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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 379 records · Page 21

Status of the Combined Cycle Engine Rig

Status for the past year is provided of the turbine-based Combined-Cycle Engine (CCE) Rig for the hypersonic project. As part of the first stage propulsion of a two-stage-to-orbit vehicle concept, this engine rig is designed with a common inlet that supplies flow to a turbine engine and a dual-mode ramjet / scramjet engine in an over/under configuration. At Mach 4 the inlet has variable geometry to switch the airflow from the turbine to the ramjet / scramjet engine. This process is known as inlet mode-transition. In addition to investigating inlet aspects of mode transition, the rig will allow testing of turbine and scramjet systems later in the test series. Fully closing the splitter cowl "cocoons" the turbine engine and increases airflow to the scramjet duct. The CCE Rig will be a testbed to investigate integrated propulsion system and controls technology objectives. Four phases of testing are planned to 1) characterize the dual inlet database, 2) collect inlet dynamics using system identification techniques, 3) implement an inlet control to demonstrate mode-transition scenarios and 4) demonstrate integrated inlet/turbine engine operation through mode-transition. Status of the test planning and preparation activities is summarized with background on the inlet design and small-scale testing, analytical CFD predictions and some details of the large-scale hardware. The final stages of fabrication are underway.

Saunders, Dave↗

Atom-at-a-Time Radioactive Molecule Identification: Looking toward Studies of Superheavy Elements

The chemical behavior of superheavy elements (SHEs, Z > 103) remains poorly understood. Their chemical properties are expected to deviate from established trends, challenging the predictive power of the periodic table. To investigate these elements experimentally, they must first be synthesized through nuclear reactions and then quickly subjected to chemical studies before they decay. Given the low production rates of these reactions and the need for measurements on an atom-at-a-time basis, innovative techniques are needed. Here, to address these challenges, a novel gas-phase chemistry method has been developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, utilizing the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator and FIONA. This technique enables the production, identification, and study of molecular species formed by SHEs. As a proof of concept, we present measurements on the formation and identification of 151,152 HoO + molecules, demonstrating the capability to study the production of radioactive molecules under controlled conditions and directly identify them via their mass-to-charge ratio. These measurements validate the effectiveness of this technique for low-statistics SHE studies, highlighting the potential of this approach to ignite the next generation of experimental SHE chemistry research, offering a path to re-evaluate SHE placement on the periodic table.

Chemistry↗

Advanced supersonic propulsion study, phase 2

A continuation of the NASA/P and WA study to evaluate various types of propulsion systems for advanced commercial supersonic transports has resulted in the identification of two very promising engine concepts. They are the Variable Stream Control Engine which provides independent temperature and velocity control for two coannular exhaust streams, and a derivative of this engine, a Variable Cycle Engine that employs a rear flow-inverter valve to vary the bypass ratio of the cycle. Both concepts are based on advanced engine technology and have the potential for significant improvements in jet noise, exhaust emissions and economic characteristics relative to current technology supersonic engines. Extensive research and technology programs are required in several critical areas that are unique to these supersonic Variable Cycle Engines to realize these potential improvements. Parametric cycle and integration studies of conventional and Variable Cycle Engines are reviewed, features of the two most promising engine concepts are described, and critical technology requirements and required programs are summarized.

Howlett, R. A.↗

Convolution Neural Network for Fault Identification in Distribution Feeder with High Penetration Solar PV

Identification and zonal classification of the faults is a decisive factor in the relay’s decision to trip or not. Different types of fault like three-phase, line-to-line-to-ground and single-line-to-ground can occur at various locations in the feeder. These faults are seen as the variation in the instantaneous values of three-phase voltages and currents, i.e., waveforms, that are measured at the relay location. The objective of this work is to develop a machine learning model that can identify a fault and classify it to various protection zones based on measured waveforms. In this work, a data-driven relay based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is proposed for fault identification in distribution feeders with high penetration solar PV. The proposed CNN model takes local current and voltage waveforms as input and classify it into fault, no-fault or a capacitor switching. Further, the CNN also attempts to identify fault zones based on the images of waveforms. The overall testing accuracy of the trained model exceeds 95%.

Ramesh, Meghana↗

Identification of the dynamics of a two-dimensional grid structure using least square lattice filters

It is doubtful whether the dynamics of large space structures (LSS) can be predicted well enough for control system design applications. Hence, dynamic modeling from on-orbit measurements followed by a modification of the control system is of interest, taking into account the utilization of adaptive control concepts. The present paper is concerned with the model determination phase of the adaptive control problem. Using spectral decoupling to determine mode shapes, mode frequency and damping data can be obtained with the aid of an equation error parameter identification method. This method employs a second-order auto-regressive moving average (ARMA) model to represent the natural mode amplitudes. The discussed procedure involves an extension of the application of the least square lattice filter in system identification to a nonintegral, two-dimensional grid structure made of overlapping bars.

Montgomery, R. C.↗

A method for unique identification of relativistic /greater than 0.5/ magnetic monopoles with a fast film Cerenkov detector

A magnetic monopole traversing a dielectric medium at a velocity greater than the phase velocity of light in that medium, will give rise to Cerenkov radiation with the electric field tangent to the cone generated by the photon wave propagation vector, and the magnetic field normal to that surface. This is the opposite polarization to that encountered with an electric charge. It is proposed that either by inserting a linearly polarizing layer between the radiator and the photographic emulsion, or by selecting a linearly polarizing material as the radiator, one could directly observe the field polarization by examining the photographic image and thus uniquely identify a magnetic monopole. The ability of the detector is further enhanced by the index of refraction dependence of the Cerenkov output from a magnetic monopole.

Pinsky, L. S.↗

High-resolution analysis of clay minerals and amorphous materials in martian analog environments

Mudrocks and mud-sized sediments (i.e., silt to clay) dominate the surface of Earth and Mars. These fine-grained sediments preserve a rich history of sedimentary processes from source to sink and shed light on ancient climates. However, both the physical and chemical nature of these materials make them difficult to fully characterize with traditional laboratory techniques. Here, we explore a cross-disciplinary and high-resolution approach using synchrotron radiation for X-ray diffraction, pair distribution function analysis, and submicrometer-scale X-ray fluorescence, combined with transmission electron microscopy, to better understand the nanostructure and composition of mud-sized sediments from a glacio-fluvial watershed in southwest Iceland. Our results demonstrate that sediments in the cold and wet climate of Iceland are more altered than previously thought, as evidenced by the identification of kaolinite and mixed-layer kaolinite-smectite. Additionally, sediments are enriched in amorphous materials and nanocrystalline phases, as determined from grain morphologies and compositions consistent with allophane, hisingerite, ferrihydrite, and halloysite. These alteration products are present as intimate mixtures that vary across depositional sites, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the secondary assemblage from source to sink. This work has implications for Mars, where, for example, basalt-sourced sedimentary rocks from Gale crater are abundant in clay minerals and amorphous materials. Finally, this work underpins the importance of using high-resolution techniques, a coordinated methodology, and developing innovative approaches for future planetary sample return missions (e.g., Mars sample return).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Identification of the stability parameters of an aeroelastic airplane

The problem of the parameter identification of large scale dynamic systems involving a system matrix characterized by approximately 200 elements is addressed. By using phase variable transformations, a mathematical model of an aeroelastic airplane is described in a form that is amenable to partial or piecemeal acceptance of parameters estimated from flight data. A mathematical model of the U.S. Air Force Total In-Flight Simulator was computed using the FLEXSTAB digital computer program. As data became available during the progress of the flight test program, this data was processed and substituted in the mathematical model for parameters analytically obtained from the FLEXSTAB program. The results tend to show a progressive and orderly transition from an analytically defined mathematical model to one obtained from the flight tests of the actual aircraft.

Rynaski, E. G.↗

Solar He-3-rich events and non-relativistic electron events: A new association

In 15 months of observation by the ISEE-e spacecraft, it was found that virtually all solar greater than or approximately equal to 1.3 MeV/nucleon He-3-rich events are associated with impulsive 2 to approximately 100 keV electron events, although many electron events were not accompanied by detectable He-3 increases. Both the He-3 and the electrons exhibit nearly scatter-free propagation in the interplanetary medium, and the times of onset and maximum for the He-3 and electron increases are closely related by velocity dispertion. The electron events and their related type III solar radio bursts provide, for the first time, identification of the flares which produce He-3-rich events. He-3 appears to be accelerated at the flash phase of solar flares along with nonrelativistic electrons.

Reames, D. V.↗

New Constraints on the Melting Temperature and Phase Stability of Shocked Iron up to 270 GPa Probed by Ultrafast X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Studying the properties and phase diagram of iron at high-pressure and high-temperature conditions has relevant implications for Earth’s inner structure and dynamics and the temperature of the inner core boundary (ICB) at 330 GPa. Also, a hexagonal-closed packed to body-centered cubic (bcc) phase transition has been predicted by many theoretical works but observed only in a few experiments. The recent coupling of high-power laser with advanced x-ray sources from synchrotrons allows for novel approaches to address these issues. Here, we present a study on shock compressed iron up to 270 GPa and 5800 K probed by single-pulse (100 ps FWHM) x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Based on the analysis of the XAS spectra, we provide structural identification and bulk temperature measurements along the Hugoniot up to the melting. These results rule out the predicted transition to a high-temperature bcc phase and allow one to discriminate among existing equations of state models and melting curves. In particular, we report the first bulk temperature measurement in shock compressed iron on the melting plateau at 240(20) GPa and 5345(600) K. The melting curve resulting from our work extrapolates to a temperature of 6202(514) K at 330 GPa and represents a refined upper bound for the ICB temperature. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Balugani, S.↗

FBI fingerprint identification automation study: AIDS 3 evaluation report. Volume 5: Current system evaluation

The performance, costs, organization and other characteristics of both the manual system and AIDS 2 were used to establish a baseline case. The results of the evaluation are to be used to determine the feasibility of the AIDS 3 System, as well as provide a basis for ranking alternative systems during the second phase of the JPL study. The results of the study were tabulated by subject, scope and methods, providing a descriptive, quantitative and qualitative analysis of the current operating systems employed by the FBI Identification Division.

Mulhall, B. D. L.↗

Aircraft System Identification from Multisine Inputs and Frequency Responses

The identification of aircraft flight dynamics is often performed using frequency responses, which are nonparametric models that quantify the steady-state magnitude and phase of a dynamic system response to sinusoidal inputs, as a function of frequency. Frequency responses are computed from measured input and output data, and then model parameters, such as stability and control derivatives, are estimated to best fit a parametric model to the empirical frequency response data. The utility of this approach is due to the familiarity of engineers with frequency responses, a number of theoretical and practical advantages under specific conditions, the availability of software packages, and many other reasons.

System identification↗

Application of Long-Path Gas Cell Assisted Infrared Spectroscopy for Detection of Lunar Volatiles and Advanced Curation Efforts

The motivation behind analyzing gaseous samples from the Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) on the lunar surface is built upon the volatiles observed during the LCROSS mission. Advanced curation techniques under cold conditions are essential to the critical scientific analysis of these returned samples. The detection of various volatiles in returned samples by gas-phase infrared (IR) spectroscopy is known to be a powerful tool to understand the resources present in planetary bodies and Astro-materials. The identification and quantification of volatile compounds in returned planetary samples and regolith simulants by advanced and custom-built analytical devices are areas of primary research interest in our group and the Planetary Exploration & Astromaterials Research Laboratory (PEARL) facility. In this context, we discuss recent advancements and experimental results for quick analysis of the major volatiles detected by the LCROSS (water, CO 2 , CH 3 OH, and NH 3 ) by a long-path gas cell/FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectrometer system. The applicability of this system is demonstrated by qualitative analysis of a series of volatiles measured individually. In addition, the linear dependence of absorption intensity on headspace sample volumes was checked by measuring gas-phase IR absorption spectra of increasing volumes of pure CO 2 gas aliquots. Finally, the instrument performance was evaluated by measuring the relative concentration of NH 3 (g) in methanol solution.

Curation↗

Thin-Film Stabilization and Magnetism of η -Carbide-Type Iron Nitrides

Transition-metal nitrides in ..eta..-carbide-type structures exhibit unusual bonding motifs and proximity to magnetic instabilities. Yet they remain unexplored in thin-film form due to the difficulty of stabilizing nitrogen-poor ternaries among competing phases. Here, we report the thin-film synthesis and phase-stability mapping of the ..eta..-nitride systems Fe-W-N and Fe-Mo-N. Amorphous Fe-M-N (M = W, Mo) combinatorial libraries deposited by reactive cosputtering crystallize upon rapid thermal annealing, enabling systematic identification of synthesis windows as a function of composition and annealing temperature. Using laboratory powder X-ray diffraction and synchrotron grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering, we establish that Fe 3 Mo 3 N-based ..eta..-carbide phases form over a substantially broader compositional and thermal range than W-based compositions, where ..eta.. structures are stabilized only when the films are Fe-rich. These trends are rationalized using mixed chemical-potential vs composition phase diagrams that capture the narrow nitrogen chemical-potential stability of ..eta..-nitrides. Magnetic measurements reveal that ferromagnetism is induced in Fe-rich Fe 3.54 Mo 2.46 N with a small exchange-bias-like response that is absent in Fe 3 W 3 N-based compositions, highlighting the sensitivity of magnetic behavior to modest deviations from stoichiometry. This work establishes practical thin-film synthesis routes for ..eta..-nitride materials and demonstrates how composition can be tuned to access emergent magnetic phenomena in these complex nitrides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Lithium Storage Mechanisms and Electrochemical Behavior of a Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticle Anode

This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) as an anode in Li-ion batteries, focusing on the extra capacity phenomenon. Employing advanced characterization methods such as in situ and ex situ X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, the research unravels the complex structural and chemical evolution of MoS 2 throughout its cycling. A key discovery is the identification of a unique Li intercalation mechanism in MoS 2 , leading to the formation of reversible Li x MoS 2 phases that contribute to the extra capacity of the MoS 2 electrode. Density function theory calculations suggest the potential for overlithiation in MoS 2 , predicting Li 5 MoS 2 as the most energetically favorable phase within the lithiation–delithiation process. Additionally, the formation of a Li-rich phase on the surface of Li 4 MoS 2 is considered energetically advantageous. After the first discharge, the battery system engages in two main reactions. One involves operation as a Li-sulfur battery within the carbonate electrolyte, and the other is the reversible intercalation and deintercalation of Li in Li x MoS 2 . The latter reaction contributes to the extra capacity of the battery. The incorporation of reduced graphene oxide as a conductive additive in MoS 2 electrodes notably improves their rate capability and cycling stability.

Lithium Rich Phase↗

Atmospheric lidar multi-user instrument system definition study

A spaceborne lidar system for atmospheric studies was defined. The primary input was the Science Objectives Experiment Description and Evolutionary Flow Document. The first task of the study was to perform an experiment evolutionary analysis of the SEED. The second task was the system definition effort of the instrument system. The third task was the generation of a program plan for the hardware phase. The fourth task was the supporting studies which included a Shuttle deficiency analysis, a preliminary safety hazard analysis, the identification of long lead items, and development studies required. As a result of the study an evolutionary Lidar Multi-User Instrument System (MUIS) was defined. The MUIS occupies a full Spacelab pallet and has a weight of 1300 kg. The Lidar MUIS laser provides a 2 joule frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser that can also pump a tuneable dye laser wide frequency range and bandwidth. The MUIS includes a 1.25 meter diameter aperture Cassegrain receiver, with a moveable secondary mirror to provide precise alignment with the laser. The receiver can transmit the return signal to three single and multiple photomultiple tube detectors by use of a rotating fold mirror. It is concluded that the Lidar MUIS proceed to program implementation.

Greco, R. V.↗

Solar He-3-rich events and nonrelativistic electron events - A new association

In 15 months of observation by the ISEE-e spacecraft, it was found that virtually all solar greater than or approximately equal to 1.3 MeV/nucleon He-3-rich events are associated with impulsive 2 to approximately 100 keV electron events, although many electron events were not accompanied by detectable He-3 increases. Both the He-3 and the electrons exhibit nearly scatter-free propagation in the interplanetary medium, and the times of onset and maximum for the He-3 and electron increases are closely related by velocity dispersion. The electron events and their related type III solar radio bursts provide, for the first time, identification of the flares which produce the He-3-rich events. He-3 appears to be accelerated at the flash phase of solar flares along with nonrelativistic electrons.

Reames, D. V.↗

Nonlinear stability and control study of highly maneuverable high performance aircraft

This project is intended to research and develop new nonlinear methodologies for the control and stability analysis of high-performance, high angle-of-attack aircraft such as HARV (F18). Past research (reported in our Phase 1, 2, and 3 progress reports) is summarized and more details of final Phase 3 research is provided. While research emphasis is on nonlinear control, other tasks such as associated model development, system identification, stability analysis, and simulation are performed in some detail as well. An overview of various models that were investigated for different purposes such as an approximate model reference for control adaptation, as well as another model for accurate rigid-body longitudinal motion is provided. Only a very cursory analysis was made relative to type 8 (flexible body dynamics). Standard nonlinear longitudinal airframe dynamics (type 7) with the available modified F18 stability derivatives, thrust vectoring, actuator dynamics, and control constraints are utilized for simulated flight evaluation of derived controller performance in all cases studied.

Mohler, R. R.↗