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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 1,243 records · Page 69
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Advanced Manned Launch System (AMLS) study

To assure national leadership in space operations and exploration in the future, NASA must be able to provide cost effective and operationally efficient space transportation. Several NASA studies and the joint NASA/DoD Space Transportation Architecture Studies (STAS) have shown the need for a multi-vehicle space transportation system with designs driven by enhanced operations and low costs. NASA is currently studying an advanced manned launch system (AMLS) approach to transport crew and cargo to the Space Station Freedom. Several single and multiple stage systems from air-breathing to all-rocket concepts are being examined in a series of studies potential replacements for the Space Shuttle launch system in the 2000-2010 time frame. Rockwell International Corporation, under contract to the NASA Langley Research Center, has analyzed a two-stage all-rocket concept to determine whether this class of vehicles is appropriate for the AMLS function. The results of the pre-phase A study are discussed.

Ehrlich, Carl F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2010

New Observations of the Crab Nebula and Pulsar

We present a phase-resolved study of the X-ray spectrum of the Crab Pulsar, using data obtained in a special mode with the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The superb angular resolution easily enables discerning the Pulsar from the surrounding nebulosity, even at pulse minimum. We find that the Pulsar's X-ray spectral index varies sinusoidally with phase---except over the same phase range for which rather abrupt changes in optical polarization magnitude and position angle have been reported. In addition, we use the X-ray data to constrain the surface temperature for various neutron-star equations of state and atmospheres. Finally, we present new data on dynamical variations of structure within the Nebula.

Weisskopf, Martin C.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Real-space observation of fluctuating antiferromagnetic domains

Magnetic domains play a fundamental role in physics of magnetism and its technological applications. Dynamics of antiferromagnetic domains is poorly understood, although antiferromagnets are expected to be extensively used in future electronic devices wherein it determines the stability and operational speed. Dynamics of antiferromagnets also features prominently in the studies of topological quantum matter. Real-space imaging of fluctuating antiferromagnetic domains is therefore highly desired but has never been demonstrated. We use coherent x-ray diffraction to obtain videos of fluctuating micrometer-scale antiferromagnetic domains in Ni 2 MnTeO 6 on time scales from 10 -1 to 10 3 s. In the collinear phase, thermally activated domain wall motion is observed in the vicinity of the Néel temperature. Unexpectedly, the fluctuations persist through the full range of the higher-temperature helical phase. These observations illustrate the high potential significance of the dynamic domain imaging in phase transition studies and in magnetic device research.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

In situ measurements of reactions in a glass-forming batch by X-ray and neutron diffraction

We report the batch materials used in glass production are often too coarse to allow phase evolution measurements by in situ high-temperature x-ray diffraction (HTXRD). Reducing the particle sizes to accommodate these measurements changes the reaction kinetics and can alter the reaction pathway. Unlike conventional laboratory XRD, which operates in reflection mode and analyzes the surface region of finely ground powder, neutron diffraction can be used to characterize as-received batch materials by means of an intense beam which penetrates through a bulk sample. In this study, the phase evolution in a glass-forming batch made with fine batch materials was probed in situ by both HTXRD and time-of-flight neutron diffraction to determine the similarities and differences between measurements by the two techniques. Therefore, the same composition, prepared using the coarser, as-received size distributions of the same batch materials, was studied by both techniques, demonstrating the unique capability of neutron diffraction to analyze material which is too coarse for the HTXRD, and to reveal the effect of the particle size distribution on the reaction kinetics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1981

Solar cycle signal in air temperature in North America - Amplitude, gradient, phase and distribution

The considered investigation was motivated by three factors. One is related to an extension of single-channel MESA to multi-channel by Strand (1977), Morf et al. (1978), and Jones (1978). MESA is a high-resolution signal processing and spectrum analysis technique due to Burg (1975). The considered developments resulted in the discovery of the 11-year solar cycle signal in the change of the length of day by Currie (1980, 1981). They also led Currie (1981) to study the phase spectrum of the 11-year term in height H of sea level. The investigation tries to clarify the phase relations among the involved parameters. The second factor is connected with an application of the linear time domain technique used by Currie (1981) to temperature records to obtain more accurate information regarding the signal amplitude. The third factor of motivation is related to increases in the number of stations available for an analysis, the greater average length of the records, and the more accurate data set.

Currie, R. G.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Liquid crystal self-assembly of upconversion nanorods enriched by depletion forces for mesostructured material preparation

Monodisperse rod-like colloidal particles are known for spontaneously forming both nematic and smectic liquid crystal phases, but their self-assembly was typically exploited from the fundamental soft condensed matter physics perspective. Here we demonstrate that depletion interactions, driven by non-adsorbing polymers like dextran and surfactants, can be used to enrich the self-organization of photon-upconversion nanorods into orientationally ordered nematic and smectic-like membrane colloidal superstructures. We study thermodynamic phase diagrams and demonstrate polarization-dependent photon upconversion exhibited by the ensuing composites, which arises from the superposition of unique properties of the solid nanostructures and the long-range ordering enabled by liquid crystalline self-organization. Finally, we discuss how our method of utilizing self-assembly due to the steric and electrostatic interactions, along with attractive depletion forces, can enable technological uses of lyotropic colloidal liquid crystals and mesostructured composite materials enabled by them, even when they are formed by anisotropic nanoparticles with relatively small aspect ratios.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2006

Laboratory Spectroscopy of Large Carbon Molecules and Ions in Support of Space Missions

One of the major objectives of Laboratory Astrophysics is the optimization of data return from space missions by measuring spectra of atomic and molecular species in laboratory environments that mimic interstellar conditions (WhitePaper (2002, 2006)). Among interstellar species, PAHs are an important and ubiquitous component of carbon-bearing materials that represents a particularly difficult challenge for gas-phase laboratory studies. We present the absorption spectra of jet-cooled neutral and ionized PAHs and discuss the implications for astrophysics. The harsh physical conditions of the interstellar medium have been simulated in the laboratory. We are now, for the first time, in the position to directly compare laboratory spectra of PAHs and carbon nanoparticles with astronomical observations. This new phase offers tremendous opportunities for the data analysis of current and upcoming space missions geared toward the detection of large aromatic systems (HST/COS, FUSE, JWST, Spitzer).

Salana, Farid↗
DOE OSTI2017

Influence of annealing parameters on phase evolution and recrystallization kinetics of a Mn-Al-Si alloyed duplex steel

Highlights: • Stacking fault energy calculated for Fe-9.8Mn-7.5Al-1.22Si-0.2C steel is 48.4 mJ/m{sup 2} • Austenite stability decreases with increasing temperature due to higher free energy • Mn{sub 5}(Al,Si)C precipitates evolve with concurrent disappearance of austenite at 1273 K • Decrease in austenite fraction stimulates boundary migration for recrystallization • The maximum value of Avrami exponent ~ 1 implies sluggish recrystallization kinetics - Abstract: In this study, the phase transformation and recrystallization behavior of hot-forged Fe-Mn-Al-Si-C alloyed duplex steel has been investigated in wide ranges of annealing temperatures (973-1273 K) and durations (15–150 min). The recrystallization kinetics has been evaluated employing Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov model. A limited extent of phase transformation (i.e. duplex to single phase) has been found to take place during annealing in the range of 973-1173 K. However, during annealing at 1273 K, not only the transformation from duplex to ferritic microstructure accelerates, but also recrystallization is initiated in these ferrite grains. The changes in the free energy of the austenite with the annealing temperature play a pivotal role in dictating the stabilization of the corresponding phase. Moreover, the disappearance of the austenitic phase at 1273 K owing to higher free energy is compensated by the formation of Mn-Al-Si rich carbide precipitates. The phase evolution triggered by annealing at 1273 K affects the recrystallization kinetics of each of the phase constituents. A sharp rise in the Avrami exponent (n) value is noticed following annealing at 1273 K, which clearly denotes that the disappearing austenite-ferrite interfaces facilitate the migration of the ferrite boundaries that stimulate recrystallization. In spite of the increasing values of n with the annealing temperature, its maximum value (at 1273 K) remains close to 1. This is a clear indication of the sluggish nature of the recrystallization process in the developed alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

LOTUS Highlights on Ozone Trend Analyses and Phase 3 Direction

LOTUS (Long-term Ozone Trends and Uncertainties in the Stratosphere) is a SPARC (Stratosphere-troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate)-sponsored effort to foster collaboration between established and early career scientists around the world, with expertise in ozone observations, modeling, and trend tools, with an aim toward innovating new climate research that meets the needs of the ozone trends community and provides vital contributions to the WMO Assessment in an organized and cohesive way. Here we will summarize recent studies associated with the LOTUS effort that perform trend analyses on both total column and vertical profiles of ozone. The main findings of the derived trends from both observations and chemistry climate models have important implications for the status of the ozone layer as they pertain to the efficacy of the Montreal Protocol. These results also present new questions and knowledge gaps that will be outlined as areas of future study in Phase 3 of the LOTUS effort over the next few years to inform the next Assessment.

LOTUS↗
DOE OSTI2019

An Independent Analysis of the Spitzer/IRAC Phase Curves of WASP43 b

We present here a reanalysis of the Spitzer Space Telescope phase curves of the hot Jupiter WASP43 b, using the wavelet pixel-independent component analysis, a blind signal-source separation method. The data analyzed were recorded with the Infrared Array Camera and consisted of two visits at 3.6 μm, and one visit at 4.5 μm, each visit covering one transit and two eclipse events. To test the robustness of our technique we repeated the analysis on smaller portions of the phase curves, and by employing different instrument ramp models. Our reanalysis presents significant updates of the planetary parameters compared to those reported in the original phase curve study of WASP43 b. In particular, we found (1) higher nightside temperatures, (2) smaller hotspot offsets, (3) a greater consistency (∼1σ) between the two 3.6 μm visits, and (4) a greater similarity with the predictions of the atmospheric circulation models. Our parameter results are consistent within 1σ with those reported by a recent reanalysis of the same data sets. For each visit we studied the variation of the retrieved transit parameters as a function of various sets of stellar limb-darkening coefficients, finding significant degeneracy between the limb-darkening models and the analysis output. Furthermore, we performed the analysis of the single transit and eclipse events, and we examined the differences between these results with the ones obtained with the whole phase curve. Finally we provide a formula useful to optimize the trade-off between precision and duration of observations of transiting exoplanets.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1975

Error analysis of Dobson spectrophotometer measurements of the total ozone content

A study of techniques for measuring atmospheric ozone is reported. This study represents the second phase of a program designed to improve techniques for the measurement of atmospheric ozone. This phase of the program studied the sensitivity of Dobson direct sun measurements and the ozone amounts inferred from those measurements to variation in the atmospheric temperature profile. The study used the plane - parallel Monte-Carlo model developed and tested under the initial phase of this program, and a series of standard model atmospheres.

Holland, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS2008

A Planetary Protection Strategy for the Mars Aerial Regional-Scale Environmental Survey (ARES) Mission Concept

The Aerial Regional-scale Environmental Survey (ARES) is a Mars exploration mission concept designed to send an airplane to fly through the lower atmosphere of Mars, with the goal of taking scientific measurements of the atmosphere, surface, and subsurface phenomenon. ARES was first proposed to the Mars Scout program in December 2002 for a 2007 launch opportunity and was selected to proceed with a Phase A study, step-2 proposal which was submitted in May 2003. ARES was not selected for the Scout mission, but efforts continued on risk reduction of the atmospheric flight system in preparation for the next Mars Scout opportunity in 2006. The ARES concept was again proposed in July 2006 to the Mars Scout program but was not selected to proceed into Phase A. This document describes the Planetary Protection strategy that was developed in ARES Pre Phase-A activities to help identify, early in the design process, certain hardware, assemblies, and/or subsystems that will require unique design considerations based on constraints imposed by Planetary Protection requirements. Had ARES been selected as an exploration project, information in this document would make up the ARES Project Planetary Protection Plan.

Kuhl, Christopher A.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Early Formulation Model-centric Engineering on NASA's Europa Mission Concept Study

The proposed Jupiter Europa Orbiter and Jupiter Ganymede Orbiter missions were formulated using current state-of-the-art MBSE facilities: - JPL's TeamX, Rapid Mission Architecting - ESA's Concurrent Design Facility - APL's ACE Concurrent Engineering Facility. When JEO became an official "pre-project" in Sep 2010, we had already developed a strong partnership with JPL's Integrated Model Centric Engineering (IMCE) initiative; decided to apply Architecting and SysML-based MBSE from the beginning, begun laying these foundations to support work in Phase A. Release of Planetary Science Decadal Survey and FY12 President's Budget in March 2011 changed the landscape. JEO reverted to being a pre-phase A study. A conscious choice was made to continue application of MBSE on the Europa Study, refocused for early formulation. This presentation describes the approach, results, and lessons.

early formulation↗
DOE OSTI2019

Relationships between electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with left bundle branch block and healthy controls

Background: Abnormal electrical activation may cause dyssynchronous left ventricular (LV) contraction. In this study, we characterized and analyzed electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony in patient with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and healthy controls. Methods: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) data from 994 patients were analyzed. Forty-three patient fulfilled criteria for LBBB and 24 for controls. Electrical activation was characterized with vector electrocardiography (VECG) and LV function including mechanical dyssynchrony with ECG-gated MPI phase analysis. Results: QRS duration (QRSd; r = 0.69, P < .001) and a few other VECG parameters correlated significantly with phase bandwidth (phaseBW) representing mechanical dyssynchrony. End-diastolic volume (EDV; r = 0.59, P < .001), ejection fraction and end-systolic volume correlated also with phaseBW. QRSd (β = 0.47, P < .001) and EDV (β = 0.36, P = .001) were independently associated with phaseBW explaining 55% of its variation. Sixty percent of patients with LBBB had significant mechanical dyssynchrony. Those patients had wider QRSd (159 vs 147 ms, P = .013) and larger EDV (144 vs 94 mL, P = .008) than those with synchronous LV contraction. Cut-off values for mechanical dyssynchrony seen in patients with LBBB were QRSd ≥ 165 ms and EDV ≥ 109 mL. Conclusions: Despite obvious conduction abnormality, LBBB is not always accompanied by mechanical dyssynchrony. QRSd and EDV explained 55% of variation seen in phaseBW. These two parameters were statistically different between LBBB cases with and without mechanical dyssynchrony.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Influence of curing temperature on belite cement hydration: A comparative study with Portland cement

Belite cements (BCs) could be a more sustainable binder than Portland cements (PCs) but adequate knowledge of the hydration features has still to be built. In particular, the mild curing hydration temperature effects have been extensively studied for PCs but not for BCs. This research was triggered by a previous work reporting improved mechanical strengths of BCs at higher curing temperatures. Here, we report the hydration characteristics of a BC at 20, 40 and 60 °C and compared to those of a typical PC. We have corroborated previous findings and used a multi-technique approach including Rietveld phase analysis, thermal analysis, calorimetry, silicon MAS-NMR, mercury intrusion porosimetry and chiefly synchrotron X-ray microtomography, to thoroughly understand the different behavior. In a nutshell, the improved mechanical performances at mild curing temperatures for BCs are mainly due to a much larger belite degree of reaction, with lower porosity coarsening of belite cements also playing a role.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hugoniot, sound speed, and phase transitions of single-crystal sapphire for pressures 0.2–2.1 TPa

Sapphire (Al 2 O 3 ) is a major constituent of the Earth's mantle and has significant contributions to the field of high-pressure physics. Constraining its Hugoniot over a wide pressure range and identifying the location of shock-driven phase transitions allows for development of a multiphase equation of state and enables its use as an impedance-matching standard in shock physics experiments. In this paper we present measurements of the principal Hugoniot and sound velocity from direct impact experiments using magnetically launched flyers on the Z machine at Sandia National Laboratories. The Hugoniot was constrained for pressures from 0.2–2.1 TPa and a four-segment piecewise linear shock-velocity–particle-velocity fit was determined. First-principles molecular dynamics simulations were conducted and agree well with the experimental Hugoniot. Sound-speed measurements identified the onset of melt between 450 and 530 GPa, and the Hugoniot fit refined the onset to 525 ± 13 GPa. A phase diagram which incorporates literature diamond-anvil cell data and melting measurements is presented.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1977

Conceptual approach study of a 200 watt per kilogram solar array, phase 1

Two alternative designs were studied; one a retractable rollout design and the other a nonretractable foldout configuration. An end of life (EOL) power for either design of 0.79 beginning of life (BOL) is predicted based on one solar flare during a 3 year interplanetary mission. Both array configurations incorporate the features of flexible substrates and cover sheets. A power capacity of 10 kilowatt is achieved in a blanket area of 76 sq m with an area utilization factor of 0.8. A single array consists of two identical solar cell blankets deployed concurrently by a single, coilable longeron boom. An out of plane angle of 8-1/4 deg is maintained between the two blankets so that the inherent inplane stiffness of the blankets may be used to obtain out of plane stiffness. This V-stiffened design results in a 67% reduction in the stiffness requirement for the boom. Since boom mass scales with stiffness, a lower requirement on boom stiffness results in a lower mass for the boom. These solar arrays are designed to be compatible with the shuttle launch environment and shuttle cargo bay size limitations.

Rayl, G. J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development of process parameters and post-build conditions for qualification of LPBF 316 SS

To harness the potential of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 316H stainless steel (SS) for use in advanced nuclear reactors, extensive research efforts are needed to develop optimal laser processing parameters and appropriate heat treatments, taking into account various manufacturing platforms and locations. Furthermore, it is crucial to assess the material properties in environments relevant to reactor operating conditions. In collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) is dedicated to gaining insights into how the manufacturing process and post-build treatments impact the performance of LPBF 316H SS. This report provides an overview of ANL's research findings for FY23, focusing on LPBF 316H SS produced using a Renishaw AM400 laser system. Specifically, our research has concentrated on three key areas: 1) Optimum laser processing parameters: Leveraging the high-throughput printing technology, we systematically varied the laser power, exposure time and point distance within the same build. By measuring the as-printed porosity, we identified an optimum printing parameter window that produced materials with near-complete density; 2) Post-built treatment development: Materials printed with the optimum laser parameters underwent treatments including stress relief, solution annealing, and hot isostatic pressing. Subsequently, we fabricated tension, creep, and fatigue specimens from materials subjected to these different conditions. Over the next year, a series of scoping tests will be conducted to facilitate the selection of the most suitable post-build treatment condition; 3) Thermal aging effects on microstructure and properties: thermal aging at 550°C, 650°C and 750°C was conducted on LPBF 316H SS specimens up to 2500 h. Microstructural characterization was performed with electron microscopy, and the evolution of the dislocation cell structures and secondary phases was studied. Microhardness tests and tension tests were conducted to quantify changes in mechanical properties. The results revealed that the aged LPBF 316H SS exhibited a high density of Cr-rich and Mo-rich fine precipitates within grains due to the presence of a high density of dislocations and the globally distributed dislocation cell structures, which served as heterogeneous nucleation sites for secondary phases. Along grain boundaries, a Mo-Cr-rich phase, observed in 750°C-aged conditions, displayed significant thermal coarsening. Throughout the aging process, various mechanisms, including stress relaxation, dislocation cell structure recovery, solution hardening, and precipitation hardening, competed to influence materials strength. These results contribute towards establishing the technical basis for qualifying LPBF 316H SS for advanced nuclear reactor applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗