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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 667 records · Page 37

The effect of oblateness and gravity darkening on the radiation driving in winds from rapidly rotating B stars

We calculate the radiative driving force for winds around rapidly rotating oblate B stars, and we estimate the impact these forces should have on the production of a wind compressed disk. The effects of limb darkening, gravity darkening, oblateness, and an arbitrary wind velocity field are included in the computation of vector 'oblate finite disk' (OFD) factors, which depend on both radius and colatitude in the wind. The impact of limb darkening alone, with or without rotation, can increase the mass loss by as much as 10% over values computed using the standard uniformly bright spherical finite disk factor. For rapidly rotating stars, limb darkening makes 'sub-stellar' gravity darkening the dominant effect in the radial and latitudinal OFD factors, and lessens the impact of gravity darkening at other visible latitudes (nearer to the oblate limb). Thus, the radial radiative driving is generally stronger over the poles and weaker over the equator, following the gravity darkening at these latitudes. The nonradial radiative driving is considerably smaller in magnitude than the radial component, but is directed both away from the equatorial plane and in a retrograde azimuthal direction, acting to decrease the effective stellar rotation velocity. These forces thus weaken the equatorward wind compression compared to wind models computed with nonrotating finite disk factors.

Cranmer, Steven R.↗

Evolution of Surface Chemistry in Two‐Dimensional MXenes: From Mixed to Tunable Uniform Terminations

Abstract Surface chemistry of MXenes is of great interest as the terminations can define the intrinsic properties of this family of materials. The diverse and tunable terminations also distinguish MXenes from many other 2D materials. Conventional fluoride‐containing reagents etching approaches resulted in MXenes with mixed fluoro‐, oxo‐, and hydroxyl surface groups. The relatively strong chemical bonding of MXenes’ surface metal atoms with oxygen and fluorine makes post‐synthetic covalent surface modifications of such MXenes unfavorable. In this minireview, we focus on the recent advances in MXenes with uniform surface terminations. Unconventional methods, including Lewis acidic molten salt etching (LAMS) and bottom‐up direct synthesis, have been proven successful in producing halide‐terminated MXenes. These synthetic strategies have opened new possibilities for MXenes because weaker surface chemical bonds in halide‐terminated MXenes facilitate post‐synthetic covalent surface modifications. Both computational and experimental results on surface termination‐dependent properties are summarized and discussed. Finally, we offer our perspective on the opportunities and challenges in this exciting research field.

Jiang, Mengni↗

Evolution of Surface Chemistry in Two‐Dimensional MXenes: From Mixed to Tunable Uniform Terminations

Abstract Surface chemistry of MXenes is of great interest as the terminations can define the intrinsic properties of this family of materials. The diverse and tunable terminations also distinguish MXenes from many other 2D materials. Conventional fluoride‐containing reagents etching approaches resulted in MXenes with mixed fluoro‐, oxo‐, and hydroxyl surface groups. The relatively strong chemical bonding of MXenes’ surface metal atoms with oxygen and fluorine makes post‐synthetic covalent surface modifications of such MXenes unfavorable. In this minireview, we focus on the recent advances in MXenes with uniform surface terminations. Unconventional methods, including Lewis acidic molten salt etching (LAMS) and bottom‐up direct synthesis, have been proven successful in producing halide‐terminated MXenes. These synthetic strategies have opened new possibilities for MXenes because weaker surface chemical bonds in halide‐terminated MXenes facilitate post‐synthetic covalent surface modifications. Both computational and experimental results on surface termination‐dependent properties are summarized and discussed. Finally, we offer our perspective on the opportunities and challenges in this exciting research field.

Jiang, Mengni↗

Group-Additivity–Embedded Multiscale Modeling for Electric Field-Enhanced Nanocatalysis

Elucidating structure-performance relationships remains a central challenge in field-enhanced catalysis, where nanoparticles exhibit nonuniform surface sites with site-dependent responses to electric fields. Low-coordination sites (edges, corners, and tips) are particularly electric field-sensitive (EF), leading to nonuniform charge distribution, adsorption energies, and catalytic activity. Here, using ammonia decomposition on a ruthenium cluster as a model system, we develop a transferable multiscale framework integrating density functional theory, group additivity (GA), Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi scaling, and microkinetic modeling to predict EF-dependent activity across nonuniform cluster sites. Across sites and fields, the nitrogen adsorption energy (E N ) emerges as the governing descriptor, yielding robust volcano relationships whose optimum shifts systematically with field: negative fields strengthen N binding via electron accumulation, while positive fields weaken N binding via charge depletion, moving the optimal E N toward weaker binding. Microkinetic analysis shows that N≡N bond formation remains the key kinetic bottleneck over most conditions; positive fields lower the effective barrier and, critically, increase the fraction of near-optimal active sites, leading to a net enhancement in overall activity relative to zero-field and negative-field cases. By capturing EF- and site-dependent energetics with high accuracy and low computational cost, this GA-embedded multi-scale simulation workflow provides a physically interpretable route to predict and design field-enhanced nanocatalysis.

ammonia decomposition↗

Light scalar meson and decay constant in SU(3) gauge theory with eight dynamical flavors

The SU(3) gauge theory with N f = 8 nearly massless Dirac fermions has long been of theoretical and phenomenological interest due to the near-conformality arising from its proximity to the conformal window. One particularly interesting feature is the emergence of a relatively light, stable flavor-singlet scalar meson σ ( J P C = 0 + + ) in contrast to the N f = 2 theory QCD. In this work, we study the finite-volume dependence of the σ meson correlation function computed in lattice gauge theory and determine the σ meson mass and decay constant extrapolated to the infinite-volume limit. We also determine the infinite-volume mass and decay constant of the flavor-nonsinglet scalar meson a 0 . Published by the American Physical Society 2024

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

An Optimization-Based Coupling of Reduced Order Models with an Efficient Reduced Adjoint Basis Generation Approach

Optimization-based coupling (OBC) is an attractive alternative to traditional Lagrange multiplier approaches in multiple modeling and simulation contexts. However, application of OBC to time-dependent problems has been hindered by the computational cost of finding the stationary points of the associated Lagrangian, which requires primal and adjoint solves. This issue can be mitigated by using OBC in conjunction with computationally efficient reduced order models (ROMs). To demonstrate the potential of this combination, in this paper, we develop an optimization-based ROM-ROM coupling for a transient advection-diffusion transmission problem. We pursue the “optimize-then-reduce” path toward solving the minimization problem at each time step and solve reduced space adjoint system of equations, where the main challenge in this formulation is the generation of adjoint snapshots and reduced bases for the adjoint systems required by the optimizer. One of the main contributions of the paper is a new technique for an efficient adjoint snapshot collection for gradient-based optimizers in the context of optimization-based ROM-ROM couplings. In conclusion, we present numerical studies demonstrating the accuracy of the approach along with comparison between various approaches for selecting a reduced order basis for the adjoint systems, including decay of snapshot energy, average iteration counts, and timings.

coupled problems↗

Status on Genetic Resistance to Rice Blast Disease in the Post-Genomic Era

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is a major threat to global rice production, necessitating the development of resistant cultivars through genetic improvement. Breakthroughs in rice genomics, including the complete genome sequencing of japonica and indica subspecies and the availability of various sequence-based molecular markers, have greatly advanced the genetic analysis of blast resistance. To date, approximately 122 blast-resistance genes have been identified, with 39 of these genes cloned and molecularly characterized. The application of these findings in marker-assisted selection (MAS) has significantly improved rice breeding, allowing for the efficient integration of multiple resistance genes into elite cultivars, enhancing both the durability and spectrum of resistance. Pangenomic studies, along with AI-driven tools like AlphaFold2, RoseTTAFold, and AlphaFold3, have further accelerated the identification and functional characterization of resistance genes, expediting the breeding process. Future rice blast disease management will depend on leveraging these advanced genomic and computational technologies. Emphasis should be placed on enhancing computational tools for the large-scale screening of resistance genes and utilizing gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 for functional validation and targeted resistance enhancement and deployment. These approaches will be crucial for advancing rice blast resistance, ensuring food security, and promoting agricultural sustainability.

Pedrozo, Rodrigo↗

Effect of Cathode Cooling in Three-Dimensional Simulations of an Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge

The Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge (APGD) is a relatively simple and versatile plasma source used in a wide range of applications. Active cooling of the cathode can effectively mitigate instabilities, leading to glow-to-arc transitions. This study investigates the effect of varying the degree of cathode cooling in APGD with a planar cathode in helium. The plasma flow model incorporates mass conservation, chemical species transport, momentum conservation, conservation of thermal energy of heavy species and of electrons, and electrostatics. The model is applied to time-dependent simulations through a three-dimensional computational domain describing the whole discharge, without geometric symmetry or steady-state assumptions. Simulations of an experimentally characterized APGD explore the effects of electric current and cathode cooling—ranging from thermally insulated to extreme convective cooling. Results show the formation of an annular region with high electric field over the cathode surface under conditions of high current and low cooling.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Direct numerical solution of three-dimensional equations containing elliptic operators.

A direct three-dimensional elliptic solver is presented for application in a wide class of numerical methods for solving partial differential equations in physics and engineering. The derived algorithm and FORTRAN code implement Buzbee, Golub and Nielson's proposed extension of Buneman's Cyclic-Reduction Poisson solver to three dimensions. Both a 'most direct' cyclic reduction and a revised method (to eliminate roundoff error difficulties) are derived. Tests on an IBM 360/67 computer, using various optional combinations of subroutines, showed significant differences in accuracy and computing time, with the optimum subroutine combination depending on mesh size.

Martin, E. D.↗

Can oscillations grow in a sunspot umbra.

Umbral flashes and running penumbral waves have been attributed by Moore (1972) to overstable oscillations in the umbra. His numerical results were derived by inserting physical conditions at two particular depths beneath the umbral surface. Seven variables must be specified at each point. We have extended Moore's analysis to examine the depth-dependence of overstable oscillations in a recently computed umbral model. Electrical conductivity is evaluated taking full account of partial ionization and magnetic fields. In the surface layers, within 250 km of the top of the umbral convection zone, the conductivity is so low that Joule dissipation is more rapid than the growth rate of oscillations. In these layers, Moore's results are therefore not applicable. At greater depths, oscillations can grow and we agree with Moore that both umbral flashes and penumbral waves may be due to overstable oscillations. However, we suggest that both phenomena can arise at the same depth in the spot, and not in two layers, as Moore suggests.

Mullan, D. J.↗

Technology forecasting for space communication. Task one report: Cost and weight tradeoff studies for EOS and TDRS

Weight and cost optimized EOS communication links are determined for 2.25, 7.25, 14.5, 21, and 60 GHz systems and for a 10.6 micron homodyne detection laser system. EOS to ground links are examined for 556, 834, and 1112 km EOS orbits, with ground terminals at the Network Test and Tracking Facility and at Goldstone. Optimized 21 GHz and 10.6 micron links are also examined. For the EOS to Tracking and Data Relay Satellite to ground link, signal-to-noise ratios of the uplink and downlink are also optimized for minimum overall cost or spaceborne weight. Finally, the optimized 21 GHz EOS to ground link is determined for various precipitation rates. All system performance parameters and mission dependent constraints are presented, as are the system cost and weight functional dependencies. The features and capabilities of the computer program to perform the foregoing analyses are described.

Source record↗

A Determination of the Optimum Time of Year for Remotely Classifying Marsh Vegetation from LANDSAT Multispectral Scanner Data

The author has identified the following significant results. A technique was used to determine the optimum time for classifying marsh vegetation from computer-processed LANDSAT MSS data. The technique depended on the analysis of data derived from supervised pattern recognition by maximum likelihood theory. A dispersion index, created by the ratio of separability among the class spectral means to variability within the classes, defined the optimum classification time. Data compared from seven LANDSAT passes acquired over the same area of Louisiana marsh indicated that June and September were optimum marsh mapping times to collectively classify Baccharis halimifolia, Spartina patens, Spartina alterniflora, Juncus roemericanus, and Distichlis spicata. The same technique was used to determine the optimum classification time for individual species. April appeared to be the best month to map Juncus roemericanus; May, Spartina alterniflora; June, Baccharis halimifolia; and September, Spartina patens and Distichlis spicata. This information is important, for instance, when a single species is recognized to indicate a particular environmental condition.

Butera, M. K.↗

Supercritical time-dependent accretion onto compact objects. I - Neutron stars

The time-dependent flow resulting from spherically symmetric, supercritical accretion onto a nonmagnetic neutron star is computed for accretion rates between 3 and 30. In addition, the fully time-dependent self-consistent set of coupled radiation-hydrodynamic equations governing such flow has been solved. Effects that have not previously been treated are taken into account, including separate energy equations for ions and electrons allowing for nonequilibrium, variable Eddington factors in the radiation transfer to account for anisotropy of the radiation field due to highly spherically extended envelopes, and convection of ions, electrons and photons in the accretion envelope. It is found that supercritical flow, for material falling from a radius of less than 10 to the 10th cm, is characterized by stable accretion with no evidence of stellar wind outflow at any phase of the evolution.

Klein, R. I.↗

Monte Carlo studies of ocean wind vector measurements by SCATT: Objective criteria and maximum likelihood estimates for removal of aliases, and effects of cell size on accuracy of vector winds

The scatterometer on the National Oceanic Satellite System (NOSS) is studied by means of Monte Carlo techniques so as to determine the effect of two additional antennas for alias (or ambiguity) removal by means of an objective criteria technique and a normalized maximum likelihood estimator. Cells nominally 10 km by 10 km, 10 km by 50 km, and 50 km by 50 km are simulated for winds of 4, 8, 12 and 24 m/s and incidence angles of 29, 39, 47, and 53.5 deg for 15 deg changes in direction. The normalized maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) is correct a large part of the time, but the objective criterion technique is recommended as a reserve, and more quickly computed, procedure. Both methods for alias removal depend on the differences in the present model function at upwind and downwind. For 10 km by 10 km cells, it is found that the MLE method introduces a correlation between wind speed errors and aspect angle (wind direction) errors that can be as high as 0.8 or 0.9 and that the wind direction errors are unacceptably large, compared to those obtained for the SASS for similar assumptions.

Pierson, W. J.↗

A natural conservative flux difference splitting for the hyperbolic systems of gasdynamics

Gasdynamic hyperbolic systems are treated by a novel conservative flux difference splitting upwind method which is applicable to explicit or implicit and iterative or direct schemes, for marching in time or space with the Euler or compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The method is able to capture sharp shocks correctly by maintaining global conservation. The embedded characteristics formulation is cast in the volumetric internal energy primitive variable, which is effective for real as well as perfect gases. Higher order upwind formulae are constructed from the distribution of pieces of the simple internal flux difference splitting, and the method reverts to first order at the appropriate points in order not to violate the domain of dependence by differencing across discontinuities. At insignificant computational overhead, switching is done by simple algebraic extensions of the truth functions that determine upwind direction for the first order scheme.

Lombard, C. K.↗

Automatic evaluation of interferograms

A system for the evaluation of interference patterns was developed. For digitizing and processing of the interferograms from classical and holographic interferometers a picture analysis system based upon a computer with a television digitizer was installed. Depending on the quality of the interferograms, four different picture enhancement operations may be used: Signal averaging; spatial smoothing, subtraction of the overlayed intensity function and the removal of distortion-patterns using a spatial filtering technique in the frequency spectrum of the interferograms. The extraction of fringe loci from the digitized interferograms is performed by a foating-threshold method. The fringes are numbered using a special scheme after the removal of any fringe disconnections which appeared if there was insufficient contrast in the holograms. The reconstruction of the object function from the fringe field uses least squares approximation with spline fit. Applications are given.

Becker, F.↗