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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 1,189 records · Page 66

Structure and Bonding of Carbon in Clays from CI Carbonaceous Chondrites

Carbonaceous chondrites (CC) contain a diverse suite of C-rich materials. Acid dissolution of these meteorites leaves a C-rich residue with chemical and structural affinities to kerogen. This material has primarily been analyzed in bulk, and much information has been provided regarding functional groups and elemental and isotopic compositions. However, comparatively little work has been done on C in unprocessed meteorites. Studies of CCs suggest a spatial relationship of some C-rich materials with products of aqueous alteration. Recent studies revealed discrete submicronsized, C-rich particles in Tagish Lake and a range of CM2 meteorites. A challenge is to correlate the findings from the bulk acid-residue studies with those of high-spatial resolution-mineralogical and spectroscopic observations of unprocessed meteorites. Hence, the relationship between the C-rich materials in the acid residues and its form and locations in the unprocessed meteorite remains unclear. Here we provide information on the structure and bonding of C associated with clays in CI carbonaceous chondrites. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Garview, Laurence a. J.↗

Probabilistic Assessment of Cancer Risk for Astronauts on Lunar Missions

During future lunar missions, exposure to solar particle events (SPEs) is a major safety concern for crew members during extra-vehicular activities (EVAs) on the lunar surface or Earth-to-moon transit. NASA s new lunar program anticipates that up to 15% of crew time may be on EVA, with minimal radiation shielding. For the operational challenge to respond to events of unknown size and duration, a probabilistic risk assessment approach is essential for mission planning and design. Using the historical database of proton measurements during the past 5 solar cycles, a typical hazard function for SPE occurrence was defined using a non-homogeneous Poisson model as a function of time within a non-specific future solar cycle of 4000 days duration. Distributions ranging from the 5th to 95th percentile of particle fluences for a specified mission period were simulated. Organ doses corresponding to particle fluences at the median and at the 95th percentile for a specified mission period were assessed using NASA s baryon transport model, BRYNTRN. The cancer fatality risk for astronauts as functions of age, gender, and solar cycle activity were then analyzed. The probability of exceeding the NASA 30- day limit of blood forming organ (BFO) dose inside a typical spacecraft was calculated. Future work will involve using this probabilistic risk assessment approach to SPE forecasting, combined with a probabilistic approach to the radiobiological factors that contribute to the uncertainties in projecting cancer risks.

Kim, Myung-Hee Y.↗

Regression Model Term Selection for the Analysis of Strain-Gage Balance Calibration Data

The paper discusses the selection of regression model terms for the analysis of wind tunnel strain-gage balance calibration data. Different function class combinations are presented that may be used to analyze calibration data using either a non-iterative or an iterative method. The role of the intercept term in a regression model of calibration data is reviewed. In addition, useful algorithms and metrics originating from linear algebra and statistics are recommended that will help an analyst (i) to identify and avoid both linear and near-linear dependencies between regression model terms and (ii) to make sure that the selected regression model of the calibration data uses only statistically significant terms. Three different tests are suggested that may be used to objectively assess the predictive capability of the final regression model of the calibration data. These tests use both the original data points and regression model independent confirmation points. Finally, data from a simplified manual calibration of the Ames MK40 balance is used to illustrate the application of some of the metrics and tests to a realistic calibration data set.

Ulbrich, Norbert Manfred↗

Omics Research on the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is an orbiting laboratory whose goals include advancing science and technology research. Completion of ISS assembly ushered a new era focused on utilization, encompassing multiple disciplines such as Biology and Biotechnology, Physical Sciences, Technology Development and Demonstration, Human Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Educational Activities. The research complement planned for upcoming ISS Expeditions 45&46 includes several investigations in the new field of omics, which aims to collectively characterize sets of biomolecules (e.g., genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic products) that translate into organismic structure and function. For example, Multi‐Omics is a JAXA investigation that analyzes human microbial metabolic cross‐talk in the space ecosystem by evaluating data from immune dysregulation biomarkers, metabolic profiles, and microbiota composition. The NASA OsteoOmics investigation studies gravitational regulation of osteoblast genomics and metabolism. Tissue Regeneration uses pan‐omics approaches with cells cultured in bioreactors to characterize factors involved in mammalian bone tissue regeneration in microgravity. Rodent Research‐3 includes an experiment that implements pan‐omics to evaluate therapeutically significant molecular circuits, markers, and biomaterials associated with microgravity wound healing and tissue regeneration in bone defective rodents. The JAXA Mouse Epigenetics investigation examines molecular alterations in organ specific gene expression patterns and epigenetic modifications, and analyzes murine germ cell development during long term spaceflight. Lastly, Twins Study ("Differential effects of homozygous twin astronauts associated with differences in exposure to spaceflight factors"), NASA's first foray into human omics research, applies integrated analyses to assess biomolecular responses to physical, physiological, and environmental stressors associated with spaceflight.

Love, John↗

Arsenic Doping of Polycrystalline CdSeTe Devices for Microsecond Life-times with High Carrier Concentrations

We report seminal advances in fabrication and understanding of group V (As) doped thin-film polycrystalline CdTe-based solar cells. The devices are fabricated using a novel approach, by sublimating layers of CdSeTe and CdSeTe:As. This new method allowed us to achieve minority carrier lifetime of over 1 μs, carrier concentration of more than 5x1015 cc-1 and external radiative efficiency of over 2% in a device configuration. We find an increase in open-circuit voltage when comparing As-doped, Cu-doped and undoped devices. The choice of CdSeTe instead of a CdTe-only absorber has been explained using first-principle density functional theory model. A SCAPS device model is used to analyze the potential causes for lower open-circuit voltage.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Electron scattering on ${\mathbf{A=3}}$ nuclei from quantum Monte Carlo based approaches

We perform first-principle calculations of electron-nucleus scattering on $^3$He and $^3$H using the Green's function Monte Carlo method and two approaches based on the factorization of the final hadronic state: the spectral-function formalism and the short-time approximation. These three methods are benchmarked among each other and compared to the experimental data for the longitudinal and transverse electromagnetic response functions of $^3$He, and the inclusive cross sections of both $^3$He and $^3$H. Since these three approaches are based on the same description of nuclear dynamics of the initial target state, comparing their results enables a precise quantification of the uncertainties inherent to factorization schemes. At sufficiently large values of the momentum transfer, we find an excellent agreement of the Green's function Monte Carlo calculation with experimental data and with both the spectral-function formalism and the short-time approximation. We also analyze the relevance of relativistic effects, whose inclusion becomes crucial to explain data at high momentum and energy transfer.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Rn gravity as a viable alternative to dark matter: Application to stellar dynamics

The role of f(R) gravity, as well as the other modifications of standard Einstein’s gravity, is to explain the accelerated expansion, structure formation of the Universe, and some other phenomena at extragalactic scales (such as e.g. flat rotation curves of spiral galaxies) without adding unknown forms of dark energy or dark matter. In f(R) model, the Ricci scalar in the Einstein–Hilbert action is replaced by a general function of it. Its power-law form Rn is analyzed here using observed orbits of S-stars around the Galactic Center and also their computer simulations. We review the various consequences of the Rn gravity parameters (rc, the characteristic radius, i.e. the scalelength depending on the gravitating system properties; and β, the universal constant) on stellar dynamics and investigate their constraints from the observed S-star orbits. The presented results show that these observations could put reliable constraints on the parameters of Rn gravity.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

ECAR-7514 Rev 0 Analysis of the MARVEL Central Insurance Absorber Actuator Components

This ECAR analyzes the MARVEL Central Insurance Absorber (CIA) rod actuator design. Functions of interest include general vertical position, velocity, and SCRAM performance when carrying the CIA rod payload. Assessed components include the motor, drive train, electromagnet, bearings used for alignment and SCRAM velocity control, limit switches, 2nd position indicator, and resolver.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗

Competing adsorption mechanisms of pyridine on Cu, Ag, Au, and Pt(110) surfaces

We explore the adsorption of pyridine on Cu, Ag, Au, and Pt(110) surfaces using density functional theory. To account for the van der Waals interaction, we use the optB86b-vdW, optB88-vdW, optPBE-vdW, revPBE-vdW, and rPW86-vdW2 functionals. For comparison, we also run calculations using the generalized gradient approximation-PBE (Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof) functional. We find the most stable adsorption site to depend on both metal and functional, with two energetically favorable adsorption sites, namely, a vertically oriented site and a flat pyridine site. We calculate that every functional predicts pyridine to lie in the vertical configuration on the coinage metals at a low coverage. On Pt(110), by contrast, we calculate all the functionals—except rPW86-vdW2—to predict pyridine to lie flat at a low coverage. By analyzing these differences for these adsorption configurations, along with various geometric and electronic properties of the adsorbate/substrate system, we access in detail the performance of the 6 functionals we use. We also characterize the nature of the bonding of pyridine on the coinage metals from weak to strong physisorption, depending on the functional used. On Pt(110), we characterize the nature of the bonding of pyridine as ranging from strong physisorption to strong chemisorption depending again on the functional used, illustrating both the importance of the van der Waals interaction to this system and that this system can make a stringent test for computational methods.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The Shane Wirtanen counts - Observability of the galaxy correlation function

An explicit test of the ability of the galaxy two-point correlation function to be recovered from the Lick counts of galaxies (Shane and Wirtanen, 1967) is reported. High-fidelity simulations are created, starting with the distribution of galaxies in space. These distributions are projected onto a set of simulated Lick plates which are reduced to a uniform limiting magnitude with the method of Seldner et al. (1977). The simulated catalogs are then analyzed with the methods of Groth and Peebles (1977). The resulting correlation functions are found to reproduce accurately the correlation functions that were built in during the first step of the simulations.

Brown, Michael E.↗

Machine-learning-enabled on-the-fly analysis of RHEED patterns during thin film deposition by molecular beam epitaxy

Thin film deposition is a fundamental technology for the discovery, optimization, and manufacturing of functional materials. Deposition by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) typically employs reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) as a real-time in situ probe of the growing film. However, the state-of-the-art for RHEED analysis during deposition requires human observation. Here, we present an approach using machine learning (ML) methods to monitor, analyze, and interpret RHEED images on-the-fly during thin film deposition. In the analysis workflow, RHEED pattern images are collected at one frame per second and featurized using a pretrained deep convolutional neural network. The feature vectors are then statistically analyzed to identify changepoints; these changepoints can be related to changes in the deposition mode from initial film nucleation to a transition regime, smooth film deposition, and in some cases, an additional transition to a rough, islanded deposition regime. The feature vectors are additionally analyzed via graph analysis and community classification. The graph is quantified as a stabilization plot, and we show that inflection points in the stabilization plot correspond to changes in the growth regime. The full RHEED analysis workflow is termed RHAAPsody and includes data transfer and output to a visual dashboard. We demonstrate the functionality of RHAAPsody by analyzing the precaptured RHEED images from epitaxial depositions of anatase TiO2 on SrTiO3(001) and show that the analysis workflow can be executed in less than 1 s. Our approach shows promise as one component of ML-enabled real-time feedback control of the MBE deposition process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A method for determining optimum phasing of a multiphase propulsion system for a single-stage vehicle with linearized inert weight

A general analytical treatment is presented of a single-stage vehicle with multiple propulsion phases. A closed-form solution for the cost and for the performance and a derivation of the optimal phasing of the propulsion are included. Linearized variations in the inert weight elements are included, and the function to be minimized can be selected. The derivation of optimal phasing results in a set of nonlinear algebraic equations for optimal fuel volumes, for which a solution method is outlined. Three specific example cases are analyzed: minimum gross lift-off weight, minimum inert weight, and a minimized general function for a two-phase vehicle. The results for the two-phase vehicle are applied to the dual-fuel rocket. Comparisons with single-fuel vehicles indicate that dual-fuel vehicles can have lower inert weight either by development of a dual-fuel engine or by parallel burning of separate engines from lift-off.

Martin, J. A.↗

An agent-oriented approach to automated mission operations

As we plan for the next generation of Mission Operations Control Center (MOCC) systems, there are many opportunities for the increased utilization of innovative knowledge-based technologies. The innovative technology discussed is an advanced use of agent-oriented approaches to the automation of mission operations. The paper presents an overview of this technology and discusses applied operational scenarios currently being investigated and prototyped. A major focus of the current work is the development of a simple user mechanism that would empower operations staff members to create, in real time, software agents to assist them in common, labor intensive operations tasks. These operational tasks would include: handling routine data and information management functions; amplifying the capabilities of a spacecraft analyst/operator to rapidly identify, analyze, and correct spacecraft anomalies by correlating complex data/information sets and filtering error messages; improving routine monitoring and trend analysis by detecting common failure signatures; and serving as a sentinel for spacecraft changes during critical maneuvers enhancing the system's capabilities to support nonroutine operational conditions with minimum additional staff. An agent-based testbed is under development. This testbed will allow us to: (1) more clearly understand the intricacies of applying agent-based technology in support of the advanced automation of mission operations and (2) access the full set of benefits that can be realized by the proper application of agent-oriented technology in a mission operations environment. The testbed under development addresses some of the data management and report generation functions for the Explorer Platform (EP)/Extreme UltraViolet Explorer (EUVE) Flight Operations Team (FOT). We present an overview of agent-oriented technology and a detailed report on the operation's concept for the testbed.

Truszkowski, Walt↗

Full-Scale Turbofan-Engine Turbine-Transfer Function Determination Using Three Internal Sensors

Existing NASA/Honeywell EVNERT full-scale static engine test data is analyzed by using source-separation techniques in order to determine the turbine transfer of the currently sub-dominant combustor noise. The results are used to assess the combustor-noise prediction capability of the Aircraft Noise Prediction Program (ANOPP). Time-series data from three sensors internal to the Honeywell TECH977 research engine is used in the analysis. The true combustor-noise turbine-transfer function is educed by utilizing a new three-signal approach. The resulting narrowband gain factors are compared with the corresponding constant values obtained from two empirical acoustic-turbine-loss formulas. It is found that a simplified Pratt & Whitney formula agrees better with the experimental results for frequencies of practical importance. The 130 deg downstream-direction far-field 1/3-octave sound-pressure levels (SPL) results of Hultgren & Miles are reexamined using a post-correction of their ANOPP predictions for both the total noise signature and the combustion-noise component. It is found that replacing the standard ANOPP turbine-attenuation function for combustion noise with the simplified Pratt & Whitney formula clearly improves the predictions. It is recommended that the GECOR combustion-noise module in ANOPP be updated to allow for a user-selectable switch between the current transmission-loss model and the simplified Pratt & Whitney formula. The NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Program has the principal objective of overcoming today's national challenges in air transportation. The Subsonic Fixed Wing Project's Reduce-Perceived-Noise Technical Challenge aims to develop concepts and technologies to dramatically reduce the perceived aircraft noise outside of airport boundaries. The reduction of aircraft noise is critical to enabling the anticipated large increase in future air traffic.

Hultgren, Lennart S.↗

Physiological mechanisms of the effect of weightlessness on the body

Experimental data show that physiological reactions observed under weightlessness conditions are caused by: (1) The direct effect of weightlessness, as a consequence of decrease (""disappearance'') of the weight of body tissues and organs; and (2) the mediated effect of weightlessness, as a result of changes in the functional state of the central nervous system and the cooperative work of the analyzers. The human body adopts to weightless conditions under the prolonged effects of it. In this case, four periods can be distinguished: The first period, a transitional process lasting from 1 to 24 hours; second period, initial adaptation to conditions of weightlessness and readjustment of all functional systems of the body; the third period, adaptation to the unusual mechanical conditions of the external environment, lasting from 3 to 8 days and more; and the fourth period, the stage of possible imbalance of the functions and the systems of some astronauts, as a result of the prolonged effect of weightlessness.

Kasyan, I. I.↗

Use Cases and Model Development of Thermal Storage Coupling for Advanced Nuclear Reactors

This report discusses the different options for coupling thermal energy storage (TES) systems to advanced nuclear power plants (A-NPPs) in order to enable flexible and hybrid plant operation. An advanced light-water reactor (ALWR) and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) were selected as the initial use cases for demonstrating a thermally balanced energy storage coupling design for thermal power extraction. Cost functions for the A-LWR were derived from the fully balanced models that were developed based on three different coupling options with three different thermal energy bypass ratios. For the next steps, cost functions for the HTGR will also be derived, and additional nuclear reactors (e.g., a liquid-cooled fast reactor [LFR] or molten-salt reactor [MSR]) will be evaluated for coupling with TES in similar fashion, including the evaluation of their steady-state condition models and cost functions. The models presented herein showcase several design considerations, focusing on optimal deployment methodologies for achieving steady-state operation with minimum disruption to the nuclear power generation cycle. This report presents the results of steady state models developed using Aspen HYSYS®, wherein the thermal energy bypass for an NPP-TES coupling was varied up to 50%. The various components were sized using Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA) and Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR), when applicable. Cost functions from these models were developed using the latest publicly available data obtained from APEA V11. The current steady-state models and cost functions provide a baseline for additional work focusing on dynamic operation and process optimization by using Idaho National Laboratory (INL)’s Framework for Optimization of Resources and Economics (FORCE) tools to evaluate the technoeconomic viability and transient operations of TES-coupled A-NPPs.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

A rotor optimization using regression analysis

The design and development of helicopter rotors is subject to the many design variables and their interactions that effect rotor operation. Until recently, selection of rotor design variables to achieve specified rotor operational qualities has been a costly, time consuming, repetitive task. For the past several years, Kaman Aerospace Corporation has successfully applied multiple linear regression analysis, coupled with optimization and sensitivity procedures, in the analytical design of rotor systems. It is concluded that approximating equations can be developed rapidly for a multiplicity of objective and constraint functions and optimizations can be performed in a rapid and cost effective manner; the number and/or range of design variables can be increased by expanding the data base and developing approximating functions to reflect the expanded design space; the order of the approximating equations can be expanded easily to improve correlation between analyzer results and the approximating equations; gradients of the approximating equations can be calculated easily and these gradients are smooth functions reducing the risk of numerical problems in the optimization; the use of approximating functions allows the problem to be started easily and rapidly from various initial designs to enhance the probability of finding a global optimum; and the approximating equations are independent of the analysis or optimization codes used.

Giansante, N.↗

Fast inversion, preconditioned quantum linear system solvers, fast Green's-function computation, and fast evaluation of matrix functions

Preconditioning is the most widely used and effective way for treating ill-conditioned linear systems in the context of classical iterative linear system solvers. We introduce a quantum primitive called fast inversion, which can be used as a preconditioner for solving quantum linear systems. The key idea of fast inversion is to directly block encode a matrix inverse through a quantum circuit implementing the inversion of eigenvalues via classical arithmetics. We demonstrate the application of preconditioned linear system solvers for computing single-particle Green's functions of quantum many-body systems, which are widely used in quantum physics, chemistry, and materials science. We analyze the complexities in three scenarios: the Hubbard model, the quantum many-body Hamiltonian in the plane-wave-dual basis, and the Schwinger model. We also provide a method for performing Green's function calculation in second quantization within a fixed-particle manifold and note that this approach may be valuable for simulation more broadly. Aside from solving linear systems, fast inversion also allows us to develop fast algorithms for computing matrix functions, such as the efficient preparation of Gibbs states. Furthermore, we introduce two efficient approaches for such a task, based on the contour-integral formulation and the inverse transform, respectively.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗