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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

Low energy stage study. Volume 2: Requirements and candidate propulsion modes

A payload mission model covering 129 launches, was examined and compared against the space transportation system shuttle standard orbit inclinations and a shuttle launch site implementation schedule. Based on this examination and comparison, a set of six reference missions were defined in terms of spacecraft weight and velocity requirements to deliver the payload from a 296 km circular Shuttle standard orbit to the spacecraft's planned orbit. Payload characteristics and requirements representative of the model payloads included in the regime bounded by each of the six reference missions were determined. A set of launch cost envelopes were developed and defined based on the characteristics of existing/planned Shuttle upper stages and expendable launch systems in terms of launch cost and velocity delivered. These six reference missions were used to define the requirements for the candidate propulsion modes which were developed and screened to determine the propulsion approaches for conceptual design.

Source record↗

Mark 3 system overview

The Mark 3 very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) system, comprising a complete end to end VLBI system optimized for both high accuracy geodesy and radio astronomy, is described. The data flow, the data base handler system, and the field station component and configurations are briefly discussed. The use of mobile and transportable stations allows measurements to be taken from a large number of sites with relatively few sets of equipment. Fixed stations form a long term reference network for tying together the measurements with the mobile and transportable stations.

Clark, T. A.↗

So Easy a Greybeard Can Do It: Mobile Paperless Engineering

Picture a NASA Engineer out at the launch pad - some new construction has been completed, and he has been tasked to inspect the job. While working, he repeatedly travels between the site and his desk, spending time seeking out information, printing out drawings for reference, and attempting to align schedules to meet with the team. This type of scenario is not just specific to Kennedy Space Center though, many industries partake in similar circumstances most realizing that there is always a need for more information, and often at a moments notice. While this approach will eventually get the job done, NASA KSC-ESC has questioned how to use readily available resources to streamline work processes, become more efficient, and produce less waste.

Greybeard↗

Human Mars Landing Site and Impacts on Mars Surface Operations

NASA has begun a process to identify and discuss candidate locations where humans could land, live and work on the Martian surface. These locations are referred to as Exploration Zones (EZs). Given current mission concepts, an EZ is a collection of Regions of Interest (ROIs) that are located within approximately 100 kilometers of a centralized landing site. ROIs are areas that are relevant for scientific investigation and/or development/maturation of capabilities and resources necessary for a sustainable human presence. The EZ also contains a landing site and a habitation site that will be used by multiple human crews during missions to explore and utilize the ROIs within the EZ. These candidate EZs will be used by NASA as part of a multi‐year process of determining where and how humans could explore Mars. In the near term this process includes: (a) identifying locations that would maximize the potential science return from future human exploration missions, (b) identifying locations with the potential for resources required to support humans, (c) developing concepts and engineering systems needed by future human crews to conduct operations within an EZ, and (d) identifying key characteristics of the proposed candidate EZs that cannot be evaluated using existing data sets, thus helping to define precursor measurements needed in advance of human missions. Existing and future robotic spacecraft will be tasked to gather data from specific Mars surface sites within the representative EZs to support these NASA activities. The proposed paper will describe NASA's initial steps for identifying and evaluating candidate EZs and ROIs. This includes plans for the "First Landing Site/Exploration Zone Workshop for Human Missions to the Surface of Mars" to be held in October 2015 at which proposals for EZs and ROIs will be presented and discussed. It will also include a discussion of how these considerations are (or will be) taken into account as future robotic Mars missions are defined and developed. One or more representative EZs, drawn from similar previous studies involving Mars sites, will be used in the proposed paper to illustrate the process NASA envisions for gathering additional data from robotic precursor missions to assist in making a final selection of an EZ for human crews as well as the steps likely to occur during the buildup of a habitation site. Examples of the systems and operations likely to be used by human crews, assisted by robotic vehicles, to explore the scientific ROIs as well as developing the resource ROIs within the example EZs will be discussed.

Bussey, Ben↗

Defect graph neural networks for materials discovery in high-temperature clean-energy applications

We present a graph neural network approach that fully automates the prediction of defect formation enthalpies for any crystallographic site from the ideal crystal structure, without the need to create defected atomic structure models as input. Here we used density functional theory reference data for vacancy defects in oxides, to train a defect graph neural network (dGNN) model that replaces the density functional theory supercell relaxations otherwise required for each symmetrically unique crystal site. Interfaced with thermodynamic calculations of reduction entropies and associated free energies, the dGNN model is applied to the screening of oxides in the Materials Project database, connecting the zero-kelvin defect enthalpies to high-temperature process conditions relevant for solar thermochemical hydrogen production and other energy applications. The dGNN approach is applicable to arbitrary structures with an accuracy limited principally by the amount and diversity of the training data, and it is generalizable to other defect types and advanced graph convolution architectures. In conclusion, it will help to tackle future materials discovery problems in clean energy and beyond.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Characterization Strategy of a Limited Number of Radioactive Waste Effluent Tanks in View of Decommissioning a Large Number of Tanks - 20286

In order to organize the D and D of the former effluent treatment facility at the CEA Cadarache Center (France), the key data to gather through the facility characterization are the following:: volumes and masses, liquid/solid distribution and specific activity. By studying the treatment processes and the history of the facility, families of tanks have been defined and a reference tank chosen for investigation in each family. The intrusive investigations (video, residue thickness, dose rate..), the gamma spectrometry measurements carried out on site on the residue samples and radiochemical results collected in laboratories, led us to conclude that there was a relative radiological homogeneity (for specific activity and Am-241/Cs-137 ratio) within each tank. The next step consisted in extrapolating the specific activity evaluated for the reference tanks, to the other tanks of each family by using data such as geometry, dose rate or the function of the tanks within the process. Thus, a cartography of the 130 tanks of the facility is available. Finally, the conclusions drawn from the radiological homogeneity of the tanks and their affiliation to homogeneous, well-identified tank clusters lead to a simple and efficient operational approach for the D and D of the 130 tanks of the facility. Indeed, because of the residue characteristics (homogeneous activity and strong differentiation of Cs/Am ratio), a sample collected when opening the tank, and measured on site by gamma spectrometry will allow us to validate the operational design and the emptying techniques defined during the D and D study phase thanks to the characterization of a limited number of reference tanks. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

A high-resolution single-molecule sequencing-based Arabidopsis transcriptome using novel methods of Iso-seq analysis

Accurate and comprehensive annotation of transcript sequences is essential for transcript quantification and differential gene and transcript expression analysis. Single-molecule long-read sequencing technologies provide improved integrity of transcript structures including alternative splicing, and transcription start and polyadenylation sites. However, accuracy is significantly affected by sequencing errors, mRNA degradation, or incomplete cDNA synthesis. We present a new and comprehensive Arabidopsis thaliana Reference Transcript Dataset 3 (AtRTD3). AtRTD3 contains over 169,000 transcripts—twice that of the best current Arabidopsis transcriptome and including over 1500 novel genes. Seventy-eight percent of transcripts are from Iso-seq with accurately defined splice junctions and transcription start and end sites. We develop novel methods to determine splice junctions and transcription start and end sites accurately. Mismatch profiles around splice junctions provide a powerful feature to distinguish correct splice junctions and remove false splice junctions. Stratified approaches identify high-confidence transcription start and end sites and remove fragmentary transcripts due to degradation. AtRTD3 is a major improvement over existing transcriptomes as demonstrated by analysis of an Arabidopsis cold response RNA-seq time-series. AtRTD3 provides higher resolution of transcript expression profiling and identifies cold-induced differential transcription start and polyadenylation site usage. AtRTD3 is the most comprehensive Arabidopsis transcriptome currently. It improves the precision of differential gene and transcript expression, differential alternative splicing, and transcription start/end site usage analysis from RNA-seq data. The novel methods for identifying accurate splice junctions and transcription start/end sites are widely applicable and will improve single-molecule sequencing analysis from any species.

transcription start and end sites↗

The Bear Brook Watershed in Maine: Multi-Decadal Whole-Watershed Experimental Acidification

The Bear Brook Watershed in Maine (BBWM) is a long-term research site established to study the response of forest ecosystem function to environmental disturbances of chronic acidic deposition and ecosystem nitrogen enrichment. Starting in 1989, the West Bear (treated) watershed received bimonthly applications of ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] fertilizer from above the canopy, whereas East Bear (reference) received ambient deposition. The treatments were stopped in 2016, marking the beginning of the recovery phase. Research at the site has focused on soils, streams, and vegetation. Here, we describe data collected over three decades at the BBWM—input and stream output nutrient fluxes, quantitative soil pits and soil chemistry, and soil temperature and moisture.

Patel, Kaizad F.↗

Midlatitude Cirrus Clouds Derived from Hurricane Nora: A Case Study with Implications for Ice Crystal Nucleation and Shape

Hurricane Nora traveled up the Bala Peninsula coast in the unusually warm El Nino waters of September 1997, until rapidly decaying as it approached Southern California on 24 September. The anvil cirrus blowoff from the final surge of tropical convection became embedded in subtropical flow that advected the cirrus across the western US, where it was studied from the Facility for Atmospheric Remote Sensing (FARS) in Salt Lake City, Utah. A day later, the cirrus shield remnants were redirected southward by midlatitude circulations into the Southern Great Plains, providing a case study opportunity for the research aircraft and ground-based remote sensors assembled at the Clouds and Radiation Testbed (CART) site in northern Oklahoma. Using these comprehensive resources and new remote sensing cloud retrieval algorithms, the microphysical and radiative cloud properties of this unusual cirrus event are uniquely characterized. Importantly, at both the FARS and CART sites the cirrus generated spectacular optical displays, which acted as a tracer for the hurricane cirrus, despite the limited lifetimes of individual ice crystals. Lidar polarization data indicate widespread regions of uniform ice plate orientations, and in situ particle masticator data show a preponderance of pristine, solid hexagonal plates and columns. It is suggested that these unusual aspects are the result of the mode of cirrus particle nucleation, presumably involving the lofting of sea-salt nuclei in thunderstorm updrafts into the upper troposphere. This created a reservoir of haze particles that continued to produce halide-saltcontaminated ice crystals during the extended period of cirrus cloud maintenance. The reference that marine microliters are embedded in the replicas of ice crystals collected over the CART site points to the longevity of marine effects. Various nucleation scenarios proposed for cirrus clouds based on this and other studies, and the implications for understanding cirrus radiative properties or a global scale, are discussed.

Sassen, Kenneth↗

Comparative productivity of six bioenergy cropping systems on marginal lands in the Great Lakes Region, United States

Abstract Growing lignocellulosic crops on marginal lands is a promising solution for sustainable biofuel production. We evaluated the productivity of bioenergy cropping systems (switchgrass [ Panicum virgatum L., var. Cave‐In‐Rock], miscanthus [ Miscanthus × giganteus , ‘Illinois clone’], hybrid poplar [ Populus nigra × P. maximowiczii A. Henry ‘NM6’], native grasses [five species], early successional vegetation, and restored prairie vs. historical vegetation [as reference control]) with and without nitrogen fertilization on low‐fertility former cropland at five sites in the Great Lakes Region, United States. We reported biomass yields for the first 7 years after establishment. Switchgrass was most consistently productive across all sites but miscanthus was more productive at three of the five sites. When averaged across sites, years, and nitrogen (N) treatments, biomass yields followed the order miscanthus > switchgrass > hybrid poplar ≈ native grasses > restored prairie > early successional vegetation ≈ historical vegetation, but varied substantially by crop and site, with a significant crop by site interaction. Yields of miscanthus and switchgrass peaked after four–five growing seasons and declined thereafter, while yields of both native grasses and restored prairie increased throughout 6 years with no sign of follow‐on decline, suggesting that polycultures may outperform monocultures over the long term. Yields of early successional vegetation—similar in composition to historical vegetation at each site—did not improve with time. Nitrogen fertilization increased the yields of all cropping systems at all sites. Our results demonstrate the viability of low‐productivity former cropland for long‐term bioenergy production and suggest there is no single crop best suited for all low fertility soils.

Jayawardena, Dileepa M.↗

Precise ${dd}$ excitations and commensurate intersite Coulomb interactions in the dissimilar cuprates YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7–y and La 2–x Sr x CuO 4

Using high-resolution extreme ultraviolet resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (EUVRIXS) spectroscopy at Cu M-edge, we observed the doping dependent spectral shifts of inter-orbital (${dd}$) excitations of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-y and La 2-x Sr x CuO 4 . With increasing hole doping level from undoped to optimally doped superconducting compositions, the leading edge of ${dd}$ excitations is found to shift towards lower energy loss in a roughly linear trend that is irrespective to the cuprate species. The magnitude of energy shift can be explained by including a 0.15 eV Coulomb attraction between Cu 3d(x 2 -y 2 ) electrons and the doped holes on the surrounding oxygens in the atomic multiplet calculations. Finally, the consistent energy shift between distinct cuprate families suggests that this inter-site Coulomb interaction energy scale is relatively material-independent, and provides an important reference point for understanding charge density wave phenomena in the cuprate phase diagram.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A Rapid Decision Support Tool for Estimating Impacts of a Vadose Zone Volatile Organic Compound Source on Groundwater and Soil Gas

Diminishing rates of subsurface volatile contaminant removal by soil vapor extraction (SVE) oftentimes warrants an in‐depth performance assessment to guide remedy decision‐making processes. Such a performance assessment must include quantitative approaches to better understand the impact of remaining vadose zone contamination on soil gas and groundwater concentrations. The spreadsheet‐based Soil Vapor Extraction Endstate Tool (SVEET) software functionality has recently been expanded to facilitate quantitative performance assessments. The updated version, referred to as SVEET2, includes expansion of the input parameter ranges for describing a site (site geometry, source characteristics, etc.), an expanded list of contaminants, and incorporation of elements of the Vapor Intrusion Estimation Tool for Unsaturated‐zone Sources software to provide soil gas concentration estimates for use in vapor intrusion evaluation. As part of the update, SVEET2 was used to estimate the impact of a tetrachloroethene (PCE) vadose zone source on groundwater concentrations, comparing SVEET2 results to field‐observed values at an undisclosed site where SVE was recently terminated. PCE concentrations from three separate monitoring wells were estimated by SVEET2 to be within the range of 6.0–6.7 μg/L, as compared to actual field concentrations that ranged from 3 to 11 μg/L PCE. These data demonstrate that SVEET2 can rapidly provide representative quantitative estimates of impacts from a vadose zone contaminant source at field sites. Finally, in the context of the SVE performance assessment, such quantitative estimates provide a basis to support remedial and/or regulatory decisions regarding the continued need for vadose zone volatile organic compound remediation or technical justification for SVE termination, which can significantly reduce the cost to complete for a site.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Cluster Expansion Analysis of Atomic Order in Li-Ion Battery Cathode Material LiCo y Ni 1-y O 2

A modified cluster-expansion treatment was developed recently to analyze atomic order in LiCo y Ni 1-y O 2 , a model cathode material for Li-ion batteries. In this treatment, referred to as a “spin-atom” cluster expansion, the occupant of a lattice site is identified by its spin state as well as its atomic species. Further, Effective Cluster Interaction (ECI) coefficients are derived from a large training data set (i.e., the set of atomic arrangements for which DFT calculations are performed) which is filtered by an anomaly detection algorithm to eliminate poorly converged DFT calculations. The cluster expansion incorporates Li-Ni (LN) exchange as well as intralayer Co-Ni (CN) exchange. Monte Carlo simulations based on the cluster expansion were applied to the Ni-rich part of the phase diagram. The simulations predict a miscibility gap between y = 0.05 and y = 0.65.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Community Based Data of Uranium Adsorption onto Quartz

This data upload includes a compilation of experiments for quantifying uranium adsorption onto quartz. The provided .csv file has been compiled from the literature in a findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable (FAIR) data format. This was accomplished using the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Surface Complexation Database Converter (SCDC) code written in the R programming language (free licensing available at https://ipo.llnl.gov/technologies/software/llnl-surface-complexation-database-converter-scdc). This constitutes all current data compiled on uranium-quartz interactions in the L-SCIE (LLNL Surface Complexation/Ion Exchange) database (as of 02/28/2022). This data was used to develop surface complexation models that fit the global community dataset (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c07109). The FAIR-formatted dataset also enables the implementation of alternative machine-learning approaches that can be explored in the future.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Stomatal conductance and leaf temperature raw data from Aug 2016-Nov 2017 at the B34 tower in Manaus, Brazil

This data package contains raw data from stomatal conductance and leaf temperature measurements from the B34 tower in Manaus, Brazil. The attached zip file contains two data files and two metadata files. Additional metadata, such as site information and equipment manuals, are included in the data package listed under Dataset Reference(s). Contact israelmdt@gmail.com if you need to use this dataset for additional information.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Stomatal conductance and leaf temperature raw data from Aug 2016-Nov 2017 at the K34 tower in Manaus, Brazil

These are raw data from stomatal conductance and leaf temperature measurements from the NGEE-Tropics K34 tower in Manaus, Brazil. The attached zip file contains two data files and two metadata files. Related data packages, including additional metadata such as site information and equipment manuals, are included in the data package listed under Dataset Reference(s). Contact israelmdt@gmail.com if you need to use this dataset for additional information.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Stomatal conductance and leaf temperature raw data from Aug 2016-Nov 2017 at the B34 tower in Manaus, Brazil

This data package contains raw data from stomatal conductance and leaf temperature measurements from the B34 tower in Manaus, Brazil. The attached zip file contains two data files and two metadata files. Additional metadata, such as site information and equipment manuals, are included in the data package listed under Dataset Reference(s). Contact israelmdt@gmail.com if you need to use this dataset for additional information.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Raw leaf temperature data from May 2017- Aug 2017 at the B34 and K34 towers in Manaus, Brazil

This data package contains raw data from leaf temperature measurements. Additional metadata, such as site information and equipment manuals, are included in the data package listed under Dataset Reference(s) along with all related data packages. Leaf temperature measurements were made using Teflon insulated type T thermocouples (OM-CP-OCTTEMP-A Nomad®, Omega Engineering) directly attached to the abaxial side of the leaf using a breathable white tape and configured to register measurements every 15 s. No data processing or QA/QC was done on the raw datasets. Processed datasets will be uploaded separately. Contact israelmdt@gmail.com if you need to use this dataset for additional information.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗