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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 1,477 records · Page 82
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Measurement Uncertainty of Highly Asymmetrically Curved Elliptical Mirrors Using Multi-Pitch Slope Stitching Technique

Soft X-ray off-axis elliptical mirrors bring new challenges for X-ray mirror metrology. These highly asymmetrically curved elliptical cylindrical mirrors with a total slope range >10 mrad are extremely challenging to measure. Their total slope range exceeds the measuring range of most angular sensors used for X-ray mirror inspection. To overcome this problem, it is possible to stitch partial slope data by measuring the mirror at different pitch angles (multi-pitch angles). By revisiting the theory of the multi-pitch Nano-accuracy Surface Profiler (NSP), we derive the sampling position error on the mirror surface as a function of the mirror height profile and the measurement error of the pitch rotation center. When measuring “extreme”, highly asymmetrically curved, elliptical mirrors, the calculation of the mirror height profile with iterative reconstruction outperforms the classical “flat assumption” (i.e., assuming that the mirror sag is negligible). As demonstrated by our simulations, a proper tolerance evaluation on the measurement of pitch rotation center is needed to assess the measurement accuracy (systematic error) for these strongly aspherical mirrors using the multi-pitch NSP technique. Taking a real design of an “extreme” elliptical mirror as a case study, we conduct a Monte Carlo simulation to mimic the measurement and characterization process to analyze the impact of several error sources. With the measurement uncertainty of the pitch rotation center, the multi-pitch NSP measurement can estimate the grazing angle θ and the chief ray location x o with their uncertainties, as well as the slope residuals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1983

900 km of digital ocean wave spectra from the SEASAT SAR

One of the primary reasons for including the SAR in the complement of ocean microwave instruments on SEASAT was the global ocean wave spectra. An accurate, timely, and global knowledge of the full two dimensional or directional surface wave spectra has great value in both operational wave forecasting and in wave climatology, especially in the Southern Oceans. The sparse sampling obtainable from a single orbiting SAR would by itself be inadequate to reconstruct a global wave field, but when supplemented with auxiliary knowledge of the winds, the SAR might provide essential updates to a global wave model.

Beal, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Flight Reconstruction of the Mars Pathfinder Disk-Gap-Band Parachute Drag Coefficient

On July 4, 1997, the Mars Pathfinder (MPF) mission successfully landed on Mars. The entry, descent, and landing (EDL) scenario employed the use of a Disk-Gap-Band parachute design to decelerate the Lander. Flight reconstruction of the entry using MPF flight accelerometer data revealed that the MPF parachute decelerated faster than predicted. In the summer of 2003, the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission will send two Landers to the surface of Mars arriving in January 2004. The MER mission utilizes a similar EDL scenario and parachute design as that employed by MPF. As a result, characterizing the degree of underperformance of the MPF parachute system is critical for the MER EDL trajectory design. This paper provides an overview of the methodology utilized to estimate the MPF parachute drag coefficient as experienced on Mars.

Desai, Prasun↗
DOE OSTI2016

Three-Phase 3D Reconstruction of a LiCoO2 Cathode via FIB-SEM Tomography

Abstract Three-phase three-dimensional (3D) microstructural reconstructions of lithium-ion battery electrodes are critical input for 3D simulations of electrode lithiation/delithiation, which provide a detailed understanding of battery operation. In this report, 3D images of a LiCoO 2 electrode are achieved using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), with clear contrast among the three phases: LiCoO 2 particles, carbonaceous phases (carbon and binder) and the electrolyte space. The good contrast was achieved by utilizing an improved FIB-SEM sample preparation method that combined infiltration of the electrolyte space with a low-viscosity silicone resin and triple ion-beam polishing. Morphological parameters quantified include phase volume fraction, surface area, feature size distribution, connectivity, and tortuosity. Electrolyte tortuosity was determined using two different geometric calculations that were in good agreement. The electrolyte tortuosity distribution versus position within the electrode was found to be highly inhomogeneous; this will lead to inhomogeneous electrode lithiation/delithiation at high C-rates that could potentially cause battery degradation.

Liu, Zhao (ORCID:0000000303702406)↗
DOE OSTI2013

Non-conducting interfaces of LaAlO{sub 3}/SrTiO{sub 3} produced in sputter deposition: The role of stoichiometry

We have investigated the properties of interfaces between LaAlO{sub 3} films grown on SrTiO{sub 3} substrates singly terminated by TiO{sub 2}. We used RF sputtering in a high-pressure oxygen atmosphere. The films are smooth, with flat surfaces. Transmission electron microscopy shows sharp and continuous interfaces with some slight intermixing. The elemental ratio of La to Al, measured by the energy dispersive X-ray technique, is found to be 1.07. Importantly, we find these interfaces to be non-conducting, indicating that the sputtered interface is not electronically reconstructed in the way reported for films grown by pulsed laser deposition because of the different interplays among stoichiometry, mixing, and oxygen vacancies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Depth-discrete metagenomics reveals the roles of microbes in biogeochemical cycling in the tropical freshwater Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika (LT) is the largest tropical freshwater lake, and the largest body of anoxic freshwater on Earth’s surface. LT’s mixed oxygenated surface waters float atop a permanently anoxic layer and host rich animal biodiversity. However, little is known about microorganisms inhabiting LT’s 1470 meter deep water column and their contributions to nutrient cycling, which affect ecosystem-level function and productivity. Here, we applied genome-resolved metagenomics and environmental analyses to link specific taxa to key biogeochemical processes across a vertical depth gradient in LT. We reconstructed 523 unique metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 34 bacterial and archaeal phyla, including many rarely observed in freshwater lakes. We identified sharp contrasts in community composition and metabolic potential with an abundance of typical freshwater taxa in oxygenated mixed upper layers, and Archaea and uncultured Candidate Phyla in deep anoxic waters. Genomic capacity for nitrogen and sulfur cycling was abundant in MAGs recovered from anoxic waters, highlighting microbial contributions to the productive surface layers via recycling of upwelled nutrients, and greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide. Overall, our study provides a blueprint for incorporation of aquatic microbial genomics in the representation of tropical freshwater lakes, especially in the context of ongoing climate change, which is predicted to bring increased stratification and anoxia to freshwater lakes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

One-shot holography

Following the work of [J. High Energy Phys. 04, 062 (2021)], we define a generally covariant max-entanglement wedge of a boundary region B, which we conjecture to be the bulk region reconstructible from B. We similarly define a covariant min-entanglement wedge, which we conjecture to be the bulk region that can influence the state on B. We prove that the min- and max-entanglement wedges obey various properties necessary for this conjecture, such as nesting, inclusion of the causal wedge, and a reduction to the usual quantum extremal surface prescription in the appropriate special cases. These proofs rely on one-shot versions of the (restricted) quantum focusing conjecture (QFC) that we conjecture to hold. We argue that these QFCs imply a one-shot generalized second law (GSL) and quantum Bousso bound. Moreover, in a particular semiclassical limit we prove this one-shot GSL directly using algebraic techniques. Finally, in order to derive our results, we extend both the frameworks of one-shot quantum Shannon theory and state-specific reconstruction to finite-dimensional von Neumann algebras, allowing nontrivial centers.

Akers, Chris (ORCID:0000000227929827)↗
DOE OSTI2016

Incommensurate growth of Co thin film on close-packed Ag(111) surface

Growth of ultrathin Co layers on close-packed Ag(111)were investigated by means of Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Angle-resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy(ARPES) techniques. The close-packed hexagonal face of Co(0001), exhibits a lattice misfit about 13% with Ag(111) surface which manipulates the growth to be incommensurate up to a certain thickness. The strain field causes aperiodic height undulation in the sub-angstrom regime of the film which was confirmed by p(1 × 1) LEED pattern along with a 6-fold moiré reconstruction pattern in the lower film thickness (up to ∼2ML). The evolution of the LEED pattern was studied with increasing film coverage. Lattice strain was measured with respect to the relative positions of these double spots as a functionof film thickness. Almost a constant strain (∼13%) in the full range of film thickness explains the moiré pattern formation in order to stabilize the incommensurate growth. For higher film coverages, an epitaxial well-ordered commensurate growth was observed. Core level and valance band electronic structures of these films were studied by XPS and ARPES techniques.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-J-263: Dosimetric Analysis On Breast Brachytherapy Based On Deformable Image Registration

Purpose: To quantitatively compare and evaluate the dosimetry difference between breast brachytherapy protocols with different fractionation using deformable image registration. Methods: The accumulative dose distribution for multiple breast brachytherapy patients using four different applicators: Contura, Mammosite, Savi, and interstitial catheters, under two treatment protocols: 340cGy by 10 fractions in 5 days and 825cGy by 3 fractions in 2days has been reconstructed using a two stage deformable image registration approach. For all patients, daily CT was acquired with the same slice thickness (2.5mm). In the first stage, the daily CT images were rigidly registered to the initial planning CT using the registration module in Eclipse (Varian) to align the applicators. In the second stage, the tissues surrounding the applicator in the rigidly registered daily CT image were non-rigidly registered to the initial CT using a combination of image force and the local constraint that enforce zero normal motion on the surface of the applicator, using a software developed in house. We calculated the dose distribution in the daily CTs and deformed them using the final registration to convert into the image domain of the initial planning CT. The accumulative dose distributions were evaluated by dosimetry parameters including D90, V150 and V200, as well as DVH. Results: Dose reconstruction results showed that the two day treatment has a significant dosimetry improvement over the five day protocols. An average daily drop of D90 at 1.3% of the prescription dose has been observed on multiple brachytherapy patients. There is no significant difference on V150 and V200 between those two protocols. Conclusion: Brachytherapy with higher fractional dose and less fractions has an improved performance on being conformal to the dose distribution in the initial plan. Elongated brachytherapy treatments need to consider the dose uncertainty caused by the temporal changes of the soft tissue.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Assessment of Pioneer Venus Entry Heating with Coupled Radiation and Ablation

The objective of this work is to reconstruct thermocouple temperature measurements taken at the stagnation point of the Pioneer Venus large probe using uncoupled and coupled ablation calculations. The time history of the large probe forebody entry heating was obtained from a trajectory-based analysis that employed a material response solver to model equilibrium and nonequilibrium ablation chemistry at the surface. In the uncoupled approach, equilibrium ablation chemistry was assumed in the material response calculations, but the material response outputs were not returned to the flowfield solver. Therefore, the effects of char and pyrolysis gas injection into the boundary layer due to ablation (e.g., convective blockage and radiative energy absorption) did not influence the flowfield solutions. In the coupled approach, nonequilibrium ablation chemistry was performed and the material response outputs were returned to the flowfield solver. Therefore, the effects of char and pyrolysis gas injection into the boundary layer were accounted for in the flowfield solutions. Both uncoupled and coupled approaches produced reconstructed temperatures that were within 10% of the flight measurements through the entry heat pulse, with the coupled results comparing more favorably with the measurements. Overall, the reconstructed thermocouple temperatures in this work significantly improved on the results of previous reconstructions for the large probe.

Jannuel V V Cabrera↗
DOE OSTI2017

Joining X-Ray to Lensing: An Accurate Combined Analysis of MACS J0416.1–2403

We present a novel approach for a combined analysis of X-ray and gravitational lensing data and apply this technique to the merging galaxy cluster MACS J0416.1–2403. The method exploits the information on the intracluster gas distribution that comes from a fit of the X-ray surface brightness and then includes the hot gas as a fixed mass component in the strong-lensing analysis. With our new technique, we can separate the collisional from the collision-less diffuse mass components, thus obtaining a more accurate reconstruction of the dark matter distribution in the core of a cluster. We introduce an analytical description of the X-ray emission coming from a set of dual pseudo-isothermal elliptical mass distributions, which can be directly used in most lensing softwares. By combining Chandra observations with Hubble Frontier Fields imaging and Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer spectroscopy in MACS J0416.1–2403, we measure a projected gas-to-total mass fraction of approximately 10% at 350 kpc from the cluster center. Compared to the results of a more traditional cluster mass model (diffuse halos plus member galaxies), we find a significant difference in the cumulative projected mass profile of the dark matter component and that the dark matter over total mass fraction is almost constant, out to more than 350 kpc. In the coming era of large surveys, these results show the need of multiprobe analyses for detailed dark matter studies in galaxy clusters.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Grain Boundary‐Derived Cu + /Cu 0 Interfaces in CuO Nanosheets for Low Overpotential Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction to Ethylene

Abstract Electrochemical CO 2 reduction reaction can be used to produce value‐added hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals by coupling with clean electrical energy. However, highly active, selective, and energy‐efficient CO 2 conversion to multicarbon hydrocarbons, such as C 2 H 4 , remains challenging because of the lack of efficient catalysts. Herein, an ultrasonication‐assisted electrodeposition strategy to synthesize CuO nanosheets for low‐overpotential CO 2 electroreduction to C 2 H 4 is reported. A high C 2 H 4 Faradaic efficiency of 62.5% is achieved over the CuO nanosheets at a small potential of −0.52 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode, corresponding to a record high half‐cell cathodic energy efficiency of 41%. The selectivity toward C 2 H 4 is maintained for over 60 h of continuous operation. The CuO nanosheets are prone to in situ restructuring during CO 2 reduction, forming abundant grain boundaries (GBs). Stable Cu + /Cu 0 interfaces are derived from the low‐coordinated Cu atoms in the reconstructed GB regions and act as highly active sites for CO 2 reduction at low overpotentials. In situ Raman spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory computation reveal that the Cu + /Cu 0 interfaces offer high *CO surface coverage and lower the activation energy barrier for *CO dimerization, which, in synergy, facilitates CO 2 reduction to C 2 H 4 at low overpotentials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Targeting ultra-high energy neutrinos with the ARIANNA experiment

The measurement of ultra-high energy (UHE) neutrinos (E > 10 16 eV) opens a new field of astronomy with the potential to reveal the sources of ultra-high energy cosmic rays especially if combined with observations in the electromagnetic spectrum and gravitational waves. The ARIANNA pilot detector explores the detection of UHE neutrinos with a surface array of independent radio detector stations in Antarctica which allows for a cost-effective instrumentation of large volumes. Twelve stations are currently operating successfully at the Moore's Bay site (Ross Ice Shelf) in Antarctica and at the South Pole. In this work, we will review the current state of ARIANNA and its main results. We report on a newly developed wind generator that successfully operates in the harsh Antarctic conditions and powers the station for a substantial time during the dark winter months. The robust ARIANNA surface architecture, combined with environmentally friendly solar and wind power generators, can be installed at any deep ice location on the planet and operated autonomously. We discuss the detector capabilities to determine the neutrino direction by reconstructing the signal arrival direction of a 800 m deep calibration pulser, and the reconstruction of the signal polarization using the more abundant cosmic-ray air showers. Lastly, we describe a large-scale design – ARIA – that capitalizes on the successful experience of the ARIANNA operation and is designed sensitive enough to discover the first UHE neutrino.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Nanoscale strain mapping in battery nanostructures

Coherent x-ray diffraction imaging is used to map the local three dimensional strain inhomogeneity and electron density distribution of two individual LiNi{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 1.5}O{sub 4−δ} cathode nanoparticles in both ex-situ and in-situ environments. Our reconstructed images revealed a maximum strain of 0.4%. We observed different variations in strain inhomogeneity due to multiple competing effects. The compressive/tensile component of the strain is connected to the local lithium content and, on the surface, interpreted in terms of a local Jahn-Teller distortion of Mn{sup 3+}. Finally, the measured strain distributions are discussed in terms of their impact on competing theoretical models of the lithiation process.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

Amorphous calcium carbonate particles form coral skeletons

Significance Whether coral skeleton crystals grow by attachment of ions from solution or particles from tissue determines ( i ) corals’ growth rate, ( ii ) how they survive acidifying oceans, and ( iii ) the isotopes in the crystals used for reconstructing ancient temperatures. Our data show that two amorphous precursors exist, one hydrated and one dehydrated amorphous calcium carbonate; that these are formed in the tissue as ∼400-nm particles; and that they attach to the surface of coral skeletons, remain amorphous for hours, and finally crystallize into aragonite. Since these particles are formed inside tissue, coral skeleton growth may be less susceptible to ocean acidification than previously assumed. Coral bleaching and postmortem dissolution of the skeleton will occur, but a calcification crisis may not.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Novel Freshwater to Marine Evolutionary Transition Revealed within Methylophilaceae Bacteria from the Arctic Ocean

Bacteria inhabiting polar oceans, particularly the Arctic Ocean, are less studied than those at lower latitudes. Discovering bacterial adaptations to Arctic Ocean conditions is essential for understanding responses to the accelerated environmental changes occurring in the North. The Methylophilaceae are emerging as a model for investigating the genomic basis of habitat adaptation, because related lineages are widely distributed across both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Here, we investigated Methylophilaceae diversity in the salinity-stratified surface waters of the Canada Basin, Arctic Ocean. In addition to a diversity of marine OM43 lineages, we report on the genomic characteristics and evolution of a previously undescribed Methylophilaceae clade (BS01) common to polar surface waters yet related to freshwater sediment Methylotenera species. BS01 is restricted to the lower-salinity surface waters, while OM43 is found throughout the halocline. An acidic proteome supports a marine lifestyle for BS01, but gene content shows increased metabolic versatility compared to OM43 and evidence for ongoing genome-streamlining. Phylogenetic reconstruction shows that BS01 colonized the pelagic ocean independently of OM43 via convergent evolution. Salinity adaptation and differences in one-carbon and nitrogen metabolism may play a role in niche differentiation between BS01 and OM43. In particular, urea utilization by BS01 is predicted to provide an ecological advantage over OM43 given the limited amount of inorganic nitrogen in the Canada Basin. These observations provide further evidence that the Arctic Ocean is inhabited by distinct bacterial groups and that at least one group (BS01) evolved via a freshwater to marine environmental transition.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

High order spatial expansion for the method of characteristics applied to 3-D geometries

The method of characteristics is an efficient and flexible technique to solve the neutron transport equation and has been extensively used in two-dimensional calculations because it permits to deal with complex geometries. However, because of a very fast increase in storage requirements and number of floating operations, its direct application to three-dimensional routine transport calculations it is not still possible. In this work we introduce and analyze several modifications aimed to reduce memory requirements and to diminish the computing burden. We explore high-order spatial approximation, the use of intermediary trajectory-dependent flux expansions and the possibility of dynamic trajectory reconstruction from local tracking for typed subdomains. (authors)

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Microbial Tracking-2, a metagenomics analysis of bacteria and fungi onboard the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique and complex built environment with the ISS surface microbiome originating from crew and cargo or from life support recirculation in an almost entirely closed system. The Microbial Tracking 1 (MT-1) project was the first ISS environmental surface study to report on the metagenome profiles without using whole-genome amplification. The study surveyed the microbial communities from eight surfaces over a 14-month period. The Microbial Tracking 2 (MT-2) project aimed to continue the work of MT-1, sampling an additional four flights from the same locations, over another 14 months. Eight surfaces across the ISS were sampled with sterile wipes and processed upon return to Earth. DNA extracted from the processed samples (and controls) were treated with propidium monoazide (PMA) to detect intact/viable cells or left untreated and to detect the total DNA population (free DNA/compromised cells/intact cells/viable cells). DNA extracted from PMA-treated and untreated samples were analyzed using shotgun metagenomics. Samples were cultured for bacteria and fungi to supplement the above results. Staphylococcus sp. and Malassezia sp. were the most represented bacterial and fungal species, respectively, on the ISS. Overall, the ISS surface microbiome was dominated by organisms associated with the human skin. Multi-dimensional scaling and differential abundance analysis showed significant temporal changes in the microbial population but no spatial differences. The ISS antimicrobial resistance gene profiles were however more stable over time, with no differences over the 5-year span of the MT-1 and MT-2 studies. Twenty-nine antimicrobial resistance genes were detected across all samples, with macrolide/lincosamide/streptogramin resistance being the most widespread. Metagenomic assembled genomes were reconstructed from the dataset, resulting in 82 MAGs. Functional assessment of the collective MAGs showed a propensity for amino acid utilization over carbohydrate metabolism. Co-occurrence analyses showed strong associations between bacterial and fungal genera. Culture analysis showed the microbial load to be on average 3.0 × 10 5 cfu/m 2 . Utilizing various metagenomics analyses and culture methods, we provided a comprehensive analysis of the ISS surface microbiome, showing microbial burden, bacterial and fungal species prevalence, changes in the microbiome, and resistome over time and space, as well as the functional capabilities and microbial interactions of this unique built microbiome. Data from this study may help to inform policies for future space missions to ensure an ISS surface microbiome that promotes astronaut health and spacecraft integrity.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗