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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 109 records · Page 6

Exoplanet HAT-P-11b Secondary Transit Observations

We have conducted secondary eclipse observations of exoplanet HAT--11b, recently discovered by proposal G. Bakos and his colleagues. HAT-P-11b is the smallest transiting extrasolar planet yet found and one of only two known exo-Neptunes. We have observed the system at 3.6 microns for a period of 22 hours centered on the anticipated secondary eclipse time, to detect the eclipse and determine its phase. Once the secondary eclipse is located through analysis of the data, we will make a more focused series of observations in both the 3.6 and 4.5 micron bands to fully characterize it. HAT-P-1lb has a period of 4.8878 days, radius of 0.422 RJ, mass of 0.081 MJ and semi major axis 0.053 AU. Measurements of the secondary eclipse will clarify two key issues; 1) the planetary brightness temperature and the nature of its atmosphere, and 2) the eccentricity of its orbit, with implications for its dynamical evolution. A precise determination of the orbit phase for the secondary eclipse will also be of great utility for Kepler observations of this system at visible wavelengths.

Barry, Richard K., Jr.↗

Detection of the Secondary Eclipse of Exoplanet HAT P-11b

We have successfully conducted secondary eclipse observations of exoplanet HAT-P-11b using the Spitzer Space Telescope. HAT-P-11b was, until very recently, the smallest transiting extrasolar planet yet found and one of only two known exo-Neptunes. We observed the system at 3.6 microns for a period of 22 hours centered on the anticipated secondary eclipse time, to detect the eclipse and determine its phase. Having detected the secondary eclipse, we are at present making a more focused series of observations in both the 3.6 and 4.5 micron bands to fully characterize it. HAT-P-11b has a period of 4.8878 days, radius of 0.422 RJ, mass of 0.081 MJ and semi-major axis 0.053 AU. Measurements of the secondary eclipse will serve to clarify two key issues; 1) the planetary brightness temperature and the nature of its atmosphere, and 2) the eccentricity of its orbit, with implications for its dynamical evolution. A precise determination of the orbit phase for the secondary eclipse will also be of great utility for Kepler observations of this system at visible wavelengths.

Barry, R. K.↗

Secondary Instability of Stationary Crossflow Vortices in Mach 6 Boundary Layer Over a Circular Cone

Hypersonic boundary layer flows over a circular cone at moderate incidence can support strong crossflow instability. Due to more efficient excitation of stationary crossflow vortices by surface roughness, such boundary layer flows may transition to turbulence via rapid amplification of the high-frequency secondary instabilities of finite amplitude stationary crossflow vortices. The amplification characteristics of these secondary instabilities are investigated for crossflow vortices generated by an azimuthally periodic array of roughness elements over a 7-degree half-angle circular cone in a Mach 6 free stream. Depending on the local amplitude of the stationary crossflow mode, the most unstable secondary disturbances either originate from the second (i.e., Mack) mode instabilities of the unperturbed boundary layer or correspond to genuine secondary instabilities that reduce to stable disturbances at sufficiently small amplitudes of the stationary crossflow vortex. The predicted frequencies of dominant secondary disturbances are similar to those measured during wind tunnel experiments at Purdue University and the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany.

Boundary layer flow↗

Stationary Crossflow Breakdown due to Mixed Mode Spectra of Secondary Instabilities

Numerical simulations are used to study laminar breakdown characteristics associated with stationary crossflow instability in the boundary-layer flow over a subsonic swept-wing configuration. Previous work involving the linear and nonlinear development of individual, fundamental modes of secondary instability waves is extended by considering the role of more complex, yet controlled, spectra of the secondary instability modes. Direct numerical simulations target a mixed mode transition scenario involving the simultaneous presence of Y and Z modes of secondary instability. For the initial amplitudes investigated in this paper, the Y modes are found to play an insignificant role during the onset of transition, in spite of achieving rather large, O(5%), amplitudes of RMS velocity fluctuation prior to transition. Analysis of the numerical simulations shows that this rather surprising finding can be attributed to the fact that the Y modes are concentrated near the top of the crossflow vortex and exert relatively small influence on the Z modes that reside closer to the surface and can lead to transition via nonlinear spreading that does not involve interactions with the Y mode. Finally, secondary instability calculations reveal that subharmonic modes of secondary instability have substantially lower growth rates than those of the fundamental modes, and hence, are less likely to play an important role during the breakdown process involving complex initial spectra.

Li, Fei↗

Rapid transition from primary to secondary crust building on the Moon explained by mantle overturn

Geochronology indicates a rapid transition (tens of Myrs) from primary to secondary crust building on the Moon. The processes responsible for initiating secondary magmatism, however, remain in debate. Here we test the hypothesis that the earliest secondary crust (Mg-suite) formed as a direct consequence of density-driven mantle overturn, and advance 3D mantle convection models to quantify the resulting extent of lower mantle melting. Our modeling demonstrates that overturn of thin ilmenite-bearing cumulates ≤ 100 km triggers a rapid and short-lived episode of lower mantle melting which explains the key volume, geochronological, and spatial characteristics of early secondary crust building without contributions from other energy sources, namely KREEP (potassium, rare earth elements, phosphorus, radiogenic U, Th). Observations of globally distributed Mg-suite eliminate degree-1 overturn scenarios. We propose that gravitational instabilities in magma ocean cumulate piles are major driving forces for the onset of mantle convection and secondary crust building on differentiated bodies.

Moon↗

New approaches to secondary metabolite discovery from anaerobic gut microbes

The animal gut microbiome is a complex system of diverse, predominantly anaerobic microbiota with secondary metabolite potential. These metabolites likely play roles in shaping microbial community membership and influencing animal host health. As such, novel secondary metabolites from gut microbes hold significant biotechnological and therapeutic interest. Despite their potential, gut microbes are largely untapped for secondary metabolites, with gut fungi and obligate anaerobes being particularly under-explored. To advance understanding of these metabolites, culture-based and (meta)genome-based approaches are essential. Culture-based approaches enable isolation, cultivation, and direct study of gut microbes, and (meta)genome-based approaches utilize in silico tools to mine biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) from microbes that have not yet been successfully cultured. In this mini-review, we highlight recent innovations in this area, including anaerobic biofoundries like ExFAB, the NSF BioFoundry for Extreme & Exceptional Fungi, Archaea, and Bacteria. These facilities enable high-throughput workflows to study oxygen-sensitive microbes and biosynthetic machinery. Such recent advances promise to improve our understanding of the gut microbiome and its secondary metabolism.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

First-principles thermodynamic assessment of Sr-containing secondary phase formation in strontium-substituted lanthanum manganites for solid oxide cell applications

Sr-secondary phase formation is a potentially significant degradation mode with direct impact upon solid-oxide cell (SOC) commercial viability. A first-principles based thermodynamic study was performed for La 1−x Sr x MnO 3±δ (LSM) perovskites to assess their stability against formation of different Sr-secondary phases, including SrO, SrCrO 4 , SrSO 4 , SrCO 3 , and Sr(OH) 2 , for SOC applications. The Sr-secondary phase formation reaction free energies were determined via a thermodynamic model by combining ab initio lattice dynamics calculations for the solid phases and ab initio thermodynamic data for the gas phases. The current approach expands the previously reported thermodynamic modeling studies by integrating first-principles based point defect equilibria into the thermodynamic analysis. The modeling results obtained using this new approach indicate an increased tendency to form the SrO oxide upon decreasing the oxygen partial pressure. Additionally, the enhancing factors to form the Sr-related secondary phase from the associated SrO activity in LSM are further quantified by considering the equilibrium of SrO reacting with the contaminant gas species as a function of temperature and pressure.

defect thermodynamics modeling↗

The three cellulose synthase isoforms for secondary cell wall make specific contributions to microfibril synthesis

Cellulose is synthesized at the plasma membrane by the cellulose synthase complex, a structure that contains three distinct isoforms of the catalytic subunit, cellulose synthase A (CESA). The division into three subunits appears early in land plant evolution and is highly conserved, particularly for the secondary cell wall. However, what if any unique roles each isoform plays in the complex remain unclear. Here, we assessed the contributions of specific isoforms to microfibril synthesis. First, we expressed CESA isoforms of the primary cell wall or the moss Physcomitrium patens in Arabidopsis thaliana backgrounds missing a secondary cell wall CESA. While the primary cell wall isoforms rescued the cesa knockout phenotype with partial isoform specificity, those from the moss rescued with fewer restrictions. Then, we recreated various CESA missense mutations in all three of the secondary cell wall isoforms; while results are consistent with isoform specificity, they are difficult to interpret further without molecular structures. Finally, we show that catalytically inactive CESA isoforms restore growth and cellulose content in the corresponding knockout in an isoform-specific manner; along with partial rescue of the growth and cellulose content of the inflorescence stem, the replacement lines have fiber cells with partially disorganized microfibrils and secondary cell wall cellulose with narrow crystal width. Generally, effects were more pronounced in lines where CESA8 was inactivated compared with inactivating CESA4 or 7, which tended to have similar phenotypes to each other. Here, we account for these results with a model for cellulose synthase structure with the isoforms assigned specific localization within the cellulose synthase complex.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Extensive Secondary Cratering From the InSight Sol 1034a Impact Event

Abstract Impact cratering is one of the fundamental processes throughout the history of the Solar System. The formation of new impact craters on planetary bodies has been observed with repeat images from orbiting satellites. However, the time gap between images is often large enough to preclude detailed analysis of smaller‐scale features such as secondary impact craters, which are often removed or buried over a short time period. Here we use a seismic event detected on Mars by the NASA InSight mission to investigate secondary cratering at a new impact crater. We strengthen the case that the seismic event that occurred on Sol 1034 (S1034a) is the result of a new impact cratering event. Using the exact timing of this event from InSight, we investigated the resulting new impact crater in orbital image data. The S1034a impact crater is approximately 9 m in diameter but is responsible for over 900 secondary impact events in the form of low albedo spots that are located at distances of up to almost 7 km from the primary crater. We suggest that the low albedo spots formed from relatively low energy ejecta, with individual ejecta block velocities less than 200 m s −1 . We estimate that the low albedo spots, the main evidence of secondary impact processes at this new impact event, fade within 200–300 days after formation.

Grindrod, P. M. [Natural History Museum London UK]↗

Diagnosing hot-spot symmetry in surrogate ignition experiments via secondary DT-neutron spectroscopy at the NIF

The directional energy spectrum of neutrons generated from the in-flight fusion reaction of 1-MeV tritons contains information about the hot-spot symmetry. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) fields Symmetry Capsule (Symcap) implosions, which have historically measured the symmetry of the radiation, drive by measuring the hot-spot shape via x-ray self-emission. Symcaps are used to tune the hot-spot symmetry for ignition experiments at the NIF. This work shows the relationship between directional secondary DT-n spectra and x-ray imaging data for a large database of Symcap implosions. A correlation is observed between the relative widths of the DT-n spectra measured with nTOFs and the shape measured with x-ray imaging. A Monte Carlo model, which computes the directional secondary DT-n spectrum, is used to interpret the results. A comparison of the x-ray and secondary DT-n data with the Monte Carlo model indicates that 56% of the variance between the two datasets is explained by a P2 asymmetry. More advanced simulations using HYDRA suggest that the unaccounted variance is due to P1 and P4 asymmetries present in the hot spot. The comparison of secondary DT-n data and x-ray imaging data to the modeling shows the DT-n data contain important information that supplements current P2 measurements and contain new information about the P1 asymmetry.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Advanced Protection for Microgrids and DER in Secondary Networks and Meshed Distribution Systems

Although there are increasing numbers of distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids being deployed, current IEEE and utility standards generally strictly limit their interconnection inside secondary networks. Secondary networks are low-voltage meshed (non-radial) distribution systems that create redundancy in the path from the main grid source to each load. This redundancy provides a high level of immunity to disruptions in the distribution system, and thus extremely high reliability of electric power service. There are two main types of secondary networks, called grid and spot secondary networks, both of which are used worldwide. In the future, primary networks in distribution systems that might include looped or meshed distribution systems at the primary-voltage (medium-voltage) level may also become common as a means for improving distribution reliability and resilience.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

First-Principles Thermodynamic Assessments of Sr-Containing Secondary Phase Formation in La1-xSrxMnO3±δ Perovskites for Solid Oxide Cell Applications

Sr-secondary phase formation is a potentially significant degradation mode threatening solid-oxide cell (SOC) commercial viability. A first-principles thermodynamic study was performed for rhombohedral perovskite (La1-xSrx) MnO3±δ (LSM) to assess its stability against Sr secondary phase formation in SOC applications. In this work, the Sr secondary phase formation reaction free energies were determined by combining ab initio lattice dynamics calculations for the solid phases and an ab initio thermodynamics approach for the gas phases. Furthermore, this approach goes beyond previous thermodynamic modeling studies by integrating first-principles based point-defect equilibria into the analyses. The modeling results indicate an increased tendency to form SrO oxide from LSM upon decreasing the oxygen partial pressure. Additionally, enhancing factors to form the Sr-related secondary phase from the associated SrO activity in LSM are further quantified by considering the equilibrium of SrO reacting with contaminant gas species as a function of temperature and gas pressure.

Defect and phase stability↗

The POPOP4 library and codes for preparing secondary gamma-ray production cross sections

The POPOP4 code for converting secondary gamma ray yield data to multigroup secondary gamma ray production cross sections and the POPOP4 library of secondary gamma ray yield data are described. Recent results of the testing of uranium and iron data sets from the POPOP4 library are given. The data sets were tested by comparing calculated secondary gamma ray pulse height spectra measured at the ORNL TSR-II reactor.

Ford, W. E., III↗

Use of channel electron multipliers as secondary standard detectors at EUV wavelengths

The procedures available for photometric calibration at extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths are outlined and the requirements for a secondary standard EUV photomultiplier defined. The performance of a number of commercially available channel electron multipliers over the 304-1350-A wavelength range is described, and their suitability for use as secondary standards is discussed in detail. Although none of the multipliers evaluated fully met the requirements for a secondary standard, it proved possible to calibrate absolutely a Mullard cone channel over the required wavelength range to an accuracy of plus or minus 9% and to employ it as a secondary standard in the calibration of a series of sounding rocket spectrometers.

Timothy, J. G.↗

Moon-Mercury - Relative preservation states of secondary craters

Geologic studies including mapping of the Kuiper quadrangle of Mercury suggest that secondary craters are much better preserved than those on the moon. Factors which may account for the apparent differences between lunar and Mercurian secondary crater morphology include: (1) the rapid isostatic adjustment of the parent crater, (2) different impact fluxes of the two planets, (3) the greater concentration of Mercurian secondaries around impact areas, and (4) differences in crater ejection velocities. It has been shown that the ejection velocities on Mercury are about 50% greater than those on the moon at equivalent ranges. This may account for morphologically enhanced secondary craters, and may explain their better preservation with time.

Scott, D. H.↗

Secondary visual workload capability with primary visual and kinesthetic-tactual displays

Subjects performed a cross-adaptive tracking task with a visual secondary display and either a visual or a quickened kinesthetic-tactual (K-T) primary display. The quickened K-T display resulted in superior secondary task performance. Comparisons of secondary workload capability with integrated and separated visual displays indicated that the superiority of the quickened K-T display was not simply due to the elimination of visual scanning. When subjects did not have to perform a secondary task, there was no significant difference between visual and quickened K-T displays in performing a critical tracking task.

Gilson, R. D.↗

Effects of secondary electron emission on charging

Laboratory charging studies using two electron sources with different energies show that the charging behaviors of typical spacecraft thermal control dielectric surface are extremely sensitive to the shape of their secondary emission curves. The results also suggest that the electron spectrum in a natural charging environment can be separated into three distinct regions (noninteracting, discharging, and charging) depending on the kinetic energy of the incident electron relative to the charged surface, and on the secondary emission characteristics of the material. To a first order approximation, the relative number of electrons in these different regions determines the potential of the charged surface. Detailed measurements of the secondary electron emission characteristics of Kapton, the effects of bulk conductivity and secondary emission on surface charging of these materials is reported.

Leung, M. S.↗

Development of secondary flow and vorticity in curved ducts, cascades, and rotors, including effects of viscosity and rotation

This paper is concerned with the numerical solution of the secondary vorticity equations in curved ducts, cascades, and rotors. The classical approach of splitting the flow into primary and secondary flow fields is employed and extended to include effects of viscosity, rotation, and density stratification. All elliptical effects are neglected and the Crank-Nicolson method is used to solve the secondary vorticity equation. The secondary flow field is obtained by solving a Poisson equation using a successive over-relaxation method. The results are compared with theoretical and experimental data from stationary ducts, compressor and turbine cascades. The agreement is good for most of the cases.

Pouagare, M.↗