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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 55 records · Page 3

Attributing human mortality from fire PM 2.5 to climate change

Climate change intensifies fire smoke, emitting hazardous air pollutants that impact human health. However, the global influence of climate change on fire-induced health impacts remains unquantified. Here, in this study, we used three well-tested fire-vegetation models in combination with a chemical transport model and health risk assessment framework to attribute global human mortality from fire fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) emissions to climate change. Of the 46401 (1960s) –to 98748 (2010s) annual fire PM 2.5 mortalities, 669 (1.2%, 1960s) –to 12566 (12.8%, 2010s) were attributed to climate change. The most substantial influence of climate change on fire mortality occurred in South America, Australia, and Europe, coinciding with decreased relative humidity, and in boreal forests with increased air temperature. Increasing relative humidity lowered fire mortality in other regions, like South Asia. Our study highlights the role of climate change in fire mortality, aiding public health authorities in spatial targeting adaptation measures for sensitive fire-prone areas.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Review of solar-enabled desalination and implications for zero-liquid-discharge applications

Abstract The production of freshwater from desalinating abundant saline water on the planet is increasingly considered a climate change adaptation measure. Yet, there are challenges associated with the high cost, intensive energy demand, and environmental implications of desalination. Effective integration of solar energy generation and freshwater production can address both issues. This review article highlights recent key advances in such integration achieved in a joint-research university-national laboratory partnership under the auspices of the United States Department of Energy and parallel efforts worldwide. First, an overview of current and emerging desalination technologies and associated pretreatment, brine treatment, and valorization technologies that together can result in zero-liquid-discharge systems is presented, and their technological readiness levels are evaluated. Then, advanced modeling techniques and new software platforms that enable optimization of solar-desalination applications with the dual objective of cost and environmental impact minimization are discussed.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

PyEmittance

PyEmittance is a tool for the adaptive measurement of beam emittance (e.g. of an electron beam at OTR/YAG beam profile monitors) using a single quadrupole scan developed at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The Twiss parameters and the 'Bmag' match parameter can also be obtained. It can be used in different beamlines/machines by defining machine-specific configuration files.

Miskovich, Sara A.↗

Gamma Spectrometry Code Rodeo for Uranium Enrichment—FY 2022 Report

In the first two quarters of FY22, data acquisition continued at ORNL and LLNL using uranium sources of known enrichments. This was an FY21 task which could not be completed in FY21 because of problems encountered with the ORNL M400 CZT in Q4 of FY21, and the subsequent repairs. The detector was received back from H3D in the first of September 2021 , and the measurements resumed . Measurements using the repaired detector were completed in Q1 of FY22. The spectra were distributed by ORNL to the analyzing labs. Analysis results were received in Q2 of FY2022. The results from the various codes were intercompared and an ANOVA analysis was performed. Random and systematic uncertainties were established for each code. The ANOVA results and discussions were included in a revised version of FY21Annual Report issued in March 2022. A paper was presented at the INMM 2022Annual Conference, with the analysis results from the various isotopic codes, and the ANOVA table with random and systematic uncertainties. The Project Work Plan (PWP) for FY22 included a task to perform field testing of the M400 CZT and the analysis codes using UF 6 cylinder measurements at the Framatome Fuel Fabrication Facility in Richland, WA. PNNL was the lead for the field testing task. PNNL drafted a Field Test Plan, and refined it based on comments received from the team. PNNL coordinated with Framatome facility, the logistics of carrying out the field testing . A collimator and shield made out of TFlex (tungsten impregnated polymer) was designed and professionally manufactured. The collimators were used in the field test measurements. The measurements at Framatome were completed on April 21, 2022. A total of 34 Type 30B cylinders were measured using three M400 detectors (PNNL, LLNL, and ORNL detectors). Measurements using M400 were taken at two locations on the side of each cylinder and from the end-on bottom location. Additionally, HPGe measurements were taken at the end-on location to establish ground truth. Cylinder wall thickness measurements were also made at all three locations. To gain a better understanding of the effect of background from surrounding cylinders, the same five cylinders measured individually in low background locations were measured again in the cylinder storage yards. Due to inclement weather, manufacturer delays, shipping delays, and equipment failure, the measurement campaign spanned twice as long compared to the original timeline. Gamma-ray spectra from M400 and HPGe detectors, along with the cylinder data and photographs were organized and shared with the collaborators for further analysis. Spectra were analyzed by the participating laboratories. FY22 PWP also consists of tasks related to plutonium source measurements, adapting the codes to analyze plutonium spectra, and inter-comparison of the results from various codes. Plutonium spectra are being acquired at LANL, ORNL, and LLNL. LANL, SNL and LLNL are in the process of modifying FRAM, GADRAS, and CZTU, respectively. The plutonium related tasks will be completed in Q2 of FY23.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

ARMing the Edge: Demonstration of Edge Computing Field Campaign Report

Edge computing enables “next-to-instrument” control and intelligent data volume reduction and the potential for autonomous, adaptive measurement strategies such as for automated control of scan strategies for Doppler lidar (DL). Instruments with narrow bandwidth connections (e.g., ship and remote sites) can do scene determination and save phenomenon-appropriate data. For example, Doppler spectrum can be saved when clouds are detected by the instrument or automatic moment detection can take place in camera images and only preserve spectrum when non-monomodal spectra are detected. Automated control at the edge involves changing the sampling (temporal or scanning strategy) of an instrument to suit the phenomena both present and being studied (Jackson et al. 2020). Both data processing and instrument control introduces the possibility of a software-defined instrument.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Kent Island Boundary Layer Field Campaign Report

Understanding the mechanisms governing the urban atmospheric environment is critical for informing urban populations about the impacts of climate change and associated mitigation and adaptation measures. The U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility’s Coast-Urban-Rural Atmospheric Gradient Experiment (CoURAGE) was conducted to study the interactions among the earth’s surface, the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), aerosols, atmospheric composition, clouds, radiation, and precipitation at each experimental site, and to examine how the spatial gradients across the region interact to create the climate conditions in Baltimore. In this activity we performed weekly soundings, alternating between day and night from Kent Island, to get low-frequency, long-term observations of ABL/lower tropospheric thermodynamic structure. However, during the CoURAGE intensive operational period (IOP), we performed high-frequency sampling (2x/day), at times coinciding with CoURAGE IOP soundings at the main site. The short-term, high-frequency sounding information that was launched at 12Z and 18Z was to complement the longer-term data set.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Responses of blind fish to gravitational changes as achieved in parabolic flight

Blind fish, during parabolic flight, display a measurable and consistent behavior. The most spectacular new behavioral response is the forward looping of blind fish in or near weightlessness. This response shows no measurable adaptation during the entire period of weightlessness of about 30 sec. During the entrance and exit of weightless parabolas (pushover and pullout) respectively, the fish assumes a forward tilted diving position. Parabolic flight with negative g in the range between 0g and -1g causes similar diving responses of the fish with the only difference being that the dive is directed toward the top of the fish tank. When the response to a g value less than 1g is compared to the response to increased g load on the ground (escape of darting response) an essential difference is seen: higher horizontal acceleration or jerk on the ground causes fish to swim, or even dart, against the direction of inertial force; fish during weightless parabolas move into the direction of the inertial or gravitational force. Since the vestibular system of fish is homologous to that of man, the observed behavior of fish in weightless flight could help to better understand human performance and sensations in comparable situations.

Vonbaumgarten, R. J.↗

Shock Mounting for Heavy Machines

Elastomeric bearings eliminate extraneous forces. Rocket thrust transmitted from motor to load cells via support that absorbs extraneous forces so they do not affect accuracy of thrust measurements. Adapter spoked cone fits over forward end of rocket motor. Shock mounting developed for rocket engines under test used as support for heavy machines, bridges, or towers.

Thompson, A. R.↗

Stability/Instability Analysis of Rotating Machinery

Numerical index of stability calculated for nonlinear system. Technique for determining rotor stability or instability from analysis of measurements adapted for use with computer simulations of rotor motion. Involves calculation of log decrement or increment of vibration amplitude. Applicable to rotors mounted in loose bearings and to similar problems in which load-versus-deflection characteristics nonlinear. Developed for assessments of vibrational characteristics of turbopump rotors, technique also usable with such mechanisms as high-speed ball bearings.

Powers, Richard W.↗

Numerical simulation of aerothermal loads in hypersonic engine inlets due to shock impingement

The effect of shock impingement on an axial corner simulating the inlet of a hypersonic vehicle engine is modeled using a finite-difference procedure. A three-dimensional dynamic grid adaptation procedure is utilized to move the grids to regions with strong flow gradients. The adaptation procedure uses a grid relocation stencil that is valid at both the interior and boundary points of the finite-difference grid. A linear combination of spatial derivatives of specific flow variables, calculated with finite-element interpolation functions, are used as adaptation measures. This computational procedure is used to study laminar and turbulent Mach 6 flows in the axial corner. The description of flow physics and qualitative measures of heat transfer distributions on cowl and strut surfaces obtained from the analysis are compared with experimental observations. Conclusions are drawn regarding the capability of the numerical scheme for enhanced modeling of high-speed compressible flows.

Ramakrishnan, R.↗

Human Interfaces In Teleoperations And Virtual Environments

Conference report contains compilation of papers relating to interactions between humans and machines from perspectives of telepresence and sensorimotor adaptation, measurement and evaluation of performance, and design principles and predictive models. Topics discussed include neural networks, sensory technology, display, and feedback controls. Covers state of art of remote sensing and control by humans for space or other operations.

Durlach, Nathaniel I.↗

The Efficacy of Psychophysiological Measures for Implementing Adaptive Technology

Adaptive automation refers to technology that can change its mode of operation dynamically. Further, both the technology and the operator can initiate changes in the level or mode of automation. The present paper reviews research on adaptive technology. It is divided into three primary sections. In the first section, issues surrounding the development and implementation of adaptive automation are presented. Because physiological-based measures show much promise for implementing adaptive automation, the second section is devoted to examining candidate indices. In the final section, those techniques that show the greatest promise for adaptive automation as well as issues that still need to be resolved are discussed.

Scerbo, Mark W.↗

Climate Change Potential Impacts on the Built Environment and Possible Adaptation Strategies

The built environment consists of components that exist at a range of scales from small (e.g., houses, shopping malls) to large (e.g., transportation networks) to highly modified landscapes such as cities. Thus, the impacts of climate change on the built environment may have a multitude of effects on humans and the land. The impact of climate change may be exacerbated by the interaction of different events that singly may be minor, but together may have a synergistic set of impacts that are significant. Also, mechanisms may exist wherein the built environment, particularly in the form of cities, may affect weather and the climate on local and regional scales. Hence, a city may be able to cope with prolonged heat waves, but if this is combined with severe drought, the overall result could be significant or even catastrophic, as accelerating demand for energy to cooling taxes water supplies needed both for energy supply and municipal water needs. This presentation surveys potential climate change impacts on the built environment from the perspective of the National Climate Assessment, and explores adaptation measures that can be employed to mitigate these impacts.

Quattrochi, Dale A.↗

Impact of Climate Change on Heat-Related Mortality in Jiangsu Province, China

A warming climate is anticipated to increase the future heat-related total mortality in urban areas. However, little evidence has been reported for cause-specific mortality or nonurban areas. Here we assessed the impact of climate change on heat-related total and cause-specific mortality in both urban and rural counties of Jiangsu Province, China, in the next five decades. To address the potential uncertainty in projecting future heat-related mortality, we applied localized urban- and nonurban-specific exposure response functions, six population projections including a no population change scenario and five Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), and 42 temperature projections from 21 global-scale general circulation models and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). Results showed that projected warmer temperatures in 2016-2040 and 2041-2065 will lead to higher heat-related mortality for total non-accidental, cardiovascular, respiratory, stroke, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes occurring annually during May to September in Jiangsu Province, China. Nonurban residents in Jiangsu will suffer from more excess heat-related cause-specific mortality in 2016-2065 than urban residents. Variations across climate models and RCPs dominated the uncertainty of heat-related mortality estimation whereas population size change only had limited influence. Our findings suggest that targeted climate change mitigation and adaptation measures should be taken in both urban and nonurban areas of Jiangsu Province. Specific public health interventions should be focused on the leading causes of death (stroke, IHD, and COPD), whose health burden will be amplified by a warming climate.

projection↗

Potential impacts of projected warming scenarios on winter wheat in the UK

The goals of this study are to analyse the impacts of 1.5 and 2.0°C scenarios on UK winter wheat using a combination of Global Climate Models (GCMs), crop models, planting dates and cultivars; to evaluate the impact of increased air temperature on winter wheat phenology and potential yield; to quantify the underlying uncertainties due to the multiple sources of variability introduced by climate scenarios, crop models and agronomic management. The data used to calibrate and evaluate three crop models were obtained from a field experiment with two irrigation amounts and two wheat cultivars that have different phenology and growth habit. After calibration, the model was applied to fifty locations across the wheat-growing area of the UK to cover all the main growing regions, with most points located in the main growing areas. Four GCMs, with two cultivars and five planting dates, were simulated at the end of the century. Results of this study showed that the UK potential wheat yield will increase by 2–8% under projected climate. Farmers will need to close such a gap in the future because it will have implications in terms of food security. Future climatic conditions might increase such a gap. Adaptation measures (e.g. moving the optimal planting time), along with climate-ready varieties bred for future conditions and with precision agriculture techniques can help to reduce this gap and ensure that the future actual UK wheat production will be close to the potential.

Climate change↗

Trends in Europe Storm Surge Extremes Match the Rate of Sea-level Rise

Coastal communities across the world are already feeling the disastrous impacts of climate change through variations in extreme sea levels1. These variations reflect the combined effect of sea-level rise and changes in storm surge activity. Understanding the relative importance of these two factors in altering the likelihood of extreme events is crucial to the success of coastal adaptation measures. Existing analyses of tide gauge records agree that sea-level rise has been a considerable driver of trends in sea-level extremes since at least 1960. However, the contribution from changes in storminess remains unclear, owing to the difficulty of inferring this contribution from sparse data and the consequent inconclusive results that have accumulated in the literature. Here we analyse tide gauge observations using spatial Bayesian methods to show that, contrary to current thought, trends in surge extremes and sea-level rise both made comparable contributions to the overall change in extreme sea levels in Europe since 1960 . We determine that the trend pattern of surge extremes reflects the contributions from a dominant north–south dipole associated with internal climate variability and a single-sign positive pattern related to anthropogenic forcing. Our results demonstrate that both external and internal influences can considerably affect the likelihood of surge extremes over periods as long as 60 years, suggesting that the current coastal planning practice of assuming stationary surge extremes might be inadequate.

Francisco M Calafat↗

Global Food Insecurity and Famine From Reduced Crop, Marine Fishery and Livestock Production Due to Climate Disruption From Nuclear War Soot Injection

Atmospheric soot loadings from nuclear weapon detonation would cause disruptions to the Earth’s climate, limiting terrestrial and aquatic food production. Here, we use climate, crop and fishery models to estimate the impacts arising from six scenarios of stratospheric soot injection, predicting the total food calories available in each nation post-war after stored food is consumed. In quantifying impacts away from target areas, we demonstrate that soot injections larger than 5 Tg would lead to mass food shortages, and livestock and aquatic food production would be unable to compensate for reduced crop output, in almost all countries. Adaptation measures such as food waste reduction would have limited impact on increasing available calories. We estimate more than 2 billion people could die from nuclear war between India and Pakistan, and more than 5 billion could die from a war between the United States and Russia—underlining the importance of global cooperation in preventing nuclear war.

Atmospheric soot↗