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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 253 records · Page 14

Optimization of Window Positions for Wind-Driven Natural Ventilation Performance

This paper optimizes opening positions on building facades to maximize the natural ventilation’s potential for ventilation and cooling purposes. The paper demonstrates how to apply computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results to architectural design processes, and how the CFD-driven decisions impact ventilation and cooling: (1) background: A CFD helps predict the natural ventilation’s potential, the integration of CFD results into design decision-making has not been actively practiced; (2) methods: Pressure data on building facades were obtained from CFD simulations and mapped into the 3D modeling environment, which were then used to identify optimal positions of two openings of a zone. The effect of the selected opening positions was validated with building energy simulations; (3) results: The cross-comparison study of different window positions based on different geographical locations quantified the impact on natural ventilation effectiveness; and (4) conclusions: The optimized window position was shown to be effective, and some optimal solutions contradicted the typical cross-ventilation strategy.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Model-independent Exoplanet Transit Spectroscopy

We propose a new data analysis method for obtaining transmission spectra of exoplanet atmospheres and brightness variation across the stellar disk from transit observations. The new method is capable of recovering exoplanet atmosphere absorption spectra and stellar specific intensities without relying on theoretical models of stars and planets. We simultaneously fit both stellar specific intensity and planetary radius directly to transit light curves. This allows stellar models to be removed from the data analysis. Furthermore, we use a data quality weighted filtering technique to achieve an optimal trade-off between spectral resolution and reconstruction fidelity homogenizing the signal-to-noise ratio across the wavelength range. Such an approach is more efficient than conventional data binning onto a low-resolution wavelength grid. We demonstrate that our analysis is capable of reproducing results achieved by using an explicit quadratic limb-darkening equation and that the filtering technique helps eliminate spurious spectral features in regions with strong telluric absorption. The method is applied to the VLT FORS2 observations of the exoplanets GJ 1214 b and WASP-49 b, and our results are in agreement with previous studies. Comparisons between obtained stellar specific intensity and numerical models indicates that the method is capable of accurately reconstructing the specific intensity. The proposed method enables more robust characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres by separating derivation of planetary transmission and stellar specific intensity spectra (that is model-independent) from chemical and physical interpretation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A VLA Survey of Late-time Radio Emission from Superluminous Supernovae and the Host Galaxies

We present the results of 3 GHz radio continuum observations of 23 superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) and their host galaxies by using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array conducted 5–21 yr after the explosions. The sample consists of 15 Type I and 8 Type II SLSNe at z < 0.3, providing one of the largest samples of SLSNe with late-time radio data. We detected radio emission from one SLSN (PTF10hgi) and five hosts with a significance of >5σ. No time variability is found in late-time radio light curves of the radio-detected sources in a timescale of years except for PTF10hgi, whose variability is reported in a separate study. Comparison of star formation rates (SFRs) derived from the 3 GHz flux densities with those derived from SED modeling based on UV–NIR data shows that four hosts have an excess of radio SFRs, suggesting obscured star formation. Upper limits for undetected hosts and stacked results show that the majority of the SLSN hosts do not have a significant obscured star formation. By using the 3 GHz upper limits, we constrain the parameters for afterglows arising from interaction between initially off-axis jets and circumstellar medium (CSM). Here, we found that the models with higher energies ( E iso ≳ several × 10 53 erg) and CSM densities ( n ≳ 0.01 cm –3 ) are excluded, but lower energies or CSM densities are not excluded with the current data. We also constrained the models of pulsar wind nebulae powered by a newly born magnetar for a subsample of SLSNe with model predictions in the literature.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The AGORA High-resolution Galaxy Simulations Comparison Project. V. Satellite Galaxy Populations in a Cosmological Zoom-in Simulation of a Milky Way–Mass Halo

We analyze and compare the satellite halo populations at z ~ 2 in the high-resolution cosmological zoom-in simulations of a 10 12 M ⊙ target halo (z = 0 mass) carried out on eight widely used astrophysical simulation codes (Art-I, Enzo, Ramses, Changa, Gadget-3, Gear, Arepo-t, and Gizmo) for the AGORA High-resolution Galaxy Simulations Comparison Project. We use slightly different redshift epochs near z = 2 for each code (hereafter "z ~ 2") at which the eight simulations are in the same stage in the target halo's merger history. After identifying the matched pairs of halos between the CosmoRun simulations and the DMO simulations, we discover that each CosmoRun halo tends to be less massive than its DMO counterpart. When we consider only the halos containing stellar particles at z ~ 2, the number of satellite galaxies is significantly fewer than that of dark matter halos in all participating AGORA simulations and is comparable to the number of present-day satellites near the Milky Way or M31. The so-called "missing satellite problem" is fully resolved across all participating codes simply by implementing the common baryonic physics adopted in AGORA and the stellar feedback prescription commonly used in each code, with sufficient numerical resolution (≲100 proper pc at z = 2). We also compare other properties such as the stellar mass–halo mass relation and the mass–metallicity relation. Our work highlights the value of comparison studies such as AGORA, where outstanding problems in galaxy formation theory are studied simultaneously on multiple numerical platforms.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

MIXv2: a long-term mosaic emission inventory for Asia (2010–2017)

The MIXv2 Asian emission inventory is developed under the framework of the Model Inter-Comparison Study for Asia (MICS-Asia) Phase IV and produced from a mosaic of up-to-date regional emission inventories. We estimated the emissions for anthropogenic and biomass burning sources covering 23 countries and regions in East, Southeast and South Asia and aggregated emissions to a uniform spatial and temporal resolution for seven sectors: power, industry, residential, transportation, agriculture, open biomass burning and shipping. Compared to MIXv1, we extended the dataset to 2010–2017, included emissions of open biomass burning and shipping, and provided model-ready emissions of SAPRC99, SAPRC07, and CB05. A series of unit-based point source information was incorporated covering power plants in China and India. A consistent speciation framework for non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) was applied to develop emissions by three chemical mechanisms. The total Asian emissions for anthropogenic/open biomass sectors in 2017 are estimated as follows: 41.6/1.1 Tg NO x , 33.2/0.1 Tg SO 2 , 258.2/20.6 Tg CO, 61.8/8.2 Tg NMVOC, 28.3/0.3 Tg NH 3 , 24.0/2.6 Tg PM 10 , 16.7/2.0 Tg PM 2.5 , 2.7/0.1 Tg BC (black carbon), 5.3/0.9 Tg OC (organic carbon), and 18.0/0.4 Pg CO 2 . The contributions of India and Southeast Asia were emerging in Asia during 2010–2017, especially for SO 2 , NH 3 and particulate matter. Gridded emissions at a spatial resolution of 0.1° with monthly variations are now publicly available. This updated long-term emission mosaic inventory is ready to facilitate air quality and climate model simulations, as well as policymaking and associated analyses.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Impact of storage and extraction methods on peat soil microbiomes

Recovered microbial community structure is known to be influenced by sample storage conditions and nucleic acid extraction methods, and the impact varies by sample type. Peat soils store a large portion of soil carbon and their microbiomes mediate climate feedbacks. Here, we tested three storage conditions and five extraction protocols on peat soils from three physicochemically distinct habitats in Stordalen Mire, Sweden, revealing significant methodological impacts on microbial (here, meaning bacteria and archaea) community structure. Initial preservation method impacted alpha but not beta diversity, with in-field storage in LifeGuard buffer yielding roughly two-thirds the richness of in-field flash-freezing or transport from the field on ice (all samples were stored at −80 °C after return from the field). Nucleic acid extraction method impacted both alpha and beta diversity; one method (the PowerSoil Total RNA Isolation kit with DNA Elution Accessory kit) diverged from the others (PowerMax Soil DNA Isolation kit-High Humic Acid Protocol, and three variations of a modifiedPowerMax Soil DNA/RNA isolation kit), capturing more diverse microbial taxa, with divergent community structures. Although habitat and sample depth still consistently dominated community variation, method-based biases in microbiome recovery for these climatologically-relevant soils are significant, and underscore the importance of methodological consistency for accurate inter-study comparisons, long-term monitoring, and consistent ecological interpretations.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Spaceborne clock system: Some alternatives for a proposed NASA experiment

A spaceborne clock experiment is proposed with the objectives of improving international time and frequency comparisons, studying precise one-way Doppler tracking and one-way ranging techniques, performing relativistic studies, and developing new atomic frequency standards technology. Various alternatives are considered for accomplishing these goals, including the use of existing satellite and earth-based time dissemination systems as well as the development of a new frequency standard for this specific application. One conclusion is that several attractive alternatives already exist for meeting the goal of improved time and frequency dissemination. However, to achieve all the other 4 goals at the NASA-stated levels of accuracy, a spaceborne atomic frequency standard may be required. An analysis of achievements to date with quartz oscillators, rubidium standards, cesium beam standards, hydrogen masers, and several other possibilities leads to the conclusion that cesium and rubidium standards offer the best choices for the experiment as proposed by NASA. The greatest obstacle to a spaceborne atomic standard appears to be its electrical power requirements.

Beehler, R. E.↗

Examination of the collision force method for analyzing the responses of simple containment/deflection structures to impact by one engine rotor blade fragment

An approximate collision analysis, termed the collision-force method, was developed for studying impact-interaction of an engine rotor blade fragment with an initially circular containment ring. This collision analysis utilizes basic mass, material property, geometry, and pre-impact velocity information for the fragment, together with any one of three postulated patterns of blade deformation behavior: (1) the elastic straight blade model, (2) the elastic-plastic straight shortening blade model, and (3) the elastic-plastic curling blade model. The collision-induced forces are used to predict the resulting motions of both the blade fragment and the containment ring. Containment ring transient responses are predicted by a finite element computer code which accommodates the large deformation, elastic-plastic planar deformation behavior of simple structures such as beams and/or rings. The effects of varying the values of certain parameters in each blade-behavior model were studied. Comparisons of predictions with experimental data indicate that of the three postulated blade-behavior models, the elastic-plastic curling blade model appears to be the most plausible and satisfactory for predicting the impact-induced motions of a ductile engine rotor blade and a containment ring against which the blade impacts.

Zirin, R. M.↗

Magnetospheric electric fields deduced from drifting whistler paths.

Results of a study in which the amplitude of the E-W component E sub w of the convection electric field in the nightside magnetosphere has been inferred from the observed cross-L motions of whistler ducts within the plasmasphere, and several ducts distributed over 1 to 2 earth radii in L space and over plus or minus deg 15 around the longitude of the Eights, Antarctica, whistler station have been tracked simultaneously. The method appears capable of resolving fluctuations in E sub w with period T equal to approximately 15 min and rms amplitude as low as 0.05 mV/m. For variations with T greater than 1 hour the method has a sensitivity of the order of 0.01 mV/m. Three case studies are presented, two of which illustrate convection activity associated with relatively isolated substorms. In these two cases E sub w reversed from westward to eastward for a period following the decay of substorm bay activity. In the third case the substorm bay activity was prolonged, and E sub w remained westward and at enhanced levels until local dawn. Evidence was found that, at least in a limited longitudinal sector, perturbing substorm E sub w fields can penetrate deep within the plasmasphere. In two of the case studies comparisons of E sub w and the interplanetary magnetic-field theta component show evidence of a possible relation based on brief (less than or equal to 1 hour) southward excursions but not on long preceding southward events.

Carpenter, D. L.↗

Why FCC

Summaries are given of design characteristics and various advantages of FCC use. The information is presented in tables that include the following headings: (1) mechanical design, (2) electrical design, (3) manufacturing advantages, (4) inspection and reliability, and (5) cost savings. In addition, the results are summarized of a Saturn 4B FCC-RWC comparison study.

Angele, W.↗

Evaluation of errors in prior mean and variance in the estimation of integrated circuit failure rates using Bayesian methods

The critical point of any Bayesian analysis concerns the choice and quantification of the prior information. The effects of prior data on a Bayesian analysis are studied. Comparisons of the maximum likelihood estimator, the Bayesian estimator, and the known failure rate are presented. The results of the many simulated trails are then analyzed to show the region of criticality for prior information being supplied to the Bayesian estimator. In particular, effects of prior mean and variance are determined as a function of the amount of test data available.

Fletcher, B. C.↗

Parachute-deployment-parameter identification based on an analytical simulation of Viking BLDT AV-4

A six-degree-of-freedom analytical simulation of parachute deployment dynamics developed at the Langley Research Center is presented. A comparison study was made using flight results from the Viking Balloon Launched Decelerator Test (BLDT) AV-4. Since there are significant voids in the knowledge of vehicle and decelerator aerodynamics and suspension system physical properties, a set of deployment-parameter input has been defined which may be used as a basis for future studies of parachute deployment dynamics. The study indicates the analytical model is sufficiently sophisticated to investigate parachute deployment dynamics with reasonable accuracy.

Talay, T. A.↗

Nuclear electric propulsion stage requirements and description

The application of a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) stage in the exploration of near-earth, cometary, and planetary space was discussed. The NEP stage is powered by a liquid-metal-cooled, fast spectrum thermionic reactor capable of providing 120 kWe for 20,000 hours. This power is used to drive a number of mercury ion bombardment thrusters with specific impulse in the range of 4000-5000 seconds. The NEP description, characteristics, and functional requirements are discussed. These requirements are based on a set of five coordinate missions, which are described in detail. These five missions are a representative part of a larger set of missions used as a basic for an advanced propulsion comparison study. Additionally, the NEP stage development plan and test program is outlined and a schedule presented.

Mondt, J. F.↗

Comparison of advanced propulsion capabilities for future planetary missions

This paper summarizes unmanned planetary performance (payload and trip time) of Shuttle-based advanced propulsion systems for 1980-90 missions analyzed as part of the recent NASA/AEC Advanced Propulsion Comparisons Studies. Propulsion system designs and condensed results from over 300 propulsion/mission combinations are discussed. Chemical rocket (CRP), solar electric (SEP), nuclear rocket (NRP), and nuclear electric (NEP) propulsion systems are all considered. In terms of missions flown, total flight time, and number of Shuttle launches required, NEP provides the best performance. Relative to NEP, it is shown that NRP, SEP, and CRP degrade mission performance by 20%, 40%, and 50%, respectively, at nominal payloads.

Niehoff, J. C.↗

A vortex-lattice method for the mean camber shapes of trimmed noncoplanar planforms with minimum vortex drag

A new subsonic method has been developed by which the mean camber surface can be determined for trimmed noncoplanar planforms with minimum vortex drag. This method uses a vortex lattice and overcomes previous difficulties with chord loading specification. A Trefftz plane analysis is utilized to determine the optimum span loading for minimum drag, then solved for the mean camber surface of the wing, which provides the required loading. Sensitivity studies, comparisons with other theories, and applications to configurations which include a tandem wing and a wing winglet combination have been made and are presented.

Lamar, J. E.↗

Recent advances in thermostructural finite element analysis

A comparison study is described which has indicated that the finite element and lumped parameter methods are comparable for steady-state conduction/convection analyses. The finite element model was advantageous because of the ease of model verification with computer graphics. Some problems encountered in constructing compatible thermal and structural models have indicated the need for further methodology developments to automate the transition between thermal and structural analyses. The need for more efficient finite element nonlinear transient algorithms has been cited. With further development in the thermal analysis area, the finite element method offers high potential for an integrated thermal/structural analysis capability.

Thornton, E. A.↗

An experimental investigation of trailing-edge noise

Airfoil trailing-edge noise up to a Reynolds number based on chord of 2.96 x 10 to the 6th power was studied. Comparisons are made with current theory, particularly with regard to the nature of the pressure field in the vicinity of the trailing-edge and its influence on the radiated noise.

Brooks, T. F.↗

Deployable and erectable concepts for large spacecraft

Computerized structural sizing techniques were used to determine structural proportions of minimum mass tetrahedral truss platforms designed for low Earth and geosynchronous orbit. Optimum (minimum mass) deployable and erectable, hexagonal shaped spacecraft are sized to satisfy multiple design requirements and constraints. Strut dimensions characterizing minimum mass designs are found to be significantly more slender than those conventionally used for structural applications. Comparison studies show that mass characteristics of deployable and erectable platforms are approximately equal and that the shuttle flights required by deployable trusses become excessive above certain critical stiffness values. Recent investigations of eractable strut assembly are reviewed. Initial erectable structure assembly experiments show that a pair of astronauts can achieve EVA assembly times of 2-5 min/strut and studies indicate that an automated assembler can achieve times of less than 1 min/strut for around the clock operation.

Bush, H. G.↗