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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 487 records · Page 27

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NASA NTRS2026

Controlled Parametric Forcing During Directional Solidification of a Bulk Organic Alloy Under Microgravity

The response of dendritic microstructures to step-like pulling velocity conditions is investigated using microgravity directional solidification experiments conducted on DECLIC-DSI combined with phase-field simulations. Under a constant pulling velocity of 1.5 µm/s, the evolution toward steady-state growth is characterized in terms of primary spacing, dendrite drift, and tip dynamics. For the first time, side-view observations enabled direct measurement of tip radius and sidebranching frequency. When step-like oscillations of the pulling velocity are imposed, the dendritic array exhibits a strongly period-dependent response: short periods lead to rapid tip adaptation, whereas longer periods induce a phase lag between tip position and morphology, resulting in progressive tip flattening and, above a critical period, interface destabilization and dendrite splitting. Quantitative phase-field simulations, including a realistic thermal field and stochastic noise, reproduce the experimental observations and provide insight into the governing mechanisms, highlighting the role of characteristic relaxation times, sequence-dependent effects, and the irreversible reorganization of the microstructure following splitting.

Microgravity↗

NASA NTRS1999

Near-Surface Flow Fields Deduced Using Correlation Tracking and Time-Distance Analysis

Near-photospheric flow fields on the Sun are deduced using two independent methods applied to the same time series of velocity images observed by SOI-MDI on SOHO. Differences in travel times between f modes entering and leaving each pixel measured using time-distance helioseismology are used to determine sites of supergranular outflows. Alternatively, correlation tracking analysis of mesogranular scales of motion applied to the same time series is used to deduce the near-surface flow field. These two approaches provide the means to assess the patterns and evolution of horizontal flows on supergranular scales even near disk center, which is not feasible with direct line-of-sight Doppler measurements. We find that the locations of the supergranular outflows seen in flow fields generated from correlation tracking coincide well with the locations of the outflows determined from the time-distance analysis, with a mean correlation coefficient after smoothing of bar-r(sub s) = 0.840. Near-surface velocity field measurements can used to study the evolution of the supergranular network, as merging and splitting events are observed to occur in these images. The data consist of one 2048-minute time series of high-resolution (0.6" pixels) line-of-sight velocity images taken by MDI on 1997 January 16-18 at a cadence of one minute.

DeRosa, Marc↗

NASA NTRS2017

Structure and Evolution of the Lunar Interior

Early in its evolution, the Moon underwent a magma ocean phase leading to its differentiation into a feldspathic crust, cumulate mantle, and iron core. However, far from the simplest view of a uniform plagioclase flotation crust, the present-day crust of the Moon varies greatly in thickness, composition, and physical properties. Recent significant improvements in both data and analysis techniques have yielded fundamental advances in our understanding of the structure and evolution of the lunar interior. The structure of the crust is revealed by gravity, topography, magnetics, seismic, radar, electromagnetic, and VNIR remote sensing data. The mantle structure of the Moon is revealed primarily by seismic and laser ranging data. Together, this data paints a picture of a Moon that is heterogeneous in all directions and across all scales, whose structure is a result of its unique formation, differentiation, and subsequent evolution. This brief review highlights a small number of recent advances in our understanding of lunar structure.

interior↗

NASA NTRS1990

Direct Numerical Simulations of Turbulent Convection: Variable Gravity and Uniform Rotation - Part 1

Turbulent convection may have played a major role in determining the structure and evolution of the primordial solar nebula, but current, incomplete models of convection and turbulence give very different results and remain largely untested in the absence of detailed astronomical observations. Numerical simulations provide an 'experimental' database for comparison with these models, and, to this end, direct numerical simulations of turbulent convection were performed with modifications intended to mimic some of the unique physical features of thin accretion disks, such as the primordial solar nebula: internal heating, a gravitational acceleration that is linearly proportional to the distance from midplane of the nebula, and rapid rotation. Peclet numbers in the simulations are comparable to those in solar nebula models; Rossby numbers in the simulations are an order of magnitude larger than those in solar nebula models because of the unrealistically high Prandtl and low, Reynolds numbers required to resolve all scales of the convective flow. We find that, despite the loss of buoyancy at midplane, turbulent motions easily penetrate the midplane region with little loss of intensity, providing efficient transport of heat and turbulent kinetic energy throughout the interior. A simple mixing length model modified to include rotation is found to give convective heat fluxes for the interior flow in rough agreement with the numerical simulations. We discuss these preliminary results with regard to assumptions about heating distributions and convective heat fluxes made in standard solar nebula models. More definitive comparisons with solar nebula modelling will become possible when more realistic effects of shear, density, stratification, and compression are included.

Cabot, W.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Cryo-EM structure of a methanogen nitrogenase-PII protein supercomplex

Abstract Nitrogenases are metalloenzymes that catalyze the reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen to ammonia, sustaining the global nitrogen cycle. While bacterial nitrogenase has been extensively characterized, the architecture and regulation of archaeal nitrogenases remain unknown despite longstanding evidence of nitrogen fixation in methanogens. Here we report a 3.1 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of a native nitrogenase–PII protein supercomplex from Methanosarcina acetivorans. The structure reveals an unprecedented assembly of three NifDK heterotetramers bridged by six NifI1,2 heterotrimeric PII complexes, which sterically block NifH association and lock the enzyme in an inactive state. The NifI complexes display asymmetric binding of ADP and 2-oxoglutarate, coupling nitrogenase inhibition directly to cellular energy and nitrogen status. Addition of 2-oxoglutarate and ATP releases the NifI complexes, stimulating a threefold increase in NifDK activity in vitro. This higher-order architecture uncovers a previously unrecognized regulatory strategy in methanogens, in which PII proteins drive nitrogenase oligomerization to control activity. The discovery that nitrogenase activity may be modulated through direct assembly into higher-order structures opens new avenues for exploring nitrogenase evolution, regulation, and biotechnological applications. One sentence summary Discovery of a nitrogenase-PII protein supercomplex in methanogens, uncovering a metabolite-gated assembly mechanism for nitrogenase inhibition.

Nitrogenase, Electron Transfer, Methanogen↗

NASA NTRS1974

Skylab program payload integration. TO27 sample array

The objective of the TO27 sample array was to determine the change in optical properties of various transmissive windows, mirrors, and diffraction gratings caused by the deposition of contaminants found about the orbital assembly. The expected information to be obtained from the total TO27 sample array program is as follows: (1) effect of space contaminants on transmittance, reflectance, grating efficiency, and polarization; (2) variations in deposition of contaminants due to substrate, solar radiation, period of exposure, direction of exposure, and geometry effects; (3) identification of contaminants and source of evolution; (4) time of contaminant evolution and lingering time; and (5) guidelines for a model of spacecraft contamination.

Muscari, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Ultrahigh energy gamma rays: Carriers of cosmological information

Observational data being the basis of contemporary cosmological models are not numerous: Hubble law of redshift for galaxies, element abundances, and observation of cosmic microwave background radiation (MBR). The significance of MBR discovery predicted in the Big-Band model is particularly stressed. Radio astronomical measurements give an information on MBR only near the Earth. Experimental confirmation of evolution of MBR, i.e., its probing in remote epochs, might obviously present a direct verification of the hypothesis of hot expanding Universe. The carriers of similar cosmological information should be particles which, firstly, effectively interact with MBR, and secondly, make it possible to identify unambiguously the epoch of interaction. A possibility to verify a number of cosmological hypotheses by searching the cutoffs in spectra of ultrahigh energy gamma-rays (UHEGR) from extragalactic sources is discussed.

Aharonian, F. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A laboratory study of ion energization by EIC waves and subsequent upstreaming along diverging magnetic field lines

A laboratory study related to energetic upstreaming ions in the ionosphere-magnetosphere system is described. The experiment was carried out in a cesium Q machine plasma with a region of nonuniform magnetic field. Electrostatic ion cyclotron waves were excited by drawing an electron current to a small biased exciter electrode. In the presence of the instability, ions are heated in the direction perpendicular to B. Using a gridded retarding potential ion energy analyzer, the evolution of the ion velocity distribution was followed as the ions passed through the heating region and subsequently flowed out along the diverging B field lines. As expected, the heated ions transfer their energy from perpendicular to parallel motion as they move through the region of diverging B field. Both their parallel thermal energy and the parallel drift energy increase at the expense of the perpendicular energy.

Cartier, S. L.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Subsea approach to work systems development

Self-contained undersea working environments with applications to space station EVA environments are discussed. Physiological limitations include decompression, inert gas narcosis, high-pressure nervous system, gas toxicity, and thermal limitations. Work task requirements include drilling support, construction, inspection, and repair. Work systems include hyperbaric diving, atmospheric work systems, tele-operated work systems, and hybrid systems. Each type of work system is outlined in terms of work capabilities, special interface requirements, and limitations. Various operational philosophies are discussed. The evolution of work systems in the subsea industry has been the result of direct operational experience in a competitive market.

Gernhardt, M. L.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Imaging spectroscopy of the terrestrial environment; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, Apr. 16, 17, 1990

Topics presented include the evolution of the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer flight and ground data processing system, direct mineral identification with Geoscan Mk II Advanced Multispectral Scanner, a new approach to imaging spectroscopy, and a linear-wedge spectrometer. Also presented are the effects of moisture content and chemical composition on the near-infrared spectra of forest foliage, change detection in vegetation using 1989 AVIRIS data, and the inversion of high-spectral-resolution data.

Vane, Gregg↗

NASA NTRS1992

Lightning-Sensor Data Help In Understanding Thunderstorms

NASA technical memorandum discusses research on use of data from network of ground-based magnetic direction-finding ground-strike lightning sensors to diagnose and predict occurrence and evolution of thunderstorms. Purposes of study to explore applicability and limitations of extrapolation techniques used to generate forecasts from data; to examine physically-based, nonlinear mathematical models for applicability to lightning-forecast problem; and to determine valid extrapolation ranges of such models for various weather scenarios.

Goodman, Steven J.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Multi-Scale Interactions Associated with the Monsoon Onset Over South China Sea and Adjacent Regions during SCSMEX-98

Using data collected during The South China Sea Monsoon Experiment (SCSMEX) (1998) as well as from the TRMM Microwave-Imager (TMI) and precipitation radar (PR), we have studied the multi-scale interactions (meso-synoptic-intraseasonal) associated with monsoon onset over South China Sea (SCS) and its subsequent evolution. Results show that the monsoon onset (defined by development of steady wind direction and heavy precipitation) over the northern SCS occurred around May 15 -17. Prevailing southerlies and southwesterlies developed over the central SCS after May 20. Shortly after, monsoon convection developed over the whole SCS region around May 23-27. The entire onset process appeared to be delayed by about a week to 10 days compared with climatology. During late spring of 1998, mid-latitude frontal systems were particularly active. These systems strongly impacted the northern SCS convection and may have been instrumental in triggering the onset of the SCS monsoon. The Tropical Oceans and Global Atmosphere (TOGA) and Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre (BMRC) radar showed a wide variety of convective systems over the Intensive Flux Array, from frontal bands to shear-banded structure, deep convection, pop-corn type shallow convection, slow moving "fine lines" to water spout. Analysis of SSM/I wind and moisture data suggested that the delayed convective activity over the SCS may be linked to the weakened northward propagation of monsoon rain band, hence contributing to a persistence of the rainband south of the Yangtze River and the disastrous flood that occurred over this region during mid to late June, 1998.

Lau, William K. M.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Etch Profile Simulation Using Level Set Methods

Etching and deposition of materials are critical steps in semiconductor processing for device manufacturing. Both etching and deposition may have isotropic and anisotropic components, due to directional sputtering and redeposition of materials, for example. Previous attempts at modeling profile evolution have used so-called "string theory" to simulate the moving solid-gas interface between the semiconductor and the plasma. One complication of this method is that extensive de-looping schemes are required at the profile corners. We will present a 2D profile evolution simulation using level set theory to model the surface. (1) By embedding the location of the interface in a field variable, the need for de-looping schemes is eliminated and profile corners are more accurately modeled. This level set profile evolution model will calculate both isotropic and anisotropic etch and deposition rates of a substrate in low pressure (10s mTorr) plasmas, considering the incident ion energy angular distribution functions and neutral fluxes. We will present etching profiles of Si substrates in Ar/Cl2 discharges for various incident ion energies and trench geometries.

Hwang, Helen H.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Oxygen Mass Flow Rate Generated for Monitoring Hydrogen Peroxide Stability

Recent interest in propellants with non-toxic reaction products has led to a resurgence of interest in hydrogen peroxide for various propellant applications. Because peroxide is sensitive to contaminants, material interactions, stability and storage issues, monitoring decomposition rates is important. Stennis Space Center (SSC) uses thermocouples to monitor bulk fluid temperature (heat evolution) to determine reaction rates. Unfortunately, large temperature rises are required to offset the heat lost into the surrounding fluid. Also, tank penetration to accomodate a thermocouple can entail modification of a tank or line and act as a source of contamination. The paper evaluates a method for monitoring oxygen evolution as a means to determine peroxide stability. Oxygen generation is not only directly related to peroxide decomposition, but occurs immediately. Measuring peroxide temperature to monitor peroxide stability has significant limitations. The bulk decomposition of 1% / week in a large volume tank can produce in excess of 30 cc / min. This oxygen flow rate corresponds to an equivalent temperature rise of approximately 14 millidegrees C, which is difficult to measure reliably. Thus, if heat transfer were included, there would be no temperature rise. Temperature changes from the surrounding environment and heat lost to the peroxide will also mask potential problems. The use of oxygen flow measurements provides an ultra sensitive technique for monitoring reaction events and will provide an earlier indication of an abnormal decomposition when compared to measuring temperature rise.

Ross, H. Richard↗

NASA NTRS2017

CIRIR Programs: Drilling and Research Opportunities at the Rochechouart Impact Structure

Owing to its size, accessibility and erosional level, the Rochechouart impact structure, dated at ~203 +/- 2 Ma (recalc.), is a unique reser-voir of knowledge within the population of the rare terrestrial analogous to large impacts craters observed on planetary surfaces. The site gives direct access to fundamental mechanisms both in impact-related geology (origin and evolution of planets) and biology (habitability of planets, emergence and evolution of life). For the last decade P. Lambert has been installing Rochechouart as International Natural Laboratory for studying impact processes and collateral effects on planetary surfaces. For this purpose the Center for International Research on Impacts and on Rochechouart (CIRIR) was installed on site in 2016 with twofold objectives and activities. First ones are scientific and dedicated to the scientific community. The second are cultural and educational and are dedi-cated to the public sensu lato. We present here the CIRIR, its scientific programs and the related reseach opportunities.

Lambert, P.↗

NASA NTRS2022

Coupling Carbon Oxidation and Surface Recession in Direct-Simulation Monte Carlo Code, SPARTA

Ablative thermal protection system (TPS) materials for spacecraft are composites that are often made out of carbon-based reinforcement and a polymeric matrix. They endure high-temperature oxidation and surface recession when re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Ablation is the result of many coupled and competing thermal, mechanical, and chemical phenomena, and it is difficult to isolate the role of each on the overall degradation of the TPS. Here we develop an ablation model for material recession coupled explicitly to finite rate carbon oxidation in complex microstructures. In this work, Stochastic PArallel Rarified-gas Time-accurate Analyzer (SPARTA), a direct-simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) code, is modified to allow oxidation-driven ablation of implicitly defined carbon surfaces. In SPARTA, implicit surfaces are generated from the grid corner point values via a marching cubes algorithm, therefore creating a new set of surface elements every time ablation is performed. The finite-rate oxidation model developed by Gopalan et. al, was adapted to tally surface reactions and other surface data on a per-grid cell basis. The ablation functionality was also adjusted so once the reactions have occurred, the number of reactions leading to CO formation can be converted to corner point reduction values; therefore, carbon removal is directly proportional to surface recession. We also develop robust algorithms which handle the evolution of the flow cells and solid material regions, including split cells (flow cell divided in two by a solid surface). Finally, we demonstrate our implicit chemistry model for 2D and 3D geometries by producing reaction statistics and detailed visualization of oxidation-induced material recession at the microscale.

V Arias↗

DOE OSTI2024

Block copolymer-mediated synthesis of TiO2/RuO2 nanocomposite for efficient oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract An amphiphilic block copolymer, poly (styrene-2-polyvinyl pyridine-ethylene oxide), was used as a structure-directing and stabilizing agent to synthesize TiO 2 /RuO 2 nanocomposite. The strong interaction of polymers with metal precursors led to formation of a porous heterointerface of TiO 2 /RuO 2 . It acted as a bridge for electron transport, which can accelerate the water splitting reaction. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X -ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X -ray diffraction analysis of TiO 2 /RuO 2 samples revealed successful fabrication of TiO 2 /RuO 2 nanocomposites. The TiO 2 /RuO 2 nanocomposites were used to measure electrochemical water splitting in three-electrode systems in 0.1-M KOH. Electrochemical activities unveil that TiO 2 /RuO 2 -150 nanocomposites displayed superior oxygen evolution reaction activity, having a low overpotential of 260 mV with a Tafel slope of 80 mVdec −1 . Graphical abstract

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2006

Atmospheres of Extrasolar Giant Planets

The next decade will almost certainly see the direct imaging of extrasolar giant planets around nearby stars. Unlike purely radial velocity detections, direct imaging will open the door to characterizing the atmosphere and interiors of extrasola planets and ultimately provide clues on their formation and evolution through time. This process has already begun for the transiting planets, placing new constraints on their atmospheric structure, composition, and evolution. Indeed the key to understanding giant planet detectability, interpreting spectra, and constraining effective temperature and hence evolution-is the atmosphere. I will review the universe of extrasolar giant planet models, focusing on what we have already learned from modeling and what we will likely be able to learn from the first generation of direct detection data. In addition to these theoretical considerations, I will review the observations and interpretation of the - transiting hot Jupiters. These objects provide a test of our ability to model exotic atmospheres and challenge our current understanding of giant planet evolution.

Marley, Mark↗