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At least 1,027 records · Page 57

Two body relativistic wave equations

The relativistic quantum mechanics of two interacting particles is considered. We first present a covariant formulation of kinematics and of reduced phase space, giving a short outline of the classical results. We then quantize the systems for the scalar–scalar, fermion–scalar and fermion–fermion cases. We study the spectrum and the spherical waves solutions of the free case. The interaction with central scalar and vector potentials is introduced and the explicit equations are deduced. The one particle and the non relativistic limits are recovered and the general lines for the solution of the boundary value problems are given. We make a numerical analysis of the first two cases with Coulomb interaction. For the two fermions we largely revisit the model we had previously derived in order to uniformize the description for all the three cases. In order to give a complete review we report in the Appendix some of the most interesting results obtained for atomic and mesonic systems with Coulomb and Cornell potential interactions respectively.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Linear Analysis of a Two-Parachute System Undergoing Pendulum Motion

Motion resembling that of a pendulum undergoing large-amplitude oscillation was ob- served during a series of flight tests of an unoccupied Orion Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) drop-test vehicle. Large excursions away from vertical by the capsule could cause it to strike the ground or ocean at a large angle with respect to vertical, with an undesirable attitude with respect to heading, or with a large horizontal or vertical speed. These conditions are to be avoided because they would endanger the occupants of the capsule in an actual mission. Pendulum motion is intimately related to a parachute’s aerodynamic normal force coefficient, which is a nonlinear function of angle of attack. An analytical investigation of the dynamics of pendulum motion is undertaken with the aid of a simplified model of the physical system and the assumption that the normal force coefficient is a linear function of angle of attack in the neighborhood of a value corresponding to stable equilibrium. The analysis leads to a simple relationship for the location of a pivot point, which provides insights that are consistent with previous studies.

Roithmayr, Carlos M.↗

Quasi-Static Time Series Fatigue Simulation for PV Inverter Semiconductors with Long-Term Solar Profile

Power system simulations with long-term data tend to have large time steps varying from one second to a few minutes. However, for PV inverter semiconductors, the minimum thermal stresses cycle is with line frequency. This requires the time step of the fatigue simulation to be much smaller than the line period. This small time step results in poor simulation speed, especially for long-term simulations. This paper proposes a fast fatigue simulation for inverter semiconductors using the quasi-static time series (QSTS) simulation concept. The fatigue analysis typically focuses on the peak and valley values of a strain and neglect the transients from peaks to valleys. The proposed simulation utilizes this property of fatigue analysis and calculates the steady state of the semiconductor junction temperature only. The resulting time step of the fatigue simulation is 15 minutes, which is consistent with the solar dataset without losing accuracy.

fast simulation↗

Dynamics of cavitating cascades

Brief accounts of the theoretical research conducted on the unsteady cavitation characteristics of liquid rocket engine turbopumps are reported. The objective is to produce estimates of the cavitation compliance and other unsteady characteristics which could then be used in analysis of the pogo instability. Blade cavitation is the particular pheonomenon which is investigated and line arized free streamline methods were employed in both quasistatic and complete dynamic cascade analyses of the unsteady flow. The simpler quasistatic analysis was applied to particular turbopumps but yielded values of compliances significantly smaller than those indirectly obtained from experiments. Reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. The complete dynamic analysis presents a new problem in fundamental hydrodynamics and, though the basic solution is presented, numerical results have not as yet been obtained.

Acosta, A. J.↗

The Temperature and Distribution of Organic Molecules in the Inner Regions of T Tauri Disks

"High-resolution NIR spectroscopic observations of warm molecular gas emission from young circumstellar disks allow us to constrain the temperature and composition of material in the inner planet-forming region. By combining advanced data reduction algorithms with accurate modeling of the terrestrial atmospheric spectrum and a novel double-differencing data analysis technique, we have achieved very high-contrast measurements (S/N approx. 500-1000) of molecular emission at 3 microns. In disks around low-mass stars, we have achieved the first detections of emission from HCN and C2H2 at near-infrared wavelengths from several bright T Tauri stars using the CRIRES spectrograph on the Very Large Telescope and NIRSPEC spectrograph on the Keck Telescope. We spectrally resolve the line shape, showing that the emission has both a Keplerian and non-Keplerian component as observed previously for CO emission. We used a simplified single-temperature local thermal equilibrium (LTE) slab model with a Gaussian line profile to make line identifications and determine a best-fit temperature and initial abundance ratios, and we then compared these values with constraints derived from a detailed disk radiative transfer model assuming LTE excitation but utilizing a realistic temperature and density structure. Abundance ratios from both sets of models are consistent with each other and consistent with expected values from theoretical chemical models, and analysis of the line shapes suggests that the molecular emission originates from within a narrow region in the inner disk (R < 1 AU)."

Mandell, Avi↗

Information content of spatially distributed ground-based measurements for hydrologic-parameter calibration in mixed rain-snow mountain headwaters

Parameters in hydrologic models used in mixed rain-snow regions are often uncertain to calibrate and overfitted on streamflow. To contribute addressing these challenges, we used an algorithm that assesses modeling performances through time (Dynamic Identifiability Analysis) to quantify the information content of spatially distributed ground-based measurements for identifying optimal parameter values in the Precipitation Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) model. Including spatially distributed ground-based measurements in Identifiability Analysis allowed us to unambiguously estimate more parameter values than only using streamflow (seven parameters instead of two out of a pool of thirty-three). Peaks in information gain were obtained when using dew-point temperature to identify precipitation phase-partitioning parameters. Multi-attribute identifiability analysis also yielded optimal parameter values that were temporally less variable than those estimated using streamflow alone. Overall, identifying parameter values using ground-based measurements improved the simulation of key drivers of the surface-water budget, such as air temperature and precipitation-phase partitioning. However, parameters simulating surface-to-subsurface mass fluxes like snow accumulation and melt or evapotranspiration were poorly identified by any attribute and so emerged as key sources of predictive uncertainty for this distributed-parameter hydrologic model. In conclusion, this work demonstrates the value of expanded ground-based measurements for identifying parameters in distributed-parameter hydrologic models and so diagnosing their conceptual uncertainty across the water budget.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Thermal Design of the Micrometeoroid Satellite S-55

The thermal design of the micrometeoroid satellite S-55 involves both experimental and analytical approaches in selecting materials and coatings. A cutaway drawing of the S-55 satellite is shown. The purpose of which is to obtain scientific and engineering design data on the frequency and penetration hazard of micrometeoroids at altitudes between about 250 nautical miles and 700 nautical miles. The passive method of thermal control used involves the selection of materials and coatings that give the desired ratio of absorptivity to emissivity alpha/epsilon for keeping the telemetry temperature within narrow limits and also to prevent overheating of the separate experiments. The selection of a material or coating for this purpose, however, is dictated not only by its absorptivity and emissivity values, but also by its reliability and the constancy of these values under long exposure to the space environment. Several test programs have been conducted in order to evaluate the materials and coatings being considered. Some of these are as follows: (1) Ultraviolet radiation in a vacuum to study discoloration and weight change. (2) Solar radiation in a vacuum to determine maximum equilibrium temperature, discoloration, and weight loss. (3) Thermal cycling and thermal shock to study material integrity (leaking, spalling, melting, etc.). (4) Proton radiation to observe effects on color, crystal structure, and strength. (5) Determination of effects of heat associated with coating application on the leak rate of pressurized parts. (6) Absorptivity and emissivity measurements. The experimental tests outlined and the maximum use of coating methods successfully employed on previous satellites should provide high reliability of the material used for the thermal design of this vehicle. A theoretical analysis was made to determine the values of alpha/epsilon required for different areas in order that the telemetry remain within the desired temperature limits.

Hastings, Earl C., Jr.↗

The value of NDBC observations during March 1993's 'Storm of the Century'

National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) observations from the western Gulf of Mexico Provided several early indications of more rapid cyclogenesis on 12 March 1993 than was forecast by numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. Observations demostrated a closed circulation with gale-force winds shortly after the storm entered the Gulf of Mexico. Pressure measurements at two buoys off the Texas coast were 4-6 hPa lower than the 12-h NWP forecasts, a significant forecast error. Observations from NDBC's moored buoys and Coastal-Marine Automated Network stations revealed that the developing storm was significantly deeper than was indicated on the National Meteorological Center's automated surface analyses. Ocean wave observations reveal some of the steepest waves NDBC has ever measured, indicating phenomenonal wave growth and a high potential for damage to vessels and structures. A warm eddy caused sea surface temperatures (SST) to be several degrees above normal under the track of the storm, creating a strong SST gradient to the north. This provided ample energy and strengthened the baroclinity. NDBC observations showed the eddy to be somewhat larger and warmer than indicated by the most recent National Hurricane Center analysis. This event demonstrates the tremendous value of NDBC marine observations for accurately detecting the occurrence and strength of coastal cyclogenesis events.

Gilhousen, David B.↗

Revisiting Néel 60 years on: The magnetic anisotropy of L1 0 FeNi (tetrataenite)

The magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of atomically ordered L1 0 FeNi (the meteoritic mineral tetrataenite) is studied within a first-principles electronic structure framework. Two compositions are examined: equiatomic Fe 0.5 Ni 0.5 and an Fe-rich composition, Fe 0.56 Ni 0.44 . It is confirmed that, for the single crystals modeled in this work, the leading-order anisotropy coefficient K 1 dominates the higher-order coefficients K 2 and K 3 . To enable comparison with experiment, the effects of both imperfect atomic long-range order and finite temperature are included. While our computational results initially appear to undershoot the measured experimental values for this system, careful scrutiny of the original analysis due to Néel et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 35, 873 (1964)] suggests that our computed value of K 1 is, in fact, consistent with experimental values, and that the noted discrepancy has its origins in the nanoscale polycrystalline, multivariant nature of experimental samples, that yields much larger values of K 2 and K 3 than expected a priori. These results provide fresh insight into the existing discrepancies in the literature regarding the value of tetrataenite’s uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy in both natural and synthetic samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fuel Cell Backup Power System for Grid-Service and Micro-Grid in Telecommunication Applications

This paper presents the feasibility and economics of using fuel cell backup power systems in telecommunication cell towers to provide grid services (e.g., ancillary services, demand response). The fuel cells are able to provide power for the cell tower during emergency conditions. This study evaluates the strategic integration of clean, efficient, and reliable fuel cell systems with the grid for improved economic benefits. The backup systems have potential as enhanced capability through information exchanges with the power grid to add value as grid services that depend on location and time. The economic analysis has been focused on the potential revenue for distributed telecommunications fuel cell backup units to provide value-added power supply. This paper shows case studies on current fuel cell backup power locations and regional grid service programs. The grid service benefits and system configurations for different operation modes provide opportunities for expanding backup fuel cell applications responsive to grid needs. The objective of this work primarily focuses on how fuel cells can become a significant part of the telecom backup power to reduce system costs, environmental impact, and dependence on fossil fuels, while ensuring continuity of indispensable service for mobile users. The study identifies the approaches on the fuel cell application through nano/microgrids for an extensive network of fuel cells as distributed energy resources. The possibilities of various application scenarios extend the fuel cell technologies and microgrid for reliable power supply.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Performance Evaluation and Optimal Design Analysis of Continuous-Operation Solar-Driven Cooling Absorption Systems With Thermal Energy Storage

A solar absorption cooling system consisting of a flat plate collector, thermal energy storage tank, and absorption chiller is analyzed in this work. A dimensionless model is developed from the energy balance on each component and the chiller's characteristic performance curves. The model is used to determine the interaction and influence of different parameters such as tank size, solar collector area, chiller size, cooling load, cooling temperature, heat loss, and mass flow rates on the performance. From the analysis, smaller solar collector areas are required for lower cooling loads and smaller tank volumes. A specific cooling load of 1 x 10^-5 will require a specific solar collector area between two and six times larger, depending on the initial tank temperature, than the area required for a baseline system that considers typical commercial design and operation parameters. A similar behavior was observed for the specific tank volume. For the baseline system, the minimum specific area of the collector of 9.57 is achieved for an initial tank temperature of 1.19. For a cooling load of 1 x 10^-5, the optimum initial tank temperature will be 1.11 that results in a minimum specific solar collector area of 25.26. A specific tank volume of 4 x 10^-4 will also have an optimum initial tank temperature of 1.11 that minimizes the specific solar collector area to a value of 28.18. The approach and analysis in this work can be used to determine design parameters for solar absorption cooling systems based on a proper relation among system's dimensions to achieve optimum operation.

cooling load↗

Learning from the Mars Rover Mission: Scientific Discovery, Learning and Memory

Purpose: Knowledge management for space exploration is part of a multi-generational effort. Each mission builds on knowledge from prior missions, and learning is the first step in knowledge production. This paper uses the Mars Exploration Rover mission as a site to explore this process. Approach: Observational study and analysis of the work of the MER science and engineering team during rover operations, to investigate how learning occurs, how it is recorded, and how these representations might be made available for subsequent missions. Findings: Learning occurred in many areas: planning science strategy, using instrumen?s within the constraints of the martian environment, the Deep Space Network, and the mission requirements; using software tools effectively; and running two teams on Mars time for three months. This learning is preserved in many ways. Primarily it resides in individual s memories. It is also encoded in stories, procedures, programming sequences, published reports, and lessons learned databases. Research implications: Shows the earliest stages of knowledge creation in a scientific mission, and demonstrates that knowledge management must begin with an understanding of knowledge creation. Practical implications: Shows that studying learning and knowledge creation suggests proactive ways to capture and use knowledge across multiple missions and generations. Value: This paper provides a unique analysis of the learning process of a scientific space mission, relevant for knowledge management researchers and designers, as well as demonstrating in detail how new learning occurs in a learning organization.

Linde, Charlotte↗

Which Combinations of Environmental Conditions and Microphysical Parameter Values Produce a Given Orographic Precipitation Distribution?

This study applies an idealized modeling framework, alongside a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm, to explore which combinations of upstream environmental conditions and cloud microphysical parameter values can produce a particular precipitation distribution over an idealized two-dimensional, bell-shaped mountain. Simulations focus on orographic precipitation produced when an atmospheric river interacts with topography. MCMC-based analysis reveals that different combinations of parameter values produce a similar precipitation distribution, with the most influential parameters being relative humidity (RH), horizontal wind speed (U), surface potential temperature (θ sfc ), and the snow fall speed coefficient (A s ). RH, U, and A s exhibit interdependence: changes in one or more of these factors can be mitigated by compensating changes in the other(s) to produce similar orographic precipitation rates. The results also indicate that the parameter sensitivities and relationships can vary for spatial subregions and given different environmental conditions. In particular, high θ sfc values are more likely to produce the target precipitation rate and spatial distribution, and thus the ensemble of simulations shows a preference for liquid precipitation at the surface. The results presented here highlight the complexity of orographic precipitation controls, and have implications for flood and water management, observational efforts, and climate change.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Generic hypersonic inlet module analysis

A computational study associated with an internal inlet drag analysis was performed for a generic hypersonic inlet module. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of computing the internal drag force for a generic scramjet engine module using computational methods. The computational study consisted of obtaining two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions using the Euler and parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations. The solution accuracy was assessed by comparisons with experimenal pitot pressure data. The CFD analysis indicates that the 3D PNS solutions show the best agreement with experimental pitot pressure data. The internal inlet drag analysis consisted of obtaining drag force predictions based on experimental data and 3D CFD solutions. A comparative assessment of each of the drag prediction methods is made and the sensitivity of CFD drag values to computational procedures is documented. The analysis indicates that the CFD drag predictions are highly sensitive to the computational procedure used.

Cockrell, Charles E., Jr.↗

Generic Hypersonic Inlet Module Analysis

A computational study associated with an internal inlet drag analysis was performed for a generic hypersonic inlet module. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of computing the internal drag force for a generic scramjet engine module using computational methods. The computational study consisted of obtaining two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions using the Euler and parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations. The solution accuracy was assessed by comparisons with experimental pitot pressure data. The CFD analysis indicates that the 3D PNS solutions show the best agreement with experimental pitot pressure data. The internal inlet drag analysis consisted of obtaining drag force predictions based on experimental data and 3D CFD solutions. A comparative assessment of each of the drag prediction methods is made and the sensitivity of CFD drag values to computational procedures is documented. The analysis indicates that the CFD drag predictions are highly sensitive to the computational procedure used.

Cockrell, Chares E., Jr.↗

Factors Associated with Secondary Functional Patency After Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of the Early Failing or Immature Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for early failing hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and predictors of secondary functional patency (FP). Methods: A review of our endovascular registry database showed that 61 patients with early failure after a surgically created AVF underwent endovascular intervention between 2011 and 2016. Median time from AVF creation to first intervention was 5.6 weeks. Median duration of follow-up was 14 months. Items related to the technical success rate and primary and secondary FP, and factors associated with secondary FP were analyzed. Results: Technical success was achieved in 55 (90%) of 61 patients. The primary and secondary FP rates were 42% and 65% at 12 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lesion length (HR; 1.15, P = 0.001) and lesions including juxta-AVF (the portion of fistula vein within 2 cm of the arteriovenous anastomosis, HR; 6.23, P = 0.008) were factors associated with reduced secondary FP. ROC curve analysis indicated lesion length with cutoff value ≥ 9 cm as a risk factor for reduced secondary FP. Secondary FP at 12 months for patients with no risk factors, with 1, and with 2 was 86%, 65%, and 0%, respectively. There was a significant difference in secondary FP rates among these groups (P = 0.001). Conclusions: A lesion length and juxta-AVF lesion are the risk factors for reduced secondary FP. The secondary FP rate at 12 months is acceptable in patients without risk factors.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Exploring the Genetic Basis of Wild Boar ( Sus scrofa ) and Its Connection to Classical Swine Fever Spread

Classical swine fever (CSF) is the one of the most devastating contagious diseases in domestic swine and wild boar/pigs (Sus scrofa). Population genetics is often used to estimate animal dispersal and can also help evaluate host population connectivity, which is crucial for understanding pathogen dispersal. We surveyed genetic population structure of boars using MIG-seq analysis to clarify the geographic barriers that influence boar dispersal in north-central Japan and to demonstrate the relationship between the spread of CSF infection among boars and their population structure. We obtained 382 single-nucleotide polymorphisms from 348 wild boar samples, and the results of STRUCTURE analysis indicated that the highest ΔK value was at K = 2, followed by K = 4. Based on these results, it is evident that the Abukuma river, a major river within north-central Japan, does not act as a barrier to the gene flow of boars, but rather that human infrastructure hinders their dispersal. Further, according to the time series change in the capture site of CSF-infected wild boar and the sum of the probability of belonging to each of the four clades in individual CSF-infected wild boar, our results indicated that the genetic structure of boar populations was correlated with the outbreak pathway of CSF across our study region. Our study suggests that predictions of disease spread, especially for widely distributed host species, is challenging because of the risk of cryptic breaks and changes in wide range connectivity; however, understanding the genetic population structure of wild boar can be a useful tool for predicting the spread of CSF. We concluded that genetic analysis of host population structure may have the possibility to improve predictions of the future dynamics of disease spread.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗