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At least 163 records · Page 9

Thermal conductivity of comets

The thermal conductivity of two comet models is calculated. Both models assume the comets to be heterogeneous in composition. One model considers the comet to have a nucleus of water-ice mixed with basaltic and meteoritic material in the form of dust and agglomerated particles surrounded by a layer of water-frost. The second model assumes the frost and water-ice layers have sublimated, leaving a porous structure to some depth composed of solid basaltic and meteoritic material with residual gases. K values are calculated as a function of depth, density, temperature and porosity.

Kumar, G. N.↗

A model of the human observer in failure detection tasks

A model for the human observer in failure detection tasks is proposed which consists of two stages: a linear estimator and a decision mechanism. The estimator is a Kalman filter, and the decision mechanism, which is based on Wald's sequential analysis, leads to a decision function which is the integration of the filter residuals. The final result is a simple detection system which depends on only three parameters, and the sensitivity of the model to these parameters is analyzed. The results of an experiment designed to test the validity of the model are reported. The question of open and closed decision intervals as well as the generalization of the model to more complicated cases is discussed.

Gai, E. G.↗

Periodicity of the earth's magnetic reversals

Results are presented from an attempt to perform a relatively comprehensive analysis of the evidence for a periodicity, with harmonics, of the observed regular reversals of the earth's magnetic field. The database considered covers 296 reversals over the past 165 Myr. Histograms with bins 1 Myr apart reveal only 30 Myr reversal patterns. The reversal dates are fitted to a linear periodic function and a spectrum is computed for the residuals at the adopted dates. The possible presence of multiple periodicities is evaluated and over various time intervals. The analysis shows that a recently observed 15 Myr periodicity is probably a harmonic of the 29.5-30.5 Myr period. The calculations do not confirm an inherent magnetic reversal property of the earth. The reversals may arise from tectonic events or from impacts from extraterrestrial objects.

Stothers, R. B.↗

Solution of free-boundary problems using finite-element/Newton methods and locally refined grids - Application to analysis of solidification microstructure

A new method is presented for the solution of free-boundary problems using Lagrangian finite element approximations defined on locally refined grids. The formulation allows for direct transition from coarse to fine grids without introducing non-conforming basis functions. The calculation of elemental stiffness matrices and residual vectors are unaffected by changes in the refinement level, which are accounted for in the loading of elemental data to the global stiffness matrix and residual vector. This technique for local mesh refinement is combined with recently developed mapping methods and Newton's method to form an efficient algorithm for the solution of free-boundary problems, as demonstrated here by sample calculations of cellular interfacial microstructure during directional solidification of a binary alloy.

Tsiveriotis, K.↗

Constraints on the nucleus and dust properties from mid-infrared imaging of comet Hyakutake

We use Mie scattering theory to determine the expected thermal emission from dust grains in cometary comae and apply these results to mid-infrared images of comet Hyakutake (C/1996 B2) obtained preperihelion in 1996 March. Calculations were performed for dust grains in the size range from 0.1 to 10 micrometers for two different compositions: amorphous olivine (a silicate glass) and an organic residue mixture. The resulting emission efficiencies are complicated functions of wavelength and particle size and are significantly different for the two materials in question. The Hyakutake data set consists of three nights of high-resolution imaging (100-150 km pixel-1 at the comet) of the inner coma at 8.7, 11.7, 12.5, and 19.7 micrometers. Attempts to fit the observed colors (ratios of fluxes at different wavelengths) using a single grain composition failed. However, fits to the data were achieved for all three nights using a mixture of approximately 1 micrometer olivine grains and approximately 7 micrometers organic grains. The resulting olivine mass fraction was between 8% and 16% of the total dust mass-loss rate. We also estimate the radius of the nucleus to be r = 2.1 +/- 0.4 km.

Non-NASA Center↗

Accuracy Assessment of Global Internal-Tide Models Using Satellite Altimetry Models Using Satellite Altimetry

Altimeter measurements are corrected for several geophysical parameters in order to access ocean signals of interest, like mesoscale or sub-mesoscale variability. The ocean tide is one of the most critical corrections due to the amplitude of the tidal elevations and to the aliasing phenomena of high-frequency signals into the lower-frequency band, but the internal-tide signatures at the ocean surface are not yet corrected globally. Internal tides can have a signature of several centimeters at the surface with wavelengths of about 50–250 km for the first mode and even smaller scales for higher-order modes. The goals of the upcoming Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission and other high-resolution ocean measurements make the correction of these small-scale signals a challenge, as the correction of all tidal variability becomes mandatory to access accurate measurements of other oceanic signals. In this context, several scientific teams are working on the development of new internal-tide models, taking advantage of the very long altimeter time series now available, which represent an unprecedented and valuable global ocean database. The internal-tide models presented here focus on the coherent internal-tide signal and they are of three types: empirical models based upon analysis of existing altimeter missions, an assimilative model and a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. A detailed comparison and validation of these internal-tide models is proposed using existing satellite altimeter databases. The analysis focuses on the four main tidal constituents: M2, K1, O1 and S2. The validation process is based on a statistical analysis of multi-mission altimetry including Jason-2 and Cryosphere Satellite-2 data. The results show a significant altimeter variance reduction when using internal-tide corrections in all ocean regions where internal tides are generating or propagating. A complementary spectral analysis also gives some estimation of the performance of each model as a function of wavelength and some insight into the residual non-stationary part of internal tides in the different regions of interest. This work led to the implementation of a new internal-tide correction (ZARON'one) in the next geophysical data records version-F (GDR-F) standards.

Loren Carrere↗

Membrane-Based Functions in the Origin of Cellular Life

If peptides consist of nonpolar residues only, they become inserted into the nonpolar phase. As demonstrated by the example of the leucine undecamer, such peptides fold into an a-helix as they partition into the nonpolar medium. The folding proceeds through an intermediate, called the 310-helix, which remains in equilibrium with the a-helix. This process represents a simple, protobiologically relevant example of environmentally-mediated self-organization of biological molecules. Once in the nonpolar environment, the peptides can readily change their orientation with respect to the interface from parallel to perpendicular, especially in response to local electric fields. The ability of nonpolar peptides to modify both the structure and orientation with changing external conditions may have provided a simple mechanism of transmitting signals from the environment to the interior of a protocell.

Wilson, Michael↗

Spacecraft dynamics characterization and control system failure detection. Volume 3: Control system failure monitoring

We discuss the application of Generalized Parity Relations to two experimental flexible space structures, the NASA Langley Mini-Mast and Marshall Space Flight Center ACES mast. We concentrate on the generation of residuals and make no attempt to implement the Decision Function. It should be clear from the examples that are presented whether it would be possible to detect the failure of a specific component. We derive the equations from Generalized Parity Relations. Two special cases are treated: namely, Single Sensor Parity Relations (SSPR) and Double Sensor Parity Relations (DSPR). Generalized Parity Relations for actuators are also derived. The NASA Langley Mini-Mast and the application of SSPR and DSPR to a set of displacement sensors located at the tip of the Mini-Mast are discussed. The performance of a reduced order model that includes the first five models of the mast is compared to a set of parity relations that was identified on a set of input-output data. Both time domain and frequency domain comparisons are made. The effect of the sampling period and model order on the performance of the Residual Generators are also discussed. Failure detection experiments where the sensor set consisted of two gyros and an accelerometer are presented. The effects of model order and sampling frequency are again illustrated. The detection of actuator failures is discussed. We use Generalized Parity Relations to monitor control system component failures on the ACES mast. An overview is given of the Failure Detection Filter and experimental results are discussed. Conclusions and directions for future research are given.

Vanschalkwyk, Christiaan M.↗

Inertial Linear Actuators

Inertial linear actuators developed to suppress residual accelerations of nominally stationary or steadily moving platforms. Function like long-stroke version of voice coil in conventional loudspeaker, with superimposed linear variable-differential transformer. Basic concept also applicable to suppression of vibrations of terrestrial platforms. For example, laboratory table equipped with such actuators plus suitable vibration sensors and control circuits made to vibrate much less in presence of seismic, vehicular, and other environmental vibrational disturbances.

Laughlin, Darren↗

Hot Water, Cold Reality: Feasibility Assessment of Iodine Removal in Heated Spacecraft Potable Water Systems

The current eXploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD) design removes iodine upstream of the heated leg due to concerns with the Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange (ACTEX) functionality in hot water, leaving the downstream volume without residual biocide. The NESC determined that this non-iodinated volume is a concern for microbial growth during exploration missions and proposed 33 biocide architecture options for future missions that could address this concern. The top-ranked architecture out of the report was Option 1: moving the iodine removal media as close to the dispensing needle as possible to minimize the wetted components without biocide in the xPWD. Three main challenges were identified with this proposed configuration. First, the hot water at 175 ± 25 °F is a concern for the potential physical degradation of the ion exchange resin and lowered adsorption capacity in activated carbon. Second, moving the ACTEX or alternative sorption media closer to the dispense needle increases the unheated volume downstream of the heater, challenging the ability for dispensed water to meet temperature requirements. Finally, bubbles evolved from dissolved gas coming out of solution in the heater could clog or reduce the efficiency of the sorption media. To address the first challenge, more thermally robust ion exchange resins were identified and adsorption capacity tests were planned and will be discussed in a companion ICES paper (ICES-2026-5). To address the dispense temperature concerns, allowable bed size and architectural configuration changes are proposed. The value of adding phase separators to remove bubbles and potential implementation schemes are discussed. These findings support the development of potable water systems resilient to microbial risks during long-duration space missions.

Biocide↗

Hot Water, Cold Reality: Feasibility Assessment of Iodine Removal in Heated Spacecraft Potable Water Systems

The current eXploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD) design removes iodine upstream of the heated leg due to concerns with the Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange (ACTEX) functionality in hot water, leaving the downstream volume without residual biocide. The NESC determined that this non-iodinated volume is a concern for microbial growth during exploration missions and proposed 33 biocide architecture options for future missions that could address this concern. The top-ranked architecture out of the report was Option 1: moving the iodine removal media as close to the dispensing needle as possible to minimize the wetted components without biocide in the xPWD. Three main challenges were identified with this proposed configuration. First, the hot water at 175 ± 25 °F is a concern for the potential physical degradation of the ion exchange resin and lowered adsorption capacity in activated carbon. Second, moving the ACTEX or alternative sorption media closer to the dispense needle increases the unheated volume downstream of the heater, challenging the ability for dispensed water to meet temperature requirements. Finally, bubbles evolved from dissolved gas coming out of solution in the heater could clog or reduce the efficiency of the sorption media. To address the first challenge, more thermally robust ion exchange resins were identified and adsorption capacity tests were planned and will be discussed in a companion ICES paper (ICES-2026-5). To address the dispense temperature concerns, allowable bed size and architectural configuration changes are proposed. The value of adding phase separators to remove bubbles and potential implementation schemes are discussed. These findings support the development of potable water systems resilient to microbial risks during long-duration space missions.

PWD↗

Function of Several Critical Amino Acids in Human Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Revealed by Its Structure

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1), an alpha 2 beta 2 tetramer, catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate and reductive acetylation of lipoyl moieties of the dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase. The roles of beta W135, alpha P188, alpha M181, alpha H15 and alpha R349 of E1 determined by kinetic analysis were reassessed by analyzing the three-dimensional structure of human E1. The residues identified above are found to play a structural role rather than being directly involved in catalysis: beta W135 is the center residue in the hydrophobic interaction between beta and beta' subunits; alpha P188 and alpha M181 are critical for the conformation of the TPP-binding motif and interaction between alpha and beta subunits; alpha H15, is necessary for the organization of the N-terminus of alpha and alpha'; subunits and alpha R349 supports the interaction of the C-terminus of the alpha subunits with the beta subunits. Analysis of several critical E1 residues confirms the importance of residues distant from the active site for subunit interactions and enzyme function.

Korotchkina, Lioubov G.↗

A study of fiber volume fraction effects in notched unidirectional SCS-6/Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn composite

Notched unidirectional SCS-6/Ti-15-3 composite of three different fiber volume fractions (vf = 0.15, 0.37, and 0.41) was investigated for various room temperature microstructural and material properties including: fatigue crack initiation, fatigue crack growth, and fracture toughness. While the matrix hardness is similar for all fiber volume fractions, the fiber/matrix interfacial shear strength and matrix residual stress increases with fiber volume fraction. The composite fatigue crack initiation stress is shown to be matrix controlled and occurs when the net maximum matrix stress approaches the endurance limit stress of the matrix. A model is presented which includes residual stresses and presents the composite initiation stress as a function of fiber volume fraction. This model predicts a maximum composite initiation stress at vf approximately 0.15 which agrees with the experimental data. The applied composite stress levels were increased as necessary for continued crack growth. The applied Delta(K) values at crack arrest increase with fiber volume fraction by an amount better approximated using an energy based formulation rather than when scaled linear with modulus. After crack arrest, the crack growth rate exponents for vf37 and vf41 were much lower and toughness much higher, when compared to the unreinforced matrix, because of the bridged region which parades with the propagating fatigue crack. However, the vf15 material exhibited a higher crack growth rate exponent and lower toughness than the unreinforced matrix because once the bridged fibers nearest the crack mouth broke, the stress redistribution broke all bridged fibers, leaving an unbridged crack. Degraded, unbridged behavior is modeled using the residual stress state in the matrix ahead of the crack tip. Plastic zone sizes were directly measured using a metallographic technique and allow prediction of an effective matrix stress intensity which agrees with the fiber pressure model if residual stresses are considered. The sophisticated macro/micro finite element models of the 0.15 and 0.37 fiber volume fractions presented show good agreement with experimental data and the fiber pressure model when an estimated effective fiber/matrix debond length is used.

Covey, Steven J.↗

First-Order System Least Squares for Velocity-Vorticity-Pressure Form of the Stokes Equations, with Application to Linear Elasticity

In this paper, we study the least-squares method for the generalized Stokes equations (including linear elasticity) based on the velocity-vorticity-pressure formulation in d = 2 or 3 dimensions. The least squares functional is defined in terms of the sum of the L(exp 2)- and H(exp -1)-norms of the residual equations, which is weighted appropriately by by the Reynolds number. Our approach for establishing ellipticity of the functional does not use ADN theory, but is founded more on basic principles. We also analyze the case where the H(exp -1)-norm in the functional is replaced by a discrete functional to make the computation feasible. We show that the resulting algebraic equations can be uniformly preconditioned by well-known techniques.

Cai, Zhiqiang↗

Long-term Global Morphology of Gravity Wave Activity Using UARS Data

An extensive body of research this quarter is documented. Further methodical analysis of temperature residuals in Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) Version 8 level 3AT data show signatures during December 1992 at middle and high northern latitudes that, when compared to Naval Research Laboratory/Mountain Wave Forecast Model (NRL)/(MWFM) mountain wave hindcasts, reveal evidence of long mountain waves in these data over Eurasia, Greenland, Scandinavia and North America. The explicit detection of gravity waves in limb-scanned Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere (CRISTA) temperatures is modeled at length, to derive visibility functions. These insights are used to convert CRISTA gravity wave temperature residuals into data that more closely resemble gravity wave fluctuations detected in data from other satellite instruments, such as Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere (LIMS) and Global Positioning System/Meteorology (GPS)/(MET). Finally, newly issued mesospheric temperatures from inversion of CRISTA 15gin emissions are analyzed using a new method that uses separate Kalman fits to the ascending and descending node data. This allows us to study global gravity wave amplitudes at two local times, 12 hours apart. In the equatorial mesosphere, where a large diurnal tidal temperature signal exists, we see modulations of gravity wave activity that are consistent with gravity wave-tidal interactions produced by tidal temperature variability.

Eckermann, Stephen D.↗

Marginal protein stability drives subcellular proteome isoelectric point

There exists a positive correlation between the pH of subcellular compartments and the median isoelectric point (pI) for the associated proteomes. Proteins in the human lysosome—a highly acidic compartment in the cell—have a median pI of ∼6.5, whereas proteins in the more basic mitochondria have a median pI of ∼8.0. Proposed mechanisms reflect potential adaptations to pH. For example, enzyme active site general acid/base residue pKs are likely evolved to match environmental pH. However, such effects would be limited to a few residues on specific proteins, and might not affect the proteome at large. A protein model that considers residue burial upon folding recapitulates the correlation between proteome pI and environmental pH. This correlation can be fully described by a neutral evolution process; no functional selection is included in the model. Proteins in acidic environments incur a lower energetic penalty for burying acidic residues than basic residues, resulting in a net accumulation of acidic residues in the protein core. The inverse is true under alkaline conditions. The pI distributions of subcellular proteomes are likely not a direct result of functional adaptations to pH, but a molecular spandrel stemming from marginal stability.

Kaiser Loell↗

On the joint inversion of geophysical data for models of the coupled core-mantle system

Joint inversion of magnetic, earth rotation, geoid, and seismic data for a unified model of the coupled core-mantle system is proposed and shown to be possible. A sample objective function is offered and simplified by targeting results from independent inversions and summary travel time residuals instead of original observations. These data are parameterized in terms of a very simple, closed model of the topographically coupled core-mantle system. Minimization of the simplified objective function leads to a nonlinear inverse problem; an iterative method for solution is presented. Parameterization and method are emphasized; numerical results are not presented.

Voorhies, Coerte V.↗

An analytical/numerical correlation study of the multiple concentric cylinder model for the thermoplastic response of metal matrix composites

The utility of a recently developed analytical micromechanics model for the response of metal matrix composites under thermal loading is illustrated by comparison with the results generated using the finite-element approach. The model is based on the concentric cylinder assemblage consisting of an arbitrary number of elastic or elastoplastic sublayers with isotropic or orthotropic, temperature-dependent properties. The elastoplastic boundary-value problem of an arbitrarily layered concentric cylinder is solved using the local/global stiffness matrix formulation (originally developed for elastic layered media) and Mendelson's iterative technique of successive elastic solutions. These features of the model facilitate efficient investigation of the effects of various microstructural details, such as functionally graded architectures of interfacial layers, on the evolution of residual stresses during cool down. The available closed-form expressions for the field variables can readily be incorporated into an optimization algorithm in order to efficiently identify optimal configurations of graded interfaces for given applications. Comparison of residual stress distributions after cool down generated using finite-element analysis and the present micromechanics model for four composite systems with substantially different temperature-dependent elastic, plastic, and thermal properties illustrates the efficacy of the developed analytical scheme.

Pindera, Marek-Jerzy↗