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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 73 records · Page 4

Absolute Hugoniot measurements in low-density plastic foams on the NIKE shock compression platform

The propagation of Mbar-range shock waves in low-density foam materials is of interest to target design in all approaches to inertial confinement fusion, high energy density physics, and laboratory astrophysics. We report absolute Hugoniot measurements for CH 1.72 N 0.086 O 0.37 plastic foams with 73 and 94 mg/cm 3 densities in the 32–107 km/s shock velocity range. The experiments were performed on the shock compression platform developed on the NIKE KrF laser facility at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. NIKE's 4 or 8-ns long flat-top laser pulses drive steady shock waves into foam targets at the ablative pressures of 1–7 Mbar. The propagation of the ablation and shock fronts is tracked continuously in time using streaked side-on monochromatic x-ray imaging radiography. The straight x−t trajectories of the shock and ablation fronts in the recorded streak images confirmed their steadiness. The SESAME tabulated equation of state predictions generally agrees with our Hugoniot data within a 95% confidence band. The experimental uncertainty of the evaluated shock density compression ratios remains large, indicating the need for more experiments and improved theoretical understanding of the strong shock propagation mechanisms in dry foams.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Magnetic excitations from the hexagonal spin clusters in the 𝑆 = $\frac{1}{2}$ distorted honeycomb lattice antiferromagnet Cu 2 ⁢(pymca)⁢ 3 ⁢(ClO 4 )

Cu 2 ⁢(pymca) ⁢3 (ClO 4 ) (pymca: pyrimidine-2-carboxylate) consists of a slightly distorted honeycomb lattice of Cu 2+ spins, which shows no long-range magnetic order down to 0.6 K. A magnetization study revealed 1/3 and 2/3 plateau phases [A. Okutani et al., J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 88, 013703 (2019)], which is not expected for regular honeycomb antiferromagnets. Inelastic neutron scattering experiments were performed using a powder sample to investigate the exchange interactions of this material. The spin excitations from the singlet ground state to the first three triplet states, predicted from the antiferromagnetic hexagonal spin cluster interacting with 3.9 meV, were observed. Using the exact diagonalization methods, the intercluster coupling was estimated from the excitation peak width to be about 20% of the intracluster interaction, which is consistent with the previously reported value. Finally, our exchange path model explains the anisotropic exchange interactions in the distorted honeycomb plane.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

On the early thermal state of the moon

New theories for the formation of the moon from an accretion disk thrown into circumterrestrial orbit after the collision of a planet-sized object with the earth have led to a reexamination of the tectonic consequences of an initially molten moon. Even the smallest estimates of radial contraction that would accompany cooling of the moon from an initially molten state predict accumulated near-surface horizontal compressive stresses considerably in excess of the compressive strength of the upper lunar crust, estimated to be 0.5 to 1 kbar on the basis of topographic relief, the stress levels necessary to form mare ridges in mascon mare basins, and measurements of rock friction. Various mechanisms for relieving or modifying such large near-surface stresses are considered, including viscoelastic effects, widespread development of major fault systems, impact gardening, and opposing stresses arising from other global-scale processes. All of these mechanisms face substantial difficulties when tested against geological and mechanical information from the moon and other terrestrial planets. These considerations pose a serious problem for theories of lunar origin that call for an initially molten state.

Solomon, Sean C.↗

Climate Model Diagnostic Analyzer

The comprehensive and innovative evaluation of climate models with newly available global observations is critically needed for the improvement of climate model current-state representation and future-state predictability. A climate model diagnostic evaluation process requires physics-based multi-variable analyses that typically involve large-volume and heterogeneous datasets, making them both computation- and data-intensive. With an exploratory nature of climate data analyses and an explosive growth of datasets and service tools, scientists are struggling to keep track of their datasets, tools, and execution/study history, let alone sharing them with others. In response, we have developed a cloud-enabled, provenance-supported, web-service system called Climate Model Diagnostic Analyzer (CMDA). CMDA enables the physics-based, multivariable model performance evaluations and diagnoses through the comprehensive and synergistic use of multiple observational data, reanalysis data, and model outputs. At the same time, CMDA provides a crowd-sourcing space where scientists can organize their work efficiently and share their work with others. CMDA is empowered by many current state-of-the-art software packages in web service, provenance, and semantic search.

cloud computing↗

A Generation-Storage Coordination Dispatch Strategy for Power System Based on Causal Reinforcement Learning

In the backdrop of global energy transformation, power systems integrating high proportions of renewable energy sources are facing unprecedented challenges in operational stability and dispatch efficiency. To address these challenges, this study introduces a generation-storage coordination real-time dispatch strategy based on Causal Power System Dynamic Reinforcement Learning (CPSDRL). Diverging from traditional reinforcement learning approaches, CPSDRL innovatively incorporates causal inference within the state prediction model - the crux of model-based reinforcement learning - thereby establishing the Power Causal Dynamic Model (PCDM). Assisted by the prior knowledge of power systems, the model significantly enhances prediction accuracy and reliability through a two-stage training process. Utilizing PCDM, this study further applies a direct policy search algorithm to optimize the real-time dispatch strategy. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method improves the stability of generation-storage coordination real-time dispatch and exhibits competitive advantages in sample efficiency and computational speed, compared to traditional model-based and model-free reinforcement learning algorithms. This method is expected to enhance the practicality and adaptability of causal reinforcement learning techniques in power system scheduling and control.

causal reinforcement learning↗

Measurement, estimation, and prediction of software reliability

Quantitative indices of software reliability are defined, and application of three important indices is indicated: (1) reliability measurement, (2) reliability estimation, and (3) reliability prediction. State of the art techniques for each of these procedures are presented together with considerations of data acquisition. Failure classifications and other documentation for comprehensive software reliability evaluation are described.

Hecht, H.↗

A simplified model of high pressure spray combustion

A simplified model of high-pressure spray combustion is examined. The analysis relies on a kappa-epsilon-g turbulence model in conjunction with the locally homogeneous flow (LHF) approximation of two-phase flow, which implies infinitely fast transport rates between the phases. High-pressure phenomena near the thermodynamic critical point are treated using the Redlich-Kwong equation of state. Predictions are compared with existing measurements of spray boundaries in a pressure-atomized n-pentane spray (Sauter mean diameter, approximately 30 microns) burning in stagnant air at 3, 6, and 9 MPa. The LHF model overestimates the rate of development of the flow, yielding spray lengths roughly 20% shorter than measured. Calibrated drop-life-history calculations suggest that finite interphase transport rates are the primary cause of the discrepancy.

Mao, C.-P.↗

Detection of bedrock topography beneath a thin cover of alluvium using thermal remote sensing

Modeling of the annual heat flow within a thin alluvium veneer on a granitic bedrock substrate in desert environments, such as found in the southwestern United States, predicts that at certain times of the year the depth to bedrock has a measurable effect on the surface temperature if the alluvium cover is less than 2 m thick. Changes in the thickness of the alluvial cover caused by bedrock topography will produce contrasts in the surface temperature. If temperature contrasts as small as 0.1 C can be resolved, a linear topographic feature having several metres of relief buried by 1.5 m of alluvium may be visible in thermal imagery acquired during January or August in the southwestern U.S. under optimal conditions. Thermal remote sensing may provide a means for delineating some buried faults, fluvial channels, and other features of interest on buried, granitic pediment surfaces.

Nash, D. B.↗

Spline-based distributed system identification with application to large space antennas

A parameter and state estimation technique for distributed models is demonstrated through the solution of a problem generic to large space antenna system identification. Assuming the position of the reflective surface of the maypole (hoop/column) antenna to be approximated by the static two-dimensional, stretched-membrane partial differential equation with variable-stiffness coefficient functions, a spline-based approximation procedure is described that estimates the shape and stiffness functions from data set observations. For given stiffness functions, the Galerkin projection with linear spline-based functions is applied to project the distributed problem onto a finite-dimensional subspace wherein algebraic equations exist for determining a static shape (state) prediction. The stiffness functions are then parameterized by cubic splines and the parameters estimated by an output error technique. Numerical results are presented for data descriptive of a 100-m-diameter maypole antenna.

Banks, H. T.↗

The effects of rotation on initially anisotropic homogeneous flows

Rotation of initially anisotropic homogeneous flows is studied using a model spectral tensor. It is shown that the anisotropy changes because of the influence of rotation through phase scrambling. Phase scrambling causes the Reynolds stresses to develop with damped oscillations. The final Reynolds stress anisotropy is found to be proportional to the initial structural tensor anisotropy. Closure models for the rapid pressure strain terms should reflect this change in anisotropy, and should drive the anisotropy to reach its final predicted state. Finally, it is shown that long-time integration using direct numerical simulations should be treated with care because phase scrambling effects on a discrete wave space can cause loss of resolution when time becomes large.

Mansour, Nagi N.↗

Lunar gravitational field estimation and the effects of mismodeling upon lunar satellite orbit prediction

Lunar spherical harmonic gravity coefficients are estimated from simulated observations of a near-circular low altitude polar orbiter disturbed by lunar mascons. Lunar gravity sensing missions using earth-based nearside observations with and without satellite-based far-side observations are simulated and least squares maximum likelihood estimates are developed for spherical harmonic expansion fit models. Simulations and parameter estimations are performed by a modified version of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Planetary Ephemeris Program. Two different lunar spacecraft mission phases are simulated to evaluate the estimated fit models. Results for predicting state covariances one orbit ahead are presented along with the state errors resulting from the mismodeled gravity field. The position errors from planning a lunar landing maneuver with a mismodeled gravity field are also presented. These simulations clearly demonstrate the need to include observations of satellite motion over the far side in estimating the lunar gravity field. The simulations also illustrate that the eighth degree and order expansions used in the simulated fits were unable to adequately model lunar mascons.

Davis, John H.↗

Overview of Transonic to Hypersonic Stage Separation Tool Development for Multi-Stage-to-Orbit Concepts

An overview of research efforts at NASA in support of the stage separation and ascent aerothermodynamics research program is presented. The objective of this work is to develop a synergistic suite of experimental, computational, and engineering tools and methods to apply to vehicle separation across the transonic to hypersonic speed regimes. Proximity testing of a generic bimese wing-body configuration is on-going in the transonic (Mach numbers 0.6, 1.05, and 1.1), supersonic (Mach numbers 2.3, 3.0, and 4.5) and hypersonic (Mach numbers 6 and 10) speed regimes in four wind tunnel facilities at the NASA Langley Research Center. An overset grid, Navier-Stokes flow solver has been enhanced and demonstrated on a matrix of proximity cases and on a dynamic separation simulation of the bimese configuration. Steady-state predictions with this solver were in excellent agreement with wind tunnel data at Mach 3 as were predictions via a Cartesian-grid Euler solver. Experimental and computational data have been used to evaluate multi-body enhancements to the widely-used Aerodynamic Preliminary Analysis System, an engineering methodology, and to develop a new software package, SepSim, for the simulation and visualization of vehicle motions in a stage separation scenario. Web-based software will be used for archiving information generated from this research program into a database accessible to the user community. Thus, a framework has been established to study stage separation problems using coordinated experimental, computational, and engineering tools.

Murphy, Kelly J.↗

Orbit Determination Covariance Analyses for the Parker Solar Probe Mission

This paper details pre-launch navigation covariance analyses for the Parker Solar Probe mission. Baseline models and error assumptions are outlined. The results demonstrate how navigation will satisfy requirements and are used to define operational plans. A few sensitivities are identified and the accompanying investigations are described. Predicted state uncertainty results show that most requirements are met with substantial margin. Moreover, navigation sensitivities may be accommodated operationally and this has been incorporated into project planning. Detailed results are presented only for select launch dates, however twenty unique trajectories (one per launch opportunity) have been assessed.

Jones, Drew Ryan↗

Covariance Realism Is Not Enough

A great deal of effort has been put into improving the practice of space situational awareness such that covariance data associated with predicted close approaches is more “realistic.” However, “realistic” usually has meant “larger” and this presents a problem. In many cases, there exist multiple sources for predictive ephemerides, which may be fused to produce predictive states with smaller associated covariances. Ancillary to the fusion computation is the capability to assess consistency of the estimates. If actionable covariance information becomes available, interval estimates for the miss distance provide a more informative alternative to collision probability for risk assessment.

Carpenter, J. Russell↗

InSight orbit determination

The InSight mission relied on accurate deep-space navigation for a successful Mars landing on November 26, 2018. In this paper, we discuss the role of the cruise Orbit Determination team, whose responsibilities included determining the spacecraft state, predicting the future trajectory, and quantifying the uncertainty associated with those estimates. In particular, we will focus on spacecraft dynamic modeling, small forces due to attitude control, radiometric tracking data, filter strategies, uncertainty quantification, and responses to unexpected flight situations. We will also provide analysis of reconstructed maneuvers, small forces, and delivery accuracy at Mars arrival.

Seubert, Jill↗

EARLY INFORMATION PARAMETER-SET ANALYSIS FOR SATELLITE CLOSE APPROACHES USING MACHINE LEARNING

In spaceflight navigation applications, understanding and accurately applying orbital mechanics by leveraging force models for trajectory predictions will always remain an important aspect in space mission design and operations. In the process of capturing the dynamics and perturbations in the space environment, the force models are not all encompassing in that these models are subject to errors, commonly referred to as process noise. Therefore, in predicting state vectors of space objects such as spacecraft or debris over long periods of time, these errors in the process noise tend to grow over time.

machine learning↗

Development of Improved Thermal Analysis Capabilities at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has been developing a framework of additional analysis capabilities to aid in the verification, development, and execution of thermal models using the OpenTD Application Programming Interface (API). This paper provides a brief overview of the data structures, properties, methods, and relationships between the objects accessible through the current API and describes some of the algorithms necessary to implement the desired functions at GSFC. Some example code snippets are also provided to aid potential users in the development of their own utilities. Following the overview are descriptions and algorithm methodologies of the new capabilities added to the GSFC framework, including: a new PI heater/controller approach for improved steady state predictions, selective copying of symbol over-rides from one source CaseSet to destination CaseSet(s), comparison of submodel object counts between a source and destination model to verify model integration, comparison of thermo-optical and thermo-physical properties between models, and improved display of extracted thermo-optical and thermo-physical properties for documentation.

ThermalDesktop↗

Development of Improved Thermal Analysis Capabilities at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has been developing a framework of additional analysis capabilities to aid in the verification, development, and execution of thermal models using the OpenTD Application Programming Interface (API). This paper provides a brief overview of the data structures, properties, methods, and relationships between the objects accessible through the current API and describes some of the algorithms necessary to implement the desired functions at GSFC. Some example code snippets are also provided to aid potential users in the development of their own utilities. Following the overview are descriptions and algorithm methodologies of the new capabilities added to the GSFC framework, including: a new PI heater/controller approach for improved steady state predictions, selective copying of symbol over-rides from one source CaseSet to destination CaseSet(s), comparison of submodel object counts between a source and destination model to verify model integration, comparison of thermo-optical and thermo-physical properties between models, and improved display of extracted thermo-optical and thermo-physical properties for documentation.

ThermalDesktop, API, v6.2, OpenTD↗