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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 1,117 records · Page 62
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Integrated Proteomics and Lipidomics Reveal That the Swarming Motility of Paenibacillus polymyxa Is Characterized by Phospholipid Modification, Surfactant Deployment, and Flagellar Specialization Relative to Swimming Motility

Paenibacillus polymyxa is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found associated with plant roots. P. polymyxa can exhibit two forms of flagellar motility: swimming in liquid culture and swarming on a surface. Here, swimming cells were compared to swarming cells using an integrated proteomic and lipidomic approach, yielding information about how lipid modifications and protein/enzyme pathways are tailored for these specific phenotypes. Observed differences in both phospholipid composition and metabolism between the two conditions suggest membrane remodeling in response to the surrounding environment. Key enzymes involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism were abundant in swimming bacteria, while enzymes associated with glycerol-3-phosphate metabolism were more abundant in swarming bacteria. Several glycoside hydrolases were either unique to or more abundant during swarming. This likely reflects the degradation of their own exopolysaccharides to both enhance swarming and supply the necessary chemical energy to compensate for increased flagellar synthesis. The observed upregulation of biosynthetic gene clusters (polyketides, lantibiotics, and surfactin) in swarming bacteria suggest the importance of signaling, antimicrobial activity, and surfactin production during this mode of motility – the latter of which is confirmed via RT-PCR.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1983

Optical surface analysis code (OSAC)

A computer program for the evaluation of surface ripple effects on an optical system is discussed. The program consists of a modification of conventional ray tracing so that the effects of all roughness frequency scales on image quality can be analyzed. The code is designed to deal with image quality problems arising in connection with X-ray telescopes and near-normal incidence systems used in the infrared, visible, and near-UV parts of the spectrum. The emphasis of the program analysis is on narrow angle scattering and its effect on image quality. The intent is to provide the optical engineer with a measure of the sensitivity of image quality to various surface characteristics. The paper will highlight some of the unique modeling features of the code, and illustrate some system examples.

Noll, R. J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

An ultrathin solid-state electrolyte film coated on LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 electrode surface for enhanced performance of lithium-ion batteries

We report layered Ni-rich oxide is a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) of high energy density, yet its poor electrochemical stability induced by electrode-electrolyte interfacial degradation has still needed to be addressed. Surface coating is one of the powerful techniques to tackle this issue, nevertheless, it has been extensively used on particle but not electrode regarding a larger area of protection. Herein, we have covered a nano-scaled layer of lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) on the electrode level of LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM) surface and found lower impedance, longer cycle life, and better safety for treated battery. Most notably, such an NCM-LiPON based 1.3 Ah pouch cell delivers an energy density of 364.4 Wh kg -1 (based on positive and negative materials), along with the retention of 80.0% over 745 cycles at 0.5 C-rate, which is 1.3 times longer than the bare one. This results from modification of both superficial cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) and structure stabilization of general particle surface, therefore, role of conformal coating upon electrode surface should be highlighted.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Stabilizing the heavily-doped and metallic phase of MoS 2 monolayers with surface functionalization

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) is one of the most studied two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides that is being investigated for various optoelectronic properties, such as catalysis, sensors, photovoltaics, and batteries. One such property that makes this material attractive is the ease in which 2D MoS 2 can be converted between the semiconducting (2H) and metallic/semi-metallic (1T/1T') phases or heavily n-type doped 2H phase with ion intercalation, strain, or excess negative charge. Using n-butyl lithium (BuLi) immersion treatments, we achieve 2H MoS 2 monolayers that are heavily n-type doped with shorter immersion times (10–120 mins) or conversion to the 1T/1T' phase with longer immersion times (6–24 h); however, these doped/converted monolayers are not stable and promptly revert back to the initial 2H phase upon exposure to air. To overcome this issue and maintain the modification of the monolayer MoS 2 upon air exposure, we use BuLi treatments plus surface functionalization p-(CH 3 CH 2 ) 2 NPh-MoS 2 (Et 2 N-MoS 2 )—to maintain heavily n-type doped 2H phase or the 1T/1T' phase, which is preserved for over two weeks when on indium tin oxide or sapphire substrates. We also determine that the low sheet resistance and metallic-like properties correlate with the BuLi immersion times. These modified MoS 2 materials are characterized with confocal Raman/photoluminescence, absorption, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as scanning Kelvin probe microscopy, scanning electrochemical microscopy, and four-point probe sheet resistance measurements to quantify the differences in the monolayer optoelectronic properties. We will demonstrate chemical methodologies to control the modified monolayer MoS 2 that likely extend to other 2D transition metal dichalcogenides, which will greatly expand the uses for these nanomaterials.

2D TMDC↗
NASA NTRS1979

Description and preliminary results of the 9-level UCLA general circulation model

The 9-level general circulation model, with the upper boundary of 50 mb, is a modification of the earlier 6- and 12-level versions used at UCLA. Two major design changes have been made in an effort to improve the model: (1) a potential enstrophy conserving scheme in the equation of motion has replaced the previous scheme which only conserved enstrophy for nondivergent flow, and (2) the treatment of the planetary boundary layer has been modified by making the predicted planetary boundary layer top a coordinate surface. Experiments with idealized steep mountains have been made to test each of the major modifications, and the model is now ready for general circulation simulation experiments.

Suarez, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The application of general aerodynamic lifting surface elements to problems in unsteady transonic flow

A study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using combined subsonic and supersonic linear theory as a means for solving unsteady transonic flow problems in an economical and yet realistic manner. With some modification, existing linear theory methods are combined into a single program and a simple algorithm is derived for determining interference between lifting surface elements of different Mach number. The method is applied to a wide variety of problems for which measured unsteady pressure distributions and Mach number distributions are available. By comparing theory and experiment, the transonic method solutions show a significant improvement over uniform flow solutions. It is concluded that with these refinements the method will provide a means for performing realistic transonic flutter and dynamic response analyses at costs which are compatible with current linear theory based solutions.

Cunningham, A. M., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A Moessbauer spectrometer for the mineralogical analysis of the Mars surface: First temperature dependent tests of the detector and drive system

Part of the scientific payload of the Mars-96 mission is a Fe-(57)Mossbauer (MB) spectrometer installed on a small rover to be placed on the surface of Mars. The instrument is under development at the University of Darmstadt. This instrument, with some modifications, is also included in the scientific payload of the proposed MARSNET mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). A similar instrument is currently under development in the US. The reason for developing a Mossbauer spectrometer for space applications is the high abundance of the element iron, especially on the surface of Mars. The elemental composition of Martian soil was determined during the Viking mission in 1976 but not it's mineralogical composition. One believes that it is composed mainly of iron-rich clay minerals, with an iron content of about 14 (plus or minus 2) wt-percent, partly magnetic. Of extremely great interest are the oxidation state of the iron, the magnetic phases and the mineral composition of the Mars surface. To these questions MB spectroscopy can provide important information, which are not available by other methods. We report on first tests of the experimental setup in the temperature range plus 20 C to -70 C, roughly corresponding to the temperature range on the surface of Mars. Also questions concerning the signal/noise ratio (S/N) are discussed.

Held, P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Further development of XTRAN3S computer program

This report describes modifications and enhancements to XTRAN3S, a computer program for aerodynamic, static aeroelastic, and dynamic aeroelastic analysis of three-dimensional wings in the transonic speed regime. Modifications to the program include incorporation of a viscous boundary layer, modified coefficient and generalized force integration, direct input of airfoil surface coordinates and slopes, variable dimensions of computational arrays and a modified grid mapping transformation to improve computational stability for highly swept and tapered planforms. Results obtained with the modified program are included. Modifications discussed but not incorporated include a state matrix integration method, enhanced vectorization, and use of a cartesian physical mesh.

Borland, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Modifications to the three-component classification algorithm for SAR data

Previously, a scattering model was used to classify SAR data as due to three mechanisms: surface or odd-bounce scattering; double-bounce scattering; and volume scattering. A Bragg rough-surface model was used for odd-bounce scattering, and two reflecting surfaces, as in a dihedral corner reflector, represented the double-bounce scattering mechanism. A random collection of infinitely thin cylinders was used to model the volume scattering contribution. It was assumed that the cylinders are uniformly oriented in all directions. In this work, modifications are made to the above model, which include specifying a preferred orientation for the cylinders representing branches and using thin cylinders of finite thickness as opposed to infinitely thin ones. In the first case, the preferred orientation is represented by a probability density function in the form of a dirac delta function. For the second case, small argument asymptotic expansions of Bessel functions are used to express the volume scattering contributions in terms of quantities containing the average radius of the cylinders. Since in each case the number of unknowns exceeds that of equations, simplifying assumptions are made. The solutions are applied to multifrequency polarimetric SAR data to obtain the new unknowns in addition to the relative contributions of each scattering mechanism. Several results are presented. It is found that the calculated percentage of each mechanism does not change significantly compared to the original model; however, additional information is gained about the scatterers.

Moghaddam, M.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modification of cell wall polysaccharide guides cell division in Streptococcus mutans

In ovoid-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria, MapZ guides FtsZ-ring positioning at cell equators. The cell wall of the ovococcus Streptococcus mutans contains peptidoglycan decorated with serotype c carbohydrates (SCCs). In the present study, we identify the major cell separation autolysin AtlA as an SCC-binding protein. AtlA binding to SCC is attenuated by the glycerol phosphate (GroP) modification. Using fluorescently labeled AtlA constructs, we mapped SCC distribution on the streptococcal surface, revealing enrichment of GroP-deficient immature SCCs at the cell poles and equators. The immature SCCs co-localize with MapZ at the equatorial rings throughout the cell cycle. In GroP-deficient mutants, AtlA is mislocalized, resulting in dysregulated cellular autolysis. These mutants display morphological abnormalities associated with MapZ mislocalization, leading to FtsZ-ring misplacement. Altogether, our data support a model in which maturation of a cell wall polysaccharide provides the molecular cues for the recruitment of cell division machinery, ensuring proper daughter cell separation and FtsZ-ring positioning.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Evaluation of Stream and Wetland Restoration Using UAS-Based Thermal Infrared Mapping

Large-scale wetland restoration often focuses on repairing the hydrologic connections degraded by anthropogenic modifications. Of these hydrologic connections, groundwater discharge is an important target, as these surface water ecosystem control points are important for thermal stability, among other ecosystem services. However, evaluating the effectiveness of the restoration activities on establishing groundwater discharge connection is often difficult over large areas and inaccessible terrain. Unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) are now routinely used for collecting aerial imagery and creating digital surface models (DSM). Lightweight thermal infrared (TIR) sensors provide another payload option for generation of sub-meter-resolution aerial TIR orthophotos. This technology allows for the rapid and safe survey of groundwater discharge areas. Aerial TIR water-surface data were collected in March 2019 at Tidmarsh Farms, a former commercial cranberry peatland located in coastal Massachusetts, USA (41°54′17″ N 70°34′17″ W), where stream and wetland restoration actions were completed in 2016. Here, we present a 0.4 km2 georeferenced, temperature-calibrated TIR orthophoto of the area. The image represents a mosaic of nearly 900 TIR images captured by UAS in a single morning with a total flight time of 36 min and is supported by a DSM derived from UAS-visible imagery. The survey was conducted in winter to maximize temperature contrast between relatively warm groundwater and colder ambient surface environment; lower-density groundwater rises above cool surface waters and thus can be imaged by a UAS. The resulting TIR orthomosaic shows fine detail of seepage distribution and downstream influence along the several restored channel forms, which was an objective of the ecological restoration design. The restored stream channel has increased connectivity to peatland groundwater discharge, reducing the ecosystem thermal stressors. Such aerial techniques can be used to guide ecological restoration design and assess post-restoration outcomes, especially in settings where ecosystem structure and function is governed by groundwater and surface water interaction.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1974

Preliminary static tests of a simulated upper-surface blown jet-flap configuration utilizing a full-size turbofan engine

The investigation was conducted to evaluate the static turning performance and the pressure and temperature environment of an upper-surface-blown wing and flap utilizing a small turbofan engine. The tests involved modifications of the engine primary nozzle designed to alleviate high temperature problems on the wing and flaps and yet provide acceptable static turning performance over the desired range of flap deflections and thrust conditions.

Shivers, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Gradational epochs on Mars - Evidence from west-northwest of Isidis Basin and Electris

An account is given of the characteristics of Martian regions which may be adduced as evidence for enhanced gradation. The crater statistics for these regional surfaces are sufficiently different from those of proximate units with little evidence of modification to suggest, through comprehensive correlation, that a common pattern of modification to crater statistics may be a reflection of common epochs of enhanced gradation. If that be the case, then these areas' gradation occurred during a series of epochs of local-to-global extent whose duration and intensity decreased through time, following the last major impacts.

Grant, John A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Wind tunnel investigation of aerodynamic and tail buffet characteristics of leading-edge extension modifications to the F/A-18

The impact of leading-edge extension (LEX) modifications on aerodynamic and vertical tail buffet characteristics of a 16-percent scale F/A-18 model has been investigated in the NASA Langley 30-foot by 60-foot tunnel. Modifications under consideration include variations in LEX chord and span, addition of upper surface fences, and removal of the LEX. Both buffeting and high-angle-of-attack aerodynamics are found to be strongly dependent upon the LEX geometry, which directly influences the strength, position, and breakdown characteristics of the vortex flow field. Concepts aimed at influencing the development of vortical flow field are considered to have much greater potential in design application than those geared toward altering already established flow fields. It is recommended that configuration effects on structural and aerodynamic characteristics be evaluated in parallel, so that trade-off studies can be conducted to ensure adequate structural fatigue life and desired high-angle-of-attack stability and control characteristics in the design of future high performance aircraft.

Shah, Gautam H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The remarkable ability of turbulence model equations to describe transition

This paper demonstrates how well the k-omega turbulence model describes the nonlinear growth of flow instabilities from laminar flow into the turbulent flow regime. Viscous modifications are proposed for the k-omega model that yield close agreement with measurements and with Direct Numerical Simulation results for channel and pipe flow. These modifications permit prediction of subtle sublayer details such as maximum dissipation at the surface, k approximately y(exp 2) as y approaches 0, and the sharp peak value of k near the surface. With two transition specific closure coefficients, the model equations accurately predict transition for an incompressible flat-plate boundary layer. The analysis also shows why the k-epsilon model is so difficult to use for predicting transition.

Wilcox, David C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

An evaluation of ablative materials for a lunar transfer vehicle aerobrake

An evaluation of the utility of an ablative thermal protection system (TPS) for use on a lunar mission return aerobrake has been completed. Requirements are established and criteria developed specifically for the ablator application. A quantitative and qualitative multi-attribute utility analysis is employed to establish a relative ranking among candidates and a performance threshold. A review of the applicable existing ablator material database is made and appropriate thermochemical/melting ablation analysis is employed to evaluate thermal performance. Ablatives are shown to be potentially both performance capable and cost effective in single-use roles. Reusable surface insulation is also shown to be competitive as an ablator with certain modifications.

Lane, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A GIS approach to urban heat island research: The case of Huntsville, Alabama

The urban heat island represents a case of inadvertent human modification of climate in an urban environment. Urbanization changes the nature of the surface and atmospheric properties of a region. As a result, radiation balance in the urban areas is altered and sensible heat is added to the point that urban areas are warmer than surrounding rural areas. At the boundary between the rural and urban area, a sharp rise in temperature occurs, culminating to a peak temperature at the central business district of the city, hence the name 'urban heat island'. The extent and intensity of the urban heat island are a function of population size, land use, and topography. Because the urban heat island exhibits spatial variations of temperatures, the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) is appropriate. The research on the urban heat island focuses on the acquisition of 15 bands of visible and thermal infrared data (ranging from 0.45 to 12.2 microns) from an aerial platform using NASA's ATLAS (Airborne Thermal/Visible Land Application Sensor) over Huntsville, Alabama. The research reported in this paper is an analysis of the impact of population, land use, and topography on the shape of the urban heat island that could be developed in Huntsville using the GIS approach. The outcome of this analysis can then be verified using the acquired remotely sensed data.

Lo, Chor Pong↗