In this paper we will report on such closure studies using data from a select number of vertical profiles at Cabras Island, Puerto Rico, including measurements in distinct Saharan Dust Layers. Preliminary results show good agreement to within 30% between mid-visible aerosol extinction derived from the AATS-6 optical depth profiles and extinction profiles forward calculated using 60s-average in situ particle size distributions and standard Saharan dust aerosol refractive indices published in the literature. In agreement with tendencies observed in previous studies, our initial results show an underestimate of aerosol extinction calculated based on the in situ size distributions relative to the extinction obtained from the sunphotometer measurements. However, a more extensive analysis of all available AATS-6 and in situ size distribution data is necessary to ascertain whether the preliminary results regarding the degree of extinction closure is representative of the entire range of dust conditions encountered in PRIDE. Finally, we will compare the spectral extinction measurements obtained in PRIDE to similar data obtained in Saharan dust layers encountered above the Canary Islands during ACE-2 (Aerosol Characterization Experiment) in July 1997. Thus, the evolution of Saharan dust spectral properties during its transport across the Atlantic can be investigated, provided the dust origin and microphysical properties are found to be comparable.

Redemann, Jens↗

NASA NTRS2018

Warning Alert HITL Experiment Results

Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) are being developed to support the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace (NAS). Input from subject matter experts and multiple research studies have informed display requirements for Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) systems aimed at supporting timely and appropriate pilot responses to collision hazards. Phase 1 DAA MOPS alerting is designed to inform pilots if an avoidance maneuver is necessary; the two highest alert levels - caution and warning - indicate how soon pilot action is required and whether there is adequate time to coordinate with the air traffic controller (ATC). Additional empirical support is needed to clarify the extent to which warning-level alerting impacts DAA task performance. The present study explores the differential effects of the auditory and visual cues provided by the DAA Warning alert, and performance implications compared to caution-only alerting are discussed.

alerting↗

DOE OSTI2026

Measurement of the Zγ production cross section and search for anomalous neutral triple gauge couplings in pp collisions at $ \sqrt{s}=13 $ TeV

A measurement of the fiducial cross section of the associated production of a Z boson and a high-p$_{T}$ photon, where the Z decays to two neutrinos, and a search for anomalous triple gauge couplings are reported. The results are based on data collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at $ \sqrt{s}=13 $ TeV during 2016-2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{−1}$. The fiducial Zγ cross section, where a photon with a p$_{T}$ greater than 225 GeV is produced in association with a Z, and the Z decays to a $ \upnu \overline{\upnu} $ pair $ \left(\mathrm{Z}\left(\upnu \overline{\upnu}\right)\upgamma \right) $, is measured to be $ {23.3}_{-1.3}^{+1.4} $ fb, in agreement, within uncertainties, with the standard model prediction. The differential cross section as a function of the photon p$_{T}$ has been measured and compared with standard model predictions computed at next-to-leading and at next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics. Constraints have been placed on the presence of anomalous couplings that affect the ZZγ and Zγγ vertex using the p$_{T}$ spectrum of the photons. The observed 95% confidence level intervals for CP-conserving $ {h}_3^{\upgamma} $ and $ {h}_4^{\upgamma} $ are determined to be (−3.4, 3.5)×10$^{−4}$ and (−6.8, 6.8)×10$^{−7}$, and for $ {h}_3^{\mathrm{Z}} $ and $ {h}_4^{\mathrm{Z}} $ they are (−2.2, 2.2)×10$^{−4}$ and (−4.1, 4.2)×10$^{−7}$, respectively. These are the strictest limits to date on $ {h}_3^{\upgamma} $, $ {h}_3^{\mathrm{Z}} $ and $ {h}_4^{\mathrm{Z}} $.[graphic not available: see fulltext]

Hayrapetyan, Aram [Yerevan Phys. Inst.]↗

DOE OSTI2021

Nonparallel transcriptional divergence during parallel adaptation

Abstract How underlying mechanisms bias evolution toward predictable outcomes remains an area of active debate. In this study, we leveraged phenotypic plasticity and parallel adaptation across independent lineages of Trinidadian guppies ( Poecilia reticulata ) to assess the predictability of gene expression evolution during parallel adaptation. Trinidadian guppies have repeatedly and independently adapted to high‐ and low‐predation environments in the wild. We combined this natural experiment with a laboratory breeding design to attribute transcriptional variation to the genetic influences of population of origin and developmental plasticity in response to rearing with or without predators. We observed substantial gene expression plasticity, as well as the evolution of expression plasticity itself, across populations. Genes exhibiting expression plasticity within populations were more likely to also differ in expression between populations, with the direction of population differences more likely to be opposite those of plasticity. While we found more overlap than expected by chance in genes differentially expressed between high‐ and low‐predation populations from distinct evolutionary lineages, the majority of differentially expressed genes were not shared between lineages. Our data suggest alternative transcriptional configurations associated with shared phenotypes, highlighting a role for transcriptional flexibility in the parallel phenotypic evolution of a species known for rapid adaptation.

Fischer, Eva K.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Sampling of prenatal and postnatal offspring from individual rat dams enhances animal use without compromising development

To assess prenatal and postnatal developmental status in the offspring of a group of animals, it is typical to examine fetuses from some of the dams as well as infants born to the remaining dams. Statistical limitations often arise, particularly when the animals are rare or especially precious, because all offspring of the dam represent only a single statistical observation; littermates are not independent observations (biologically or statistically). We describe a study in which pregnant laboratory rats were laparotomized on day 7 of gestation (GD7) to ascertain the number and distribution of uterine implantation sites and were subjected to a simulated experience on a 10-day space shuttle flight. After the simulated landing on GD18, rats were unilaterally hysterectomized, thus providing a sample of fetuses from 10 independent uteruses, followed by successful vaginal delivery on GD22, yielding postnatal samples from 10 uteruses. A broad profile of maternal and offspring morphologic and physiologic measures indicated that these novel sampling procedures did not compromise maternal well-being and maintained normal offspring development and function. Measures included maternal organ weights and hormone concentrations, offspring body size, growth, organ weights, sexual differentiation, and catecholamine concentrations.

NASA Discipline Developmental Biology↗

NASA NTRS2002

Estimation of High-Frequency Earth-Space Radio Wave Signals via Ground-Based Polarimetric Radar Observations

Expanding human presence in space, and enabling the commercialization of this frontier, is part of the strategic goals for NASA's Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) enterprise. Future near-Earth and planetary missions will support the use of high-frequency Earth-space communication systems. Additionally, increased commercial demand on low-frequency Earth-space links in the S- and C-band spectra have led to increased interest in the use of higher frequencies in regions like Ku and Ka-band. Attenuation of high-frequency signals, due to a precipitating medium, can be quite severe and can cause considerable disruptions in a communications link that traverses such a medium. Previously, ground radar measurements were made along the Earth-space path and compared to satellite beacon data that was transmitted to a ground station. In this paper, quantitative estimation of the attenuation along the propagation path is made via inter-comparisons of radar data taken from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) and ground-based polarimetric radar observations. Theoretical relationships between the expected specific attenuation (k) of spaceborne measurements with ground-based measurements of reflectivity (Zh) and differential propagation phase shift (Kdp) are developed for various hydrometeors that could be present along the propagation path, which are used to estimate the two-way path-integrated attenuation (PIA) on the PR return echo. Resolution volume matching and alignment of the radar systems is performed, and a direct comparison of PR return echo with ground radar attenuation estimates is made directly on a beam-by-beam basis. The technique is validated using data collected from the TExas and Florida UNderflights (TEFLUN-B) experiment and the TRMM large Biosphere-Atmosphere experiment in Amazonia (LBA) campaign. Attenuation estimation derived from this method can be used for strategiC planning of communication systems for future HEDS missions.

Bolen, Steve↗

NASA NTRS2020

U.S. Coast Guard Boat Recovery Simulation at the NASA Ames Vertical Motion Simulator

The U.S. Coast Guard routinely uses the Over-The-Horizon (OTH-IV), a cutter deployed, rigid-hulled inflatable boat for rescue and law enforcement operations. The term "cutter" refers to a Coast Guard vessel 65 feet in length or greater with accommodations for crew to live aboard and the ability to deploy smaller boats including the OTH-IV. A deployment method employed by some cutter class vessels is a davit crane system and specialized hook mechanism to connect the smaller boat. The launch and recovery operation requires several crewmembers, where one is tasked with releasing and connecting the hook to the small boat. Manipulating the hook can pose a risk to the crewmember depending on sea conditions combined with fatigue level or task expertise. Equipment and crewmembers are tested extensively due to the inherent risk of the task, but the sea conditions cannot be controlled. To address the sea condition variable, the U.S. Coast Guard and NASA leveraged the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) as a platform to test new equipment or train crewmembers in varying sea conditions. With 6 degrees of freedom and a vertical displacement of +/- 22ft, the VMS is capable of simulating conditions up to sea-state 5. The proof of concept experiment took place in September 2018 and demonstrated that the VMS can accurately simulate varying sea-states, collect performance data, and design a reliable and safe system for participants. The U.S. Coast Guard provided boat displacement data from the Large Amplitude Motion Program (LAMP). The program generates multi-directional waves with a cosine squared spreading function which produced a time history response of displacement data (surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, yaw) of the OTH-IV's center of gravity (C.G). The displacement data was differentiated into acceleration evaluated at the crewmember's position at the front (bow) of the boat. Those accelerations were transformed to the VMS coordinate system and used as command inputs to the motion system's washout filters. The VMS uses Interchangeable Cabs (ICab) to perform flight simulations on a variety of aircraft or spacecraft configurations. An ICab typically contains seats, restraints, pilot controls, instrument panel, and out-the-window projectors all enclosed in a familiar cockpit configuration. To replicate the launch and recovery of a small boat, all the conventional features of a flight simulator and canopy were removed to be replaced with a to-scale OTH-IV bow mockup. The bow section was constructed from aluminum, and a connection point known as the davit ring. Additionally, a hook replica was suspended by a cable from the ceiling as if it were hanging from a davit crane aboard a cutter vessel. The last step was providing an auxiliary control to close the distance between suspended hook and the davit ring on the bow mockup. Without control the boat would simulate the wave motion, but with no guarantee that the crewmember will be in reach of the hook. Since the wave motion was repeatable, an additional acceleration command sent to the washout filters to move the simulator in the surge, sway, and heave directions, independently. The commands were rate limited such that the additional movement was not detectable with respect to the wave motion. The results showed that for each wave profile, a unique set of acceleration commands provided opportunities for crewmembers to gain control of the hook and connect it to the davit ring.

Riccobono, Nicholas S.↗

NASA NTRS2022

The Dynamical Role of the Chesapeake Bay on the Local Ozone Pollution Using Mesoscale Modeling—A Case Study

This study investigated the dynamic influence of the Chesapeake Bay (CB) on local ozone (O3) concentration and distribution using a weather forecasting model. The Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF–Chem) was employed to simulate O3 production and transportation near the CB. Baseline (water) as well as sensitivity (nowater) model experiments of bay circulation were carried out with and without bay water by changing the water surface from water to land (loam). First, the model performance simulating O3 was evaluated using the baseline experiment results and AirNow surface wind and O3 observations. The results showed that the model overestimates surface O3 by up to 20–30%. Further, the comparisons of the baseline and sensitivity experiments revealed higher O3 mixing ratios, primarily due to the resulting bay breeze circulation. These increases, after considering model overestimation, represent a mean bay dynamics circulation-induced contribution of up to 10% at night and 5% during the day. Furthermore, the boundary layer over northern CB, where it is at its narrowest width, was higher (by 1.2 km on average) during daytime due to higher surface temperatures observed. The boundary layer depth difference between the northern, central, and southern regions of the bay leads to a differential in the role of bay circulation dynamics in the observed O3 increase. The relatively wider swath of water surface over southern CB resulted in a lower boundary layer depth and stronger breeze circulation and this circulation contributed to O3 concentrations. Moreover, since the case selected has a minimal bay breeze circulation, the associated surface ozone enhancements represent what is expected at least at a minimum.

Chesapeak Bay↗

NASA NTRS2019

Experimental Measurements of the High-Temperature Oxidation of Carbon Fibers

We carried out laboratory experiments to study the decomposition of carbon fibers at high temperature and studied the material used in charring carbon phenolic ablators for planetary probe heatshields. Porous plug samples were exposed to controlled rates of molecular oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide at furnace-heated flow-tube reactor temperatures between 700 and 1500 K and pressures between 2000 and 6200 Pa. We used calibrated mass spectroscopy to make time-resolved quantitative measurements of decomposition products of the gases downstream of the test sample. Absolute and differential pressure measurements were used to determine the high-temperature permeability of the material and to monitor changes during material decomposition, and we characterized the microstructure of the porous sample using scanning electron microscopy. We found substantial carbon fiber oxidation for O2 flows, resulting in increasing CO/CO2 production ratios with increasing temperature. The CO2 was shown to react with carbon fibers following a Boudouard reaction at temperatures above 1200 K.

Francesco Panerai↗

DOE OSTI2022

Preparation for a Measurement of Charge Asymmetry in the Bethe-Heitler Process

We have prepared a measurement of the energy asymmetry in wide- and medium-angle electron/positron pair production off protons and heavy targets. This asymmetry is caused by the interference between the first- and second-order Born diagrams and the Compton scattering diagram. It directly probes aspects of QED, as well as providing a direct measurement of the real part of the Compton amplitude. It will be conducted at the HI??S facility at Duke University, using a 60 MeV photon beam. This dissertation serves as documentation of the preparation stage of the Bethe-Heitler experiment. The major was the recommissioning of the vertical drift chambers previously used in the Q-weak experiment at the Jefferson Lab. Cosmic test runs were conducted, drift time data were collected and efficiency plateaus were measured. We made modifications to the JLAB Hall A analyzer to suit the geometry and drift characteristics of these wire chambers. The analyzer was used for the reconstruction of the trajectories of cosmic ray test runs with the results confirmed by direct measurement of trigger geometry. Spatial and angular resolution is estimated to ~300?? and 0.17° respectively. Geant 4 simulations with generated Bethe-Heitler pairs satisfying theoretical differential cross sections. It was used to check detector acceptance, optimize apparatus layout, and estimate measurable energy asymmetry. The measurable asymmetries from electron/positron pairs with polar angles around between approximately 5° and 8°, azimuthal angles differing by 180°, and energy differing by approximately 9 MeV to 15 MeV are predicted to be above 10%. The kinematics of primary vertices are reconstructed using the data from wire chambers in the simulation. The energy resolution is determined to be better than 1MeV.

Chen, Haoyu↗