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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 1,747 records · Page 97

Comprehensive Efficiency Analysis of Seven-Switch Current-Source Inverter Based on Voltage-Boost Function and Genetic Algorithm

This paper investigates the voltage-boost features of the emerging seven-switch current-source inverter (H7-CSI) to improve the efficiency of the CSI-based motor drive system. The switching transient and power loss model of the H7-CSI topology during voltage-boost operation are analyzed in detail. The effects of the boost function on the switching and conduction loss of the H7-CSI topology are investigated. A genetic algorithm has been introduced that makes it possible to optimize the H7-CSI’s modulation index to minimize its power loss. Experimental results for the H7-CSI unit show that this optimization can reduce the power loss by 10.6%.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Further analysis of the results from a series of tethered rocket experiments

The data obtained in the most recent Japan-US tether rocket experiment CHARGE 2 have been further analyzed. The interaction of the moving tether system across the geomagnetic field with the ionospheric plasma can be explained by a simple model of the current through a plasma. The response of the tether system when a high voltage is applied is studied and 500 volts could be applied without any appreciable discharge. The detected signal of the wave excited by an application of high voltage between the mother and daughter rocket and by a pulse modulated electron beam is also studied.

Kawashima, N.↗

Spatiotemporal and Statistical Mapping of Transition Metal Equilibria in Alkaline Media

Transition metal dissolution and redeposition (D/R) kinetics in alkaline media play a critical role in various chemical and electrochemical processes. Competitive reaction kinetics between different transition metals can modulate individual metal behavior in these processes. To date, these phenomena have remained largely unmeasured, and even when captured, they are difficult to statistically characterize due to their dynamic nature, simultaneous occurrence, and spatially heterogeneous nature. Here, in this study, we develop a statistical analysis framework based on in situ and operando X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) to investigate the relative D/R kinetics of multiple transition metals in alkaline media. By employing statistical analysis, we quantify the spatial distribution of D/R species and assess the rate at which the system reaches equilibrium under varying reaction conditions. We show that pH does not simply change the rate of dissolution and redeposition, but reorganizes the cross-element kinetic correlations among Ni, Fe, and Mn and accelerates the spatial equilibration of D/R events, as quantified through correlation analysis, reaction-rate estimation, probability function distributions, and texture-based monitoring statistics. Additionally, we demonstrate how modifying the solvent environment can influence D/R kinetics, providing a pathway for tuning materials synthesis and process optimization. Our study offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between different transition metals and provides a reliable statistical framework for spatial analysis of diverse imaging data sets, enabling deeper extraction of latent information across multiple modalities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Diffuse Radiation Forcing Constraints on Gross Primary Productivity and Global Terrestrial Evapotranspiration

Abstract The diffuse radiation fertilization effect—the increase in plant productivity in the presence of higher diffuse radiation ( K ↓,d )—is an important yet understudied aspect of atmosphere‐biosphere interactions and can modify the terrestrial carbon, energy, and water budgets. The K ↓,d fertilization effect links the carbon cycle with clouds and aerosols, all of which are large sources of uncertainties for our current understanding of the Earth system and for future climate projections. Here we establish to what extent observational and modeling uncertainty in sunlight's diffuse fraction ( k d ) affects simulated gross primary productivity (GPP) and terrestrial evapotranspiration ( λE ). We find only 48 eddy covariance sites with simultaneous sufficient measurements of K ↓,d with none in the tropical climate zone, making it difficult to constrain this mechanism globally using observations. Using a land modeling framework based on the latest version of the Community Land Model, we find that global GPP ranges from 114 Pg C year −1 when using k d forcing from the Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 reanalysis to a ∼7% higher value of 122 Pg C year −1 when using the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System satellite product, with especially strong differences apparent over the tropical region (mean increase ∼9%). The differences in λE , although smaller (−0.4%) due to competing changes in shaded and sunlit leaf transpiration, can be greater than regional impacts of individual forcing agents like aerosols. Our results demonstrate the importance of comprehensively and systematically validating the simulated k d by atmosphere modules as well as the response to differences in k d within land modules across Earth System Models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

The impact of stacking and phonon environment on energy transfer in organic chromophores: computational insights

Energy transfer in organic materials is extensively studied due to many applications in optoelectronics. The electronic and vibrational relaxations within molecular assemblies can be influenced by stacking arrangements or additions of a backbone that unites them. Here, we present the computational study of the photoexcitation dynamics of a perylene diimide monomer, and face-to-face stacked dimer and trimer. By using non-Energy transfer in organic materials is extensively studied due to many applications in optoelectronics. The electronic and vibrational relaxations within molecular assemblies can be influenced by stacking arrangements or additions of a backbone that unites them. In this work, we present the computational study of the photoexcitation dynamics of a perylene diimide monomer, and face-to-face stacked dimer and trimer. By using non-adiabatic excited-state molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the non-radiative relaxation is accelerated with the number of stacked molecules. This effect is explained by differences in the energy splitting between states that impacts their corresponding nonadiabatic couplings. Additionally, our analysis of the vibronic dynamics reveals that the passage through the different conical intersections that participate in the relaxation of the stacked systems, activate a positive feedback mechanism. This effect involves a narrow set of vibrational normal modes that accelerate the process by increasing the efficiency of its vibronic dynamics. In contrast, an addition of a biologically inspired backbone slows down the relaxation rate due to its participation in the vibronic dynamics of the molecular stacking arrangements. Our results suggest the stacking arrangements and common backbones as strategies to modulate the efficiency of electronic and vibrational relaxation of diimide-based systems and other molecular aggregates.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structure-Informed Graph Learning of Networked Dependencies for Online Prediction of Power System Transient Dynamics

Online transient analysis plays an increasingly important role in dynamic power grids as the renewable generation continues growing. Traditional numerical methods for transient analysis not only are computationally intensive but also require precise contingency information as input, and therefore, are not suitable for online applications. Existing online transient assessment studies focus on the determination of post-contingency system stability or stability margin. Here, this paper develops a novel graph-learning framework, Deep-learning Neural Representation or DNR, for online prediction, of the time-series trajectories of the system states using initial system responses that can be measured by phasor measurement units (PMUs). The proposed DNR framework consists of two sequential modules: a Network Constructor that captures network dependencies among generators, and a Dynamics Predictor that predicts the system trajectories. The key to improved prediction performance is the introduction of the spatio-temporal message-passing operations into graph neural networks with structural knowledge. Its effectiveness and scalability are validated through comparative studies, demonstrating the prediction performance under different contingency scenarios for systems of different sizes. This framework provides a solution to online predicting post-fault system dynamics based on real-time PMU measurements. Additionally, it can also be applied to facilitate the offline transient simulation without simulating the entire trajectories.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Space Operations Center - A concept analysis

The Space Operations Center (SOC) which is a concept for a Shuttle serviced, permanent, manned facility in low earth orbit is viewed as a major candidate for the manned space flight following the completion of an operational Shuttle. The primary objectives of SOC are: (1) the construction, checkout, and transfer to operational orbit of large, complex space systems, (2) on-orbit assembly, launch, recovery, and servicing of manned and unmanned spacecraft, (3) managing operations of co-orbiting free-flying satellites, and (4) the development of reduced dependence on earth for control and resupply. The structure of SOC, a self-contained orbital facility containing several Shuttle launched modules, includes the service, habitation, and logistics modules as well as construction, and flight support facilities. A schedule is proposed for the development of SOC over ten years and costs for the yearly programs are estimated.

Source record↗

A knowledge-based machine vision system for space station automation

A simple knowledge-based approach to the recognition of objects in man-made scenes is being developed. Specifically, the system under development is a proposed enhancement to a robot arm for use in the space station laboratory module. The system will take a request from a user to find a specific object, and locate that object by using its camera input and information from a knowledge base describing the scene layout and attributes of the object types included in the scene. In order to use realistic test images in developing the system, researchers are using photographs of actual NASA simulator panels, which provide similar types of scenes to those expected in the space station environment. Figure 1 shows one of these photographs. In traditional approaches to image analysis, the image is transformed step by step into a symbolic representation of the scene. Often the first steps of the transformation are done without any reference to knowledge of the scene or objects. Segmentation of an image into regions generally produces a counterintuitive result in which regions do not correspond to objects in the image. After segmentation, a merging procedure attempts to group regions into meaningful units that will more nearly correspond to objects. Here, researchers avoid segmenting the image as a whole, and instead use a knowledge-directed approach to locate objects in the scene. The knowledge-based approach to scene analysis is described and the categories of knowledge used in the system are discussed.

Chipman, Laure J.↗

Solving the BM Camelopardalis puzzle

BM Camelopardalis (=12 Cam) is a chromospherically active binary star with a relatively large orbital eccentricity. Systems with large eccentricities usually rotate pseudosynchronously. However, BM Cam has been a puzzle since its observed rotation rate is virtually equal to its orbital period indicating synchronization. All available photometry data for BM Cam have been collected and analyzed. Two models of modulated ellipticity effect are proposed, one based on equilibrium tidal deformation of the primary star and the other on a dynamical tidal effect. When the starspot variability is removed from the data, the dynamical tidal model was the better approximation to the real physical situation. The analysis indicates that BM Cam is not rotating pseudosynchronously but rotating in virtual synchronism after all.

Teke, Mathias↗

Segmented X-Ray Optics for Future Space Telescopes

Lightweight and high resolution mirrors are needed for future space-based X-ray telescopes to achieve advances in high-energy astrophysics. The slumped glass mirror technology in development at NASA GSFC aims to build X-ray mirror modules with an area to mass ratio of approx.17 sq cm/kg at 1 keV and a resolution of 10 arc-sec Half Power Diameter (HPD) or better at an affordable cost. As the technology nears the performance requirements, additional engineering effort is needed to ensure the modules are compatible with space-flight. This paper describes Flight Mirror Assembly (FMA) designs for several X-ray astrophysics missions studied by NASA and defines generic driving requirements and subsequent verification tests necessary to advance technology readiness for mission implementation. The requirement to perform X-ray testing in a horizontal beam, based on the orientation of existing facilities, is particularly burdensome on the mirror technology, necessitating mechanical over-constraint of the mirror segments and stiffening of the modules in order to prevent self-weight deformation errors from dominating the measured performance. This requirement, in turn, drives the mass and complexity of the system while limiting the testable angular resolution. Design options for a vertical X-ray test facility alleviating these issues are explored. An alternate mirror and module design using kinematic constraint of the mirror segments, enabled by a vertical test facility, is proposed. The kinematic mounting concept has significant advantages including potential for higher angular resolution, simplified mirror integration, and relaxed thermal requirements. However, it presents new challenges including low vibration modes and imperfections in kinematic constraint. Implementation concepts overcoming these challenges are described along with preliminary test and analysis results demonstrating the feasibility of kinematically mounting slumped glass mirror segments.

McClelland, Ryan S.↗

CVB: the Constrained Vapor Bubble Capillary Experiment on the International Space Station MARANGONI FLOW REGION

The Constrained Vapor Bubble (CVB) is a wickless, grooved heat pipe and we report on a full- scale fluids experiment flown on the International Space Station (ISS). The CVB system consists of a relatively simple setup a quartz cuvette with sharp corners partially filled with either pentane or an ideal mixture of pentane and isohexane as the working fluids. Along with temperature and pressure measurements, the two-dimensional thickness profile of the menisci formed at the corners of the quartz cuvette was determined using the Light Microscopy Module (LMM). Even with the large, millimeter dimensions of the CVB, interfacial forces dominate in these exceedingly small Bond Number systems. The experiments were carried out at various power inputs. Although conceptually simple, the transport processes were found to be very complex with many different regions. At the heated end of the CVB, due to a high temperature gradient, we observed Marangoni flow at some power inputs. This region from the heated end to the central drop region is defined as a Marangoni dominated region. We present a simple analysis based on interfacial phenomena using only measurements from the ISS experiments that lead to a predictive equation for the thickness of the film near the heated end of the CVB. The average pressure gradient for flow in the film is assumed due to the measured capillary pressure at the two ends of the liquid film and that the pressure stress gradient due to cohesion self adjusts to a constant value over a distance L. The boundary conditions are the no slip condition at the wall interface and an interfacial shear stress at the liquid- vapor interface due to the Marangoni stress, which is due to the high temperature gradient. Although the heated end is extremely complex, since it includes three- dimensional variations in radiation, conduction, evaporation, condensation, fluid flow and interfacial forces, we find that using the above simplifying assumptions, a simple successful model can be developed.

heat pipes↗

Comparison of Aerocapture Performance Using Bank Control and Direct Force Control with Two Human-Scale Vehicles at Mars

Recent studies of human-scale missions to Mars have included a wide trade space of vehicle configurations and control schemes. Some configurations fly at a low angle of attack with a low L/D,while others fly at a high angle of attack with a mid L/D. Some use bank angle control, while others use direct force control, where the angle of attack and sideslip angle are independently modulated. This paper compares the performance of three vehicle configurations: a low-L/D vehicle using direct force control, a low-L/D vehicle using bank control, and a mid-L/D vehicle using bank control. The reference mission is aerocapture at Mars into a highly elliptical, 1-sol orbit. The trajectories are integrated in three degrees of freedom. All three cases utilize numeric predictor-corrector guidances and emulate control system responses with rate and acceleration limits. The configurations are compared using a Monte Carlo analysis. The robustness of each configuration to increased dispersions is also compared.

Matz, Daniel A.↗

Improved Characterization of PSC Processes Derived from a Third-Generation CALIOP and MLS Detection and Composition Classification Algorithm

The new 3-year CloudSat and CALIPSO Science Team project described in this poster will use a unique combination of data from the Cloud-Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) instrument on CALIPSO and the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on Aura, in conjunction with supporting meteorological information and detailed modeling studies, to advance our understanding of polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) processes and their role in ozone depletion. We will develop a third-generation (Gen3) PSC detection and composition algorithm that incorporates a new, more robust two-dimensional, multi-channel CALIOP feature detection scheme (2D-McDA). We will also devise and implement an improved two-dimensional PSC composition classification scheme that utilizes multiple parameters (e.g., CALIOP 532-nm parallel and perpendicular scattering ratios, CALIOP 1064-nm total scattering ratio, MLS HNO3 and H2O, ambient temperature, and temperature histories) in a Bayesian approach to determine the most likely PSC composition and help constrain solid PSC particle number density and size/shape. The combined CALIOP/MLS analyses will allow us to study in detail the full life cycle of PSCs and their resulting impact on gas-phase HNO3 and H2O, which should lead to improved parameterizations of PSC microphysics in global CCMs where detailed particle information is not available. The Gen3 CALIOP PSC algorithm will be a natural stepping-stone toward the analysis of data collected during future spaceborne lidar missions, such as NASA’s Atmosphere Observation System (AtmOS) mission currently scheduled for launch late in this decade. We will also investigate possible trends in PSC occurrence and composition over the entire CALIOP data record and through further comparisons with the Stratospheric Aerosol Measurement (SAM) II solar occultation PSC record from 1979-1989. Finally, we will validate the mountain-wave parameterization and PSC schemes used in the UM-UKCA (Unified Model coupled to the United Kingdom Chemistry and Aerosol module) chemistry-climate model through detailed comparisons with earlier CALIOP PSC data products and those developed under this proposal.

CALIPSO↗

Improved Characterization of PSC Processes Derived from a Third-Generation CALIOP and MLS Detection and Composition Classification Algorithm

The new 3-year CloudSat and CALIPSO Science Team project described in this poster will use a unique combination of data from the Cloud-Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) instrument on CALIPSO and the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on Aura, in conjunction with supporting meteorological information and detailed modeling studies, to advance our understanding of polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) processes and their role in ozone depletion. We will develop a third-generation (Gen3) PSC detection and composition algorithm that incorporates a new, more robust two-dimensional, multi-channel CALIOP feature detection scheme (2D-McDA). We will also devise and implement an improved two-dimensional PSC composition classification scheme that utilizes multiple parameters (e.g., CALIOP 532-nm parallel and perpendicular scattering ratios, CALIOP 1064-nm total scattering ratio, MLS HNO3 and H2O, ambient temperature, and temperature histories) in a Bayesian approach to determine the most likely PSC composition and help constrain solid PSC particle number density and size/shape. The combined CALIOP/MLS analyses will allow us to study in detail the full life cycle of PSCs and their resulting impact on gas-phase HNO3 and H2O, which should lead to improved parameterizations of PSC microphysics in global chemistry-climate models (CCMs) where detailed particle information is not available. The Gen3 CALIOP PSC algorithm will be a natural stepping-stone toward the analysis of data collected during future spaceborne lidar missions, such as NASA’s Atmosphere Observation System (AOS) mission currently scheduled for launch late in this decade. We will also investigate possible trends in PSC occurrence and composition over the entire CALIOP data record and through further comparisons with the Stratospheric Aerosol Measurement (SAM) II solar occultation PSC record from 1979-1989. Finally, we will validate the mountain-wave parameterization and PSC schemes used in the UM-UKCA (Unified Model coupled to the United Kingdom Chemistry and Aerosol module) CCM through detailed comparisons with earlier CALIOP PSC data products and those developed under this proposal.

CALIPSO↗

Dynamic Contingency Analysis Tool 2.0 User Manual with Test System Examples

This document introduces Version 2 of the Dynamic Contingency Analysis Tool (DCAT) software package developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and serves as a guide for using this package to conduct cascading failure simulations for the electric power system. The DCAT is an open-platform and publicly available software; it is intended to help develop applications that aim to improve the capabilities of power system planning engineers to assess the impact and likelihood of extreme contingencies and potential cascading events across their systems and interconnections. Outputs from the DCAT will support finding mitigating actions to reduce the risk of cascading outages in technically sound and effective ways. This manual provides detailed instructions on how to use this tool on multicore Windows workstations or servers. In the public version of DCAT, several improvements have been made over the previous version: (1) it was modularized; (2) a graphical user interface (GUI) was developed; (3) a new version of the MPjobs parallel processing module was incorporated; and (4) a batch-processing function was added. The features of the DCAT GUI are described, including some examples of how to use the GUI to perform simulations. A full explanation of the DCAT methodology is available in the Phase 1 report.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Structural analysis of activating mutants of YfiB from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

Highlights: • Crystal structures of activating mutants of P. aeruginosa YfiB were determined. • F48S and W55L activating mutants of YfiB crystallize as dimers. • The L43P mutant of YfiB is monomeric and forms a stable complex with YfiR. • The YfiB activating region undergoes a dramatic rearrangement upon YfiR binding. • Extensive interactions are formed between the YfiB activating region and YfiR. Bacterial cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP) is an important messenger molecule that influences diverse cellular processes including motility, virulence and cytotoxicity systems, polysaccharide synthesis and biofilm formation. The YfiBNR tripartite signalling system in P. aeruginosa modulates the cellular c-di-GMP levels in response to signals received from the periplasm. In this study, we analyse the structures of activating mutants of the outer membrane protein YfiB that give rise to increased surface attachment and biofilm formation. The F48S and W55L mutants of YfiB(27–168) crystallize in the same dimeric arrangement as our previously reported YfiB structures that preclude complex formation with YfiR. The L43P mutant of YfiB(27–168) is monomeric and forms a stable complex with YfiR. The YfiB(L43P)-YfiR crystal structure reveals a dramatic rearrangement of the N-terminal fragment, which is implicated in increased YfiB activation and membrane attachment, upon YfiR binding. Comparison with our previous complex structure between YfiB(59–168) and YfiR reveals extensive interactions between the N-terminal fragment of YfiB (residues 35–55) and YfiR.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Trace Contaminant Control for the International Space Station's Node 1- Analysis, Design, and Verification

Trace chemical contaminant generation inside crewed spacecraft cabins is a technical and medical problem that must be continuously evaluated. Although passive control through materials selection and active control by adsorption and catalytic oxidation devices is employed during normal operations of a spacecraft, contaminant buildup can still become a problem. Buildup is particularly troublesome during the stages between the final closure of a spacecraft during ground processing and the time that a crewmember enters for the first time during the mission. Typically, the elapsed time between preflight closure and first entry on orbit for spacecraft such as Spacelab modules was 30 days. During that time, the active contamination control systems are not activated and contaminants can potentially build up to levels which exceed the spacecraft maximum allowable concentrations (SMACs) specified by NASA toxicology experts. To prevent excessively high contamination levels at crew entry, the Spacelab active contamination control system was operated for 53 hours just before launch.

Perry, J. L.↗