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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 685 records · Page 38

Temperature distribution of a hot water storage tank in a simulated solar heating and cooling system

A 2,300-liter hot water storage tank was studied under conditions simulating a solar heating and cooling system. The initial condition of the tank, ranging from 37 C at the bottom to 94 C at the top, represented a condition midway through the start-up period of the system. During the five-day test period, the water in the tank gradually rose in temperature but in a manner that diminished its temperature stratification. Stratification was found not to be an important factor in the operation of the particular solar system studied.

Namkoong, D.↗

Percolation technique for galaxy clustering

We study percolation in mass and galaxy distributions obtained in 3D simulations of the CDM, C + HDM, and the power law (n = -1) models in the Omega = 1 universe. Percolation statistics is used here as a quantitative measure of the degree to which a mass or galaxy distribution is of a filamentary or cellular type. The very fast code used calculates the statistics of clusters along with the direct detection of percolation. We found that the two parameters mu(infinity), characterizing the size of the largest cluster, and mu-squared, characterizing the weighted mean size of all clusters excluding the largest one, are extremely useful for evaluating the percolation threshold. An advantage of using these parameters is their low sensitivity to boundary effects. We show that both the CDM and the C + HDM models are extremely filamentary both in mass and galaxy distribution. The percolation thresholds for the mass distributions are determined.

Klypin, Anatoly↗

NASA Langley Distributed Propulsion VTOL Tilt-Wing Aircraft Testing, Modeling, Simulation, Control, and Flight Test Development

Control of complex Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft traversing from hovering to wing born flight mode and back poses notoriously difficult modeling, simulation, control, and flight-testing challenges. This paper provides an overview of the techniques and advances required to develop the GL-10 tilt-wing, tilt-tail, long endurance, VTOL aircraft control system. The GL-10 prototype's unusual and complex configuration requires application of state-of-the-art techniques and some significant advances in wind tunnel infrastructure automation, efficient Design Of Experiments (DOE) tunnel test techniques, modeling, multi-body equations of motion, multi-body actuator models, simulation, control algorithm design, and flight test avionics, testing, and analysis. The following compendium surveys key disciplines required to develop an effective control system for this challenging vehicle in this on-going effort.

Rothhaar, Paul M.↗

Mechanically activated and deactivated ion transport across nanopores with heterogeneous surface charge distributions

To mimic the intricate and adaptive functionalities of biological ion channels, electrohydrodynamic ion transport has been studied extensively, albeit mostly, across uniformly charged nanochannels. Here, we analyze the ion transport under coupled electric field and pressure across heterogeneously charged nanopores with oppositely charged sections on their lateral surface. We only consider such pores with symmetric hourglass-like and cylindrical shapes to focus on the effects of the non-uniform surface charge distribution. Finite-element simulations of a continuum model demonstrate that a pressure applied in either direction of the pore-axis equally suppresses or amplifies the ionic conductance, depending on the electric field polarity, by distorting the quasi-static distribution of ions in the pore. The resulting anomalous mechanical deactivation and activation of ionic current under opposite voltage biases exhibit the functional modularity of our setup, while their intensities are highly tunable, substantially greater than those of analogous behaviors in other nanochannels, and fundamentally correlated to ionic current rectification (ICR) in our pores. A detailed study of ICR subsequently reveals its counterintuitive non-monotonous variations, in the pores, with the magnitude of applied voltage and the pore length, that can help optimize their diode-like behavior. We further illustrate that while the hourglass-shaped nanopores yield the more efficient mechanical suppressors of ion transport, their cylindrical analogs are the superior rectifiers and mechanical amplifiers of ion conduction. Therefore, this article provides a blueprint for the strategic design of nanofluidic circuits to attain a robust, modular, and tunable control of ion transport under external electrical and mechanical stimuli.

Physics↗

A Decadal Hybrid GCM Simulation Using Deep‐Learning‐Based Cloud and Convection Parameterization Generalized to a Warm Climate

A critical challenge for machine‐learning (ML) parameterization in global climate models (GCMs) is to achieve stable, accurate simulations under climates not seen during training. Previous studies have demonstrated promising offline performance and year‐long online stability in aquaplanet simulations but have encountered difficulties in real geography and under climate warming. Here we report that a GCM with real geography configuration using neural‐network‐based cloud and convection parameterization, trained exclusively with present‐day climate data, successfully performs a stable, decade‐long simulation of a warm climate with +4 K sea surface temperature (SST). The neural network (NN) is based on Han et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022ms003508 ) with additional inputs. The simulation captures the global precipitation distribution, surface temperatures, vertical atmospheric structures, and extreme precipitation very well, closely matching simulations from both the superparameterized CAM (SPCAM) and the conventional CAM5 in the warm climate without accuracy degradation compared to those in the baseline climate. Moreover, it produces a climate response to +4 K SST in atmospheric thermodynamic states and circulations similar to those from SPCAM and CAM5. Prognostic ablation tests on NN input variables show that the NN without convective memory as input suffers from numerical instability, and the NN without considering radiative variables and land fraction as input, or with reduced training samples produce less accurate results. To our knowledge, this is the first time an ML parameterization successfully achieves online extrapolation to a warm climate without using additional warm‐climate data for training. It demonstrates the potential of ML‐driven parameterizations for credible long‐term climate projections.

Atmosphere model↗

Parallelism and pipelining in high-speed digital simulators

The attainment of high computing speed as measured by the computational throughput is seen as one of the most challenging requirements. It is noted that high speed is cardinal in several distinct classes of applications. These classes are then discussed; they comprise (1) the real-time simulation of dynamic systems , (2) distributed parameter systems, and (3) mixed lumped and distributed systems. From the 1950s on, the quest for high speed in digital simulators concentrated on overcoming the limitations imposed by the so-called von Neumann bottleneck. Two major architectural approaches have made ig possible to circumvent this bottleneck and attain high speeds. These are pipelining and parallelism. Supercomputers, peripheral array processors, and microcomputer networks are then discussed.

Karplus, W. J.↗

Nongeostrophic theory of zonally averaged circulation. II - Eliassen-Palm flux divergence and isentropic mixing coefficient

A diagnostic study of Eliassen-Palm flux divergence and isentropic mixing coefficient (Kyy) in the stratosphere is performed for different seasons and for both hemispheres, based on the nongeostrophic theory of zonally averaged circulation of Tung (1986). An easily implementable procedure is described which yields a Kyy field that is consistent with advective transport. It is shown that the resultant time- and space-varying structure of Kyy leads to improved simulation of stratospheric species whose distributions are affected by dynamical transport. In particular, it is shown that the simulation of nitric acid is more satisfactory than previous model calculations.

Yang, H.↗

Effects of location uncertainties on the observed distribution of gamma-ray bursts detected by BATSE

The Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on NASA's Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory has shown that the sources of gamma-ray bursts have an angular distribution consistent with isotropy, yet the bursts are spatially inhomogeneous. Detection of a statistically significant deviation from isotropy in the burst distribution would provide a clue to the distance of the burst sources. BATSE's ability to detect slight deviations of the angular distribution from isotropy is, in part, dependent on the accuracy of the computed burst locations. Using bursts whose locations have been determined accurately and independently, we estimate BATSE's location uncertainties and incorporate them into 3D Monte Carlo simulations of the burst distributions to show that, despite individual burst location uncertainties of about 5 deg, the ability of BATSE to place stringent limits on the anisotropy present in the angular distribution of the gamma-ray bursts is not significantly degraded. Observational effects of possible galactic halo distributions of the burst sources are noted.

Horack, J. M.↗

Modelling atmospheric turbulence for a motion-based simulator

The background information in establishing several proposed atmospheric turbulence models for use on motion based aircraft simulators was documented. A specific model was proposed which, in addition to varying turbulence intensity (rms velocity), varies the atmospheric turbulence scale length to achieve compatibility with real atmospheric turbulence. With a suitable combination of scale length and intensity distribution, the model will simulate various atmospheric conditions characterized by altitude, stability, and terrain. The model is mechanized to be included in a flight simulator experiment in order to determine to what extent the pilots are sensitive to changes in atmospheric conditions and the realism of the model. The following topics were covered: literature survey, presently used techniques, proposed model, and simulation details.

Jacobson, I. D.↗

Improvements to the Simulated CubeSpark Satellite Constellation and Their Effects on Lightning Geolocation Accuracy from Orbit

The CubeSpark mission concept is being developed as a constellation of up to six satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) for high resolution 3D lightning mapping using optical and radio frequency (RF) sensors. Individual lightning VHF signals are simulated from Earth’s atmosphere through the ionosphere to each satellite, using their arrival times to reconstruct source locations. Here we present recent updates to these simulations based on improved ionospheric modeling, with a focus on the expected three-dimensional resolution. These studies include testing from the equator up to high latitudes, with varying vertical total electron content (vTEC), and using between one and six orbiting stations. In addition to the more robust ionosphere model, the constellation formation has also been updated to reduce its resulting errors and increase the effective range of VHF geolocation from space. The goals of CubeSpark include mapping thundercloud charge structure as well as lightning channel lengths relevant to climatology, meteorology, and more. These applications require location uncertainty less than 1-2 km in each dimension. This improved algorithm shows sufficient resolution up to high latitudes, including significantly larger areas having 3D resolution less than 1 km. Analysis of the distributions of biases in simulated arrival times has also revealed the unexpected relationship between the shape of those distributions and the resulting uncertainties. This work helps to refine our understanding of the sources of error in lightning geolocation and reinforces the potential for post-processing improvements in this and other similar systems.

Lightning↗

Linking OH Variability to Observable Variables, Meteorology and Transport

The hydroxyl radical (OH) plays a vital role in tropospheric chemistry, as it provides the dominant sink for a multitude of pollutants and climate-relevant gases such as methane. Observational constraints on the global distribution and temporal variability of OH are limited, and models simulate a wide range of OH distributions. While OH itself has a short atmospheric lifetime, OH is photochemically coupled to longer-lived species that undergo atmospheric transport. Here, we investigate how much of the OH variability within and between models can be explained by differences in observable species to develop diagnostics for OH differences. We find that NO 2 and water vapor together explain much of the spatial and temporal variability in simulated OH, and we use satellite observations to identify biases in these variables. The OH response to ENSO also differs between models, and we investigate potential causes of these differences such as differences in convection or lightning NOx. We also explore the potential of idealized tracers to represent the OH distribution. Within a single model, meteorological variables such as humidity and idealized tracers of transport can explain a significant portion of the OH spatial variability. We use a Gradient Boosted Regression Trees, a type of machine learning, to account for non-linear relationships between OH and the input variables.

Meteorology↗

Quantum fluctuations in dense plasma simulations

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are a powerful tool for modeling warm and hot dense matter. Density functional theory (DFT) MD simulations are often preferred in dense plasmas in order to accurately model quantum electronic structure. However, DFT-MD simulations neglect interaction effects due to fluctuations in excited states. In this work, we present an MD approach that uses excited state method pseudoatoms to run dense plasma simulations with many different core-electron configurations at classical MD speeds. We also allow for transitions between different configurations in our simulations and find that these fluctuations are especially important for highly excited states. Our results suggest that finite configuration lifetimes that are comparable to the inverse ion plasma frequency need to be accounted for in order to accurately model ion distributions in dense plasma simulations. We also demonstrate that excited state fluctuations have a direct impact on ion plasma microfields, generate different plasma microfields for different excitation levels, and thereby induce absorption–emission line shape asymmetries even in steady-state plasmas.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Observationally constrained analysis on the distribution of fine- and coarse-mode nitrate in global models

Nitrate plays an important role in the Earth system and air quality. A key challenge in simulating the life cycle of nitrate aerosol in global models is to accurately represent mass size distribution of nitrate aerosol. In this study, we evaluate the performance of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2 (E3SMv2) and the Community Earth System Model version 2 (CESM2), along with Aerosol Comparisons between Observations and Models (AeroCom) phase III models, in simulating spatial distribution of fine-mode nitrate, the mass size distribution of fine- and coarse-mode nitrate, and the gas–aerosol partitioning between nitric acid gas and nitrate, using long-term ground-based observations and measurements from multiple aircraft campaigns. We find that most models underestimate the annual mean PM 2.5 (particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 µm) nitrate surface concentration averaged over all sites. The observed nitrate PM 2.5 / PM 10 and PM 1 / PM 4 ratios are influenced by the relative contribution of fine sulfate or organic particles and coarse dust or sea salt particles. Overall, the ground-based observations give an annual mean surface nitrate PM 2.5 / PM 10 ratio of 0.7. Most models underestimate the annual mean PM 2.5 / PM 10 ratio in all regions. There are large spreads in the modeled nitrate PM 1 / PM 4 ratios, which span the full range from 0 to 1. Most models underestimate the surface molar ratio of nitrate to total inorganic nitrate averaged across all sites. Our study indicates the importance of gas–aerosol partition parameterization and the simulation of dust and sea salt in correctly simulating the mass size distribution of nitrate.

Nitrate↗

Signatures of bulge triaxiality from kinematics in Baade's window

We study a sample of 62 Baade's Window, (l,b) = (1, -4)deg, K giants that have published proper motions, radial velocity, and metallicity. Using R(sub 0) = 8 kpc, we construct the velocity ellipsoids, namely the 3x3 velocity dispersion tensors, for the metal rich stars ((Fe/H) greater than or equal to 0) and metal poor stars ((Fe/H) less than or equal to -0.2). After diagonalizing the tensor, we find a vertex deviation characteristic of a nonaxisymmetric system. Eigenvalues for the two velocity ellipsoids (sigma(sub 1), sigma(sub 2), sigma(sub 3)) are (126, 89, 65) +/- 13 km/s for the metal rich sample and (154, 77, 83) +/- 25 km/s for the metal poor sample with their long axes pointing to two nearly perpendicular directions (l(sub v), b(sub v)) = (-65 +/- 9 deg, +14 +/- 9 deg) and (l(sub v), b(sub v)) = (25 +/- 14 deg, -11 +/- 14 deg), respectively. The vertex deviations of the velocity ellipsoids cannot be consistently explained by any oblate model. We are able to reject the hypothesis that the metal poor and metal rich populations are drawn from the same distribution at better than the 97% confidence level. We populate orbits in a realistic bar potential with a Gaussian velocity distribution, allowing us to simulate and interpret observations. We conclude that the data are consistent with a triaxial bulge pointing towards (l,b) with l less than 0 deg and b = 0 deg as suggested by earlier work on gas dynamics and the observed light distribution. We also predict that low latitude (absolute value of b less than or equal to 4 deg) bulge fields should show the vertex deviation more strongly and would therefore be the best locations for future proper motion studies. In the classification scheme of Athanassoula et al. (1983) the metal rich stars appear to occupy the B-family orbits which rotate in the prograde sense in the rest frame and have boxy shapes that are aligned with and supporting the bar. The metal poor stars in the sample lag behind the metal rich bulge and appear to occupy R-family orbits which rotate in the retrograde sense in the rest frame. They have nearly round loop shapes and are aligned perpendicularly to the bar, hence limit the triaxiality of the bar potential. The correlations between the metallicity and the orbit families can develop if the bulge forms dissipatively on a sufficiently long time scale. However, it is difficult to explain such correlations if most stars in the inner Galaxy form during the violent relaxation phase.

Zhao, Hongsheng↗

Integrated Mission Simulation (IMSim): Multiphase Initialization Design with Late Joiners, Rejoiners and Federation Save & Restore

This document describes the design of the Integrated Mission Simulation (IMSim) federate multiphase initialization process. The main goal of multiphase initialization is to allow for data interdependencies during the federate initialization process. IMSim uses the High Level Architecture (HLA) IEEE 1516 [1] to provide the communication and coordination between the distributed parts of the simulation. They are implemented using the Runtime Infrastructure (RTI) from Pitch Technologies AB. This document assumes a basic understanding of IEEE 1516 HLA, and C++ programming. In addition, there are several subtle points in working with IEEE 1516 and the Pitch RTI that need to be understood, which are covered in Appendix A. Please note the C++ code samples shown in this document are for the IEEE 1516-2000 standard.

Dexter, Daniel E.↗

Group-kinetic theory of turbulence

The two phases are governed by two coupled systems of Navier-Stokes equations. The couplings are nonlinear. These equations describe the microdynamical state of turbulence, and are transformed into a master equation. By scaling, a kinetic hierarchy is generated in the form of groups, representing the spectral evolution, the diffusivity and the relaxation. The loss of memory in formulating the relaxation yields the closure. The network of sub-distributions that participates in the relaxation is simulated by a self-consistent porous medium, so that the average effect on the diffusivity is to make it approach equilibrium. The kinetic equation of turbulence is derived. The method of moments reverts it to the continuum. The equation of spectral evolution is obtained and the transport properties are calculated. In inertia turbulence, the Kolmogoroff law for weak coupling and the spectrum for the strong coupling are found. As the fluid analog, the nonlinear Schrodinger equation has a driving force in the form of emission of solitons by velocity fluctuations, and is used to describe the microdynamical state of turbulence. In order for the emission together with the modulation to participate in the transport processes, the non-homogeneous Schrodinger equation is transformed into a homogeneous master equation. By group-scaling, the master equation is decomposed into a system of transport equations, replacing the Bogoliubov system of equations of many-particle distributions. It is in the relaxation that the memory is lost when the ensemble of higher-order distributions is simulated by an effective porous medium. The closure is thus found. The kinetic equation is derived and transformed into the equation of spectral flow.

Tchen, C. M.↗