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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 415 records · Page 23

Spacecraft Solar Particle Event (SPE) Shielding: Shielding Effectiveness as a Function of SPE model as Determined with the FLUKA Radiation Transport Code

Analysis of both satellite and surface neutron monitor data demonstrate that the widely utilized Exponential model of solar particle event (SPE) proton kinetic energy spectra can seriously underestimate SPE proton flux, especially at the highest kinetic energies. The more recently developed Band model produces better agreement with neutron monitor data ground level events (GLEs) and is believed to be considerably more accurate at high kinetic energies. Here, we report the results of modeling and simulation studies in which the radiation transport code FLUKA (FLUktuierende KAskade) is used to determine the changes in total ionizing dose (TID) and single-event environments (SEE) behind aluminum, polyethylene, carbon, and titanium shielding masses when the assumed form (i. e., Band or Exponential) of the solar particle event (SPE) kinetic energy spectra is changed. FLUKA simulations have fully three dimensions with an isotropic particle flux incident on a concentric spherical shell shielding mass and detector structure. The effects are reported for both energetic primary protons penetrating the shield mass and secondary particle showers caused by energetic primary protons colliding with shielding mass nuclei. Our results, in agreement with previous studies, show that use of the Exponential form of the event

Koontz, Steve↗

Transport-based initial conditions for heavy-ion collisions at finite densities

Here, we employ the SMASH transport model to provide event-by-event initial conditions for the energy-momentum tensor and conserved charge currents in hydrodynamic simulations of relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We study the fluctuations and dynamical evolution of three conserved charge currents (net baryon, net electric charges, and net strangeness) with a four-dimensional lattice-QCD-based equation of state, NEOS-4D, in the hydrodynamic phase. Out-of-equilibrium corrections at the particlization are generalized to finite densities to ensure the conservation of energy, momentum, and the three types of charges. These theoretical developments are integrated within the X-SCAPE code as a unified framework for studying the nuclear matter properties in the Beam Energy Scan program.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Strain energy release rates of composite interlaminar end-notch and mixed-mode fracture: A sublaminate/ply level analysis and a computer code

A computer code is presented for the sublaminate/ply level analysis of composite structures. This code is useful for obtaining stresses in regions affected by delaminations, transverse cracks, and discontinuities related to inherent fabrication anomalies, geometric configurations, and loading conditions. Particular attention is focussed on those layers or groups of layers (sublaminates) which are immediately affected by the inherent flaws. These layers are analyzed as homogeneous bodies in equilibrium and in isolation from the rest of the laminate. The theoretical model used to analyze the individual layers allows the relevant stresses and displacements near discontinuities to be represented in the form of pure exponential-decay-type functions which are selected to eliminate the exponential-precision-related difficulties in sublaminate/ply level analysis. Thus, sublaminate analysis can be conducted without any restriction on the maximum number of layers, delaminations, transverse cracks, or other types of discontinuities. In conjunction with the strain energy release rate (SERR) concept and composite micromechanics, this computational procedure is used to model select cases of end-notch and mixed-mode fracture specimens. The computed stresses are in good agreement with those from a three-dimensional finite element analysis. Also, SERRs compare well with limited available experimental data.

Valisetty, R. R.↗

Implementation of a Coded Modulation for Deep Space Optical Communications

We present a field programmable gate array code (FPGA) implementation of a turbo-like decoder for a serially concatenated pulse-position modulation (SCPPM) code. NASA a developed this coded modulation scheme for deep space communications from Mars. Under a nominal mission condition, the decoder complexity by iteratively decoding the modulation and SCPPM coded system can operate within a one dB signal energy gap from capacity. The structure of SCPPM makes direct application of the conventional turbo decoding algorithm very inefficient. Here, we describe techniques to increase the throughput and performance of a hardware SCPPM decoder. using our optimizations, we demonstrate a 6 mega-bits per second (Mbps) decoder realization on a single FPGA. Extension toa higher data rate decoder using multiple FPGAs is readily achievable. Similar codes designed for the optical channel can benefit from our optimization techniques.

modulation↗

Radiative strength functions from the energy-localized Brink-Axel hypothesis

Radiative strength functions (RSFs) model the bulk electromagnetic response of highly excited nuclei and are critical inputs for statistical reaction codes. In this paper, we present a definition of the RSF that is consistent with Hauser-Feshbach reaction codes and that can be efficiently computed with the shell model using the Lanczos strength-function (LSF) method. Here, we introduce a variant of the shell-model LSF method that exploits the energy-localized Brink-Axel hypothesis, which makes it possible to compute both electric and magnetic RSFs across all energies relevant to capture reactions. We verify agreement with the conventional definition of RSFs with benchmark calculations of 24 Mg and then present novel results for 56 Fe. For 56 Fe we find that (i) the 𝑀⁢1 RSF shape evolves smoothly with excitation energy, consistent with the energy-localized Brink-Axel hypothesis; (ii) both 𝑀⁢1 and 𝐸⁢1 transitions contribute significantly to the radiative strength below the photoabsorption threshold; and (iii) within the sdpf model space, the strength below 3 MeV observed in Oslo-type experiments cannot be fully reproduced. These results pave the way for a coherent microscopic description of RSFs and further motivate the use of energy-dependent RSFs in modern reaction codes.

Physics - Nuclear physics and radiation physics↗

The role of irradiation-enhanced interstitial diffusion in over-pressurizing fission gas bubbles in UO 2

Fission gas bubbles in UO 2 nuclear fuel have been observed to exhibit pressures in excess of the equilibrium bubble pressure; however, the cause of bubble over-pressurization has not yet been demonstrated. The mechanical interaction between a bubble and the surrounding matrix or grain boundary depends on the internal pressure of the bubble and local stress state, such that over-pressurized bubbles are thought to be responsible for fragmentation and pulverization, when exposed to a temperature ramp. Here, in this work, we investigate the role of U interstitials, produced through irradiation, in over-pressurizing bubbles by using a combined molecular dynamics (MD) and cluster dynamics approach. Firstly, the energies for the capture of interstitials and vacancies by bubbles have been determined from MD as a function of the ratio of gas atoms to vacancies that make up the bubble. Secondly, these reaction energies have been implemented in the cluster dynamics code Centipede to predict bubble over-pressurization as a function of temperature for typical fission rates. It was found that there is a transition from low pressure bubbles (at high temperatures) to high pressure bubbles (at lower temperatures). The cause of this behavior was shown to be the creation of irradiation-induced interstitials that are highly mobile relative to vacancies at low temperature; whereas, vacancies are sufficiently mobile at high temperatures to limit bubble pressures. This result supports the hypothesis that over-pressurized bubbles form during steady-state operation and that this behavior is highly sensitive to the local pellet temperature.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Inhomogeneous energy injection in the 21-cm power spectrum: Sensitivity to dark matter decay

The 21-cm signal provides a novel avenue to measure the thermal state of the Universe during cosmic dawn and reionization (redshifts z ~ 5–30), and thus to probe energy injection from decaying or annihilating dark matter (DM). These DM processes are inherently inhomogeneous: both decay and annihilation are density-dependent, and furthermore, the fraction of injected energy that is deposited at each point depends on the gas ionization and density, leading to further anisotropies in absorption and propagation. In this work, we develop a new framework for modeling the impact of spatially inhomogeneous energy injection and deposition during cosmic dawn, accounting for ionization and baryon density dependence, as well as the attenuation of propagating photons. We showcase how this first completely inhomogeneous treatment affects the predicted 21-cm power spectrum in the presence of exotic sources of energy injection, and forecast the constraints that upcoming HERA measurements of the 21-cm power spectrum will set on DM decays to photons and to electron/positron pairs. These projected constraints considerably surpass those derived from CMB and Lyman-a measurements, and for decays to electron/positron pairs they exceed all existing constraints in the sub-GeV mass range, reaching lifetimes of ~10 28 s. Our analysis demonstrates the unprecedented sensitivity of 21-cm cosmology to exotic sources of energy injection during the cosmic dark ages. Our code, dm21cm, includes all these effects and is publicly available in an accompanying release.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

EAMxx 3.25 km Western Pacific RRM Technical Note

The Western Pacific Convection-Permitting (CP) Regionally Refined Model (RRM) used for 2023 Jingjinji Flood event is developed based on the Simple Cloud-Resolving E3SM Atmosphere Model (SCREAM) version 0 (Fortran code) under the United States (U.S) Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) project (Caldwell et al., 2021) and the regionally refined model (RRM) configuration (Tang et al., 2019, 2023; Zhang et al., 2024; Bogenschutz et al., 2024).

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Planetary geology, stellar evolution and galactic cosmology

Field studies of selected basalt flows in the Snake River Plain, Idaho, were made for comparative lunar and Mars geological investigations. Studies of basalt lava tubes were also initiated in Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and northern California. The main effort in the stellar evolution research is toward the development of a computer code to calculate hydrodynamic flow coupled with radiative energy transport. Estimates of the rotation effects on a collapsing cloud indicate that the total angular momentum is the critical parameter. The study of Paschen and Balmer alpha lines of positronium atoms in the center of a galaxy is mentioned.

Source record↗

Rate 3/4 16-PSK phase codes

An investigation is carried out of convolutional-coding coupled with 16-PSK modulation for bandwidth efficient transmission. Small memory codes (rate three-fourths) are found that are optimum in the free-distance sense on the Gaussian channel. These codes furnish up to 4.8 dB of coding gain with 32 states over uncoded 8-PSK, a scheme having the same spectral efficiency as the codes described. The performance is compared with the earlier findings of Ungerboeck (1976, 1982) and certain recent results on R = 2/3 coded 8-PSK. It is shown that with 4 decoder states the coding gain is 3.5 dB and with 32 states it is 4.8 dB. What is more, the codes compare favorably with coded 16-QASK when envelope variations and peak energy constraints are considered.

Wilson, S. G.↗

Model atmospheres for M (sub)dwarf stars. 1: The base model grid

We have calculated a grid of more than 700 model atmospheres valid for a wide range of parameters encompassing the coolest known M dwarfs, M subdwarfs, and brown dwarf candidates: 1500 less than or equal to T(sub eff) less than or equal to 4000 K, 3.5 less than or equal to log g less than or equal to 5.5, and -4.0 less than or equal to (M/H) less than or equal to +0.5. Our equation of state includes 105 molecules and up to 27 ionization stages of 39 elements. In the calculations of the base grid of model atmospheres presented here, we include over 300 molecular bands of four molecules (TiO, VO, CaH, FeH) in the JOLA approximation, the water opacity of Ludwig (1971), collision-induced opacities, b-f and f-f atomic processes, as well as about 2 million spectral lines selected from a list with more than 42 million atomic and 24 million molecular (H2, CH, NH, OH, MgH, SiH, C2, CN, CO, SiO) lines. High-resolution synthetic spectra are obtained using an opacity sampling method. The model atmospheres and spectra are calculated with the generalized stellar atmosphere code PHOENIX, assuming LTE, plane-parallel geometry, energy (radiative plus convective) conservation, and hydrostatic equilibrium. The model spectra give close agreement with observations of M dwarfs across a wide spectral range from the blue to the near-IR, with one notable exception: the fit to the water bands. We discuss several practical applications of our model grid, e.g., broadband colors derived from the synthetic spectra. In light of current efforts to identify genuine brown dwarfs, we also show how low-resolution spectra of cool dwarfs vary with surface gravity, and how the high-regulation line profile of the Li I resonance doublet depends on the Li abundance.

Allard, France↗

Parametric studies of stitching effectiveness for preventing substructure disbond

A methodology is desired that will allow a designer to select appropriate amounts of through-thickness reinforcement needed to meet design requirements. The goal is to use a relatively simple analysis to minimize the amount of testing that needs to be performed, and to make test results from simple configurations applicable to more general structures. Using this methodology one should be able to optimize the selection of stitching materials, the weight of the yarn, and the stitching density. The analysis approach is to treat substructure disbond as a crack propagation problem. In this approach, the stitches have little influence until a delamination begins to grow. Once the delamination reaches, or extends beyond a stitch, the stitch serves to reduce the strain-energy-release-rate (G) at the crack tip for a given applied load. The reduced G can then be compared to the unstitched materials toughness to predict the load required to further extend the crack. The current model treats the stitch as a simple spring which responds to displacements in the vertical (through-thickness) direction. In concept, this approach is similar to that proposed by other authors. Test results indicate that the model should be refined to include the shearing stiffness of the stitch. The strain-energy-release-rate calculations are performed using a code which uses interconnected higher-order plates to model built-up composite cross-sections. When plates are stacked vertically, the interfacial tractions between the plates can be computed. The plate differential equations are solved in closed-form. The code, called SUBLAM, was developed as part of this section in one dimension. Because of this limitation, rows of stitches are treated as a two-dimensional sheet. The spring stiffness of a row of stitches can be estimated from the stitch material, weight, and density. As a practical and conservative approach, we can assume that the stitch is bonded until a crack passes the stitch location. After the crack passes, it is fully bonded. A series of tests were performed to exercise this methodology and incorporated an attached flange such that the sudden change in thickness initiated a delamination. The analysis was used to estimate the materials' critical G from that of the unstitched specimens. With this data, a prediction was made for the load required to delaminate the stitched specimens. Using the methodology, design charts have been created for simplified geometries. These charts give stitch force, along with G(sub 1) and G(sub 2) as as function of the stitch spring stiffness. Using the charts, it should be possible to determine the stitch spring stiffness and strength required to reduce the G to a desired level. From these parameters, the actual stitching material, weight, and density can be computed.

Flanagan, Gerry↗

The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR)

The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) is a NASA Small Explorer mission that will carry the first focusing hard X-ray (5 - 80 keV) telescope to orbit. NuSTAR will offer a factor 50 - 100 sensitivity improvement compared to previous collimated or coded mask imagers that have operated in this energy band. In addition, NuSTAR provides sub-arcminute imaging with good spectral resolution over a 12-arcminute field of view. After launch, NuSTAR will carry out a two-year primary science mission that focuses on four key programs: studying the evolution of massive black holes through surveys carried out in fields with excellent multiwavelength coverage, understanding the population of compact objects and the nature of the massive black hole in the center of the Milky Way, constraining explosion dynamics and nucleosynthesis in supernovae, and probing the nature of particle acceleration in relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei. A number of additional observations will be included in the primary mission, and a. guest observer program will be proposed for an extended mission to expand the range of scientific targets. The payload consists of two co-aligned depth-graded multilayer coated grazing incidence optics focused onto solid state CdZnTe pixel detectors. To be launched in early 2012 on a Pegasus rocket into a low-inclination Earth orbit. NuSTAR largely avoids SAA passages, and will therefore have low and stable detector backgrounds. The telescope achieves a 10.15-meter focal length through on-orbit deployment of all mast. An aspect and alignment metrology system enable reconstruction of the absolute aspect and variations in the telescope alignment resulting from mast flexure during ground data processing. Data will be publicly available at GSFC's High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC) following validation at the science operations center located at Caltech.

Harrison, Fiona A.↗

Kinetic Simulation and Energetic Neutral Atom Imaging of the Magnetosphere

Advanced simulation tools and measurement techniques have been developed to study the dynamic magnetosphere and its response to drivers in the solar wind. The Comprehensive Ring Current Model (CRCM) is a kinetic code that solves the 3D distribution in space, energy and pitch-angle information of energetic ions and electrons. Energetic Neutral Atom (ENA) imagers have been carried in past and current satellite missions. Global morphology of energetic ions were revealed by the observed ENA images. We have combined simulation and ENA analysis techniques to study the development of ring current ions during magnetic storms and substorms. We identify the timing and location of particle injection and loss. We examine the evolution of ion energy and pitch-angle distribution during different phases of a storm. In this talk we will discuss the findings from our ring current studies and how our simulation and ENA analysis tools can be applied to the upcoming TRIO-CINAMA mission.

Fok, Mei-Ching H.↗

Radiation Coupling with the FUN3D Unstructured-Grid CFD Code

The HARA radiation code is fully-coupled to the FUN3D unstructured-grid CFD code for the purpose of simulating high-energy hypersonic flows. The radiation energy source terms and surface heat transfer, under the tangent slab approximation, are included within the fluid dynamic ow solver. The Fire II flight test, at the Mach-31 1643-second trajectory point, is used as a demonstration case. Comparisons are made with an existing structured-grid capability, the LAURA/HARA coupling. The radiative surface heat transfer rates from the present approach match the benchmark values within 6%. Although radiation coupling is the focus of the present work, convective surface heat transfer rates are also reported, and are seen to vary depending upon the choice of mesh connectivity and FUN3D ux reconstruction algorithm. On a tetrahedral-element mesh the convective heating matches the benchmark at the stagnation point, but under-predicts by 15% on the Fire II shoulder. Conversely, on a mixed-element mesh the convective heating over-predicts at the stagnation point by 20%, but matches the benchmark away from the stagnation region.

Wood, William A.↗

3D Space Radiation Transport in a Shielded ICRU Tissue Sphere

A computationally efficient 3DHZETRN code capable of simulating High Charge (Z) and Energy (HZE) and light ions (including neutrons) under space-like boundary conditions with enhanced neutron and light ion propagation was recently developed for a simple homogeneous shield object. Monte Carlo benchmarks were used to verify the methodology in slab and spherical geometry, and the 3D corrections were shown to provide significant improvement over the straight-ahead approximation in some cases. In the present report, the new algorithms with well-defined convergence criteria are extended to inhomogeneous media within a shielded tissue slab and a shielded tissue sphere and tested against Monte Carlo simulation to verify the solution methods. The 3D corrections are again found to more accurately describe the neutron and light ion fluence spectra as compared to the straight-ahead approximation. These computationally efficient methods provide a basis for software capable of space shield analysis and optimization.

Wilson, John W.↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-12973-DND

CFD methods are employing semi-empirical models used in analysis of hypersonic airbreathing engine flow paths. RANS (or Favre averaged) codes have models for turbulent stresses, mass and energy transport; turbulence chemistry interactions. LES methods have models for subgrid scale turbulence. Models depend upon experimental data for validation. Information on mean flow and statistics of the turbulent fluctuation in flow properties is useful. Data requirements: simple well defined supersonic combustion flows with well-known boundary conditions, time and spatially resolved, good instrument precision, and converged statistics. Approach: dual-pump CARS and planar laser-induced fluorescence imaging of OH radical (PLIF).

Andrew Cutler↗

The extended atmosphere and circumstellar environment of the cool evolved star VX Sagittarii as seen by MATISSE

Context. VX Sgr is a cool, evolved, and luminous red star whose stellar parameters are difficult to determine, which affects its classification. Aims. We aim to spatially resolve the photospheric extent as well as the circumstellar environment. Methods. We used interferometric observations obtained with the MATISSE instrument in the L (3–4 μm), M (4.5–5 μm), and N (8–13 μm) bands. We reconstructed monochromatic images using the MIRA software. We used 3D radiation-hydrodynamics simulations carried out with CO5BOLD and a uniform disc model to estimate the apparent diameter and interpret the stellar surface structures. Moreover, we employed the radiative transfer codes OPTIM3D and RADMC3D to compute the spectral energy distribution for the L, M, and N bands, respectively. Results. MATISSE observations unveil, for the first time, the morphology of VX Sgr across the L, M, and N bands. The reconstructed images show a complex morphology with brighter areas whose characteristics depend on the wavelength probed. We measured the angular diameter as a function of the wavelength and showed that the photospheric extent in the L and M bands depends on the opacity through the atmosphere. In addition to this, we also concluded that the observed photospheric inhomogeneities can be interpreted as convection-related surface structures. The comparison in the N band yielded a qualitative agreement between the N-band spectrum and simple dust radiative transfer simulations. However, it is not possible to firmly conclude on the interpretation of the current data because of the difficulty in constraing the model parameters using the limited accuracy of our absolute flux calibration. Conclusions. MATISSE observations and the derived reconstructed images unveil the appearance of VX Sgr’s stellar surface and circumstellar environment across a very large spectral domain for the first time.

stars: atmospheres↗