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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 163 records · Page 9

Unsupervised learning of representative local atomic arrangements in molecular dynamics data

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations present a data-mining challenge, given that they can generate a considerable amount of data but often rely on limited or biased human interpretation to examine their information content. By not asking the right questions of MD data we may miss critical information hidden within it. Here we combine dimensionality reduction (UMAP) and unsupervised hierarchical clustering (HDBSCAN) to quantitatively characterize prevalent coordination environments of chemical species within MD data. By focusing on local coordination, we significantly reduce the amount of data to be analyzed by extracting all distinct molecular formulas within a given coordination sphere. We then efficiently combine UMAP and HDBSCAN with alignment or shape-matching algorithms to partition these formulas into structural isomer families indicating their relative populations. The method was employed to reveal details of cation coordination in electrolytes based on molecular liquids.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Corrosion rates measured under potentiostatic conditions to represent performance of a cermet nuclear waste form

Electrochemical tests were conducted to assess the corrosion performance of a developmental multiphase cermet nuclear waste form in different conditions. Corrosion currents were monitored as the surface equilibrated in an acidic brine solution during potentiostatic tests at different imposed potentials. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to quantify differences in the electrical properties of surfaces stabilised at different potentials. The passivating oxides that will stabilise the surface under disposal conditions are formed and maintained during testing. The measured corrosion currents were two orders of magnitude lower for passivated surfaces than for polished surfaces over a wide range of redox conditions. The electrochemical results were correlated with microscopic analyses of the corroded surfaces and physical models of the surface passivation and degradation processes are proposed. The measured corrosion rates are suitable for the long-term performance modeling of cermet nuclear waste forms.

Gattu, V. K.↗

Nitrous oxide inhibition of methanogenesis represents an underappreciated greenhouse gas emission feedback

Methane (CH 4 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) are major greenhouse gases that are predominantly generated by microbial activities in anoxic environments. N 2 O inhibition of methanogenesis has been reported, but comprehensive efforts to obtain kinetic information are lacking. Using the model methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri strain Fusaro and digester sludge-derived methanogenic enrichment cultures, we conducted growth yield and kinetic measurements and showed that micromolar concentrations of N 2 O suppress the growth of methanogens and CH 4 production from major methanogenic substrate classes. Acetoclastic methanogenesis, estimated to account for two-thirds of the annual 1 billion metric tons of biogenic CH 4 , was most sensitive to N 2 O, with inhibitory constants (K I ) in the range of 18–25 μM, followed by hydrogenotrophic (K I , 60–90 μM) and methylotrophic (K I , 110–130 μM) methanogenesis. Dissolved N 2 O concentrations exceeding these K I values are not uncommon in managed (i.e. fertilized soils and wastewater treatment plants) and unmanaged ecosystems. Future greenhouse gas emissions remain uncertain, particularly from critical zone environments (e.g. thawing permafrost) with large amounts of stored nitrogenous and carbonaceous materials that are experiencing unprecedented warming. Incorporating relevant feedback effects, such as the significant N 2 O inhibition on methanogenesis, can refine climate models and improve predictive capabilities.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A comparative study of the physical properties for a representative sample of Narrow and Broad-line Seyfert galaxies

ABSTRACT We present a comparative study of the physical properties of a homogeneous sample of 144 Narrow line Seyfert 1 (NLSy1) and 117 Broad-line Seyfert 1 (BLSy1) galaxies. These two samples are in a similar luminosity and redshift range and have optical spectra available in the 16th data release of Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-DR16) and X-ray spectra in either XMM-NEWTON or ROSAT. Direct correlation analysis and a principal component analysis (PCA) have been performed using ten observational and physical parameters obtained by fitting the optical spectra and the soft X-ray photon indices as another parameter. We confirm that the established correlations for the general quasar population hold for both types of galaxies in this sample despite significant differences in the physical properties. We characterize the sample also using the line shape parameters, namely the asymmetry and kurtosis indices. We find that the fraction of NLSy1 galaxies showing outflow signatures, characterized by blue asymmetries, is higher by a factor of about 3 compared to the corresponding fraction in BLSy1 galaxies. The presence of high iron content in the broad-line region of NLSy1 galaxies in conjunction with higher Eddington ratios can be the possible reason behind this phenomenon. We also explore the possibility of using asymmetry in the emission lines as a tracer of outflows in the inner regions of Active Galactic Nuclei. The PCA results point to the NLSy1 and BLSy1 galaxies occupying different parameter spaces, which challenges the notion that NLSy1 galaxies are a subclass of BLSy1 galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Spirochaete genome identified in red abalone sample represents a novel genus Candidatus Haliotispira gen. nov. within the order Spirochaetales

A fully assembled spirochaete genome was identified as a contaminating scaffold in our red abalone ( Haliotis rufescens ) genome assembly. In this paper, we describe the analysis of this bacterial genome. The assembled spirochaete genome is 3.25 Mb in size with 48.5 mol% G+C content. The proteomes of 38 species were compared with the spirochaete genome and it was discovered to form an independent branch within the family Spirochaetaceae on the phylogenetic tree. The comparison of 16S rRNA sequences and average nucleotide identity scores between the spirochaete genome with known species of different families in Spirochaetia indicate that it is an unknown species. Further, the percentage of conserved proteins compared to neighbouring taxa confirm that it does not belong to a known genus within Spirochaetaceae . We propose the name Candidatus Haliotispira prima gen. nov., sp. nov. based on its taxonomic placement and origin. We also tested for the presence of this species in different species of abalone and found that it is also present in white abalone ( Haliotis sorenseni ). In addition, we highlight the need for better classification of taxa within the class Spirochaetia .

Microbiology↗

Towards Diverse and Representative Global Pretraining Datasets for Remote Sensing Foundation Models

The design of a pretraining dataset is emerging as a critical component for the generality of foundation models. In the remote sensing realm, large volumes of imagery and benchmark datasets exist that can be leveraged to pretrain foundation models, however using this imagery in absence of a well-crafted sampling strategy is inefficient and has the potential to create biased and less generalizable models. Here, we provide a discussion and vision for the curation and assessment of pretraining datasets for remote sensing geospatial foundation models. We highlight the importance of geographic, temporal, and image acquisition diversity and review possible strategies to enable such diversity at global scale. In addition to these characteristics, support for various spatial-temporal pretext tasks within the dataset is also critical. Ultimately, our primary objective is to place emphasis on and draw attention to the data curation stage of the foundation model development pipeline. By doing so, we think it is possible to reduce biases of geospatial foundation models, as well as enable broader generalization to downstream remote sensing tasks and applications.

Arndt, Jacob↗

Development and Stability Analysis of Representative Future High Renewable Penetration Power Grid Models for California

The power grid in California is now experiencing a significant increase in renewable generation to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040. This paper discusses a method for developing the transient stability (TS) model of the future high renewable penetration in the power grid in California. The method consists of utilizing an existing future Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) grid model in the database and locating the conventional plants in the base model that will potentially retire in the next few years in California. Next, the dynamic models of those identified conventional plants and controls in the existing model are modified to replicate the future power generation in the California region. Different scenarios of future power grid in California are developed for various renewable penetration levels and control strategies in renewable power plants. The effect of the control strategies on the stability of the power grid under events like loss of generation are evaluated. Based on these evaluations, certain control features in power plants are identified as necessary for stability of future power grids.

Samanta, Sayan↗

NSTXU Diagnostic Disruption Dynamic Loading Represented by Response Spectra

This article presents the results of transient dynamic simulations of loads due to disruption eddy currents on the NSTXU vacuum vessel. Dynamic loading at diagnostic mounting locations is expressed as response spectra derived from the time history results of the dynamic structural simulations of a variety of disruption scenarios. The disruption simulations draw on a history of the project assessments of worst case disruptions for specific components. Major efforts to assess disruption loading have included the vacuum vessel which is the major structural support for the machine, as well as the passive plates (PPs), high harmonic fast wave (HHFW) antenna, and centerstack casing. Each one of these efforts included transient electromagnetic simulations producing time-dependent eddy current Lorentz loads (and in some cases halo loads) which then were applied to time-dependent structural dynamic analyses intended to obtain the proper dynamic amplification factors. In some instances, the EM model and structural model were identical allowing direct transfer of EM forces to the structural model. In other cases, the EM and structural model were not identical and the vector potential (VP) transfer method was used. The results files from these analyses were available (or re-run) to post process in ANSYS Classic time history postprocessor. In conclusion, the ANSYS command is used to create response spectra from time history data at desired points on the vessel.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Ecophysiological and genomic analyses of a representative isolate of highly abundant Bacillus cereus strains in contaminated subsurface sediments

Abstract Bacillus cereus strain CPT56D‐587‐MTF (CPTF) was isolated from the highly contaminated Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) subsurface. This site is contaminated with high levels of nitric acid and multiple heavy metals. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes (V4 region) in sediment from this area revealed an amplicon sequence variant (ASV) with 100% identity to the CPTF 16S rRNA sequence. Notably, this CPTF‐matching ASV had the highest relative abundance in this community survey, with a median relative abundance of 3.77% and comprised 20%–40% of reads in some samples. Pangenomic analysis revealed that strain CPTF has expanded genomic content compared to other B. cereus species—largely due to plasmid acquisition and expansion of transposable elements. This suggests that these features are important for rapid adaptation to native environmental stressors. We connected genotype to phenotype in the context of the unique geochemistry of the site. These analyses revealed that certain genes (e.g. nitrate reductase, heavy metal efflux pumps) that allow this strain to successfully occupy the geochemically heterogenous microniches of its native site are characteristic of the B. cereus species while others such as acid tolerance are mobile genetic element associated and are generally unique to strain CPTF.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A Method to Represent a Well in a Three‐Dimensional Discrete Fracture Network Model

Abstract In discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling, fractures are randomly generated and placed in the model domain. The rock matrix is considered impermeable. Small fractures and isolated fractures are often ignored to reduce computational expense. As a result, the rock matrix between fractures could be large and intersections may not be found between a well introduced in the model and the hydraulically connected fracture networks (fracture backbones). To overcome this issue, this study developed a method to conceptualize a well in a three‐dimensional (3D) DFN using two orthogonal rectangular fractures oriented along the well's axis. Six parameters were introduced to parameterize the well screen and skin zone, and to control the connectivity between the well and the fracture backbones. The two orthogonal fractures were discretized using a high‐resolution mesh to improve the quality of flow and transport simulations around and along the well. The method was successfully implemented within dfnWorks 2.0 (Hyman et al. 2015) to incorporate a well in a 3D DFN and to track particles leaving an injection well and migrating to a pumping well. Verification of the method against MODFLOW/MODPATH found a perfect match in simulated hydraulic head and particle tracking. Using three examples, the study showed that the method ensured the connectivity between wells and fracture backbones, and honored the physical processes of flow and transport along and around wells in DFNs. Recommendations are given for estimating the values of the six introduced well parameters in a real‐world case study.

Pham, Hai (ORCID:0000000310164394)↗

Physics-Based Model to Represent Membrane-Electrode Assemblies of Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells Based on Gadolinium-Doped Ceria

This paper reports a physics-based model that predicts membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) performance of solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with Ce 0.9 Gd 0.1 O 2− δ (GDC10) electrolyte membranes. The paper derives self-consistent thermodynamic and transport properties for GDC1o mobile charged defects (oxide vacancies and reduced-ceria small polarons) by fitting published measurements of oxygen non-stoichiometry and conductivity over ranges of temperature and O 2 partial pressures. The button-cell model is applied to evaluate how mixed ionic-electronic conductivity influences the performance of an SOFC MEA with a GDC10 electrolyte sandwiched between a porous, composite Ni-GDC10 anode and a porous, composite cathode of Sm 0.5 Sr 0.5 CoO 3− δ (i.e., SSC) and GDC10. SSC properties are also derived by fitting published conductivity and oxygen non-stoichiometry measurements. Mixed conductivity of GDC10 and competing charge transfer reactions at both electrodes reduce open circuit voltages due to leakage current and buildup of defect concentrations at electrode-electrolyte interfaces. To fit polarization data, the button-cell model includes heterogeneous reaction rates for defect incorporation on the GDC10 surface along with Butler–Volmer expressions derived for competing charge transfer reaction rates from rigorous analyses assuming rate-limiting, elementary charge transfer reactions for each electrode. The calibrated MEA model can support rigorous SOFC modeling with GDC10 electrolytes over the range of conditions within a fully operating cell.

Electrochemistry↗

How Well Can CMIP6 Models Represent the Observed Influence of the Pacific and Indian Oceans on the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall?

This study evaluates the ability of CMIP6 climate models to simulate the observed effects of tropical Pacific and Indian Ocean sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) on Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) variability. Using observational data and the large ensemble historical simulations of seven CMIP6 models from 1950 to 2014, we applied a cyclostationary linear inverse model (CS-LIM) to isolate the impacts of tropical Pacific SSTAs, Indian Ocean SSTAs and their interaction on the interannual variability of ISMR. Overall, CMIP6 models well reproduced the observed enhanced (reduced) ISMR variability from Pacific SSTAs (Indian Ocean SSTAs and the Indo-Pacific interaction), but with varying spatial patterns and magnitudes. While CESM2 and E3SM-2-0 showed the best agreement with observations for the effects of Pacific SSTAs and the Indo-Pacific interaction, respectively, CMIP6 models showed mixed results for the impacts from Indian Ocean SSTAs. Composite analysis of ISMR anomalies during the developing phases of pure and co-occurring El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) events revealed that the impacts from Pacific SSTAs were captured reasonably well by E3SM-2-0, CESM2, MIROC6, and MPI-ESM1-2-LR, while E3SM-2-0 also showed the best agreement with observations for the effects from the Indo-Pacific interaction. However, all models showed substantial biases in simulating the Indian Ocean SSTA impacts on ISMR, especially for pure El Niño events. Overall, this study provides new insights into how individual CMIP6 models simulate the isolated impacts from the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans, which has important applications for improving ISMR predictions and interpreting ISMR future projections.

monsoon↗

Can the GPM IMERG Final Product Accurately Represent MCSs’ Precipitation Characteristics over the Central and Eastern United States?

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) play an important role in water and energy cycles as they produce heavy rainfall and modify the radiative profile in the tropics and midlatitudes. An accurate representation of MCSs’ rainfall is therefore crucial in understanding their impact on the climate system. The V06B Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals from Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) half-hourly precipitation final product is a useful tool to study the precipitation characteristics of MCSs because of its global coverage and fine spatiotemporal resolutions. However, errors and uncertainties in IMERG should be quantified before applying it to hydrology and climate applications. This study evaluates IMERG performance on capturing and detecting MCSs’ precipitation in the central and eastern United States during a 3-yr study period against the radar-based Stage IV product. The tracked MCSs are divided into four seasons and are analyzed separately for both datasets. IMERG shows a wet bias in total precipitation but a dry bias in hourly mean precipitation during all seasons due to the false classification of nonprecipitating pixels as precipitating. These false alarm events are possibly caused by evaporation under the cloud base or the misrepresentation of MCS cold anvil regions as precipitating clouds by the algorithm. IMERG agrees reasonably well with Stage IV in terms of the seasonal spatial distribution and diurnal cycle of MCSs precipitation. A relative humidity (RH)-based correction has been applied to the IMERG precipitation product, which helps reduce the number of false alarm pixels and improves the overall performance of IMERG with respect to Stage IV.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Subseasonal prediction with and without a well-represented stratosphere in CESM1

There is a growing demand for understanding sources of predictability on subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) time scales. Predictability at subseasonal time scales is believed to come from processes varying slower than the atmosphere such as soil moisture, snowpack, sea ice, and ocean heat content. The stratosphere as well as tropospheric modes of variability can also provide predictability at subseasonal time scales. Furthermore, the contributions of the above sources to S2S predictability are not well quantified. Here we evaluate the subseasonal prediction skill of the Community Earth System Model, version 1 (CESM1), in the default version of the model as well as a version with the improved representation of stratospheric variability to assess the role of an improved stratosphere on prediction skill. We demonstrate that the subseasonal skill of CESM1 for surface temperature and precipitation is comparable to that of operational models. We find that a better-resolved stratosphere improves stratospheric but not surface prediction skill for weeks 3–4.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗