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At least 451 records · Page 25

Micro and macro approaches to tough polymers for composites

The progress to date on the development of techniques to toughen continuous thermoplastic composites is summarized. The work, using the approach of toughening the polycarbonate composite matrix with rubber particles, has focused on determining the differences between Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) samples molded inhouse and those molded by NASA. Specifically, an effort was made to account for the differences in fracture toughness observed between the various specimens. In addition, preliminary results of tensile dilatometry tests are described; these tests suggest that processes leading to increased volume and enhanced shear banding are occurring within the rubber toughened system. The results of the effort using another approach, the preparation of random block copolycarbonates, are presented. The synthetic route to these species was modified so that higher molecular weights of these materials can be obtained. In addition, an attempt is being made to determine the exact block length or the number of functional groups in the oligomers since this procedure also should lead to high molecular weight materials. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the copolymer prepared so far indicates that the scale of cooperative molecular motion of the PBA polycarbonate at sub-Tg temperatures is larger than five monomer units. Efforts to find a suitable rubber-toughener for a thermoset system (bismaleimides) is also discussed. Included is a description of the various tougheners intended for use or currently being used.

Yee, Albert F.↗

Electromagnetic Time and Wavelength Domain Predictions for Accreting Binary Black Holes

Accreting massive binary black holes in gaseous environments are keymulti-messenger sources for the LISA mission. We will present some ofthe latest predictions of the observational signatures of accreting binary black holes across the electromagnetic spectrum from the fieldand provide some of our own. In particular, we will provide a briefsummary of the progress made in our group to understand these systemstheoretically using high-performance simulations of generalrelativistic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and dynamic spacetimes.Simulating these systems realistically is challenging asradiation-coupled MHD must be considered over large dynamic ranges inspace and time. Constraining our view to the circumbinary disk regionfirst, we will show how the evolution duration, accretion disk size,mass ratio, and thermodynamics model affect the structure andvariability of the accretion flow. We particularly emphasize how theseparameters influence the over-density feature, or "lump", which orbitsthe binary near the edge of the cavity, since it is responsible formost of the electromagnetic emission's variability---a key signatureof a system being a binary. Extending to smaller length scales, wewill report on simulations following accretion all the down to theevent horizons so that we may begin to investigate how black hole spinaffects mini-disk dynamics, accretion rate, and jet power. We willalso report on our radiative transfer predictions for how black holespin alters the spectral energy distribution of these systems.Wrapping up, we will itemize the remaining key theoreticaltechnologies and directions needed to be accomplished to betterunderstand these sources, and assess strategies for searching for themin the coming decade.

Scott C Noble↗

The Interplay of Humor and Team Cohesion Over Time

Team bonding and interpersonal relationships are increasingly important as we continue understanding the effects of the pandemic on team dynamics. Specifically, team cohesion, defined as having a sense of belonging and commitment towards the group, has been found to be important for key team outcomes such as performance, relationships, and productivity (Beal, Cohen, Burke, & McLendon, 2003; Bell & Marentette, 2011). Research has stressed the benefits of positive humor on cohesion, with humor creating positive emotions and decreasing social distance (e.g., Robert & Wilbanks, 2012; Robinson & Smith-Lovin, 2001; Romero & Pescosolido, 2008). However, research around the impact of negative humor on cohesion is scarce. This study aims to examine the impact of both positive and negative humor on cohesion for teams over time. The longitudinal design allows us to examine the interplay of humor and cohesion throughout a team’s lifecycle to guide relationship development and management (Romero & Pescosolido, 2008). Humor is defined as remarks recognized as amusing or funny (Martin, 2007). Positive humor can be categorized as good-natured aimed to create mutual agreement, while negative humor is defined as aggressive, hostile, and unreciprocated (Coan & Gottman, 2007). Research has concluded the many benefits of positive humor, showing it can increase open communication, social support, and create a pleasant environment (Martineau, 1972; Robinson & Smith-Lovin, 2001; Romero & Pescosolido, 2008). The Humor Wheel model suggests that positive humor is contagious due to the positive affect produced and mimicked (Lehmann-Willenbrock & Allen 2014). Research has suggested positive humor would increase over time based on the norm of reciprocity; those treated positively are likely to respond similarly (Gouldner, 1960). Multiple parties’ involvement in humor exchanges highlights the interpersonal nature of humor. Thus, long-term consequences on relationships should be considered, such as cohesion (Robert & Wilbanks, 2012). It would be instrumental to understand how humor interactions could weaken or strengthen group cohesion through relational and emotional bonds over time (Martineau, 1972; Romero & Pescosolido, 2008). Positive humor should fundamentally increase team cohesion (Mesmer-Magnus, Glew, & Viswesvaran, 2012; Walter & Baruch, 2008) by promoting group harmony, team member attractiveness, and ingroup identity (Holmes, 2006). Thus, it is expected there is a positive relationship between positive humor and team cohesion over time (hypothesis 1). Humor is not always beneficial, especially when it elicits negative emotions (Dikkers, Doosje, & de Lange, 2011). Negative humor can be used to humiliate, tease, or insult (Coan & Gottman, 2007; Collinson, 1988; Romero & Cruthirds, 2006). It tends to cause distress and damage relationships, and in turn, decrease organizational performance and production (Avolio, Howell, & Sosik, 1999; Janes & Olson, 2000; Yerkes, 2001). Research concludes negative humor may create subgroups and decrease cooperation (Romero & Arendt, 2011). Research has also indicated positive implications for negative humor under specific circumstances. Negative humor could help to solidify ingroup identity and strengthen bonds when directed outside the team (Terrion & Ashforth, 2002; Thomae & Pina, 2015). For example, sport teams may use negative humor towards their opponent before a game, which emphasizes their differences and lowers the status and power of their opponent, ultimately promoting solidarity and cohesion inside the group. For this study, it is anticipated that negative humor toward other teammates will decrease team cohesion over time due to the damage to relationships and negative affect produced (Duncan, Smeltzer, & Leap, 1990; Maples, Dupey, Torres‐Rivera, Phan, Vereen, & Garrett, 2001). We also predicted that negative humor focused on something or someone outside the team will increase cohesion by enhancing ingroup ties and creating a common identity (Thomae & Pina, 2015). Thus, the relationship between negative humor and cohesion will be moderated by the target of the humor. The relationship will be negative when the target is within the team and positive when the target is outside (hypothesis 2).

Melissa M. Vazquez↗

James Webb Space Telescope Fuel Slosh Estimation

The mitigation of fuel slosh in microgravity environments is a pressing matter for the control of both manned and unmanned spacecraft. This paper investigates the attitude perturbations caused by fuel slosh aboard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). We develop a dynamical model to parse these perturbations from slew telemetry data. This model uses special Euclidean group SE(3) as well as a novel, N-body variational integrator. The enhanced ability to validate fuel slosh models offers the reduction of settling time after slew operations and, accordingly, the maximization of available science time.

GN&C↗

Dynamic Binary Complexes (DBC) as Super-Adjustable Viscosity Modifiers for Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids

In the preceding project year two, we refined three DBC formulations from a selection of over 50 different chemistries. The optimization study primarily encompassed testing for (i) reversibility extent, (ii) performance in the presence of chemical additives, (iii) adhesion and friction behavior during displacement in wellbores and pipelines, (iv) corrosion protection performance, and (v) injection performance with model fracture systems at the laboratory scale. Highly promising results obtained from all these tests signify the significant potential of DBCs in enhancing hydrocarbon recovery from unconventional reservoirs. The primary activities in the third project year included publishing experimental findings across multiple articles and conducting outreach initiatives. Throughout the year, we undertook tasks such as replicating experimental results, further optimizing various formulations and their associated experimental sets, and conducting additional tests to address missing components based on reviewer feedback and suggestions. We also explored the surfactant and friction-reduction aspects of selected formulations through drag reduction tests. In addition, we constructed an improved fracturing performance setup and performed flow injection tests. The specific DBC formulations focused on during this project period were A8/B1, A12/B5, and A10/B12. We also obtained results for additional DBC formulations and a select few commercial fracturing fluids for the purpose of comparison. Within the project's scope, we aim to enhance the experimental findings with the development of various models. The first two years focused on two key aspects: (i) the creation of a high-fidelity hydraulic fracturing model for non-Newtonian fluids to gain insights into the implementation of DBC fluids in fracking environments, and (ii) the development of a multiphase flow simulator for estimating total production, fluid saturation in the reservoir, and the creation of a fracture propagation model and kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) models for diverse applications. In the third year, we delved into the fundamental nanostructural properties of DBCs, exploring aspects such as material chemistry, pH tunability, and control of DBC formation and stability. Subsequently, in the extension year, we conducted a systematic investigation of various building blocks containing primary, secondary, and tertiary amine functional groups to understand their impact on rheological and viscoelastic properties. Furthermore, we explored a Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) model to simulate self-assembly processes with precision, creating a high-fidelity representation of relevant nanostructures. The tasks performed this year with the significant results obtained have been discussed in Section 2.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The dynamic response of visual accommodation over a seven-day period

Four college students, ranging in age from 18 to 21 years, were tested on their dynamic, monocular accommodation responses to a square wave stimulus and sine waves of two frequencies. The tests were conducted over a period of seven days in a controlled environment, each subject being tested once every three hours. Latency, magnitude, velocity, gain and phase lag of the responses were measured, and means and standard deviations were computed. The latency of response was stable throughout and agreed fairly well with previous studies. The response magnitude was relatively stable. Three of the subjects had higher velocities on receding targets; one was faster on approaching targets. The group mean velocity increased over the seven days of the study. In keeping with the trend to faster dynamics over the seven days, both gain and phase lag improved.

Randle, R. J.↗

Tuning the Lifetimes of Photoinduced Deligation in a Metal–Organic Framework via Linker Functionalization

Recently photoinduced dynamic ligation in a metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) was reported, where a long-lived charge-transfer excited state (ca. 30 μs) featuring partial dissociation between the carboxylate linker and metal-based node was probed by time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectroscopy. The study offers a new mechanistic perspective to evaluate the potential contribution from the excited state molecular configuration to the performance of MOF photocatalysts. In this work, by employing MIL-101(Fe) as the study platform, we have further explored the influence of intramolecular interactions on the stability of relevant excited states and demonstrated the effective tuning of their lifetimes through the incorporation of different functional groups into the system. The correlations between the varied excited state lifetimes and coordination configurations with specific functional groups (−NH 2 or −NO 2 ) was inferred from the analyses of infrared spectroscopic data and theoretical calculations, revealing the essential role of the intramolecular interactions (i.e., between the added functional groups and the carboxylate group) in the modulation of system energetics. Overall, the work presents a pathway to tune the excited state dynamics and expands the knowledge regarding the photoinduced dynamic ligation in carboxylate-based MOFs.

excited states↗

Heart rate dynamics before spontaneous onset of ventricular fibrillation in patients with healed myocardial infarcts

The traditional methods of analyzing heart rate (HR) variability have failed to predict imminent ventricular fibrillation (VF). We sought to determine whether new methods of analyzing RR interval variability based on nonlinear dynamics and fractal analysis may help to detect subtle abnormalities in RR interval behavior before the onset of life-threatening arrhythmias. RR interval dynamics were analyzed from 24-hour Holter recordings of 15 patients who experienced VF during electrocardiographic recording. Thirty patients without spontaneous or inducible arrhythmia events served as a control group in this retrospective case control study. Conventional time- and frequency-domain measurements, the short-term fractal scaling exponent (alpha) obtained by detrended fluctuation analysis, and the slope (beta) of the power-law regression line (log power - log frequency, 10(-4)-10(-2) Hz) of RR interval dynamics were determined. The short-term correlation exponent alpha of RR intervals (0.64 +/- 0.19 vs 1.05 +/- 0.12; p <0.001) and the power-law slope beta (-1.63 +/- 0.28 vs -1.31 +/- 0.20, p <0.001) were lower in the patients before the onset of VF than in the control patients, but the SD and the low-frequency spectral components of RR intervals did not differ between the groups. The short-term scaling exponent performed better than any other measurement of HR variability in differentiating between the patients with VF and controls. Altered fractal correlation properties of HR behavior precede the spontaneous onset of VF. Dynamic analysis methods of analyzing RR intervals may help to identify abnormalities in HR behavior before VF.

Non-NASA Center↗

The Role of Kinetic Processes in Magnetospheric Dynamics

The question of whether the micro scale controls the macro scale or vice-versa remains one of the most challenging problems in plasmas. A particular topic of interest within this context is collisionless magnetic reconnection, where both points of views are espoused by different groups of researchers. This presentation will focus on this topic. We will begin by analyzing the global properties of magnetic reconnection. Following that, we discuss properties of electron diffusion region dynamics both for guide field and antiparallel reconnection, and how they can be scaled to different inflow conditions. As a next step, we will study typical temporal variations of the microscopic dynamics with the objective of understanding the potential for secular changes to the macroscopic system. The research will be based on a combination of analytical theory and numerical modeling.

Hesse, Michael↗

Martian Meteorology: Determination of Large Scale Weather Patterns from Surface Measurements

We employed numerical modelling of the martian atmosphere, and our expertise in understanding martian atmospheric processes, to better understand the coupling between lower and upper atmosphere processes. One practical application of this work has been our involvement with the ongoing atmospheric aerobraking which the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft is currently undergoing at Mars. Dr. Murphy is currently a member of the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Aerobraking Atmospheric Advisory Group (AAG). He was asked to participate in this activity based upon his knowledge of martian atmospheric dynamical processes. Aerobraking is a process whereby a spacecraft, in an elliptical orbit, passes through the upper layers of the atmosphere (in this instance Mars). This passage through the atmosphere 'drags' upon the spacecraft, gradually reducing its orbital velocity. This has the effect, over time, of converting the elliptical orbit to a circular orbit, which is the desired mapping orbit for MGS. Carrying out aerobraking eliminates the need for carrying large amounts of fuel on the spacecraft to execute an engine burn to achieve the desired orbit. Eliminating the mass of the fuel reduces the cost of launch. Damage to one of MGS's solar panels shortly after launch has resulted in a less aggressive extended in time aerobraking phase which will not end until March, 1999. Phase 1 extended from Sept. 1997 through March 1998. During this time period, Dr. Murphy participated almost daily in the AAG meetings, and beginning in December 1997 lead the meeting several times per week. The leader of each of the daily AAG meetings took the results of that meeting current state of the atmosphere, identification of any time trends or spatial patterns in upper atmosphere densities, etc.) forward to the Aerobraking Planning Group (APG) meeting, at which time the decision was made to not chance MGS orbit, to lower the orbit to reach higher densities (greater 'drag'), or raise the orbit to avoid experiencing excessive, possibly damaging densities.

Murphy, James R.↗

Martian Meteorology: Determination of Large Scale Weather Patterns from Surface Measurements

We employed numerical modelling of the martian atmosphere, and our expertise in understanding martian atmospheric processes, to better understand the coupling between lower and upper atmosphere processes. One practical application of this work has been our involvement with the ongoing atmospheric aerobraking which the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft is currently undergoing at Mars. Dr. Murphy is currently a member of the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Aerobraking Atmospheric Advisory Group (AAG). He was asked to participate in this activity based upon his knowledge of martian atmospheric dynamical processes. Aerobraking is a process whereby a spacecraft, in an elliptical orbit, passes through the upper layers of the atmosphere (in this instance Mars). This passage through the atmosphere 'drags'upon the spacecraft, gradually reducing its orbital velocity. This has the effect, over time, of converting the elliptical orbit to a circular orbit, which is the desired mapping orbit for MGS. Carrying out aerobraking eliminates the need for carrying large amounts of fuel on the spacecraft to execute an engine burn to achieve the desired orbit. Eliminating the mass of the fuel reduces the cost of launch. Damage to one of MGS's solar panels shortly after launch has resulted in a less aggressive extended in time aerobraking phase which will not end until March, 1999. Phase I extended from Sept. 1997 through March 1998. During this time period, Dr. Murphy participated almost daily in the AAG meetings, and beginning in December 1997 lead the meeting several times per week. The leader of each of the daily AAG meetings took the results of that meeting (current state of the atmosphere, identification of any time trends or spatial patterns in upper atmosphere densities, etc.) forward to the Aerobraking Planning Group (APG) meeting, at which time the decision was made to not change MGS orbit, to lower the orbit to reach higher densities (greater 'drag'), or raise the orbit to avoid experiencing excessive, possibly damaging densities.

Murphy, James R.↗

Functional description of signal processing in the Rogue GPS receiver

Over the past year, two Rogue GPS prototype receivers have been assembled and successfully subjected to a variety of laboratory and field tests. A functional description is presented of signal processing in the Rogue receiver, tracing the signal from RF input to the output values of group delay, phase, and data bits. The receiver can track up to eight satellites, without time multiplexing among satellites or channels, simultaneously measuring both group delay and phase for each of three channels (L1-C/A, L1-P, L2-P). The Rogue signal processing described requires generation of the code for all three channels. Receiver functional design, which emphasized accuracy, reliability, flexibility, and dynamic capability, is summarized. A detailed functional description of signal processing is presented, including C/A-channel and P-channel processing, carrier-aided averaging of group delays, checks for cycle slips, acquistion, and distinctive features.

Thomas, J. B.↗

Group evaporation

Liquid fuel combustion process is greatly affected by the rate of droplet evaporation. The heat and mass exchanges between gas and liquid couple the dynamics of both phases in all aspects: mass, momentum, and energy. Correct prediction of the evaporation rate is therefore a key issue in engineering design of liquid combustion devices. Current analytical tools for characterizing the behavior of these devices are based on results from a single isolated droplet. Numerous experimental studies have challenged the applicability of these results in a dense spray. To account for the droplets' interaction in a dense spray, a number of theories have been developed in the past decade. Herein, two tasks are examined. One was to study how to implement the existing theoretical results, and the other was to explore the possibility of experimental verifications. The current theoretical results of group evaporation are given for a monodispersed cluster subject to adiabatic conditions. The time evolution of the fluid mechanic and thermodynamic behavior in this cluster is derived. The results given are not in the form of a subscale model for CFD codes.

Shen, Hayley H.↗

A Difluoro‐Methoxylated Ending‐Group Asymmetric Small Molecule Acceptor Lead Efficient Binary Organic Photovoltaic Blend

Abstract Developing a new end group for synthesizing asymmetric small molecule acceptors (SMAs) is crucial for achieving high‐performance organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Herein, an asymmetric small molecule acceptor, BTP‐BO‐4FO, featuring a new difluoro‐methoxylated end‐group is reported. Compared to its symmetric counterpart L8‐BO, BTP‐BO‐4FO exhibits an upshifted energy level, larger dipole moment, and more sequential crystallinity. By adopting two representative and widely available solvent additives (1‐chloronaphthalene (CN) and 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO)), the device based on PM6:BTP‐BO‐4FO (CN) photovoltaic blend demonstrates a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.62% with an excellent open‐circuit voltage (V OC ) of 0.933 V, which surpasses the optimal result of L8‐BO. The PCE of 18.62% realizes the best efficiencies for binary OPVs based on SMAs with asymmetric end groups. A series of investigations reveal that optimized PM6:BTP‐BO‐4FO film demonstrates similar molecular packing motif and fibrillar phase distribution as PM6:L8‐BO (DIO) does, resulting in comparable recombination dynamics, thus, similar fill factor. Besides, it is found PM6:BTP‐BO‐4FO possesses more efficient charge generation, which yields betterV OC –J SC balance. This study provides a new ending group that enables a cutting‐edge efficiency in asymmetric SMA‐based OPVs, enriching the material library and shed light on further design ideas.

Chemistry↗

Statistical and dynamical analysis of internal waves on the continental shelf of the Middle Atlantic Bight from Space Shuttle photographs

The internal waves on the continental shelf on the Middle Atlantic Bight seen on Space Shuttle photographs taken during the STS-40 mission in June 1991 are measured and analyzed. The internal wave field in the sample area has a three-level structure which consists of packet groups, packets, and solitons. An average packet group wavelength of 17.5 km and an average soliton wavelength of 0.6 km are measured. Finite-depth theory is used to derive the dynamic parameters of the internal solitons: the maximum amplitude of 5.6 m, the characteristic phase speed of 0.42 m/s, the characteristic period of 23.8 min, the velocity amplitude of the water particles in the upper and lower layers of 0.13 m/s and 0.030 m/s respectively, and the theoretical energy per unit crest line of 6.8 x 10 exp 4 J/m. The frequency distribution of solitons is triple-peaked rather than continuous. The major generation source is at 160 m water depth, and a second is at 1800 m depth, corresponding to the upper and lower edges of the shelf break.

Zheng, Quanan↗

Describing functional requirements for knowledge sharing communities

Human collaboration in distributed knowledge sharing groups depends on the functionality of information and communication technologies (ICT) to support performance. Since many of these dynamic environments are constrained by time limits, knowledge must be shared efficiently by adapting the level of information detail to the specific situation. This paper focuses on the process of knowledge and context sharing with and without mediation by ICT, as well as issues to be resolved when determining appropriate ICT channels. Both technology-rich and non-technology examples are discussed.

NASA Discipline Space Human Factors↗

Emergent symmetry in TbTe 3 revealed by ultrafast reflectivity under anisotropic strain

Here, we report ultrafast reflectivity measurements of the dynamics of the order parameter of the charge density wave (CDW) in TbTe 3 under anisotropic strain. We observe an increase in the frequency of the amplitude mode with increasing tensile strain along the a-axis (which drives the lattice into a > c, with a and c the lattice constants), and similar behavior for tensile strain along c (c > a). This suggests that both strains stabilize the corresponding CDW order and further support the near equivalence of the CDW phases oriented in a- and c-axis, in spite of the orthorhombic space group. The results were analyzed within the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau framework, which agrees well with the reflectivity dynamics. Our study presents an ultrafast approach to assess the stability of phases and order parameter dynamics in strained systems.

Kim, Soyeun↗

NASA IKONOS Multispectral Radiometric Calibration and 3-Year Temporal Stability Assessment

Radiometric calibration of commercial imaging satellite products is required to ensure that science and application communities can place confidence in the imagery they use and can fully understand its properties. Inaccurate radiometric calibrations can lead to erroneous decisions and invalid conclusions and can limit intercomparisons with other system. In addition, the user community has little or no insight into the design and operation of commercial sensors or into the methods involved in generating commercial products. To address this calibration need, the NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC) Earth Science Applications (ESA) Directorate established a commercial satellite imaging radiometric calibration team consisting of three independent groups: NASA, SSC,ESA, the University of Arizona Remote Sensing Group, and South Dacota State University. Each group determined the absolute radiometric calibration coefficients of the Space Imaging IKONOS 4-band, 4 m multispectral product covering the visible through near-infrared spectral region. For a three year period beginning in 2000, each team employed some variant of a reflectance-based vicarious calibration approach, requiring ground-based measurements coincident with IKONOS image acquisitions and radiative transfer calculations. Several study sites throughout the United States were employed that covered nearly the entire dynamic range of the IKONOS sensor. IKONOS at-sensor radiance values were compared to those estimated by each independent group to determine the IKONOS sensor's radiometric accuracy and stability. Over 10 individual vicariously determined at-sensor radiance estimates were used each year. When combined, these estimates provided a high-precision radiometric gain calibration coefficient. No significant calibration offset was observed. The results of this evaluation provide the scientific community with an independent assessment of the IKONOS sensor's absolute calibration and temporal stability over the 3-year period. While the techniques and method described in this paper reflect those developed at the NASA SSC, the results of the entire team are included.

Pagnutti, Mary↗