Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “minimization”

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 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Detailed examination of astrophysical constraints on the symmetry energy and the neutron skin of 208 Pb with minimal modeling assumptions

We report the symmetry energy and its density dependence are pivotal for many nuclear physics and astrophysics applications, as they determine properties ranging from the neutron-skin thickness of nuclei to the crust thickness and the radius of neutron stars. Recently, PREX-II reported a value of 0.283 ± 0.071 fm for the neutron-skin thickness of 208 Pb, $R^{^{208}Pb}_{skin}$, implying a symmetry-energy slope parameter L of 106 ± 37 MeV, larger than most ranges obtained from microscopic calculations and other nuclear experiments. We use a nonparametric equation of state representation based on Gaussian processes to constrain the symmetry energy S 0 , L, and $R^{^{208}Pb}_{skin}$ directly from observations of neutron stars with minimal modeling assumptions. The resulting astrophysical constraints from heavy pulsar masses, LIGO/Virgo, and NICER favor smaller values of the neutron skin and L, as well as negative symmetry incompressibilities. Combining astrophysical data with chiral effective field theory (χEFT) and PREX-II constraints yields S 0 = 33.0$^{+2.0}_{-1.8}$ MeV, L = 53$^{+14}_{-15}$ MeV, and $R^{^{208}Pb}_{skin}$ = 0.17 $^{+0.04}_{-0.04}$ fm. We also examine the consistency of several individual χEFT calculations with astrophysical observations and terrestrial experiments. We find that there is only mild tension between χ EFT, astrophysical data, and PREX-II's $R^{^{208}Pb}_{skin}$ measurement (p value = 12.3%) and that there is excellent agreement between χEFT, astrophysical data, and other nuclear experiments.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Single-channel and single-energy partial-wave analysis with continuity improved through minimal phase constraints

Single-energy partial-wave analysis has often been applied as a way to fit data with minimal model dependence. However, remaining unconstrained, partial waves at neighboring energies will vary discontinuously because the overall amplitude phase cannot be determined through single-channel measurements. This problem can be mitigated through the use of a constraining penalty function based on an associated energy-dependent fit. However, the weight given to this constraint results in a biased fit to the data. In this paper, for the first time, we explore a constraining function which does not influence the fit to data. The constraint comes from the overall phase found in multichannel fits which, in the present study, are the Bonn-Gatchina and Jülich-Bonn multichannel analyses. The data are well reproduced and weighting of the penalty function does not influence the result. The method is applied to K⁢Λ photoproduction data and all observables can be maximally well reproduced. While the employed multichannel analyses display very different multipole amplitudes, we show that the major difference between two sets of multipoles can be related to the different overall phases.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Random matrix model of the Virasoro minimal string

The model of two dimensional quantum gravity defining the Virasoro minimal string, presented recently by Collier, Eberhardt, Mühlmann, and Rodriguez, was also shown to be perturbatively (in topology) equivalent to a random matrix model. An alternative definition is presented here, in terms of double-scaled orthogonal polynomials, thereby allowing direct access to nonperturbative physics. Already at leading order, the defining string equation’s properties yield valuable information about the nonperturbative fate of the model, confirming that the case ( c = 25 , c ^ = 1 ) (central charges of spacelike and timelike Liouville sectors) is special, by virtue of sharing certain key features of the N = 1 supersymmetric JT gravity string equation. Solutions of the full string equation are constructed using a special limit, and the (Cardy) spectral density is completed to all genus and beyond. The distributions of the underlying discrete spectra are readily accessible too, as is the spectral form factor. Some examples of these are exhibited. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Supersymmetric Virasoro minimal strings

A random matrix model definition of a family of N = 1 supersymmetric extensions of the Virasoro minimal string of Collier, Eberhardt, Mühlmann, and Rodriguez is presented. An analysis of the defining string equations shows that the models all naturally have unambiguous nonperturbative completions, which are explicitly supplied by the double-scaled orthogonal polynomial techniques employed. Perturbatively, the multiloop correlation functions of the model define a special supersymmetric class of “quantum volumes,” generalizing the prototype case, some of which are computed. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Astrophysical Constraints on the Symmetry Energy and the Neutron Skin of 208 Pb with Minimal Modeling Assumptions

The symmetry energy and its density dependence are crucial inputs for many nuclear physics and astrophysics applications, as they determine properties ranging from the neutron-skin thickness of nuclei to the crust thickness and the radius of neutron stars. Recently, PREX-II reported a value of 0.283 ± 0.071 fm for the neutron-skin thickness of 208 Pb, implying a slope parameter L = 106 ± 37 MeV, larger than most ranges obtained from microscopic calculations and other nuclear experiments. We use a nonparametric equation of state representation based on Gaussian processes to constrain the symmetry energy S 0 , L, and $R^{^{208}Pb}_{skin}$ directly from observations of neutron stars with minimal modeling assumptions. The resulting astrophysical constraints from heavy pulsar masses, LIGO/Virgo, and NICER clearly favor smaller values of the neutron skin and L, as well as negative symmetry incompressibilities. Finally, combining astrophysical data with PREX-II and chiral effective field theory constraints yields S 0 = $33.0^{+2.0}_{-1.8}$ MeV , L = $53^{+14}_{-15}$ MeV, and $R^{^{208}Pb}_{skin} = 0.17^{+0.04}_{-0.04}$ fm.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dust stars in the minimal exponential measure model

Here, we report the existence of horizonless compact object solutions supported by dust in the minimal exponential measure (MEMe) model, a theory which modifies the couplings between gravity and matter without introducing dynamical degrees of freedom. For a perfect fluid source, the field equations for the MEMe model can be rewritten as the Einstein field equations sourced by a perfect fluid with a transformed equation of state, which can endow a sufficiently dense cloud of dust with an effective pressure. The resulting dust-supported horizonless compact objects can have masses below ∼10 −11 ⁢𝑀 ⊙ , making them suitable as massive compact halo objects comprising a significant mass fraction for dark matter. A necessary condition for the existence of these compact object solutions is that the single free parameter in the MEMe model is positive valued. Additionally, we find that this positive sign for the parameter can provide a mechanism for suppressing the formation of (primordial) black holes from the gravitational collapse of matter below a certain mass scale.

alternative gravity theories↗
DOE OSTI2021

Oxygen K -edge X-ray absorption spectra of liquids with minimization of window contamination

We report oxygen K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy is used routinely to study a range of solid materials. However, liquid samples are studied less frequently at the oxygen K-edge due to the combined challenges of high-vacuum conditions and oxygen contamination of window materials. A modular sample holder design with a twist-seal sample containment system that provides a simple method to encapsulate liquid samples under high-vacuum conditions is presented. This work shows that pure silicon nitride windows have lower oxygen contamination than both diamond- and silicon-rich nitride windows, that the levels of oxygen contamination are related to the age of the windows, and provides a protocol for minimizing the background oxygen contamination. Acid-washed 100 nm-thick silicon nitride windows were found to give good quality oxygen K-edge data on dilute liquid samples.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Rigid registration algorithm based on the minimization of the total variation of the difference map

Image registration is broadly used in various scenarios in which similar scenes in different images are to be aligned. However, image registration becomes challenging when the contrasts and backgrounds in the images are vastly different. This work proposes using the total variation of the difference map between two images (TVDM) as a dissimilarity metric in rigid registration. A method based on TVDM minimization is implemented for image rigid registration. The method is tested with both synthesized and real experimental data that have various noise and background conditions. The performance of the proposed method is compared with the results of other rigid registration methods. It is demonstrated that the proposed method is highly accurate and robust and outperforms other methods in all of the tests. The new algorithm provides a robust option for image registrations that are critical to many nano-scale X-ray imaging and microscopy applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Estimation, Minimization, and Validation of Commutation Loop Inductance for a 135-kW SiC EV Traction Inverter

With growing interests in low inductance SiC based power module packaging, it is vital to focus on system level design aspects to facilitate easy integration of the modules and reap system level benefits. To effectively utilize the low inductance modules, busbar and interconnects should also be designed with low stray inductances. A wholistic investigation of the flux path and flux cancellations in the module-busbar assembly which as differentially coupled series inductors is thus mandatory for a system level design. This work presents a busbar design which can be adopted to effectively integrate the CREE’s low inductance 1.2 kV/1.7 kV SiC power modules. The paper also proposes a novel measurement technique to measure the inductance of the modulebusbar assembly as a whole rather than deducing it from individual components. The inductance of the overall commutation loop of the inverter which encompasses the SiC power module, interconnects and PCB busbar have been estimated using finite element analysis (FEA). Furthermore, insights gained from FEA provided the guidelines to decide on the placement of the decoupling capacitors in the busbar to minimize the overall commutation loop inductance from 12.8 nH to 7.4 nH which resulted in significant reduction in the device voltage overshoot. The simulation results have been validated through measurements using an impedance analyzer with less than 5% difference between extracted loop inductance from FEA and measurements. The bus bar design study and the measurement technique discussed in this paper, can be easily extended to other power module packages. Finally, the 135 kW inverter has been compared to a similar highpower inverter utilizing a laminated busbar to highlight the performance of the former.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Minimization of Measurement Uncertainty in Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry

Optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) is a technique for interrogating optical fiber sensors to generate relative, quasi-distributed measurements. Although Optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) is increasingly being adopted for aerospace, energy production, and structural monitoring applications, the quantification of uncertainty for OFDR measurements has not been developed beyond sparse empirical relationships. To address this knowledge gap, an uncertainty metric for OFDR measurements was developed. This uncertainty metric was applied to weight the edges between OFDR measurements on directed correlation graphs and analyzed to minimize the cumulative uncertainty. In conclusion, this work is the first to propose an uncertainty metric for OFDR and provides a generalized mathematical framework for optimizing OFDR hardware selection, optical fiber sensor selection, and postprocessing strategy.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

A new open‐path eddy covariance method for nitrous oxide and other trace gases that minimizes temperature corrections

Abstract Low‐power, open‐path gas sensors enable eddy covariance (EC) flux measurements in remote areas without line power. However, open‐path flux measurements are sensitive to fluctuations in air temperature, pressure, and humidity. Laser‐based, open‐path sensors with the needed sensitivity for trace gases like methane (CH 4 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) are impacted by additional spectroscopic effects. Corrections for these effects, especially those related to temperature fluctuations, often exceed the flux of gases, leading to large uncertainties in the associated fluxes. For example, the density and spectroscopic corrections arising from temperature fluctuations can be one or two orders of magnitude greater than background N 2 O fluxes. Consequently, measuring background fluxes with laser‐based, open‐path sensors is extremely challenging, particularly for N 2 O and gases with similar high‐precision requirements. We demonstrate a new laser‐based, open‐path N 2 O sensor and a general approach applicable to other gases that minimizes temperature‐related corrections for EC flux measurements. The method identifies absorption lines with spectroscopic effects in the opposite direction of density effects from temperature and, thus, density and spectroscopic effects nearly cancel one another. The new open‐path N 2 O sensor was tested at a corn ( Zea mays L.) field in Southwestern Michigan, United States. The sensor had an optimal precision of 0.1 ppbv at 10 Hz and power consumption of 50 W. Field trials showed that temperature‐related corrections were 6% of density corrections, reducing EC random errors by 20‐fold compared to previously examined lines. Measured open‐path N 2 O EC fluxes showed excellent agreement with those made with static chambers ( m = 1.0 ± 0.3; r 2 = .96). More generally, we identified absorption lines for CO 2 and CH 4 flux measurements that can reduce the temperature‐related corrections by 10–100 times compared to existing open‐path sensors. The proposed method provides a new direction for future open‐path sensors, facilitating the expansion of accurate EC flux measurements.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Experimental warming across a tropical forest canopy height gradient reveals minimal photosynthetic and respiratory acclimation

Abstract Tropical forest canopies cycle vast amounts of carbon, yet we still have a limited understanding of how these critical ecosystems will respond to climate warming. We implemented in situ leaf‐level + 3°C experimental warming from the understory to the upper canopy of two Puerto Rican tropical tree species, Guarea guidonia and Ocotea sintenisii . After approximately 1 month of continuous warming, we assessed adjustments in photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, stomatal conductance, leaf traits and foliar respiration. Warming did not alter net photosynthetic temperature response for either species; however, the optimum temperature of Ocotea understory leaf photosynthetic electron transport shifted upward. There was no Ocotea respiratory treatment effect, while Guarea respiratory temperature sensitivity ( Q 10 ) was down‐regulated in heated leaves. The optimum temperatures for photosynthesis ( T opt ) decreased 3–5°C from understory to the highest canopy position, perhaps due to upper canopy stomatal conductance limitations. Guarea upper canopy T opt was similar to the mean daytime temperatures, while Ocotea canopy leaves often operated above T opt . With minimal acclimation to warmer temperatures in the upper canopy, further warming could put these forests at risk of reduced CO 2 uptake, which could weaken the overall carbon sink strength of this tropical forest.

Carter, Kelsey R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Experimental and Computational Investigation of Shaped Film Cooling Holes Designed to Minimize Inlet Separation

Abstract Film cooling is used to protect turbine components from the extreme temperatures by ejecting coolant through arrays of holes to create an air buffer from the hot combustion gases. Limitations in traditional machining meant film cooling holes universally have sharp inlets, which create separation regions at the hole entrance. The present study uses experimental and computational data to show that these inlet separation are a major cause of performance variation in crossflow fed film cooling holes. Three-hole designs were experimentally tested by independently varying the coolant velocity ratio (VR) and the coolant channel velocity ratio (VRc) to isolate the effects of crossflow on hole performance. Leveraging additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, the addition of a 0.25D radius fillet to the inlet of a 7-7-7 shaped hole is shown to significantly improve diffuser usage and significantly reduce variation in performance with VRc. A second AM design used a very large radius of curvature inlet to reduce biasing caused by the inlet crossflow. Experiments showed that this “swept” hole design did minimize biasing of the coolant flow to one side of the shaped hole, and it significantly reduced variations due to varying VRc. RANS simulations at six VR and three VRc conditions were made for each geometry to better understand how the new geometries changed the velocity field within the hole. The sharp and rounded inlets were seen to have very similar tangential velocity fields and jet biasing. Both AM inlets created more uniform, slower velocity fields entering the diffuser. The results of this article indicate that large improvements in film cooling performance can be found by leveraging AM technology.

Engineering↗
DOE OSTI2023

Optimization of Dimensions of Smooth and Twisted-Tape-Inserted Tubes for Heat Transfer with NaCl/KCl/MgCl 2 Molten Salts by Principle of Entropy Generation Minimization

The entropy generation minimization principle is used as the criterion to optimize the flow and heat transfer of solar collectors and heat exchangers that use molten salts NaCl–KCl–MgCl 2 and KCl–MgCl 2 . The Gnielinski correlation for the Nusselt number versus Reynolds number, as well as the Moody friction factor given by Petukhov, was used for the calculation of the convective heat transfer coefficient and pressure loss due to friction in smooth tubes. For twisted-tap-inserted tube, equations of Nu and friction factor provided by Manglik and Bergles were used. The objective function, the entropy generation rate of the heat transfer system, was expressed as the function of Reynolds number, Prandtl number, heating flux, tube diameter, etc. As a result of the analysis, the optimum Reynolds number was determined and thereby to determine the optimum Nusselt number, convective heat transfer coefficient, friction factor, and tube diameter, which also allows the calculation of optimum flow velocity. The analysis was conducted in the fluid temperature range of 500–700 °C, which covers the operation temperature for supercritical CO 2 power cycles in concentrated solar power (CSP) system. Here, optimized results from the smooth tube and twisted-tap-inserted tube are compared, which is important to the design of solar receivers for CSP systems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

A minimal SufB 2 C 2 complex functions as a [4Fe-4S] cluster scaffold in methanogenic archaea

Iron-sulfur clusters are essential cofactors in all domains of life, yet their biogenesis in obligately anaerobic archaea remains poorly understood. Here, we characterized the minimal two-protein SUF system in methanogenic archaea, composed solely of SufB and SufC. Using Methanococcus maripaludis as a model, we demonstrate that the SUF proteins from its native host form a stable SufB 2 C 2 heterotetramer that binds a [4Fe-4S] cluster via three conserved cysteines in SufC. Mutations of conserved cysteine and histidine residues of SufB do not impair cluster binding. The complex interacts with the SAM-containing methanogenesis marker protein 10 (MmpX), suggesting direct Fe-S cluster transfer from SufB 2 C 2 to target proteins. Mutational analysis of Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus proteins confirmed that SufC is the primary cluster-binding component, while SufB enhances ATPase and cluster transfer activities. Evolutionary comparisons suggest that this two-protein SUF system represents an ancestral form of Fe-S cluster biogenesis.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

A minimal supersymmetric SU(5) missing-partner model

We explore a missing-partner model based on the minimal SU(5) gauge group with 75, 50 and 50¯ Higgs representations, assuming a super-GUT CMSSM scenario in which soft supersymmetry-breaking parameters are universal at some high scale Min above the GUT scale MGUT. We identify regions of parameter space that are consistent with the cosmological dark matter density, the measured Higgs mass and the experimental lower limit on τ(p → K + ν). These constraints can be satisfied simultaneously along stop coannihilation strips in the super-GUT CMSSM with tanβ ~ 3.5–5 where the input gaugino mass m 1/2 ~15–25 TeV, corresponding after strong renormalization by the large GUT Higgs representations between M in and M GUT to m LSP ,m t ~ 1 ~ 2.5–5 TeV and m g ~ ~ 13–20 TeV, with the light-flavor squarks significantly heavier. We find that τ(p → K + ν) ≲ 3 × 10 34 years throughout the allowed range of parameter space, within the range of the next generation of searches with the JUNO, DUNE and Hyper-Kamiokande experiments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimizing Direct Air Capture Solvents to Minimize Energy Consumption of CO 2 Release in a Carbonate Electrolyzer

Addressing climate change by carbon management is critical to achieving the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In this work, we examined the electrochemically-driven recovery of CO 2 during alkaline solvent regeneration for solvent-based direct air capture. A mathematical model was developed by incorporating carbonate chemistry with water electrolysis to predict the energy consumption per unit of CO 2 released. The predicted results were consistent with the experimental data, in which the experimental work was achieved by characterizing alkalinity and carbon loading values of solvent collected from a flow carbonate electrolyzer. Through this study, we learned that minimizing the energy expended on CO 2 release can be achieved by using an anolyte with a lower alkalinity, increasing the electric charge input to the electrolyzer, and reducing the ohmic resistance of the electrolyzer. Furthermore, using a supporting electrolyte, e.g., Na 2 SO 4 in the present work, effectively compensates for the higher ohmic resistance from using an anolyte with a lower alkalinity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Improving Dose-Optimization Processes Used in Oncology Drug Development to Minimize Toxicity and Maximize Benefit to Patients

This review highlights strategies to integrate dose optimization into premarketing drug development and discusses the underlying statistical principles. Poor dose optimization can have negative consequences for patients, most commonly because of toxicity, including poor quality of life, reduced effectiveness because of inability of patients to stay on current therapy or receive subsequent therapy because of toxicities, and difficulty in developing combination regimens. We reviewed US Food and Drug Administration initial approvals (2019-2021) of small molecules and antibody-drug conjugates for oncologic indications to determine the proportion with a recommended dosage at the maximum tolerated dose or the maximal administered dose, to characterize the use of randomized evaluations of multiple dosages in dose selection, to describe the frequency of dose modifications at the recommended dosage, and to identify case examples that highlight key principles for premarket dose optimization during drug development. Herein, we highlight major principles for dose optimization and review examples of recent US Food and Drug Administration approvals that illustrate how investigation of dose- and exposure-response relationships and use of randomized dose trials can support dose optimization. Although there has been some progress, dose optimization through randomized dose evaluation in oncology trials is not routinely conducted. Dose optimization is essential to ensure that patients receive therapies which maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity.

Oncology↗