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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

A study of heavy precipitation events in Taiwan during 10-13 August, 1994: mesoscale model simulations

Heavy rainfall occurred over the western side of Taiwan's complex terrain from August 10 to 13, 1994 after Typhoon Doug moved northward from the East China Sea into Taiwan and on towards the Yellow Sea. On August 10, most of the rainfall fell over sloped areas. The heaviest daily rainfall totals were in excess of 200 mm over southwestern as well as central Taiwan. However, not much rainfall occurred over northern Taiwan. The lack of rainfall over northern Taiwan also occurred on August 11, 12 and 13. The larger rainfall amounts shifted westward from the sloped areas on August 10 toward lower terrain on August 11. On August 12 and 13, most of the higher rainfall amounts were found over the coastal area in southwestern Taiwan. Notably, about 300 to 400 mm per day fell over the coastal area in southwest Taiwan on August 12 and 13. The distribution of rainfall amount was different on August 10 and 11 (termed as Case 1) compared to August 12 and 13 (termed as Case 2). The environmental situation and precipitation characteristics are analyzed using EC/TOGA data, ground-based radar data, surface rainfall patterns, surface wind data, and upper air soundings. Chen at al. (2001) also categorized the precipitation pattern into two types, propagating and quasi-stationary. For the propagating type of precipitation, rainrates increased or remained the same as systems went from the plains to mountainous regions. With the quasi-stationary type of precipitation, however, rainrates decreased as precipitation propagated across the plains and into the mountains. The focus of this study is to understand what causes the h1aher amounts of rainfall over Taiwan, and what factors influence where the higher amounts of rainfall will occur, over sloped areas or over coastal areas.

Tao, W.-K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Surface flow patterns on an ogive-cylinder at incidence

A set of photographs has been obtained which documents the oil-imaged surface flow patterns of an ogive-cylinder at angles-of-attack between 30 and 85 deg, and Reynolds number of 26,000. Attention is given to the possibility that the bistable nature of the flow within the 50-65 deg angle-of-attack range is linked to the coincident appearance of foci in the surface flow patterns, in view of the suggestion that these foci act as the anchor points allowing the forebody vortical structures to roll up and form the forebody's trailing vortex system.

Degani, David↗
NASA NTRS2000

Reflected GPS Power for the Detection of Surface Roughness Patterns in Coastal Water

Coastal bays formed by the barrier islands of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia are parts of a coastal region known as a "Coastal Compartment". The coastal compartment between the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays is actually the mosaic of landscapes on the headland of the interfluve that separates these large drainage basins. The coastal compartments form a variety of different-shaped waterways landward of the coastline. Shape differences along the boundaries produce differences in exposure to wind and waves. Different shoreface topographies seaward of the coastline also influence surface roughness by changing wave-refraction patterns. Surface-water roughness (caused by waves) is controlled by a number of parameters, including fetch, shielding, exposure corridors, water-mass boundary conditions, wetland vegetation and water depth in coastal bays. In the coastal ocean, surface roughness patterns are controlled by shoreface shoaling and inlet refraction patterns in the coastal ocean. Knowledge of wave phenomena in the nearshore and backbarrier areas is needed to understand how wave climate influences important ecosystems in estuaries and bays.

Oertel, George, F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Time evolution of surface chlorophyll patterns from cross-spectrum analysis of satellite color images

The rate of decorrelation of surface chlorophyll patterns as a function of the time separation between pairs of images was determined from two sequences of CZCS images of the Pacific Ocean area adjacent to Vancouver Island, Canada; cloud-free subareas were selected that were common to several images separated in time by 1-17 days. Image pairs were subjected to two-dimensional autospectrum and cross-spectrum analysis in an array processor, and squared coherence estimates found for several wave bands were plotted against time separation, in analogy with a time-lagged cross correlation function. It was found that, for wavelengths of 50-150 km, significant coherence was lost after 7-10 days, while for wavelengths of 25-50 km, significant coherence was lost after only 5-7 days. In both cases, offshore regions maintained coherence longer than coastal regions.

Denman, Kenneth L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Subsurface Cooling and Sea Surface Temperature Pattern Formation Over the Equatorial Pacific

Abstract The equatorial cold tongue region has not warmed up in response to historical radiative forcing in the real world, contrary to the strong warming often simulated by climate models. Here we demonstrate that climate models fail to represent one or both of the key processes driving observed sea surface temperature (SST) pattern formation: a realistic surface wind stress pattern shaping subsurface cooling through wind‐driven circulation changes, and effective connectivity between subsurface and surface temperatures via upwelling and mixing. Consequently, none of the models approximate the observed lack of cold tongue SST warming and strengthening of zonal SST gradient across the equatorial Pacific. Furthermore, those that come closest achieve this due to interhemispheric warming differences rather than equatorial dynamics as observed. Addressing different origins of subsurface cooling in observations and simulations, and how they connect to SST, will lead to improved understanding of tropical Pacific SST changes to date and how they will evolve in the future.

Jiang, Feng [Lamont‐Doherty Earth Observatory Colu↗
DOE OSTI2020

Enhanced liquid metal wetting on oxide surfaces via patterned particles

Liquid metals typically do not intrinsically wet oxide surfaces due to chemical dissimilarity, preventing the formation of well-bonded interfaces in many applications. This paper investigates how the wetting and spreading of liquid silver (Ag) droplets on oxide surfaces can be enhanced via patterned nickel (Ni) particles using multiscale modeling. First, a force field (FF) for an Ag/yttria-stabilized-zirconia system was developed by fitting the interfacial binding energy to density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using these FF parameters revealed that the good wetting of Ag on Ni caused Ag droplets to be attracted to the Ni particles, promoting spreading. Thus, the optimal hexagonal Ni pattern was shown to enhance the wetting area by 224% compared to a bare oxide surface. Second, an analytical model predicting the maximum possible enhancement in wetting area as a function of the intrinsic wetting angle, size of the Ag droplet, and size of the Ni particles was derived and validated with MD simulations, to generalize this method to other substrates. Here, both the analytical model and MD results suggested that the ability of Ni patterns to enhance the Ag wetting area becomes more significant as the wettability of substrate becomes worse.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaporation of a Reactive Nanofluid Sessile Drop: Capturing Rapid Emergence of Surface Crystals with In Situ Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction

Mechanisms for surface pattern formation from evaporation of a reactive nanofluid sessile drop are not well understood. In contrast to the coffee-ring effect from inert particles, rapid chemical and morphological transformation of reactive nanoparticles upon rapid evaporative drying are challenging to probe experimentally. Here, using grazing-incidence X-ray surface scattering, the nanostructure of nascent surface patterns has been probed as a ZnO nanofluid sessile drop rapidly dries. The high temporal resolution enabled by the high flux of synchrotron X-rays allows the observation of the emergence of Zn(OH) 2 surface crystals from the onset of evaporation and their rapid evolution into the final residual surface pattern, via transient layered complexes evident from the temporary appearance of X-ray diffraction peaks preceding Zn(OH) 2 formation. The results offer mechanistic insights of morphogenesis of surface patterns from evaporation-induced self-assembly and self-organization of reactive nanofluids, previously untenable using other experimental methods.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Correcting for digital image correlation speckle inversion at high temperature using color cameras

Digital image correlation (DIC) is a popular, noncontacting technique to measure full-field deformation by using cameras to track the motion of an applied surface pattern. Because it is noncontacting, DIC can be performed for extreme temperature applications (e.g., hot-fire rocket testing of carbon composite rocket nozzles) under harsh conditions during which bonded gauges are damaged. Speckle pattern inversion is a phenomenon that sometimes occurs while performing high-temperature DIC. During speckle pattern inversion, portions of the surface pattern that were initially darker at room temperature (e.g., graphite) may emit more light due to blackbody radiation than the portions that were initially paler, thereby producing images in which the pattern appears inverted at high temperature relative to the initial pattern at room temperature. This phenomenon can prevent the correlation algorithm from being able to resolve the displacements between images. This work compares three methods to mitigate speckle pattern inversion: (A) the subtraction method, a recently-published technique in which two high-temperature images are subtracted to remove unwanted light; (B) the filtering method, a popular technique in which optical bandpass filters screen out unwanted light; and (C) the histogram rescaling method, a proposed new method that pairs a color camera with a blue light source and uses information from the green sensor of the camera to correct against inversion in the blue sensor through postprocessing. The histogram rescaling method is shown to successfully eliminate speckle pattern inversion and has the added advantages that it does not require quasi-static loading to be able to compensate for speckle pattern inversion, nor does it impose thick-glass distortions caused by the optical filter.

Rowley, Lindsey J.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Pattern formation on free surfaces via plastic buckling and periodic folding

Spontaneous formation of surface patterns such as folds and creases is widely observed in engineered systems, such as thin films and machined surfaces, as well as in natural systems such as floral petals and leaves. A recognized route for their formation is via surface elastic instabilities. Here we demonstrate an alternate route for their formation —plastic buckling and folding—that occurs when ductile materials are subject to large-strain (>1) deformation. Using in situ imaging of simple-shear deformation of polypropylene, we delineate the mechanics underlying formation of folds and the resulting surface morphology. Here, the fold pattern shows a single wavelength that scales linearly with the size of the plastic zone. An analytical model predicts onset of the plastic buckling instability and characteristics of the folds. Besides obvious applications for controllably generating surface features over large areas, our results suggest a contributing mechanism for origin of surface roughness in solids.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS2017

Experimental Study of Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) Aeroshell with Axisymmetric Surface Deflection Patterns

A wind tunnel test program was conducted to obtain aeroheating environment data on Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator aeroshells with flexible thermal protection systems. Data were obtained on a set of rigid wind tunnel models with surface deflection patterns of various heights that simulated a range of potential in-flight aeroshell deformations. Wind tunnel testing was conducted at Mach 6 at unit Reynolds numbers from 2.1 × 10(exp 6)/ft to 8.3 × 10(exp 6)/ft and angles of attack from 0 deg to 18 deg. Boundary-layer transition onset and global surface heating distribution measurements were performed using phosphor thermography and flow field images were obtained through schlieren photography. Surface deflections were found to both promote early transition of the boundary layer and to augment heating levels for both laminar and turbulent flows. A complimentary computational flow field study was also performed to provide heating predictions for comparison with the measurements as well as boundary layer flow field properties for use in correlating the data. Correlations of the wind tunnel data were developed to predict deflection effects on boundary layer transition and surface heating and were applied to both the wind tunnel test conditions and to the trajectory of NASA's successful IRVE-3 flight test. In general, the correlations produced at least qualitative agreement with the wind tunnel data, although the heating levels were underpredicted for some of the larger surface deflections. For the flight conditions, the correlations suggested that peak heating levels on the leeward side conical flank of the IRVE-3 vehicle may have exceeded those at nose for times late in the trajectory after the peak heating time point. However, the flight estimates were based on a conservative assumption of surface deflection magnitude (i.e., larger) than likely was produced in flight.

Hollis, Brian R.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Functional stimuli-responsive polymers on micro- and nano-patterned interfaces

Micro- and nano-patterned surfaces offer precise control over morphology and chemical composition, enhancing the stability, durability, and functionality of coating materials. When combined with stimuli-responsive polymers, these surfaces gain dynamic adaptability, enabling reversible binding, reusable sensing, and selective molecular capture. Furthermore, while recent review articles have explored various aspects of stimuli-responsive materials, from hydrogel patterns for bioanalytical applications to shape-morphing hydrogels for soft robotics and sensors, a comprehensive review focused on the integration of smart polymers with micro- or nano-patterned interfaces remains absent. This review addresses key surface patterning techniques, including soft lithography, colloidal lithography, and polymer brush photolithography, as well as advances in surface-initiated polymerization methods, such as surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization (SI-CRP). In addition, we discuss recent progress in integrating stimuli-responsive polymers with patterned surfaces to create advanced, functional materials.

Colloidal lithography↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dynamic Motions of Topological Defects in Nematic Liquid Crystals under Spatial Confinement

Abstract Topological defects (TDs) have become a sensational topic due to their significant influence on the unusual optical and physiochemical characteristics of the material. To facilitate their application across a wide range of disciplines it is desirable to analyze and gain fundamental understanding of TDs in both equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems. Liquid crystals (LCs) are considered an ideal system for study given the direct visualization of TDs and a straightforward analyzation process. In addition to the equilibrium morphology of LC TDs, it is also of great interest to track and control the formation and annihilation of defects during thermodynamic processes. However, controlling the dynamic behavior of formed defects remains a challenge. Here, nematic LCs confined in a cell exhibiting surfaces with periodic anchoring conditions containing surface topography are relied on. The effects of patterned surface characteristics such as width, periodicity, and degree of curvature on defects dynamic motion, stabilization, and annihilation are explored. The computational experiments recapitulate the TDs transition path and provide free energy‐based predictions of critical distances for defect annihilation. Taken together, this simple approach offers a promising opportunity to control the dynamics of TDs in LCs through chemical patterned surfaces with topography.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrostatically driven pattern formation in mixed charged–neutral multicomponent elastic membranes

Multicomponent crystalline and amorphous elastic shells exhibit heterogeneous surface patterns that provide distinctive functionalities in cellular environments. Such patterning typically arises from the competition between short-range attractive and long-range repulsive interactions in membranes. Here, we demonstrate that the intrinsic competition between electrostatic repulsion and elastic deformation is sufficient to drive spontaneous surface patterning in elastic shells, requiring no additional attractive interactions. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate pattern formation in mechanically homogeneous membranes with heterogeneous surface charge composition across different topologies, including spheres, discs, and flat periodic membranes. We also examine patterns in crystalline and amorphous shells of coassembled charged and neutral components with different bending rigidities. At low charge fraction, discrete charged surface domains form. At intermediate charge fraction, the competition between electrostatics and elasticity leads to elongated domains (rods) of the charged component, which results in lamellar patterns at nearly equal fraction of the charged and neutral components. At high charge fraction, nanodomains of the neutral component form. Amorphous shells exhibit similar progressions but with disordered structures rather than ordered lamellar patterns. These pattern morphologies are observed in both the closed shells and flat membranes. As salt concentration increases, all patterns coarsen due to the screening of electrostatic interactions.

charge heterogeneity↗
NASA NTRS1972

Experimental surface flow patterns and flow-field phenomena of a delta-wing space-shuttle orbiter

Composite photographs of the surface flow and shadowgraphs of the shock wave pattern are presented that depict the hypersonic flow field of a typical delta wing space shuttle orbiter. Results from a wind tunnel test in air are given in side, oblique, and projected plan views for angles of attack from 0 to 60 deg. The tests were conducted at a Mach number of 7.4 and for Reynolds numbers based on body length of 6,000,000 and 9,000,000. The interrelationship is shown for the intersecting bow and wing leading edge waves with the surface flow for angles of attack for which: (1) the leading edge wave is attached, and (2) the leading edge wave is detached.

Cleary, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Covariation of Mesoscale Ocean Color and Sea-Surface Temperature Patterns in the Sargasso Sea

During the lifetime of the Coastal Zone Color Scanner, there were 21 instances in which both satellite-derived ocean color and sea-surface temperature are simultaneously available over large areas of the Sargasso Sea. These images reveal close correspondence between mesoscale structures observed in temperature and pigment fields. In general, higher (lower) pigment biomass occurs in mesoscale features consisting of cold (warm) temperature anomalies. This relationship is consistent with the idea that upward displacement of isopycnals at the base of the euphotic zone by mesoscale eddies is an important mechanism of nutrient supply in the region.

McGillicuddy, Dennis J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Covariation of Mesoscale Ocean Color and Sea-Surface Temperature Patterns in the Sargasso Sea

During the lifetime of the Coastal Zone Color Scanner, there were 21 instances in which both satellite-derived ocean color and sea-surface temperature are simultaneously available over large areas of the Sargasso Sea. These images reveal close correspondence between mesoscale structures observed in temperature and pigment fields. In general, higher (lower) pigment biomass occurs in mesoscale features consisting of cold (warm) temperature anomalies. This relationship is consistent with the idea that upward displacement of isopycnals at the base of the euphotic zone by mesoscale eddies is an important mechanism of nutrient supply in the region.

McGillicuddy, D. J.↗