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At least 1,531 records · Page 85

The sensitivity of a very long baseline interferometer

The theoretical sensitivity of various methods of acquiring and processing interferometer data are compared. It is shown that for a fixed digital recording capacity one bit quantization of single sideband data filtered with a rectangular bandpass and sampled at the Nyquist rate yields the optimum signal to noise ratio. The losses which result from imperfect bandpass, poor image rejection, approximate methods of fringe rotation, fractional bit correction, and loss of quadrature are discussed. Also discussed is the use of the complex delay function as a maximum likelihood fringe estimator.

Rogers, A. E. E.↗

Control system software, simulation, and robotic applications

All essential existing capabilities needed to create a man-machine interaction dynamics and performance (MMIDAP) capability are reviewed. The multibody system dynamics software program Order N DISCOS will be used for machine and musculo-skeletal dynamics modeling. The program JACK will be used for estimating and animating whole body human response to given loading situations and motion constraints. The basic elements of performance (BEP) task decomposition methodologies associated with the Human Performance Institute database will be used for performance assessment. Techniques for resolving the statically indeterminant muscular load sharing problem will be used for a detailed understanding of potential musculotendon or ligamentous fatigue, pain, discomfort, and trauma. The envisioned capacity is to be used for mechanical system design, human performance assessment, extrapolation of man/machine interaction test data, biomedical engineering, and soft prototyping within a concurrent engineering (CE) system.

Frisch, Harold P.↗

Raman spectral observation of a new phase observed in nickel electrodes cycled to failure

A ‘new phase’ is reported in nickel electrodes from Ni/H2 boilerplate cells which were cycled to failure in electrolyte of variable KOH concentration (21–36%). Raman spectra clearly show the presence of this phase, and these spectra have been used to estimate the amounts present on these electrodes. Ten of twelve electrodes examined contain this new phase. The cycle life at higher KOH concentrations (31 and 36%) was greatly reduced, and nickel electrodes from these cells exhibited extensive amounts of this new phase. The presence of this ‘new phase’ correlates with cell failure defined by low end of discharge voltages. It is proposed that the lowered capacity and failure of these electrodes was caused by loss of active mass and formation of a phase with reduced electrochemical activity. These results indicate that formation of this new phase is accelerated at higher KOH concentrations.

Patricia L Loyselle↗

The AgMIP Coordinated Climate-Crop Modeling Project (C3MP): Methods and Protocols

Climate change is expected to alter a multitude of factors important to agricultural systems, including pests, diseases, weeds, extreme climate events, water resources, soil degradation, and socio-economic pressures. Changes to carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]), temperature, and water (CTW) will be the primary drivers of change in crop growth and agricultural systems. Therefore, establishing the CTW-change sensitivity of crop yields is an urgent research need and warrants diverse methods of investigation. Crop models provide a biophysical, process-based tool to investigate crop responses across varying environmental conditions and farm management techniques, and have been applied in climate impact assessment by using a variety of methods (White et al., 2011, and references therein). However, there is a significant amount of divergence between various crop models' responses to CTW changes (Rotter et al., 2011). While the application of a site-based crop model is relatively simple, the coordination of such agricultural impact assessments on larger scales requires consistent and timely contributions from a large number of crop modelers, each time a new global climate model (GCM) scenario or downscaling technique is created. A coordinated, global effort to rapidly examine CTW sensitivity across multiple crops, crop models, and sites is needed to aid model development and enhance the assessment of climate impacts (Deser et al., 2012). To fulfill this need, the Coordinated Climate-Crop Modeling Project (C3MP) (Ruane et al., 2014) was initiated within the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP; Rosenzweig et al., 2013). The submitted results from C3MP Phase 1 (February 15, 2013-December 31, 2013) are currently being analyzed. This chapter serves to present and update the C3MP protocols, discuss the initial participation and general findings, comment on needed adjustments, and describe continued and future development. AgMIP aims to improve substantially the climate, crop, and economic simulation tools that are used to characterize the agricultural sector, to assess future world food security under changing climate conditions, and to enhance adaptation capacity both globally and regionally. To understand better and improve the modeled crop responses, AgMIP has conducted detailed crop model intercomparisons at closely observed field sites for wheat (Asseng et al., 2013), rice (Li et al., in review), maize (Bassu et al., 2014), and sugarcane (Singels et al., 2013). A coordinated modeling exercise was one of the original motivations for AgMIP, and C3MP provides rapid estimation of crop responses to CO2, water, and temperature (CTW) changes, adding dimension and insight into the crop model intercomparisons, while facilitating interactions within the global community of modelers. C3MP also contributes a fast-track, multi-model climate sensitivity assessment for the AgMIP climate and crop modeling teams on Research Track 2 (Fig. 1), which seeks to understand the impact of projected climatic changes on crop production and food security (Rosenzweig et al., 2013; Ruane et al., 2014).

agriculture↗

Erosion-Corrosion Detection in Carbon Steel Pipe Loops using SRNLs Thickness and Mass Loss Measurement Coupons - 20464

Structural health of waste transfer infrastructure is of utmost importance to DOE and communities surrounding their active sites. A Fitness-for-Service (FFS) program for the Waste Transfer System has been implemented by the US Department of Energy (DOE) for the purposes of evaluating and quantifying the degradation of critical components. Currently, the method of approach is to section and evaluate pipelines that have been removed at end service. In order to augment data collection methods applied to making lifespan estimates of waste transfer system components, Florida International University (FIU) has been investigating new-technology based strategies for quantifying the rate of degradation. Present research considers the option of a coupon system installed on a section of pipe at points of interest that will provide easy access to high resolution measurements of erosion/corrosion rates during operation. Researchers at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) have developed this novel solution for in situ erosion and corrosion measurements in many applicable locations such as tanks, pipes, ducts, and injection points. The coupons are approximately 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) in diameter and 25.4 mm (1 inch) in length and can be placed in the pipe sections using Swagelok compression fittings. The coupon design allows for monitoring of the total degradation resulting from corrosion and erosion. High-resolution Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) testing allows in-situ monitoring of both degradation mechanisms. When removed from the system mass loss resulting from corrosion and erosion may also be evaluated. Experimental testing at FIU implemented the SRNL coupon system in a 6.10 meter (20 foot) pipe loop system comprised of 50.8 mm (2 inch) and 76.2 mm (3 inch) pipe sections in order to replicate expected use cases at the sites. Operational conditions were emulated by pumping abrasive materials through the pipeline at full capacity and collecting measurements from the SRNL coupons. Initial testing was conducted by circulating water followed by a mixture of sand and water for uniform wear rates. Thickness changes and mass loss were measured, and the surface exposed to the process fluid was observed for visual evidence of characteristic wear patterns resulting from an erosive environment. The test matrix consisted of several hours of operation and using fine, medium and coarse grain sands. Test results were analyzed to check for all three parameters (mass loss/gain, thickness change and surface patters) which could provide estimates of the remaining useful life of the pipe sections. Thus, the research presents the findings of this evaluation of the SRNL coupons as a means for conducting high accuracy, cost effective in-situ analysis of pipeline and waste transfer systems for erosion and corrosion susceptibility. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Real time operation of high-capacity electric vehicle ridesharing fleets

We study the feasibility of using electric vehicles in online, high-capacity ridepooling systems. Prior work has shown that online algorithms perform well for centrally-controlled, high-capacity ridepool systems. First, we propose a mixed integer linear program to expand past algorithms on ridepooling to electric vehicle fleets with the objective of scheduling vehicle charging to maintain sufficient fleet sizes at various times of day. Then we show a faster, scalable algorithm with similar performance that is practical for full-scale systems. Furthermore, our contributions reinforce the importance of having knowledge and estimates of future demand even when operating in the online setting.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Impacts of Regional Air Mobility and Electrified Aircraft on Local Grid Infrastructure and Airport Electricity Demand

The goal of this work is to analyze the electrical infrastructure that may be necessary to serve electrified aviation at a subset of airports where potential electrified flight demand has been provided. Additionally, this work will estimate the amount of onsite distributed energy resources (i.e., solar photovoltaics and battery energy storage systems) that could be used to serve EA in cost effective scenarios.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Advanced Fuel Cycle Cost Basis Report: Module D1-4 and Module D1-5 Ceramic Pelletized Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) Fuel Fabrication Ceramic Vibrocompacted Fuel Fabrication

This is a cost module that is part of the Advanced Fuel Cycle -- Cost Basis Report. Module D1-4: Nature of this module update (Rev 1) from previous advanced fuel cycle cost basis reports (AFCCBRs): new life cycle cost data on U,Pu SFR mixed oxide (MOX) fuels is derived from the Nonproliferation Assessment Systems Analysis Program (NASAP) conducted in the late 1970s. Highassay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) ceramic fuel is also discussed in more detail compared to earlier AFC-CBRs, since some advanced SFR concepts currently under development will require this HALEU fuel type for startup. Module D1-5: Nature of this FY-21 module update from previous AFC-CBRs: this module includes a few new references and a somewhat expanded discussion of vibrocompaction fuel fabrication technology. The WIT values for VIPAC are pegged directly to those for conventional LWR and SFR pelletized U,Pu MOX (note that this module now includes VIPAC MOX fuel for LWRs in addition to SFRs). Based on information from Russia, where VIPAC has been studied extensively, the unit costs are expressed as a percentage of those in the new updated Module D1-2 (pelletized U,Pu MOX) and new updated Module D1-4 (pelletized U,Pu MOX) for large NOAK fabrication facilities of the same production capacity. Since both ceramic pelletized MOX Modules D1-2 and D1-4 benefitted from analysis of 1970s NASAP data, by extension this Module D1-5 also benefits.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Interval Management Display Design Study

In 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimated that U.S. commercial air carriers moved 736.7 million passengers over 822.3 billion revenue-passenger miles. The FAA also forecasts, in that same report, an average annual increase in passenger traffic of 2.2 percent per year for the next 20 years, which approximates to one-and-a-half times the number of today's aircraft operations and passengers by the year 2033. If airspace capacity and throughput remain unchanged, then flight delays will increase, particularly at those airports already operating near or at capacity. Therefore it is critical to create new and improved technologies, communications, and procedures to be used by air traffic controllers and pilots. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the FAA, and the aviation industry are working together to improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System and the cost to operate in it in several ways, one of which is through the creation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). NextGen is intended to provide airspace users with more precise information about traffic, routing, and weather, as well as improve the control mechanisms within the air traffic system. NASA's Air Traffic Management Technology Demonstration-1 (ATD-1) Project is designed to contribute to the goals of NextGen, and accomplishes this by integrating three NASA technologies to enable fuel-efficient arrival operations into high-density airports. The three NASA technologies and procedures combined in the ATD-1 concept are advanced arrival scheduling, controller decision support tools, and aircraft avionics to enable multiple time deconflicted and fuel efficient arrival streams in high-density terminal airspace.

Baxley, Brian T.↗

Orbital Space Solar Power Option for a Lunar Village

One of the most significant challenges to the implementation of a continuously manned lunar base is power. During the lunar day (14 Earth days), it is conceptually simple to deploy solar arrays to generate the estimated 35 kilowatts of continuous power required. However, generating this level of power during the lunar night (also 14 Earth days) has been an extremely difficult problem to solve. Conventional solutions range from the requirement that the base be located at the lunar south pole so as to take advantage of the continuous sunshine available there to developing a space-qualified nuclear reactor and power plant to generate the needed energy. There is a third option: Use the soon-to-be-available Space Launch System to place a space based solar power station in lunar orbit that would beam the needed energy to the lunar base. Several detailed studies have been performed by NASA, universities and others looking at the lunar south pole for locating the base. The results are encouraging: by taking advantage of the moon's orbital tilt, large solar arrays can be deployed there to track the sun continuously and generate the power needed to sustain the base. The problem with this approach is inherent to its design: it will only work at the lunar south pole. There is no other site on the Moon with geometry favorable to generating continuous solar power. NASA has also considered the development of a compact fission reactor and power plant to generate the needed power, allowing the base to be sited anywhere on the Moon. The problem with this approach is that there are no space fission reactors available, none are being planned and the cost of developing one is prohibitively expensive. Using an orbiting space based solar power station to generate electrical power and beam it to a base sited anywhere on the moon should therefore be considered. The technology to collect sunlight, generate greater than the estimated 35 kilowatts of power, and beam it to the surface using microwaves is available today. The problem with this concept in the past would have been the mass and packaging volume (for launch) required to put such a system in place in lunar orbit. This problem is potentially solved with the advent of the Space Launch System (SLS). The SLS, with its 70 mT launch capacity, it more than capable of placing such a system into lunar orbit in a single launch. This paper will examine the potential use of an SLS-launched, space solar power system in lunar orbit as the primary power source for a first-generation, continuously-occupied lunar base and compare it with the other power generation and storage options previously considered.

Johnson, Les↗

Broadly Reactive Human Monoclonal Antibodies Elicited following Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus Exposure Protect Mice against Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Challenge

ABSTRACT Broadly cross-reactive antibodies (Abs) that recognize conserved epitopes within the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) stalk domain are of particular interest for their potential use as therapeutic and prophylactic agents against multiple influenza virus subtypes, including zoonotic virus strains. Here, we characterized four human HA stalk-reactive monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for their binding breadth and affinity, in vitro neutralization capacity, and in vivo protective potential against an highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. The monoclonal antibodies were isolated from individuals shortly following infection with (70-1F02 and 1009-3B05) or vaccination against (05-2G02 and 09-3A01) A(H1N1)pdm09. Three of the MAbs bound HAs from multiple strains of group 1 viruses, and one MAb, 05-2G02, bound to both group 1 and group 2 influenza A virus HAs. All four antibodies prophylactically protected mice against a lethal challenge with the highly pathogenic A/Vietnam/1203/04 (H5N1) strain. Two MAbs, 70-1F02 and 09-3A01, were further tested for their therapeutic efficacy against the same strain and showed good efficacy in this setting as well. One MAb, 70-1F02, cocrystallized with H5 HA and showed heavy-chain-only interactions similar to those seen with the previously described CR6261 anti-stalk antibody. Finally, we show that antibodies that compete with these MAbs are prevalent in serum from an individual recently infected with the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. The antibodies described here can be developed into broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics that could be used to combat infections by zoonotic or emerging pandemic influenza viruses. IMPORTANCE The rise in zoonotic infections of humans by emerging influenza viruses is a worldwide public health concern. The majority of recent zoonotic human influenza cases were caused by H7N9 and H5Nx viruses and were associated with high morbidity and mortality. In addition, seasonal influenza viruses are estimated to cause up to 650,000 deaths annually worldwide. Currently available antiviral treatment options include only neuraminidase inhibitors, but some influenza viruses are naturally resistant to these drugs, and others quickly develop resistance-conferring mutations. Alternative therapeutics are urgently needed. Broadly protective antibodies that target the conserved “stalk” domain of the hemagglutinin represent potential potent antiviral prophylactic and therapeutic agents that can assist pandemic preparedness. Here, we describe four human monoclonal antibodies that target conserved regions of influenza HA and characterize their binding spectrum as well as their protective capacity in prophylactic and therapeutic settings against a lethal challenge with a zoonotic influenza virus.

Nachbagauer, Raffael (ORCID:0000000155685420)↗

Determination of the Thermodynamic Properties of the Cyclohexane + n-Octane + n-Hexadecane Liquid Mixture by the Acoustic Method

The propagation of sound in the ternary cyclohexane + n-octane + n-hexadecane mixture at temperatures of 298–433 K and pressures of 0.1–100.1 MPa was investigated experimentally. The maximum error in measuring the velocity of sound in this mixture was 0.1%. Experimental data on the velocity of sound in such a mixture were obtained for the first time. On the basis of these data, the density, the isobaric expansion coefficient, the isobaric and isochoric heat capacities, and the isothermal compressibility of the indicated ternary mixture of three compositions at a temperature of 298–348 K and a pressure of 0.1–100 MPa and the deviation of the velocity of sound in it from the ideal one were determined. With the use of a number of semiempirical equations, the deviation of the velocity of sound in this mixture from the ideal one was estimated on the basis of the data on the velocity of sound in its pure components and in their binary compounds. A good agreement between the calculation and experimental data has been obtained. A table of the thermodynamic properties of the cyclohexane + n-octane + n-hexadecane mixture is presented.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Utilization of Radiation Therapy in Norway After the Implementation of The National Cancer Plan—A National, Population-Based Study

Purpose: To estimate actual utilization rates of radiation therapy (RT) in Norway, describe time trends (1997-2010), and compare these estimates with corresponding optimal RT rates. Methods and Materials: Data from the population-based Cancer Registry of Norway was used to identify all patients diagnosed with cancer and/or treated by RT for cancer in 1997-2010. Radiation therapy utilization rates (RURs) were calculated as (1) the proportion of incident cancer cases who received RT at least once within 1 year of diagnosis (RUR{sub 1Y}); and (2) the proportion who received RT within 5 years of diagnosis (RUR{sub 5Y}). The number of RT treatment courses per incident cancer case (TCI) was also calculated for all cancer sites combined. The actual RURs were compared with corresponding Australian and Canadian epidemiologic- and evidence-based model estimates and criterion-based benchmark estimates of optimal RURs. The TCIs were compared with TCI estimates from the 1997 Norwegian/National Cancer Plan (NCP). Joinpoint regression was used to identify changes in trends and to estimate annual percentage change (APC) in actual RUR{sub 1Y} and actual TCI. Results: The actual RUR{sub 5Y} (all sites) increased significantly to 29% in 2005 but still differed markedly from the Australian epidemiologic- and evidence-based model estimate of 48%. With the exception of RUR{sub 5Y} for breast cancer and RUR{sub 1Y} for lung cancers, all actual RURs were markedly lower than optimal RUR estimates. The actual TCI increased significantly during the study period, reaching 42.5% in 2010, but was still lower than the 54% recommended in the NCP. The trend for RUR{sub 1Y} (all sites) and TCI changed significantly, with the annual percentage change being largest during the first part of the study period. Conclusions: Utilization rates of RT in Norway increased after the NCP was implemented and RT capacity was increased, but they still seem to be lower than optimal levels.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Automated electrical demand peak leveling in a manufacturing facility with short term energy storage for smart grid participation

Demand side management of energy is a vital function in the smart grid that allows for greater integration of renewable energy resources, and is facilitated with economic incentives in energy and demand pricing schedules. Manufacturing systems can take advantage of these incentives to reduce their energy costs through active energy management. This paper is a simulation analysis on the implementation of a novel algorithm that levelizes the maximum power load of an industrial bakery that operates under an on-peak demand price structure. The algorithm takes advantage of an untapped thermal energy storage resource in the facility, a chilled glycol buffer tank, to level the short intra-day power oscillations that the facility experiences. One of the key advantages of the algorithm is that it does not require precise demand forecasting or complex control algorithms, such as model predictive control. Even with substantial error in peak power estimates (5%), the algorithm is expected to result in at least a 2% peak reduction. Under ideal prediction, the algorithm reduces the on-peak facility power maximum by 7.3% of the possible 9.0% reduction the storage can provide. Further, the algorithm uses very few facility specific inputs, and can readily be adapted for any facility with short intra-day oscillatory power profiles and untapped storage capacity. The key insight of the paper is the employment of a novel algorithm to leverage untapped energy storage in manufacturing facilities to transform them into smart grid participants with no major capital investment.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Cost Study for Manufacturing of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power Systems

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power systems can be designed to produce electricity from fossil fuels at extremely high net efficiencies, approaching 70%. However, in order to penetrate commercial markets to an extent that significantly impacts world fuel consumption, their cost will need to be competitive with alternative generating systems, such as gas turbines. This report discusses a cost model developed at PNNL to estimate the manufacturing cost of SOFC power systems sized for ground-based distributed generation. The power system design was developed at PNNL in a study on the feasibility of using SOFC power systems on more electric aircraft to replace the main engine-mounted electrical generators [Whyatt and Chick, 2012]. We chose to study that design because the projected efficiency was high (70%) and the generating capacity was suitable for ground-based distributed generation (270 kW).

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Direct Air Capture Using Trapped Small Amines in Hierarchical Nanoporous Capsules on Porous Electrospun Fibers (Final Technical Report)

This report summarizes the carbon capture research and development conducted by The State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) and GTI Energy (GTI) for award “DE-FE0031969: Direct Air Capture Using Trapped Small Amines in Hierarchical Nanoporous Capsules on Porous Electrospun Fibers” sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The objective of this project is to develop an innovative sorbent structure of trapped small amines in HNC embedded in PEF for DAC. This involves tailoring both sorbent and PEF materials to achieve a compact system for DAC with high capacity for CO 2 at concentrations typically available in air and at near ambient conditions. An innovative sorbent structure of trapped small amines in hierarchical nanoporous capsules (HNC) embedded in porous electrospun fibers (PEF) was developed for direct air capture (DAC). This involves tailoring both sorbent and PEF materials to achieve a compact system for DAC with high capacity for CO 2 at concentrations typically available in air and at near ambient conditions. An interfacial polymerization process was developed, which utilized loaded amines inside mesoporous silica and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) dissolved in organic solvents as the precursors, to generate a polyamide (PA) coating layer on mesoporous silica and thus trap amines. Reaction conditions, including TMC concentration, organic solvents, reaction time, etc., for interfacial polymerization were optimized to effectively trap loaded amines, and cyclic heating-cooling operation was conducted to evaluate the coating quality. Larger pore volume mesoporous silica was also synthesized to increase amine loading and thus increase CO 2 capacity. The optimized sorbent material exhibited CO 2 capacity as high as 4.88 mmol/g under humid DAC conditions and negligible loss (<1%) during 10 cyclic heating-cooling operations. The optimized PA-coated sorbent also showed fast adsorption and desorption kinetics, with <20% t1/2 increase compared to uncoated sorbent. PEF fabrication conditions, including organic solvents for dissolving core and shell polymers, voltage, distance from the nozzle to the collection panel, etc. were adjusted to better incorporate HNC. After incorporating the optimized sorbent material into PEF, the structured sorbent had a CO 2 capacity of approximately 4.0 mmol/g under humid DAC conditions, with capacity loss of 0.17% per cycle and t1/2 increase less than 10%. A techno-economic analysis (TEA) for the process design for a DAC system based on our developed sorbent structure of trapped small amines in HNC embedded in PEF was conducted. The process design included process description and major equipment sizing and energy and mass balances in addition to scale-up research results and estimated capture cost. Aspen Adsorption Simulator was used to fit the experimentally measured breakthrough curves and extract equilibrium and kinetic data of the optimized sorbent. Our results indicated that for a DAC plant with CO 2 productivity of 3,000 tonne/year, the levelized cost of CO 2 capture was $\$$612/tonne, with the largest contribution of 44.33% from the fixed operation cost. Increasing CO 2 productivity, while maintaining similar fixed operation cost, is expected to significantly reduce the CO 2 capture cost. A sensitivity study was also conducted to understand the influence of total plant cost, sorbent cost, CO 2 concentration in the feed, sorbent mat lifetime, sorbent regeneration electricity, and adsorption blower pressure drop on the levelized cost of CO 2 capture, revealing a capture cost range of $\$$520-870/tonne.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Aviation System Analysis Capability Noise Impact Model

To meet its objective of assisting the U.S. aviation industry with the technological challenges of the future, NASA must identify research areas that have the greatest potential for improving the operation of the air transportation system. To accomplish this, NASA is building an Aviation System Analysis Capability (ASAC). The Noise Impact Model (NIM) has been developed as part of the ASAC. Its primary purpose is to enable users to examine the impact that quieter aircraft technologies and/or operations might have on community noise impact and air carrier operating efficiency at any of 16 large- and medium-sized U.S. airports. The analyst chooses an airport and case year for study, selects a runway use configuration and set of flight tracks for the scenario, and has the option of reducing the noise of the aircraft that operate at the airport by 3, 6, or 10 decibels. NIM computes the resultant noise impact and estimates any airline operations improvements. Community noise impact is characterized in three ways: the size of the noise contour footprint, the number of people living within the.contours, and the number of homes located in the same contours. Distance and time savings are calculated by comparing the noise abatement flight path length to a less circuitous alternate routing. For a more efficient runway use configuration, the increase in capacity and reduction in delay are shown.

Wingrove, Earl R., III↗