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At least 37 records · Page 2

Radial structure and formation of the Milky Way disc

The formation of the Galactic disc is an enthusiastically debated issue. Numerous studies and models seek to identify the dominant physical process(es) that shaped its observed properties; for example, satellite accretion, starburst, quenching, gas infall, and stellar radial migration. Taking advantage of the improved coverage of the inner Milky Way provided by the SDSS DR16 APOGEE catalogue and of the ages published in the APOGEE-AstroNN Value Added Catalogue (VAC), we examined the radial evolution of the chemical and age properties of the Galactic stellar disc with the aim of better constraining its formation. Using a sample of 199 307 giant stars with precise APOGEE abundances and APOGEE-AstroNN ages, selected in a ±2 kpc layer around the galactic plane, we assessed the dependency as a function of guiding radius of (i) the median metallicity, (ii) the ridge lines of the [Fe/H] – [Mg/Fe] and age–[Mg/Fe] distributions, and (iii) the age distribution function (ADF). The giant star sample allows us to probe the radial behaviour of the Galactic disc from R g = 0 to 14–16 kpc. The thick disc [Fe/H] – [Mg/Fe] ridge lines follow closely grouped parallel paths, supporting the idea that the thick disc did form from a well-mixed medium. However, the ridge lines present a small drift in [Mg/Fe], which decreases with increasing guiding radius. At sub-solar metallicity, the intermediate and outer thin disc [Fe/H] – [Mg/Fe] ridge lines follow parallel sequences shifted to lower metallicity as the guiding radius increases. We interpret this pattern as the signature of a dilution of the interstellar medium from R g ~ 6 kpc to the outskirts of the disc, which occurred before the onset of the thin disc formation. The APOGEE-AstroNN VAC provides stellar ages for statistically significant samples of thin disc stars from the Galactic centre up to R g ~ 14 kpc. An important result provided by this dataset is that the thin disc presents evidence of an inside-out formation up to R g ~ 10 – 12 kpc. Moreover, about ~7 Gyr ago, the [Mg/Fe] ratio in the outer thin disc (R g > 10 kpc) was higher by about ~0.03–0.05 dex than in the more internal regions of the thin disc. This could be the fossil record of a pollution of the outer disc gas reservoir by the thick disc during its starburst phase.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Nearly hyperuniform, nonhyperuniform, and antihyperuniform density fluctuations in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides with defects

Hyperuniform many-body systems in d-dimensional Euclidean space R d are characterized by completely suppressed (normalized) infinite-wavelength density fluctuations, and appear to be endowed with novel exotic physical properties. Recently, hyperuniform systems of disordered varieties have been observed in the context of various atomic-scale two-dimensional (2D) materials. Here, we analyze the effects of localized defects on the density fluctuations across length scales and on the hyperuniformity property of experimental samples of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides. In particular, we extract atomic coordinates from time series annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) imaging data of 2D tungsten chalcogenides with the 2H structure (Te-doped 2H-WSe 2 ) showing continuous development and evolution of electron-beam induced defects, and construct the corresponding chemical-bonding informed coordination networks between the atoms. We then compute a variety of pair statistics and bond-orientational statistics to characterize the samples. At low defect concentrations, the corresponding materials are nearly hyperuniform, characterized by significantly suppressed scattering at the zero wave-number limit (omitting forward/ballistic scattering). As more defects are introduced, the (approximate) hyperuniformity of the materials is gradually destroyed, and the system becomes non-hyperuniform even when the material still contains a significant amount of crystalline regions. At high defect concentrations, the structures become antihyperuniform with diverging (normalized) large-scale density fluctuations, mimicking those typically observed at the thermal critical points associated with phase transitions. Overall, the defected materials possess varying degrees of orientation order, and there is apparently no intermediate hexatic phase emerging. To understand the observed nearly hyperuniform density fluctuations in the slightly defected materials, we construct a minimalist structural model and demonstrate that the experimental samples can be essentially viewed as perturbed honeycomb crystals with small correlated displacements and double chalcogen vacancies. Moreover, the small correlated displacements alone can significantly degrade hyperuniformity of the perfect honeycomb structure. Therefore, even a small amount of vacancies, when coupled with correlated displacements, can completely destroy hyperuniformity of the system.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Effects of inoculants on the fermentation characteristics and in vitro digestibility of reed canary grass ( Phalaris arundinacea L.) silage on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau

Abstract To effectively use local available grass resources to cover the winter feed shortage on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, direct‐cut and wilted reed canary grass (RCG) silages were prepared by using a rolled‐bale system, and their ensiling characteristics and in vitro digestibility were studied. Silages were treated without (control) or with inoculants including LP ( Lactobacillus plantarum ), LPLB ( L. plantarum , L. buchneri ), and LPLBc ( L. plantarum , L. buchneri , and cellulase), and were stored at ambient temperature (5.7–14.6°C) for 90 days. Compared with control, the inoculated silages increased ( p < .05) lactic acid and acetic acid contents, and reduced ( p < .05) final pH value and ammonia‐N ratio of total N. The highest WSC content (41.2 g/kg DM) occurred for LPLB‐inoculated silage, whereas LPLBc‐treated silage displayed the lowest contents of NDF (522.9 g/kg DM) and ADF (275.5 g/kg DM). In addition, LPLBc‐inoculated silage had the highest in vitro gas production (51.0 ml/g DM), in vitro DM digestibility (619.3 g/kg DM), and metabolic energy (9.6 kJ/kg DM). These results confirmed that treatments with inoculants at ensiling could improve silage fermentation and in vitro digestibility of RCG, and this could be a potential winter feed for animals on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.

Chen, Liangyin↗

Evaluation of eastern gamagrass as dual-purpose complementary bioenergy and forage feedstock to switchgrass

Switchgrass (SG) is considered a model bioenergy crop and a warm-season perennial grass (WSPG) that traditionally served as forage feedstock in the United States. To avoid the sole dependence on SG for bioenergy production, evaluation of other crops to diversify the pool of feedstock is needed. We conducted a 3-year field experiment evaluating eastern gamagrass (GG), another WSPG, as complementary feedstock to SG in one- and two-cut systems, with or without intercropping with crimson clover or hairy vetch, and under different nitrogen (N) application rates. Our results showed that GG generally produced lower biomass (by 29.5%), theoretical ethanol potential (TEP, by 2.8%), and theoretical ethanol yield (TEY, by 32.9%) than corresponding SG under the same conditions. However, forage quality measures, namely acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and elements P, K, Ca, and Mg were significantly higher in GG than those in SG. Nitrogen fertilizer significantly enhanced biomass (by 1.54 Mg ha -1 ), lignin content (by 2.10 g kg -1 ), and TEY (787.12 L ha -1 ) in the WSPGs compared to unfertilized treatments. Intercropping with crimson clover or hairy vetch did not significantly increase biomass of the WSPGs, or TEP and TEY in unfertilized plots. This study demonstrated that GG can serve as a complementary crop to SG and could be used as a dual-purpose crop for bioenergy and forage feedstock in farmers' rotations.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Experimental Investigation of Cavitation-Induced Erosion Using X-Ray Imaging and Tomography

High injection pressure in diesel engines can lead to cavitation-induced erosion in injector nozzles. One important factor affecting the severity of erosion is the fuel and its properties. Traditionally, modeling and simulation studies have used single-component representations of fuels, but realistic fuels feature a multitude of components and can even include volatile additives such as water and alcohol. To provide realistic benchmarks and comparisons, experimental measurements quantifying erosion characteristics were made using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and two alternative diesel fuels (ADF). X-ray imaging and computed tomography were used to investigate cavitation-induced erosion onset and progression. Hard X-ray tomography revealed injector internal geometry, including details such as surface marks from the manufacturing process and erosion patterns from repeated injections. Erosion progression was measured using X-ray tomography and imaging performed between injections. The critical erosion site was found to be similar across different fuel blends, while the erosion rate and incubation time were sensitive to the fuel blend. The injector geometry and the erosion characteristics were also prepared for numerical model development and validation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Identification of pleiotropic loci mediating structural and non-structural carbohydrate accumulation within the sorghum bioenergy association panel using high-throughput markers

Molecular characterization of diverse germplasm can contribute to breeding programs by increasing genetic gain for sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] improvement. Identifying novel marker-trait associations and candidate genes enriches the existing genomic resources and can improve bioenergy-related traits using genomic-assisted breeding. In the current scenario, identifying the genetic loci underlying biomass and carbon partitioning is vital for ongoing efforts to maximize each carbon sink’s yield for bioenergy production. Here, we have processed a high-density genomic marker (22 466 550) data based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using a set of 365 accessions from the bioenergy association panel (BAP), which includes ~19.7 million (19 744 726) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and 2.7 million (~2 721 824) insertion deletions (indels). A set of high-quality filtered SNP (~5.48 million) derived markers facilitated the assessment of population structure, genetic diversity, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for various traits related to biomass and its composition using the BAP. The phenotypic traits for GWAS included seed color (SC), plant height (PH), days to harvest (DTH), fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), brix content % (BRX), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC), and lignin content. Several novel loci and candidate genes were identified for bioenergy-related traits, and some well-characterized genes for plant height ( Dw1 and Dw2 ) and the YELLOW SEED1 locus ( Y1 ) were validated. We further performed a multi-variate adaptive shrinkage analysis to identify pleiotropic QTL, which resulted in several shared marker-trait associations among bioenergy and compositional traits. Significant marker-trait associations with pleiotropic effects can be used to develop molecular markers for trait improvement using a marker-assisted breeding approach. Significant nucleotide diversity and heterozygosity were observed between photoperiod-sensitive and insensitive individuals of the panel. This diverse bioenergy panel with genomic resources will provide an excellent opportunity for further genetic studies, including selecting parental lines for superior hybrid development to improve biomass-related traits in sorghum.

bioenergy association panel↗

Rye as an Energy Cover Crop: Management, Forage Quality, and Revenue Opportunities for Feed and Bioenergy

Harvesting a winter rye energy cover crop (Secale cereale L.) could help sustain growing food and energy demand, provide new revenue streams, and enhance ecosystem services without inducing land-use change. A two-year field experiment with three planting methods and three N fertilization rates (0, 60, and 120 kg N ha -1 ) that produced >5.0 Mg ha -1 yr -1 of biomass was evaluated for (1) fresh and anaerobically digested rye forage quality; (2) revenue potential from renewable bioenergy, carbon markets, and digestate feed protein; and (3) potential greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets. We showed that rye can be harvested as forage for animals or anaerobically digested to produce renewable natural gas (RNG), with the residue after digestion (digestate) still available as a feed protein concentrate. Anaerobically digesting rye improved forage quality indicators. Digestion significantly decreased acid- and neutral-detergent fiber (ADF and NDF) by 5.2% and 17.8%, respectively, while significantly increasing crude protein (CP) (33.6%), total digestible nutrients (TDN) (2.0%), relative feed value (RFV) (23.6%), net energy for lactation (8.3%), maintenance (7.5%), and gain (20.0%). Using market prices for RNG, high protein feed, and GHG mitigation, potential on-farm revenue ranged from USD 307 Mg -1 and USD 502 Mg -1 dry matter with an average of USD 402 Mg -1 . However, there are substantial costs associated with RNG and the revenue potential does not represent the profitability of this system. Evaluation of the integrated system showed GHG emissions associated with rye fertilization were more than offset by the benefits of increasing yield in the 60 kg N ha -1 treatment. The overall carbon footprint of the integrated system was strongly carbon negative, confirming the potential of this strategy to sustainably intensify land use in the Midwestern United States.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Common antenna preamplifier-isolator for VLF-LF receivers

A modified high impedance preamplifier circuit which provides outputs to drive an Omega-VLF receiver and an ADF-LF receiver from a common antenna on general aviation aircraft is reported. The preamplifier was evaluated with fixed ground station receivers and results show the burn out problem of the first stage MOSFET during very close lightning discharges was eliminated.

Burhans, R. W.↗

Improvements for Omega RF preamplifiers

An improved Omega navigation system preamplifier, which provides both ADF and Omega outputs from a single antenna input, is described. This preamp has tuneable bandpass filtering, zero phase shift at both output ports, adjustable gain at the Omega output, and it receives power via the coaxial cable to the receiver front-end.

Wright, L.↗

Evaluation of several navigation algorithms for application to general aviation

Using data obtained in flight, three position determining algorithms for use by general aviation aircraft were evaluated representing increasing software requirements. These were a DME only, DME/air data and blended DME/air data. Although each step represented additional software with resultant increase in position accuracy, all could be performed on a programmable electronic desk calculator. Results from the computation of aircraft position using the three algorithms are presented. The algorithms employed can be extended to accept VOR, TACAN bearing, ADF, or other NAVAID Data. To obtain the flight data an experimental system was configured and flown on a general aviation aircraft. Principal hardware elements (all with low-cost potential) were a programmable calculator, a single DME receiver (multiplexed for multiple DME use) and a low-cost air speed sensor (shed-vortex principle). The flight test demonstrated satisfactory performance of these principal elements.

Conrad, B.↗

The SASS scattering coefficient algorithm

This paper describes the algorithms used to convert engineering unit data obtained from the Seasat-A satellite scatterometer (SASS) to radar scattering coefficients and associated supporting parameters. A description is given of the instrument receiver and related processing used by the scatterometer to measure signal power backscattered from the earth's surface. The applicable radar equation used for determining scattering coefficient is derived. Sample results of SASS data processed through current algorithm development facility (ADF) scattering coefficient algorithms are presented which include scattering coefficient values for both water and land surfaces. Scattering coefficient signatures for these two surface types are seen to have distinctly different characteristics. Scattering coefficient measurements of the Amazon rain forest indicate the usefulness of this type of data as a stable calibration reference target.

Bracalente, E. M.↗

Flight evaluation of Loran-C for general aviation area navigation

This paper reports on a flight evaluation of Loran-C which was part of a long range study of area navigation systems for general aviation. Tests involved two different Loran-C receivers, 6 different aircraft, and a variety of antennas. Uncorrected position fixes were typically accurate to one quarter mile. With measured corrections, repeatability was good to within 200 ft. Signal reliability was 99.7%. The receiver was not sensitive to atmospheric noise. The time difference grid demonstrated a long term stability of 0.3 microsecond. Vertical whip and ADF E-field antennas were found suitable for airborne use. Loran-C was found satisfactory for instrument approaches to runways at general aviation airports where published latitude-longitude coordinates were available. Accuracy was further improved by using locally measured Loran-C time difference coordinates.

Hollister, W. M.↗

Control of forward swept wing configurations dominated by flight-dynamic/aeroelastic interactions

An active control system concept for an aeroelastic wind-tunnel model of a statically unstable FSW configuration with wing-mounted stores is developed to provide acceptable longitudinal flying qualities while maintaining adequate flutter speed margin. On FSW configurations, the inherent aeroelastic wing divergence tendency causes strong flight-dynamic/aeroelastic interactions that in certain cases can produce a dynamic instability known as body-freedom flutter (BFF). The carriage of wing-mounted stores is shown to severely aggravate this problem. The control system developed combines a canard-based SAS with an Active Divergence/Flutter Suppression (ADFS) system which relies on wing-mounted sensors and a trailing-edge device (flaperon). Synergism between these two systems is exploited to obtain the flying qualities and flutter speed objectives.

Rimer, M.↗

Upper air forecasting for aviation in the United States

It is shown that the present forecast models used in the aviation digital forecast (ADF) product for automated flight planning in the U.S. did not improve in accuracy and precision over the past two decades. A new approach to the upper air forecasting is presented in the NASA/NOAA MERIT project. In MERIT, a concept of a tailored analysis is used, based on a high density automated aircraft report database (including radiosonde and satellite data), producing an accurate and precise description of the initial state of the atmosphere, and a relatively simple forecast model to move the forecast forward in time. The steadily updated 2-12 h forecasts provided every 3 h will be more efficient and accurate than the present 18 and 24 h forecasts provided every 12 hours.

Steinberg, R.↗

Controls, astrophysics, and structures experiment in space ground test facility

This paper describes the initial configuration of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Controls/Structures Interaction Advanced Development Facility (CSI ADF), which is a ground test facility (GTF) for the proposed Controls, Astrophysics, and Structures Experiment in Space (CASES). The laboratory has been developed for the purpose of implementing, testing, and evaluating CSI modeling, control system design, failure analysis, and system identification techniques on a representative large space structure. The facility has been configured to represent as closely as possible an actual flight article.

Bukley, Angelia P.↗

Inhomogeneous chemical evolution of the Galactic disk

We present analytical models for inhomogeneous chemical evolution (ICE) of systems in which the star formation history resembles a series of bursts, localized in space and/or time, with intermittent periods of remixing. The additional parameter of this model is the metallicity increment of bursting subsystems, but this parameter is constrained by the spread in the age-metallicity relation. We apply this model to the solar annulus in the Galactic disk and show that ICE models yield an improved fit to the observed shape of the stellar abundance distribution function (ADF). The G-dwarf problem can be alleviated with ICE models, but infall of metal poor gas and/or some preenrichment of the disk during the epoch of protogalactic evolution is still required to explain the paucity of low-metallicity dwarfs. ICE models also suggest an explanation of the reduced frequency of metal-rich G-dwarfs relative to the predictions of the simple model. It does not seem likely that chemical evolution of the solar annulus proceeded in a medium that was well-mixed at all times.

Malinie, Guy↗

Diffusion, Viscosity and Crystal Growth in Microgravity

The diffusivity of TriGlycine Sulfate (TGS), Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KDP), Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate (ADF) and other compounds of interest to microgravity crystal growth, in supersaturated solutions as a function of solution concentration, 'age' and 'history was studied experimentally. The factors that affect the growth of crystals from water solutions in microgravity have been examined. Three non-linear optical materials have been studied, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) and triglycine sulfate (TGC). The diffusion coefficient and viscosity of supersaturated water solutions were measured. Also theoretical model of diffusivity and viscosity in a metastable state, model of crystal growth from solution including non-linear time dependent diffusivity and viscosity effect and computer simulation of the crystal growth process which allows simulation of the microgravity crystal growth were developed.

Myerson, Allan S.↗

Radiative Ignition and the Transition to Flame Spread Investigated in the Japan Microgravity Center's 10-sec Drop Shaft

The Radiative Ignition and Transition to Spread Investigation (RITSI) is a shuttle middeck Glovebox combustion experiment developed by the NASA Lewis Research Center, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), and Aerospace Design and Fabrication (ADF). It is scheduled to fly on the third United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-3) mission in February 1996. The objective of RITSI is to experimentally study radiative ignition and the subsequent transition to flame spread in low gravity in the presence of very low speed air flows in two- and three-dimensional configurations. Toward this objective, a unique collaboration between NASA, NIST, and the University of Hokkaido was established to conduct 15 science and engineering tests in Japan's 10-sec drop shaft. For these tests, the RITSI engineering hardware was mounted in a sealed chamber with a variable oxygen atmosphere. Ashless filter paper was ignited during each drop by a tungsten-halogen heat lamp focused on a small spot in the center of the paper. The flame spread outward from that point. Data recorded included fan voltage (a measure of air flow), radiant heater voltage (a measure of radiative ignition energy), and surface temperatures (measured by up to three surface thermocouples) during ignition and flame spread.

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