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At least 1,585 records · Page 88

Nonlinear Analysis and Preliminary Testing Results of a Hybrid Wing Body Center Section Test Article

A large test article was recently designed, analyzed, fabricated, and successfully tested up to the representative design ultimate loads to demonstrate that stiffened composite panels with through-the-thickness reinforcement are a viable option for the next generation large transport category aircraft, including non-conventional configurations such as the hybrid wing body. This paper focuses on finite element analysis and test data correlation of the hybrid wing body center section test article under mechanical, pressure and combined load conditions. Good agreement between predictive nonlinear finite element analysis and test data is found. Results indicate that a geometrically nonlinear analysis is needed to accurately capture the behavior of the non-circular pressurized and highly-stressed structure when the design approach permits local buckling.

Przekop, Adam↗

Performance of Residual Carrier Array Feed Combining in Correlated Noise

An array feed combining system for the recovery of SNR loss due to antenna reflector deformation has been implemented and is currently being evaluated on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory 34 meter DSS-13 antenna. In this system, the defocused signal field captured by a focal plane array feed is recovered using real-time signal processing and signal combining techniques. The current signal processing and signal combining algorithms are optimum under the assumption that the white Gaussian noise processes in the received signals from different array elements are mutually uncorrelated. Experimental data at DSS-13 indicate that these noise processes are indeed mutually correlated. The main result of this paper is an analytical derivation of the actual SNR performance of the current suboptimal signal combining algorithm in this correlated noises environment. The analysis here shows that the combined signal SNR can either be improved or degraded depending on the relation between the array signal and noise correlation coefficient phases. Further performance improvement will require the development of signal combining methods that take into account the correlated noises.

Residual↗

Erroneous Attribution of Deep Convective Invigoration to Aerosol Concentration

Abstract Contiguous time–height cloud objects at the Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Southern Great Plains (SGP) site are matched with surface condensation nuclei (CN) concentrations and retrieved thermodynamic and kinematic vertical profiles for warm-cloud-base, cold-cloud-top systems in convectively unstable environments. Statistical analyses show that previously published conclusions that increasing CN concentrations cause a decrease in minimum cloud-top temperature (CTT) at the SGP site through the aerosol convective invigoration effect are unfounded. The CN–CTT relationship is statistically insignificant, while correlations between convective available potential energy (CAPE), level of neutral buoyancy (LNB), and CN concentration account for most of the change in the CN–CTT positive correlation. Removal of clouds with minimum CTTs > −36°C from the analysis eliminates the CN–CTT correlation. Composited dirty conditions at the SGP have ~1°C-warmer low levels and ~1°C-cooler upper levels than clean conditions. This correlation between aerosol concentrations and thermodynamic profiles may be caused by an increase in regional rainfall preceding deep convective conditions as CN concentration decreases. Increased rainfall can be expected to increase wet deposition of aerosols, cool low-level temperatures, and warm upper-level temperatures. The masking of a potential aerosol effect by such small thermodynamic changes implies that the strategy of analyzing subsets of aerosol data by binned meteorological factor values is not a valid method for discerning an aerosol effect in some situations. These findings highlight the need for more careful, detailed, and strategic observations to confidently isolate and quantify an aerosol deep convective invigoration effect.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Prospects and Limitations of Predicting Fuel Ignition Properties from Low-Temperature Speciation Data

Using chemical kinetic modeling and statistical analysis, we investigate the possibility of correlating key chemical “markers”–typically small molecules–formed during very lean (φ ~ 0.001) oxidation experiments with near-stoichiometric (φ ~ 1) fuel ignition properties. One goal of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of designing a fuel-screening platform, based on small laboratory reactors that operate at low temperatures and use minimal fuel volume. Buras et al. [Combust. Flame2020,216, 472–484] have shown that convolutional neural net (CNN) fitting can be used to correlate first-stage ignition delay times (IDTs) with OH/HO2 measurements during very lean oxidation in low-T flow reactors with better than factor-of-2 accuracy. In this work, we test the limits of applying this correlation-based approach to predict the low-temperature heat release (LTHR) and total IDT, including the sensitivity of total IDT to the equivalence ratio, φ. We demonstrate that first-stage IDT can be reliably correlated with very lean oxidation measurements using compressed sensing (CS), which is simpler to implement than CNN fitting. LTHR can also be predicted via CS analysis, although the correlation quality is somewhat lower than for first-stage IDT. In contrast, the accuracy of total IDT prediction at φ = 1 is significantly lower (within a factor of 4 or worse). Furthermore, these results can be rationalized by the fact that the first-stage IDT and LTHR are primarily determined by low-temperature chemistry, whereas total IDT depends on low-, intermediate-, and high-temperature chemistry. Oxidation reactions are most important at low temperatures, and therefore, measurements of universal molecular markers of oxidation do not capture the full chemical complexity required to accurately predict the total IDT even at a single equivalence ratio. As a result, we find that φ-sensitivity of ignition delay cannot be predicted at all using solely correlation with lean low-T chemical speciation measurements.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Future prospects for constraining nuclear matter parameters with gravitational waves

The gravitational wave emission from the merging binary neutron star system GW170817 arrived full of tidal information which can be used to probe the fundamental ultradense nuclear physics residing in these stars. In previous work, we used two-dimensional correlations between nuclear matter parameters and tidal deformabilities of neutron stars applying specifically to GW170817 to derive constraints on the former. Here, we extend this analysis by finding similar correlations for varying chirp masses, the dominant determining factor in the frequency evolution of the inspiral, such that one can apply the same method to future detections. We estimate how accurately one can measure nuclear parameters with future gravitational wave interferometers and show how such measurements can be improved by combining multiple events. We find that bounds on the nuclear parameters with future observations can improve from the current one with GW170817 only by ~30% due to the existence of systematic errors caused mainly by the remaining uncertainty in the equation of state near and just above the nuclear saturation density. As a result, we show that such systematic errors can be reduced by considering multidimensional correlations among nuclear parameters and tidal deformabilities with various neutron star masses.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Estimation of old field ecosystem biomass using low altitude imagery

Color-infrared photography was used to evaluate the biomass of experimental plots in an old-field ecosystem that was treated with different levels of waste water from a sewage treatment facility. Cibachrome prints at a scale of approximately 1:1,600 produced from 35 mm color infrared slides were used to analyze density patterns using prepared tonal density scales and multicell grids registered to ground panels shown on the photograph. Correlation analyses between tonal density and vegetation biomass obtained from ground samples and harvests were carried out. Correlations between mean tonal density and harvest biomass data gave consistently high coefficients ranging from 0.530 to 0.896 at the 0.001 significance level. Corresponding multiple regression analysis resulted in higher correlation coefficients. The results of this study indicate that aerial infrared photography can be used to estimate standing crop biomass on waste water irrigated old field ecosystems. Combined with minimal ground truth data, this technique could enable managers of wastewater irrigation projects to precisely time harvest of such systems for maximal removal of nutrients in harvested biomass.

Nor, S. M.↗

Estimation of old field ecosystem biomass using low altitude imagery

Color-infrared photography was used to evaluate the biomass of experimental plots in an old-field ecosystem that was treated with different levels of waste water from a sewage treatment facility. Cibachrome prints at a scale of approximately 1:1,600 produced from 35 mm color infrared slides were used to analyze density patterns using prepared tonal density scales and multicell grids registered to ground panels shown on the photograph. Correlations between mean tonal density and harvest biomass data gave consistently high coefficients ranging from 0.530 to 0.896 at the 0.001 significance level. Corresponding multiple regression analysis resulted in higher correlation coefficients. The results indicate that aerial infrared photography can be used to estimate standing crop biomass on waste water irrigated old field ecosystems. Combined with minimal ground truth data, this technique could enable managers of waste water irrigation projects to precisely time harvest of such systems for maximal removal of nutrients in harvested biomass.

Nor, S. M.↗

Concepts for interrelating ultrasnic attenuation, microstrucutre and fracture toughness in polycrystalline solids

Conceptual models are advanced for explaining and predicting empirical correlations found between ultrasonic measurements and fracture toughness of polycrystalline solids. The models lead to insights concerning microstructural factors governing fracture processes and associated stress wave interactions. Analysis of the empirical correlations suggested by the models indicate that, in addition to grain size and shape, grain boundary reflections, elastic anisotropy, and dislocation damping are factors that underly both fracture toughness and ultrasonic attenuation. One outcome is that ultrasonic attenuation can predict the size of crack blunting or process zones that develop in the vicinity active cracks in metals. This forms a basis for ultrasonic ranking according to variations in fracture toughness.

Vary, A.↗

Concepts for interrelating ultrasonic attenuation, microstructure, and fracture toughness in polycrystalline solids

Conceptual models are advanced for explaining and predicting empirical correlations found between ultrasonic measurements and fracture toughness of polycrystalline solids. The models lead to insights concerning microstructural factors governing fracture processes and associated stress wave interactions. Analysis of the empirical correlations suggested by the models indicate that, in addition to grain size and shape, grain boundary reflections, elastic anisotropy, and dislocation damping are factors that underlie both fracture toughness and ultrasonic attenuation. One outcome is that ultrasonic attenuation can predict the size of crack blunting or process zones that develop in the vicinity of active cracks in metals. This forms a basis for ultrasonic ranking according to variations in fracture toughness.

Vary, A.↗

Spectral characteristics of background error covariance and multiscale data assimilation

The spatial resolutions of numerical atmospheric and oceanic circulation models have steadily increased over the past decades. Horizontal grid spacing down to the order of 1 km is now often used to resolve cloud systems in the atmosphere and sub-mesoscale circulation systems in the ocean. These fine resolution models encompass a wide range of temporal and spatial scales, across which dynamical and statistical properties vary. In particular, dynamic flow systems for small scales can become spatially localized and temporarily intermittent. An analysis shows that the background correlation length scale is larger than 75 km for streamfunctions, even for a 2-km resolution model, and larger than 25 km for water vapor mixing ratios. The theoretical analyses suggest that such correlation length scales prevent the currently used data assimilation schemes from constraining spatial scales smaller than 150 km for streamfunctions and 50 km for water vapor mixing ratios. These results highlight the necessity of fundamentally modifying the currently used data assimilation algorithm for assimilating high-resolution observations into the aforementioned fine resolution models. A multiscale methodology based on scale decomposition is suggested, and challenges are discussed.

Li, Zhijin↗

Comment: Spurious Correlation and Other Observations on Experimental Design for Engineering Dimensional Analysis

This article discusses the paper "Experimental Design for Engineering Dimensional Analysis" by Albrecht et al. (2013, Technometrics). That paper provides and overview of engineering dimensional analysis (DA) for use in developing DA models. The paper proposes methods for generating model-robust experimental designs to supporting fitting DA models. The specific approach is to develop a design that maximizes the efficiency of a specified empirical model (EM) in the original independent variables, subject to a minimum efficiency for a DA model expressed in terms of dimensionless groups (DGs). This discussion article raises several issues and makes recommendations regarding the proposed approach. Also, the concept of spurious correlation is raised and discussed. Spurious correlation results from the response DG being calculated using several independent variables that are also used to calculate predictor DGs in the DA model.

Dimensional analysis↗

Plan, formulate, and discuss a NASTRAN finite element model of the UH-60A helicopter airframe

Under a rotorcraft structural dynamics program sponsored by the NASA Langley Research Center, Sikorsky Aircraft, together with the other major helicopter airframe manufacturers, is engaged in a study to improve the use of finite element analysis to predict the dynamic behavior of helicopter airframes. This program, which was designated DAMVIBS (Design Analysis Methods for VIBrationS), includes activities in the areas of: planning, creating, and documenting finite element models of helicopter airframes; the performance of ground vibration tests; and the correlation of test and analysis. The work performed at Sikorsky Aircraft for planning, creating, and documenting a finite element model of the UH-60A BLACK HAWK helicopter airframe is summarized. A complete description of the components of the helicopter which are to be represented in the model is presented and includes: the structural arrangement, the identification of primary and secondary structure, the components of the drive and power trains, and the attachment of large weight items to the structure. Also presented are the techniques which were used to formulate the structural finite element model for static analysis, for forming the mass and vibration models for dynamic analysis, and the procedures which were used to check out and verify the integrity of the model. Initial predictions for the vibration modes for the helicopter are included.

Dinyovszky, P.↗

Microgravity Propellant Tank Geyser Analysis and Prediction

An established correlation for geyser height prediction of an axial jet inflow into a microgravity propellant tank was analyzed and an effort to develop an improved correlation was made. The original correlation, developed using data from ethanol flow in small-scale drop tower tests, uses the jet-Weber number and the jet-Bond number to predict geyser height. A new correlation was developed from the same set of experimental data using the jet-Weber number and both the jet-Bond number and tank-Bond number to describe the geyser formation. The resulting correlation produced nearly a 40% reduction in geyser height predictive error compared to the original correlation with experimental data. Two additional tanks were computationally modeled in addition to the small-scale tank used in the drop tower testing. One of these tanks was a 50% enlarged small-scale tank and the other a full-scale 2 m radius tank. Simulations were also run for liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Results indicated that the new correlation outperformed the original correlation in geyser height prediction under most circumstances. The new correlation has also shown a superior ability to recognize the difference between flow patterns II (geyser formation only) and III (pooling at opposite end of tank from the bulk fluid region).

Thornton, Randall J.↗

NEXUS Qubit Analysis: Jump Rates and Efciencies

Correlated qubit errors are a hinderance to quantum computing, but when using quantum chips as a particle detector, they can be a sign of energy deposits. Using a four transmon qubit chip in the NEXUS fridge at Fermilab, we have taken data to better understand the impact ionizing radiation has on the correlated errors. To analyze this data, we need a jump detection code that is robustly tested with understood efficiencies. In this work, we describe the process of getting these efficiencies using a rolling $\chi^2$ jump detection code.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Surface roughness estimation of MBE grown CdTe/GaAs(211)B by ex-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry

Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) ranging from 1.24 eV to 5.05 eV is used to obtain the film thickness and optical properties of high index (211) CdTe films. A three-layer optical model (oxide/CdTe/GaAs) was chosen for the ex-situ ellipsometric data analysis. Surface roughness cannot be determined by the optical model if oxide is included. We show that roughness can be accurately estimated, without any optical model, by utilizing the correlation between SE data (namely the imaginary part of the dielectric function, <ε{sub 2} > or phase angle, ψ) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) roughness. <ε{sub 2} > and ψ values at 3.31 eV, which corresponds to E{sub 1} critical transition energy of CdTe band structure, are chosen for the correlation since E{sub 1} gives higher resolution than the other critical transition energies. On the other hand, due to the anisotropic characteristic of (211) oriented CdTe surfaces, SE data (<ε{sub 2} > and ψ) shows varieties for different azimuthal angle measurements. For this reason, in order to estimate the surface roughness by considering these correlations, it is shown that SE measurements need to be taken at the same surface azimuthal angle. Estimating surface roughness in this manner is an accurate way to eliminate cumbersome surface roughness measurement by AFM.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A cross-correlation study of the Fermi -LAT γ-ray diffuse extragalactic signal

In this work, starting from 21 months of data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT), we derive maps of the residual isotropic γ-ray emission, a relevant fraction of which is expected to be contributed by the extragalactic diffuse γ-ray background (EGB). We search for the auto-correlation signals in the above γ-ray maps and for the cross-correlation signal with the angular distribution of different classes of objects that trace the large-scale structure of the Universe. We compute the angular two-point auto-correlation function of the residual Fermi -LAT maps at energies E > 1 GeV, E > 3 GeV and E > 30 GeV well above the Galactic plane and find no significant correlation signal. This is, indeed, what is expected if the EGB were contributed by BL Lacertae (BLLacs), Flat Spectrum Radio Quasars (FSRQs) or star-forming galaxies, since, in this case, the predicted signal is very weak. Then, we search for the Integrated Sachs–Wolfe (ISW) signature by cross-correlating the Fermi-LAT maps with the 7-year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe ( WMAP7 ) cosmic microwave background map. We find a cross-correlation consistent with zero, even though the expected signal is larger than that of the EGB auto-correlation. Lastly, in an attempt to constrain the nature of the γ-ray background, we cross-correlate the Fermi -LAT maps with the angular distributions of objects that may contribute to the EGB: quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 6 (SDSS-DR6) catalogue, NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) galaxies, Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) galaxies and Luminous Red Galaxies (LRGs) in the SDSS catalogue. The cross-correlation is always consistent with zero, in agreement with theoretical expectations, but we find (with low statistical significance) some interesting features that may indicate that some specific classes of objects contribute to the EGB. A χ 2 analysis confirms that the correlation properties of the 21-month data do not provide strong constraints of the EGB origin. However, the results suggest that the situation will significantly improve with the 5- and 10-yr Fermi -LAT data. In future, the EGB analysis will then allow placing significant constraints on the nature of the EGB and might provide, in addition, a detection of the ISW signal.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗