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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 1,783 records · Page 99

Collector testing in the MSFC simulator

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Sun simulator and collector testing techniques are described herein. Details of simulator construction are given along with actual measured simulation performance characteristics. Initial comparative performance data from selected air and liquid collector tests are presented for both indoor simulator tests and outdoor tests. These data indicate exceptionally good collector efficiency correlations between the two tests. Comparisons prove sufficiently the validity of using the MSFC simulator for nonconcentration flat plate collector configuration performance evaluations.

Humphries, W. S.↗

Environmental requirements for flat plate photovoltaic modules for terrestrial applications

The environmental test requirements that have been developed for flat plate modules purchased through Department of Energy funding are described. Concurrent with the selection of the initial qualification tests from space program experience - temperature cycling and humidity - surveys of existing photovoltaic systems in the field revealed that arrays were experiencing the following failure modes: interconnect breakage, delamination, and electrical termination corrosion. These coupled with application-dependent considerations led to the development of additional qualification tests, such as cyclic pressure loading, warped mounting surface, and hail. Rationale for the selection of tests, their levels and durations is described. Comparisons between field-observed degradation and test-induced degradation show a positive correlation with some of the observed field effects. Also, the tests are proving useful for detecting design, process, and workmanship deficiencies. The status of study efforts for the development of environmental requirements for field-related problems is reviewed.

Hoffman, A. R.↗

The correlation of low-velocity impact resistance of graphite-fiber-reinforced composites with matrix properties

Summarized are basic studies that were conducted to correlate the impact resistance of graphite-fiber-reinforced composites with polymer matrix properties. Three crosslinked epoxy resins and a linear polysulfone were selected as composite matrices. As a group, these resins possess a significantly large range of mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of the resins and their respective composites were measured. Neat resin specimens and unidirectional and crossply composite specimens were impact tested with an instrumented dropweight tester. Impact resistances of the specimens were assessed on the basis of loading capability, energy absorption, and extent of damage.

Bowles, K. J.↗

The correlation of low-velocity impact resistance of graphite-fiber-reinforced composites with matrix properties

Summarized are basic studies that were conducted to correlate the impact resistance of graphite-fiber-reinforced composites with polymer matrix properties. Three crosslinked epoxy resins and a linear polysulfone were selected as composite matrices. As a group, these resins possess a significantly large range of mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of the resins and their respective composites were measured. Neat resin specimens and unidirectional and crossply composite specimens were impact tested with an instrumented dropweight tester. Impact resistances of the specimens were assesseed on the basis of loading capability, energy absorption, and extent of damage.

Bowles, Kenneth J.↗

Parametric analysis of synthetic aperture radar data for the study of forest stand characteristics

A parametric analysis of a Gulf Coast forest stand was performed using multipolarization, multipath airborne SAR data, and forest plot properties. Allometric equations were used to compute the biomass and basal area for the test plots. A multiple regression analysis with stepwise selection of independent variables was performed. It is found that forest stand characteristics such as biomass, basal area, and average tree height are correlated with SAR data.

Wu, Shih-Tseng↗

Hydrogen interactions in aluminum-lithium alloys

A program is described which seeks to develop an understanding of the effects of dissolved and trapped hydrogen on the mechanical properties of selected Al-Li-Cu-X alloys. A proposal is made to distinguish hydrogen (H2) induced EAC from aqueous dissolution controlled EAC, to correlate H2 induced EAC with mobile and trapped concentrations, and to identify significant trap sites and hydride phases (if any) through use of model alloys and phases. A literature review shows three experimental factors which have impeded progress in the area of H2 EAC for this class of alloys. These are as listed: (1) inter-subgranular fracture in Al-Li alloys when tested in the S-T orientation in air or vacuum make it difficult to readily detect H2 induced fracture based on straight forward changes in fractography; (2) the inherently low H2 diffusivity and solubility in Al alloys is further compounded by a native oxide which acts as a H2 permeation barrier; and (3) H2 effects are masked by dissolution assisted processes when mechanical testing is performed in aqueous solutions.

Smith, S. W.↗

The thermal neutron scattering law for hydrogen bound in plutonium dihydride and predicted critical mass for several configurations

The thermal neutron scattering law (TSL) for hydrogen bound in plutonium dihydride (H-PuH{sub 2}) is developed using first-principles density functional theory and lattice dynamics calculations. The GGA+U exchange correlation with spin-polarized magnetism is used to simulate the electronic structure of the material with a Hubbard U parameter that is selected to reproduce experimental lattice constant measurements. The partial phonon density of states from these calculations is used to develop a thermal neutron scattering law evaluation for H-PuH{sub 2} in the incoherent approximation. This thermal scattering law is used to predict the critical mass of {sup 239}PuH{sub 2} in various bare, reflected, and moderated spherical configurations with MC21 using ENDF/B-VII.1 cross sections. The H-PuH{sub 2} TSL is designed to be suitable for the analysis of bulk PuH{sub x} compositions with 0.0 < x ≤ 2.0. Water volume fractions from 0.0 to 0.95 are analyzed for the homogenized slurry. A small positive difference in k{sub eff} is observed for the water reflected configuration when comparing calculations using the {sup 1}H free-gas treatment instead of the H-PuH{sub 2} thermal scattering law.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Correlation Between Soil Moisture and Dust Emissions: An Investigation for Global Climate Modeling

This work is using the newly available NASA SMAP soil moisture measurement data to evaluate its impact on the atmospheric dust emissions. Dust is an important component of atmospheric aerosols, which affects both climate and air quality. In this work, we focused on semi-desert regions, where dust emissions show seasonal variations due to soil moisture changes, i.e. in Sahel of Africa. We first identified three Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites in the Sahel (IER_Cinzana, Banizoumbou, and Zinder_Airport). We then utilized measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD), fine mode fraction, size distribution, and single-scattering albedo and its wave-length dependence to select dust plumes from the available measurements We matched the latitude and longitude of the AERONET station to the corresponding SMAP data cell in the years 2015 and 2016, and calculated their correlation coefficient. Additionally, we looked at the correlation coefficient with a three-day and a five-day shift to check the impact of soil moisture on dust plumes with some time delay. Due to the arid nature of Banizoumbou and Zinder_Airport, no correlation was found to exist between local soil moisture and dust aerosol load. While IER_Cinzana had soil moisture levels above the satellite threshold of 0.02cm3/cm3, R-value approaching zero indicated no presence of a correlation. On the other hand, Ilorin demonstrated a significant negative correlation between aerosol optical depth and soil moisture. When isolating the analysis to Ilorin's dry season, a negative correlation of -0.593 was the largest dust-isolated R-value recorded, suggesting that soil moisture is driven the dust emission in this semi-desert region during transitional season.

climate↗

Crystal structure of an atypical cobalamin riboswitch reveals RNA structural adaptability as basis for promiscuous ligand binding

Cobalamin riboswitches encompass a structurally diverse group of cis-acting, gene regulatory elements found mostly in bacterial messenger RNA and are classified into subtypes based on secondary and tertiary characteristics. An unusual variant of the cobalamin riboswitch with predicted structural features was identified in Bacillus subtilis over a decade ago, but its structure and mechanisms of cobalamin selectivity and translational control have remained unsolved. We present the crystal structure of the aptamer domain of this atypical cobalamin riboswitch and a model for the complete riboswitch, including its expression platform domain. We demonstrate that this riboswitch binds to multiple cobalamin derivatives and correlate its promiscuous behavior to its structure and unique arrangement of peripheral elements. Comparative structural analyses between conventional cobalamin riboswitches and the B. subtilis cobalamin riboswitch reveal that the likely basis for this promiscuous ligand binding is intrinsic structural adaptability encoded in the RNA structure. It suggests that cobalamin selectivity might ultimately be viewed as existing on a spectrum of affinity for each derivative rather than as belonging to distinct types based on ligand specificities. Our work provides an interesting and notable example of functional coupling of ligand-sensing and adaptive folding by a structured RNA molecule.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

The Herschel Multi-Tiered Extragalactic Survey: SPIRE-mm Photometric Redshifts

We investigate the potential of submm-mm and submm-mm-radio photometric redshifts using a sample of mm-selected sources as seen at 250, 350 and 500 micron by the SPIRE instrument on Herschel. From a sample of 63 previously identified mm sources with reliable radio identifications in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey North and Lockman Hole North fields, 46 (73 per cent) are found to have detections in at least one SPIRE band. We explore the observed submm/mm color evolution with redshift, finding that the colors of mm sources are adequately described by a modified blackbody with constant optical depth Tau = (Nu/nu(sub 0))(exp Beta), where Beta = +1.8 and nu(sub 0) = c/100 micron. We find a tight correlation between dust temperature and IR luminosity. Using a single model of the dust temperature and IR luminosity relation, we derive photometric redshift estimates for the 46 SPIRE-detected mm sources. Testing against the 22 sources with known spectroscopic or good quality optical/near-IR photometric redshifts, we find submm/mm photometric redshifts offer a redshift accuracy of (absolute value of Delta sub (z))/(1 + z) = 0.16 (absolute value of Delta sub (z)) = 0.51). Including constraints from the radio-far-IR correlation, the accuracy is improved to (absolute value of Delta sub (z))/(1 + z) = 0.14 (((absolute value of Delta sub (z))) = 0.45). We estimate the redshift distribution of mm-selected sources finding a significant excess at Z > 3 when compared to approx 8S0 micron selected samples.

Roseboom, I. G.↗

SU-F-T-130: [18F]-FDG Uptake Dose Response in Lung Correlates Linearly with Proton Therapy Dose

Purpose: Analysis of clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients treated with protons using 18F-FDG uptake in lung as a measure of dose response. Methods: A test case lung cancer patient was selected in an unbiased way. The test patient’s treatment planning and post treatment positron emission tomography (PET) were collected from picture archiving and communication system at the UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Average computerized tomography scan was registered with post PET/CT through both rigid and deformable registrations for selected region of interest (ROI) via VelocityAI imaging informatics software. For the voxels in the ROI, a system that extracts the Standard Uptake Value (SUV) from PET was developed, and the corresponding relative biological effectiveness (RBE) weighted (both variable and constant) dose was computed using the Monte Carlo (MC) methods. The treatment planning system (TPS) dose was also obtained. Using histogram analysis, the voxel average normalized SUV vs. 3 different doses was obtained and linear regression fit was performed. Results: From the registration process, there were some regions that showed significant artifacts near the diaphragm and heart region, which yielded poor r-squared values when the linear regression fit was performed on normalized SUV vs. dose. Excluding these values, TPS fit yielded mean r-squared value of 0.79 (range 0.61–0.95), constant RBE fit yielded 0.79 (range 0.52–0.94), and variable RBE fit yielded 0.80 (range 0.52–0.94). Conclusion: A system that extracts SUV from PET to correlate between normalized SUV and various dose calculations was developed. A linear relation between normalized SUV and all three different doses was found.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Enhanced convection for higher module and system efficiency (Final Technical Report)

The goal of this work is to develop new solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and solar system-scale designs that promote an increase of the convective heat transfer coefficient of at least 40%, reducing the operating temperature of the solar PV panels, and leading to a boost on the annual energy yield by at least 5%. By achieving this goal, we further foresee decreasing solar panel degradation by +0.3%/year, reducing the LCOE by 2.9-4.5¢/kWh. Currently, this question and/or approach is not considered though it is a relevant factor in performance/efficiency. The technology proposed will be at a mature stage by the end of the project and could be aligned to be proven on a full-field test. PV users, installers and manufacturers will be interested in the technology due to the aforementioned benefits. The work was conducted through a suite of wind tunnel experiments, numerical simulations and field experiments. These were then evaluated through a correlation encompassing the entire data set and implementing findings into NREL SAM. The work resulted in eight peer reviewed publications with three others in preparation. The key results of the project are 1.) Showing the capability of increasing the solar farm power production by increasing the heat transfer coefficient; 2.) Providing strategies for achieving this through large scale arrangement manipulation (heights, spacings, angles), flow deflectors and vortex generators; 3.) Demonstrating scalability of results by comparing numerical simulations, wind tunnel experiments and field experiments; 4.) Providing a correlation to be able to capture the various arrangements while exploiting the heat transfer coefficient; and 5.) Proving the feasibility of such strategies and their capacity through a comprehensive techno-economic analysis. For the heat transfer coefficients, gains of 40% were attained and increases in power in the excess of 5% were observed. For heat mitigation strategies, consideration at the PV array scale were inter-panel spacing, panel height and panel angles while at the module level, wind breaks such as solid walls and selected gaps were evaluated as well as vortex generators on the panel. All proposed strategies saw an increase in heat transfer coefficient. For scalability, results were compared against field experiments and a correlation for the heat transfer quantity was attained leading to a parametric understanding of the variations and impact in the heat transfer coefficient independent of tools implemented (wind tunnel/numerical simulations). The strategies were also further assessed by a technoeconomic analysis finding improvements based on LCOE with respect to location (several states with varies atmospheric conditions/geographic locations) yielded different results. Improvements on this end were also observed especially towards the colder climates and when considering bi-facial modules. The quantitative demonstrations of such conclusions are provided in the main portion of this document with complementary results and their narration. Milestones and go/no-go points were successfully met in the project.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Measure this, not that: Optimizing the cost and model-based information content of measurements

Model-based design of experiments (MBDoE) is a powerful framework for selecting and calibrating science-based mathematical models from data. Here, this work extends popular MBDoE workflows by proposing a convex mixed integer (non)linear programming (MINLP) to optimize the selection of measurements. The solver MindtPy is modified to support calculating the D-optimality objective and its gradient via an external package, scipy, using the grey-box module in Pyomo. The new approach is demonstrated in two case studies: estimating highly correlated kinetics from a batch reactor and estimating transport parameters in a large-scale rotary packed bed for CO 2 capture. Both case studies show how examining the Pareto optimal trade-offs between information content measured by A- and D-optimality versus measurement budget offers practical guidance for selecting measurements for scientific experiments.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Correlating Oxidation State and Surface Area to Activity from Operando Studies of Copper CO Electroreduction Catalysts in a Gas-Fed Device

Copyright © 2020 American Chemical Society. The rational design of high-performance electrocatalysts requires a detailed understanding of dynamic changes in catalyst properties, including oxidation states, surface area, and morphology under realistic working conditions. Oxide-derived Cu catalysts exhibit a remarkable selectivity toward multicarbon products for the electrochemical CO reduction reaction (CORR), but the exact role of the oxide remains elusive for explaining the performance enhancements. Here, we used operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) coupled with simultaneous measurements of the catalyst activity and selectivity by gas chromatography (GC) to study the relationship between oxidation states of Cu-based catalysts and the activity for ethylene (C2H4) production in a CO gas-fed cell. By utilizing a custom-built XAS cell, oxidation states of Cu catalysts can be probed in device-relevant settings and under high current densities (>80 mA cm-2) for the CORR. By employing an electrochemical oxidation process, we found that the Cu oxidation states and specific ion species do not correlate with C2H4 production. The difference in the CORR activity is also investigated in relation to electrochemical surface area (ECSA) changes. While the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity is positively correlated to the ECSA changes, the increased C2H4 activity is not proportional to the ECSA. Ex situ characterization from microscopic techniques suggests that the changes in the C2H4 activity and selectivity may arise from a morphological transformation that evolves into a more active structure. These comprehensive results give rise to the development of a cell regeneration method that can restore the performance of the Cu catalyst without cell disassembly. Our study establishes a basis for the rational design of highly active electrocatalysts for broad-range reactions in a gas-fed device.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Highly active Pt/MoC and Pt/TiC catalysts for the low-temperature water-gas shift reaction: Effects of the carbide metal/carbon ratio on the catalyst performance

We present that Pt/MoC and Pt/TiC(001) are excellent catalysts for the low-temperature water-gas shift (WGS, CO + H 2 O → H 2 + CO 2 ) reaction. They exhibit high-activity, stability and selectivity. The highest catalytic activities are seen for small coverages of Pt on the carbide substrates. Synergistic effects at the metal-carbide interface produce an enhancement in chemical activity with respect to pure Pt, MoC and TiC. A clear correlation is found between the ability of the Pt/MoC and Pt/TiC(001) surfaces to partially dissociate water and their catalytic activity for the WGS reaction. Finally, an overall comparison of the results for Pt/MoC and Pt/Mo 2 C(001) indicates that the metal/carbon ratio in the carbide support can have a strong influence in the stability and selectivity of WGS catalysts and is a parameter that must be taken into consideration when designing these systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Automated Machine Learning to Evaluate the Information Content of Tropospheric Trace Gas Columns for Fine Particle Estimates Over India: A Modeling Testbed

India is largely devoid of high-quality and reliable on-the-ground measurements of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ). Ground-level PM 2.5 concentrations are estimated from publicly available satellite Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) products combined with other information. Prior research has largely overlooked the possibility of gaining additional accuracy and insights into the sources of PM using satellite retrievals of tropospheric trace gas columns. We evaluate the information content of tropospheric trace gas columns for PM 2.5 estimates over India within a modeling testbed using an Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) approach, which selects from a menu of different machine learning tools based on the data set. We then quantify the relative information content of tropospheric trace gas columns, AOD, meteorological fields, and emissions for estimating PM 2.5 over four Indian sub-regions on daily and monthly time scales. Our findings suggest that, regardless of the specific machine learning model assumptions, incorporating trace gas modeled columns improves PM 2.5 estimates. We use the ranking scores produced from the AutoML algorithm and Spearman’s rank correlation to infer or link the possible relative importance of primary versus secondary sources of PM 2.5 as a first step toward estimating particle composition. Our comparison of AutoML-derived models to selected baseline machine learning models demonstrates that AutoML is at least as good as user-chosen models. The idealized pseudo-observations (chemical-transport model simulations) used in this work lay the groundwork for applying satellite retrievals of tropospheric trace gases to estimate fine particle concentrations in India and serve to illustrate the promise of AutoML applications in atmospheric and environmental research.

Machine learning↗

Optimal Complementarity Analysis of Potential Floating Solar Co-Located With Existing Hydropower Assets Across the Contiguous United States

The U.S. is expected to double its rate of renewable capacity from 2024 to 2030. However, the stochastic nature of renewable energy poses challenges to the operation and reliability of our power grid. The combined generation from renewable energy sources, with dispatchable sources (such as hydropower) operating as a hybrid energy plant, could mitigate this variability. In this paper, the complementarity analysis of selected U.S. reservoirs with existing hydropower assets (EHAs) and potential floating photovoltaics (FPVs) is conducted for the continuous U.S. (CONUS). The optimal FPV capacity for each site is determined by minimizing the variability of the combined output, while adhering to the FPV potential. Our results indicate that over 50% of the analyzed reservoirs achieve a stability coefficient exceeding 0.5, leading to a less-variable output after optimization. Finally, we analyze the complementary hydro-FPV hybrid reservoirs by considering both the Pearson correlation coefficient and the stability coefficient on daily, monthly, and yearly scales. Summaries are included of locations of theoretical FPVs co-located with hydropower plants that exhibit high complementarity based on the selected metrics.

13 - HYDRO ENERGY↗

Modulating Oxide‐Based Quantum Materials by Ion Implantation

Ion implantation has emerged as a powerful tool for manipulating and investigating oxide quantum materials, where strong electron correlations give rise to exotic phases and functionalities. This Review examines how controlled ion bombardment enables targeted modulation of structural, electronic, and magnetic properties in complex oxides. Recent advances in ion beam techniques is analyzed that provide unprecedented control over defect profiles, from point defects to extended damage cascades. In application, ion irradiation has demonstrated the ability to tune quantum phenomena including metal‐insulator transitions, magnetism, and superconductivity through selective doping, defect creation, and lattice strain. The ability to write quantum states with nanoscale precision using focused ion beams is opening new paths for quantum device fabrication. Challenges in understanding radiation damage mechanisms in strongly correlated systems is discussed, and identify opportunities for designing quantum functionality through defect‐engineering approaches. The technique's demonstrated capability to write quantum states with nanoscale precision, combined with its compatibility with existing semiconductor processing infrastructure, suggests a clear pathway for translating fundamental discoveries in quantum materials into practical technological applications.

defect engineering↗