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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 505 records · Page 28

An open-access simulated earthquake ground-motion database for an M7 Hayward Fault earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Region

Comprehensive understanding of earthquake ground motions, particularly in the near-fault region of large-magnitude events, is limited by gaps in strong-motion data. This challenge is prominent in areas with high seismic hazard but infrequent large earthquakes where data is sparse and difficult to interpret. These data limitations lead to uncertainties in the development of site-specific ground motions, which are crucial for engineering risk assessments. To address these challenges, physics-based regional-scale ground-motion simulations have been developed. With the emergence of exaflop-scale computing ecosystems, it is now possible to simulate regional earthquake processes at unprecedented fidelity and generate the large number of fault rupture realizations necessary to characterize both intra- and inter-event ground-motion variability. This article introduces a new database of simulated earthquake ground motions, created for applications in earthquake engineering, earthquake planning, and emergency response. The inaugural version of the database features simulated ground motions for a magnitude 7 Hayward Fault earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Region (SFBR), using the EarthQuake SIMulation (EQSIM) simulation framework and the Graves–Pitarka kinematic rupture model. The aim is to provide high-fidelity, spatially dense, three-component motions generated on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) newest generation of graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated supercomputers. These motions are being made openly available to the engineering, scientific, and disaster planning communities. In addition, this work develops protocols for the efficient dissemination of these large data sets and emphasizes community engagement to build confidence in their application. This article discusses the methodology behind the data, underlying software verification and validation, scalable data management, and a user interface for data access. The goal is to facilitate widespread use and elicit expert feedback to maximize the utility and exploitation of simulated motions. While the initial focus is on the San Francisco Region, simulations for additional regions will be added as the DOE program progresses.

Simulated ground-motion database↗

Geospatial analysis of preterm and small-for-gestational age births in Washington D.C.

Background: This study is based on the recognition that adverse pregnancy outcomes significantly affect maternal and infant health, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. These outcomes are shaped by a complex interplay of individual-level factors—like maternal age and education—and community-level influences, including socio-economic status and access to healthcare. Understanding these determinants is crucial for developing effective public health strategies, especially for marginalized populations, by identifying high-risk areas and informing targeted interventions that address both individual and structural barriers. Methods: We utilized geospatial analysis to explore the association between individual- and community-level factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes, specifically preterm birth (PTB) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birthweight in Washington, D.C. We used Empirical Bayes smoothing methods to calculate rates of adverse birth outcomes from 2010 to 2018 at the U.S. Census tract–level. Spatial scan statistics were used to investigate if adverse birth outcomes clustered in specific areas. ANOVA tests were conducted for individual- and community-level factors within identified clusters. Results: Spatial analysis identified significant high-risk clusters for PTB and SGA infants primarily in southeastern Washington, D.C., particularly in Wards 7 and 8. Individuals residing within these clusters experienced a 47% increased risk of PTB (RR = 1.467) and a 56% increased risk of SGA (RR = 1.560) compared to those outside clusters. Space–time analysis revealed temporal variation, with PTB clusters persisting from 2011 to 2014 and SGA clusters extending through 2017. Compared to low-risk clusters, high-risk clusters had younger birthing individuals (mean age ~26.5 vs. ~33 years), lower maternal college degree attainment (~20% vs. ~80%), higher rates of late or no prenatal care (~16% vs. 11%), and increased prevalence of smoking and hypertension (all P < 0.001). Community-level indicators showed lower median household incomes ($\$40,000$ vs. ~$\$105,000$), greater poverty (~16% vs. ~7% below $\$10,000$/year), higher public assistance use (~32% vs. ~5%), and reduced healthcare access (greater distances to emergency and specialty care) in high-risk areas (all P < 0.001). Neighborhood deprivation indices were significantly elevated, commutes were longer, and population density was lower in these clusters. These findings highlight that adverse birth outcomes cluster in neighborhoods with pronounced socioeconomic and health disparities. Conclusion: High-risk birth clusters highlight intertwined factors: individual, socio-economic, and geographic. Addressing these requires comprehensive interventions focusing on social and structural determinants of health.

Birth outcomes↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-21193-DND

Researchers at NASA Langley Research Center have been developing an automated pattern recognition algorithm to identify overshooting convective cloud tops (OTs) in support of the GOES-R satellite program. This algorithm identify regions of overshooting at the individual 1-4 km geostationary satellite pixel scale using visible (during daytime only) and infrared channel imagery and numerical weather analysis data. The algorithm has been developed based upon analysis of 0.25-1 km spatial resolution Aqua MODIS imagery, using a database of over 2000 manually identified OT features throughout the world in storms with varying intensity and morphology. The OT database includes storms ranging from small, warm topped cells in Alaska and Mongolia, tornadic supercells over the U.S. Central Plains and Europe, large tropical mesoscale convective systems, and overshooting in the eyewalls and spiral bands of category 5 tropical cyclones. This database is available for use by the research community. The algorithm is designed to operate on data from any current and historical satellite imager, allowing for development of a highly accurate global OT detection climatology that extends back into the 1990's at up to a 15-30 min temporal resolution throughout the diurnal cycle. As members of the McIDAS Users Group, NASA LaRC has immediate access to the full global archive of geostationary imager data which would allows rapid development of OT climatologies and short-term databases. This type of capability has never been available within the weather and climate research community. Regional geostationary OT databases have been already developed over CONUS during SEAC4RS, for 18-years over the Eastern U.S., and for 5-10 years over Australia, Europe, Southeast Asia, and East Africa among many other regions. Some of these datasets are being used by climate researchers and private industry to examine UTLS-penetrating storm spatial distributions and their temporal variability, in addition to weather hazards associated with these storms at unprecedented spatial detail. This presentation will describe the OT pattern recognition algorithm and highlight recent product applications.

Kristopher Bedka↗

Rats use memory confidence to guide decisions

Memory enables access to past experiences to guide future behavior. Humans can determine which memories to trust (high confidence) and which to doubt (low confidence). How memory retrieval, memory confidence, and memory-guided decisions are related, however, is not understood. In particular, how confidence in memories is used in decision making is unknown. We developed a spatial memory task in which rats were incentivized to gamble their time: betting more following a correct choice yielded greater reward. Rat behavior reflected memory confidence, with higher temporal bets following correct choices. We applied machine learning to identify a memory decision variable and built a generative model of memories evolving over time that accurately predicted both choices and confidence reports. Our results reveal in rats an ability thought to exist exclusively in primates and introduce a unified model of memory dynamics, retrieval, choice, and confidence.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Cognitive perspectives on map displays for helicopter flight

Currently accessible technologies are providing entirely new display concepts for enhancing helicopter navigation. Yet the effectiveness of such displays depends on the extent to which they are configured according to principles from research on human performance. Computer generated map displays in the present study were configured according to previous research on maps, navigational problem solving, and spatial cognition in large scale environments. Interest centered on the representation of different spatial relationships that would best support helicopter navigational problem solving. One map display emphasized the global relationships between objects in the environment. The other map showed the pilot's relationship to objects as he traveled through the environment. Twenty skilled pilots used the maps to complete several navigational tasks that occurred within a realistic simulation program tailored for helicopter navigation. Findings indicate that the type of task and mode of flight (low level or Nap of the Earth (NOE)) are important determinants of map display effectiveness.

Harwood, Kelly↗

TransFit: Finite element analysis data fitting software

The Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) mission support team has made extensive use of geometric ray tracing to analyze the performance of AXAF developmental and flight optics. One important aspect of this performance modeling is the incorporation of finite element analysis (FEA) data into the surface deformations of the optical elements. TransFit is software designed for the fitting of FEA data of Wolter I optical surface distortions with a continuous surface description which can then be used by SAO's analytic ray tracing software, currently OSAC (Optical Surface Analysis Code). The improved capabilities of Transfit over previous methods include bicubic spline fitting of FEA data to accommodate higher spatial frequency distortions, fitted data visualization for assessing the quality of fit, the ability to accommodate input data from three FEA codes plus other standard formats, and options for alignment of the model coordinate system with the ray trace coordinate system. TransFit uses the AnswerGarden graphical user interface (GUI) to edit input parameters and then access routines written in PV-WAVE, C, and FORTRAN to allow the user to interactively create, evaluate, and modify the fit. The topics covered include an introduction to TransFit: requirements, designs philosophy, and implementation; design specifics: modules, parameters, fitting algorithms, and data displays; a procedural example; verification of performance; future work; and appendices on online help and ray trace results of the verification section.

Freeman, Mark↗

Examining the Link Between Food Prices and Food Insecurity: a Multi-Level Analysis of Maize Price and Birthweight in Kenya

In developing countries where many poor people rely on rainfed, locally produced food for the majority of their caloric intake, shifts in climate and weather patterns can dramatically reduce agricultural productivity. The reduction in agricultural productivity reduces overall food availability and ultimately impacts food accessibility, putting millions of people at risk for malnutrition. In this project we focus on Kenya where roughly a third of households are food insecure. We examine the relationship of the price of maize and low birth weight to help quantify the impact of local food prices on one outcome of household food insecurity. Using spatially referenced data from recent Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey datasets, price data, livelihood information, and a remotely sensed-based measure of local growing season productivity, we develop a dataset linking pregnancies occurring from 2001 to 2008 to the spatially and temporally relevant maize price data. We construct several regression models to examine the impact of local maize prices and remotely sensed based estimates of crop production on infant birth weight - specifically low birth weight. The results of the models highlight the importance of including community crop production to evaluate maize price impacts on low birth weight outcomes. Also, because of the positive correlation between pre-pregnancy maize prices and birth weight, the results suggest that some households may benefit from high prices or that high prices may impact the number of conceptions. More generally, our work demonstrates that multilevel models that account for community-level variation are important for disentangling these complex relationships and can contribute to the discussion of how to design more effective food policies.

Low birth weight↗

Comparison of Stereo-PIV and Plenoptic-PIV Measurements on the Wake of a Cylinder in NASA Ground Test Facilities.

A series of comparison experiments have been performed using a single-camera plenoptic PIV measurement system to ascertain the systems performance capabilities in terms of suitability for use in NASA ground test facilities. A proof-of-concept demonstration was performed in the Langley Advanced Measurements and Data Systems Branch 13-inch (33- cm) Subsonic Tunnel to examine the wake of a series of cylinders at a Reynolds number of 2500. Accompanying the plenoptic-PIV measurements were an ensemble of complementary stereo-PIV measurements. The stereo-PIV measurements were used as a truth measurement to assess the ability of the plenoptic-PIV system to capture relevant 3D/3C flow field features in the cylinder wake. Six individual tests were conducted as part of the test campaign using three different cylinder diameters mounted in two orientations in the tunnel test section. This work presents a comparison of measurements with the cylinders mounted horizontally (generating a 2D flow field in the x-y plane). Results show that in general the plenoptic-PIV measurements match those produced by the stereo-PIV system. However, discrepancies were observed in extracted pro les of the fuctuating velocity components. It is speculated that spatial smoothing of the vector fields in the stereo-PIV system could account for the observed differences. Nevertheless, the plenoptic-PIV system performed extremely well at capturing the flow field features of interest and can be considered a viable alternative to traditional PIV systems in smaller NASA ground test facilities with limited optical access.

Fahringer, Timothy W.↗

PERSIANN-Unet: A Global Deep Learning Framework for Near-Real-Time Precipitation Estimation Using Infrared Data

Access to high-quality, high-resolution, near-real-time precipitation data is essential for hydrological and meteorological research and disaster mitigation. Traditional tools such as rain gauges and radar networks, though effective, have limitations, including sparse coverage in remote areas and high operational costs. Satellite data, with its global coverage and high spatial and temporal resolutions, mitigates limitations in coverage. Satellite precipitation products like Hydro Estimator (HE), Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG), and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) utilize both geosynchronous thermal infrared (IR) and passive microwave (PMW) data in their operation. PMW sensors offer detailed atmospheric profiles but suffer from higher latency, whereas IR sensors provide lower latency but only capture cloud-top information. Despite this constraint, IR data remains attractive for low-latency precipitation estimation. Recent advances in deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have further improved satellite precipitation retrievals. This study introduces PERSIANN-Unet (PUnet or PERSIANN V3), a quasi-global algorithm covering 60°N–60°S that combines IR data, monthly climatology, and the UNet architecture to produce half-hourly precipitation estimates at 0.04° resolution. The product is evaluated against HE, IMERG, and PDIR-Now for 2022–2023. Results show that PUnet closely matches its training target, IMERG V07 Final, at the global scale, and performance is further evaluated against Stage IV as a reference over CONUS. Training PUnet on IMERG (2016–2021) leverages a high-quality, integrated PMW IR-gauge precipitation product while developing an IR-based framework not reliant on PMW availability. By operating on a single global image, PUnet avoids tile partitioning and blending steps, reducing edge discontinuities, and produces more spatially consistent precipitation fields across hemispheres.

Phu Nguyen↗

Overview of Contamination Control for the James Webb Space Telescope Launch Campaign

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, infrared space telescope operating at Lagrange point 2. JWST is a joint effort between NASA, ESA, and CSA and was launched from the Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG) on an Ariane 5 rocket in December 2021. The three-month launch campaign utilized enhanced contamination controls to meet JWST’s strict cleanliness requirements. Prior to launch, JWST was permitted to only be exposed to ISO Class 7 cleanrooms, whereas the processing facilities at CSG are ISO Class 8. NASA, ESA, Arianespace, and CNES implemented temporary upgrades to the nominal contamination control operations for the launch campaign unique to JWST, including the use of vetted, portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter walls, pre-entrance cleanliness acceptance surveys of each facility and the intra-plant transporter, tightened cleanroom protocols, upgraded garmenting and laundering techniques, cleaning of Self-Contained Atmospheric Protection Ensemble (SCAPE) suits, increased maintenance, staffed pre-cleaning stations, adaptation of the house purge network, and a contamination control enclosure atop the Ariane 5 launcher prior to fairing encapsulation. The Ariane 5 fairing interior and Vehicle Equipment Bay membrane also received multiple cleanings, detailed inspections, and verification sampling to achieve necessary cleanliness levels. The fairing itself was specially sealed to protect the inner environment with just a small, doored porthole accessible via diving board for final closeout of the purge interface. All these enhancements together allowed JWST to meet its contamination requirements for launch, ensuring successful post-separation deployments and mission science.

James Webb Space Telescope, launch, contamination,↗

Multiscale and Multivariate Transportation System Visualization for Shopping District Traffic and Regional Traffic

In this paper, we present a suite of visualization techniques for sensor-based transportation system data at different scales to facilitate the exploration of interconnected traffic dynamics at intersections and highways. Additionally, these techniques are designed for analyzing multivariate traffic data from radar-based highway sensors and camera-based intersection sensors recording turn movements and vehicle speed, in the Chattanooga Metropolitan Area, with the capability of (a) revealing multiscale mobility patterns using different levels of data aggregation (e.g., individual sensor for microscale, multiple sensors along a corridor for mesoscale, and a larger number of sensors across the region for macroscale visualization) at different intervals (e.g., 5-min intervals, time of day, full day, and day-of-the-week), and (b) exploring the spatial variation of multiple traffic-related variables (e.g., volumes, speeds, turn movements, and traffic light colors) provided by the sensors. We close with a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of our multiscale and multivariate visualization techniques. At microscale, we focused on intersection data from a shopping district around Shallowford Road in East Chattanooga. For mesoscale visualization, we studied the Shallowford Road corridor and an adjacent stretch of I-75. At macroscale, we included highway data from the Chattanooga Metropolitan Area. All visualizations were integrated into a web-based situational awareness tool to promote user access and interaction. At a minimum, each visualization provides the option for selecting dates for real-time (depending on sensor availability) and historical data, and additional information on hovering, though most provide more detailed information, including different views of the selected data, or interactive highlights.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Quantitative Comparisons of Image Quality for Flash X-Ray Detectors

Due to X-rays’ ability to penetrate materials, flash X-ray radiography can be used for high-speed measurements where direct optical access is not possible. Choice of detector has a pronounced impact on resulting image quality. Four different detector systems were evaluated with a 450kVp flash source to quantitatively compare image quality metrics. The scintillating digital detector had less image noise than the three different storage phosphor computed radiography detectors across all transmission levels, but lacked the spatial resolution of the computed radiography detectors. For the screens tested here, the HPX-DR digital system had the highest signal to noise ratio of 68.24 and contrast to noise ratio of 35.53, but had the lowest spatial resolution, resolving 2.5 line pairs per millimeter at 1.78% contrast. At a value of 37.59, the Flex GP imaging plate had a signal to noise value above its storage phosphor counterparts under a 450kVp flash source. For radiographic setups typically used for dynamic experiments, the Flex XL Blue and Flex HR detectors had signal to noise ratios of 18.44 and 26.56 respectively. The highest resolved spatial frequencies of the Flex GP, Flex XL Blue, and Flex HR with the flash source are 3.85, 5.00, and 3.85 line pairs per millimeter, respectively. In conclusion, the Flex GP detector had the best combination of signal to noise ratio, contrast to noise ratio, and spatial resolution under a flash source.

computed radiography↗

An Assessment of Receiver Algorithms for Distributed Massive MIMO Systems: Investigating Design Solutions and Performance

This study investigates receiver design solutions for distributed Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (D-m MIMO) systems, taking into account parameters such as number of access points as well as concerns related to channel estimates that use single-carrier frequency-domain equalization (SC-FDE). A significant contribution of this research is the integration of Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes to simplify coding complexity and enhance communication efficiency. The research examines different receiver designs, such as spatial antenna correlation and sophisticated channel estimation methods. The authors propose integrating LDPC codes into the receiver architecture to simplify computations and enhance error correction and decoding. Moreover, the paper examines performance evaluation measures and approaches, highlighting the trade-offs among complexity, spectral efficiency, and error performance. The comparative analysis indicates the benefits, in terms of performance, of incorporating LDPC codes and improving system throughput and dependability. We examine four distinct receiver algorithms: zero-forcing (ZF), minimum mean square error (MMSE), maximum ratio combining (MRC), and equal gain combining (EGC). The study shows that MRC and EGC receivers work well in D-m MIMO because they make the receiver system less computationally demanding.

Gashtasbi, Ali↗

On the ionospheric impact of recent storm events on satellite-based augmentation systems in middle and low-latitude sectors

The Ionospheric correction algorithms have been characterized extensively for the mid-latitude region of the ionosphere where benign conditions usually exist. The United States Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for civil aircraft navigation is focused primarily on the Conterminous United States (CONUS). Other Satellite-based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) include the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) and the Japanese Global Navigation Satellite System (MSAS). Researchers are facing a more serious challenge in addressing the ionospheric impact on navigation using SBAS in other parts of the world such as the South American region on India. At equatorial latitudes, geophysical conditions lead to the so-called Appleton-Hartree (equatorial) anomaly phenomenon, which results in significantly larger ionospheric range delays and range delay spatial gradients than is observed in the CONUS or European sectors. In this paper, we use GPS measurements of geomagnetic storm days to perform a quantitative assessment of WAAS-type ionospheric correction algorithms in other parts of the world such as the low-latitude Brazil and mid-latitude Europe. For the study, we access a world-wide network of 400+ dual frequency GPS receivers.

validation↗

Utilizing Higher Resolution Land Surface Remote Sensing Data for Assessing Recent Trends over Asia Monsoon Region

The slide presentation discusses the integration of 1-kilometer spatial resolution land temperature data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), with 8-day temporal resolution, into the NASA Monsoon-Asia Integrated Regional Study (MAIRS) Data Center. The data will be available for analysis and visualization in the Giovanni data system. It discusses the NASA MAIRS Data Center, presents an introduction to the data access tools, and an introduction of Products available from the service, discusses the higher resolution Land Surface Temperature (LST) and presents preliminary results of LST Trends over China.

Shen, Suhung↗

The Role of SnO2 Processing on Ionic Distribution in Double-Cation-Double Halide Perovskites

Moving toward a future of efficient, accessible, and less carbon-reliant energy devices has been at the forefront of energy research innovations for the past 30 years. Metal-halide perovskite (MHP) thin films have gained significant attention due to their flexibility of device applications and tunable capabilities for improving power conversion efficiency. Serving as a gateway to optimize device performance, consideration must be given to chemical synthesis processing techniques. Therefore, how does common substrate processing techniques influence the behavior of MHP phenomena such as ion migration and strain? Here, we demonstrate how a hybrid approach of chemical bath deposition (CBD) and nanoparticle SnO2 substrate processing significantly improves the performance of (FAPbI3)0.97(MAPbBr3)0.03 by reducing micro-strain in the SnO2 lattice, allowing distribution of K+ from K-Cl treatment of substrates to passivate defects formed at the interface and produce higher current in light and dark environments. X-ray diffraction reveals differences in lattice strain behavior with respect to SnO2 substrate processing methods. Through use of conductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM), conductivity is measured spatially with MHP morphology, showing higher generation of current in both light and dark conditions for films with hybrid processing. Additionally, time-of-flight secondary ionization mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) observed the distribution of K+ at the perovskite/SnO2 interface, indicating K+ passivation of defects to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and device stability. We show how understanding the role of ion distribution at the SnO2 and perovskite interface can help reduce the creating of defects and promote a more efficient MHP device.

conductive atomic force microscopy↗

Frameworks, Algorithms, and Scalable Technologies for Mathematics (FASTMath) SciDAC Institute

As computational models scale to larger computers, the rate at which they produce data has far outstripped the same computers ability to write that data and further the file systems ability to store that data. Almost all of the SciDAC applications, but especially those related to fusion solve very large scale PDEs whose scientific output his impacted by this problem. To gain access to dynamics in an exascale simulation that are not identifiable a priori and to make that dynamical data available to machine learning requires fundamental research in the area of in situ data data analytics. Here data analytics includes compression, visualization, uncertainty quantification, and machine learning. This in situ data analytics will enable on-the-fly spatial and temporal compression of solution dynamics, expose that space-time compressed field to machine learning algorithms that have been specialized to work with dynamically evolving data (existing machine learning algorithms treat data sets as static), greatly improving the opportunity for machine learning to provide feedback to the compression, all within an ongoing simulation, without the need to write data to files. The same concepts are also being applied to uncertainty quantification and multi-fidelity modeling which have similar needs for spatial and temporal compression of the ongoing exascale simulation to perform either without the typical, unacceptable writing of data to files.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Non-relativistic solar electron events during December 1990 - Results from Ulysses

Several groups of impulsive flare accelerated nonrelativistic solar electron events occurred in November and December 1990. In a total of 18 separate events, most show the characteristic dispersion in arrival times at the Ulysses spacecraft corresponding to travel time for the various particle energy groups. After maximum development, the electron intensities generally decay smoothly with characteristic times of 10 to 15 hours. In a few cases there are marked departures from this 'classic' behavior. On 15 December 1990, these departures are associated with a structure in the interplanetary magnetic field having a width of about 4 x 10 exp 6 km at 1.37 AU. The particle intensities inside this structure varied greatly with spatial position. Some of the changes occurred over distances as small as 3 x 10 exp 4 km. It is believed that this interplanetary structure had its origin in the complex magnetic fields that overlay the solar active region in which the electron accelerating flares occurred, and that it is these fields near the sun that determine access of the flare accelerated electrons to interplanetary field lines. A solar electron event on 11 December 1990 is similar in many respects to the one on 15 December. Neither of these events is directly related to an interplanetary shock wave.

Anderson, K. A.↗