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At least 397 records · Page 22

Working Fluid Trade Study for a Two-Phase Mechanically Pumped Loop Thermal Control System

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is investigating a two-phase mechanically pumped fluid loop (MPFL) technology for spacecraft thermal control for future planetary space science mission concepts. The two-phase technology combines the potential of single-phase MPFL and the passive two-phase heat pipe systems. Previous two-phase MPFL studies4,5 at JPL have identified an evaporator system with a separated flow architecture as providing a robust light mass thermal control system with very high spatial and temporal thermal stability required by the science instruments on these missions. These studies have further identified the thermophysical properties of the working fluid to be key to the performance of a two-phase fluid loop. This paper describes the methodology used in the selection of the working fluids for optimizing the performance of the two-phase MPFL. A high level model was developed that includes the constraints and boundaries driven by the system components. The performance of fluids from the REFPROP database were investigated and rated for this system. The working fluid attributes such as cost, hazardous properties, and heritage were taken into account in this selection. A typical spacecraft dissipating 1000 W and a fluid loop consisting of an evaporator, accumulator, radiator, and associated tubing components was used as an example in this study.

Daimaru, Takuro↗

Pressure Gradient and Gas Hold-Up in Two-Phase Flows through Porous Media in Microgravity

Single and two-phase flow through porous media are encountered on ground and in space in numerous applications related to life support systems, fuel cells, chemical/materials processing and transporting nutrients to plants. These systems operate differently in the microgravity environment encountered in space travel because the density differences no longer cause the phases to separate or “drain” under the body force of gravity. In the absence of gravity, the interfacial or capillary forces play a more significant role in determining the operational variables such as phase distribution, liquid holdup, and pressure drop especially when the liquid inertia and viscous forces are at minimum. Lower liquid flow rates in air-water two-phase flows represent the case for most of the space processes that depend on two-phase flows in porous media. The Packed Bed Reactor Experiment (PBRE) was developed and flown on the International Space Station (ISS) by NASA to extend a series of fundamental studies of gas-liquid flows through porous media. The goal of the this series of flight experiments (PBRE-1 and PBRE-2) is to better understand the hydrodynamics of two phase flows in porous media in flow regimes dominated by inertia and viscous effects and understanding the role of the interfacial forces and their role in determining the flow dynamics. The flight experiments were preceded by a series of low gravity experiments performed on the low gravity aircraft. These experiments led to the development of a semi-empirical two-phase pressure drop and flow pattern transition in support of a number of reactor beds planned for water reclamation processes onboard of the international space station. The PBRE flight experiment was designed to deliver a wide range of tightly controlled gas (nitrogen) and liquid (water) flows to one of two interchangeable test sections differing only in the type of internal packing material. In this presentation, we describe the PBRE-2 experiment and present preliminary low gravity data on pressure drop and gas hold-up and compare with semi-empirical model pressure drop predictions.

Brian Motil↗

Role of RpoS in regulating stationary phase Salmonella Typhimurium pathogenesis-related stress responses under physiological low fluid shear force conditions

The discovery that biomechanical forces regulate microbial virulence was established with the finding that physiological low fluid shear (LFS) forces altered gene expression, stress responses, and virulence of the enteric pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium during log phase. These log phase LFS-induced phenotypes were independent of the master stress response regulator, RpoS (S). Given the central importance of RpoS in regulating stationary phase stress responses of S. Typhimurium cultured under conventional shake flask and static conditions, we examined its role in stationary phase cultures grown under physiological LFS. We constructed an isogenic rpoS mutant derivative of wild type S. Typhimurium and compared the ability of these strains to survive in vitro pathogenesis-related stresses that mimic those encountered in the infected host and environment. We also compared the ability of these strains to colonize (adhere, invade, and survive within) human intestinal epithelial cell cultures. Unexpectedly, LFS-induced resistance of stationary phase S. Typhimurium cultures to acid and bile salts stresses did not rely on RpoS. Likewise, RpoS was dispensable for stationary phase LFS cultures to adhere to and survive within intestinal epithelial cells. In contrast, the resistance of these cultures to challenge with oxidative and thermal stresses, and their invasion into intestinal epithelial cells was influenced by RpoS. These findings expand our mechanistic understanding of how physiological fluid shear forces modulate stationary phase S. Typhimurium physiology in unexpected ways and provide clues into microbial mechanobiology and nuances of Salmonella responses to microenvironmental niches in the infected host.

Karla Franco Meléndez↗

Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Surface Operations Commissioning Phase Overview

This paper presents work done by the Mars 2020 Project to plan, test, and execute the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover surface operations commissioning phase. Immediately after the successful landing of Mars 2020 Perseverance rover at Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021, the rover autonomously initiated mission critical commanding necessary to transition the vehicle from a Cruise/EDL to Surface operations configuration. This began the surface operations commissioning phase, referred to as Surface Operations Transition (SOX). The objective of SOX phase is to establish vehicle health and safety and to verify that the operational characteristics of the vehicle, now operating in the Martian environment, are as-expected and safe to proceed into nominal operations. The SOX commissioning phase is organized into six logical sub-phases occurring in the following chronological order; (1) SOX1a, (2) FSW Transition, (3) SOX1b, (4) SOX2a, (5) Heli, (6) SOX2b. In total, the SOX commissioning phase was expected to take up-to 111 sols (Martian days). The Perseverance rover is an extremely complex, highly-integrated, robotic system-of-systems that requires numerous activities to incrementally and methodically verify their safe operations. This paper will discuss the development process used to plan, test, and execute the SOX commissioning phase for Mars 2020 Perseverance rover surface operations. We will discuss key challenges associated with SOX development as well as actual operations execution experience.

Koch, Justin↗

Sources of Uncertainty in Ultrasonic Phase-Based Assessment of Interfacial Stiffness in Adhesive Joints

Quantitative nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of adhesive joint strength is critical for certifying fastener-free bonded aerospace structures. Unfortunately, available adhesive NDE approaches are only suitable for detecting gross defects and delamination and cannot reliably detect variations in strength in intact bonds. Intact (i.e., nominally defect free) bonds are challenging to inspect because they, by definition, contain no macroscopic defects that would produce a strong NDE signature. Even in the absence of obvious defects, however, bond strength can vary substantially due to factors such as contamination, variations in the adhesive cure processes, and environmental exposure. For ultrasonic bond inspections, the effect of interactions from an imperfect adhesive interface are subtle and may include changes in the frequency content or phase of the ultrasonic signal. The bond condition can be deduced from these subtle changes in the acoustic response using an accompanying physics-based model of adhesive joint interaction. For example, researchers have used the spring network adhesion model of Baik and Thompson [1] to determine the interfacial stiffness of the joint from its ultrasonic response (e.g., [2]). This interfacial stiffness metric describes the bonds resistance to separation between the adhesive and adherent and has shown a strong correlation with joint strength. In this study, interfacial stiffness is assessed using the ultrasonic phase change associated with bond interaction in varying bond conditions. The phase change is measured precisely using a phase-locked-loop instrument over a swept range of frequencies. The phase transition at resonance, where the bond thickness is half the acoustic wavelength, produces a unique signature with which to fit a physics-based model. Interfacial stiffness is determined by minimizing the difference between the theoretical and experimental phase response. Experimental results are presented for glass specimens bonded with aerospace adhesives and a sensitivity analysis is performed to examine the effects of parameters that may be uncertain in the industrial inspection environment – namely bond thickness, adhesive and adherent properties, and porosity. The results are a first step toward an uncertainty quantified version of the measurement technique, show correlation between interfacial stiffness and bond strength, and are another key step toward maturing this approach for use in complex materials and joint geometries. [1] Baik, J.M. and Thompson, R.B., 1984. “Ultrasonic scattering from imperfect interfaces: a quasi-static model”. Journal of Nondestructive Evaluation, 4. [2] Haldren, H.A., Perey, D.F., Yost, W.T., Cramer, K.E., and Gupta, M.C., 2019. “Swept-frequency ultrasonic phase evaluation of adhesive bonding in tri-layer structures”. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 145.

Matt Webster↗

(abstract) Observation by Clementine of a Hugh Opposition Surge on the Moon at Very Small Solar Phase Angles

The Clementine mission enabled the first quantative observations of the Moon at very small solar phase angles. It is well established from Earth-based observations that the Moon exhibits a non-linear increase in brightness as its face becomes fully illuminated to a terrestrial observer. Because the models of the opposition effect are sensitive indicators of surfical compaction state and particle size, observations at small solar phase angles are important to obtain. A recent model for optical coherent backscatter seeks to explain a narrow opposition spike at very small phase angles (< 1 degree) seen on several icy satellites , including Europa, Icarus 90, and Oberon . Over 90 images of the Moon's surface at phase angles less than 0.5(deg) (the minimum phase angle observable from Earth due to the Moon's angular size) were obtained by the Clementine spacecraft. Our analysis of these images shows the moon exhibits a surge in brightness of approximately 20% below 0.25(deg), comparable to the values observed on icy satellites. No color dependence was detected in the lunar phase curve below 2 degrees.

partical size icy satellites Europa Icarus 90 Ober↗

Solid State NMR Studies of the Aluminum Hydride Phases

Several solid state NMR techniques including magic-angle-spinning (MAS) and multiple-quantum (MQ) MAS experiments have been used to characterize various AlH3 samples. MAS-NMR spectra for the 1H and 27Al nuclei have been obtained on a variety of AlH3 samples that include the (beta)- and (gamma)- phases as well as the most stable (alpha)-phase. While the dominant components in these NMR spectra correspond to the aluminum hydride phases, other species were found that include Al metal, molecular hydrogen (H2), as well as peaks that can be assigned to Al-O species in different configurations. The occurrence and concentration of these extraneous components are dependent upon the initial AlH3 phase composition and preparation procedures. Both the (beta)-AlH3 and (gamma)-AlH3 phases were found to generate substantial amounts of Al metal when the materials were stored at room temperature while the (alpha)-phase materials do not exhibit these changes.

phase compositions↗

Phase-Sensitive Coherence and the Classical-Quantum Boundary in Ghost Imaging

The theory of partial coherence has a long and storied history in classical statistical optics. the vast majority of this work addresses fields that are statistically stationary in time, hence their complex envelopes only have phase-insensitive correlations. The quantum optics of squeezed-state generation, however, depends on nonlinear interactions producing baseband field operators with phase-insensitive and phase-sensitive correlations. Utilizing quantum light to enhance imaging has been a topic of considerable current interest, much of it involving biphotons, i.e., streams of entangled-photon pairs. Biphotons have been employed for quantum versions of optical coherence tomography, ghost imaging, holography, and lithography. However, their seemingly quantum features have been mimicked with classical-sate light, questioning wherein lies the classical-quantum boundary. We have shown, for the case of Gaussian-state light, that this boundary is intimately connected to the theory of phase-sensitive partial coherence. Here we present that theory, contrasting it with the familiar case of phase-insensitive partial coherence, and use it to elucidate the classical-quantum boundary of ghost imaging. We show, both theoretically and experimentally, that classical phase-sensitive light produces ghost imaging most closely mimicking those obtained in biphotons, and we derived the spatial resolution, image contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio of a standoff-sensing ghost imager, taking into account target-induced speckle.

coherence theory↗

A Machine Learning-Based Cloud Detection and Thermodynamic Phase Classification Algorithm using Passive Spectral Observations

We trained two Random Forest (RF) machine-learning models for cloud mask and cloud thermodynamic phase detection using spectral observations from VIIRS on Suomi NPP (SNPP). Observations from CALIOP were carefully selected to provide reference labels. The two RF models were trained for all-day and daytime-only conditions using a 4-year collocated VIIRS/CALIOP dataset from 2013 to 2016. Due to the orbit difference, the collocated CALIOP and SNPP VIIRS training samples cover a broad viewing zenith angle range, which is a great benefit to overall model performance. The all-day model uses 3 VIIRS infrared (IR) bands (8.6,11, and 12 μm) and the daytime model uses 5 Near-IR (NIR) and Shortwave-IR (SWIR) bands (0.86, 1.24, 1.38, 1.64 and 2.25 μm) together with the 3 IR bands to detect clear, liquid water, and ice cloud pixels. Up to 7 surface types, namely, ocean/water, forest, cropland, grassland, snow/ice, barren/desert, and shrubland, were considered separately to enhance performance for both models. Detection of cloudy pixels and thermodynamic phase with the two RF models were compared against collocated CALIOP products from 2017. It is shown that, with a conservative screening process that excludes the most challenging cloudy pixels for passive remote sensing, the two RF models have high accuracy rates in comparison with the CALIOP reference for both cloud detection and thermodynamic phase. Other existing SNPP VIIRS and Aqua MODIS cloud mask and phase products are also evaluated, with results showing that the two RF models and the MODIS MYD06 optical property phase product are the top 3 algorithms with respect to lidar observations during the daytime. During the nighttime, the RF all-day model works best for both cloud detection and phase, in particular for pixels over snow/ice surfaces. The present RF models can be extended to other similar passive instruments if training samples can be collected from CALIOP or other lidars. However, the quality of reference labels and potential sampling issues that may impact model performance would need further attention.

cloud detection↗

ATD-2 Phase 3 Benefits Mechanism

NASA has been developing and demonstrating a suite of decision support capabilities for integrated arrival, departure, and surface (IADS) operations in a metroplex environment. The effort is being made in three phases, under NASA’s Airspace Technology Demonstration 2 (ATD-2) sub-project, through a close partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air carriers, airport, and general aviation community. ATD-2 Phase 1 & 2 have successfully demonstrated new technologies developed to manage the IADS capabilities at a single airport. The Phase 3 builds upon Phases 1 and 2 by extending the capabilities to a Metroplex environment where multiple airports are interacting and competing for resources at the terminal boundary. This document describes the metrics used to inform the flight operators, Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, FAA, and even broader aviation community about opportunities to reroute aircraft and the metrics used to assess the performance of the ATD-2 Phase 3 system including benefits. This document provides definitions and detailed calculation methods of identified Phase 3 benefit metrics such as OFF Delay Savings, IN Delay Savings, and Aggregate System-Wide Savings. This document also describes the mechanism to translate delay savings metrics into fuel and emissions savings.

ATD-2 Phase 3↗

RF Differential Phase Noise Measurements of the LISA TRL-6 Laser

RF differential phase noise (RF modulation sideband phase noise): phase jitter between the optical sideband generated from phase modulation and the optical carrier. Clock noise information of each space craft (s/c) is imprinted on the RF modulation sidebands and transferred between s/c through beating of the sidebands. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the RF modulation phase noise as light propagates from the phase modulator to the power amplifier delivery fiber.

Phase noise↗

Effect of gravity on liquid phase sintering

The unique conditions offered by the earth orbital environment in material processing involving both solid and liquid phases, such as liquid phase sintering, were studied. An experimental development program involving both test and theoretical work was initiated. Experimental work using material combinations selected such that maximum information about the effect of gravity can be derived has been conducted. Wetting of the solid phase by the liquid during sintering is an important phenomenon in liquid phase sintering, and gravity has influence on both capillary phenomenon and density segregation; hence, material combinations were selected such that these two effects can be suitably studies. The experimental work is meant to form the basis for similar comparative work done under low-g conditions. The part of the model dealing with the capillary phenomenon, as related to liquid phase sintering and the effect of gravity on it, suggest that gravity will have negligible effect on the Bond number and that the cohesive force is dependent on both the amount of liquid phase and the angle of contact.

Mookherji, T.↗

Digital phase-locked loop

An digital phase-locked loop is provided for deriving a loop output signal from an accumulator output terminal. A phase detecting exclusive OR gate is fed by the loop digital input and output signals. The output of the phase detector is a bi-level digital signal having a duty cycle indicative of the relative phase of the input and output signals. The accumulator is incremented at a first rate in response to a first output level of the phase detector and at a second rate in response to a second output level of the phase detector.

Cliff, R. A.↗

A simulation analysis of phase processing circuitry in the Ohio University Omega receiver prototype

A FORTRAN IV simulation study of the all-digital phase-processing circuitry is described. A digital phase-lock loop (DPLL) forms the heart of the Omega navigation receiver prototype, and through the DPLL, the phase of the 10.2 KHz Omega signal was estimated when the true signal phase is contaminated with noise. The DPLL uses a frequency synthesizer as the reference oscillator. The synthesizer is composed of synchronous rate multipliers (SRM's) driven by a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, and the use of the SRM's in this application introduces phase jitter which degrades system performance. Simulation of the frequency synthesizer discussed was to analyze the circuits on a bit-by-bit level in order to evaluate the overall design, to see easily the effects of proposed design changes prior to actual breadboarding, to determine the optimum integration time for the DPLL in an environment typical of general aviation conditions, and to quantify the phase error introduced by the SRM synthesizer and examine its effect on the system.

Palkovic, R. A.↗

Synthesis and evaluation of phase detectors for active bit synchronizers

Self-synchronizing digital data communication systems usually use active or phase-locked loop (PLL) bit synchronizers. The three main elements of PLL synchronizers are the phase detector, loop filter, and the voltage controlled oscillator. Of these three elements, phase detector synthesis is the main source of difficulty, particularly when the received signals are demodulated square-wave signals. A phase detector synthesis technique is reviewed that provides a physically realizable design for bit synchronizer phase detectors. The development is based upon nonlinear recursive estimation methods. The phase detector portion of the algorithm is isolated and analyzed.

Mcbride, A. L.↗

Equilibria bearing on the behavior of titanate phases during crystallization of iron silicate melts under strongly reducing conditions

Titanate phase relations at liquidus temperatures are determined for the CaAl2Si2O8-Fe2TiO4-FeTi2O5 system in contact with metallic iron by reflected- and transmitted-light microscopy, electron microprobe, and X-ray diffraction analyses. Results of critical equilibration runs are presented, various primary phase areas and liquidus isotherms are illustrated, and the geometry of the system is described. Three piercing points are determined, and it is noted that the compositional interrelations among coexisting crystalline and liquid phases as well as the sequence of the various titanate phases are indicative of the significant effects of the various cations on the relative stability of these phases. It is found that Al2O3 exerts a strong stabilizing effect on the phase assemblage of ulvospinel plus ferropseudobrookite relative to ilemite.

Lipin, B. R.↗

A simple technique for high resolution time domain phase noise measurement

A new time domain phase comparator is described. The device uses a novel technique to allow time domain phase measurements to be made with period and time interval counters without the use of offset reference oscillators. The device uses a single reference oscillator and allows measurements with a phase resolution greater than the noise floor of the reference. Data is presented showing a phase resolution of 0.02ps at 5 MHz with a crystal reference. The device has application in measuring the phase stability of systems where approximate phase quadrature can be maintained.

Reinhardt, V. S.↗

A design handbook for phase change thermal control and energy storage devices

Comprehensive survey is given of the thermal aspects of phase change material devices. Fundamental mechanisms of heat transfer within the phase change device are discussed. Performance in zero-g and one-g fields are examined as it relates to such a device. Computer models for phase change materials, with metal fillers, undergoing conductive and convective processes are detailed. Using these models, extensive parametric data are presented for a hypothetical configuration with a rectangular phase change housing, using straight fins as the filler, and paraffin as the phase change material. These data are generated over a range of realistic sizes, material properties, and thermal boundary conditions. A number of illustrative examples are given to demonstrate use of the parametric data. Also, a complete listing of phase change material property data are reproduced herein as an aid to the reader.

Humphries, W. R.↗