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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.

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At least 217 records · Page 12

Stratospheric dynamical effects of solar ultraviolet variations - Evidence from zonal mean ozone and temperature data

Cross-spectral analysis of low-latitude average Nimbus 7 stratospheric and mesospheric sounder (SAMS) temperature deviations versus Nimbus 7 solar backscattered ultraviolet (SBUV) solar 205 nm flux measurements in the 1-3 mbar pressure range yields significant coherence at periods near 27 and 13 days. This supports earlier correlative evidence that the ozone response to solar ultraviolet variations is supplemented by a coupled temperature response in the upper stratosphere. Comparisons of improved one-dimensional radiative photochemical model calculations with ozone and temperature response measurements at low latitudes yields agreement only in the case of ozone at levels below 3 mbar. An additional, presumably dynamical, component of the upper stratospheric response is suggested. Cross-spectral analysis of low-latitude average SAMS temperature deviations versus higher-latitude temperature fluctuations of opposite sign in the winter hemisphere also yields significant coherency at periods near 27 and 13 days. Latitudinal temperature oscillations of this type result from interference between stationary and traveling wave components at stratospheric heights. It is therefore hypothesized that solar ultraviolet variations may force or modulate traveling waves with periods near 27 and 13 days in the upper stratosphere. The existence of such waves with higher amplitude near solar maximum than near solar minimum may help to explain observed solar cycle variations of zonally averaged winds and temperature in the upper stratosphere.

Hood, L. L.↗

Quantitative measurement of pebble fuel anisotropy using generalized ellipsometry

The renewed development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors has created a need to modernize pebble fuel quality control methods. One important specification in these methods is the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) anisotropy, which reflects graphite grain alignment and affects fuel performance. This study investigates the feasibility of using two-modulator generalized ellipsometry microscopy (2-MGEM) as a potential surrogate metric for CTE anisotropy. Graphite matrix compacts with controlled levels of anisotropy were fabricated by varying pre-pressures during forming and were subsequently characterized using both optical dilatometry and 2-MGEM. Measured responses were compared to an isotropic reference pebble produced using an industrial manufacturing process to provide a practical baseline. The resulting measurements revealed a strong quantitative correlation between the CTE anisotropy ratio and the corresponding diattenuation ratio. However, propagated measurement uncertainties in the optical method were found to limit definitive pass/fail discrimination, highlighting the need for improved precision before qualification as a quality control tool. Still, the results establish a quantitative relationship between optical and CTE anisotropy and support further development of 2-MGEM as a potential surrogate method for evaluating graphite matrix anisotropy in pebble fuel manufacturing.

Raftery, Alicia [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000259076427)↗

Forced Oscillation Source Location in Power Systems Using MVMD-assisted DEF in TF Plane

Fast and accurate forced oscillation source location (FOSL) is critical for mitigating forced oscillations in power systems. Here, to overcome the shortcomings of traditional dissipating energy flow (DEF) in decomposing the forced oscillation components from the measurement responses, a multivariate variational mode decomposition (MVMD)-assisted FOSL is proposed in this paper to locate the forced oscillation sources from measurements in time-frequency (TF) plane. The multi-channel measurement matrix of each generator is formed, then the multi-channel modes are decomposed from the formed multi-channel measurement matrix using the MVMD. Further, the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) associated with the forced oscillation mode are distinguished from the decomposed modes according to the relative energy weights. With the distinguished IMFs, the MVMD-assisted DEF calculation method is developed to locate the forced oscillation source. Finally, the performance of the proposed method is evaluated using the simulation data of the WECC 179-bus test system and IEEE-NASPI Oscillation Source Location Contest as well as the actual PMU data of ISO New England. The results validated the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method in the FOSL.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Silicon Solar Cell Fabrication Technology

Device fabrication and photoconductive lifetime decay measurements were used to characterize single and polycrystalline silicon substracts. The device characterization of the processed materials was done by spectral response measurements and absolute quantum efficiency at a single wavelength. The results were then reduced to yield the diffusion length of the various samples. The photoconductive lifetime decay method was implemented in order to determine the minority carrier lifetime in unprocessed wafers.

Stafsudd, O. M.↗

A Summary of Results from Two Full-Scale Fokker F28 Fuselage Section Drop Tests

During 2017, two vertical drop tests were conducted on two partial sections removed from a Fokker F28 MK4000 aircraft as a part of a joint NASA / Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) effort to investigate the crashworthiness characteristics of Transport Category Aircraft, as defined by 14 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 25. The first test was a pure vertical drop test of a relatively uniform forward section, which included an underfloor area for luggage. The second test was a canted drop test onto a sloped surface of a portion of the fuselage representing the wingbox stiffened structure. In both tests, accelerometers were installed on the floor, seat track, luggage, and overhead bin to measure responses in the two airframe sections. In addition, ten Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs, a.k.a. crash test dummies) were included in each test to measure the potential of onboard occupant injury. Self-contained data recorders, logging accelerations and rotational rates, were also used on the seat tracks and lower structure for evaluation as potential crash recording devices in future tests. Finally, the starboard side of each section was painted with a stochastic black and white speckle pattern for use in full field photogrammetric imaging techniques. The results collected show notable differences in the Forward and Wingbox Section responses. The Forward Section floor accelerations showed a relatively uniform response of approximately 7 g throughout the impact event. This section exhibited large amounts of subfloor crushing, floor stiffener failures and seat deformation upon impact. These results are contrasted by the Wingbox Section accelerations, which showed large differences when comparing accelerations recorded from either the rear or the front portion of the section reaching peaks of 39 g in some locations. Additionally, the Wingbox Section test induced a forward motion caused from the rotation at impact. With the exception of the lower cavity, there was minimal deformation in the Wingbox Section, and ATD responses were consistently higher than those for the Forward Section. A complete set of results are presented for the airframe, seat, ATD, overhead bin, and subfloor regions for each section. The ATD results are compared to current injury criteria, and determinations will be made on the likelihood of injury. Additional results for cargo-hold stored luggage are presented in an attempt to provide a component-level characterization for better understanding of under-floor loading. Finally, a discussion of the relevance of the results for a proposed airframe level crashworthiness guideline are presented.

Littell, Justin D.↗

High Response Dew Point Measurement System for a Supersonic Wind Tunnel

A new high response on-line measurement system has been developed to continuously display and record the air stream dew point in the NASA Lewis 10 x 10 supersonic wind tunnel. Previous instruments suffered from such problems as very slow response, erratic readings, and high susceptibility to contamination. The system operates over the entire pressure level range of the 10 x 10 SWT, from less than 2 psia to 45 psia, without the need for a vacuum pump to provide sample flow. The system speeds up tunnel testing, provides large savings in tunnel power costs and provides the dew point input for the data-reduction subroutines which calculate test section conditions.

Blumenthal, Philip Z.↗

Turbulent transport and production/destruction of ozone in a boundary layer over complex terrain

The first Intensive Observation Period (IOP) of the Swiss air pollution experiment POLLUMET took place in 1990 in the Aare River Valley between Bern and Zurich. During the IOP, fast response measurements of meteorological variables and ozone concentration were made within the boundary layer aboard a motorglider. In addition, mean values of meteorological variables and the concentrations of ozone and other trace species were measured using other aircraft, pilot balloons, tethersondes, and ground stations. Turbulent flux profiles of latent and sensible heat and ozone are calculated from the fast response data. Terms in the ozone mean concentration budget (time rate of change of mean concentration, horizontal advection, and flux divergence) are calculated for stationary time periods both before and after the passage of a cold front. The source/sink term is calculated as a residual in the budget, and its sign and magnitude are related to the measured concentrations of reactive trace species within the boundary layer. Relationships between concentration ratios of trace species and ozone concentration are determined in order to understand the influence of complex terrain on the processes that produce and destroy ozone.

Greenhut, Gary K.↗

High density Schottky barrier IRCCD sensors for SWIR applications at intermediate temperature

Monolithic 32 x 64 and 64 x 1:128 palladium silicide (Pd2Si) interline transfer infrared charge coupled devices (IRCCDs) sensitive in the 1 to 3.5 micron spectral band were developed. This silicon imager exhibits a low response nonuniformity of typically 0.2 to 1.6% rms, and was operated in the temperature range between 40 to 140 K. Spectral response measurements of test Pd2Si p-type Si devices yield quantum efficiencies of 7.9% at 1.25 microns, 5.6% at 1.65 microns 2.2% at 2.22 microns. Improvement in quantum efficiency is expected by optimizing the different structural parameters of the Pd2Si detectors. The spectral response of the Pd2Si detectors fit a modified Fowler emission model. The measured photo-electric barrier height for the Pd2Si detectors is 0.34 eV and the measured quantum efficiency coefficient, C1, is 19%/eV. The dark current level of Pd2Si Schottky barrier focal plane arrays (FPAs) is sufficiently low to enable operation at intermediate temperatures at TV frame rates. Typical dark current level measured at 120 K on the FPA is 2 nA/sq cm. The operating temperature of the Pd2Si FPA is compatible with passive cooler performance. In addition, high density Pd2Si Schottky barrier FPAs are manufactured with high yield and therefore represent an economical approach to short wavelength IR imaging. A Pd2Si Schottky barrier image sensor for push-broom multispectral imaging in the 1.25, 1.65, and 2.22 micron bands is being studied. The sensor will have two line arrays (dual band capability) of 512 detectors each, with 30 micron center-to-center detector spacing. The device will be suitable for chip-to-chip abutment, thus providing the capability to produce large, multiple chip focal planes with contiguous, in-line sensors.

Elabd, H.↗

Criteria for the optimal design of experimental tests

Some of the basic concepts are unified that were developed for the problem of finding optimal approximating functions which relate a set of controlled variables to a measurable response. The techniques have the potential for reducing the amount of testing required in experimental investigations. Specifically, two low-order polynomial models are considered as approximations to unknown functionships. For each model, optimal means of designing experimental tests are presented which, for a modest number of measurements, yield prediction equations that minimize the error of an estimated response anywhere inside a selected region of experimentation. Moreover, examples are provided for both models to illustrate their use. Finally, an analysis of a second-order prediction equation is given to illustrate ways of determining maximum or minimum responses inside the experimentation region.

Canavos, G. C.↗

Development and Characterization of a Low-Pressure Calibration System for Hypersonic Wind Tunnels

Minimization of uncertainty is essential for accurate ESP measurements at very low free-stream static pressures found in hypersonic wind tunnels. Statistical characterization of environmental error sources requires a well defined and controlled calibration method. A calibration system has been constructed and environmental control software developed to control experimentation to eliminate human induced error sources. The initial stability study of the calibration system shows a high degree of measurement accuracy and precision in temperature and pressure control. Control manometer drift and reference pressure instabilities induce uncertainty into the repeatability of voltage responses measured from the PSI System 8400 between calibrations. Methods of improving repeatability are possible through software programming and further experimentation.

Green, Del L.↗

Evaluation of a pilot workload metric for simulated VTOL landing tasks

A methodological approach to measuring workload was investigated for evaluation of new concepts in VTOL aircraft displays. Multivariate discriminant functions were formed from conventional flight performance and/or visual response variables to maximize detection of experimental differences. The flight performance variable discriminant showed maximum differentiation between crosswind conditions. The visual response measure discriminant maximized differences between fixed vs. motion base conditions and experimental displays. Physiological variables were used to attempt to predict the discriminant function values for each subject/condition/trial. The weights of the physiological variables in these equations showed agreement with previous studies. High muscle tension, light but irregular breathing patterns, and higher heart rate with low amplitude all produced higher scores on this scale and thus, represented higher workload levels.

North, R. A.↗

Locating damaged members in a truss structure using modal test data - A demonstration experiment

An experiment is designed to demonstrate and verify the performance of the on-orbit assessment approach for large flexible space truss structures. The on-orbit assessment approach can be accomplished, in principle, with dynamic response information, structural identification methods, and model correlation techniques which produce an adjusted mathematical model. An optimal update of the structure model is formed using the response data, then examined to locate damaged members. The experiment uses a laboratory scale model truss structure which exhibits characteristics expected for large space truss structures. Vibration experiments are performed to generate response data for the damaged truss. The damage location approach is described, as well as analytical work performed in support of the vibration tests, the measured response of the test article, and some preliminary results.

Smith, Suzanne Weaver↗

Response Surface Methods For Spatially-Resolved Optical Measurement Techniques

Response surface methods (or methodology), RSM, have been applied to improve data quality for two vastly different spatially-resolved optical measurement techniques. In the first application, modern design of experiments (MDOE) methods, including RSM, are employed to map the temperature field in a direct-connect supersonic combustion test facility at NASA Langley Research Center. The laser-based measurement technique known as coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is used to measure temperature at various locations in the combustor. RSM is then used to develop temperature maps of the flow. Even though the temperature fluctuations at a single point in the flowfield have a standard deviation on the order of 300 K, RSM provides analytic fits to the data having 95% confidence interval half width uncertainties in the fit as low as +/- 30 K. Methods of optimizing future CARS experiments are explored. The second application of RSM is to quantify the shape of a 5-meter diameter, ultra-lightweight, inflatable space antenna at NASA Langley Research Center. Photogrammetry is used to simultaneously measure the shape of the antenna at approximately 500 discrete spatial locations. RSM allows an analytic model to be developed that describes the shape of the majority of the antenna with an uncertainty of 0.4 mm, with 95% confidence. This model would allow a quantitative comparison between the actual shape of the antenna and the original design shape. Accurately determining this shape also allows confident interpolation between the measured points. Such a model could, for example, be used for ray tracing of radio-frequency waves up to 95 GHz. to predict the performance of the antenna.

Danehy, P. M.↗

Photoinduced patterning of oxygen vacancies to promote the ferroelectric phase of Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2

Photoinduced reductions in the oxygen vacancy concentration were leveraged to increase the ferroelectric phase fraction of Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 thinfilms. Modest ( ~ 2 — 77 pJ=cm 2 ) laser doses of visible light (488 nm, 2.54 eV) spatially patterned the concentration of oxygen vacancies as monitored by photoluminescence imaging. Local, tip-based, near-field, nanoFTIR measurements showed that the photoinduced oxygen vacancy concentration reduction promoted formation of the ferroelectric phase (space group Pca2 1 ), resulting in an increase in the piezoelectric response measured by piezoresponse force microscopy. Photoinduced vacancy tailoring provides, therefore, a spatially prescriptive, postsynthesis, and low-entry method to modify phase in HfO 2 -based materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Scene shadow effects on multispectral response

Spectral responses measured from nonuniform balsam fir canopies with varying amounts and locations of shadows are examined in order to study the effects of scene shadows on spectral response. The behavior of canopy reflectance and spectral band transformations, normalized difference (ND), and greenness for a variety of solar zenith angles and background types are analyzed. The use of vegetation indices for monitoring vegetation is studied in terms of shadowing. It is observed that the red and near-IR reflectance factors decrease as the amount of scene shadows increase; the ND increases with increasing scene shadows; changing shadow amounts have little effect on greenness; and the ND from 'pure' pixels increases as the shadows cast by adjacent vegetation canopies increases.

Ranson, K. Jon↗

Compact Micromachined Infrared Bandpass Filters for Planetary Spectroscopy

The future needs of space based observational planetary and astronomy missions include low mass and small volume radiometric instruments that can operate in high radiation and low temperature environments. Here we focus on a central spectroscopic component, the bandpass filter. We model the bandpass response of the filters to target the wavelength of the resonance peaks at 20, 40, and 60 micrometers and report good agreement between the modeled and measured response. We present a technique of using common micromachining processes for semiconductor fabrication to make compact, free standing resonant metal mesh filter arrays with silicon support frames. The process can accommodate multiple detector array architectures and the silicon frame provides lightweight mechanical support with low form factor. We also present a conceptual hybridization of the filters with a detector array.

Merrell, Willie C., II↗

Response Surface Methods for Spatially-Resolved Optical Measurement Techniques

Response surface methods (or methodology), RSM, have been applied to improve data quality for two vastly different spatial ly-re solved optical measurement techniques. In the first application, modern design of experiments (MDOE) methods, including RSM, are employed to map the temperature field in a direct-connect supersonic combustion test facility at NASA Langley Research Center. The laser-based measurement technique known as coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is used to measure temperature at various locations in the combustor. RSM is then used to develop temperature maps of the flow. Even though the temperature fluctuations at a single point in the flowfield have a standard deviation on the order of 300 K, RSM provides analytic fits to the data having 95% confidence interval half width uncertainties in the fit as low as +/-30 K. Methods of optimizing future CARS experiments are explored. The second application of RSM is to quantify the shape of a 5-meter diameter, ultra-light, inflatable space antenna at NASA Langley Research Center.

Danehy, P. M.↗

A system for the accurate measurement of pointing responses

We present an accurate, yet relatively inexpensive, system for measuring the direction of pointing responses. This system utilizes off-the-shelf business presentation components in a novel way to help detect and quantify the pointing measurements. The system configuration, measurement features, and procedures to enhance measurement accuracy are described.

NASA Center JSC↗