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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 865 records · Page 48

Flame Movement and Pressure Development in an Engine Cylinder

This investigation describes a visual method for making stroboscopic observations, through a large number of small windows, of the spread of flame throughout the combustion chamber of a gasoline engine. Data, secured by this method on a small engine burning gaseous fuels, are given to show the effects of mixture ratio, spark advance, engine speed, charge density, degree of dilution, compression ratio, and fuel composition on flame movement in the cylinder. Partial indicator diagrams showing pressure development during the combustion period are included. Although present knowledge is not sufficient to permit qualitative evaluation of the separate effects on flame movement of chemical reaction velocity, thermal expansion of burned gases, resonance, turbulence, and piston movement, the qualitative influence of certain of these factors on some of the diagrams is indicated.

Marvin, Charles F , Jr↗

Rotation of the sun measured from Mount Wilson white-light images

The instrumentation, data and data reduction procedures used in white light observations of sunspot rotation rates are described. The study covered 62 yr of rotation observations. The data were all gathered using the same Mt. Wilson telescope, which has had three different main lenses in the interval 1981-82. Details of the exposure calibration and lens operation procedures are provided. The data were treated in terms of eight evenly space determinations of the solar limb and account was taken of all sunspots within 60 deg of the central meridian. Spot movements were traced in terms of groups of contiguous individual spots. Large spots rotated slower than small spots, a condition attributed to greater viscous drag in the larger flux tubes in the photosphere. The data tend to confirm theories that the photospheric gas revolves at a different rate than the sunspots.

Howard, R.↗

Update of the IUE battery in-flight performance

The in-flight performance data of two 17-cell, 6-ampere-hour nickel cadmium spacecraft batteries are presented covering 22 months of operation. Fluctuations in the battery voltage and the battery temperature are presented for spacecraft movement throughout a beta range of 0 to 130 deg. The battery discharge voltages during the peak eclipse seasons, daily seasons, and daily eclipse periods are noted. Finally, the spacecraft data are compared to data from a 6-ampere-hour test pack and test flight data.

Tiller, S. E.↗

Calculating Control Rod Differential Worth Using Adjoint-Weighted Method

Recently, there are more and more research on using Monte Carlo method to calculate reactor important parameters. Control rod worth is one of the important parameters as it can determine the critical control rod position. There are two presentations of the control rod worth for utilization purpose, integral and differential. The former is the total reactivity change, while the latter is the reactivity change caused by per unit movement. In Monte Carlo calculation, differential control rod worth of a particular position is estimated by finite difference of reactivity between a small gap divided by gap distance. Though easy to implemented, the problem of this approach lies in that too large gap will enlarge error between 'differential' and 'difference', while too small gap will be disturbed by error caused by random fluctuation. Monte Carlo perturbation theory has been used to calculate the k{sub eff} sensitivity to certain parameters for a long time. By calculating the differential coefficient along with the k{sub eff}, this method is quite time-consuming and relatively accurate compared to finite difference method. Nevertheless, most of perturbation research focus on the perturbation of nuclide density or nuclear data. For geometrical perturbation, limited research was done before. Takahashi estimated the k{sub eff} sensitivity to reflector movement of pulsed fast reactor. MCNP6 used adjoint-weighted method for Godiva, Zeus and uranium oxyfluoride solution container benchmarks. This paper tries to apply the perturbation method to the determination of control rod differential worth. In this paper, based on RMC, a continuous-energy Reactor Monte Carlo transport code, Iterated Fission Probability method (IFP) is researched to calculate control rod differential worth on assembly level. IFP was originally developed by Hurwitz, and has been adopted by most of Monte Carlo code to compute adjoint-weighted parameters. This paper is organized with four parts. The first is introduction. Adjoint-weighted method is introduced in the second part. Problem 4 of benchmark from CASL is built to verify the method. Conclusion is given in final part.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Quantification of In-flight Physical Changes: Anthropometry and Neutral Body Posture

Currently, NASA does not have sufficient in-flight anthropometric data gathered to assess the impact of physical body shape and size changes on suit sizing. For developing future planetary and reduced gravity suits, NASA needs to quantify the impacts of microgravity on anthropometry, body posture, and neutral body postures (NBP) to ensure optimal crew performance, fit, and comfort. To obtain these impacts, anthropometric data, circumference, length, height, breadth, and depth for body segments (i.e. chest, waist, bicep, thigh, calf) from astronauts for pre, in-, and postflight conditions needs to be collected. Once this data has been collected, a comparison between pre, in-, and postflight anthropometric values will be analyzed, yielding microgravity factors. The NBP will be used to determined body posture (joint angle) changes between subjects throughout the duration of a mission. Data collection, starting with Increments 37/38, is still in progress with the completion of 3 out of 12 subjects. NASA suit engineers and NASA's Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Project Office have identified that suit fit in microgravity could become an issue. It has been noted that crewmembers often need to adjust their suit sizing once they are in orbit. This adjustment could be due to microgravity effects on anthropometry and postural changes, and is necessary to ensure optimal crew performance, fit, and comfort in space. To date, the only data collected to determine the effects of microgravity on physical human changes have been during Skylab, STS-57, and a recent HRP study on seated height changes due to spinal elongation (Spinal Elongation, Master Task List [MTL] #221). The Skylab and the STS-57 studies found that there is a distinct neutral body posture (NBP) based on photographs. The still photographs showed that there is a distinguishable posture with the arms raised and the shoulder abducted; and, in addition, the knees were flexed with noticeable hip flexion and the foot plantar flexed [1,2]. This is the one standard set of body joint angles for a NBP in microgravity. A recent simulated microgravity NBP study [3] has shown an individual variability and inconsistencies in defining NBP. This variation may be influenced by spinal growth, the type of suit fit, and other potential anthropometry factors such as spinal curvature, age, and gender. The variation aspect of this essential data is required for all kinds of space device designs (e.g. suits, habitat, mobility aids, etc.). The method proposed considers the dynamic nature of body movement and will use a measurement technique to continually monitor posture and develop a probability likelihood of the natural posture and how the NBP postures are affected by anthropometry. Additionally, Skylab studies found that crewmembers experienced a stature growth of up to 3%. The data included 3 crewmembers that showed that there is a bi-phasic stature growth once the crew enters into weightlessness. However, the Spinal Elongation study identified that the crewmembers could experience about a 6% growth in seated height and a 3% stature growth, when exposed to microgravity. The results prove that not all anthropometric measurements have the same microgravity percent growth factor. For EVA and suit engineers to properly update the sizing protocol for microgravity, they need additional anthropometric data from space missions. Hence, this study is aimed to gather additional in-flight anthropometric measurements, such as length, depth, breadth, and circumference, to determine the changes to body shape and size due to microgravity effects. It is anticipated that by recording the potential changes to body shape and size, a better suit sizing protocol will be developed for ISS and other space missions. In essence, this study will help NASA quantify the impacts of microgravity on anthropometry to ensure optimal crew performance, fit, and comfort. This study will use simplistic data collection techniques, 3D laser scanning, digital still, and video data, and perform photogrammetric analyses to determine the changes that occur to the body shape, size, and NBP when exposed to a microgravity environment.

Young, K. S.↗

Mathematical Modelling of Arctic Polygonal Tundra with Ecosys: 2. Microtopography Determines How CO 2 and CH 4 Exchange Responds to Changes in Temperature and Precipitation

Differences of surface elevation in arctic polygonal landforms cause spatial variation in soil water contents (θ), active layer depths (ALD), and thereby in CO 2 and CH 4 exchange. In this paper, we test hypotheses in ecosys for topographic controls on CO 2 and CH 4 exchange in trough, rim, and center features of low- and flat-centered polygons (LCP and FCP) against chamber and eddy covariance (EC) measurements during 2013 at Barrow, Alaska. Larger CO 2 influxes and CH 4 effluxes were measured with chambers and modeled with ecosys in LCPs than in FCPs and in lower features (troughs) than in higher (rims) within LCPs and FCPs. Spatially aggregated CO 2 and CH 4 fluxes from ecosys were significantly correlated with EC flux measurements. Lower features were modeled as C sinks (52–56 g C m -2 yr -1 ) and CH 4 sources (4–6 g C m -2 yr -1 ), and higher features as near C neutral (-2–15 g C m -2 yr -1 ) and CH 4 neutral (0.0–0.1 g C m -2 yr -1 ). Much of the spatial and temporal variations in CO 2 and CH 4 fluxes were modeled from topographic effects on water and snow movement and thereby on θ, ALD, and soil O 2 concentrations. Model results forced with meteorological data from 1981 to 2015 indicated increasing net primary productivity in higher features and CH 4 emissions in some lower and higher features since 2008, attributed mostly to recent rises in precipitation. Finally, small-scale variation in surface elevation causes large spatial variation of greenhouse gas (GHG) exchanges and therefore should be considered in estimates of GHG exchange in polygonal landscapes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Static and Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging of the Iliotibial Band/Fascia Lata: Brief Review of Current Literature and Gaps in Knowledge

Purpose of the Review: The physiopathology of iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) remains obscure and ultrasound (US) imaging could be a low-cost modality improving our understanding of this condition as well as its diagnosis and management. This brief review synthesizes the up-to-date knowledge on static and dynamic US imaging measurements of the fascia lata and iliotibial band (ITB) in both asymptomatic individuals and patients with ITBS. Recent Findings: Mean ITB thickness values for asymptomatic individuals ranged from 1.10 to 1.95 mm. Only three studies with very small sample size focused on ITBS patients and no quantitative data were reported. All dynamic US imaging studies involved asymptomatic participants. One study demonstrated a lateral movement of the ITB relative to the femoral condyle and a group of investigators showed 3D displacement of the fascia lata. No study could be found on ITB loose connective tissue measurements. Summary: This review clearly indicates a paucity of research in the field of static and dynamic US measures. Measuring the loose connective tissue that lies between the deep fascia layers could be an interesting target to help our understanding of ITBS and improve care for the patients.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Structural Evidence of a Major Conformational Change Triggered by Substrate Binding in DapE Enzymes: Impact on the Catalytic Mechanism

In this paper, the X-ray crystal structure of the dapE-encoded N-succinyl-l,l-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase from Haemophilus influenzae (HiDapE) bound by the products of hydrolysis, succinic acid and l,l-DAP, was determined at 1.95 Å. Surprisingly, the structure bound to the products revealed that HiDapE undergoes a significant conformational change in which the catalytic domain rotates ~50° and shifts ~10.1 Å (as measured at the position of the Zn atoms) relative to the dimerization domain. This heretofore unobserved closed conformation revealed significant movements within the catalytic domain compared to that of wild-type HiDapE, which results in effectively closing off access to the dinuclear Zn(II) active site with the succinate carboxylate moiety bridging the dinculear Zn(II) cluster in a μ-1,3 fashion forming a bis(μ-carboxylato)dizinc(II) core with a Zn–Zn distance of 3.8 Å. Surprisingly, His194.B, which is located on the dimerization domain of the opposing chain ~10.1 Å from the dinuclear Zn(II) active site, forms a hydrogen bond (2.9 Å) with the oxygen atom of succinic acid bound to Zn2, forming an oxyanion hole. As the closed structure forms upon substrate binding, the movement of His194.B by more than ~10 Å is critical, based on site-directed mutagenesis data, for activation of the scissile carbonyl carbon of the substrate for nucleophilic attack by a hydroxide nucleophile. Employing the HiDapE product-bound structure as the starting point, a reverse engineering approach called product-based transition-state modeling provided structural models for each major catalytic step. Finally, these data provide insight into the catalytic reaction mechanism and also the future design of new, potent inhibitors of DapE enzymes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Behavioral state resource selection in invasive wild pigs in the Southeastern United States

Elucidating correlations between wild pig ( Sus scrofa ) behavior and landscape attributes can aid in the advancement of management strategies for controlling populations. Using GPS data from 49 wild pigs in the southeastern U.S., we used hidden Markov models to define movement path characteristics and assign behaviors (e.g., resting, foraging, travelling). We then explored the connection between these behaviors and resource selection for both sexes between two distinct seasons based on forage availability (i.e., low forage, high forage). Females demonstrated a crepuscular activity pattern in the high-forage season and a variable pattern in the low-forage season, while males exhibited nocturnal activity patterns across both seasons. Wild pigs selected for bottomland hardwoods and dense canopy cover in all behavioral states in both seasons. Males selected for diversity in vegetation types while foraging in the low-forage season compared to the high-forage season and demonstrated an increased use of linear anthropogenic features across seasons while traveling. Wild pigs can establish populations and home ranges in an array of landscapes, but our results demonstrate male and female pigs exhibit clear differences in movement behavior and there are key resources associated with common behaviors that can be targeted to improve the efficiency of management programs.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

VorLap

SAND2025-10210O VorLap is a vortex-induced vibration overlap prediction tool for static structures, such as parked wind turbines and marine turbines encountering fluid flow (water or air movement around them) that may induce vortex-induced vibration. This tool uses precomputed frequency domain data for specific cross-sectional shapes or a generalized shedding model, along with geometric data and structural natural frequency data, to identify areas and conditions where vortex-induced vibration may occur. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Moore, Kevin [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Liver↗

Monitoring Potential Transport of Radioactive Contaminants in Shallow Ephemeral Channels: FY2017

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is conducting a field assessment of the potential for contaminated soil to be transported from the Smoky Site Contamination Area (CA) as a result of storm runoff. This activity supports U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Management Nevada Program (EM-NV) efforts to establish post-closure monitoring plans for the Smoky Site Soils Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 550. The work is intended to confirm the likely mechanism of transport and determine the meteorological conditions that might cause the movement of contaminated soils, as well as determine the particle size fraction that is most closely associated with transported radionuclide-contaminated soils. These data will facilitate the design of the appropriate post-closure monitoring program. In 2011, DRI installed a meteorological monitoring station on the west side of the Smoky Site CA and a hydrologic (runoff) monitoring station within the CA, near the east side. Air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, precipitation, solar radiation, barometric pressure, soil temperature, and soil water content are collected at the meteorological station. The maximum, minimum, and average or total values (as appropriate) for each of these parameters are recorded for each 10-minute interval. The maximum, minimum, and average water depth in the flume installed at the hydrology station are also recorded for every 10-minute interval. This report presents data collected from these stations during fiscal year (FY) 2017.

(CA)↗

Low-cost solar tracking system

Smaller heat-collector is moved to stay in focus with the sun, instead of moving reflector. Tracking can be controlled by storing data of predicted solar positions or by applying conventional sun-sensing devices to follow solar movement.

Miller, C. G.↗

Equipment Development for Automatic Anthropometric Measurements

An automated procedure for measuring and recording the anthropometric active angles is presented. The small portable system consists of a microprocessor controlled video data acquisition system which measures single plane active angles using television video techniques and provides the measured data on sponsored-specified preformatted data sheets. This system, using only a single video camera, observes the end limits of the movement of a pair of separated lamps and calculates the vector angle between the extreme positions.

Cater, J. P.↗

Cytochemical localization of calcium in cap cells of primary roots of Zea mays L

The cellular distribution of Ca in caps of primary roots of Zea mays was examined during the onset and early stages of gravicurvature to determine its possible role in root gravitropism. Staining becomes associated with the portion of the cell wall adjacent to the distal end of the cell after five minutes, and persists throughout the onset of gravicurvature. The outermost peripheral cells of roots oriented horizontally and vertically secrete Ca through plasmodesmata-like channels in their cell walls. Data suggest that Ca is not transported laterally through the columella tissue,but rather that the movement of Ca to the lower side of caps of horizontally-oriented roots is at least partially through and/or on the mucilage of the cap, and via an electrochemical gradient. An important role in root gravitropism is indicated for Ca secretion by peripheral cells.

Moore, R.↗

Micro-video display with ocular tracking and interactive voice control

In certain space-restricted environments, many of the benefits resulting from computer technology have been foregone because of the size, weight, inconvenience, and lack of mobility associated with existing computer interface devices. Accordingly, an effort to develop a highly miniaturized and 'wearable' computer display and control interface device, referred to as the Sensory Integrated Data Interface (SIDI), is underway. The system incorporates a micro-video display that provides data display and ocular tracking on a lightweight headset. Software commands are implemented by conjunctive eye movement and voice commands of the operator. In this initial prototyping effort, various 'off-the-shelf' components have been integrated into a desktop computer and with a customized menu-tree software application to demonstrate feasibility and conceptual capabilities. When fully developed as a customized system, the interface device will allow mobile, 'hand-free' operation of portable computer equipment. It will thus allow integration of information technology applications into those restrictive environments, both military and industrial, that have not yet taken advantage of the computer revolution. This effort is Phase 1 of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Topic number N90-331 sponsored by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport. The prime contractor is Foster-Miller, Inc. of Waltham, MA.

Miller, James E.↗

Mixing in the Extratropical Stratosphere: Model-measurements Comparisons using MLM Diagnostics

We evaluate transport processes in the extratropical lower stratosphere for both models and measurements with the help of equivalent length diagnostic from the modified Lagrangian-mean (MLM) analysis. This diagnostic is used to compare measurements of long-lived tracers made by the Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) with simulated tracers. Simulations are produced in Chemical and Transport Models (CTMs), in which meteorological fields are taken from the Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation System (GEOS DAS), the Middle Atmosphere Community Climate Model (MACCM2), and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) "SKYHI" model, respectively. Time series of isentropic equivalent length show that these models are able to capture major mixing and transport properties observed by CLAES, such as the formation and destruction of polar barriers, the presence of surf zones in both hemispheres. Differences between each model simulation and the observation are examined in light of model performance. Among these differences, only the simulation driven by GEOS DAS shows one case of the "top-down" destruction of the Antarctic polar vortex, as observed in the CLAES data. Additional experiments of isentropic advection of artificial tracer by GEOS DAS winds suggest that diabatic movement might have considerable contribution to the equivalent length field in the 3D CTM diagnostics.

Ma, Jun↗

Small Particle Response to Fluid Motion using Tethered Particles to Simulate Microgravity

This paper reports on ground based work conducted to support the Spaceflight Definition project SHIVA (Spaceflight Holography Investigation in a Virtual Apparatus). SHIVA will advance our understanding of the movement of a particle in a fluid. Gravity usually dominates the equations of motion, but in microgravity as well as on earth other terms can become important. Before two members of our team found an analytical solution of the equations, numerical methods and/or neglecting terms were required. The general solution predicts that the usually neglected history term becomes important when the characteristic viscous time is in the same order as the vibration period and peaks when the two times are equal. In this case three force terms, the Stokes drag, the added mass, and the history drag must all be included in predicting particle movement. We also developed diagnostic recording methods using holography to save all of the particle field data, allowing the experiment to essentially be transferred from space back to earth in what we call the "virtual apparatus". Using state-of-the-art methods in holography we will quantify the three-dimensional motion of sets of particles, allowing us to test and apply the new analytical solutions. The motion of particles up to 4 mm in diameter in a fluid that oscillates at frequencies up to 100 Hz with amplitudes up to 200 microns is being examined. Ground studies to support the flight development program have employed various schemes to simulate microgravity. One of the most reliable and meaningful methods uses spheres tethered to a fine hair suspended in the fluid. We have also investigated particles with nearly neutral buoyancy. Recordings are made at the peak amplitudes of vibration of the cell providing a measure of the ratio of fluid to particle amplitude. The experiment requires precise location of the particle at the time of recording. The hologram of the particle provides microscopic images of the particle that are used for finding the position with an accuracy of a few microns. To make the experiment more versatile, the spaceflight system will record holograms both on film and electronically. The electronic holograms can be downlinked providing real time data. Results of the ground experiments, the flight experiment design, and data analysis procedures are reported.

Trolinger, J. D.↗

Small Particle Response to Fluid Motion using Tethered Particles to Simulate Microgravity

This paper reports on ground based work conducted to support the Spaceflight Definition project SHIVA (Spaceflight Holography Investigation in a Virtual Apparatus). SHIVA will advance our understanding of the movement of a particle in a fluid. Gravity usually dominates the equations of motion, but in microgravity as well as on earth other terms can become important. Before two members of our team found an analytical solution of the equations, numerical methods and/or neglecting terms were required. The general solution predicts that the usually neglected history term becomes important when the characteristic viscous time is in the same order as the vibration period and peaks when the two times are equal. In this case three force terms, the Stokes drag, the added mass, and the history drag must all be included in predicting particle movement. We also developed diagnostic recording methods using holography to save all of the particle field data, allowing the experiment to essentially be transferred from space back to earth in what we call the "virtual apparatus". Using state-of-the-art methods in holography we will quantify the three-dimensional motion of sets of particles, allowing us to test and apply the new analytical solutions. The motion of particles up to 4 mm in diameter in a fluid that oscillates at frequencies up to 100 Hz with amplitudes up to 200 microns is being examined. Ground studies to support the flight development program have employed various schemes to simulate microgravity. One of the most reliable and meaningful methods uses spheres tethered to a fine hair suspended in the fluid. We have also investigated particles with nearly neutral buoyancy. Recordings are made at the peak amplitudes of vibration of the cell providing a measure of the ratio of fluid to particle amplitude. The experiment requires precise location of the particle at the time of recording. The hologram of the particle provides microscopic images of the particle that are used for finding the position with an accuracy of a few microns. To make the experiment more versatile, the spaceflight system will record holograms both on film and electronically. The electronic holograms can be downlinked providing real time data. Results of the ground experiments, the flight experiment design, and data analysis procedures are reported.

Trolinger, J. D.↗