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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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1,390 records · Page 66
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Recrystallization, cracking, and erosion of dispersoid-strengthened tungsten materials during exposure to divertor plasmas

In this study, we investigated the effects of combined intense particle and heat flux exposure on advanced tungsten plasma-facing materials within the DIII-D fusion facility. Our test matrix included two types of dispersoid-strengthened tungsten (containing either 100 nm diameter TiO 2 or Ni particles), along with high-purity polycrystalline tungsten as a reference. This experiment relied on a sample geometry angled at 15° relative to the divertor surface, thereby allowing the surfaces to intercept steady-state perpendicular heat fluxes (q ⟂ ) ranging from 10.1 to 19.6 MW/m 2 . During each shot, the samples were exposed to 42 Hz edge-localized modes (ELMs), allowing us to test the material response to transient heating. We correlated the exposure conditions with extensive post-test surface composition analysis and microscopy to determine how the plasma modified each surface. The angled specimens closest to the strike point received the highest combined heat and particle flux and melted midway through the experiment. EBSD analysis revealed they were completely recrystallized throughout, with an average grain size >100 µm. On the other hand, the specimens that received a lower steady state heat flux survived with more superficial surface damage. Whereas the high-purity polycrystalline tungsten exhibited a higher surface roughness, the dispersoid-strengthened material exhibited more extensive shallow inter-granular cracking. In addition, the surface was depleted of dispersoids following plasma exposure, possibly because of evaporation and/or sputtering. The results described here provide insights into the performance of these materials in a fusion environment which can guide further optimization for use in long-pulse devices.

Kolasinski, Robert D. [Sandia National Laboratorie↗
NASA NTRS2026

Artemis Suit Material Optical Property Testing of Dust Exposed Fabrics

This paper highlights one aspect of NASA’s ongoing technology-infusion effort to design, fabricate, and test a next-generation outer shell fabric for a lunar Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit, a critical component of sustained lunar exploration. Managing thermal loads on the Moon is essential for astronaut safety and suit performance. The suit’s exterior fabric directly influences heat gain and loss through its optical properties: low solar absorptivity minimizes sunlight absorption, while high infrared emissivity aids radiative cooling. Lunar regolith complicates this balance. Its fine, abrasive particles possess unique optical behavior that can lower reflectivity and raise emissivity when embedded in or adhered to fabric surfaces, degrading thermal control and increasing the risk of overheating or cooling inefficiency. To quantify these effects, the Artemis Suit Materials (ASM) team measured solar absorptance and infrared emissivity of clean and dust-soiled Ortho Fabric, establishing beginning-of-life (BOL) and end-of-life (EOL) benchmarks. EOL conditions were simulated with a rotary tumbler abrasion process using lunar dust simulant and ceramic media to reproduce cumulative wear expected during surface operations. Tests also included unmodified fabrics and a fabric/film laminate system containing titanium dioxide to evaluate potential improvements in dust resistance and optical performance. Results from these evaluations provide critical insight into how lunar dust alters fabric thermal behavior and inform the design of bespoke suit materials that maintain required optical properties throughout mission life, supporting safe and effective long-duration EVA on the lunar surface.

space↗
DOE OSTI2024

Experimental Validation of a Modular All-Electric Power Take-Off Topology for Wave Energy Converter Enabling Marine Renewable Energy Interconnection

Power electronic converters are an enabling technology for the emerging marine energy applications, such as using ocean waves to produce electricity. This paper outlines the power take-off system and its key components used in a wave energy converter offering modularity and scalability to generate power efficiently. The proposed power take-off system was implemented based on a modular multilevel converter and could be deployed to convert any alternating current electrical energy to a different alternating current for interconnection to grid or non-grid applications. Examples of widespread deployment are supplying electricity to coastal communities or producing clean drinking water. The analysis using both the simulation tests and laboratory experiments verified the design objectives and basic functionality of the developed power take-off system. An acceptable response using a field programmable gate array-based controlled laboratory testbench was achieved, complying with guidelines specified in the prevalent industry standards. Seamless operation during steady-state and transients for the studied wave energy converter was achieved as supported by the obtained results. The key findings of this work were experimentally examined under different load conditions, direct current bus voltage fluctuations, and generator speed–torque regulation. The ability of the power take-off system to generate high-power quality of the waveforms, e.g., against adhering to the IEEE 519-2022 standard for total harmonic distortion limits, is also confirmed.

Engineering↗
NASA NTRS2024

NIAC Phase I Final Report Lunar South Pole Oxygen Pipeline (LSPOP)

The Lunar South Pole Oxygen Pipeline (LSPOP) Phase I NIAC, is to analyze the feasibility of constructing a pipeline at the Moon’s South Pole for transporting gaseous oxygen from point of generation to point of use. A lunar pipeline has never been pursued and will revolutionize lunar surface operations for the Artemis program and reduce cost and risk. Our starting concept is for a 5 km pipeline to transport oxygen gas from an oxygen production source, for example from our molten regolith electrolysis (MRE, currently at TRL 5, see references[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6] for technical discussions of the MRE process) extraction site, or any other source, to an oxygen storage/liquification plant near a lunar base. The pipeline is designed to: 1) be constructed robotically from regolith-derived metals with minimal material transferred from Earth, 2) be repairable robotically, 3) have an oxygen flow rate of ~2 kg/hour, which is commensurate with the NASA initial projected need of 10,000 kg/year, 4) operate with minimal power over the lifetime of the pipeline, with a goal of high operational reliability and the ability to survive in the lunar environment for > 10 years. We compare this concept to a pipeline concept with pipe produced on Earth and then transported to and assembled on the Moon. Both approaches will use earth-based compressors, valves, and fittings which are integrated into the pipeline on the Moon.

NIAC Phase I↗
DOE OSTI2025

Decoupling Failure Pathways in Li-O 2 Cells Operated Under Lean Electrolyte Conditions

The operation of lithium-oxygen (Li-O 2 ) batteries under lean electrolyte conditions offers higher energy density but leads to rapid degradation and short cycle life. Although cathode passivation and electrolyte decomposition occur in all regimes, we show that under lean electrolyte conditions, failure is primarily driven by progressive electrolyte consumption at the lithium/solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), rather than by irreversible cathode passivation. Poor wetting of the lithium surface results in heterogeneous SEI growth and high local current densities, which accelerate electrolyte loss and cell failure. Strategies aimed at improving interfacial stability, including optimized wetting and SEI forming additives, significantly extend cycle life without compromising energy density. Our results establish anode-electrolyte interactions as the dominant degradation mechanism under lean electrolyte conditions, and emphasize the need to engineer a stable Li/SEI interface for long-lasting Li-O 2 batteries.

Córdoba, Daniel [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Molecular origin of anisotropic shear elastoplasticity in chitin

Chitin nano- and mesoscale structures present in the exoskeleton of crustaceans exhibit exceptional longitudinal stiffness and toughness, rivaling or even exceeding that of many synthetic polymer architectures. Here, we reveal the origin of the asymmetric shear response in chitin multiscale architectures, marked by pronounced anisotropy in deformation. Under shear aligned with the molecular axis, chitin accommodates strain through coherent atomic rearrangements that enable elastic recovery. In contrast, shear applied perpendicular to this axis induces liquid-like plasticity via localized sliding. These results demonstrate the intrinsic mechanical anisotropy of chitin, underpinning a dual function in resisting repetitive loading while dissipating internal stress during high-strain events. Our findings establish the molecular basis of shear elastoplasticity in multiscale chitin structures, wherein axial elasticity supports energy storage in load-bearing regions, whereas transverse plasticity enables controlled energy dissipation. These atomic-scale insights lay a foundation for the predictive design of chitin-based materials with tunable strength-toughness profiles.

Wan, Zhangmin [University of British Columbia, Van↗
DOE OSTI2025

First multi-institutional systematic comparison of the neutron ambient dose equivalent produced by proton therapy systems

Objective. Isochronous cyclotrons, synchrocyclotrons, and synchrotrons are used to accelerate protons for proton therapy. An accurate measurement of neutron doses generated by these accelerators and associated delivery systems and its clinical relevance requires systematic protocols and proper neutron dosimetry for a meaningful assessment. We present the first comprehensive comparison of neutron ambient dose equivalent (H*(10)) produced by clinically operational proton therapy systems. Approach. Treatment plans with 10 cm modulation-depth and ranges of 10 cm (R10M10) and 25 cm (R25M10) were created to cover a 10 × 10 × 10 cm 3 water target. The pencil beam scanning proton therapy machines studied were: two gantry-mounted synchrocyclotrons (Hyperscan, Mevion, half-gantry), two isochronous cyclotrons (ProBeam, Varian, full-gantry), one isochronous cyclotron (Proteus, IBA, full-gantry), and two synchrotrons (PROBEAT, Hitachi, full- and half-gantry). Proton beams were delivered to 30 × 30 × 40 cm 3 plastic water phantoms. WENDI-II and LUPIN-BF3-NP neutron rem-meters were positioned at three angles (0°, 45°, 90°) relative to the beam direction to measure the neutron H*(10) at distances between 50–300 cm from the isocenter. Main results. H*(10) showed dependence on beam energy, machine type, and measurement location. The highest reading was for the gantry-mounted synchrocyclotron, whereas other systems produced approximately comparable neutron doses. In all cases, the H*(10) reduced with distance from the isocenter. The H*(10) drop at 2 m distance compared to that at 0.5 m was a factor of ∼5 for the gantry-mounted synchrocyclotron whereas in other systems the decrease was a factor of 10. The WENDI-II device suffered from dead-time-associated under-estimation of the dose by a factor of ∼2–3 under the synchrocyclotron beam due to its high dose-per-pulse. However, WENDI-II and LUPIN-BF3-NP results were within reasonable agreement in isochronous cyclotron and synchrotron beams, indicating that both devices are suitable for those systems. Significance. Neutron H*(10) is dependent on various parameters including beam energy, measurement location, as well as machine design. Caution must be exercised in choosing the appropriate neutron-dose-measurement device to be used for low-duty-factor, particularly in high-instantaneous-rate proton delivery systems. By delivering the same volumetric proton dose across different machines, this work provides a benchmark for inter-system comparisons and serves as a foundation for future studies.

LUPIN↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Chemist’s Guide to Solid-State Qubits: Diamond Color Centers as Embedded Vacancy-Centered Molecules

Diamond point defects or color centers are at the crux of solid-state quantum technology applications, from computing to sensing. Modeling molecular qubits has advanced by leaps and bounds mainly due to the advanced quantum mechanical (QM) tools in the arsenal of quantum chemists for modeling (isolated) molecular systems, which should be easily translatable for analogous systems in the solid state. Here, we simulate a series of diamond defects: a carbon vacancy (V C ) and second row substitutions that are adjacent to a V C or D C V C , with D = B, N, and O, to evaluate their magnetic and optical properties. We applied molecular orbital principles, an embedded cluster method, and a multiconfigurational QM theory to computationally characterize the above-mentioned defects for a multitude of spin, charge, and excited states. Our computational approach delivered high-quality QM insights that compare well with experiments. Furthermore, with this framework, we confirm the spin-triplets B C V C – and O C V C 0 to be analogous to N C V C – , with calculated bright transitions that respectively correspond to UV (3.80 eV) and blue (2.65 eV) light absorption and emission lifetimes (τ) of 2.3 and 5.6 ns, which are higher in energy and more short-lived (and thus brighter) than that for N C V C – : green (2.26 eV), τ = 9.5 ns.

Martirez, John Mark P. [Princeton Plasma Physics L↗
DOE OSTI2026

Secondary-Side Active Rectifier Synchronization and Control in LCC-LC Compensated Inductive Power Transfer Systems

This paper proposes a communication-less synchronization and output power control strategy for LCC-LC compensated inductive power transfer systems with a secondaryside active rectifier. By replacing the passive rectifier with an active bridge, the proposed architecture eliminates the need for a separate secondary-side DC-DC converter and enables direct regulation of battery power. The key challenge in such a system is achieving robust synchronization of the secondary active bridge with the primary inverter without access to primary-side signals. To address this issue, the secondary-side variables are analyzed and the current through the secondary series inductor is identified as a load-independent synchronization variable with a fixed phase relationship to the primary excitation. A fixed-frequency second order generalized (SOGI)-based phase locked loop (PLL) is used to estimate the switching phase and frequency, and a phase-shift-based output power controller is developed using a phasor-transformer model of the active bridges. A modified control formulation is further introduced to remove phase-dependent loop-gain variation and simplify controller design. Simulation results validate the proposed method under both fixed and varying switching-frequency conditions, demonstrating successful frequency tracking from 82 kHz to 88 kHz and accurate output power regulation over a wide operating range. The proposed method offers a compact and effective solution for high-power IPT systems by enabling secondary-side synchronization and control without wireless communication or an additional DC-DC conversion stage.

Fernandes, Arnold Anthony [ORNL] (ORCID:0009000631↗
DOE OSTI2026

Comparing Thermal Neutron Scintillators for Use With SiPM-Readout Detectors

Scintillator-based thermal neutron detectors for scientific scattering facilities offer an effective combination of large-area coverage and good spatial resolution. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-readout Anger cameras using 6 Li glass scintillators have been developed, but the spatial resolution of these detectors is limited by the relatively low light yield of the glass. Recently, several brighter scintillator compositions with sufficient 6 Li concentration have emerged as promising candidates for higher-resolution imaging. Here, in this work, we evaluate five scintillator materials: GS20, LiF/ZnS:Ag, LiF/ZnO:Zn, LiI:Eu, and Cs 2 LiYCl 6 :Ce, each mounted on a SiPM Anger camera. For each scintillator, the neutron detection efficiency, spatial resolution, and count rate capabilities were measured and compared. Each of the new compositions achieved a spatial resolution better than 0.5 mm, compared to 0.66 mm for GS20, with LiI:Eu reaching the best value of 0.32 mm. Although these compositions improve the spatial resolution of the Anger camera, their longer pulse decay times limit their use in high count rate applications, and the camera’s hardware must be optimized for the different properties of the new scintillators.

Neutron detectors↗
DOE OSTI2024

An Accreting Supermassive Black Hole Buried in a Faint Dwarf Galaxy

Abstract In the last decade, there have been several discoveries of active galactic nuclei (AGN) in dwarf galaxies including an AGN in an ultracompact dwarf galaxy with a black hole mass >10 6 M ⊙ . However, finding a supermassive black hole (SMBH) in a dwarf low surface brightness (LSB) galaxy is rare. We report the discovery of a Seyfert type 2 class AGN that is associated with a nuclear SMBH of mass ∼6.5 × 10 6 M ⊙ in a dwarf LSB galaxy (μ 0,r > 23.8 mag arcsec −2 ) that we denote by MJ0818+2257. The galaxy was previously thought to be an outlying emission blob around the large spiral galaxy LEDA 1678924. In our current analysis, which includes the detection of the optical counterpart of MJ0818+2257, we study its ionized gas kinematics and find that the dynamical mass within the ionized gas disk is ∼5.3 × 10 9 M ⊙ . This is comparable to its stellar mass, which is ∼3 × 10 9 M ⊙ , and suggests that MJ0818+2257 is moderately dark matter dominated within the stellar disk. The SMBH-mass-to-galaxy-stellar-mass ratio isM BH /M(*) > 0.022, which is high compared to disk galaxies. Our detection of an SMBH in a bulgeless LSB dwarf galaxy raises questions about the growth of SMBHs in low-luminosity galaxies and suggests the possibility of detecting heavy seed black holes from early epochs in LSB dwarf galaxies in the low-redshift Universe.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2026

Theory of the thermionic current beyond the traditional space charge limit enabled by trapped ions in the virtual cathode

We show that trapped ions in virtual cathode potential wells can raise the transmitted current of emitted electrons into a plasma much closer to the full emission than is predicted by cathode sheath theories without trapped ions. The transmitted current is controlled by the well barrier voltage, which must adjust to balance the creation of low-energy ions within the well, and their loss. Our model considers the case of a plasma-facing cathode where trapped ions are created passively via charge-exchange collisions and lost passively via thermal leakage over the well. We quantify these rates and estimate the current in terms of system parameters for thermionic emission into a plasma with several cathode geometries. A general prediction is that the current as a function of emitted flux does not saturate at the traditional space charge limit (the onset of a well) but can reach far higher values until the trapped ion balance breaks down, causing instability. The maximum stable current depends on parameters but in principle can be arbitrarily high if active techniques are used to manipulate the trapped ion balance. We conclude that major improvements in plasma technologies with hot cathodes might be achieved by optimizing the current enhancement enabled by trapped ions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Challenges and Opportunities for HVAC + Phase Change Material Thermal Energy Storage in Buildings

Phase-change material (PCM) thermal-energy storage (TES) integrated with HVAC and domestic hot water (DHW) can shift a large share of building thermal loads. By flattening and shifting loads, PCM TES reduces peak electricity use, eases stress on local and grid infrastructure, and lowers costs. It can also defer costly upgrades to service panels, distribution, and transmission. Higher energy density relative to chilled or hot water storage makes PCM TES practical for small, space limited, and retrofit projects, while packaged HVAC-integrated systems expand cost-effective load shifting to commercial buildings that previously lacked options. Despite this promise, deployment faces barriers. This paper presents challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned from lab and field integrations of PCM TES with packaged HVAC systems. Key challenges include misalignment between default heat pump controls tuned for direct-to-load operation and TES charge/discharge objectives, PCM properties that diverge from manufacturer claims and evolve with cycling, and high integration and deployment costs with off-the-shelf products. These studies underscore the need for factory built, integrated systems that arrive as prepackaged modules with proven controls, reducing design and installation effort and delivering predictable performance across projects. The paper outlines steps to enable viable and scalable PCM TES HVAC and DHW systems, including 1) validated methods that can be used to characterize PCM properties and TES system performance, 2) supervisory controls that optimize charge/discharge scheduling, and 3) factory integrated packaging that eliminates bespoke field engineering.

Dutton, Spencer↗
DOE OSTI2026

Cation-Diffusive Carbon Interlayers Stabilize Na Metal and Double the Current in Na-S Redox-Flow Batteries for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

The sodium-sulfur nonaqueous redox-flow batteries (Na-S NARFBs) using earth-abundant elements are highly attractive due to the low material cost and improved energy density for grid-scale energy storage. However, the low current performance, poor Na0/Na+ redox kinetics, and Na dendrite growth pose severe challenges. We introduce cation-diffusive layers (CDLs): thin and Na+ affinitive interlayers at the Na anode that direct Na+ transport and stabilize Na deposition. Benchmarking three archetypal materials—carbon paper (CP), glass microfiber paper (GF), and foam—across Na-Na and Na-Cu, and Na-S cells identifies CP as the optimum. CP reduces symmetric cell overpotential by more than 70%, achieves 98% Na plating-stripping efficiency, and doubles the Na-S cell current density from 0.5 to 1.0 mA cm−2 without sacrificing capacity or efficiency. Ex situ electrochemical and SEM/XPS analysis, combined with molecular dynamics (MD) studies, reveal that electron-rich carbon fibers disperse supporting salt aggregates, enrich near-surface Na+ density, and create ion transport pathways for fast Na0/Na+ exchange while mitigating membrane degradation. Because of the ion-centric mechanism, CDLs can be generalized to other metal-anode designs. Further, this work establishes CDL design rules—cationic affinity and appropriate micro/nanostructure—as a simple, scalable route to high-current, durable metal-anode flow batteries.

Wu, Wenda [ORNL] (ORCID:000900033307687X)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Robust Heat-Flux Sensors for Coal-Fired Boiler Extreme Environments

In this project, robust heat-flux measurement systems were developed. The heat-flux sensors utilize thermoelectric effects to directly transduce the heat-flux inputs to analog electrical voltage signals. They were constructed from dedicated materials that can withstand temperatures of at least 1000°C and maintain adequate performance at these conditions for prolonged periods of time. The proposed approaches took into account numerous considerations, including system cost, sensor head resilience, sensor footprint, data accuracy, response time, and maintenance requirements. Through modern thermoelectric materials design, methodical materials selection and rigorous testing in materials characterization labs and medium-scale fire research facilities, we have demonstrated functioning laboratory prototypes, upon which one could base industrial heat-flux sensing platforms capable of operating in the challenging high-temperature, corrosive environments of the boilers of coal-fired power plants. A distributed sensor array for heat-flux measurements throughout the furnace water-wall, the superheater area and the economizer coils can provide critical data for the power plant control systems to increase efficiency, improve safety and reduce down times. For example, the combined heat-flux sensor/control systems can contribute to the optimization of burner and boiler operations under flexible loads, the optimization of heat-exchange conditions and overall reduction of heat rate and emissions, the prediction of imminent overheating conditions, and the optimization of the soot-blowing protocols.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS2026

Landsat Instrument Suite (LandIS) Sensor Design for the Landsat 10 Mission

Landsat 10 will be the upcoming mission in the 50+ year Landsat series of Earth observation platforms. The centerpiece of the observatory will be a super-spectral imager known as the Landsat Instrument Suite (LandIS). The sensor will feature 26 spectral channels from the visible through near-, short-wave, and thermal infrared wavelengths with spatial resolutions of 10, 20, and 60 meters on the ground, depending on the band. These enhancements over the legacy Landsat instruments will ensure data continuity with the existing archive and will expand upon the core Landsat capabilities to enable new applications in Earth science. After a competitive procurement, NASA selected the design submitted by the Raytheon Company for the LandIS instrument. The innovative Raytheon instrument concept utilizes an advanced whiskbroom architecture to fulfill the strict radiometric, spatial, and geometric image quality requirements demanded by the Landsat 10 mission and fits within restrictive mass, volume, and power constraints. The instrument will continue the Landsat directive to image all daylit land and near-shore water areas, along with select nighttime imaging. On-board calibration source data will ensure high radiometric and geometric accuracy and stability consistent with previous missions to enable continuity in data products available to users. This paper discusses the driving requirements for LandIS and provides a description of the chosen design and operations concept of the instrument.

Requirements↗
DOE OSTI2024

Heterogeneous Solid Electrolyte Interphase Interactions Dictate Interface Instability in Sodium Metal Electrodes

Sodium (Na) metal batteries have attracted recent attention due to their low cost and high abundance of Na. However, the advancement of Na metal batteries is impeded due to key challenges such as dendrite growth, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) fracture, and low Coulombic efficiency. This study examines the coupled electro‐chemo‐mechanical interactions governing the electrodeposition stability and morphological evolution at the Na/electrolyte interface. The SEI heterogeneities influence transport and reaction kinetics leading to the formation of current and stress hotspots during Na plating. Further, it is demonstrated that the heterogeneity‐induced Na metal evolution and its influence on the stress distribution critically affect the mechanical overpotential, contributing to a faster SEI failure. The analysis reveals three distinct failure mechanisms—mechanical, transport, and kinetic—that govern the onset of instabilities at the interface. Finally, a comprehensive comparative study of SEI failure in Na and lithium (Li) metal anodes illustrates that the electrochemical and mechanical characteristics of the SEI are crucial in tailoring the anode morphology and interface stability. This work delineates mechanistic stability regimes cognizant of the SEI attributes and underlying failure modes and offers important guidelines for the design of artificial SEI layers for stable Na metal electrodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2026

Ice in Convective Storm Environments: Assessing Impacts of Microphysics on Simulated Reflectivities

Satellite radar retrievals of clouds and precipitation rely on assumptions about the microphysical properties of hydrometeors such as particle size distributions (PSDs) and massdimensional relationships, which have been shown to vary in distinct environments. A deeper understanding of linkages between mass-dimensional relationships, ice crystal shape, and radar reflectivities across cloud and precipitation regimes is necessary for developing new retrievals for upcoming satellite radar missions, including the INvestigation of Convective UpdraftS (INCUS), as well as future missions that will feature space-borne radars observing clouds, convection, and precipitation. This study investigates ice microphysical characteristics through aircraft in-situ and remote sensing observations from two convective events during the Mid-latitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) in the Southern Great Plains, and tests implications for ice particle habit in forward modeled radar observations. During MC3E, the Ka/Ku- band High Altitude Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP) was onboard the NASA ER-2 aircraft, while in-situ measurements were taken onboard the University of North Dakota Citation. In-situ PSDs and particle shape information from optical array probe data are used to forward model radar reflectivities from particle scattering databases and are compared against HIWRAP reflectivities. Various particle combinations can be used to find agreement with HIWRAP observations, and the forward modeled reflectivities were sensitive to particle type. Varying the riming on the aggregate and graupel particles resulted in larger than 10 dB differences in reflectivities. The in-situ and radar observations imply the occurrence of aggregation, size sorting and lofting particles.

Julia A. Shates↗