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At least 1,585 records · Page 88

Accurate Realization of GPS Vertical Global Reference Frame

The few millimeter per year level accuracy of radial global velocity estimates with the Global Positioning System (GPS) is at least an order of magnitude poorer than the accuracy of horizontal global motions. An improvement in the accuracy of radial global velocities would have a very positive impact on a number of geophysical studies of current general interest such as global sea-level and climate change, coastal hazards, glacial isostatic adjustment, atmospheric and oceanic loading, glaciology and ice mass variability, tectonic deformation and volcanic inflation, and geoid variability. The goal of this project is to improve our current understanding of GPS error sources associated with estimates of radial velocities at global scales. GPS error sources relevant to this project can be classified in two broad categories: (1) those related to the analysis of the GPS phase observable, and (2) those related to the combination of the positions and velocities of a set of globally distributed stations as determined from the analysis of GPS data important aspect in the first category include the effect on vertical rate estimates due to standard analysis choices, such as orbit modeling, network geometry, ambiguity resolution, as well as errors in models (or simply the lack of models) for clocks, multipath, phase-center variations, atmosphere, and solid-Earth tides. The second category includes the possible methods of combining and defining terrestrial reference flames for determining vertical velocities in a global scale. The latter has been the subject of our research activities during this reporting period.

Elosegui, Pedro↗

M-DAS: System for multispectral data analysis

M-DAS is a ground data processing system designed for analysis of multispectral data. M-DAS operates on multispectral data from LANDSAT, S-192, M2S and other sources in CCT form. Interactive training by operator-investigators using a variable cursor on a color display was used to derive optimum processing coefficients and data on cluster separability. An advanced multivariate normal-maximum likelihood processing algorithm was used to produce output in various formats: color-coded film images, geometrically corrected map overlays, moving displays of scene sections, coverage tabulations and categorized CCTs. The analysis procedure for M-DAS involves three phases: (1) screening and training, (2) analysis of training data to compute performance predictions and processing coefficients, and (3) processing of multichannel input data into categorized results. Typical M-DAS applications involve iteration between each of these phases. A series of photographs of the M-DAS display are used to illustrate M-DAS operation.

Johnson, R. H.↗

Laboratory Instruments Available to Support Space Station Researchers at Marshall Space Flight Center

A number of research instruments are available at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to support ISS researchers and their investigations. These modern analytical tools yield valuable and sometimes new informative resulting from sample characterization. Instruments include modern scanning electron microscopes equipped with field emission guns providing analytical capabilities that include angstron-level image resolution of dry, wet and biological samples. These microscopes are also equipped with silicon drift X-ray detectors (SDD) for fast yet precise analytical mapping of phases, as well as electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) units to map grain orientations in crystalline alloys. Sample chambers admit large samples, provide variable pressures for wet samples, and quantitative analysis software to determine phase relations. Advances in solid-state electronics have also facilitated improvements for surface chemical analysis that are successfully employed to analyze metallic materials and alloys, ceramics, slags, and organic polymers. Another analytical capability at MSFC is a mganetic sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) that quantitatively determines and maps light elements such as hydrogen, lithium, and boron along with their isotopes, identifies and quantifies very low level impurities even at parts per billion (ppb) levels. Still other methods available at MSFC include X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) that can determine oxidation states of elements as well as identify polymers and measure film thicknesses on coated materials, Scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (SAM) which combines surface sensitivity, spatial lateral resolution (approximately 20 nm), and depth profiling capabilities to describe elemental compositions in near surface regions and even the chemical state of analyzed atoms. Conventional Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) for observing internal microstructures at very high magnifications and the Electron Probe Micro-analyzer (EPMA) for very precise microanalysis are available as needed by the researcher. Space Station researchers are invited to work with MSFC in analyzing their samples using these techniques.

Panda, Binayak↗

Magnetic and ferroelectric ordering in BiMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} oxide

A group-theoretical analysis of the magnetic phase of BiMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} oxide is performed using the space symmetry group of the compound. Using the projection operator method, we determine the basis functions of the irreducible representation of the space group, which are expressed in terms of the magnetic vector components. This representation can govern two phase transitions from the paramagnetic state to the antiferromagnetic phase with close temperatures and ordering of the spins of manganese ions in two crystallographic positions. It is found from renorm group analysis of these transitions that when these transitions occur as second- order transitions, the electric polarization does not appear in the system because spin fluctuations in this case elevate the symmetry of the system. Polarization appears when at least one of these transitions becomes a first-order transition as a result of spin fluctuations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Reduction Reactions of Electrolyte Salts for Lithium Ion Batteries: LiPF 6 , LiBF 4 , LiDFOB, LiBOB, and LiTFSI

The reduction products of common lithium salts for lithium ion battery electrolytes, LiPF 6 , LiBF 4 , lithium bisoxalato borate (LiBOB), lithium difluorooxalato borate (LiDFOB), and lithium trifluorosulfonylimide (LiTFSI), have been investigated. The solution phase reduction of different lithium salts via reaction with the one electron reducing agent, lithium naphthalenide, results in near quantitative reactions. Analysis of the solution phase and head space gasses suggests that all of the reduction products are precipitated as insoluble solids. The solids obtained through reduction were analyzed with solution NMR, IR-ATR and XPS. All fluorine containing salts generate LiF upon reduction while all oxalate containing salts generate lithium oxalate. In addition, depending upon the salt other species including, Li x PF y O z , Li x BF y , oligomeric borates, and lithium bis[N-(trifluoromethylsulfonylimino)] trifluoromethanesulfonate are observed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Spacelab cost reduction alternatives study. Volume 3: Crew training task analysis

The on-orbit phase of flight was analyzed to identify the functions that had to be performed to meet flight objectives. The functions identified were combined into a top-level functional flow diagram (3.0 On-Orbit Operations). Each function, in turn, was analyzed to determine the major activities necessary to perform the function. The activities and activity sequences were presented in second level functional flow diagrams. Each major activity was further analyzed to define the operator tasks that are performed to accomplish that activity. Training analysis worksheets were used to document the analysis of each function down to the task level and provide training requirements data for each task. For Vol. 1, see N76-24315.

Source record↗

Flare loop radiative hydrodynamics. IV - Dynamic evolution of unstable semiempirical loop models

The evolution of the unstable solar atmosphere into the nonlinear phase, in response to various perturbations, is followed. The initial dynamic evolution of the atmosphere follows the predictions of linear stability analysis. In the nonlinear phase, rapid changes are confined to the transition region; these changes are manifested as a propagation of the transition region through the plasma, i.e., chromospheric evaporation or condensation. Global evolution therefore proceeds on the coronal conductive time scale. The rate of propagation of the transition region is determined by the imbalance between the energy supplied by thermal conduction from the corona and radiative cooling within the transition region itself. Flow velocities in the lower corona during evaporation or condensation are, in the cases studied, of order 3 km/s. The observed dynamic evolution is consistent with the existence of relatively long-lived coronal loops whose brightnesses vary on the evaporative time scale.

An, C.-H.↗

A two-phase restricted equilibrium model for combustion of metalized solid propellants

An Eulerian-Lagrangian two-phase approach was adopted to model the multi-phase reacting internal flow in a solid rocket with a metalized propellant. An Eulerian description was used to analyze the motion of the continuous phase which includes the gas as well as the small (micron-sized) particulates, while a Lagrangian description is used for the analysis of the discrete phase which consists of the larger particulates in the motor chamber. The particulates consist of Al and Al2O3 such that the particulate composition is 100 percent Al at injection from the propellant surface with Al2O3 fraction increasing due to combustion along the particle trajectory. An empirical model is used to compute the combustion rate for agglomerates while the continuous phase chemistry is treated using chemical equilibrium. The computer code was used to simulate the reacting flow in a solid rocket motor with an AP/HTPB/Al propellant. The computed results show the existence of an extended combustion zone in the chamber rather than a thin reaction region. The presence of the extended combustion zone results in the chamber flow field and chemical being far from isothermal (as would be predicted by a surface combustion assumption). The temperature in the chamber increases from about 2600 K at the propellant surface to about 3350 K in the core. Similarly the chemical composition and the density of the propellant gas also show spatially non-uniform distribution in the chamber. The analysis developed under the present effort provides a more sophisticated tool for solid rocket internal flow predictions than is presently available, and can be useful in studying apparent anomalies and improving the simple correlations currently in use. The code can be used in the analysis of combustion efficiency, thermal load in the internal insulation, plume radiation, etc.

Sabnis, J. S.↗

Space shuttle navigation analysis

A detailed analysis of space shuttle navigation for each of the major mission phases is presented. A covariance analysis program for prelaunch IMU calibration and alignment for the orbital flight tests (OFT) is described, and a partial error budget is presented. The ascent, orbital operations and deorbit maneuver study considered GPS-aided inertial navigation in the Phase III GPS (1984+) time frame. The entry and landing study evaluated navigation performance for the OFT baseline system. Detailed error budgets and sensitivity analyses are provided for both the ascent and entry studies.

Jones, H. L.↗

Understanding corrosion and hydrogen pickup of zirconium fuel cladding alloys: The role of oxide microstructure, porosity, sub-oxides, and second-phase particles - 2016-0071

We used a range of advanced microscopy techniques to study the microstructure, nanoscale chemistry, and porosity in zirconium alloys at different stages of oxidation. Samples from both autoclave and in-reactor conditions were available, including ZIRLO{sup TM}, Zr-1.0Nb, and Zr-2.5Nb samples with different heat treatments. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), and automated crystal orientation mapping with TEM were used to study the grain structure and phase distribution. Significant differences in grain morphology were observed between samples oxidized in the autoclave and in-reactor, with shorter, less well-aligned monoclinic grains and more tetragonal grains in the neutron-irradiated samples. A combination of energy-dispersive X-ray mapping in STEM and atom probe tomography analysis of second-phase particles (SPPs) can reveal the main and minor element distributions respectively. Neutron irradiation seems to have little effect on promoting fast oxidation or dissolution of β-niobium precipitates but encourages the dissolution of iron from Laves-phase precipitates. An electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis of the oxidation state of niobium in β-niobium SPPs in the oxide revealed the fully oxidized Nb{sup 5+} state in SPPs deep into the oxide but Nb{sup 2+} in crystalline SPPs near the metal-oxide interface. EELS analysis and automated crystal orientation mapping with TEM revealed Widmanstatten-type suboxide layers in some samples with the hexagonal ZrO structure predicted by ab initio modeling. The combined thickness of the ZrO suboxide and oxygen-saturated layers at the metal-oxide interface correlated well to the instantaneous oxidation rate, suggesting that this oxygen-rich zone is part of the protective oxide that is rate limiting in the transport processes involved in oxidation. Porosity in the oxide had a major influence on the overall rate of oxidation, and there was more porosity in the rapidly oxidizing annealed Zr-1.0Nb alloy than in either the recrystallized alloy or the similar alloy exposed to neutron irradiation. (authors)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Transformation of TiN to TiNO Films via In-Situ Temperature-Dependent Oxygen Diffusion Process and Their Electrochemical Behavior

Titanium oxynitride (TiNO) thin films represent a multifaceted material system applicable in diverse fields, including energy storage, solar cells, sensors, protective coatings, and electrocatalysis. This study reports the synthesis of TiNO thin films grown at different substrate temperatures using pulsed laser deposition. A comprehensive structural investigation was conducted by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Non-Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (N-RBS), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), which facilitated a detailed analysis that determined the phase, composition, and crystallinity of the films. Structural control was achieved via temperature-dependent oxygen in-diffusion, nitrogen out-diffusion, and the nucleation growth process related to adatom mobility. The XPS analysis indicates that the TiNO films consist of heterogeneous mixtures of TiN, TiNO, and TiO2 phases with temperature-dependent relative abundances. The correlation between the structure and electrochemical behavior of the thin films was examined. The TiNO films with relatively higher N/O ratio, meaning less oxidized, were more electrochemically active than the films with lower N/O ratio, i.e., more oxidized films. Films with higher oxidation levels demonstrated enhanced crystallinity and greater stability under electrochemical polarization. These findings demonstrate the importance of substrate temperature control in tailoring the properties of TiNO film, which is a fundamental part of designing and optimizing an efficient electrode material.

Cherono, Sheilah↗

Discovering phases, phase transitions, and crossovers through unsupervised machine learning: A critical examination

Here, we apply unsupervised machine learning techniques, mainly principal component analysis (PCA), to compare and contrast the phase behavior and phase transitions in several classical spin models - the square and triangular-lattice Ising models, the Blume-Capel model, a highly degenerate biquadratic-exchange spin-one Ising (BSI) model, and the 2D XY model, and examine critically what machine learning is teaching us. We find that quantified principal components from PCA not only allow exploration of different phases and symmetry-breaking, but can distinguish phase transition types and locate critical points. We show that the corresponding weight vectors have a clear physical interpretation, which is particularly interesting in the frustrated models such as the triangular antiferromagnet, where they can point to incipient orders. Unlike the other well-studied models, the properties of the BSI model are less well known. Using both PCA and conventional Monte Carlo analysis, we demonstrate that the BSI model shows an absence of phase transition and macroscopic ground-state degeneracy. The failure to capture the 'charge' correlations (vorticity) in the BSI model (XY model) from raw spin configurations points to some of the limitations of PCA. Finally, we employ a nonlinear unsupervised machine learning procedure, the 'antoencoder method', and demonstrate that it too can be trained to capture phase transitions and critical points.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Large-Scale and Deep Quantitative Proteome Profiling Using Isobaric Labeling Coupled with Two-Dimensional LC-MS/MS

Comprehensive, quantitative information on abundances of proteins and their post-translational modifications (PTMs) can potentially provide novel biological insights into diseases pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention. Herein, we introduce a quantitative strategy utilizing isobaric stable isotope-labelling techniques combined with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS/MS) for large-scale, deep quantitative proteome profiling of biological samples or clinical specimens such as tumor tissues. The workflow includes isobaric labeling of tryptic peptides for multiplexed and accurate quantitative analysis, basic reversed-phase LC fractionation and concatenation for reduced sample complexity, and nano-LC coupled to high resolution and high mass accuracy MS analysis for high confidence identification and quantification of proteins. This proteomic analysis strategy has been successfully applied for in-depth quantitative proteomic analysis of tumor samples, and can also be used for integrated proteome and PTM characterization, as well as comprehensive quantitative proteomic analysis across samples from large clinical cohorts.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Exobiological exploration of Mars

Of all the other planets in the solar system, Mars remains the most promising for further elucidating concepts about chemical evolution and the origin of life. Strategies were developed to pursue three exobiological objectives for Mars exploration: determining the abundance and distribution of the biogenic elements and organic compounds, detecting evidence of an ancient biota on Mars, and determining whether indigenous organisms exist anywhere on the planet. The three strategies are quite similar and, in fact, share the same sequence of phases. In the first phase, each requires global reconnaissance and remote sensing by orbiters to select sites of interest for detailed in situ analyses. In the second phase, lander missions are conducted to characterize the chemical and physical properties of the selected sites. The third phase involves conducting 'critical' experiments at sites whose properties make them particularly attractive for exobiology. These critical experiments would include, for example, identification of organics, detection of fossils, and detection of extant life. The fourth phase is the detailed analysis of samples returned from these sites in Earth-based laboratories to confirm and extend previous discoveries. Finally, in the fifth phase, human exploration is needed to establish the geological settings for the earlier findings or to discover and explore sites that are not accessible to robotic spacecraft.

Klein, H. P.↗

Exobiological Exploration of Mars

Of all the other planets in the solar system, Mars remains the most promising for studying concepts about chemical evolution and the origin of life. Strategies were developed to pursue three exobiological objectives for Mars: determine abundance and distribution of biogenic elements and organic compounds, detect evidence of an ancient biota, and determine if organisms exist anywhere on the planet. The three strategies share the same sequence of phases. In the first phase, each requires global reconnaissance and remote sensing by orbiters to select sites of interest for detailed in situ analyses. In the second phase, lander missions are conducted to characterize the chemical and physical properties of the selected sites. The third phase involves conducting "critical" experiments at sites whose properties make them particularly attractive for exobiology. These critical experiments would include, for example, identification of organics, detection of fossils, and detection of extant life. The fourth phase is the detailed analysis of samples returned from these sites in Earth-based laboratories to confirm and extend previous discoveries. Finally, in the fifth phase, human exploration is needed to establish the geological context or to discover and explore sites that are not accessible to robotic spacecraft.

DeVincenzi, Donald L.↗

Fundamental relations between short-term RR interval and arterial pressure oscillations in humans

BACKGROUND: One of the principal explanations for respiratory sinus arrhythmia is that it reflects arterial baroreflex buffering of respiration-induced arterial pressure fluctuations. If this explanation is correct, then elimination of RR interval fluctuations should increase respiratory arterial pressure fluctuations. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured RR interval and arterial pressure fluctuations during normal sinus rhythm and fixed-rate atrial pacing at 17.2+/-1.8 (SEM) beats per minute greater than the sinus rate in 16 healthy men and 4 healthy women, 20 to 34 years of age. Measurements were made during controlled-frequency breathing (15 breaths per minute or 0.25 Hz) with subjects in the supine and 40 degree head-up tilt positions. We characterized RR interval and arterial pressure variabilities in low-frequency (0.05 to 0.15 Hz) and respiratory-frequency (0.20 to 0.30 Hz) ranges with fast Fourier transform power spectra and used cross-spectral analysis to determine the phase relation between the two signals. As expected, cardiac pacing eliminated beat-to-beat RR interval variability. Against expectations, however, cardiac pacing in the supine position significantly reduced arterial pressure oscillations in the respiratory frequency (systolic, 6.8+/-1.8 to 2.9 +/-0.6 mm Hg2/Hz, P=.017). In contrast, cardiac pacing in the 40 degree tilt position increased arterial pressure variability (systolic, 8.0+/-1.8 to 10.8 +/-2.6, P=.027). Cross-spectral analysis showed that 40 degree tilt shifted the phase relation between systolic pressure and RR interval at the respiratory frequency from positive to negative (9 +/-7 degrees versus -17+/-11 degrees, P=.04); that is, in the supine position, RR interval changes appeared to lead arterial pressure changes, and in the upright position, RR interval changes appeared to follow arterial pressure changes. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that respiratory sinus arrhythmia can actually contribute to respiratory arterial pressure fluctuations. Therefore, respiratory sinus arrhythmia does not represent simple baroreflex buffering of arterial pressure.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

Timing of Formal Phase Safety Reviews for Large-Scale Integrated Hazard Analysis

Integrated hazard analysis (IHA) is a process used to identify and control unacceptable risk. As such, it does not occur in a vacuum. IHA approaches must be tailored to fit the system being analyzed. Physical, resource, organizational and temporal constraints on large-scale integrated systems impose additional direct or derived requirements on the IHA. The timing and interaction between engineering and safety organizations can provide either benefits or hindrances to the overall end product. The traditional approach for formal phase safety review timing and content, which generally works well for small- to moderate-scale systems, does not work well for very large-scale integrated systems. This paper proposes a modified approach to timing and content of formal phase safety reviews for IHA. Details of the tailoring process for IHA will describe how to avoid temporary disconnects in major milestone reviews and how to maintain a cohesive end-to-end integration story particularly for systems where the integrator inherently has little to no insight into lower level systems. The proposal has the advantage of allowing the hazard analysis development process to occur as technical data normally matures.

Massie, Michael J.↗

Geometrically Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of a Composite Space Reflector

Lightweight aerospace structures, such as low areal density composite space reflectors, are highly flexible and may undergo large deflection under applied loading, especially during the launch phase. Accordingly, geometrically nonlinear analysis that takes into account the effect of finite rotation may be needed to determine the deformed shape for a clearance check and the stress and strain state to ensure structural integrity. In this study, deformation of the space reflector is determined under static conditions using a geometrically nonlinear solid shell finite element model. For the solid shell element formulation, the kinematics of deformation is described by six variables that are purely vector components. Because rotational angles are not used, this approach is free of the limitations of small angle increments. This also allows easy connections between substructures and large load increments with respect to the conventional shell formulation using rotational parameters. Geometrically nonlinear analyses were carried out for three cases of static point loads applied at selected points. A chart shows results for a case when the load is applied at the center point of the reflector dish. The computed results capture the nonlinear behavior of the composite reflector as the applied load increases. Also, they are in good agreement with the data obtained by experiments.

Lee, Kee-Joo↗