Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

He, Huan

Publications and source records attributed to He, Huan.

Reducing Operator Complexity of Galerkin Coarse-grid Operators with Machine Learning

Here, we propose a data-driven and machine-learning-based approach to compute non-Galerkin coarse-grid operators in multigrid (MG) methods, addressing the well-known issue of increasing operator complexity. Guided by the MG theory on spectrally equivalent coarse-grid operators, we have developed novel machine learning algorithms that utilize neural networks combined with smooth test vectors from multigrid eigenvalue problems. The proposed method demonstrates promise in reducing the complexity of coarse-grid operators while maintaining overall MG convergence for solving parametric partial differential equation problems. Numerical experiments on anisotropic rotated Laplacian and linear elasticity problems are provided to showcase the performance and comparison with existing methods for computing non-Galerkin coarse-grid operators.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Domain crossover in the reductase subunit of NADPH-dependent assimilatory sulfite reductase

NADPH-dependent assimilatory sulfite reductase (SiR) from Escherichia coli performs a six-electron reduction of sulfite to the bioavailable sulfide. SiR is composed of a flavoprotein (SiRFP) reductase subunit and a hemoprotein (SiRHP) oxidase subunit. There is no known high-resolution structure of SiR or SiRFP, thus we do not yet fully understand how the subunits interact to perform their chemistry. Here, we used small-angle neutron scattering to understand the impact of conformationally restricting the highly mobile SiRFP octamer into an electron accepting (closed) or electron donating (open) conformation, showing that SiR remains active, flexible, and asymmetric even with these conformational restrictions. From these scattering data, we then model the first solution structure of SiRFP. Further, computational modeling of the N-terminal 52 amino acids that are responsible for SiRFP oligomerization suggests an eight-helical bundle tethers together the SiRFP subunits to form the SiR core. Finally, mass spectrometry analysis of the closed SiRFP variant show that SiRFP is capable of inter-molecular domain crossover, in which the electron donating domain from one polypeptide is able to interact directly with the electron accepting domain of another polypeptide. This structural characterization suggests that SiR performs its high-volume electron transfer through both inter- and intramolecular pathways between SiRFP domains and, thus, cis or trans transfer from reductase to oxidase subunits. Such highly redundant potential for electron transfer makes this system a potential target for designing synthetic enzymes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Boosting electrochemical reaction and suppressing phase transition with a high-entropy O3-type layered oxide for sodium-ion batteries

Complex phase transitions induced by interlayer slides in layered cathode materials lead to poor cycling stability and rate capability for sodium-ion batteries. Herein, we design and prepare a new six-component high-entropy oxide (HEO) layered cathode O3–Na(Fe 0.2 Co 0.2 Ni 0.2 Ti 0.2 Sn 0.1 Li 0.1 )O 2 to enable highly reversible electrochemical reaction and phase-transition behavior. The HEO cathode exhibits good cycling performance (capacity retention of ~81% after 100 cycles at 0.5C) and outstanding rate capability (capacity of ~81 mA h g –1 at 2.0C) due to the higher sodium diffusion coefficient (above 5.75 × 10 –11 cm 2 s –1 ) than most reported O3-type cathodes. Moreover, the high-entropy cathode has superior compatibility with the hard carbon anode and delivers a specific capacity of 90.4 mA h g –1 (energy density of ~267.5 W h kg –1 ). Ex situ X-ray diffraction proves that the high-entropy designing effectively suppresses the intermediate phase change to achieve reversible O3–P3 phase evolution, and in turn stabilizes the layered structure. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectrum of 57 Fe suggest that Ni 2+ /Ni 3.5+ , Co 3+ /Co 3.5+ , and part of Fe 3+ /Fe 3.5+ redox reaction contribute the charge compensation. Finally, the enhanced performance can be attributed to the disordered distribution of multi-component transition metals in HEO suppressing the ordering of electric charges and sodium vacancies, thereby inhibiting the interlayer slide and phase transition.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗