Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “HINGE”

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.

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

At least 19 records

Parametric estimation of Poisson's ratio for thin hinged-hinged plates

Cornu's method is an elegant calculation besieged by an impractical approach to obtain accurate estimates for Poisson's ratio. Conventionally, Cornu's method requires several components, and each component can adversely affect the accuracy of the measurement. Furthermore, Cornu's conventional method requires a long beam because beams with short length-to-width ratios cause the estimate of Poisson's ratio to diverge from the true value of Poisson's ratio. We believe that, with the right modifications, Cornu's method can become an attractive approach to obtaining precise estimates for Poisson's ratio from mode shapes. Here we use finite element simulations to show how to use Cornu's method to estimate Poisson's ratio from a mode shape. Our modified Cornu's method removes knife-edges and loading components for a hinged-hinged plate under steady-state excitation. Given the true value of Poisson's ratio, as a performance specification, we show that simple parametric expressions can fit estimates for Poisson's ratio for different length-to-width ratios of thin hinged-hinged plates. Additionally, we show that estimates for Poisson's ratio from higher modes align with the results from the first mode and explain our expectation for this outcome. Furthermore, our results challenge the idea that anticlastic, monoclastic, and synclastic deformation uniquely correspond to positive, zero, and negative estimates of Poisson's ratio, respectively. With the emergence of materials-by-design, we expect that this parametric technique will be able to assist in experimental qualification of thin beam and plate structures with respect to the desired value of Poisson's ratio.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Extra-nuclear starbursts: young luminous Hinge clumps in interacting galaxies

Hinge clumps are luminous knots of star formation near the base of tidal features in some interacting galaxies. We use archival Hubble Space Telescope (HST) UV/optical/IR images and Chandra X-ray maps along with Galaxy Evolution Explorer UV, Spitzer IR, and ground-based optical/near-IR images to investigate the star forming properties in a sample of 12 hinge clumps in five interacting galaxies. The most extreme of these hinge clumps have star formation rates of 1-9 M {sub ☉} yr{sup –1}, comparable to or larger than the 'overlap' region of intense star formation between the two disks of the colliding galaxy system the Antennae. In the HST images, we have found remarkably large and luminous sources at the centers of these hinge clumps. These objects are much larger and more luminous than typical 'super star clusters' in interacting galaxies, and are sometimes embedded in a linear ridge of fainter star clusters, consistent with star formation along a narrow caustic. These central sources have FWHM diameters of ∼70 pc, compared to ∼3 pc in 'ordinary' super star clusters. Their absolute I magnitudes range from M{sub I} ∼ – 12.2 to –16.5; thus, if they are individual star clusters they would lie near the top of the 'super star cluster' luminosity function of star clusters. These sources may not be individual star clusters, but instead may be tightly packed groups of clusters that are blended together in the HST images. Comparison to population synthesis modeling indicates that the hinge clumps contain a range of stellar ages. This is consistent with expectations based on models of galaxy interactions, which suggest that star formation may be prolonged in these regions. In the Chandra images, we have found strong X-ray emission from several of these hinge clumps. In most cases, this emission is well-resolved with Chandra and has a thermal X-ray spectrum, thus it is likely due to hot gas associated with the star formation. The ratio of the extinction-corrected diffuse X-ray luminosity to the mechanical energy rate (the X-ray production efficiency) for the hinge clumps is similar to that in the Antennae galaxies, but higher than those for regions in the normal spiral galaxy NGC 2403. Two of the hinge clumps have point-like X-ray emission much brighter than expected for hot gas; these sources are likely 'ultra-luminous X-ray sources' due to accretion disks around black holes. The most extreme of these sources, in Arp 240, has a hard X-ray spectrum and an absorbed X-ray luminosity of ∼2 × 10{sup 41} erg s{sup –1}; this is above the luminosity expected by single high mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs), thus it may be either a collection of HMXBs or an intermediate mass black hole (≥80 M {sub ☉}).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Quantum transport response of topological hinge modes

Electronic topological phases are typified by the conducting surface states that exist on the boundary of an insulating three-dimensional bulk. While the transport response of the two-dimensional surface states has been studied, the quantum response of the one-dimensional hinge modes has not been demonstrated. Here we provide evidence for quantum transport in gapless topological hinge states existing within the insulating bulk and surface energy gaps in the intrinsic topological insulator α-Bi 4 Br 4 . Our magnetoresistance measurements reveal pronounced Aharonov–Bohm oscillations that are periodic in h/e (where h denotes Planck’s constant and e is the electron charge). The observed periodicity evinces quantum interference of electrons circumnavigating around the hinges. We also demonstrate that the h/e oscillations evolve as a function of magnetic field orientation, following the interference paths along the hinge modes that are allowed by topology and symmetry. Furthermore, our findings reveal the quantum transport response of topological hinge modes with both topological nature and quantum coherence, which can eventually be applied to the development of efficient topological electronic devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Visualizing Key Hinges and a Potential Major Source of Compliance in the Lever Arm of Myosin

We have determined the 2.3-{angstrom}-resolution crystal structure of a myosin light chain domain, corresponding to one type found in sea scallop catch ('smooth') muscle. This structure reveals hinges that may function in the 'on' and 'off' states of myosin. The molecule adopts two different conformations about the heavy chain 'hook' and regulatory light chain (RLC) helix D. This conformational change results in extended and compressed forms of the lever arm whose lengths differ by 10 {angstrom}. The heavy chain hook and RLC helix D hinges could thus serve as a potential major and localized source of cross-bridge compliance during the contractile cycle. In addition, in one of the molecules of the crystal, part of the RLC N-terminal extension is seen in atomic detail and forms a one-turn alpha-helix that interacts with RLC helix D. This extension, whose sequence is highly variable in different myosins, may thus modulate the flexibility of the lever arm. Moreover, the relative proximity of the phosphorylation site to the helix D hinge suggests a potential role for conformational changes about this hinge in the transition between the on and off states of regulated myosins.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Higher-order nodal hinge states in doped superconducting topological insulator

Doped strong topological insulators are one of the most promising candidates to realize a fully gapped three-dimensional topological superconductor (TSC). In this Letter, we revisit this system and reveal a possibility for higher-order topology which was previously missed. We find that over a finite range of doping, the Fu-Berg superconducting pairing can give rise to both Majorana surface states and nodal hinge states. Interestingly, we observe the coexistence of surface and hinge modes in the superconducting state only when there are both bulk and surface Fermi surfaces in the normal state. Furthermore, we find that the hinge modes can appear for normal states consisting of doped strong or weak topological insulators. In summary, this work may allow for the discovery of superconducting hinge modes in a well explored class of materials, i.e., doped strong or weak topological insulators.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Evidence for Helical Hinge Zero Modes in an Fe-Based Superconductor

Combining topology and superconductivity provides a powerful tool for investigating fundamental physics as well as a route to fault-tolerant quantum computing. There is mounting evidence that the Fe-based superconductor FeTe 0.55 Se 0.45 (FTS) may also be topologically nontrivial. Should the superconducting order be s ± , then FTS could be a higher order topological superconductor with helical hinge zero modes (HHZMs). To test the presence of these modes, we have fabricated normal-metal/superconductor junctions on different surfaces via 2D atomic crystal heterostructures. As expected, junctions in contact with the hinge reveal a sharp zero bias anomaly that is absent when tunneling purely into the c-axis. Additionally, the shape and suppression with temperature are consistent with highly coherent modes along the hinge and are incongruous with other origins of zero bias anomalies. Additional measurements with soft-point contacts in bulk samples with various Fe interstitial contents demonstrate the intrinsic nature of the observed mode. Thus, we provide evidence that FTS is indeed a higher order topological superconductor.

2D superconductor↗

Amino acid changes within the E protein hinge region that affect dengue virus type 2 infectivity and fusion

Fifteen mutant dengue viruses were engineered and used to identify AAs in the molecular hinge of the envelope protein that are critical to viral infection. Substitutions at Q52, A54, or E133 reduced infectivity in mammalian cells and altered the pH threshold of fusion. Mutations at F193, G266, I270, or G281 affected viral replication in mammalian and mosquito cells, but only I270W had reduced fusion activity. T280Y affected the pH threshold for fusion and reduced replication in C6/36 cells. Three different mutations at L135 were lethal in mammalian cells. Among them, L135G abrogated fusion and reduced replication in C6/36 cells, but only slightly reduced the mosquito infection rate. Conversely, L135W replicated well in C6/36 cells, but had the lowest mosquito infection rate. Possible interactions between hinge residues 52 and 277, or among 53, 135, 170, 186, 265, and 276 required for hinge function were discovered by sequence analysis to identify compensatory mutations.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Encephalomyocarditis virus Leader protein hinge domain is responsible for interactions with Ran GTPase

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), a Cardiovirus, initiates its polyprotein with a short 67 amino acid Leader (L) sequence. The protein acts as a unique pathogenicity factor, with anti-host activities which include the triggering of nuclear pore complex hyperphosphorylation and direct binding inhibition of the active cellular transport protein, Ran GTPase. Chemical modifications and protein mutagenesis now map the Ran binding domain to the L hinge-linker region, and in particular, to amino acids 35–40. Large deletions affecting this region were shown previously to diminish Ran binding. New point mutations, especially K35Q, D37A and W40A, preserve the intact L structure, abolish Ran binding and are deficient for nucleoporin (Nup) hyperphosphorylation. Ran itself morphs through multiple configurations, but reacts most effectively with L when in the GDP format, preferably with an empty nucleotide binding pocket. Therefore, L:Ran binding, mediated by the linker-hinge, is a required step in L-induced nuclear transport inhibition. - Highlights: • The hinge domain provides critical residues in Cardiovirus L:Ran complex formation. • Leader prefers to bind Ran in a nucleotide free, GDP-conformation. • L-induced Nup62 phosphorylation is reduced with Ran-deficient binding mutations.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Development of a novel type of hybrid non-symmetric flexure hinges

A novel type of hybrid non-symmetric flexure hinges (NSFHs) is developed for higher motion precision in this paper, then the finite beam based matrix modeling (FBMM) method is employed to describe elastic deformation behaviors, model compliance matrix, and define non-dimensional precision factors of the hybrid NSFHs. Influences of the dimensional parameters on the dominant compliances and motion accuracies of the NSFHs are analytically investigated based on the FBMM models, while an asymmetry ratio is introduced and its influences on performances of the NSFHs are well revealed. Moreover, making comparisons of the main performances between the proposed NSFHs and symmetric flexure hinges, the obtained results indicate that the hybrid NSFHs can greatly improve the motion accuracy and suppress the adverse inherent motions. Finally, performances of the NSFHs and modeling accuracies are investigated by experimental tests, and making comparison with other flexure hinges.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Evidence on How a Conserved Glycine in the Hinge Region of HapR Regulates Its DNA Binding Ability: LESSONS FROM A NATURAL VARIANT.

HapR has been recognized as a quorum-sensing master regulator in Vibrio cholerae. Because it controls a plethora of disparate cellular events, the absence of a functional HapR affects the physiology of V. cholerae to a great extent. In the current study, we pursued an understanding of an observation of a natural protease-deficient non-O1, non-O139 variant V. cholerae strain V2. Intriguingly, a nonfunctional HapR (henceforth designated as HapRV2) harboring a substitution of glycine to aspartate at position 39 of the N-terminal hinge region has been identified. An in vitro gel shift assay clearly suggested the inability of HapRV2 to interact with various cognate promoters. Reinstatement of glycine at position 39 restores DNA binding ability of HapRV2 (HapRV2G), thereby rescuing the protease-negative phenotype of this strain. The elution profile of HapRV2 and HapRV2G proteins in size-exclusion chromatography and their circular dichroism spectra did not reflect any significant differences to explain the functional discrepancies between the two proteins. To gain insight into the structure-function relationship of these two proteins, we acquired small/wide angle x-ray scattering data from samples of the native and G39D mutant. Although Guinier analysis and indirect Fourier transformation of scattering indicated only a slight difference in the shape parameters, structure reconstruction using dummy amino acids concluded that although HapR adopts a 'Y' shape similar to its crystal structure, the G39D mutation in hinge drastically altered the DNA binding domains by bringing them in close proximity. This altered spatial orientation of the helix-turn-helix domains in this natural variant provides the first structural evidence on the functional role of the hinge region in quorum sensing-related DNA-binding regulatory proteins of Vibrio spp.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Fractional chiral hinge insulator

We propose and study a wave function describing an interacting three-dimensional fractional chiral hinge insulator (FCHI) constructed by Gutzwiller projection of two noninteracting second-order topological insulators with chiral hinge modes at half filling. We use large-scale variational Monte Carlo computations to characterize the model states via the entanglement entropy and charge-spin fluctuations. We show that the FCHI possesses fractional chiral hinge modes characterized by a central charge c = 1 and Luttinger parameter K = 1/2, like the edge modes of a Laughlin 1/2 state. The bulk and surface topology is characterized by the topological entanglement entropy (TEE) correction to the area law. While our computations indicate a vanishing bulk TEE, we show that the gapped surfaces host an unconventional two-dimensional topological phase. In a clear departure from the physics of a Laughlin 1/2 state, we find a TEE per surface compatible with (ln √2 )/2, half that of a Laughlin 1/2 state. This value cannot be obtained from topological quantum field theory for purely two-dimensional systems. For the sake of completeness, we also investigate the topological degeneracy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Gas turbine combustor exit piece with hinged connections

An exit piece (66) with an inlet throat (67) that conducts a combustion gas flow (36A) in a path (82) from a combustor (63) to an annular chamber (68) that feeds the first blade section (37) of a gas turbine (26). The exit piece further includes an outlet portion (69) that forms a circumferential segment of the annular chamber. The outlet portion interconnects with adjacent outlet portions by hinges (78A, 78B, 80A, 80B). Each hinge may have a hinge axis (82A, 82B) parallel to a centerline (21) of the turbine. Respective gas flows (36A) are configured by an assembly (60) of the exit pieces to converge on the feed chamber (68) into a uniform helical flow that drives the first blade section with minimal circumferential variations in force.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Levenberg–Marquardt multi-classification using hinge loss function

Incorporating higher-order optimization functions, such as Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) have revealed better generalizable solutions for deep learning problems. However, these higher-order optimization functions suffer from very large processing time and training complexity especially as training datasets become large, such as in multi-view classification problems, where finding global optima is a very costly problem. To solve this issue, we develop a solution for LM-enabled classification with, to the best of knowledge first-time implementation of hinge loss, for multiview classification. Hinge loss allows the neural network to converge faster and perform better than other loss functions such as logistic or square loss rates. Here we prove our method by experimenting with various multiclass classification challenges of varying complexity and training data size. The empirical results show the training time and accuracy rates achieved, highlighting how our method outperforms in all cases, especially when training time is limited. Our paper presents important results in the relationship between optimization and loss functions and how these can impact deep learning problems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Molecular Pivot-Hinge Installation to Evolve Topology in Rare-Earth Metal–Organic Frameworks

Linker desymmetrization has been witnessed as a powerful design strategy for the discovery of highly connected metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with unprecedented topologies. Herein, we introduce molecular pivot-hinge installation as a linker desymmetrization strategy to evolve the topology of highly connected rare-earth (RE) MOFs, where a pivot group is placed in the center of a linker similar to a hinge. By tuning the composition of pivot groups and steric hindrances of the substituents on various linker rotamers, MOFs with various topologies can be obtained. The combination of L-SO 2 with C 2v symmetry and 12-connected RE9 clusters leads to the formation of a fascinating (4,12)-c dfs new topology. Interestingly, when replacing L-SO 2 with a tetrahedra linker L-O, the stacking behaviors of RE-organic layers switch from an eclipsed mode to a staggered stacking mode, leading to the discovery of an intriguing hjz topology. Additionally, the combination of the RE cluster and a linker [(L-(CH 3 ) 6 )] with more bulky groups gives rise to a flu topology with a new 8-c inorganic cluster. The diversity of these RE-MOFs was further enhanced through post-synthetic installation of linkers with various functional groups. Functionalization of each linker with acidic and basic units in the mesoporous RE-based PCN-90-SO 2 allows for efficient cascade catalytic transformation within the functionalized channels.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗