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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 307 records · Page 17

Simultaneous reproduction of experimental profiles, fluxes, transport coefficients, and turbulence characteristics via nonlinear gyrokinetic profile predictions in a DIII-D ITER similar shape plasma

Experimental conditions obtained on the DIII-D tokamak in the ITER Similar Shape (ISS) have been compared extensively with nonlinear gyrokinetic simulation using the CGYRO code [Candy et al., J. Comput. Phys. 324, 73–93 (2016)] with comparisons spanning ion and electron heat fluxes, electron and impurity particle transport, and turbulent fluctuation levels and characteristics. Bayesian optimization techniques [Rodriguez-Fernandez et al., Nucl. Fusion 62(7), 076036 (2022)], combined with nonlinear gyrokinetics, have been used to obtain simultaneously Qi, Qe, and Γe flux-matched profiles that are found to be in good agreement with experimental profile measurements. Synthetic diagnostics were used to compare measured beam emission spectroscopy and correlation electron cyclotron emission turbulent fluctuations with nonlinear simulation. Although some disagreements exist, nonlinear simulations are found to be in generally good agreement with measured fluctuation levels, spectral shapes, and measured radial trends in low-k δne/ne and δTe/Te. Low (Li and C) and mid-Z (Ca) impurity transport was also compared with these flux-matched simulations. Fully stripped, low-Z impurities are well reproduced by the gyrokinetic modeling while clear disagreement exists in comparisons with mid-Z impurities. Nonlinear gyrokinetic investigation into the Z dependence of impurity transport in the ISS conditions is also performed, demonstrating clear trends of impurity diffusion with impurity Z (both D∝Z and D∝1/Z) that vary with the radial location studied. These trends are shown to result from the local dominance of ion temperature gradient or ∇n driven trapped electron mode turbulence and may contribute to the disagreement between simulation and experiment in mid-Z impurity transport. The results of this work represent one of the most complete validation studies of the gyrokinetic model performed to date and provide an example of new capabilities for predicting performance in future fusion devices.

Physics↗

Pressure control of the spin reorientation transition in the rare-earth orthoferrite YbFeO 3

YbFeO 3 is exceptional among the rare-earth orthoferrites for having the lowest spin-reorientation transition (SRT) temperature, T SRT ≃8K, which makes it particularly appealing to examine the interplay between noncollinear magnetism of the Fe sublattice and quasi-one-dimensional XXZ effective S = 1/2 chains of Yb 3+ moments. Our paper focuses on the magnetic dynamics of YbFeO 3 using inelastic neutron scattering (INS), at temperatures below and above the SRT, under an applied hydrostatic pressure of 2 GPa, and in magnetic fields up to 4 T. The low-energy zero-field excitation spectrum at ambient pressure and temperatures below the SRT is dominated by a gapped magnon mode of the Yb subsystem at 0.84 meV with a dispersion only in the [00L] direction. Above T SRT , a continuum appears on top of the magnon mode because of temperature population of the magnon band, and the gap decreases to around 0.4 meV. The INS spectra in the magnetic field, both above and below T SRT , are characterized by two well-separated gapped modes. The SRT is clearly visible at low fields B < 1T, but it gradually disappears at higher magnetic fields. The hydrostatic pressure of p = 2GPa effectively reduces the transition width, ΔT SRT , and keeps the SRT at higher fields up to B≃3T. Here, we discuss the effect of the applied pressure in the frame of the modified mean-field theory and show that in the vicinity of the T SRT the pressure tunes the fourth-order anisotropy constant that effectively reduces the ΔT SRT .

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Unbound spectra of neutron-rich oxygen isotopes predicted by the Gamow shell model

The Gamow shell model has shown to efficiently describe weakly bound and unbound nuclear systems, as internucleon correlations and continuum coupling are both taken into account in this model. In the present work, we study neutron-dripline oxygen isotopes. It is hereby demonstrated that the presence of continuum coupling is important for the description of oxygen isotopes at dripline, and especially to assess the eventual bound or unbound character of 28 O. Our results suggest that the ground state of 28 O is weakly unbound and is similar to the narrow resonant 26 O ground state. Predictions of weakly bound and resonance excited states in 24–26 O are also provided. The asymptotes of the studied many-body states are analyzed via one-body densities, whereby the different radial properties of well bound, loosely bound, resonance states are clearly depicted.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Long-term persistence of infectious Zika virus: Inflammation and behavioral sequela in mice

The neurodevelopmental defects associated with ZIKV infections early in pregnancy are well documented, however the potential defects and long-term consequences associated with milder infections in late pregnancy and perinatal period are less well understood. To model these, we challenged 1 day old (P1) immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice with ZIKV. The animals developed a transient neurological syndrome including unsteady gait, kinetic tremors, severe ataxia and seizures 10–15 days post-infection (dpi) but symptoms subsided after a week, and most animals survived. Despite apparent recovery, MRI of convalescent mice show reduced cerebellar volume that correlates with altered coordination and motor function as well as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Persistent mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory genes including Cd80 , Il-1α , and Ifn-γ together with Cd3 , Cd8 and perforin ( PrfA) , suggested persistence of low-grade inflammation. Surprisingly, the brain parenchyma of convalescent mice harbor multiple small discrete foci with viral antigen, active apoptotic processes in neurons, and cellular infiltrates, surrounded by activated astrocytes and microglia as late as 1-year post-infection. Detection of negative-sense strand viral RNA and isolation of infectious virus derived from these convalescent mice by blinded passage in Vero cells confirmed long-term persistence of replicating ZIKV in CNS of convalescent mice. Although the infection appears to persist in defined reservoirs within CNS, the resulting inflammation could increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. This raises concern regarding possible long-term effects in asymptomatic children exposed to the virus and suggests that long-term neurological and behavioral monitoring as well as anti-viral treatment to clear virus from the CNS may be useful in patients exposed to ZIKV at an early age.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Uncertainty in Thermal Modeling of Spent Nuclear Fuel Casks

Uncertainty is a key metric in computational modeling that must be evaluated for results to have wide ranging applicability. A well characterized uncertainty range is ideal with clear error bars on results that can be presented to stakeholders. In the field of spent fuel cask modeling, this ideal has been historically difficult to achieve in practice because of the computationally intensive nature of the models used and the difficulty assigning reasonable uncertainties to quantities in as-built systems. The work in this report has been conducted to evaluate the overall state of uncertainty and sensitivity in spent fuel cask models and develop methodologies for evaluating these uncertainties. These methodologies must be practical for engineering applications. They should not require excessive computational resources or calendar time to achieve results. In engineering, the model must be on a scale such that it can be changed and adapted throughout a project as new information is discovered and project goals evolve. This report covers three major modeling task areas that provide an overview of the types of sensitivity and uncertainty present in a spent fuel storage and transportation system. Section 3 discusses sensitivity and uncertainty analysis in the effective thermal conductivity model for the fuel region and applies these results to a single assembly model. Section 4 shows sensitivity analysis of a full cask model in the TN-32B and Section 5 demonstrates the overall uncertainty workflow using Coolant Boiling in Rod Arrays – Spent Fuel Storage and STAR-CCM+ developed from the sensitivity work in the preceding sections.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Revitalizing Canton City Schools: A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency Plan

The primary objective of this project was to focus on conducting the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Level 2 Energy Audits of all the schools/school facilities in the portfolio, and on developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan for implementing energy improvements. The overall aim of budget period 1 (BP1) was to implement Energy Audits and the Strategic Plan to provide a clear pathway to prioritize energy improvements as well as allow the district to access private sector funding (if needed) and/or tax credits and realize high-impact health and safety benefits for Budget Period 2.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Evidence for AGN-regulated Cooling in Clusters at z ∼ 1.4: A Multiwavelength View of SPT-CL J0607-4448

Abstract We present a multiwavelength analysis of the galaxy cluster SPT-CL J0607-4448 (SPT0607), which is one of the most distant clusters discovered by the South Pole Telescope at z = 1.4010 ± 0.0028. The high-redshift cluster shows clear signs of being relaxed with well-regulated feedback from the active galactic nucleus (AGN) in the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG). Using Chandra X-ray data, we construct thermodynamic profiles and determine the properties of the intracluster medium. The cool-core nature of the cluster is supported by a centrally peaked density profile and low central entropy ( K 0 = 18 − 9 + 11 keV cm 2 ), which we estimate assuming an isothermal temperature profile due to the limited spectral information given the distance to the cluster. Using the density profile and gas cooling time inferred from the X-ray data, we find a mass-cooling rate M ̇ cool = 100 − 60 + 90 M ⊙ yr −1 . From optical spectroscopy and photometry around the [O ii ] emission line, we estimate that the BCG star formation rate is SFR [ O II ] = 1.7 − 0.6 + 1.0 M ⊙ yr −1 , roughly two orders of magnitude lower than the predicted mass-cooling rate. In addition, using ATCA radio data at 2.1 GHz, we measure a radio jet power P cav = 3.2 − 1.3 + 2.1 × 10 44 erg s −1 , which is consistent with the X-ray cooling luminosity ( L cool = 1.9 − 0.5 + 0.2 × 10 44 erg s −1 within r cool = 43 kpc). These findings suggest that SPT0607 is a relaxed, cool-core cluster with AGN-regulated cooling at an epoch shortly after cluster formation, implying that the balance between cooling and feedback can be reached quickly. We discuss the implications for these findings on the evolution of AGN feedback in galaxy clusters.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Steam chugging analysis in single-vent vapor injection

A complete cycle of the periodic steam chugging phenomenon is analyed. Steam velocity and pressure variations in the vent are described by one-dimensional conservation equations. This is coupled either to the water slug model when water is in the vent, or, the infinite pool spherical bubble model at the vent exit during bubble growth. An isolated spherical bubble model is used for computing the collapse pressures. Comparisons of the model predictions with the UCLA 1/12-scale and the Japan 1/6-scale data indicate that the vent-pipe model predicts the vent-clearing times and the bubble growth times well. In addition, the predicted maximum chugging heights compared well with those measured in the Japan data. On bubble collapse pressures, the comparison with the spherical bubble model predictions is only fair. The model generally overpredicts the magnitude of the spikes. On examining the effects of pool subcooling and steam mass flux, general agreement is found between the predicted trends and those measured.

Lee, C. K. B.↗

UHF and VHF radar observations of thunderstorms

A study of thunderstorms was made in the Summer of 1985 with the 430-MHz and 50-MHz radars at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. Both radars use the 300-meter dish, which gives a beam width of less than 2 degrees even at these long wavelengths. Though the radars are steerable, only vertical beams were used in this experiment. The height resolution was 300 and 150 meters for the UHF and VHF, respectively. Lightning echoes, as well as returns from precipitation and clear-air turbulence were detected with both wavelengths. Large increases in the returned power were found to be coincident with increasing downward vertical velocities at UHF, whereas at VHF the total power returned was relatively constant during the life of a storm. This was attributed to the fact that the VHF is more sensitive to scattering from the turbulence-induced inhomogeneities in the refractive index and less sensitive to scatter from precipitation particles. On occasion, the shape of the Doppler spectra was observed to change with the occurrence of a lightning discharge in the pulse volume. Though the total power and mean reflectivity weighted Doppler velocity changed little during these events, the power is Doppler frequency bins near that corresponding to the updraft did increase substantially within a fraction of a second after a discharge was detected in the beam. This suggests some interaction between precipitation and lightning.

Holden, D. N.↗

Inflight evaluation of pilot workload measures for rotorcraft research

The effectiveness of heart-rate monitoring and the NASA TLX workload rating scale (Hart et al., 1985) in measuring helicopter-pilot workloads is investigated experimentally. Four NASA test pilots flew two 2-h missions each in an SH-3G helicopter, following scenarios with takeoff, hover, cross-country, and landing tasks; pilot performance on the tasks undertaken near the landing area was measured by laser tracking. The results are presented in graphs and discussed in detail, and it is found that the TLX ratings clearly distinguish the flight segments and are well correlated with the performance data. The mean heart rate (measured as interbeat interval) is correlated (r = -0.69) with the TLX workload, but only the standard deviation of the interbeat interval is able to distinguish between flight segments; the correlation between standard deviation and TLX ratings is negative but not significant.

Shively, Robert J.↗

Enhancement of Shubnikov-de Haas Oscillations by Carrier Modulation

A novel technique for drastically enhancing the Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) pattern of oscillatory magnetoresistance is presented. The technique is based on measuring the change in the magnetoresistance due to a carrier generated by a modulated light source. The technique also has the important property of selectively increasing the amplitude of the slower oscillations due to carriers in the second subband much more than oscillations generated by the ground subband electrons. Very clear oscillations generated by a carrier concentration well below 5 x 10 exp 10/sq cm were recorded using the technique.

Schacham, S. E.↗

Gender differences in endocrine responses to posture and 7 days of 6 deg head down bed rest

Endocrine regulation of fluids and electrolytes during seven days of 6 deg head down bed rest (HDBR) was compared in male (n = 8) and, for the first time, female (n = 8) volunteers. The subjects' responses to quiet standing for 2 hr before and after HDBR were also tested. In both sexes, diuresis and natriuresis were evident during the first 2-3 days of HDBR, resulting in a marked increase in the urinary Na/K ratio and significant Na retention on reambulation. After the first day of HDBR, plasma renin activity (PRA) was increased relative to aldosterone, plasma volume was decreased, and the renal response to aldosterone appeared to be appropriate. Circulating levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP), cortisol, and ACTH were unchanged during HDBR. Plasma testosterone decreased slightly on day 2 of HDBR in males. The ratio of AM ACTH to cortisol was lower in females than in males because ACTH was lower in females. Urinary cortisol increased and remained elevated throughout the HDBR in males only. There were no gender differences in the responses to 7 day HDBR, except those in the pituitary-adrenal system; those differences appeared unrelated to the postural change. The provocative cardiovascular test of quiet standing before and after bed rest revealed both sex differences and effects of HDBR. There were significant sex differences in cardiovascular responses to standing, before and after HDBR. Females had greater PRA and aldosterone responses to standing before bedrest and larger aldosterone responses to standing after HDBR than males. Cardiovascular responses to standing before and after bedrest differed markedly: arterial pressure and heart rates increased with standing before HDBR, by contrast, arterial pressure decreased, with greater increases in heart rates after HDBR. In both sexes, all hormonal responses to standing were greater after HDBR. The results show clearly that similar responses to standing as well as to HDBR occur in both sexes, but that females exhibit greater PRA and aldosterone responses than males.

Vernikos, J.↗

Orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems

Orbital maneuvering systems (OMS) and reaction control systems (RCS) provide capabilities to spacecraft that include orbit circularization, rendezvous maneuvers, attitude control, and re-entry delta velocity. The mission and vehicle requirements can place severe demands on the orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems. In order to perform proper trade studies and to design these systems, the mission and vehicle configuration must be well defined. In the absence of a clearly defined mission and vehicle configuration, the research and development of basic technologies must support future design efforts by providing a range of options and data from which to select. This paper describes the key OMS and RCS requirements and technology.

Hurlbert, Eric↗

Catalogue of UBVRI photometry of T Tauri stars and analysis of the causes of their variability

A computer-based catalogue of UBVRI photoelectric photometry of T Tauri stars and their earlier type analogs has been compiled. It presently includes over 10 000 entries on 80 stars and will be updated on a regular basis; it is available on Internet. The catalogue is used to analyze the sometimes bizarre light variations of pre-main-sequence stars on time scales of days to months in an attempt to illuminate the nature and causes of the phenomenon. It is useful in discussing their light variations to divide the stars into three groups according to their spectra. These are: weak T Tauri stars (WTTS; spectral class later than K0 and W(sub H-alpha less than 10 A), classical T Tauri stars (CTTS; spectral class later than K0 and W(sub H-alpha) greater than 10 A), and early type T Tauri stars (ETTS; spectral class of K0 or earlier). Three distinct types of variability are displayed by stars in the catalogue. Type I variations are periodic in VRI and undoubtedly caused by rotational modulation of a star with an asymmetric distribution of cool spots on its surface. Irregular flare activity is sometimes seen on such stars in U and B. Type I variations are easiest to see on WTTS but are clearly present on CTTS and ETTS as well. Type II variations are caused by hot 'spots' or zones and, it is argued, result from changes in the excess or 'veiling' continuum commonly attributed to an accretion boundary layer or impact zone of a magnetically channeled accretion flow. This type of variation is seen predominantly or solely in CTTS. A subcategory, designated Type IIp, consists of stars which display periodic variations caused by hot spots. Whereas cool spots may last for hundreds or thousands of rotations, hot spots appear to come and go on a much shorter time scale. This suggests that both unsteady accretion and rotation of the star contribute to Type II variations. It is shown that a third type of variation exists among ETTS, including stars as early as A type. UX Ori is a typical example and we call these Type III variables or UXors. Their distinguishing characteristic is that they can display very large amplitudes (exceeding 2.8 mag in V) while showing little or no evidence for a veiling continuum or any substantial change in their photospheric spectra. If Type III variations are caused by changes in accretion luminosity, then boundary layers or impact zones in ETTS must be much different from CTTS which, of course, is possible since mass accretion rates are probably much higher. However, the leading hypothesis for explaining Type III variations is variable obscuration by circumstellar dust. It is argued that the putative dust clumps causing such variations cannot be confined to a disk; otherwise UXors would be rare. Perhaps magnetic effects are involved in levitating accreting dust out of the plane, as has been suggested for CTTS, or perhaps we are witnessing continuing infall of clumps from placental clouds. A third possibility is that dust may be condensing in an outflow.

Herbst, William↗

Aerodynamic simulation on massively parallel systems

This paper briefly addresses the computational requirements for the analysis of complete configurations of aircraft and spacecraft currently under design to be used for advanced transportation in commercial applications as well as in space flight. The discussion clearly shows that massively parallel systems are the only alternative which is both cost effective and on the other hand can provide the necessary TeraFlops, needed to satisfy the narrow design margins of modern vehicles. It is assumed that the solution of the governing physical equations, i.e., the Navier-Stokes equations which may be complemented by chemistry and turbulence models, is done on multiblock grids. This technique is situated between the fully structured approach of classical boundary fitted grids and the fully unstructured tetrahedra grids. A fully structured grid best represents the flow physics, while the unstructured grid gives best geometrical flexibility. The multiblock grid employed is structured within a block, but completely unstructured on the block level. While a completely unstructured grid is not straightforward to parallelize, the above mentioned multiblock grid is inherently parallel, in particular for multiple instruction multiple datastream (MIMD) machines. In this paper guidelines are provided for setting up or modifying an existing sequential code so that a direct parallelization on a massively parallel system is possible. Results are presented for three parallel systems, namely the Intel hypercube, the Ncube hypercube, and the FPS 500 system. Some preliminary results for an 8K CM2 machine will also be mentioned. The code run is the two dimensional grid generation module of Grid, which is a general two dimensional and three dimensional grid generation code for complex geometries. A system of nonlinear Poisson equations is solved. This code is also a good testcase for complex fluid dynamics codes, since the same datastructures are used. All systems provided good speedups, but message passing MIMD systems seem to be best suited for large miltiblock applications.

Haeuser, Jochem↗

Determination of the electrical conductivity of liquid Ge(0.95)Si(0.05)

We have measured the electrical conductivity of molten germanium-silicon Ge(0.95)Si(0.05) from the liquidus temperature (1050 C) up to 1220 C. The data were acquired with a unique apparatus which utilizes the standard four-probe technique. The basic unit consists of a fused silica enclosure that contains hermetic glass-to-tungsten seals that can support vacuum pressures down to 10(exp -7) Torr. With calibration, the measurement error for the low vapor pressure materials of this study was typically less than 7%. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of a Ge(0.95)Si(0.05) melt was found to vary from approximately 22,300/ohm/cm at the liquidus temperature down to approximately 16,000/ohm/cm at 1220 C. The negative temperature coefficient as well as the magnitude of these data clearly indicate that the molten material is metallic in nature despite the semiconducting properties of the solid.

Rolin, T. D.↗

What is the Value of Space Exploration? A Prairie Perspective

Within the span of a single generation the purpose, form and mission of the United States civil space program has changed radically. Demonstrating technological superiority through a lunar landing has given way to an, as yet unclear agenda. Although hazy, the rough features of a 21st century program are discernable: it must be cost effective; economically, as well as, politically driven; and, international. Less clear are the missions. Will they include human habitation of cislunar space and the solar system? Earth observations? Planetary discovery? A Mars settlement? Perhaps, some of each? And if so, in what balance?

Source record↗

Production Support Flight Control Computers: Research Capability for F/A-18 Aircraft at Dryden Flight Research Center

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) is working with the United States Navy to complete ground testing and initiate flight testing of a modified set of F/A-18 flight control computers. The Production Support Flight Control Computers (PSFCC) can give any fleet F/A-18 airplane an in-flight, pilot-selectable research control law capability. NASA DFRC can efficiently flight test the PSFCC for the following four reasons: (1) Six F/A-18 chase aircraft are available which could be used with the PSFCC; (2) An F/A-18 processor-in-the-loop simulation exists for validation testing; (3) The expertise has been developed in programming the research processor in the PSFCC; and (4) A well-defined process has been established for clearing flight control research projects for flight. This report presents a functional description of the PSFCC. Descriptions of the NASA DFRC facilities, PSFCC verification and validation process, and planned PSFCC projects are also provided.

Carter, John F.↗