Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “periodic structures”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3

Buckling of imperfect periodic lattice structures

A simplified buckling analysis is presented for a family of periodic lattice structures such as those proposed for large space structures. A transcendental 6 x 6 matrix of eigenvalues is shown to be sufficient for modeling buckling behavior because member stiffnesses are based on an exact solution of the beam-column equation. Exact stiffnesses are derived for a curved member, thus allowing modeling of imperfect lattice structures. Comparisons of predictions of the lattice model with those available from shell and beam theory underscore the inaccuracies introduced by treating the lattice structure as a continuum. Sample calculations are provided for an isogrid cylinder and a three element double-laced truss.

Anderson, M. S.↗

Periodic chiral structures

The electromagnetic properties of a structure that is both chiral and periodic are investigated using coupled-mode equations. The periodicity is described by a sinusoidal perturbation of the permittivity, permeability, and chiral admittance. The coupled-mode equations are derived from physical considerations and used to examine bandgap structure and reflected and transmitted fields. Chirality is observed predominantly in transmission, whereas periodicity is present in both reflection and transmission.

Jaggard, Dwight L.↗

Coherent high-power RF wakefield generation by electron bunch trains in a metamaterial structure

In this paper, we present an experimental study of coherent high-power wakefield generation in a metamaterial (MTM) structure at 11.7 GHz by 65 MeV electron bunch trains at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA), following a previous experiment, the Stage-I experiment, at the AWA. Both the Stage-II experiment, reported in this paper, and the Stage-I experiment were conducted using MTM structures, which are all-metal periodic structures with the period being much smaller than the wavelength. Differences between the two experiments include (1) structure length (Stage-I 8 cm and Stage-II 20 cm); (2) number of bunches used to excite the structure (Stage-I with two bunches, up to 85 nC of total charge; Stage-II with eight bunches, up to 224 nC of total charge); and (3) highest peak power measured (Stage-I 80 MW in a 2 ns pulse and Stage-II 380 MW in a 10 ns pulse). High-power radio frequency pulses were generated by reversed Cherenkov radiation of the electron beam due to the negative group velocity in the MTM structures. Because the radiation is coherent, a train of bunches with a proper spacing can build up to achieve a high peak power. The observed output power levels are very promising for future applications in direct collinear wakefield acceleration or in transfer to a second accelerator for two-beam acceleration.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nuclear–electronic orbital approach to quantization of protons in periodic electronic structure calculations

The nuclear–electronic orbital (NEO) method is a well-established approach for treating nuclei quantum mechanically in molecular systems beyond the usual Born–Oppenheimer approximation. In this work, we present a strategy to implement the NEO method for periodic electronic structure calculations, particularly focused on multicomponent density functional theory (DFT). The NEO-DFT method is implemented in an all-electron electronic structure code, FHI-aims, using a combination of analytical and numerical integration techniques as well as a resolution of the identity scheme to enhance computational efficiency. After validating this implementation, proof-of-concept applications are presented to illustrate the effects of quantized protons on the physical properties of extended systems, such as two-dimensional materials and liquid–semiconductor interfaces. Specifically, periodic NEO-DFT calculations are performed for a trans-polyacetylene chain, a hydrogen boride sheet, and a titanium oxide–water interface. The zero-point energy effects of the protons as well as electron–proton correlation are shown to noticeably impact the density of states and band structures for these systems. These developments provide a foundation for the application of multicomponent DFT to a wide range of other extended condensed matter systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Periodic Cellular Structure Technology for Shape Memory Alloys

Shape memory alloys are being considered for a wide variety of adaptive components for engine and airframe applications because they can undergo large amounts of strain and then revert to their original shape upon heating or unloading. Transition45 Technologies, Inc., has developed an innovative periodic cellular structure (PCS) technology for shape memory alloys that enables fabrication of complex bulk configurations, such as lattice block structures. These innovative structures are manufactured using an advanced reactive metal casting technology that offers a relatively low cost and established approach for constructing near-net shape aerospace components. Transition45 is continuing to characterize these structures to determine how best to design a PCS to better exploit the use of shape memory alloys in aerospace applications.

Chen, Edward Y.↗

Marshall Islands Dose Assessment and Radioecology Program: Report on the (i) 2018 Visual Study of Exterior Concrete of the Cactus Crater Containment Structure (ii) Periodic Monitoring of Groundwater on Runit Island and (iii) Initial Health Risk Assessment from Contaminants in the Cactus Crater Containment Structure

In 2012, Congress passed P.L. 112-149, Insular Areas Act of 2011, which amended the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 by assigning Cactus Crater containment monitoring and reporting requirements to the Secretary of Energy (Secretary). Effective January 1, 2012, the Secretary was required to “periodically (but not less frequently than every 4 years) conduct -- (I) a visual study of the concrete exterior of the Cactus Crater Containment Structure on Runit Island; and (II) a radiochemical analysis of the groundwater surrounding and in the Cactus Crater Containment Structure on Runit Island.” 48 U.S.C. 1921b(f)(1)(B)(i). The Secretary was also directed to submit to Congress a report describing the results of each visual survey and the radiochemical analysis and “a determination on whether the surveys and analyses indicate any significant change in the health risks to the people of Enewetak from the contaminants within the Cactus Crater Containment Structure.” 48 U.S.C. 1921b(f)(1)(B)(ii)(II).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Turbulence control on airborne laser platform

An avctive flow control device to generate large-scale, periodic structures in a turbulent shear flow is developed. Together with adaptive optics, the device may be used on airborne laser platforms to reduce or eliminate optical distortion caused by the turbulence in the aircraft's boundary layer. A flat plate towed in a water channel is used as a test bed. A cyclic jet issuing from a spanwise slot is used to collect the turbulent boundary layer for a finite time during its 'on' period. When the jet is turned 'off', all of the turbulent fluid is released instantaneously in one large eddy that convects downstream. Flow visualization and hot-film probe measurements are used together with pattern recognition algorithms to demonstrate the viability of the flow control method. The instantaneous velocity signal is used to compute important statistical quantities of the random velocity field, such as the mean, the root-mean-square, the spectral distribution, and the probability density function. When optimized for a given boundary layer, the cyclic jet produces periodic structures that are qualitatively similar to the random, naturally occurring ones. These structures seem to trigger the onset of bursting events near the wall. Thus, the present device generates periodic structures in both the outer and inner regions of a turbulent boundary layer.

Gad-El-hak, Mohamed↗

Self-organization of nanoparticles and molecules in periodic Liesegang-type structures

Chemical organization in reaction-diffusion systems offers a strategy for the generation of materials with ordered morphologies and structural hierarchy. Periodic structures are formed by either molecules or nanoparticles. On the premise of new directing factors and materials, an emerging frontier is the design of systems in which the precipitation partners are nanoparticles and molecules. We show that solvent evaporation from a suspension of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and L -(+)-tartaric acid [ L -(+)-TA] causes phase separation and precipitation, which, being coupled with a reaction/diffusion, results in rhythmic alternation of CNC-rich and L -(+)-TA–rich rings. The CNC-rich regions have a cholesteric structure, while the L -(+)-TA–rich bands are formed by radially aligned elongated bundles. The moving edge of the pattern propagates with a finite constant velocity, which enables control of periodicity by varying film preparation conditions. This work expands knowledge about self-organizing reaction-diffusion systems and offers a strategy for the design of self-organizing materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Turbulence control on an airborne laser platform

An active flow control device to generate large-scale, periodic structures in a turbulent shear flow is developed. Together with adaptive optics, the device may be used on airborne laser platforms to reduce or eliminate optical distortion caused by the turbulence in the aircraft's boundary layer. A cyclic jet issuing from a spanwise slot is used to collect the turbulent boundary layer for a finite time and then release all of the flow instantaneously in one large eddy that convects downstream. Flow visualization and hot-film probe measurements are used together with pattern recognition algorithms to demonstrate the viability of the flow control method. A flat plate towed in a water channel is used as a test bed. The instantaneous velocity signal is used to compute important statistical quantities of the random velocity field, such as the mean, the root-mean-square, the spectral distribution, and the probability density function. When optimized for a given boundary layer, it is shown that the cyclic jet will produce periodic structures that are similar to the random, naturally occurring ones. These structures seem to trigger the onset of bursting events near the wall of the plate. Thus, the present device generates periodic structures in both the outer and inner regions of a turbulent boundary layer.

Gad-El-hak, Mohamed↗

Braiding Majorana fermions and creating quantum logic gates with vortices on a periodic pinning structure

We show how vortices that support Majorana fermions when placed on a periodic pinning array can be used for vortex exchange and independent braiding by performing a series of specific moves with a probe tip. Using these braiding operations, we demonstrate realizations of a Hadamard and a CNOT gate. We specifically consider the first matching field at which there is one vortex per pinning site, and we show that there are two basic dynamic operations, move and exchange, from which basic braiding operations can be constructed in order to create specific logic gates. The periodic pinning array permits both control of the world lines of the vortices and freedom for vortex manipulation using a set of specific moves of the probe during which the probe tip strength and height remain unchanged. We measure the robustness of the different moves against thermal effects and show that the three different operations produce distinct force signatures on the moving tip.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

NeuDiff Agent: a governed AI workflow for single-crystal neutron crystallography

Large-scale facilities increasingly face analysis and reporting latency as a limiting step in scientific throughput, particularly for structural studies that require iterative reduction, integration, refinement and validation. To improve the time to result and analysis efficiency, NeuDiff Agent is introduced as a governed, tool-using AI workflow for TOPAZ at the Spallation Neutron Source. NeuDiff Agent takes instrument data through reduction, integration, refinement and validation to a validated crystal structure and a publication-ready CIF. NeuDiff Agent coordinates established crystallographic tools under explicit governance by restricting actions to allowlisted tools, enforcing fail-closed verification gates at key workflow boundaries, and capturing complete provenance for inspection, auditing and controlled replay. The present benchmark is limited to structural crystallography for periodic structures; magnetic structure analysis and incommensurate or superspace refinement are outside the scope of the current workflow. Performance is assessed using a fixed prompt protocol and repeated end-to-end runs with two large language model backends, with user and machine time partitioned and intervention burden and recovery behaviors quantified under gating. In a reference-case benchmark, NeuDiff Agent reduces wall time from 435 min (manual) to 86.5 ± 4.7 to 94.4 ± 3.5 min (4.6–5.0× faster) while producing a validated CIF with no checkCIF level A or B alerts. These results establish a practical route to deploy agentic AI in facility crystallography while preserving traceability and publication-facing validation requirements.

Xiao, Zhongcan [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000220761961)↗

Bragg interactions in periodic media

The interaction of electromagnetic waves of wavelength lambda with periodic structures of spatial period lambda are studied. The emphasis of the work is on Bragg interactions where lambda approximately equal to 2 lambda/N and the Bragg order N takes on the values 1, 2,.... An extended coupled waves (ECW) theory is developed for the case N greater or equal to 2 and the results of the theory are found to compare favorably with the exact results of Floquet theory. Numerous numerical results are displayed as Brillouin diagrams for the first few Bragg orders. Moreover, explicit expressions for coupling coefficients, bandgap shifts and bandgap widths are derived for singly periodic media. Particular note is taken of phase speeding effects.

Jaggard, D. L.↗

Barrier infrared detector

A superlattice-based infrared absorber and the matching electron-blocking and hole-blocking unipolar barriers, absorbers and barriers with graded band gaps, high-performance infrared detectors, and methods of manufacturing such devices are provided herein. The infrared absorber material is made from a superlattice (periodic structure) where each period consists of two or more layers of InAs, InSb, InSbAs, or InGaAs. The layer widths and alloy compositions are chosen to yield the desired energy band gap, absorption strength, and strain balance for the particular application. Furthermore, the periodicity of the superlattice can be "chirped" (varied) to create a material with a graded or varying energy band gap. The superlattice based barrier infrared detectors described and demonstrated herein have spectral ranges covering the entire 3-5 micron atmospheric transmission window, excellent dark current characteristics operating at least 150K, high yield, and have the potential for high-operability, high-uniformity focal plane arrays.

Ting, David Z.↗

In-Situ Observation of the Formation of Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures with Extreme Spatial and Temporal Resolution

Irradiation of solid surfaces with intense ultrashort laser pulses represents a unique way of depositing energy into materials. It allows to realize states of extreme electronic excitation and/or very high temperature and pressure and to drive materials close to and beyond fundamental stability limits. As a consequence, structural changes and phase transitions often occur along unusual pathways and under strongly nonequilibrium conditions. Furthermore, due to the inherent multiscale nature—both temporally and spatially—of these irreversible processes, their direct experimental observation requires techniques that combine high temporal resolution with the appropriate spatial resolution and the capability to obtain good quality data on a single pulse/event basis. In this respect, fourth-generation light sources, namely, short wavelength and short pulse free electron lasers (FELs), are offering new and fascinating possibilities. As an example, this chapter will discuss the results of scattering experiments carried out at the FLASH free electron laser at DESY (Hamburg, Germany), which allowed us to resolve laser-induced structure formation at surfaces on the nanometer to submicron length scale and in temporal regimes ranging from picoseconds to several nanoseconds with sub-picosecond resolution.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Further joint X-ray, infrared and radio observations of Cygnus X-3

Observations of Cygnus X-3 were carried out at 2.5 - 7.5 keV, 2.2 micron, 8.1 GHz and 2.7 GHz over a two week period. The X-ray data show the periodic structure which is typical of Cyg X-3. At times the X-ray and infrared measurements show very similar periodic structure, both in phase and shape, while at other times the infrared data show no periodic variability. The radio fluxes were usually low during the period of observation; both the daily average radio flux levels and spectral index remained nearly constant.

Mason, K. O.↗

Further joint X-ray, infrared, and radio observations of Cygnus X-3

Observations of Cygnus X-3 have been carried out at 2.5-7.5 keV, 2.2 micrometers, 8.1 GHz, and 2.7 GHz over a two week period. The X-ray data show the periodic structure which is typical of Cyg X-3. At times the X-ray and infrared measurements show very similar periodic structure, both in phase and in shape, while at other times the infrared data show no periodic variability. The radio fluxes were unusually low during the period of observation; both the daily average radio flux levels and the spectral index remained nearly constant.

Mason, K. O.↗

Periodic Solar Wind Structures Observed in Measurements of Elemental and Ionic Composition in situ at L1

Mesoscale periodic structures observed in solar wind plasma serve as an important diagnostic tool for constraining the processes that govern the formation of the solar wind. These structures have been observed in situ and in remote data as fluctuations in proton and electron density. However, only two events of this type have been reported regarding the elemental and ionic composition. Composition measurements are especially important in gaining an understanding of the origin of the solar wind as the composition is frozen into the plasma at the Sun and does not evolve as it advects through the heliosphere. Here, we present the analysis of four events containing mesoscale periodic solar wind structure during which the Iron and Magnesium number density data, measured by the Solar Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer (SWICS)on board the Advanced Composition Explorer spacecraft, are validated at statistically significant count levels. We use a spectral analysis method specifically designed to extract periodic signals from astrophysical time series and apply it to the SWICS 12-minute native resolution dataset. We find variations in the relative abundance of elements with low first ionization potential, mass dependencies, and charge state during time intervals in which mesoscale periodic structures are observed. These variations are linked to temporal or spatial variations in solar source regions and put constraints on the solar wind formation mechanisms that produce them. Techniques presented here are relevant for future, higher-resolution studies of data from new instruments such as Solar Orbiter’s Heavy Ion Sensor.

Irena Gershkovich↗

Dynamics of rotationally periodic large space structure

The analysis of large area rotationally periodic space structures presented in the paper combines the finite element method, transfer matrix procedures, approximation methods, and periodic structure analysis to obtain computational efficiency. The computations used in the analysis indicate that additive damping mechanisms can be evaluated from the frequency response of the structure. The transient response can also be obtained from the frequency response to complete the dynamic analysis.

Mcdaniel, T. J.↗