System analysis study of space platform and station accommodations for life sciences research facilities. Volume 1: Executive summary. Phase A: Conceptual design and programmatics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The study was conducted in 3 parts over a 3 year period. The study schedule and the documentation associated with each study part is given. This document summarized selected study results from the conceptual design and programmatics segment of the effort. The objectives were: (1) to update requirements and tradeoffs and develop a detailed design and mission requirements document; (2) to develop conceptual designs and mission descriptions; and (3) to develop programmatic, i.e., work breakdown structure and work breakdown structure dictionary, estimated cost, and implementing plans and schedules.

Aeronautics Research and Technology Program and specific objectives, fiscal year 1982

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olstad, W. B.

1981-01-01

The Aeronautics Research and Technology program is broken down into two program areas (research and technology base, and systems technology programs) which are further broken down into succeedingly more detailed activities to form a work breakdown structure for the aeronautics program: program area, program/discipline objective, specific objective, and research and technology objective and plan (RTOP). A detailed view of this work breakdown structure down to the specific objective level is provided, and goals or objectives at each of these levels are set forth. What is to be accomplished and why are addressed, but not how. The letter falls within the domain of the RTOP.

A categorization of water system breakdowns: Evidence from Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.

PubMed

Klug, Tori; Cronk, Ryan; Shields, Katherine F; Bartram, Jamie

2018-04-01

In rural sub-Saharan Africa, one in three handpumps are non-functional at any time. While there is some evidence describing factors associated with non-functional water systems, there is little evidence describing the categories of water system breakdowns that commonly occur. Insufficient water availability from broken down systems can force people to use unimproved water sources, which undermines the health benefits of an improved water source. We categorized common water system breakdowns using quantitative and qualitative monitoring data from Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda (each N>3600 water systems) and examined how breakdown category varies by water system type and management characteristics. Specific broken parts were mentioned more frequently than all other reasons for breakdown; hardware parts frequently found at fault for breakdown were aprons (Liberia), pipes (Tanzania and Uganda), taps/spouts (Tanzania and Uganda), and lift mechanisms (Nigeria). Statistically significant differences in breakdown category were identified based on system type, age, management type, and fee collection type. Categorization can help to identify common reasons for water system breakdown. The analysis of these data can be used to develop improved monitoring instruments to inform actors of different breakdown types and provide reasons for system non-functionality. Improved monitoring instruments would enable actors to target appropriate resources to address specific breakdowns likely to arise based on system type and management characteristics in order to inform improved implementation of and post-construction support for water systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

IT Project Success w\\7120 and 7123 NPRs to Achieve Project Success

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walley, Tina L.

2009-01-01

This slide presentation reviews management techniques to assure information technology development project success. Details include the work products, the work breakdown structure (WBS), system integration, verification and validation (IV&V), and deployment and operations. An example, the NASA Consolidated Active Directory (NCAD), is reviewed.

Optimal control of M/M/1 two-phase queueing system with state-dependent arrival rate, server breakdowns, delayed repair, and N-policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Hanumantha; Kumar, Vasanta; Srinivasa Rao, T.; Srinivasa Kumar, B.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we examine a two-stage queueing system where the arrivals are Poisson with rate depends on the condition of the server to be specific: vacation, pre-service, operational or breakdown state. The service station is liable to breakdowns and deferral in repair because of non-accessibility of the repair facility. The service is in two basic stages, the first being bulk service to every one of the customers holding up on the line and the second stage is individual to each of them. The server works under N-policy. The server needs preliminary time (startup time) to begin batch service after a vacation period. Startup times, uninterrupted service times, the length of each vacation period, delay times and service times follows an exponential distribution. The closed form of expressions for the mean system size at different conditions of the server is determined. Numerical investigations are directed to concentrate the impact of the system parameters on the ideal limit N and the minimum base expected unit cost.

Improved model of activation energy absorption for different electrical breakdowns in semi-crystalline insulating polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sima, Wenxia; Jiang, Xiongwei; Peng, Qingjun; Sun, Potao

2018-05-01

Electrical breakdown is an important physical phenomenon in electrical equipment and electronic devices. Many related models and theories of electrical breakdown have been proposed. However, a widely recognized understanding on the following phenomenon is still lacking: impulse breakdown strength which varies with waveform parameters, decrease in the breakdown strength of AC voltage with increasing frequency, and higher impulse breakdown strength than that of AC. In this work, an improved model of activation energy absorption for different electrical breakdowns in semi-crystalline insulating polymers is proposed based on the Harmonic oscillator model. Simulation and experimental results show that, the energy of trapped charges obtained from AC stress is higher than that of impulse voltage, and the absorbed activation energy increases with the increase in the electric field frequency. Meanwhile, the frequency-dependent relative dielectric constant ε r and dielectric loss tanδ also affect the absorption of activation energy. The absorbed activation energy and modified trap level synergistically determine the breakdown strength. The mechanism analysis of breakdown strength under various voltage waveforms is consistent with the experimental results. Therefore, the proposed model of activation energy absorption in the present work may provide a new possible method for analyzing and explaining the breakdown phenomenon in semi-crystalline insulating polymers.

NASA Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Terrell, Stefanie M.

2018-01-01

The purpose of this document is to provide program/project teams necessary instruction and guidance in the best practices for Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and WBS dictionary development and use for project implementation and management control. This handbook can be used for all types of NASA projects and work activities including research, development, construction, test and evaluation, and operations. The products of these work efforts may be hardware, software, data, or service elements (alone or in combination). The aim of this document is to assist project teams in the development of effective work breakdown structures that provide a framework of common reference for all project elements.

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study (Exhibit D). Volume 4, Part 2: Cost and programmatics appendix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G. M.

1981-01-01

Cost and programmatic aspects of a recommended satellite power system are documented. Computer generated summaries are presented, and the detailed computer runs structured in a Work Breakdown Structure are given. The six configurations developed during the study period are summarized.

On the Electronic Structure of Cu Chlorophyllin and Its Breakdown Products: A Carbon K-Edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Study.

PubMed

Witte, Katharina; Mantouvalou, Ioanna; Sánchez-de-Armas, Rocío; Lokstein, Heiko; Lebendig-Kuhla, Janina; Jonas, Adrian; Roth, Friedrich; Kanngießer, Birgit; Stiel, Holger

2018-02-15

Using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy, the carbon backbone of sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC), a widely used chlorophyll derivative, and its breakdown products are analyzed to elucidate their electronic structure and physicochemical properties. Using various sample preparation methods and complementary spectroscopic methods (including UV/Vis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), a comprehensive insight into the SCC breakdown process is presented. The experimental results are supported by density functional theory calculations, allowing a detailed assignment of characteristic NEXAFS features to specific C bonds. SCC can be seen as a model system for the large group of porphyrins; thus, this work provides a novel and detailed description of the electronic structure of the carbon backbone of those molecules and their breakdown products. The achieved results also promise prospective optical pump/X-ray probe investigations of dynamic processes in chlorophyll-containing photosynthetic complexes to be analyzed more precisely.

Assessment of lubricated contacts: Mechanisms of scuffing and scoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dyson, A.; Wedeven, L. D.

1983-01-01

Scoring and scuffing are defined as two distinct but related forms of failure of hardened ferrous components lubricated by liquids. Experimental observations of these phenomena are described, and criteria for scoring and scuffing are discussed. The mechanisms proposed by various authors to explain these observations are enumerated. The view presented here is that, under conditions yet to be defined, scoring is a gradual breakdown of the lubrication of interacting asperities, such lubrication being boundary or microelastohydrodynamic in nature, or a mixture of the two. The final scuffing stage represents a breakdown of the main elastohydrodynamic system, but this may be triggered by the deterioration in surface topography as a result of scoring. An extension of published theoretical treatment of elastohydrodynamic breakdown is proposed, and a critical experiment to assess the importance of edge effects in band contacts is suggested. The practical implications of the proposed mechanism are reviewed, and recommendations for further work are made. A possible thermal instability mechanism for the breakdown of boundary lubrication is outlined.

Experimental verification of the capillary plasma triggered long spark gap under the extremely low working coefficient in air

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, D.; Yang, L. J., E-mail: yanglj@mail.xjtu.edu.cn; Ma, J. B.

The paper has proposed a new triggering method for long spark gap based on capillary plasma ejection and conducted the experimental verification under the extremely low working coefficient, which represents that the ratio of the spark gap charging voltage to the breakdown voltage is particularly low. The quasi-neutral plasma is ejected from the capillary and develops through the axial direction of the spark gap. The electric field in the spark gap is thus changed and its breakdown is incurred. It is proved by the experiments that the capillary plasma ejection is effective in triggering the long spark gap under themore » extremely low working coefficient in air. The study also indicates that the breakdown probabilities, the breakdown delay, and the delay dispersion are all mainly determined by the characteristics of the ejected plasma, including the length of the plasma flow, the speed of the plasma ejection, and the ionization degree of the plasma. Moreover, the breakdown delay and the delay dispersion increase with the length of the long spark gap, and the polarity effect exists in the triggering process. Lastly, compared with the working patterns of the triggering device installed in the single electrode, the working pattern of the devices installed in both the two electrodes, though with the same breakdown process, achieves the ignition under longer gap distance. To be specific, at the gap length of 14 cm and the working coefficient of less than 2%, the spark gap is still ignited accurately.« less

Power Extension Package (PEP) system definition extension, orbital service module systems analysis study. Volume 11: PEP, cost, schedules, and work breakdown structure dictionary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

Cost scheduling and funding data are presented for the reference design of the power extension package. Major schedule milestones are correlated with current Spacelab flight dates. Funding distributions provide for minimum expenditure during the first year of the project.

Using Work Breakdown Structure Models to Develop Unit Treatment Costs

EPA Science Inventory

This article presents a new cost modeling approach called work breakdown structure (WBS), designed to develop unit costs for drinking water technologies. WBS involves breaking the technology into its discrete components for the purposes of estimating unit costs. The article dem...

Propulsion Technology Lifecycle Operational Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, John W.; Rhodes, Russell E.

2010-01-01

The paper presents the results of a focused effort performed by the members of the Space Propulsion Synergy Team (SPST) Functional Requirements Sub-team to develop propulsion data to support Advanced Technology Lifecycle Analysis System (ATLAS). This is a spreadsheet application to analyze the impact of technology decisions at a system-of-systems level. Results are summarized in an Excel workbook we call the Technology Tool Box (TTB). The TTB provides data for technology performance, operations, and programmatic parameters in the form of a library of technical information to support analysis tools and/or models. The lifecycle of technologies can be analyzed from this data and particularly useful for system operations involving long running missions. The propulsion technologies in this paper are listed against Chemical Rocket Engines in a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) format. The overall effort involved establishing four elements: (1) A general purpose Functional System Breakdown Structure (FSBS). (2) Operational Requirements for Rocket Engines. (3) Technology Metric Values associated with Operating Systems (4) Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) of Chemical Rocket Engines The list of Chemical Rocket Engines identified in the WBS is by no means complete. It is planned to update the TTB with a more complete list of available Chemical Rocket Engines for United States (US) engines and add the Foreign rocket engines to the WBS which are available to NASA and the Aerospace Industry. The Operational Technology Metric Values were derived by the SPST Sub-team in the form of the TTB and establishes a database for users to help evaluate and establish the technology level of each Chemical Rocket Engine in the database. The Technology Metric Values will serve as a guide to help determine which rocket engine to invest technology money in for future development.

Fast shut-down protection system for radio frequency breakdown and multipactor testing.

PubMed

Graves, T P; Hanson, P; Michaelson, J M; Farkas, A D; Hubble, A A

2014-02-01

Radio frequency (RF) breakdown such as multipactor or ionization breakdown is a device-limiting phenomenon for on-orbit spacecraft used for communication, navigation, or other RF payloads. Ground testing is therefore part of the qualification process for all high power components used in these space systems. This paper illustrates a shut-down protection system to be incorporated into multipactor/ionization breakdown ground testing for susceptible RF devices. This 8 channel system allows simultaneous use of different diagnostic classes and different noise floors. With initiation of a breakdown event, diagnostic signals increase above a user-specified level, which then opens an RF switch to eliminate RF power from the high power amplifier. Examples of this system in use are shown for a typical setup, illustrating the reproducibility of breakdown threshold voltages and the lack of multipactor conditioning. This system can also be utilized to prevent excessive damage to RF components in tests with sensitive or flight hardware.

The Functional Breakdown Structure (FBS) and Its Relationship to Life Cycle Cost

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeHoff, Bryan; Levack, Danie J. H.; Rhodes, Russell E.

2009-01-01

The Functional Breakdown Structure (FBS) is a structured, modular breakdown of every function that must be addressed to perform a generic mission. It is also usable for any subset of the mission. Unlike a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the FBS is a function-oriented tree, not a product-oriented tree. The FBS details not products, but operations or activities that should be performed. The FBS is not tied to any particular architectural implementation because it is a listing of the needed functions, not the elements, of the architecture. The FBS for Space Transportation Systems provides a universal hierarchy of required functions, which include ground and space operations as well as infrastructure - it provides total visibility of the entire mission. By approaching the systems engineering problem from the functional view, instead of the element or hardware view, the SPST has created an exhaustive list of potential requirements which the architecture designers can use to evaluate the completeness of their designs. This is a new approach that will provide full accountability of all functions required to perform the planned mission. It serves as a giant check list to be sure that no functions are omitted, especially in the early architectural design phase. A significant characteristic of a FBS is that if architecture options are compared using this approach, then any missing or redundant elements of each option will be ' identified. Consequently, valid Life Cycle Costs (LCC) comparisons can be made. For example, one architecture option might not need a particular function while another option does. One option may have individual elements to perform each of three functions while another option needs only one element to perform the three functions. Once an architecture has been selected, the FBS will serve as a guide in development of the work breakdown structure, provide visibility of those technologies that need to be further developed to perform required functions, and help identify the personnel skills required to develop and operate the architecture. It also wifi allow the systems engineering activities to totally integrate each discipline to the maximum extent possible and optimize at the total system level, thus avoiding optimizing at the element level (stove-piping). In addition, it furnishes a framework that wifi help prevent over or under specifying requirements because all functions are identified and all elements are aligned to functions.

The SIMPSONS project: An integrated Mars transportation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaplan, Matthew; Carlson, Eric; Bradfute, Sherie; Allen, Kent; Duvergne, Francois; Hernandez, Bert; Le, David; Nguyen, Quan; Thornhill, Brett

In response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for an integrated transportation system network for an advanced Martian base, Frontier Transportation Systems (FTS) presents the results of the SIMPSONS project (Systems Integration for Mars Planetary Surface Operations Networks). The following topics are included: the project background, vehicle design, future work, conclusions, management status, and cost breakdown. The project focuses solely on the surface-to-surface transportation at an advanced Martian base.

The SIMPSONS project: An integrated Mars transportation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaplan, Matthew; Carlson, Eric; Bradfute, Sherie; Allen, Kent; Duvergne, Francois; Hernandez, Bert; Le, David; Nguyen, Quan; Thornhill, Brett

1992-01-01

In response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for an integrated transportation system network for an advanced Martian base, Frontier Transportation Systems (FTS) presents the results of the SIMPSONS project (Systems Integration for Mars Planetary Surface Operations Networks). The following topics are included: the project background, vehicle design, future work, conclusions, management status, and cost breakdown. The project focuses solely on the surface-to-surface transportation at an advanced Martian base.

Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing.

PubMed

Munir, Selin; Pelletier, Matthew H; Walsh, William R

2016-09-04

Different metallic materials have different polarization characteristics as dictated by the open circuit potential, breakdown potential, and passivation potential of the material. The detection of these electrochemical parameters identifies the corrosion factors of a material. A reliable and well-functioning corrosion system is required to achieve this. Corrosion of the samples was achieved via a potentiodynamic polarization technique employing a three-electrode configuration, consisting of reference, counter, and working electrodes. Prior to commencement a baseline potential is obtained. Following the stabilization of the corrosion potential (Ecorr), the applied potential is ramped at a slow rate in the positive direction relative to the reference electrode. The working electrode was a stainless steel screw. The reference electrode was a standard Ag/AgCl. The counter electrode used was a platinum mesh. Having a reliable and well-functioning in vitro corrosion system to test biomaterials provides an in-expensive technique that allows for the systematic characterization of the material by determining the breakdown potential, to further understand the material's response to corrosion. The goal of the protocol is to set up and run an in vitro potentiodynamic corrosion system to analyze pitting corrosion for small metallic medical devices.

THE ONSET OF ELECTRICAL BREAKDOWN IN DUST LAYERS: II. EFFECTIVE DIELECTRIC CONSTANT AND LOCAL FIELD ENHANCEMENT

EPA Science Inventory

Part 1 of the work has shown that electrical breakdown in dust layers obeys Paschen's Law, but occurs at applied field values which appear too small to initiate the breakdown. In this paper the authors show how an effective dielectric constant characterizing the dust layer can be...

Effects of thermal and electrical stressing on the breakdown behavior of space wiring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammoud, Ahmad; Stavnes, Mark; Suthar, Jayant; Laghari, Javaid

1995-01-01

Several failures in the electrical wiring systems of many aircraft and space vehicles have been attributed to arc tracking and damaged insulation. In some instances, these failures proved to be very costly as they have led to the loss of many aircraft and imperilment of space missions. Efforts are currently underway to develop lightweight, reliable, and arc track resistant wiring for aerospace applications. In this work, six wiring constructions were evaluated in terms of their breakdown behavior as a function of temperature. These hybrid constructions employed insulation consisting of Kapton, Teflon, and cross-linked Tefzel. The properties investigated included the 400 Hz AC dielectric strength at ambient and 200 C, and the lifetime at high temperature with an applied bias of 40, 60, and 80% of breakdown voltage level. The results obtained are discussed, and conclusions are made concerning the suitability of the wiring constructions investigated for aerospace applications.

Effects of thermal and electrical stressing on the breakdown behavior of space wiring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammoud, Ahmad; Stavnes, Mark; Suthar, Jayant; Laghari, Javaid

1995-06-01

Several failures in the electrical wiring systems of many aircraft and space vehicles have been attributed to arc tracking and damaged insulation. In some instances, these failures proved to be very costly as they have led to the loss of many aircraft and imperilment of space missions. Efforts are currently underway to develop lightweight, reliable, and arc track resistant wiring for aerospace applications. In this work, six wiring constructions were evaluated in terms of their breakdown behavior as a function of temperature. These hybrid constructions employed insulation consisting of Kapton, Teflon, and cross-linked Tefzel. The properties investigated included the 400 Hz AC dielectric strength at ambient and 200 C, and the lifetime at high temperature with an applied bias of 40, 60, and 80% of breakdown voltage level. The results obtained are discussed, and conclusions are made concerning the suitability of the wiring constructions investigated for aerospace applications.

Low Current Surface Flashover for Initiation of Electric Propulsion Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dary, Omar G.

There has been a recent increase in interest in miniaturization of propulsion systems for satellites. These systems are needed to propel micro- and nano-satellites, where platforms are much smaller than conventional satellites and require smaller levels of thrust. Micro-propulsion systems for these satellites are in their infancy and they must manage with smaller power systems and smaller propellant volumes. Electric propulsion systems operating on various types of electric discharges are typically used for these needs. One of the central components of such electrical micropropulsion systems are ignitor subsystems, which are required for creation the breakdown and initiation of the main discharge. Ignitors have to provide reliable ignition for entire lifetime of the micropropulsion system. Electric breakdown in vacuum usually require high voltage potentials of hundreds of kilovolts per mm to induce breakdown. The breakdown voltage can be significantly decreased (down to several kVs per mm) if dielectric surface flashover is utilized. However, classical dielectric surface flashover operates at large electric current (100s of Amperes) and associated with overheating and damage of the electrodes/dielectric assembly after several flashover events. The central idea of this work was to eliminate the damage to the flashover electrode assembly by limiting the flashover currents to low values in milliampere range (Low Current Surface Flashover -LCSF) and utilize LCSF system as an ignition source for the main discharge on the micropropulsion system. The main objective of this research was to create a robust LCSF ignition system, capable producing a large number of surface flashover triggering events without significant damage to the LCSF electrode assembly. The thesis aims to characterize the plasma plume created at LCSF, study electrodes ablation and identify conditions required for robust triggering of main discharge utilized on micro-propulsion system. Conditioning of a new LCSF assembly (flashover current was limited to <100 mA in all experiments) was measured and breakdown voltages in the range of 8kV to 12kV were observed for the fully conditioned assembly. No damage to the LCSF electrode assembly was observed after about 104 LCSF events. The LCSF assembly created sufficient amount of seed plasma in order to bridge a vacuum gap between the high-current electrodes and to reliably ignite high-current arcs (10A-12A arc were used in this work). Ignition of the high-current arc was observed at three different cases of LCSF with limiting currents 100 mA, 33 mA and 20 mA respectively. Plasma parameter measurements were conducted with variety of Langmuir probes inside the LCSF plume. Ion currents created by the LCSF were primarily expelled directly perpendicular from the insulator surface. The plasma expansion for the LCSF assembly was measured to be 2 x 106-6 x 106 cm/s. Plasma density was measured to range 10 10-1011 cm-3. The plasma density was maximal near the LCSF assembly and quickly reduced radially. Temporal decay of the plasma was observed on a time scale of about 5 micros after the LCSF event. The results of this work are significant for creation of ignitor for micropropulsion systems. LCSF system offers reliable triggering for numerous ignition pulses for entire lifetime of the micropropulsion system and reduces complexity and volume of the system by excluding moving parts and the need for an external gas tanks.

Space platform expendables resupply concept definition study. Volume 3: Work breakdown structure and work breakdown structure dictionary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

The work breakdown structure (WBS) for the Space Platform Expendables Resupply Concept Definition Study is described. The WBS consists of a list of WBS elements, a dictionary of element definitions, and an element logic diagram. The list and logic diagram identify the interrelationships of the elements. The dictionary defines the types of work that may be represented by or be classified under each specific element. The Space Platform Expendable Resupply WBS was selected mainly to support the program planning, scheduling, and costing performed in the programmatics task (task 3). The WBS is neither a statement-of-work nor a work authorization document. Rather, it is a framework around which to define requirements, plan effort, assign responsibilities, allocate and control resources, and report progress, expenditures, technical performance, and schedule performance. The WBS element definitions are independent of make-or-buy decisions, organizational structure, and activity locations unless exceptions are specifically stated.

Breakdown between bare electrodes with an oil-paper interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelley, E. F.; Hebner, R. E., Jr.

1980-06-01

Measurements of the location of electrical breakdown in a composite insulating system were made. For these measurements a paper sample was mounted so that it connected the two electrodes. Electrode structures ranging from plane-plane to sphere-sphere were used. The electrode paper system was tested in oil in an attempt to determine the properties of an oil paper interface. The data indicated that in a carefully prepared system the breakdown will not necessarily occur at the interface. In addition, it was found that the breakdown voltages were not significantly lower for those breakdowns which occurred at the interface than for those which did not. It was noted that if the paper interface was not dried or if many gaseous voids were left in or on the paper, the breakdown will regularly occur at the interface and at a lower voltage.

Integration of safety engineering into a cost optimized development program.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ball, L. W.

1972-01-01

A six-segment management model is presented, each segment of which represents a major area in a new product development program. The first segment of the model covers integration of specialist engineers into 'systems requirement definition' or the system engineering documentation process. The second covers preparation of five basic types of 'development program plans.' The third segment covers integration of system requirements, scheduling, and funding of specialist engineering activities into 'work breakdown structures,' 'cost accounts,' and 'work packages.' The fourth covers 'requirement communication' by line organizations. The fifth covers 'performance measurement' based on work package data. The sixth covers 'baseline requirements achievement tracking.'

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study, exhibit C. Volume 2, part 2: System engineering, cost and programmatics, appendixes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G. M.

1979-01-01

Appendixes for Volume 2 (Part 2) of a seven volume Satellite (SPS) report are presented. The document contains two appendixes. The first is a SPS work breakdown structure dictionary. The second gives SPS cost estimating relationships and contains the cost analyses and a description of cost elements that comprise the SPS program.

Study on the effect of beam propagation through atmospheric turbulence on standoff nanosecond laser induced breakdown spectroscopy measurements.

PubMed

Laserna, J J; Reyes, R Fernández; González, R; Tobaria, L; Lucena, P

2009-06-08

We report on an experimental study of the effect of atmospheric turbulence on laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) measurements. The characteristics of the atmosphere dictate specific performance constraints to this technology. Unlike classical laboratory LIBS systems where the distance to the sample is well known and characterized, LIBS systems working at several tens of meters to the target have specific atmospheric propagation conditions that cause the quality of the LIBS signals to be affected to a significant extent. Using a new LIBS based sensor system fitted with a nanosecond laser emitting at 1064 nm, propagation effects at distances of up to 120 m were investigated. The effects observed include wander and scintillation in the outgoing laser beam and in the return atomic emission signal. Plasmas were formed on aluminium targets. Average signal levels and signal fluctuations are measured so the effect of atmospheric turbulence on LIBS measurements is quantified.

Implementing Earned Value Management in the CxP EVA Systems Project Office

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorge, Les L.

2009-01-01

Earned Value Management (EVM), like project management, is as much art as it is science to develop an implementation plan for a project. This presentation will cover issues that were overcome and the implementation strategy to deploy Earned Value Management (EVM) within the Constellation Program (CxP), EVA Systems Project Office (ESPO), as well as discuss additional hurdles that currently prevent the organization from optimizing EVM. Each organization and each project within an organization needs to mold an EVM implementation plan around existing processes and tools, while at the same time revising those existing processes and tools as necessary to make them compatible with EVM. The ESPO EVM implementation covers work breakdown structure, organizational breakdown structure, control account, work/planning package development; integrated master schedule development using an integrated master plan; incorporating reporting requirements for existing funding process such as Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) and JSC Internal Task Agreements (ITA); and interfacing with other software tools such as the Systems Applications and Products (SAP) accounting system and the CxP wInsight EVM analysis tool. However, there are always areas for improvement and EVM is no exception. As EVM continues to mature within the NASA CxP, these areas will continue to be worked to resolution to provide the Program Managers, Project Managers, and Control Account Managers the best EVM data possible to make informed decisions.

Pre-breakdown phenomena and discharges in a gas-liquid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tereshonok, D. V.; Babaeva, N. Yu; Naidis, G. V.; Panov, V. A.; Smirnov, B. M.; Son, E. E.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we investigate pre-breakdown and breakdown phenomena in gas-liquid systems. Cavitation void formation and breakdown in bubbles immersed in liquids are studied numerically, while complete breakdown of bubbled water is studied in experiments. It is shown that taking into account the dependence of water dielectric constant on electric field strength plays the same important role for cavitation void appearance under the action of electrostriction forces as the voltage rise time. It is also shown that the initial stage of breakdown in deformed bubbles immersed in liquid strongly depends on spatial orientation of the bubbles relative to the external electric field. The effect of immersed microbubbles, distributed in bulk water, on breakdown time and voltage is studied experimentally. At the breakdown voltage, the slow ‘thermal’ mechanism is changed by the fast ‘streamer-leader’ showing a decrease in breakdown time by two orders of magnitude by introducing microbubbles (0.1% of volumetric gas content) into the water. In addition, the plasma channel is found to pass between nearby microbubbles, exhibiting some ‘guidance’ effect.

Human Planetary Landing System (HPLS) Capability Roadmap NRC Progress Review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manning, Rob; Schmitt, Harrison H.; Graves, Claude

2005-01-01

Capability Roadmap Team. Capability Description, Scope and Capability Breakdown Structure. Benefits of the HPLS. Roadmap Process and Approach. Current State-of-the-Art, Assumptions and Key Requirements. Top Level HPLS Roadmap. Capability Presentations by Leads. Mission Drivers Requirements. "AEDL" System Engineering. Communication & Navigation Systems. Hypersonic Systems. Super to Subsonic Decelerator Systems. Terminal Descent and Landing Systems. A Priori In-Situ Mars Observations. AEDL Analysis, Test and Validation Infrastructure. Capability Technical Challenges. Capability Connection Points to other Roadmaps/Crosswalks. Summary of Top Level Capability. Forward Work.

48 CFR 252.236-7000 - Modification proposals-price breakdown.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...-price breakdown. 252.236-7000 Section 252.236-7000 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE... CLAUSES Text of Provisions And Clauses 252.236-7000 Modification proposals—price breakdown. As prescribed in 236.570(a), use the following clause: Modification Proposals—Price Breakdown (DEC 1991) (a) The...

Payload specialist station study. Volume 3: Program study cost estimates. Part 1: Work breakdown structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The work breakdown structure (WBS) for the Payload Specialist Station (PSS) is presented. The WBS is divided into two elements--PSS contractor and mission unique requirements. In accordance with the study ground rules, it is assumed that a single contractor, hereafter referred to as PSS Contractor will perform the following: (1) provide C and D hardware (MFDS and elements of MMSE), except for GFE; (2) identify software requirements; (3) provide GSE and ground test software; and (4) perform systems engineering and integration in support of the Aft Flight Deck (AFD) C and D concept. The PSS Contractor WBS element encompasses a core or standardized PSS concept. Payload peculiar C and D requirements identified by users will originate as a part of the WBS element mission unique requirements; these requirements will be provided to the PSS Contractor for implementation.

High Voltage Discharge Profile on Soil Breakdown Using Impulse Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fajingbesi, F. E.; Midi, N. S.; Elsheikh, E. M. A.; Yusoff, S. H.

2017-06-01

Grounding terminals are mandatory in electrical appliance design as they provide safety route during overvoltage faults. The soil (earth) been the universal ground is assumed to be at zero electric potential. However, due to properties like moisture, pH and available nutrients; the electric potential may fluctuate between positive and negative values that could be harmful for internally connected circuits on the grounding terminal. Fluctuations in soil properties may also lead to current crowding effect similar to those seen at the emitters of semiconductor transistors. In this work, soil samples are subjected to high impulse voltage discharge and the breakdown characteristics was profiled. The results from profiling discharge characteristics of soil in this work will contribute to the optimization of grounding protection system design in terms of electrode placement. This would also contribute to avoiding grounding electrode current crowding, ground potential rise fault and electromagnetic coupling faults.

GPACC program cost work breakdown structure-dictionary. General purpose aft cargo carrier study, volume 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The results of detailed cost estimates and economic analysis performed on the updated Model 101 configuration of the general purpose Aft Cargo Carrier (ACC) are given. The objective of this economic analysis is to provide the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with information on the economics of using the ACC on the Space Transportation System (STS). The detailed cost estimates for the ACC are presented by a work breakdown structure (WBS) to ensure that all elements of cost are considered in the economic analysis and related subsystem trades. Costs reported by WBS provide NASA with a basis for comparing competing designs and provide detailed cost information that can be used to forecast phase C/D planning for new projects or programs derived from preliminary conceptual design studies. The scope covers all STS and STS/ACC launch vehicle cost impacts for delivering payloads to a 160 NM low Earth orbit (LEO).

DACC program cost and work breakdown structure-dictionary. General purpose aft cargo carrier study, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Results of detailed cost estimates and economic analysis performed on the updated 201 configuration of the dedicated Aft Cargo Carrier (DACC) are given. The objective of this economic analysis is to provide the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with information on the economics of using the DACC on the Space Transportation System (STS). The detailed cost estimates for the DACC are presented by a work breakdown structure (WBS) to ensure that all elements of cost are considered in the economic analysis and related subsystem trades. Costs reported by WBS provide NASA with a basis for comparing competing designs and provide detailed cost information that can be used to forecast phase C/D planning for new projects or programs derived from preliminary conceptual design studies. The scope covers all STS and STS/DACC launch vehicle cost impacts for delivering an orbital transfer vehicle to a 120 NM low Earth orbit (LEO).

The 30/20 GHz flight experiment system, phase 2. Volume 4: Experiment system development plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bronstein, L.; Kawamoto, Y.; Riberich, J. J.; Scope, J. R.; Forman, B. J.; Bergman, S. G.; Reisenfeld, S.

1981-01-01

The development plan for the 30/20 GHz flight experiment system is presented. A master program schedule with detailed development plans for each subsystem is planned with careful attention given to how technology items to ensure a minimal risk. The work breakdown structure shows the organization of the program management with detailed task definitions. The ROM costs based on the development plan are also given.

Identifying problems and generating recommendations for enhancing complex systems: applying the abstraction hierarchy framework as an analytical tool.

PubMed

Xu, Wei

2007-12-01

This study adopts J. Rasmussen's (1985) abstraction hierarchy (AH) framework as an analytical tool to identify problems and pinpoint opportunities to enhance complex systems. The process of identifying problems and generating recommendations for complex systems using conventional methods is usually conducted based on incompletely defined work requirements. As the complexity of systems rises, the sheer mass of data generated from these methods becomes unwieldy to manage in a coherent, systematic form for analysis. There is little known work on adopting a broader perspective to fill these gaps. AH was used to analyze an aircraft-automation system in order to further identify breakdowns in pilot-automation interactions. Four steps follow: developing an AH model for the system, mapping the data generated by various methods onto the AH, identifying problems based on the mapped data, and presenting recommendations. The breakdowns lay primarily with automation operations that were more goal directed. Identified root causes include incomplete knowledge content and ineffective knowledge structure in pilots' mental models, lack of effective higher-order functional domain information displayed in the interface, and lack of sufficient automation procedures for pilots to effectively cope with unfamiliar situations. The AH is a valuable analytical tool to systematically identify problems and suggest opportunities for enhancing complex systems. It helps further examine the automation awareness problems and identify improvement areas from a work domain perspective. Applications include the identification of problems and generation of recommendations for complex systems as well as specific recommendations regarding pilot training, flight deck interfaces, and automation procedures.

Markovian queue optimisation analysis with an unreliable server subject to working breakdowns and impatient customers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liou, Cheng-Dar

2015-09-01

This study investigates an infinite capacity Markovian queue with a single unreliable service station, in which the customers may balk (do not enter) and renege (leave the queue after entering). The unreliable service station can be working breakdowns even if no customers are in the system. The matrix-analytic method is used to compute the steady-state probabilities for the number of customers, rate matrix and stability condition in the system. The single-objective model for cost and bi-objective model for cost and expected waiting time are derived in the system to fit in with practical applications. The particle swarm optimisation algorithm is implemented to find the optimal combinations of parameters in the pursuit of minimum cost. Two different approaches are used to identify the Pareto optimal set and compared: the epsilon-constraint method and non-dominate sorting genetic algorithm. Compared results allow using the traditional optimisation approach epsilon-constraint method, which is computationally faster and permits a direct sensitivity analysis of the solution under constraint or parameter perturbation. The Pareto front and non-dominated solutions set are obtained and illustrated. The decision makers can use these to improve their decision-making quality.

Cost Analysis of CATV Components. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weinberg, Gary

A research study was conducted for the Office of Telecommunications Policy to determine the capital outlay and operating costs of community antenna television (CATV) systems. Six major tasks were undertaken: 1) the development of a body of technical information about CATV; 2) the production of a complete work breakdown structure; 3) a cost…

Quantifying Security Threats and Their Impact

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aissa, Anis Ben; Abercrombie, Robert K; Sheldon, Frederick T

In earlier works, we present a computational infrastructure that allows an analyst to estimate the security of a system in terms of the loss that each stakeholder stands to sustain as a result of security breakdowns. In this paper we illustrate this infrastructure by means of a sample example involving an e-commerce application.

Quantifying Security Threats and Their Potential Impacts: A Case Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aissa, Anis Ben; Abercrombie, Robert K; Sheldon, Frederick T

In earlier works, we present a computational infrastructure that allows an analyst to estimate the security of a system in terms of the loss that each stakeholder stands to sustain as a result of security breakdowns. In this paper, we illustrate this infrastructure by means of an e-commerce application.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR FAILURE PREVENTION IN AEROSPACE ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS UTILIZING HIGHER VOLTAGES

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

work , the guideline document (1) provides a basis for identifying high voltage design risks, (2) defines areas of concern as a function of environment ... work , the guideline document 1) provides a basis for identifying high voltage design risks, 2) defines areas of concern as a function of environment ...pressures (y-axis - breakdown voltage [volts-peak]) As an example of the impact of the aerospace environment , consider the calculation of the safe

Influence of Initial Vorticity Distribution on Axisymmetric Vortex Breakdown and Reconnection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Larry A.

2007-01-01

An analytical treatment has been developed to study some of the axisymmetric vortex breakdown and reconnection fluid dynamic processes underlying body-vortex interactions that are frequently manifested in rotorcraft and propeller-driven fixed-wing aircraft wakes. In particular, the presence of negative vorticity in the inner core of a vortex filament (one example of which is examined in this paper) subsequent to "cutting" by a solid body has a profound influence on the vortex reconnection, leading to analog flow behavior similar to vortex breakdown phenomena described in the literature. Initial vorticity distributions (three specific examples which are examined) without an inner core of negative vorticity do not exhibit vortex breakdown and instead manifest diffusion-like properties while undergoing vortex reconnection. Though this work focuses on laminar vortical flow, this work is anticipated to provide valuable insight into rotary-wing aerodynamics as well as other types of vortical flow phenomena.

Electrical system for measurement of breakdown voltage of vacuum and gas-filled tubes using a dynamic method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pejović, Milić M.; Milosavljević, Čedomir S.; Pejović, Momčilo M.

2003-06-01

This article describes an electrical system aimed at measuring and data acquisition of breakdown voltages of vacuum and gas-filled tubes. The measurements were performed using a nitrogen-filled tube at 4 mbar pressure. Based on the measured breakdown voltage data as a function of the applied voltage increase rate, a static breakdown voltage is estimated for the applied voltage gradient ranging from 0.1 to 1 V s-1 and from 1 to 10 V s-1. The histograms of breakdown voltages versus applied voltage increase rates from 0.1 and 0.5 V s-1 are approximated by the probability density functions using a fitting procedure.

Numerical characterization of plasma breakdown in reversed field pinches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yanli; Zhang, Ya; Mao, Wenzhe; Yang, Zhoujun; Hu, Xiwei; Jiang, Wei

2018-02-01

In the reversed field pinch, there is considerable interest in investigating the plasma breakdown. Indeed, the plasma formed during the breakdown may have an influence on the confinement and maintenance in the latter process. However, up to now there has been no related work, experimentally or in simulation, regarding plasma breakdown in reversed field pinch (RFP). In order to figure out the physical mechanism behind plasma breakdown, the effects of the toroidal and error magnetic field, as well as the loop voltage have been studied. We find that the error magnetic field cannot be neglected even though it is quite small in the short plasma breakdown phase. As the toroidal magnetic field increases, the averaged electron energy is reduced after plasma breakdown is complete, which is disadvantageous for the latter process. In addition, unlike the voltage limits in the tokamak, loop voltages can be quite high because there are no requirements for superconductivity. Volt-second consumption has a small difference under different loop voltages. The breakdown delay still exists in various loop voltage cases, but it is much shorter compared to that in the tokamak case. In all, successful breakdowns are possible in the RFP under a fairly broad range of parameters.

A Framework of Combining Case-Based Reasoning with a Work Breakdown Structure for Estimating the Cost of Online Course Production Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

He, Wu

2014-01-01

Currently, a work breakdown structure (WBS) approach is used as the most common cost estimation approach for online course production projects. To improve the practice of cost estimation, this paper proposes a novel framework to estimate the cost for online course production projects using a case-based reasoning (CBR) technique and a WBS. A…

Satellite power systems (SPS) concept definition study. Volume 7: SPS program plan and economic analysis, appendixes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G.

1978-01-01

Three appendixes in support of Volume 7 are contained in this document. The three appendixes are: (1) Satellite Power System Work Breakdown Structure Dictionary; (2) SPS cost Estimating Relationships; and (3) Financial and Operational Concept. Other volumes of the final report that provide additional detail are: Executive Summary; SPS Systems Requirements; SPS Concept Evolution; SPS Point Design Definition; Transportation and Operations Analysis; and SPS Technology Requirements and Verification.

Electrical breakdown detection system for dielectric elastomer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghilardi, Michele; Busfield, James J. C.; Carpi, Federico

2017-04-01

Electrical breakdown of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) is an issue that has to be carefully addressed when designing systems based on this novel technology. Indeed, in some systems electrical breakdown might have serious consequences, not only in terms of interruption of the desired function but also in terms of safety of the overall system (e.g. overheating and even burning). The risk for electrical breakdown often cannot be completely avoided by simply reducing the driving voltages, either because completely safe voltages might not generate sufficient actuation or because internal or external factors might change some properties of the actuator whilst in operation (for example the aging or fatigue of the material, or an externally imposed deformation decreasing the distance between the compliant electrodes). So, there is the clear need for reliable, simple and cost-effective detection systems that are able to acknowledge the occurrence of a breakdown event, making DEA-based devices able to monitor their status and become safer and "selfaware". Here a simple solution for a portable detection system is reported that is based on a voltage-divider configuration that detects the voltage drop at the DEA terminals and assesses the occurrence of breakdown via a microcontroller (Beaglebone Black single-board computer) combined with a real-time, ultra-low-latency processing unit (Bela cape an open-source embedded platform developed at Queen Mary University of London). The system was used to both generate the control signal that drives the actuator and constantly monitor the functionality of the actuator, detecting any breakdown event and discontinuing the supplied voltage accordingly, so as to obtain a safer controlled actuation. This paper presents preliminary tests of the detection system in different scenarios in order to assess its reliability.

Prediction of breakdown strength of cellulosic insulating materials using artificial neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sakshi; Mohsin, M. M.; Masood, Aejaz

In this research work, a few sets of experiments have been performed in high voltage laboratory on various cellulosic insulating materials like diamond-dotted paper, paper phenolic sheets, cotton phenolic sheets, leatheroid, and presspaper, to measure different electrical parameters like breakdown strength, relative permittivity, loss tangent, etc. Considering the dependency of breakdown strength on other physical parameters, different Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models are proposed for the prediction of breakdown strength. The ANN model results are compared with those obtained experimentally and also with the values already predicted from an empirical relation suggested by Swanson and Dall. The reported results indicated that the breakdown strength predicted from the ANN model is in good agreement with the experimental values.

Improvement in the breakdown endurance of high-κ dielectric by utilizing stacking technology and adding sufficient interfacial layer.

PubMed

Pang, Chin-Sheng; Hwu, Jenn-Gwo

2014-01-01

Improvement in the time-zero dielectric breakdown (TZDB) endurance of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor with stacking structure of Al/HfO2/SiO2/Si is demonstrated in this work. The misalignment of the conduction paths between two stacking layers is believed to be effective to increase the breakdown field of the devices. Meanwhile, the resistance of the dielectric after breakdown for device with stacking structure would be less than that of without stacking structure due to a higher breakdown field and larger breakdown power. In addition, the role of interfacial layer (IL) in the control of the interface trap density (D it) and device reliability is also analyzed. Device with a thicker IL introduces a higher breakdown field and also a lower D it. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) of the samples with different IL thicknesses is provided to confirm that IL is needed for good interfacial property.

Time-Domain Finite Element Analysis of Nonlinear Breakdown Problems in High-Power-Microwave Devices and Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-24

simulation of the electromagnetic- plasma interaction and the high-power microwave breakdown in air. Under the high pressure and high frequency condition of...the high-power air breakdown, the physical phenomenon is described using a nonlinearly coupled full-wave Maxwell and fluid plasma system. This...Challenges ........................................................................... 3 3.1.1 Plasma Fluid Model

A low knee voltage and high breakdown voltage of 4H-SiC TSBS employing poly-Si/Ni Schottky scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong Young; Seok, Ogyun; Park, Himchan; Bahng, Wook; Kim, Hyoung Woo; Park, Ki Cheol

2018-02-01

We report a low knee voltage and high breakdown voltage 4H-SiC TSBS employing poly-Si/Ni dual Schottky contacts. A knee voltage was significantly improved from 0.75 to 0.48 V by utilizing an alternative low work-function material of poly-Si as an anode electrode. Also, reverse breakdown voltage was successfully improved from 901 to 1154 V due to a shrunk low-work-function Schottky region by a proposed self-align etching process between poly-Si and SiC. SiC TSBS with poly-Si/Ni dual Schottky scheme is a suitable structure for high-efficiency rectification and high-voltage blocking operation.

A Demystification of Syntactic Drift. Montreal Working Papers in Linguistics, Vol. 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koch, Monica

This paper addresses itself to the question of why the English language should have levelled almost all of its inflections, and what the relationship is between the breakdown of the case system and the rise of fixed word-order, prepositional phrases, and verb periphrases. The explanation proposed for the phenomenon of syntactic drift is considered…

Hanford Site Environmental Restoration Program 1994 fiscal year work plan. Work breakdown structure 2.0: Revision 1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

Site Management System (SMS) guidance requires a Fiscal Year Work Plan (FYWP) to be prepared for the Environmental Restoration (ER) Mission Area and all related programs. This revision is a complete update to cover the FY 1994 time period. This document describes the overall ER Missions Area and provides FYWP appendices for each of the following five program areas: Remedial Action (RA); Decontamination and Decommissioning (D&D); Project Management and Support (PM&S); Surveillance and Maintenance (S&M); and Disposal Facilities (DF).

Use of an AC/DC/AC Electrochemical Technique to Assess the Durability of Protection Systems for Magnesium Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Sen; McCune, Robert C.; Shen, Weidian; Wang, Yar-Ming

One task under the U.S. Automotive Materials Partnership (USAMP) "Magnesium Front End Research and Development" (MFERD) Project has been the evaluation of methodologies for the assessment of protective capability for a variety of proposed protection schemes for this hypothesized multi-material, articulated structure. Techniques which consider the entire protection system, including both pretreatments and topcoats are of interest. In recent years, an adaptation of the classical electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) approach using an intermediate cathodic DC polarization step (viz. AC/DC/AC) has been employed to accelerate breakdown of coating protection, specifically at the polymer-pretreatment interface. This work reports outcomes of studies to employ the AC/DC/AC approach for comparison of protective coatings to various magnesium alloys considered for front end structures. In at least one instance, the protective coating system breakdown could be attributed to the poorer intrinsic corrosion resistance of the sheet material (AZ31) relative to die-cast AM60B.

Statistics of vacuum breakdown in the high-gradient and low-rate regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wuensch, Walter; Degiovanni, Alberto; Calatroni, Sergio; Korsbäck, Anders; Djurabekova, Flyura; Rajamäki, Robin; Giner-Navarro, Jorge

2017-01-01

In an increasing number of high-gradient linear accelerator applications, accelerating structures must operate with both high surface electric fields and low breakdown rates. Understanding the statistical properties of breakdown occurrence in such a regime is of practical importance for optimizing accelerator conditioning and operation algorithms, as well as of interest for efforts to understand the physical processes which underlie the breakdown phenomenon. Experimental data of breakdown has been collected in two distinct high-gradient experimental set-ups: A prototype linear accelerating structure operated in the Compact Linear Collider Xbox 12 GHz test stands, and a parallel plate electrode system operated with pulsed DC in the kV range. Collected data is presented, analyzed and compared. The two systems show similar, distinctive, two-part distributions of number of pulses between breakdowns, with each part corresponding to a specific, constant event rate. The correlation between distance and number of pulses between breakdown indicates that the two parts of the distribution, and their corresponding event rates, represent independent primary and induced follow-up breakdowns. The similarity of results from pulsed DC to 12 GHz rf indicates a similar vacuum arc triggering mechanism over the range of conditions covered by the experiments.

Plasma breakdown in a capacitively-coupled radiofrequency argon discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, H. B.; Charles, C.; Boswell, R. W.

1998-10-01

Low pressure, capacitively-coupled rf discharges are widely used in research and commercial ventures. Understanding of the non-equilibrium processes which occur in these discharges during breakdown is of interest, both for industrial applications and for a deeper understanding of fundamental plasma behaviour. The voltage required to breakdown the discharge V_brk has long been known to be a strong function of the product of the neutral gas pressure and the electrode seperation (pd). This paper investigates the dependence of V_brk on pd in rf systems using experimental, computational and analytic techniques. Experimental measurements of V_brk are made for pressures in the range 1 -- 500 mTorr and electrode separations of 2 -- 20 cm. A Paschen-style curve for breakdown in rf systems is developed which has the minimum breakdown voltage at a much smaller pd value, and breakdown voltages which are significantly lower overall, than for Paschen curves obtained from dc discharges. The differences between the two systems are explained using a simple analytic model. A Particle-in-Cell simulation is used to investigate a similar pd range and examine the effect of the secondary emission coefficient on the rf breakdown curve, particularly at low pd values. Analytic curves are fitted to both experimental and simulation results.

Space Operations Center system analysis. Volume 3, book 2: SOC system definition report, revision A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

The Space Operations Center (SOC) orbital space station program operations are described. A work breakdown structure for the general purpose support equipment, construction and transportation support, and resupply and logistics support systems is given. The basis for the design of each element is presented, and a mass estimate for each element supplied. The SOC build-up operation, construction, flight support, and satellite servicing operations are described. Detailed programmatics and cost analysis are presented.

Microcontroller based system for electrical breakdown time delay measurement in gas-filled devices.

PubMed

Pejović, Milić M; Denić, Dragan B; Pejović, Momčilo M; Nešić, Nikola T; Vasović, Nikola

2010-10-01

This paper presents realization of a digital embedded system for measuring electrical breakdown time delay. The proposed system consists of three major parts: dc voltage supply, analog subsystem, and a digital subsystem. Any dc power source with the range from 100 to 1000 V can be used in this application. The analog subsystem should provide fast and accurate voltage switching on the testing device as well as transform the signals that represent the voltage pulse on the device and the device breakdown into the form suitable for detection by a digital subsystem. The insulated gate bipolar transistor IRG4PH40KD driven by TC429 MOSFET driver is used for high voltage switching on the device. The aim of a digital subsystem is to detect the signals from the analog subsystem and to measure the elapsed time between their occurrences. Moreover, the digital subsystem controls various parameters that influence time delay and provides fast data storage for a large number of measured data. For this propose, we used the PIC18F4550 microcontroller with a full-speed compatible universal serial bus (USB) engine. Operation of this system is verified on different commercial and custom made gas devices with different structure and breakdown mechanisms. The electrical breakdown time delay measurements have been carried out as a function of several parameters, which dominantly influence electrical breakdown time delay. The obtained results have been verified using statistical methods, and they show good agreement with the theory. The proposed system shows good repeatability, sensitivity, and stability for measuring the electrical breakdown time delay.

Microcontroller based system for electrical breakdown time delay measurement in gas-filled devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pejovic, Milic M.; Denic, Dragan B.; Pejovic, Momcilo M.

2010-10-15

This paper presents realization of a digital embedded system for measuring electrical breakdown time delay. The proposed system consists of three major parts: dc voltage supply, analog subsystem, and a digital subsystem. Any dc power source with the range from 100 to 1000 V can be used in this application. The analog subsystem should provide fast and accurate voltage switching on the testing device as well as transform the signals that represent the voltage pulse on the device and the device breakdown into the form suitable for detection by a digital subsystem. The insulated gate bipolar transistor IRG4PH40KD driven bymore » TC429 MOSFET driver is used for high voltage switching on the device. The aim of a digital subsystem is to detect the signals from the analog subsystem and to measure the elapsed time between their occurrences. Moreover, the digital subsystem controls various parameters that influence time delay and provides fast data storage for a large number of measured data. For this propose, we used the PIC18F4550 microcontroller with a full-speed compatible universal serial bus (USB) engine. Operation of this system is verified on different commercial and custom made gas devices with different structure and breakdown mechanisms. The electrical breakdown time delay measurements have been carried out as a function of several parameters, which dominantly influence electrical breakdown time delay. The obtained results have been verified using statistical methods, and they show good agreement with the theory. The proposed system shows good repeatability, sensitivity, and stability for measuring the electrical breakdown time delay.« less

Functions & Requirements for Debris Removal System Project A-2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

PRECECHTEL, D.R.

1999-12-29

This revision of the Functions and Requirements Document updates the approved Functions and Requirements for Debris Removal Subproject WHC-SD-SNF-FRD-009, Rev. 0. It has been revised in its entirety to reflect the current scope of work for Debris Removal as canisters and lids under the K Basin Projects work breakdown structure (WBS). In this revision the canisters and lids will be consider debris and a new set of Functions and Requirements have been developed to remove the canisters and lids from the basin.

Single-shot measurements of laser-induced avalanche breakdown demonstrating spatial and temporal control by an external source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodbury, Daniel; Wahlstrand, Jared; Goers, Andy; Feder, Linus; Miao, Bo; Hine, George; Salehi, Fatholah; Milchberg, Howard

2016-10-01

We report on the use of single-shot supercontinuum spectral interferometry (SSSI) to make temporally and spatially resolved measurements of laser-induced avalanche breakdown in ambient air by a 200 ps pulse. By seeding the breakdown using an external 100 fs pulse, we demonstrate control over the timing and spatial characteristics of the avalanche. In addition, we calculate the collisional ionization rates at various laser intensities and demonstrate seeding of the avalanche breakdown both by multiphoton ionization and by photodetaching ions produced from a radioactive source. These observations provide proof-of-concept support for recent proposals to remotely measure radioactivity using laser-induced avalanche breakdown. This work supported by a DTRA, C-WMD Basic Research Program, and by the DOE NNSA Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship, provided under Grant Number DE-NA0002135.

Kerr electro-optic field mapping study of the effect of charge injection on the impulse breakdown strength of transformer oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Zahn, M.

2013-10-01

The smart use of charge injection to improve breakdown strength in transformer oil is demonstrated in this paper. Hypothetically, bipolar homo-charge injection with reduced electric field at both electrodes may allow higher voltage operation without insulation failure, since electrical breakdown usually initiates at the electrode-dielectric interfaces. To find experimental evidence, the applicability and limitation of the hypothesis is first analyzed. Impulse breakdown tests and Kerr electro-optic field mapping measurements are then conducted with different combinations of parallel-plate aluminum and brass electrodes stressed by millisecond duration impulse. It is found that the breakdown voltage of brass anode and aluminum cathode is ˜50% higher than that of aluminum anode and brass cathode. This can be explained by charge injection patterns from Kerr measurements under a lower voltage, where aluminum and brass electrodes inject negative and positive charges, respectively. This work provides a feasible approach to investigating the effect of electrode material on breakdown strength.

Scaling laws for AC gas breakdown and implications for universality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loveless, Amanda M.; Garner, Allen L.

2017-10-01

The reduced dependence on secondary electron emission and electrode surface properties makes radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) plasmas advantageous over direct current (DC) plasmas for various applications, such as microthrusters. Theoretical models relating molecular constants to alternating current (AC) breakdown often fail due to incomplete understanding of both the constants and the mechanisms involved. This work derives simple analytic expressions for RF and MW breakdown, demonstrating the transition between these regimes at their high and low frequency limits, respectively. We further show that the limiting expressions for DC, RF, and MW breakdown voltage all have the same universal scaling dependence on pressure and gap distance at high pressure, agreeing with experiment.

Modeling Plasma Formation in a Micro-gap at Microwave Frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowman, Arthur; Remillard, Stephen

2013-03-01

In the presence of a strong electric field, gas molecules become ionized, forming a plasma. The study of this dielectric breakdown at microwave frequency has important applications in improving the operation of radio frequency (RF) devices, where the high electric fields present in small gaps can easily ionize gases like air. A cone and tuner resonant structure was used to induce breakdown of diatomic Nitrogen in adjustable micro-gaps ranging from 13 to 1,156 μm. The electric field for plasma formation exhibited strong pressure dependence in the larger gap sizes, as predicted by previous theoretical and experimental work. Pressure is proportional to the frequency of collision between electrons and molecules, which increases with pressure when the gap is large, but levels off in the micro-gap region. A separate model of the breakdown electric field based on the characteristic diffusion length of the plasma also fit the data poorly for these smaller gap sizes. This may be explained by a hypothesis that dielectric breakdown at and below the 100 μm gap size occurs outside the gap, an argument that is supported by the observation of very high breakdown threshold electric fields in this region. Optical emissions revealed that vibrational and rotational molecular transitions of the first positive electronic system are suppressed in micro-gaps, indicating that transitions into the molecular ground state do not occur in micro-gap plasmas. Acknowledgements: National Science Foundation under NSF-REU Grant No. PHY/DMR-1004811, the Provost's Office of Hope College, and the Hope College Division of Natural and Applied Sciences.

State Regulation, Family Breakdown, and Lone Motherhood

PubMed Central

Meek, Jeff

2014-01-01

Using a range of parish records, records from the Registrar General of Scotland, charity organizations, and media reports, this article contributes to the historiography which evaluates the effects of World War I in Britain as well as the history of lone mothers and their children. It highlights how during the war, women, especially lone mothers, made significant gains through the welfare system, changing approaches to illegitimacy and the plentiful nature of women’s work but also how in doing so this brought them under greater surveillance by the state, local parishes, and charity organizations. Moreover, as this article will demonstrate, many of the gains made by women were short-lived and in fact the war contributed to high levels of family breakdown and gendered and intergenerational poverty endured by lone mothers and their children. PMID:26538794

Development and creation of a remote-controlled underwater laser induced breakdown spectrometer for analysis of the chemical composition of sea water and bottom sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golik, Sergey S.; Mayor, Alexsander Yu.; Proschenko, Dmitriy Yu.; Ilyin, Alexey A.; Nagorniy, Ivan G.; Biryukova, Yuliya S.; Babiy, Michael Yu.; Golik, Natalia N.; Gevorgyan, Tigran A.; Lisitsa, Vladimir V.; Borovskiy, Anton V.; Kulchin, Yuri N.

2017-10-01

The developed underwater laser induced breakdown spectrometer consists of two units: 1- remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with the next main characteristics: work deep - up to 150 meters, maximum speed of immersion 1 m/s, maximum cruise velocity - 2 m/s and 2 - spectrometer unit (SU) consist of a DPSS Nd: YAG laser excitation source (double pulse with 50 mJ energy for each pulse at wavelength 1064 nm, pulse width 12 ns and pulse repetition rate 1-15 Hz, DF251, SOL Instruments), a spectrum recording system (Maya HR4000 or 2000 Pro spectrometer, Ocean Optics) and microcomputer. These two units are connected by Ethernet network and registered spectral data are automatically processed in a MATLAB platform.

Van der Waals heterojunction diode composed of WS2 flake placed on p-type Si substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aftab, Sikandar; Farooq Khan, M.; Min, Kyung-Ah; Nazir, Ghazanfar; Afzal, Amir Muhammad; Dastgeer, Ghulam; Akhtar, Imtisal; Seo, Yongho; Hong, Suklyun; Eom, Jonghwa

2018-01-01

P-N junctions represent the fundamental building blocks of most semiconductors for optoelectronic functions. This work demonstrates a technique for forming a WS2/Si van der Waals junction based on mechanical exfoliation. Multilayered WS2 nanoflakes were exfoliated on the surface of bulk p-type Si substrates using a polydimethylsiloxane stamp. We found that the fabricated WS2/Si p-n junctions exhibited rectifying characteristics. We studied the effect of annealing processes on the performance of the WS2/Si van der Waals p-n junction and demonstrated that annealing improved its electrical characteristics. However, devices with vacuum annealing have an enhanced forward-bias current compared to those annealed in a gaseous environment. We also studied the top-gate-tunable rectification characteristics across the p-n junction interface in experiments as well as density functional theory calculations. Under various temperatures, Zener breakdown occurred at low reverse-bias voltages, and its breakdown voltage exhibited a negative coefficient of temperature. Another breakdown voltage was observed, which increased with temperature, suggesting a positive coefficient of temperature. Therefore, such a breakdown can be assigned to avalanche breakdown. This work demonstrates a promising application of two-dimensional materials placed directly on conventional bulk Si substrates.

Photon detector system

DOEpatents

Ekstrom, Philip A.

1981-01-01

A photon detector includes a semiconductor device, such as a Schottky barrier diode, which has an avalanche breakdown characteristic. The diode is cooled to cryogenic temperatures to eliminate thermally generated charge carriers from the device. The diode is then biased to a voltage level exceeding the avalanche breakdown threshold level such that, upon receipt of a photon, avalanche breakdown occurs. This breakdown is detected by appropriate circuitry which thereafter reduces the diode bias potential to a level below the avalanche breakdown threshold level to terminate the avalanche condition. Subsequently, the bias potential is reapplied to the diode in preparation for detection of a subsequently received photon.

Pre-Ionization Controlled Laser Plasma Formation for Ignition Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shneider, Mikhail

The presented research explored new physics and ignition schemes based on laser induced plasmas that are fundamentally distinct from past laser ignition research focused on single laser pulses. Specifically, we consider the use of multiple laser pulses where the first pulse provides pre-ionization allowing controlled absorption of the second pulse. In this way, we can form tailored laser plasmas in terms of their ionization fraction, gas temperature (e.g. to achieve elevated temperature of ~2000 K ideally suited for an ignition source), reduced energy loss to shock waves and radiation, and large kernel size (e.g. length ~1-10 cm). The proposed researchmore » included both experimental and modeling efforts, at Colorado State University, Princeton University and University of Tennessee, towards the basic science of the new laser plasma approach with emphasis on tailoring the plasmas to practical propulsion systems. Experimental results (CSU) show that the UV beam produces a pre-ionized volume which assists in breakdown of the NIR beam, leading to reduction in NIR breakdown threshold by factor of >2. Numerical modeling is performed to examine the ionization and breakdown of both beams. The main theoretical and computational parts of the work were done at Princeton University. The modeled breakdown threshold of the NIR, including assist by pre-ionization, is in reasonable agreement with the experimental results.« less

Theory of Dielectric Breakdown in Randomly Inhomogeneous Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyure, Mark Franklin

1990-01-01

Two models of dielectric breakdown in disordered metal-insulator composites have been developed in an attempt to explain in detail the greatly reduced breakdown electric field observed in these materials. The first model is a two dimensional model in which the composite is treated as a random array of conducting cylinders embedded in an otherwise uniform dielectric background. The two dimensional samples are generated by the Monte Carlo method and a discretized version of the integral form of Laplace's equation is solved to determine the electric field in each sample. Breakdown is modeled as a quasi-static process by which one breakdown at a time occurs at the point of maximum electric field in the system. A cascade of these local breakdowns leads to complete dielectric failure of the system after which the breakdown field can be determined. A second model is developed that is similar to the first in terms of breakdown dynamics, but uses coupled multipole expansions of the electrostatic potential centered at each particle to obtain a more computationally accurate and faster solution to the problem of determining the electric field at an arbitrary point in a random medium. This new algorithm allows extension of the model to three dimensions and treats conducting spherical inclusions as well as cylinders. Successful implementation of this algorithm relies on the use of analytical forms for off-centered expansions of cylindrical and spherical harmonics. Scaling arguments similar to those used in theories of phase transitions are developed for the breakdown field and these arguments are discussed in context with other theories that have been developed to explain the break-down behavior of random resistor and fuse networks. Finally, one of the scaling arguments is used to predict the breakdown field for some samples of solid fuel rocket propellant tested at the China Lake Naval Weapons Center and is found to compare quite well with the experimentally measured breakdown fields.

Study for identification of Beneficial Uses of Space (BUS). Volume 2: Technical report. Book 5: Study methods and trade studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

A glossary of terms, a work breakdown structure, and work element descriptions, resource needs, and costs are introduced. The generic work breakdown structure was utilized to organize specific structures for each product under study; each structure containing both space and ground elements arrived at via mutual interaction. Concept definition and assessment, provided the study team and the participants visibility of the limits, and the organization of the efforts provided by both groups spelling out where such efforts fit into the generation of processing concepts.

An interactive machine-learning approach for defect detection in computed tomogaraphy (CT) images of hardwood logs

Treesearch

Erol Sarigul; A. Lynn Abbott; Daniel L. Schmoldt; Philip A. Araman

2005-01-01

This paper describes recent progress in the analysis of computed tomography (CT) images of hardwood logs. The long-term goal of the work is to develop a system that is capable of autonomous (or semiautonomous) detection of internal defects, so that log breakdown decisions can be optimized based on defect locations. The problem is difficult because wood exhibits large...

Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar pilot study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

A pilot study of a spaceborne sidelooking radar is summarized. The results of the system trade studies are given along with the electrical parameters for the proposed subsystems. The mechanical aspects, packaging, thermal control and dynamics of the proposed design are presented. Details of the data processor are given. A system is described that allows the data from a pass over the U. S. to be in hard copy form within two hours. Also included are the proposed schedule, work breakdown structure, and cost estimate.

Applications of LIBS for determination of ionic species (NaCl) in electrical cables for investigation of electrical breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gondal, M. A.; Shwehdi, M. H.; Khalil, A. A. I.

2011-12-01

The formation of water trees in high-voltage cables can wreak havoc to power systems. The water tree is produced within the high voltage cable insulator when impurities like sodium and magnesium present in the insulating material react with moist soil to form chlorides. This water tree causes electrical breakdown by short circuiting the metallic conductor and the earth. In this paper we use laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to detect the potentially dangerous elements that form the water tree in the insulating cable. The LIBS system used for this work consists of the fundamental (1064 nm) of a Nd:YAG laser, four spectrometer modules that cover the visible and near-UV spectral ranges and an ICCD camera with proper delay and gating sequence. With this arrangement we were able to measure the elemental concentrations of trace metals present in the insulating cable. The concentrations measured with our LIBS system were counter checked by a standard technique like inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry. The maximum concentrations for ionic species such as Ba (455.40 nm), Ca (393.36 nm), Cr (267.71 nm), Fe (259.94 nm), Cl (542.3 nm), Mg (516.7 nm), Mn (257.61 nm), Na (589.59 nm) and Ti (334.18 nm) are 20.6, 43.2, 1.6, 148.4, 24.2, 22.1, 4.2, 39.56 and 4.35 ppm, respectively. The relative accuracy of our LIBS system for various elements as compared with the ICP method is in the range of 0.03-0.6 at 2.5% error confidence.

Liquid Nitrogen as Fast High Voltage Switching Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickens, J.; Neuber, A.; Haustein, M.; Krile, J.; Krompholz, H.

2002-12-01

Compact pulsed power systems require new switching technologies. For high voltages, liquid nitrogen seems to be a suitable switching medium, with high hold-off voltage, low dielectric constant, and no need for pressurized systems as in high pressure gas switches. The discharge behavior in liquid nitrogen, such as breakdown voltages, formative times, current rise as function of voltage, recovery, etc. are virtually unknown, however. The phenomenology of breakdown in liquid nitrogen is investigated with high speed (temporal resolution < 1 ns) electrical and optical diagnostics, in a coaxial system with 50-Ohm impedance. Discharge current and voltage are determined with transmission line type current sensors and capacitive voltage dividers. The discharge luminosity is measured with photomultiplier tubes. Preliminary results of self-breakdown investigations (gap 1 mm, breakdown voltage 44 kV, non-boiling supercooled nitrogen) show a fast (2 ns) transition from an unknown current level to several mA, a long-duration (100 ns) phase with constant current superimposed by ns-spikes, and a final fast transition to the impedance limited current during several nanoseconds. The optical measurements will be expanded toward spectroscopy and high speed photography with the aim of clarifying the overall breakdown mechanisms, including electronic initiation, bubble formation, bubble dynamics, and their role in breakdown, for different electrode geometries (different macroscopic field enhancements).

Time-Domain Full-Wave Modeling of Nonlinear Air Breakdown in High-Power Microwave Devices and Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-30

AFRL-RD-PS- AFRL-RD-PS- TR-2017-0047 TR-2017-0047 TIME -DOMAIN FULL-WAVE MODELING OF NONLINEAR AIR BREAKDOWN IN HIGH-POWER MICROWAVE...Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions...TITLE AND SUBTITLE Time -Domain Full-Wave Modeling of Nonlinear Air Breakdown in High-Power Microwave Devices and Systems 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b

Qualitative tissue differentiation by analysing the intensity ratios of atomic emission lines using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS): prospects for a feedback mechanism for surgical laser systems.

PubMed

Kanawade, Rajesh; Mahari, Fanuel; Klämpfl, Florian; Rohde, Maximilian; Knipfer, Christian; Tangermann-Gerk, Katja; Adler, Werner; Schmidt, Michael; Stelzle, Florian

2015-01-01

The research work presented in this paper focuses on qualitative tissue differentiation by monitoring the intensity ratios of atomic emissions using 'Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy' (LIBS) on the plasma plume created during laser tissue ablation. The background of this study is to establish a real time feedback control mechanism for clinical laser surgery systems during the laser ablation process. Ex-vivo domestic pig tissue samples (muscle, fat, nerve and skin) were used in this experiment. Atomic emission intensity ratios were analyzed to find a characteristic spectral line for each tissue. The results showed characteristic elemental emission intensity ratios for the respective tissues. The spectral lines and intensity ratios of these specific elements varied among the different tissue types. The main goal of this study is to qualitatively and precisely identify different tissue types for tissue specific laser surgery. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Biophotonics published by WILEY-VCH Verlag.

Rapid long-wave infrared laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy measurements using a mercury-cadmium-telluride linear array detection system.

PubMed

Yang, Clayton S-C; Brown, Eiei; Kumi-Barimah, Eric; Hommerich, Uwe; Jin, Feng; Jia, Yingqing; Trivedi, Sudhir; D'souza, Arvind I; Decuir, Eric A; Wijewarnasuriya, Priyalal S; Samuels, Alan C

2015-11-20

In this work, we develop a mercury-cadmium-telluride linear array detection system that is capable of rapidly capturing (∼1-5  s) a broad spectrum of atomic and molecular laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) emissions in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) region (∼5.6-10  μm). Similar to the conventional UV-Vis LIBS, a broadband emission spectrum of condensed phase samples covering the whole 5.6-10 μm region can be acquired from just a single laser-induced microplasma or averaging a few single laser-induced microplasmas. Atomic and molecular signature emission spectra of solid inorganic and organic tablets and thin liquid films deposited on a rough asphalt surface are observed. This setup is capable of rapidly probing samples "as is" without the need of elaborate sample preparation and also offers the possibility of a simultaneous UV-Vis and LWIR LIBS measurement.

A look-ahead variant of the Lanczos algorithm and its application to the quasi-minimal residual method for non-Hermitian linear systems. Ph.D. Thesis - Massachusetts Inst. of Technology, Aug. 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nachtigal, Noel M.

1991-01-01

The Lanczos algorithm can be used both for eigenvalue problems and to solve linear systems. However, when applied to non-Hermitian matrices, the classical Lanczos algorithm is susceptible to breakdowns and potential instabilities. In addition, the biconjugate gradient (BCG) algorithm, which is the natural generalization of the conjugate gradient algorithm to non-Hermitian linear systems, has a second source of breakdowns, independent of the Lanczos breakdowns. Here, we present two new results. We propose an implementation of a look-ahead variant of the Lanczos algorithm which overcomes the breakdowns by skipping over those steps where a breakdown or a near-breakdown would occur. The new algorithm can handle look-ahead steps of any length and requires the same number of matrix-vector products and inner products per step as the classical Lanczos algorithm without look-ahead. Based on the proposed look-ahead Lanczos algorithm, we then present a novel BCG-like approach, the quasi-minimal residual (QMR) method, which avoids the second source of breakdowns in the BCG algorithm. We present details of the new method and discuss some of its properties. In particular, we discuss the relationship between QMR and BCG, showing how one can recover the BCG iterates, when they exist, from the QMR iterates. We also present convergence results for QMR, showing the connection between QMR and the generalized minimal residual (GMRES) algorithm, the optimal method in this class of methods. Finally, we give some numerical examples, both for eigenvalue computations and for non-Hermitian linear systems.

A study on M/G/1 retrial G - queue with two phases of service, immediate feedback and working vacations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varalakshmi, M.; Chandrasekaran, V. M.; Saravanarajan, M. C.

2017-11-01

In this paper, we discuss about the steady state behaviour of M/G/1 retrial queueing system with two phases of services and immediate feedbacks under working vacation policy where the regular busy server is affected due to the arrival of negative customers. Upon arrival if the customer finds the server busy, breakdown or on working vacation it enters an orbit; otherwise the customer enters into the service area immediately. After service completion, the customer is allowed to make finite number of immediate feedback. The feedback service also consists of two phases. At the service completion epoch of a positive customer, if the orbit is empty the server goes for a working vacation. The server works at a lower service rate during working vacation (WV) period. Using the supplementary variable technique, we found out the steady state probability generating function for the system and in orbit. System performance measures and reliability measures are discussed. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to validate the analyticalresults.

Pathways for degradation of lignin in bacteria and fungi.

PubMed

Bugg, Timothy D H; Ahmad, Mark; Hardiman, Elizabeth M; Rahmanpour, Rahman

2011-11-01

Lignin is a heterogeneous aromatic polymer found as 10-35% of lignocellulose, found in plant cell walls. The bio-conversion of plant lignocellulose to glucose is an important part of second generation biofuel production, but the resistance of lignin to breakdown is a major obstacle in this process, hence there is considerable interest in the microbial breakdown of lignin. White-rot fungi are known to break down lignin with the aid of extracellular peroxidase and laccase enzymes. There are also reports of bacteria that can degrade lignin, and recent work indicates that bacterial lignin breakdown may be more significant than previously thought. The review will discuss the enzymes for lignin breakdown in fungi and bacteria, and the catabolic pathways for breakdown of the β-aryl ether, biphenyl and other components of lignin in bacteria and fungi. The review will also discuss small molecule phenolic breakdown products from lignin that have been identified from lignin-degrading microbes, and includes a bioinformatic analysis of the occurrence of known lignin-degradation pathways in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Maltose Biochemistry and Transport in Plant Leaves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sharkey, Thomas D

Starch is a desirable plant product for both food and biofuel. Leaf starch is ideal for use in biofuels because it does not compete with grain starch, which is used for food. Starch is accumulated in plant leaves during the day and broken down at night. If we can manipulate leaf starch breakdown it may be possible to design a plant that provides both grain starch for food and leaf starch for biofuel. The pathway of leaf starch breakdown was not known when this work started. Preliminary evidence had shown that maltose was the primary product of leaf starch breakdownmore » (Weise, Weber & Sharkey, 2004) and that it was metabolized by a disproportionating enzyme called amylomaltase but given the initials DPE2 (Lu & Sharkey, 2004). In this work we showed that only one form of maltose was metabolically active (Weise et al., 2005a) and that maltose was located in two different places when the amylomaltase was knocked out but only inside the chloroplast when the maltose transporter was knocked out (Lu et al., 2006a). This allowed us to estimate the energetics of maltose export and to show that maltose export is more efficient than glucose export (Weise et al., 2005b). We examined how daylength affected starch breakdown rate and found that starch breakdown rate could respond to changes in daylength within one day (Lu, Gehan & Sharkey, 2005). We also were able to show a second starch breakdown pathway by chloroplastic starch phosphorylase (Weise et al., 2006). Work to this point was summarized in a review (Lu & Sharkey, 2006). We were able to show that the amylomaltase in plants could substitute for the amylomaltase in bacteria (Lu et al., 2006b). In this paper we also showed the importance of a second enzyme called alpha-glucan phosphorylase in starch breakdown. Finally, we were able to determine the enzymatic mechanism of the amylomaltase (Steichen, Petty & Sharkey, 2008). These results have laid the groundwork for manipulating plants for improved biofuel production.« less

Scintillation Breakdowns in Chip Tantalum Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander

2008-01-01

Scintillations in solid tantalum capacitors are momentarily local breakdowns terminated by a self-healing or conversion to a high-resistive state of the manganese oxide cathode. This conversion effectively caps the defective area of the tantalum pentoxide dielectric and prevents short-circuit failures. Typically, this type of breakdown has no immediate catastrophic consequences and is often considered as nuisance rather than a failure. Scintillation breakdowns likely do not affect failures of parts under surge current conditions, and so-called "proofing" of tantalum chip capacitors, which is a controllable exposure of the part after soldering to voltages slightly higher than the operating voltage to verify that possible scintillations are self-healed, has been shown to improve the quality of the parts. However, no in-depth studies of the effect of scintillations on reliability of tantalum capacitors have been performed so far. KEMET is using scintillation breakdown testing as a tool for assessing process improvements and to compare quality of different manufacturing lots. Nevertheless, the relationship between failures and scintillation breakdowns is not clear, and this test is not considered as suitable for lot acceptance testing. In this work, scintillation breakdowns in different military-graded and commercial tantalum capacitors were characterized and related to the rated voltages and to life test failures. A model for assessment of times to failure, based on distributions of breakdown voltages, and accelerating factors of life testing are discussed.

NASA Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleming, Jon F.; Poole, Kenneth W.

2016-01-01

The purpose of this document is to provide program/project teams necessary instruction and guidance in the best practices for Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and WBS dictionary development and use for project implementation and management control. This handbook can be used for all types of NASA projects and work activities including research, development, construction, test and evaluation, and operations. The products of these work efforts may be hardware, software, data, or service elements (alone or in combination). The aim of this document is to assist project teams in the development of effective work breakdown structures that provide a framework of common reference for all project elements. The WBS and WBS dictionary are effective management processes for planning, organizing, and administering NASA programs and projects. The guidance contained in this document is applicable to both in-house, NASA-led effort and contracted effort. It assists management teams from both entities in fulfilling necessary responsibilities for successful accomplishment of project cost, schedule, and technical goals. Benefits resulting from the use of an effective WBS include, but are not limited to: providing a basis for assigned project responsibilities, providing a basis for project schedule and budget development, simplifying a project by dividing the total work scope into manageable units, and providing a common reference for all project communication.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2010-01-01

The purpose of this document is to provide program/project teams necessary instruction and guidance in the best practices for Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and WBS dictionary development and use for project implementation and management control. This handbook can be used for all types of NASA projects and work activities including research, development, construction, test and evaluation, and operations. The products of these work efforts may be hardware, software, data, or service elements (alone or in combination). The aim of this document is to assist project teams in the development of effective work breakdown structures that provide a framework of common reference for all project elements. The WBS and WBS dictionary are effective management processes for planning, organizing, and administering NASA programs and projects. The guidance contained in this document is applicable to both in-house, NASA-led effort and contracted effort. It assists management teams from both entities in fulfilling necessary responsibilities for successful accomplishment of project cost, schedule, and technical goals. Benefits resulting from the use of an effective WBS include, but are not limited to: providing a basis for assigned project responsibilities, providing a basis for project schedule development, simplifying a project by dividing the total work scope into manageable units, and providing a common reference for all project communication.

Are leaf breakdown rates a useful measure of stream integrity along an agricultural landuse gradient?

Treesearch

E.M. Hagen; J.R. Webster; E.F. Benfield

2006-01-01

Biological indicators often are used to assess and manage water quality in anthropogenically altered stream systems. Leaf breakdown has the potential to be a good indicator of stream integrity because it integrates a varietyof biological, chemical, and physical conditions. Red maple (Acer rubrum L.) leaf breakdown rates were measured along a gradient...

Current-induced changes of migration energy barriers in graphene and carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obodo, J. T.; Rungger, I.; Sanvito, S.; Schwingenschlögl, U.

2016-05-01

An electron current can move atoms in a nanoscale device with important consequences for the device operation and breakdown. We perform first principles calculations aimed at evaluating the possibility of changing the energy barriers for atom migration in carbon-based systems. In particular, we consider the migration of adatoms and defects in graphene and carbon nanotubes. Although the current-induced forces are large for both the systems, in graphene the force component along the migration path is small and therefore the barrier height is little affected by the current flow. In contrast, the same barrier is significantly reduced in carbon nanotubes as the current increases. Our work also provides a real-system numerical demonstration that current-induced forces within density functional theory are non-conservative.An electron current can move atoms in a nanoscale device with important consequences for the device operation and breakdown. We perform first principles calculations aimed at evaluating the possibility of changing the energy barriers for atom migration in carbon-based systems. In particular, we consider the migration of adatoms and defects in graphene and carbon nanotubes. Although the current-induced forces are large for both the systems, in graphene the force component along the migration path is small and therefore the barrier height is little affected by the current flow. In contrast, the same barrier is significantly reduced in carbon nanotubes as the current increases. Our work also provides a real-system numerical demonstration that current-induced forces within density functional theory are non-conservative. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/C6NR00534A

A Crisis Mental Health Intervention Service: An Innovative Model for Working Intensively with Young People on the Edge of Care

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Witkon, Yael

2012-01-01

This paper describes the setting up and the first year of running of an innovative outreach service for adolescents on the edge of care that aimed at redressing family breakdown and preventing placements in the care system. It was a collaborative endeavour between social services and a child and adolescent mental health provision to facilitate the…

Scaling laws for gas breakdown for nanoscale to microscale gaps at atmospheric pressure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Loveless, Amanda M.; Garner, Allen L., E-mail: algarner@purdue.edu

2016-06-06

Electronics miniaturization motivates gas breakdown predictions for microscale and smaller gaps, since traditional breakdown theory fails when gap size, d, is smaller than ∼15 μm at atmospheric pressure, p{sub atm}. We perform a matched asymptotic analysis to derive analytic expressions for breakdown voltage, V{sub b}, at p{sub atm} for 1 nm ≤ d ≤ 35 μm. We obtain excellent agreement between numerical, analytic, and particle-in-cell simulations for argon, and show V{sub b} decreasing as d → 0, instead of increasing as predicted by Paschen's law. This work provides an analytic framework for determining V{sub b} at atmospheric pressure for various gap distances that may be extended tomore » other gases.« less

Effect of anode material on the breakdown in low-pressure helium gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demidov, V. I.; Adams, S. F.; Kudryavtsev, A. A.; Kurlyandskaya, I. P.; Miles, J. A.; Tolson, B. A.

2017-10-01

The electric breakdown of gases is one of the fundamental phenomena of gas discharge physics. It has been studied for a long time but still attracts incessant interest of researchers. Besides the interesting physics, breakdown is important for many applications including development of reliable electric insulation in electric grids and the study of different aspects of gas discharge physics. In this work an experimental study of the electric breakdown in helium gas for the plane-parallel electrode configuration has been conducted using a copper cathode and a variety of anode materials: copper, aluminum, stainless steel, graphite, platinum-plated aluminum and gold-plated aluminum. According to the Paschen law for studied electrode configuration, the breakdown voltage is a function of the product of gas pressure and inter-electrode gap. The breakdown processes on the left, lower pressure side of the Paschen curve have been the subject of this investigation. For those pressures, the Paschen curve may become multi-valued, where any given pressure corresponds to three breakdown voltage values. It was experimentally demonstrated that the form of the Paschen curve might strongly depend on the material of the anode and the cleanness of the anode surface. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is that electrons streaming from the cathode are reflected by the surface of the anode.

Scaling and volatility of breakouts and breakdowns in stock price dynamics.

PubMed

Liu, Lu; Wei, Jianrong; Huang, Jiping

2013-01-01

Because the movement of stock prices is not only ubiquitous in financial markets but also crucial for investors, extensive studies have been done to understand the law behind it. In particular, since the financial crisis in 2008, researchers have a more interest in investigating large market volatilities in order to grasp changing market trends. In this work, we analyze the breakouts and breakdowns of both the Standard & Poor's 500 Index in the US stock market and the Shanghai Composite Index in the Chinese stock market. The breakout usually represents an ongoing upward trend in technical analysis while the breakdown represents an ongoing downward trend. Based on the renormalization method, we introduce two parameters to quantize breakouts and breakdowns, respectively. We discover scaling behavior, characterized by power-law distributions for both the breakouts and breakdowns in the two financial markets with different power-law exponents, which reflect different market volatilities. In detail, the market volatility for breakdowns is usually larger than that for breakouts. Moreover, as an emerging market, the Chinese stock market has larger market volatilities for both the breakouts and breakdowns than the US stock market (a mature market). Further, the short-term volatilities show similar features for both the US stock market and the Chinese stock market. However, the medium-term volatilities in the US stock market are almost symmetrical for the breakouts and breakdowns, whereas those in the Chinese stock market appear to be asymmetrical for the breakouts and breakdowns. The methodology presented here provides a way to understand scaling and hence volatilities of breakouts and breakdowns in stock price dynamics. Our findings not only reveal the features of market volatilities but also make a comparison between mature and emerging financial markets.

Scaling and Volatility of Breakouts and Breakdowns in Stock Price Dynamics

PubMed Central

Liu, Lu; Wei, Jianrong; Huang, Jiping

2013-01-01

Background Because the movement of stock prices is not only ubiquitous in financial markets but also crucial for investors, extensive studies have been done to understand the law behind it. In particular, since the financial crisis in 2008, researchers have a more interest in investigating large market volatilities in order to grasp changing market trends. Methodology/Principal Findings In this work, we analyze the breakouts and breakdowns of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index in the US stock market and the Shanghai Composite Index in the Chinese stock market. The breakout usually represents an ongoing upward trend in technical analysis while the breakdown represents an ongoing downward trend. Based on the renormalization method, we introduce two parameters to quantize breakouts and breakdowns, respectively. We discover scaling behavior, characterized by power-law distributions for both the breakouts and breakdowns in the two financial markets with different power-law exponents, which reflect different market volatilities. In detail, the market volatility for breakdowns is usually larger than that for breakouts. Moreover, as an emerging market, the Chinese stock market has larger market volatilities for both the breakouts and breakdowns than the US stock market (a mature market). Further, the short-term volatilities show similar features for both the US stock market and the Chinese stock market. However, the medium-term volatilities in the US stock market are almost symmetrical for the breakouts and breakdowns, whereas those in the Chinese stock market appear to be asymmetrical for the breakouts and breakdowns. Conclusions/Signicance The methodology presented here provides a way to understand scaling and hence volatilities of breakouts and breakdowns in stock price dynamics. Our findings not only reveal the features of market volatilities but also make a comparison between mature and emerging financial markets. PMID:24376577

Transport phenomena in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells via voltage loss breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flick, Sarah; Dhanushkodi, Shankar R.; Mérida, Walter

2015-04-01

This study presents a voltage loss breakdown method based on in-situ experimental data to systematically analyze the different overpotentials of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. This study includes a systematic breakdown of the anodic overpotentials via the use of a reference electrode system. This work demonstrates the de-convolution of the individual overpotentials for both anode and cathode side, including the distinction between mass-transport overpotentials in cathode porous transport layer (PTL) and electrode, based on in-situ polarization tests under different operating conditions. This method is used to study the relationship between mass-transport losses inside the cathode catalyst layer (CL) and the PTL for both a single layer and two-layer PTL configuration. We conclude that the micro-porous layer (MPL) significantly improves the water removal within the cell, especially inside the cathode electrode, and therefore the mass transport within the cathode CL. This study supports the theory that the MPL on the cathode leads to an increase in water permeation from cathode to anode due to its function as a capillary barrier. This is reflected in increased anodic mass-transport overpotential, decreased ohmic losses and decreased cathode mass-transport losses, especially in the cathode electrode.

Multi-Pulse Excitation for Underwater Analysis of Copper-Based Alloys Using a Novel Remote Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) System.

PubMed

Guirado, Salvador; Fortes, Francisco J; Laserna, J Javier

2016-04-01

In this work, the use of multi-pulse excitation has been evaluated as an effective solution to mitigate the preferential ablation of the most volatile elements, namely Sn, Pb, and Zn, observed during laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis of copper-based alloys. The novel remote LIBS prototype used in this experiments featured both single-pulse (SP-LIBS) and multi-pulse excitation (MP-LIBS). The remote instrument is capable of performing chemical analysis of submersed materials up to a depth of 50 m. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis was performed at air pressure settings simulating the conditions during a real subsea analysis. A set of five certified bronze standards with variable concentration of Cu, As, Sn, Pb, and Zn were used. In SP-LIBS, signal emission is strongly sensitive to ambient pressure. In this case, fractionation effect was observed. Multi-pulse excitation circumvents the effect of pressure over the quantitative analysis, thus avoiding the fractionation phenomena observed in single pulse LIBS. The use of copper as internal standard minimizes matrix effects and discrepancies due to variation in ablated mass. © The Author(s) 2016.

High breakdown electric field in β-Ga2O3/graphene vertical barristor heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xiaodong; Esqueda, Ivan S.; Ma, Jiahui; Tice, Jesse; Wang, Han

2018-01-01

In this work, we study the high critical breakdown field in β-Ga2O3 perpendicular to its (100) crystal plane using a β-Ga2O3/graphene vertical heterostructure. Measurements indicate a record breakdown field of 5.2 MV/cm perpendicular to the (100) plane that is significantly larger than the previously reported values on lateral β-Ga2O3 field-effect-transistors (FETs). This result is compared with the critical field typically measured within the (100) crystal plane, and the observed anisotropy is explained through a combined theoretical and experimental analysis.

Nuclear envelope breakdown induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 involves the activity of viral fusion proteins

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maric, Martina; Haugo, Alison C.; Dauer, William

2014-07-15

Herpesvirus infection reorganizes components of the nuclear lamina usually without loss of integrity of the nuclear membranes. We report that wild-type HSV infection can cause dissolution of the nuclear envelope in transformed mouse embryonic fibroblasts that do not express torsinA. Nuclear envelope breakdown is accompanied by an eight-fold inhibition of virus replication. Breakdown of the membrane is much more limited during infection with viruses that lack the gB and gH genes, suggesting that breakdown involves factors that promote fusion at the nuclear membrane. Nuclear envelope breakdown is also inhibited during infection with virus that does not express UL34, but ismore » enhanced when the US3 gene is deleted, suggesting that envelope breakdown may be enhanced by nuclear lamina disruption. Nuclear envelope breakdown cannot compensate for deletion of the UL34 gene suggesting that mixing of nuclear and cytoplasmic contents is insufficient to bypass loss of the normal nuclear egress pathway. - Highlights: • We show that wild-type HSV can induce breakdown of the nuclear envelope in a specific cell system. • The viral fusion proteins gB and gH are required for induction of nuclear envelope breakdown. • Nuclear envelope breakdown cannot compensate for deletion of the HSV UL34 gene.« less

Grain-scale supercharging and breakdown on airless regoliths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmerman, M. I.; Farrell, W. M.; Hartzell, C. M.; Wang, X.; Horanyi, M.; Hurley, D. M.; Hibbitts, K.

2016-10-01

Interactions of the solar wind and emitted photoelectrons with airless bodies have been studied extensively. However, the details of how charged particles interact with the regolith at the scale of a single grain have remained largely uncharacterized. Recent efforts have focused upon determining total surface charge under photoemission and solar wind bombardment and the associated electric field and potential. In this work, theory and simulations are used to show that grain-grain charge differences can exceed classical sheath predictions by several orders of magnitude, sometimes reaching dielectric breakdown levels. Temperature-dependent electrical conductivity works against supercharging by allowing current to leak through individual grains; the balance between internal conduction and surface charging controls the maximum possible grain-to-grain electric field. Understanding the finer details of regolith grain charging, conductive equilibrium, and dielectric breakdown will improve future numerical studies of space weathering and dust levitation on airless bodies.

Grain-Scale Supercharging and Breakdown on Airless Regoliths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zimmerman, M. I.; Farrell, W. M.; Hartzell, C.M.; Wang, X.; Horanyi, M.; Hurley, D. M.; Hibbitts, K.

2016-01-01

Interactions of the solar wind and emitted photoelectrons with airless bodies have been studied extensively. However, the details of how charged particles interact with the regolith at the scale of a single grain have remained largely uncharacterized. Recent efforts have focused upon determining total surface charge under photoemission and solar wind bombardment and the associated electric field and potential. In this work, theory and simulations are used to show that grain-grain charge differences can exceed classical sheath predictions by several orders of magnitude, sometimes reaching dielectric breakdown levels. Temperature-dependent electrical conductivity works against supercharging by allowing current to leak through individual grains; the balance between internal conduction and surface charging controls the maximum possible grain-to-grain electric field. Understanding the finer details of regolith grain charging, conductive equilibrium, and dielectric breakdown will improve future numerical studies of space weathering and dust levitation on airless bodies.

High ESD Breakdown-Voltage InP HBT Transimpedance Amplifier IC for Optical Video Distribution Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sano, Kimikazu; Nagatani, Munehiko; Mutoh, Miwa; Murata, Koichi

This paper is a report on a high ESD breakdown-voltage InP HBT transimpedance amplifier IC for optical video distribution systems. To make ESD breakdown-voltage higher, we designed ESD protection circuits integrated in the TIA IC using base-collector/base-emitter diodes of InP HBTs and resistors. These components for ESD protection circuits have already existed in the employed InP HBT IC process, so no process modifications were needed. Furthermore, to meet requirements for use in optical video distribution systems, we studied circuit design techniques to obtain a good input-output linearity and a low-noise characteristic. Fabricated InP HBT TIA IC exhibited high human-body-model ESD breakdown voltages (±1000V for power supply terminals, ±200V for high-speed input/output terminals), good input-output linearity (less than 2.9-% duty-cycle-distortion), and low noise characteristic (10.7pA/√Hz averaged input-referred noise current density) with a -3-dB-down higher frequency of 6.9GHz. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first literature describing InP ICs with high ESD-breakdown voltages.

A Study of the Dielectric Breakdown of SiO2 Films on Si by the Self- Quenching Technique

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-10-01

Cambell . Much of the early work on the breakdown of oxide films in 2 1 Q MOS structures was done by N. Klein and his coworkers...Electron Physics, 26, Academic Press. New York (1969). P. J. Harrop and D. S. Cambell , "Dielectric Properties of Thin Films," Handbook of Thin Film

Mass breakdown model of solar-photon sail shuttle: The case for Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vulpetti, Giovanni; Circi, Christian

2016-02-01

The main aim of this paper is to set up a many-parameter model of mass breakdown to be applied to a reusable Earth-Mars-Earth solar-photon sail shuttle, and analyze the system behavior in two sub-problems: (1) the zero-payload shuttle, and (2) given the sailcraft sail loading and the gross payload mass, find the sail area of the shuttle. The solution to the subproblem-1 is of technological and programmatic importance. The general analysis of subproblem-2 is presented as a function of the sail side length, system mass, sail loading and thickness. In addition to the behaviors of the main system masses, useful information for future work on the sailcraft trajectory optimization is obtained via (a) a detailed mass model for the descent/ascent Martian Excursion Module, and (b) the fifty-fifty solution to the sailcraft sail loading breakdown equation. Of considerable importance is the evaluation of the minimum altitude for the rendezvous between the ascent rocket vehicle and the solar-photon sail propulsion module, a task performed via the Mars Climate Database 2014-2015. The analysis shows that such altitude is 300 km; below it, the atmospheric drag prevails over the solar-radiation thrust. By this value, an example of excursion module of 1500 kg in total mass is built, and the sailcraft sail loading and the return payload are calculated. Finally, the concept of launch opportunity-wide for a shuttle driven by solar-photon sail is introduced. The previous fifty-fifty solution may be a good initial guess for the trajectory optimization of this type of shuttle.

Computer-Integrated Breakdown of Hardwood Sawlogs

Treesearch

Luis G. Occeña; Daniel L. Schmoldt; Philip A. Araman

1996-01-01

This paper describes work in progress concerning the development of an integrated approach to hardwood processing. The motivation for this work, research direction, and research developments are presented.

Comparative study of CAVET with dielectric and p-GaN gate and Mg ion-implanted current blocking layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandal, Saptarshi; Agarwal, Anchal; Ahmadi, Elaheh; Mahadeva Bhat, K.; Laurent, Matthew A.; Keller, Stacia; Chowdhury, Srabanti

2017-08-01

In this work, a study of two different types of current aperture vertical electron transistor (CAVET) with ion-implanted blocking layer are presented. The device fabrication and performance limitation of a CAVET with a dielectric gate is discussed, and the breakdown limiting structure is evaluated using on-wafer test structures. The gate dielectric limited the device breakdown to 50V, while the blocking layer was able to withstand over 400V. To improve the device performance, an alternative CAVET structure with a p-GaN gate instead of dielectric is designed and realized. The pGaN gated CAVET structure increased the breakdown voltage to over 400V. Measurement of test structures on the wafer showed the breakdown was limited by the blocking layer instead of the gate p-n junction.

UAV Swarm Behavior Modeling for Early Exposure of Failure Modes

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

Systems Center Atlantic, for his patience with me through this two-year process. He worked with my schedule and was very understanding of the...emergence of new failure modes? The MP modeling environment provides a breakdown of all potential event traces. Given that the research questions call...for the revelation of potential failure modes, MP was selected as the modeling environment because it provides a substantial set of results and data

The 25 kW power module evolution study. Part 3: Conceptual designs for power module evolution. Volume 2: Program plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

A plan is presented for the evolutionary development and deployment of the power module system with performance capabilities required to support the 1983 to 1990 user requirements. Aspects summarized include program functional, operational, and hardware elements; program work breakdown and specification items; development plans and schedules for developmental and technology milestones; test concepts and timeliness; and ground and orbit operations concepts.

Absolute Two-Photon Absorption Coefficients in UltraViolet Window Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-12-01

fvtt* tld » II ntctHB,-y md Idtnlll’ by block number; The absolute two-photon absorption coefficiehts of u. v. transmitting materials have been...measured using well-calibrated single picosecond pulses, at the third and fourth harmonic of a mode locked Nd:YAG laser systems. Twc photon...30, 1977. Work in the area of laser induced breakdown and multiphoton absorption in ultraviolet and infrared laser window materials was carried

Application of thin-film breakdown counters for characterization of neutron field of the VESUVIO instrument at the ISIS spallation source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, A. N.; Pietropaolo, A.; Prokofiev, A. V.; Rodionova, E. E.; Frost, C. D.; Ansell, S.; Schooneveld, E. M.; Gorini, G.

2012-09-01

The high-energy neutron field of the VESUVIO instrument at the ISIS facility has been characterized using the technique of thin-film breakdown counters (TFBC). The technique utilizes neutron-induced fission reactions of natU and 209Bi with detection of fission fragments by TFBCs. Experimentally determined count rates of the fragments are ≈50% higher than those calculated using spectral neutron flux simulated with the MCNPX code. This work is a part of the project to develop ChipIr, a new dedicated facility for the accelerated testing of electronic components and systems for neutron-induced single event effects in the new Target Station 2 at ISIS. The TFBC technique has shown to be applicable for on-line monitoring of the neutron flux in the neutron energy range 1-800 MeV at the position of the device under test (DUT).

Standard Reference Line Combined with One-Point Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) to Quantitatively Analyze Stainless and Heat Resistant Steel.

PubMed

Fu, Hongbo; Wang, Huadong; Jia, Junwei; Ni, Zhibo; Dong, Fengzhong

2018-01-01

Due to the influence of major elements' self-absorption, scarce observable spectral lines of trace elements, and relative efficiency correction of experimental system, accurate quantitative analysis with calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) is in fact not easy. In order to overcome these difficulties, standard reference line (SRL) combined with one-point calibration (OPC) is used to analyze six elements in three stainless-steel and five heat-resistant steel samples. The Stark broadening and Saha - Boltzmann plot of Fe are used to calculate the electron density and the plasma temperature, respectively. In the present work, we tested the original SRL method, the SRL with the OPC method, and intercept with the OPC method. The final calculation results show that the latter two methods can effectively improve the overall accuracy of quantitative analysis and the detection limits of trace elements.

DC breakdown characteristics of silicone polymer composites for HVDC insulator applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Byung-Jo; Seo, In-Jin; Seong, Jae-Kyu; Hwang, Young-Ho; Yang, Hai-Won

2015-11-01

Critical components for HVDC transmission systems are polymer insulators, which have stricter requirements that are more difficult to achieve compared to those of HVAC insulators. In this study, we investigated the optimal design of HVDC polymer insulators by using a DC electric field analysis and experiments. The physical properties of the polymer specimens were analyzed to develop an optimal HVDC polymer material, and four polymer specimens were prepared for DC breakdown experiments. Single and reverse polarity breakdown tests were conducted to analyze the effect of temperature on the breakdown strength of the polymer. In addition, electric fields were analyzed via simulations, in which a small-scale polymer insulator model was applied to prevent dielectric breakdown due to electric field concentration, with four DC operating conditions taken into consideration. The experimental results show that the electrical breakdown strength and the electric field distribution exhibit significant differences in relation to different DC polarity transition procedures.

Transient response measurements on a satellite system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nanevicz, J. E.; Adamo, R. C.

1977-01-01

A set of instruments designed to detect the occurance of electrical breakdown was flown on a synchronous-orbit satellite. The LeRC sensors were installed on cables inside the vehicle. Accordingly, they respond to signals coupled into the satellite wiring system. The SRI sensors were located on the exterior of the vehicle and detected the RF noise pulses associated with surface breakdowns. The results of the earlier SRI program are being used to design and develop a set of intrumentation suitable for inclusion as a general piggy-back package for the detection of the onset of satellite charging and breakdowns on synchronous orbit satellites.

Zero-gravity atmospheric Cloud Physics Experiment Laboratory; Programmatics report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The programmatics effort included comprehensive analyses in four major areas: (1) work breakdown structure, (2) schedules, (3) costs, and (4) supporting research and technology. These analyses are discussed in detail in the following sections which identify and define the laboratory project development schedule, cost estimates, funding distributions and supporting research and technology requirements. All programmatics analyses are correlated among themselves and with the technical analyses by means of the work breakdown structure which serves as a common framework for program definition. In addition, the programmatic analyses reflect the results of analyses and plans for reliability, safety, test, and maintenance and refurbishment.

Phase B - final definition and preliminary design study for the initial Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory (ACPL): A spacelab mission payload. Work breakdown structure for phase C/D DR-MA-06 (preliminary issue)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Dictionary (DR-MA-06) for initial and subsequent flights of the Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory (ACPL) is presented. An attempt is made to identify specific equipment and components in each of the eleven subsystems; they are listed under the appropriate subdivisions of the WBS. The reader is cautioned that some of these components are likely to change substantially during the course of the study, and the list provided should only be considered representative.

Quantitative determination of copper in a glass matrix using double pulse laser induced breakdown and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques.

PubMed

Khalil, Ahmed A I; Morsy, Mohamed A

2016-07-01

A series of lithium-lead-borate glasses of a variable copper oxide loading were quantitatively analyzed in this work using two distinct spectroscopic techniques, namely double pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). DP-LIBS results measured upon a combined nanosecond lasers irradiation running at 266nm and 1064nm pulses of a collinear configuration directed to the surface of borate glass samples with a known composition. This arrangement was employed to predict the electron's temperature (Te) and density (Ne) of the excited plasma from the recorded spectra. The intensity of elements' responses using this scheme is higher than that of single-pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (SP-LIBS) setup under the same experimental conditions. On the other hand, the EPR data shows typical Cu (II) EPR-signals in the borate glass system that is networked at a distorted tetragonal Borate-arrangement. The signal intensity of the Cu (II) peak at g⊥=2.0596 has been used to quantify the Cu-content accurately in the glass matrix. Both techniques produced linear calibration curves of Cu-metals in glasses with excellent linear regression coefficient (R(2)) values. This study establishes a good correlation between DP-LIBS analysis of glass and the results obtained using EPR spectroscopy. The proposed protocols prove the great advantage of DP-LIBS system for the detection of a trace copper on the surface of glasses. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A simulation study of capacity utilization to predict future capacity for manufacturing system sustainability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rimo, Tan Hauw Sen; Chai Tin, Ong

2017-12-01

Capacity utilization (CU) measurement is an important task in a manufacturing system, especially in make-to-order (MTO) type manufacturing system with product customization, in predicting capacity to meet future demand. A stochastic discrete-event simulation is developed using ARENA software to determine CU and capacity gap (CG) in short run production function. This study focused on machinery breakdown and product defective rate as random variables in the simulation. The study found that the manufacturing system run in 68.01% CU and 31.99% CG. It is revealed that machinery breakdown and product defective rate have a direct relationship with CU. By improving product defective rate into zero defect, manufacturing system can improve CU up to 73.56% and CG decrease to 26.44%. While improving machinery breakdown into zero breakdowns will improve CU up to 93.99% and the CG decrease to 6.01%. This study helps operation level to study CU using “what-if” analysis in order to meet future demand in more practical and easier method by using simulation approach. Further study is recommended by including other random variables that affect CU to make the simulation closer with the real-life situation for a better decision.

A voltage-division-type low-jitter self-triggered repetition-rate switch.

PubMed

Su, Jian-Cang; Zeng, Bo; Gao, Peng-Cheng; Li, Rui; Wu, Xiao-Long; Zhao, Liang

2016-10-01

A voltage-division-type (V/N) low-jitter self-triggered multi-stage switch is put forward. It comprises of a triggered corona gap, several quasi-uniform-field gaps, and an inversion inductor. When the corona gap is in the stage of self-breakdown, the multi-stage gaps are triggered and the switch is closed via an over-voltage. This type of V/N switch has the advantage of compact structure since the auxiliary components like the gas-blowing system and the triggered system are eliminated from the whole system. It also has advantages such as low breakdown jitter and high energy efficiency. The dependence of the self-triggered voltage on the over-voltage factor and the switch operating voltage is deduced. A switch of this type is designed and fabricated and experiments to research its characteristics are conducted. The results show that this switch can operate on a voltage of 1 MV at 50 Hz and can generate 1000 successive pulses with a jitter as low as 3% and an energy efficiency as high as 90%. This V/N switch can work under a high repetition rate with a long lifetime.

Dynamism in a Semiconductor Industrial Machine Allocation Problem using a Hybrid of the Bio-inspired and Musical-Harmony Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalsom Yusof, Umi; Nor Akmal Khalid, Mohd

2015-05-01

Semiconductor industries need to constantly adjust to the rapid pace of change in the market. Most manufactured products usually have a very short life cycle. These scenarios imply the need to improve the efficiency of capacity planning, an important aspect of the machine allocation plan known for its complexity. Various studies have been performed to balance productivity and flexibility in the flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Many approaches have been developed by the researchers to determine the suitable balance between exploration (global improvement) and exploitation (local improvement). However, not much work has been focused on the domain of machine allocation problem that considers the effects of machine breakdowns. This paper develops a model to minimize the effect of machine breakdowns, thus increasing the productivity. The objectives are to minimize system unbalance and makespan as well as increase throughput while satisfying the technological constraints such as machine time availability. To examine the effectiveness of the proposed model, results for throughput, system unbalance and makespan on real industrial datasets were performed with applications of intelligence techniques, that is, a hybrid of genetic algorithm and harmony search. The result aims to obtain a feasible solution to the domain problem.

Management issues in systems engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shishko, Robert; Chamberlain, Robert G.; Aster, Robert; Bilardo, Vincent; Forsberg, Kevin; Mooz, Hal; Polaski, Lou; Wade, Ron

When applied to a system, the doctrine of successive refinement is a divide-and-conquer strategy. Complex systems are sucessively divided into pieces that are less complex, until they are simple enough to be conquered. This decomposition results in several structures for describing the product system and the producing system. These structures play important roles in systems engineering and project management. Many of the remaining sections in this chapter are devoted to describing some of these key structures. Structures that describe the product system include, but are not limited to, the requirements tree, system architecture and certain symbolic information such as system drawings, schematics, and data bases. The structures that describe the producing system include the project's work breakdown, schedules, cost accounts and organization.

Management issues in systems engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shishko, Robert; Chamberlain, Robert G.; Aster, Robert; Bilardo, Vincent; Forsberg, Kevin; Mooz, Hal; Polaski, Lou; Wade, Ron

1993-01-01

When applied to a system, the doctrine of successive refinement is a divide-and-conquer strategy. Complex systems are sucessively divided into pieces that are less complex, until they are simple enough to be conquered. This decomposition results in several structures for describing the product system and the producing system. These structures play important roles in systems engineering and project management. Many of the remaining sections in this chapter are devoted to describing some of these key structures. Structures that describe the product system include, but are not limited to, the requirements tree, system architecture and certain symbolic information such as system drawings, schematics, and data bases. The structures that describe the producing system include the project's work breakdown, schedules, cost accounts and organization.

Tuning excitation laser wavelength for secondary resonance in low-intensity phase-selective laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for in-situ analytical measurement of nanoaerosols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Gang; Li, Shuiqing; Tse, Stephen D.

2018-02-01

In recent years, a novel low-intensity phase-selective laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (PS-LIBS) technique has been developed for unique elemental-composition identification of aerosolized nanoparticles, where only the solid-phase nanoparticles break down, forming nanoplasmas, without any surrounding gas-phase breakdown. Additional work has demonstrated that PS-LIBS emissions can be greatly enhanced with secondary resonant excitation by matching the excitation laser wavelength with an atomic transition line in the formed nanoplasma, thereby achieving low limits of detection. In this work, a tunable dye laser is employed to investigate the effects of excitation wavelength and irradiance on in-situ PS-LIBS measurements of TiO2 nanoaerosols. The enhancement factor by resonant excitation can be 220 times greater than that for non-resonant cases under similar conditions. Moreover, the emitted spectra are unique for the selected resonant transition lines for a given element, suggesting the potential to make precise phase-selective and analyte-selective measurements of nanoparticles in a multicomponent multiphase system. The enhancement factor by resonant excitation is highly sensitive to excitation laser wavelength, with narrow excitation spectral windows, i.e., 0.012 to 0.023 nm (FWHM, full width at half maximum) for Ti (I) neutral atomic lines, and 0.051 to 0.139 nm (FWHM) for Ti (II) single-ionized atomic lines. Boltzmann analysis of the emission intensities, temporal response of emissions, and emission dependence on excitation irradiance are investigated to understand aspects of the generated nanoplasmas such as temperature, local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE), and excitation mechanism.

The N-policy for an unreliable server with delaying repair and two phases of service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhury, Gautam; Ke, Jau-Chuan; Tadj, Lotfi

2009-09-01

This paper deals with an MX/G/1 with an additional second phase of optional service and unreliable server, which consist of a breakdown period and a delay period under N-policy. While the server is working with any phase of service, it may break down at any instant and the service channel will fail for a short interval of time. Further concept of the delay time is also introduced. If no customer arrives during the breakdown period, the server becomes idle in the system until the queue size builds up to a threshold value . As soon as the queue size becomes at least N, the server immediately begins to serve the first phase of regular service to all the waiting customers. After the completion of which, only some of them receive the second phase of the optional service. We derive the queue size distribution at a random epoch and departure epoch as well as various system performance measures. Finally we derive a simple procedure to obtain optimal stationary policy under a suitable linear cost structure.

Early Breakdown of Area-Law Entanglement at the Many-Body Delocalization Transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devakul, Trithep; Singh, Rajiv R. P.

2015-10-01

We introduce the numerical linked cluster expansion as a controlled numerical tool for the study of the many-body localization transition in a disordered system with continuous nonperturbative disorder. Our approach works directly in the thermodynamic limit, in any spatial dimension, and does not rely on any finite size scaling procedure. We study the onset of many-body delocalization through the breakdown of area-law entanglement in a generic many-body eigenstate. By looking for initial signs of an instability of the localized phase, we obtain a value for the critical disorder, which we believe should be a lower bound for the true value, that is higher than current best estimates from finite size studies. This implies that most current methods tend to overestimate the extent of the localized phase due to finite size effects making the localized phase appear stable at small length scales. We also study the mobility edge in these systems as a function of energy density, and we find that our conclusion is the same at all examined energies.

Low power arcjet thruster pulse ignition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarmiento, Charles J.; Gruber, Robert P.

1987-01-01

An investigation of the pulse ignition characteristics of a 1 kW class arcjet using an inductive energy storage pulse generator with a pulse width modulated power converter identified several thruster and pulse generator parameters that influence breakdown voltage including pulse generator rate of voltage rise. This work was conducted with an arcjet tested on hydrogen-nitrogen gas mixtures to simulate fully decomposed hydrazine. Over all ranges of thruster and pulser parameters investigated, the mean breakdown voltages varied from 1.4 to 2.7 kV. Ignition tests at elevated thruster temperatures under certain conditions revealed occasional breakdowns to thruster voltages higher than the power converter output voltage. These post breakdown discharges sometimes failed to transition to the lower voltage arc discharge mode and the thruster would not ignite. Under the same conditions, a transition to the arc mode would occur for a subsequent pulse and the thruster would ignite. An automated 11 600 cycle starting and transition to steady state test demonstrated ignition on the first pulse and required application of a second pulse only two times to initiate breakdown.

Novel Physical Model for DC Partial Discharge in Polymeric Insulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersen, Allen; Dennison, J. R.

The physics of DC partial discharge (DCPD) continues to pose a challenge to researchers. We present a new physically-motivated model of DCPD in amorphous polymers based on our dual-defect model of dielectric breakdown. The dual-defect model is an extension of standard static mean field theories, such as the Crine model, that describe avalanche breakdown of charge carriers trapped on uniformly distributed defect sites. It assumes the presence of both high-energy chemical defects and low-energy thermally-recoverable physical defects. We present our measurements of breakdown and DCPD for several common polymeric materials in the context of this model. Improved understanding of DCPD and how it relates to eventual dielectric breakdown is critical to the fields of spacecraft charging, high voltage DC power distribution, high density capacitors, and microelectronics. This work was supported by a NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship.

Anomalous memory effect in the breakdown of low-pressure argon in a long discharge tube

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meshchanov, A. V.; Korshunov, A. N.; Ionikh, Yu. Z., E-mail: y.ionikh@spbu.ru

2015-08-15

The characteristics of breakdown of argon in a long tube (with a gap length of 75 cm and diameter of 2.8 cm) at pressures of 1 and 5 Torr and stationary discharge currents of 5–40 mA were studied experimentally. The breakdown was initiated by paired positive voltage pulses with a rise rate of ∼10{sup 8}–10{sup 9} V/s and duration of ∼1–10 ms. The time interval between pairs was varied in the range of Τ ∼ 0.1–1 s, and that between pulses in a pair was varied from τ = 0.4 ms to ≈Τ/2. The aim of this work was tomore » detect and study the so-called “anomalous memory effect” earlier observed in breakdown in nitrogen. The effect consists in the dynamic breakdown voltage in the second pulse in a pair being higher than in the first pulse (in contrast to the “normal” memory effect, in which the relation between the breakdown voltages is opposite). It is found that this effect is observed when the time interval between pairs of pulses is such that the first pulse in a pair is in the range of the normal memory effect of the preceding pair (under the given conditions, Τ ≈ 0.1–0.4 s). In this case, at τ ∼ 10 ms, the breakdown voltage of the second pulse is higher than the reduced breakdown voltage of the first pulse. Optical observations of the ionization wave preceding breakdown in a long tube show that, in the range of the anomalous memory effect and at smaller values of τ, no ionization wave is detected before breakdown in the second pulse. A qualitative interpretation of the experimental results is given.« less

Breakdown assisted by a novel electron drift injection in the J-TEXT tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Nengchao; Jin, Hai; Zhuang, Ge; Ding, Yonghua; Pan, Yuan; Cen, Yishun; Chen, Zhipeng; Huang, Hai; Liu, Dequan; Rao, Bo; Zhang, Ming; Zou, Bichen

2014-07-01

A novel electron drift injection (EDI) system aiming to improve breakdown behavior has been designed and constructed on the Joint Texas EXperiment Tokamak Tokamak. Electrons emitted by the system undergo the E×B drift, ∇B drift and curvature drift in sequence in order to traverse the confining magnetic field. A local electrostatic well, generated by a concave-shaped plate biased more negative than the cathode, is introduced to interrupt the emitted electrons moving along the magnetic field line (in the parallel direction) in an attempt to bring an enhancement of the injection efficiency and depth. A series of experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of this method, and a penetration distance deeper than 9.5 cm is achieved. Notable breakdown improvements, including the reduction of breakdown delay and average loop voltage, are observed for discharges assisted by EDI. The lower limit of successfully ionized pressure is expanded.

Robust Electrical Transfer System (RETS) for Solar Array Drive Mechanism SlipRing Assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bommottet, Daniel; Bossoney, Luc; Schnyder, Ralph; Howling, Alan; Hollenstein, Christoph

2013-09-01

Demands for robust and reliable power transmission systems for sliprings for SADM (Solar Array Drive Mechanism) are increasing steadily. As a consequence, it is required to know their performances regarding the voltage breakdown limit.An understanding of the overall shape of the breakdown voltage versus pressure curve is established, based on experimental measurements of DC (Direct Current) gas breakdown in complex geometries compared with a numerical simulation model.In addition a detailed study was made of the functional behaviour of an entire wing of satellite in a like- operational mode, comprising the solar cells, the power transmission lines, the SRA (SlipRing Assembly), the power S3R (Sequential Serial/shunt Switching Regulators) and the satellite load to simulate the electrical power consumption.A test bench able to measure automatically the: a)breakdown voltage versus pressure curve and b)the functional switching performances, was developed and validated.

On the breakdown modes and parameter space of Ohmic Tokamak startup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yanli; Jiang, Wei; Zhang, Ya; Hu, Xiwei; Zhuang, Ge; Innocenti, Maria; Lapenta, Giovanni

2017-10-01

Tokamak plasma has to be hot. The process of turning the initial dilute neutral hydrogen gas at room temperature into fully ionized plasma is called tokamak startup. Even with over 40 years of research, the parameter ranges for the successful startup still aren't determined by numerical simulations but by trial and errors. However, in recent years it has drawn much attention due to one of the challenges faced by ITER: the maximum electric field for startup can't exceed 0.3 V/m, which makes the parameter range for successful startup narrower. Besides, this physical mechanism is far from being understood either theoretically or numerically. In this work, we have simulated the plasma breakdown phase driven by pure Ohmic heating using a particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo code, with the aim of giving a predictive parameter range for most tokamaks, even for ITER. We have found three situations during the discharge, as a function of the initial parameters: no breakdown, breakdown and runaway. Moreover, breakdown delay and volt-second consumption under different initial conditions are evaluated. In addition, we have simulated breakdown on ITER and confirmed that when the electric field is 0.3 V/m, the optimal pre-filling pressure is 0.001 Pa, which is in good agreement with ITER's design.

Optically reversible electrical soft-breakdown in wide-bandgap oxides—A factorial study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Y.; Ang, D. S.; Kalaga, P. S.

2018-04-01

In an earlier work, we found that an electrical soft-breakdown region in wide-bandgap oxides, such as hafnium dioxide, silicon dioxide, etc., could be reversed when illuminated by white light. The effect is evidenced by a decrease in the breakdown leakage current, termed as a negative photoconductivity response. This finding raises the prospect for optical sensing applications based on these traditionally non-photo-responsive but ubiquitous oxide materials. In this study, we examine the statistical distribution for the rate of breakdown reversal as well as the influence of factors such as wavelength, light intensity, oxide stoichiometry (or oxygen content) and temperature on the reversal rate. The rate of breakdown reversal is shown to be best described by the lognormal distribution. Light in the range of ˜400-700 nm is found to have relatively little influence on the reversal rate. On the other hand, light intensity, oxygen content and temperature, each of them has a clear impact; a stronger light intensity, an oxide that is richer in oxygen content and a reduced temperature all speed up the reversal process substantially. These experimental results are consistent with the proposed phenomenological redox model involving photo-assisted recombination of the surrounding oxygen interstitials with vacancy defects in the breakdown path.

Standard/Handbook for RF Ionization Breakdown Prevention in Spacecraft Components

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-19

localized glow discharge of the plasma ( corona ) while RF power is being applied. 8.4.3 RF Performance Changes If a breakdown occurs and damages the...in spacecraft components and systems. Ionization breakdown is a high-energy radio frequency (RF) discharge that can occur when the insulating media...energy can be discharged in a small volume, releasing large amounts of heat, melting local surfaces, and generating debris, all of which will likely

Standard/Handbook for RF Ionization Breakdown Prevention in Spacecraft Components

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-19

localized glow discharge of the plasma ( corona ) while RF power is being applied. 8.4.3 RF Performance Changes If a breakdown occurs and damages the part...in spacecraft components and systems. Ionization breakdown is a high-energy radio frequency (RF) discharge that can occur when the insulating media...energy can be discharged in a small volume, releasing large amounts of heat, melting local surfaces, and generating debris, all of which will likely

Quantum Hall effect breakdown in two-dimensional hole gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eaves, L.; Stoddart, S. T.; Wirtz, R.; Neumann, A. C.; Gallagher, B. L.; Main, P. C.; Henini, M.

2000-02-01

The breakdown of dissipationless current flow in the quantum Hall effect is studied for a two-dimensional hole gas at filling factors i=1 and 2. At high currents, the magnetoresistance curves at breakdown exhibit a series of steps accompanied by hysteresis and intermittent noise. These are compared with similar data for electron systems and are discussed in terms of a hydrodynamic model involving inter-Landau level scattering at the sample edge.

48 CFR 252.215-7009 - Proposal adequacy checklist.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... estimating relationships (labor hours or material) proposed on other than a discrete basis? 10. FAR 15.408... descriptions—(e.g.; Statement of Work reference, applicable CLIN, Work Breakdown Structure, rationale for...

Physical mechanisms for reduction of the breakdown voltage in the circuit of a rod lightning protector with an opening microswitch

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bobrov, Yu. K.; Zhuravkov, I. V.; Ostapenko, E. I.

2010-12-15

The effect of air gap breakdown voltage reduction in the circuit with an opening microswitch is substantiated from the physical point of view. This effect can be used to increase the efficiency of lightning protection system with a rod lightning protector. The processes which take place in the electric circuit of a lightning protector with a microswitch during a voltage breakdown are investigated. Openings of the microswitch are shown to lead to resonance overvoltages in the dc circuit and, as a result, efficient reduction in the breakdown voltage in a lightning protector-thundercloud air gap.

Fast Breakdown as Coronal/Ionization Waves?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krehbiel, P. R.; Petersen, D.; da Silva, C. L.

2017-12-01

Studies of high-power narrow bipolar events (NBEs) have shown they are produced by a newly-recognized breakdown process called fast positive breakdown (FPB, Rison et al., 2016, doi:10.1038/ncomms10721). The breakdown was inferred to be produced by a system of positive streamers that propagate at high speed ( ˜3-6 x 107 m/s) due to occurring in a localized region of strong electric field. The polarity of the breakdown was determined from broadband interferometer (INTF) observations of the propagation direction of its VHF radiation, which was downward into the main negative charge region of a normally-electrified storm. Subsequent INTF observations being conducted in at Kennedy Space Center in Florida have shown a much greater incidence of NBEs than in New Mexico. Among the larger dataset have been clear-cut instances of some NBEs being produced by upward breakdown that would be of negative polarity. The speed and behavior of the negative breakdown is the same as that of the fast positive, leading to it being termed fast negative breakdown (FNB). The similarity (not too mention its occurrence) is surprising, given the fact that negative streamers and breakdown develops much differently than that of positive breakdown. The question is how this happens. In this study, we compare fast breakdown characteristics to well-known streamer properties as inferred from laboratory experiments and theoretical analysis. Additionally, we begin to explore the possibility that both polarities of fast breakdown are produced by what may be called coronal or ionization waves, in which the enhanced electric field produced by streamer or coronal breakdown of either polarity propagates away from the advancing front at the speed of light into a medium that is in a metastable condition of being at the threshold of hydrometeor-mediated corona onset or other ionization processes. The wave would develop at a faster speed than the streamer breakdown that gives rise to it, and thus would be somewhat analogous to a phase velocity. Once started, the breakdown would tend to be polarity independent. The main difference would be that FNB would be more difficult to initiate and therefore less common, which agrees with current observations.

Piezoelectric transformers for low-voltage generation of gas discharges and ionic winds in atmospheric air

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Michael J.; Go, David B., E-mail: dgo@nd.edu; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indianapolis 46556

To generate a gas discharge (plasma) in atmospheric air requires an electric field that exceeds the breakdown threshold of ∼30 kV/cm. Because of safety, size, or cost constraints, the large applied voltages required to generate such fields are often prohibitive for portable applications. In this work, piezoelectric transformers are used to amplify a low input applied voltage (<30 V) to generate breakdown in air without the need for conventional high-voltage electrical equipment. Piezoelectric transformers (PTs) use their inherent electromechanical resonance to produce a voltage amplification, such that the surface of the piezoelectric exhibits a large surface voltage that can generate corona-like dischargesmore » on its corners or on adjacent electrodes. In the proper configuration, these discharges can be used to generate a bulk air flow called an ionic wind. In this work, PT-driven discharges are characterized by measuring the discharge current and the velocity of the induced ionic wind with ionic winds generated using input voltages as low as 7 V. The characteristics of the discharge change as the input voltage increases; this modifies the resonance of the system and subsequent required operating parameters.« less

Orbital transfer vehicle concept definition and system analysis study, 1985. Volume 5: Work breakdown structure and dictionary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, James H.; Callan, Daniel R.

1985-01-01

To establish consistency and visibility within the Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) program, a preliminary work breakdown structure (WBS) and dictionary were developed. The dictionary contains definitions of terms to be used in conjunction with the WBS so that a clear understanding of the content of the hardware, function, and cost elements may be established. The OTV WBS matrix is a two-dimensional structure which shows the interrelationship of these dimensions: the hardware elements dimension and the phase and function dimension. The dimension of time cannot be shown graphically, but must be considered. Each cost entry varies with time so that it is necessary to know these cost values by year for budget planning and approval as well as for establishing cost streams for discounting purposes in the economic analysis. While a multiple dimensional approach may at first appear complex, it actually provides benefits which outweigh any concern. This structural interrelationship provides the capability to view and analyze the OTV costs from a number of different financial and management aspects. Cost may be summed by hardware groupings, phases, or functions. The WBS may be used in a number of dimensional or single listing format applications.

Novel dielectric reduces corona breakdown in ac capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loehner, J. L.

1972-01-01

Dielectric system was developed which consists of two layers of 25-gage paper separated by one layer of 50-gage polypropylene to reduce corona breakdown in ac capacitors. System can be used in any alternating current application where constant voltage does not exceed 400 V rms. With a little research it could probably be increased to 700 to 800 V rms.

42GHz ECRH assisted Plasma Breakdown in tokamak SST-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, B. K.; Pradhan, S.; Patel, Paresh; Babu, Rajan; Patel, Jatin; Patel, Harshida; Dhorajia, Pragnesh; Tanna, V.; Atrey, P. K.; Manchanda, R.; Gupta, Manoj; Joisa, Shankar; Gupta, C. N.; Danial, Raju; Singh, Prashant; Jha, R.; Bora, D.

2015-03-01

In SST-1, 42GHz ECRH system has been commissioned to carry out breakdown and heating experiments at 0.75T and 1.5T operating toroidal magnetic fields. The 42GHz ECRH system consists of high power microwave source Gyrotron capable to deliver 500kW microwave power for 500ms duration, approximately 20 meter long transmission line and a mirror based launcher. The ECRH power in fundamental O-mode & second harmonic X-mode is launched from low field side (radial port) of the tokamak. At 0.75T operation, approximately 300 kW ECH power is launched in second harmonic X-mode and successful ECRH assisted breakdown is achieved at low loop_voltage ~ 3V. The ECRH power is launched around 45ms prior to loop voltage. The hydrogen pressure in tokamak is maintained ~ 1×10-5mbar and the pre-ionized density is ~ 4×1012/cc. At 1.5T operating toroidal magnetic field, the ECH power is launched in fundamental O-mode. The ECH power at fundamental harmonic is varied from 100 kW to 250 kW and successful breakdown is achieved in all ECRH shots. In fundamental harmonic there is no delay in breakdown while at second harmonic ~ 40ms delay is observed, which is normal in case of second harmonic ECRH assisted breakdown.

Risk Assessment Methodology Based on the NISTIR 7628 Guidelines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abercrombie, Robert K; Sheldon, Frederick T; Hauser, Katie R

2013-01-01

Earlier work describes computational models of critical infrastructure that allow an analyst to estimate the security of a system in terms of the impact of loss per stakeholder resulting from security breakdowns. Here, we consider how to identify, monitor and estimate risk impact and probability for different smart grid stakeholders. Our constructive method leverages currently available standards and defined failure scenarios. We utilize the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Interagency or Internal Reports (NISTIR) 7628 as a basis to apply Cyberspace Security Econometrics system (CSES) for comparing design principles and courses of action in making security-related decisions.

Deep space network software cost estimation model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tausworthe, R. C.

1981-01-01

A parametric software cost estimation model prepared for Deep Space Network (DSN) Data Systems implementation tasks is presented. The resource estimation model incorporates principles and data from a number of existing models. The model calibrates task magnitude and difficulty, development environment, and software technology effects through prompted responses to a set of approximately 50 questions. Parameters in the model are adjusted to fit DSN software life cycle statistics. The estimation model output scales a standard DSN Work Breakdown Structure skeleton, which is then input into a PERT/CPM system, producing a detailed schedule and resource budget for the project being planned.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Albrecht H. Mayer

Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) has completed its technology based program. The results developed under Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) 8, concentrated on technology development and demonstration have been partially implemented in newer turbine designs. A significant improvement in heat rate and power output has been demonstrated. ABB will use the knowledge gained to further improve the efficiency of its Advanced Cycle System, which has been developed and introduced into the marked out side ABB's Advanced Turbine System (ATS) activities. The technology will lead to a power plant design that meets the ATS performance goals of over 60% plant efficiency, decreased electricitymore » costs to consumers and lowest emissions.« less

Missouri work zone capacity : results of field data analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-06-01

This report presents the results of work zone field data analyzed on interstate highways in Missouri to : determine the mean breakdown and queue-discharge flow rates as measures of capacity. Several days of : traffic data collected at a work zone nea...

Missouri Work Zone Capacity : Results of Field Data Analysis

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-06-01

This report presents the results of work zone field data analyzed on interstate highways in Missouri to determine : the mean breakdown and queue-discharge flow rates as measures of capacity. Several days of traffic data : collected at a work zone nea...

Unsteady three-dimensional marginal separation, including breakdown

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duck, Peter W.

1990-01-01

A situation involving a three-dimensional marginal separation is considered, where a (steady) boundary layer flow is on the verge of separating at a point (located along a line of symmetry/centerline). At this point, a triple-deck is included, thereby permitting a small amount of interaction to occur. Unsteadiness is included within this interaction region through some external means. It is shown that the problem reduces to the solution of a nonlinear, unsteady, partial-integro system, which is solved numerically by means of time-marching together with a pseudo-spectral method spatially. A number of solutions to this system are presented which strongly suggest a breakdown of this system may occur, at a finite spatial position, at a finite time. The structure and details of this breakdown are then described.

Cost Analysis of Maintenance Programs for Pre-Positioned War Reserve Material Stock (PWRMS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-06-01

perform electronic engine diagnosis and repair, complete engine and transmission rebuilding, powertrain and suspension work, bodywork , painting, and...cost is reimbursed by N44 • Any cost of breakdown maintenance such as transmission or engine failure. • Any cost of accident repair such as bodywork ...equipment in other TOA designators (TA10, P35, etc.) or any other maintenance such as corrective, breakdown, bodywork , or SLEP. Further studies need

Breakdown Characteristics and Streaming Electrification Characteristics of Flame Retardant Silicone Oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arazoe, Satoshi; Yasuda, Koji; Okabe, Shigemitsu; Ueta, Genyo; Yanabu, Satoru

We have investigated the performance of the silicone oil as alternative oil to the mineral oil that is used as an insulation medium of the oil immersed transformer. There are various methods of evaluating the performance, we especially investigated the breakdown characteristics and the streaming electrification characteristics. In the breakdown characteristics, the insulation performance under the influence of changing the temperature, and the electrode shape was investigated. Moreover, the insulation performance in the composite insulation system that was composed of the insulation oil and the oil immersed insulator was investigated. From these results, we found that in the oil gap model, the breakdown voltage of silicone oil was lower than that of mineral oil by 15%. In contrast, in the composite insulation system, breakdown voltage of combination with silicone oil is higher than that of combination with mineral oil. In the streaming electrification characteristics, the difference of the amount of electrification under the influence of changing the kinds of solid insulators and the temperature was investigated. As a result, we found that silicone oil has the maximum of the amount of electrification at a high temperature compared with mineral oil.

A CMOS microdisplay with integrated controller utilizing improved silicon hot carrier luminescent light sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venter, Petrus J.; Alberts, Antonie C.; du Plessis, Monuko; Joubert, Trudi-Heleen; Goosen, Marius E.; Janse van Rensburg, Christo; Rademeyer, Pieter; Fauré, Nicolaas M.

2013-03-01

Microdisplay technology, the miniaturization and integration of small displays for various applications, is predominantly based on OLED and LCoS technologies. Silicon light emission from hot carrier electroluminescence has been shown to emit light visibly perceptible without the aid of any additional intensification, although the electrical to optical conversion efficiency is not as high as the technologies mentioned above. For some applications, this drawback may be traded off against the major cost advantage and superior integration opportunities offered by CMOS microdisplays using integrated silicon light sources. This work introduces an improved version of our previously published microdisplay by making use of new efficiency enhanced CMOS light emitting structures and an increased display resolution. Silicon hot carrier luminescence is often created when reverse biased pn-junctions enter the breakdown regime where impact ionization results in carrier transport across the junction. Avalanche breakdown is typically unwanted in modern CMOS processes. Design rules and process design are generally tailored to prevent breakdown, while the voltages associated with breakdown are too high to directly interact with the rest of the CMOS standard library. This work shows that it is possible to lower the operating voltage of CMOS light sources without compromising the optical output power. This results in more efficient light sources with improved interaction with other standard library components. This work proves that it is possible to create a reasonably high resolution microdisplay while integrating the active matrix controller and drivers on the same integrated circuit die without additional modifications, in a standard CMOS process.

Influence of in-situ ion-beam sputter cleaning on the conditioning effect of vacuum gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Shinichi; Kojima, Hiroyuki; Saito, Yoshio

1994-05-01

An ion beam sputtering technique was used to clean the electrode surfaces of vacuum gaps. Ions of the sputtering gas were irradiated by means of an ion gun in a vacuum chamber attached to a breakdown measurement chamber. By providing in situ ion-beam sputter cleaning, this system makes it possible to make measurements free from contamination due to exposure to the air. The sputtering gas was He or Ar, and the electrodes were made of oxygen-free copper (purity more than 99.96%). An impulse voltage with the wave form of 64/700 microsecond(s) was applied to the test gap, and the pressure in the breakdown measurement chamber at the beginning of breakdown tests was 1.3 X 10-8 Pa. These experiments showed that ion-beam sputter cleaning results in higher breakdown fields after a repetitive breakdown conditioning procedure, and that He is more effective in improving hold- off voltages after the conditioning (under the same ion current density, the breakdown field was 300 MV/m for He sputtering and 200 MV/m for Ar sputtering). The breakdown fields at the first voltage application after the sputtering cleaning, on the other hand, were not improved.

Sampling results, DNAPL monitoring well GW-729, Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Annual report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Drier, R.B.; Caldanaro, A.J.

1996-12-01

This document, Sampling Results, DNAPL Monitoring Well G W-729, Third Quarter FY 1995 through Third Quarter FY 1996, was performed under Work Breakdown Structure 1.4.12.1.1.02 (Activity Data Sheet 2312, `Bear Creek Valley`). This document provides the Environmental Restoration Program with groundwater concentrations for nonradionuclides in the vicinity of the Y-12 Burial Grounds. These data can be used to determine reference concentrations for intermediate and deep groundwater systems.

The 25 kW power module evolution study. Part 3: Conceptual design for power module evolution. Volume 6: WBS and dictionary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

Program elements of the power module (PM) system, are identified, structured, and defined according to the planned work breakdown structure. Efforts required to design, develop, manufacture, test, checkout, launch and operate a protoflight assembled 25 kW, 50 kW and 100 kW PM include the preparation and delivery of related software, government furnished equipment, space support equipment, ground support equipment, launch site verification software, orbital verification software, and all related data items.

An implementation of the look-ahead Lanczos algorithm for non-Hermitian matrices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freund, Roland W.; Gutknecht, Martin H.; Nachtigal, Noel M.

1991-01-01

The nonsymmetric Lanczos method can be used to compute eigenvalues of large sparse non-Hermitian matrices or to solve large sparse non-Hermitian linear systems. However, the original Lanczos algorithm is susceptible to possible breakdowns and potential instabilities. An implementation is presented of a look-ahead version of the Lanczos algorithm that, except for the very special situation of an incurable breakdown, overcomes these problems by skipping over those steps in which a breakdown or near-breakdown would occur in the standard process. The proposed algorithm can handle look-ahead steps of any length and requires the same number of matrix-vector products and inner products as the standard Lanczos process without look-ahead.

High Spatial Resolution Infrared Micro-Spectroscopy Reveals the Mechanism of Leaf Lignin Decomposition by Aquatic Fungi

PubMed Central

Kerr, Janice L.; Baldwin, Darren S.; Tobin, Mark J.; Puskar, Ljiljana; Kappen, Peter; Rees, Gavin N.; Silvester, Ewen

2013-01-01

Organic carbon is a critical component of aquatic systems, providing energy storage and transfer between organisms. Fungi are a major decomposer group in the aquatic carbon cycle, and are one of few groups thought to be capable of breaking down woody (lignified) tissue. In this work we have used high spatial resolution (synchrotron light source) infrared micro-spectroscopy to study the interaction between aquatic fungi and lignified leaf vein material (xylem) from River Redgum trees (E. camaldulensis) endemic to the lowland rivers of South-Eastern Australia. The work provides spatially explicit evidence that fungal colonisation of leaf litter involves the oxidative breakdown of lignin immediately adjacent to the fungal tissue and depletion of the lignin-bound cellulose. Cellulose depletion occurs over relatively short length scales (5–15 µm) and highlights the likely importance of mechanical breakdown in accessing the carbohydrate content of this resource. Low bioavailability compounds (oxidized lignin and polyphenols of plant origin) remain in colonised leaves, even after fungal activity diminishes, and suggests a possible pathway for the sequestration of carbon in wetlands. The work shows that fungi likely have a critical role in the partitioning of lignified material into a biodegradable fraction that can re-enter the aquatic carbon cycle, and a recalcitrant fraction that enters long-term storage in sediments or contribute to the formation of dissolved organic carbon in the water column. PMID:23577169

NSP-Dependent Simple Nitrile Formation Dominates upon Breakdown of Major Aliphatic Glucosinolates in Roots, Seeds, and Seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia-0.

PubMed

Wittstock, Ute; Meier, Kathrin; Dörr, Friederike; Ravindran, Beena M

2016-01-01

One of the best-studied plant defense systems, the glucosinolate-myrosinase system of the Brassicales, is composed of thioglucosides known as glucosinolates and their hydrolytic enzymes, the myrosinases. Tissue disruption brings these components together, and bioactive products are formed as a consequence of myrosinase-catalyzed glucosinolate hydrolysis. Among these products, isothiocyanates have attracted most interest as chemical plant defenses against herbivores and pathogens and health-promoting compounds in the human diet. Previous research has identified specifier proteins whose presence results in the formation of alternative product types, e.g., nitriles, at the expense of isothiocyanates. The biological roles of specifier proteins and alternative breakdown products are poorly understood. Here, we assessed glucosinolate breakdown product profiles obtained upon maceration of roots, seedlings and seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia-0. We identified simple nitriles as the predominant breakdown products of the major endogenous aliphatic glucosinolates in root, seed, and seedling homogenates. In agreement with this finding, genes encoding nitrile-specifier proteins (NSPs) are expressed in roots, seeds, and seedlings. Analysis of glucosinolate breakdown in mutants with T-DNA insertions in any of the five NSP genes demonstrated, that simple nitrile formation upon tissue disruption depended almost entirely on NSP2 in seeds and mainly on NSP1 in seedlings. In roots, about 70-80% of the nitrile-forming activity was due to NSP1 and NSP3 . Thus, glucosinolate breakdown product profiles are organ-specifically regulated in A. thaliana Col-0, and high proportions of simple nitriles are formed in some parts of the plant. This should be considered in future studies on biological roles of the glucosinolate-myrosinase system.

NSP-Dependent Simple Nitrile Formation Dominates upon Breakdown of Major Aliphatic Glucosinolates in Roots, Seeds, and Seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia-0

PubMed Central

Wittstock, Ute; Meier, Kathrin; Dörr, Friederike; Ravindran, Beena M.

2016-01-01

One of the best-studied plant defense systems, the glucosinolate-myrosinase system of the Brassicales, is composed of thioglucosides known as glucosinolates and their hydrolytic enzymes, the myrosinases. Tissue disruption brings these components together, and bioactive products are formed as a consequence of myrosinase-catalyzed glucosinolate hydrolysis. Among these products, isothiocyanates have attracted most interest as chemical plant defenses against herbivores and pathogens and health-promoting compounds in the human diet. Previous research has identified specifier proteins whose presence results in the formation of alternative product types, e.g., nitriles, at the expense of isothiocyanates. The biological roles of specifier proteins and alternative breakdown products are poorly understood. Here, we assessed glucosinolate breakdown product profiles obtained upon maceration of roots, seedlings and seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia-0. We identified simple nitriles as the predominant breakdown products of the major endogenous aliphatic glucosinolates in root, seed, and seedling homogenates. In agreement with this finding, genes encoding nitrile-specifier proteins (NSPs) are expressed in roots, seeds, and seedlings. Analysis of glucosinolate breakdown in mutants with T-DNA insertions in any of the five NSP genes demonstrated, that simple nitrile formation upon tissue disruption depended almost entirely on NSP2 in seeds and mainly on NSP1 in seedlings. In roots, about 70–80% of the nitrile-forming activity was due to NSP1 and NSP3. Thus, glucosinolate breakdown product profiles are organ-specifically regulated in A. thaliana Col-0, and high proportions of simple nitriles are formed in some parts of the plant. This should be considered in future studies on biological roles of the glucosinolate-myrosinase system. PMID:27990154

Observations of narrow bipolar events reveal how lightning is initiated in thunderstorms

PubMed Central

Rison, William; Krehbiel, Paul R.; Stock, Michael G.; Edens, Harald E.; Shao, Xuan-Min; Thomas, Ronald J.; Stanley, Mark A.; Zhang, Yang

2016-01-01

A long-standing but fundamental question in lightning studies concerns how lightning is initiated inside storms, given the absence of physical conductors. The issue has revolved around the question of whether the discharges are initiated solely by conventional dielectric breakdown or involve relativistic runaway electron processes. Here we report observations of a relatively unknown type of discharge, called fast positive breakdown, that is the cause of high-power discharges known as narrow bipolar events. The breakdown is found to have a wide range of strengths and is the initiating event of numerous lightning discharges. It appears to be purely dielectric in nature and to consist of a system of positive streamers in a locally intense electric field region. It initiates negative breakdown at the starting location of the streamers, which leads to the ensuing flash. The observations show that many or possibly all lightning flashes are initiated by fast positive breakdown. PMID:26876654

Observations of narrow bipolar events reveal how lightning is initiated in thunderstorms.

PubMed

Rison, William; Krehbiel, Paul R; Stock, Michael G; Edens, Harald E; Shao, Xuan-Min; Thomas, Ronald J; Stanley, Mark A; Zhang, Yang

2016-02-15

A long-standing but fundamental question in lightning studies concerns how lightning is initiated inside storms, given the absence of physical conductors. The issue has revolved around the question of whether the discharges are initiated solely by conventional dielectric breakdown or involve relativistic runaway electron processes. Here we report observations of a relatively unknown type of discharge, called fast positive breakdown, that is the cause of high-power discharges known as narrow bipolar events. The breakdown is found to have a wide range of strengths and is the initiating event of numerous lightning discharges. It appears to be purely dielectric in nature and to consist of a system of positive streamers in a locally intense electric field region. It initiates negative breakdown at the starting location of the streamers, which leads to the ensuing flash. The observations show that many or possibly all lightning flashes are initiated by fast positive breakdown.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rison, William; Krehbiel, Paul R.; Stock, Michael G.

A long-standing but fundamental question in lightning studies concerns how lightning is initiated inside storms, given the absence of physical conductors. The issue has revolved around the question of whether the discharges are initiated solely by conventional dielectric breakdown or involve relativistic runaway electron processes. Here we report observations of a relatively unknown type of discharge, called fast positive breakdown, that is the cause of high-power discharges known as narrow bipolar events. We find that the breakdown has a wide range of strengths and is the initiating event of numerous lightning discharges. It appears to be purely dielectric in naturemore » and to consist of a system of positive streamers in a locally intense electric field region. It initiates negative breakdown at the starting location of the streamers, which leads to the ensuing flash. The observations show that many or possibly all lightning flashes are initiated by fast positive breakdown.« less

Incorporating ideas from computer-supported cooperative work.

PubMed

Pratt, Wanda; Reddy, Madhu C; McDonald, David W; Tarczy-Hornoch, Peter; Gennari, John H

2004-04-01

Many information systems have failed when deployed into complex health-care settings. We believe that one cause of these failures is the difficulty in systematically accounting for the collaborative and exception-filled nature of medical work. In this methodological review paper, we highlight research from the field of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) that could help biomedical informaticists recognize and design around the kinds of challenges that lead to unanticipated breakdowns and eventual abandonment of their systems. The field of CSCW studies how people collaborate with each other and the role that technology plays in this collaboration for a wide variety of organizational settings. Thus, biomedical informaticists could benefit from the lessons learned by CSCW researchers. In this paper, we provide a focused review of CSCW methods and ideas-we review aspects of the field that could be applied to improve the design and deployment of medical information systems. To make our discussion concrete, we use electronic medical record systems as an example medical information system, and present three specific principles from CSCW: accounting for incentive structures, understanding workflow, and incorporating awareness.

Workload management and geographic disorientation in aviation incidents: A review of the ASRS data base

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Henry P.; Tham, Mingpo; Wickens, Christopher D.

1993-01-01

NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) incident reports are reviewed in two related areas: pilots' failures to appropriately manage tasks, and breakdowns in geographic orientation. Examination of 51 relevant reports on task management breakdowns revealed that altitude busts and inappropriate runway usee were the most frequently reported consequences. Task management breakdowns appeared to occur at all levels of expertise, and prominent causal factors were related to breakdowns in crew communications, over-involvement with the flight management system and, for small (general aviation) aircraft, preoccupation with weather. Analysis of the 83 cases of geographic disorientation suggested that these too occurred at all levels of pilot experience. With regard to causal factors, a majority was related to poor cockpit resource management, in which inattention led to a loss of geographic awareness. Other leading causes were related to poor weather and poor decision making. The potential of the ASRS database for contributing to research and design issues is addressed.

Electrical breakdown and nanogap formation of indium oxide core/shell heterostructure nanowires.

PubMed

Jung, Minkyung; Song, Woon; Sung Lee, Joon; Kim, Nam; Kim, Jinhee; Park, Jeunghee; Lee, Hyoyoung; Hirakawa, Kazuhiko

2008-12-10

We report the electrical breakdown behavior and subsequent nanogap formation of In(2)O(3)/InO(x) core/shell heterostructure nanowires with substrate-supported and suspended structures. The radial heterostructure nanowires, composed of crystalline In(2)O(3) cores and amorphous In-rich shells, are grown by chemical vapor deposition. As the nanowires broke down, they exhibited two distinct current drops in the current-voltage characteristics. The tips of the broken nanowires were found to have a cone or a volcano shape depending on the width of the nanowire. The shape, the size, and the position of the nanogap depend strongly on the device structure and the nanowire dimensions. The substrate-supported and the suspended devices exhibit distinct breakdown behavior which can be explained by the diffusive thermal transport model. The breakdown temperature of the nanowire is estimated to be about 450 K, close to the melting temperature of indium. We demonstrated the usefulness of this technique by successful fabrication of working pentacene field-effect transistors.

Analysis of copper contamination in transformer insulating material with nanosecond- and femtosecond-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aparna, N.; Vasa, N. J.; Sarathi, R.

2018-06-01

This work examines the oil-impregnated pressboard insulation of high-voltage power transformers, for the determination of copper contamination. Nanosecond- and femtosecond-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy revealed atomic copper lines and molecular copper monoxide bands due to copper sulphide diffusion. X-ray diffraction studies also indicated the presence of CuO emission. Elemental and molecular mapping compared transformer insulating material ageing in different media—air, N2, He and vacuum.

Detection of beryllium by laser-induced-breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radziemski, Leon J.; Cremers, David A.; Loree, Thomas R.

Using the new technique of laser-induced-breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) a limit of detection was measured for beryllium in air of 0.5 ng/g ( w/w), which is one-third of the OSHA limit for the 8-h average exposure to beryllium. Approximately linear working curves were obtained over the concentration range 0.5 to 2 × 10 4 ng g -1. The potential application of this technique to a beryllium monitoring instrument is discussed.

Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers for High Breakdown Strength Polymer Film Capacitors.

PubMed

Samant, Saumil P; Grabowski, Christopher A; Kisslinger, Kim; Yager, Kevin G; Yuan, Guangcui; Satija, Sushil K; Durstock, Michael F; Raghavan, Dharmaraj; Karim, Alamgir

2016-03-01

Emerging needs for fast charge/discharge yet high-power, lightweight, and flexible electronics requires the use of polymer-film-based solid-state capacitors with high energy densities. Fast charge/discharge rates of film capacitors on the order of microseconds are not achievable with slower charging conventional batteries, supercapacitors and related hybrid technologies. However, the current energy densities of polymer film capacitors fall short of rising demand, and could be significantly enhanced by increasing the breakdown strength (EBD) and dielectric permittivity (εr) of the polymer films. Co-extruded two-homopolymer component multilayered films have demonstrated much promise in this regard showing higher EBD over that of component polymers. Multilayered films can also help incorporate functional features besides energy storage, such as enhanced optical, mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. In this work, we report accomplishing multilayer, multicomponent block copolymer dielectric films (BCDF) with soft-shear driven highly oriented self-assembled lamellar diblock copolymers (BCP) as a novel application of this important class of self-assembling materials. Results of a model PS-b-PMMA system show ∼50% enhancement in EBD of self-assembled multilayer lamellar BCP films compared to unordered as-cast films, indicating that the breakdown is highly sensitive to the nanostructure of the BCP. The enhancement in EBD is attributed to the "barrier effect", where the multiple interfaces between the lamellae block components act as barriers to the dielectric breakdown through the film. The increase in EBD corresponds to more than doubling the energy storage capacity using a straightforward directed self-assembly strategy. This approach opens a new nanomaterial paradigm for designing high energy density dielectric materials.

Directed self-assembly of block copolymers for high breakdown strength polymer film capacitors

DOE PAGES

Samant, Saumil P.; Grabowski, Christopher A.; Kisslinger, Kim; ...

2016-03-04

Emerging needs for fast charge/discharge yet high-power, lightweight, and flexible electronics requires the use of polymer-film-based solid-state capacitors with high energy densities. Fast charge/discharge rates of film capacitors on the order of microseconds are not achievable with slower charging conventional batteries, supercapacitors and related hybrid technologies. However, the current energy densities of polymer film capacitors fall short of rising demand, and could be significantly enhanced by increasing the breakdown strength (E BD) and dielectric permittivity (ε r) of the polymer films. Co-extruded two-homopolymer component multilayered films have demonstrated much promise in this regard showing higher E BD over that ofmore » component polymers. Multilayered films can also help incorporate functional features besides energy storage, such as enhanced optical, mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. In this work, we report accomplishing multilayer, multicomponent block copolymer dielectric films (BCDF) with soft-shear driven highly oriented self-assembled lamellar diblock copolymers (BCP) as a novel application of this important class of self-assembling materials. Results of a model PS- b-PMMA system show ~50% enhancement in E BD of self-assembled multilayer lamellar BCP films compared to unordered as-cast films, indicating that the breakdown is highly sensitive to the nanostructure of the BCP. The enhancement in E BD is attributed to the “barrier effect”, where the multiple interfaces between the lamellae block components act as barriers to the dielectric breakdown through the film. The increase in E BD corresponds to more than doubling the energy storage capacity using a straightforward directed self-assembly strategy. Lastly, this approach opens a new nanomaterial paradigm for designing high energy density dielectric materials.« less

Mass spectra of neutral particles released during electrical breakdown of thin polymer films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kendall, B. R. F.

1985-01-01

A special type of time-of-flight mass spectrometer triggered from the breakdown event was developed to study the composition of the neutral particle flux released during the electrical breakdown of polymer films problem. Charge is fed onto a metal-backed polymer surface by a movable smooth platinum contact. A slowly increasing potential from a high-impedance source is applied to the contact until breakdown occurs. The breakdown characteristics is made similar to those produced by an electron beam charging system operating at similar potentials. The apparatus showed that intense instantaneous fluxes of neutral particles are released from the sites of breakdown events. For Teflon FEP films of 50 and 75 microns thickness the material released consists almost entirely of fluorocarbon fragments, some of them having masses greater than 350 atomic mass units amu, while the material released from a 50 micron Kapton film consists mainly of light hydrocarbons with masses at or below 44 amu, with additional carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The apparatus is modified to allow electron beam charging of the samples.

Early-\\x90stage Electrical Breakdown involving Tunneling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hjalmarson, Harold; Moore, Chris; Schultz, Peter; Bussman, Ezra; Scrymgeour, David; Hopkins, Matt

The early stage of electrical breakdown from a surface is assumed to involve field emission. In real-world applications, the electrical field is often assumed to be increased by geometrical effects. In addition to these enhancement effects, contamination by adsorbates can lead to reductions in the effective work functions. To develop a physics-based understanding beyond the use of these empirical effects, the field emission currents at early times are being computed and measured. The calculations involve a solution of the Boltzmann equation, and the measurements involve a scanning tunneling microscope. Early results from this collaborative theoretical-experimental project will be described in this presentation. The presentation will focus on results for an ideal system with an absence of geometrical effects. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Producer-retailer integrated EMQ system with machine breakdown, rework failures, and a discontinuous inventory issuing policy.

PubMed

Chiu, Singa Wang; Chen, Shin-Wei; Chiu, Yuan-Shyi Peter; Li, Ting-Wei

2016-01-01

This study develops two extended economic manufacturing quantity (EMQ)-based models with a discontinuous product issuing policy, random machine breakdown, and rework failures. Various real conditions in production processes, end-product delivery, and intra-supply chains such as a producer-retailer integrated scheme are examined. The first model incorporates a discontinuous multi-delivery policy into a prior work (Chiu et al. in Proc Inst Mech Eng B J Eng 223:183-194, 2009) in lieu of their continuous policy. Such an enhanced model can address situations in supply chain environments, where finished products are transported to outside retail stores (or customers). The second model further combines retailer's stock holding costs into the first model. This extended EMQ model is applicable in situations in present-day manufacturing firms where finished products are distributed to company's own retail stores (or regional sales offices) and stocked there for sale. Two aforementioned extended EMQ models are investigated, respectively. Mathematical modeling along with iterative algorithms are employed to derive the optimal production run times that minimize the expected total system costs, including the costs incurred in production units, transportation, and retail stores, for these integrated EMQ systems. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the practical application of the research results.

Hyperammonemic encephalopathy due to suture line breakdown after bladder operation.

PubMed

Boogerd, W; Zoetmulder, F A; Moffie, D

1990-01-01

A patient is described with a severe encephalopathy and hyperammonemia in absence of liver dysfunction, attributed to urine absorption into the systemic circulation due to suture line breakdown after bladder dome resection. At autopsy characteristic Alzheimer type II astrocytes were found in the basal ganglia.

Preliminary study on detection sediment contamination in soil affected by the Indian Ocean giant tsunami 2004 in Aceh, Indonesia using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Idris, Nasrullah, E-mail: nasrullah.idris@unsyiah.ac.id; Ramli, Muliadi; Hedwig, Rinda

This work is intended to asses the capability of LIBS for the detection of the tsunami sediment contamination in soil. LIBS apparatus used in this work consist of a laser system and an optical multichannel analyzer (OMA) system. The soil sample was collected from in Banda Aceh City, Aceh, Indonesia, the most affected region by the giant Indian Ocean tsunami 2004. The laser beam was focused onto surface of the soil pellet using a focusing lens to produce luminous plasma. The experiment was conducted under air as surrounding gas at 1 atmosphere. The emission spectral lines from the plasma weremore » detected by the OMA system. It was found that metal including heavy metals can surely be detected, thus implying the potent of LIBS technique as a fast screening tools of tsunami sediment contamination.« less

Effect of the surface roughness on interfacial breakdown between two dielectric surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fournier, D.

1996-12-31

Cable splices and accessories are the weak link in an underground power distribution system. Investigations of problems related to cable splices and accessories becomes quite intricate once the simpler causes of failures are dismissed to allow more complex phenomena to be examined. The interfacial breakdown between two internal dielectric surfaces represents one of the major causes of failure for power cable joints. In order to better understand this phenomenon, breakdown experiments were performed at interfaces found in cable splices. An experimental jig was designed to induce breakdown between dielectric surfaces longitudinally along their interface. Effects of surface roughness at EPDM/XLPEmore » and EPDM/EPDM interfaces as well as the presence of silicone grease are taken into account.« less

A Tesla-type repetitive nanosecond pulse generator for solid dielectric breakdown research.

PubMed

Zhao, Liang; Pan, Ya Feng; Su, Jian Cang; Zhang, Xi Bo; Wang, Li Min; Fang, Jin Peng; Sun, Xu; Lui, Rui

2013-10-01

A Tesla-type repetitive nanosecond pulse generator including a pair of electrode and a matched absorption resistor is established for the application of solid dielectric breakdown research. As major components, a built-in Tesla transformer and a gas-gap switch are designed to boost and shape the output pulse, respectively; the electrode is to form the anticipated electric field; the resistor is parallel to the electrode to absorb the reflected energy from the test sample. The parameters of the generator are a pulse width of 10 ns, a rise and fall time of 3 ns, and a maximum amplitude of 300 kV. By modifying the primary circuit of the Tesla transformer, the generator can produce both positive and negative pulses at a repetition rate of 1-50 Hz. In addition, a real-time measurement and control system is established based on the solid dielectric breakdown requirements for this generator. With this system, experiments on test samples made of common insulation materials in pulsed power systems are conducted. The preliminary experimental results show that the constructed generator is capable to research the solid dielectric breakdown phenomenon on a nanosecond time scale.

Study of Bulk and Elementary Screw Dislocation Assisted Reverse Breakdown in Low-Voltage (less than 250 V) 4H-SiC p(+)n Junction diodes. Part 1; DC Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G.; Huang, Wei; Dudley, Michael

1998-01-01

Given the high density (approx. 10(exp 4)/sq cm) of elementary screw dislocations (Burgers vector = 1c with no hollow core) in commercial SiC wafers and epilayers, all appreciable current (greater than 1 A) SiC power devices will likely contain elementary screw dislocations for the foreseeable future. It is therefore important to ascertain the electrical impact of these defects, particularly in high-field vertical power device topologies where SiC is expected to enable large performance improvements in solid-state high-power systems. This paper compares the DC-measured reverse-breakdown characteristics of low-voltage (less than 250 V) small-area (less than 5 x 10(exp -4)/sq cm) 4H-SiC p(+)n diodes with and without elementary screw dislocations. Compared to screw dislocation-free devices, diodes containing elementary screw dislocations exhibited higher pre-breakdown reverse leakage currents, softer reverse breakdown I-V knees, and highly localized microplasmic breakdown current filaments. The observed localized 4H-SiC breakdown parallels microplasmic breakdowns observed in silicon and other semiconductors, in which space-charge effects limit current conduction through the local microplasma as reverse bias is increased.

Study of Bulk and Elementary Screw Dislocation Assisted Reverse Breakdown in Low-Voltage (<250 V) 4H-SiC p+n Junction Diodes - Part 1: DC Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G.; Huang, Wei; Dudley, Michael

1999-01-01

Given the high density (approx. 10(exp 4)/sq cm) of elementary screw dislocations (Burgers vector = lc with no hollow core) in commercial SiC wafers and epilayers, all appreciable current (greater than 1 A) SiC power devices will likely contain elementary screw dislocations for the foreseeable future. It is therefore important to ascertain the electrical impact of these defects, particularly in high-field vertical power device topologies where SiC is expected to enable large performance improvements in solid-state high-power systems. This paper compares the DC-measured reverse-breakdown characteristics of low-voltage (less than 250 V) small-area (less than 5 x 10(exp -4) sq cm) 4H-SiC p(+)n diodes with and without elementary screw dislocations. Compared to screw dislocation-free devices, diodes containing elementary screw dislocations exhibited higher pre-breakdown reverse leakage currents, softer reverse breakdown I-V knees, and highly localized microplasmic breakdown current filaments. The observed localized 4H-SiC breakdown parallels microplasmic breakdowns observed in silicon and other semiconductors, in which space-charge effects limit current conduction through the local microplasma as reverse bias is increased.

Technique for the comparison of light spectra from natural and laboratory generated lightning current arcs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchard, D.; Clark, D.; Carr, D.; Haddad, A.

2016-08-01

A technique was developed for the comparison of observed emission spectra from lightning current arcs generated through self-breakdown in air and the use of two types of initiation wire, aluminum bronze and nichrome, against previously published spectra of natural lightning events. A spectrograph system was used in which the wavelength of light emitted by the lightning arc was analyzed to derive elemental interactions. A lightning impulse of up to 100 kA was applied to a two hemispherical tungsten electrode configuration which allowed the effect of the lightning current and lightning arc length to be investigated. A natural lightning reference spectrum was reconstructed from literature, and generated lightning spectra were obtained from self-breakdown across a 14.0 mm air gap and triggered along initiation wires of length up to 72.4 mm. A comparison of the spectra showed that the generated lightning arc induced via self-breakdown produced a very similar spectrum to that of natural lightning, with the addition of only a few lines from the tungsten electrodes. A comparison of the results from the aluminum bronze initiation wire showed several more lines, whereas results from the nichrome initiation wire differed greatly across large parts of the spectrum. This work highlights the potential use for spectrographic techniques in the study of lightning interactions with surrounding media and materials, and in natural phenomena such as recently observed ball lightning.

Altitude deviations: Breakdowns of an error-tolerant system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Everett A.; Hutchins, Edwin L.; Ritter, Richard D.; Vancleemput, Inge

1993-01-01

Pilot reports of aviation incidents to the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) provide a window on the problems occurring in today's airline cockpits. The narratives of 10 pilot reports of errors made in the automation-assisted altitude-change task are used to illustrate some of the issues of pilots interacting with automatic systems. These narratives are then used to construct a description of the cockpit as an information processing system. The analysis concentrates on the error-tolerant properties of the system and on how breakdowns can occasionally occur. An error-tolerant system can detect and correct its internal processing errors. The cockpit system consists of two or three pilots supported by autoflight, flight-management, and alerting systems. These humans and machines have distributed access to clearance information and perform redundant processing of information. Errors can be detected as deviations from either expected behavior or as deviations from expected information. Breakdowns in this system can occur when the checking and cross-checking tasks that give the system its error-tolerant properties are not performed because of distractions or other task demands. Recommendations based on the analysis for improving the error tolerance of the cockpit system are given.

Significantly Elevated Dielectric and Energy Storage Traits in Boron Nitride Filled Polymer Nano-composites with Topological Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Yefeng; Zhang, Jianxiong; Hu, Jianbing; Li, Shichun; Peng, Cheng

2018-03-01

Interface induced polarization has a prominent influence on dielectric properties of 0-3 type polymer based composites containing Si-based semi-conductors. The disadvantages of composites were higher dielectric loss, lower breakdown strength and energy storage density, although higher permittivity was achieved. In this work, dielectric, conductive, breakdown and energy storage properties of four nano-composites have been researched. Based on the cooperation of fluoropolymer/alpha-SiC layer and fluoropolymer/hexagonal-BN layer, it was confirmed constructing the heterogeneous layer-by-layer composite structure rather than homogeneous mono-layer structure could significantly reduce dielectric loss, promote breakdown strength and increase energy storage density. The former worked for a larger dielectric response and the latter layer acted as a robust barrier of charge carrier transfer. The best nano-composite could possess a permittivity of 43@100 Hz ( 3.3 times of polymer), loss of 0.07@100 Hz ( 37% of polymer), discharged energy density of 2.23 J/cm3@249 kV/cm ( 10 times of polymer) and discharged energy efficiency of 54%@249 kV/cm ( 5 times of polymer). This work might enlighten a facile route to achieve the promising high energy storage composite dielectrics by constructing the layer-by-layer topological structure.

Space Research and Technology Program: Program and specific objectives, document approval

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A detailed view of the Space Research and Technology program work breakdown structure is provided down to the specific objective level. Goals or objectives at each of these levels are set forth. The specific objective narratives are structured into several parts. First, a short paragraph statement of the specific objective is given. This is followed by a list of subobjectives. A list of targets is then provided for those areas of the specific objective that are amenable to a quantitative description of technical accomplishment and schedule. Fluid and thermal physics, materials and structures, computer science and electronics, space energy conversion, multidisciplinary research, controls and human factors, chemical propulsion, spacecraft systems, transportation systems, platform systems, and spacecraft systems technology comprise the principal research programs.

Relative spectral response calibration using Ti plasma lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, FEI; Congyuan, PAN; Qiang, ZENG; Qiuping, WANG; Xuewei, DU

2018-04-01

This work introduces the branching ratio (BR) method for determining relative spectral responses, which are needed routinely in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Neutral and singly ionized Ti lines in the 250–498 nm spectral range are investigated by measuring laser-induced micro plasma near a Ti plate and used to calculate the relative spectral response of an entire LIBS detection system. The results are compared with those of the conventional relative spectral response calibration method using a tungsten halogen lamp, and certain lines available for the BR method are selected. The study supports the common manner of using BRs to calibrate the detection system in LIBS setups.

Effects of punishment in a mobile population playing the prisoner's dilemma game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amor, Daniel R.; Fort, Joaquim

2011-12-01

We deal with a system of prisoner's dilemma players undergoing continuous motion in a two-dimensional plane. In contrast to previous work, we introduce altruistic punishment after the game. We find punishing only a few of the cooperator-defector interactions is enough to lead the system to a cooperative state in environments where otherwise defection would take over the population. This happens even with soft nonsocial punishment (where both cooperators and defectors punish other players, a behavior observed in many human populations). For high enough mobilities or temptations to defect, low rates of social punishment can no longer avoid the breakdown of cooperation.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for specimen analysis

DOEpatents

Kumar, Akshaya; Yu-Yueh, Fang; Burgess, Shane C.; Singh, Jagdish P.

2006-08-15

The present invention is directed to an apparatus, a system and a method for detecting the presence or absence of trace elements in a biological sample using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy. The trace elements are used to develop a signature profile which is analyzed directly or compared with the known profile of a standard. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus, system and method are used to detect malignant cancer cells in vivo.

A Family of Vortices to Study Axisymmetric Vortex Breakdown and Reconnection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Larry A.

2007-01-01

A new analytic model describing a family of vortices has been developed to study some of the axisymmetric vortex breakdown and reconnection fluid dynamic processes underlying body-vortex interactions that are frequently manifested in rotorcraft and propeller-driven fixed-wing aircraft wakes. The family of vortices incorporates a wide range of prescribed initial vorticity distributions -- including single or dual-core vorticity distributions. The result is analytical solutions for the vorticity and velocities for each member of the family of vortices. This model is of sufficient generality to further illustrate the dependence of vortex reconnection and breakdown on initial vorticity distribution as was suggested by earlier analytical work. This family of vortices, though laminar in nature, is anticipated to provide valuable insight into the vortical evolution of large-scale rotor and propeller wakes.

Automated qualification and analysis of protective spark gaps for DC accelerators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Banerjee, Srutarshi; Rajan, Rehim N.; Dewangan, S.

2014-07-01

Protective spark gaps are used in the high voltage multiplier column of a 3 MeV DC Accelerator to prevent excessive voltage build-ups. Precise gap of 5 mm is maintained between the electrodes in these spark gaps for obtaining 120 kV± 5 kV in 6 kg/cm{sup 2} SF{sub 6} environment which is the dielectric medium. There are 74 such spark gaps used in the multiplier. Each spark gap has to be qualified for electrical performance before fitting in the accelerator to ensure reliable operation. As the breakdown voltage stabilizes after a large number of sparks between the electrodes, the qualification processmore » becomes time consuming and cumbersome. For qualifying large number of spark gaps an automatic breakdown analysis setup has been developed. This setup operates in air, a dielectric medium. The setup consists of a flyback topology based high voltage power supply with maximum rating of 25 kV. This setup works in conjunction with spark detection and automated shutdown circuit. The breakdown voltage is sensed using a peak detector circuit. The voltage breakdown data is recorded and statistical distribution of the breakdown voltage has been analyzed. This paper describes details of the diagnostics and the spark gap qualification process based on the experimental data. (author)« less

Observations of narrow bipolar events reveal how lightning is initiated in thunderstorms

DOE PAGES

Rison, William; Krehbiel, Paul R.; Stock, Michael G.; ...

2016-02-15

A long-standing but fundamental question in lightning studies concerns how lightning is initiated inside storms, given the absence of physical conductors. The issue has revolved around the question of whether the discharges are initiated solely by conventional dielectric breakdown or involve relativistic runaway electron processes. Here we report observations of a relatively unknown type of discharge, called fast positive breakdown, that is the cause of high-power discharges known as narrow bipolar events. We find that the breakdown has a wide range of strengths and is the initiating event of numerous lightning discharges. It appears to be purely dielectric in naturemore » and to consist of a system of positive streamers in a locally intense electric field region. It initiates negative breakdown at the starting location of the streamers, which leads to the ensuing flash. The observations show that many or possibly all lightning flashes are initiated by fast positive breakdown.« less

Dielectric breakdown strength of magnetic nanofluid based on insulation oil after impulse test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazari, M.; Rasoulifard, M. H.; Hosseini, H.

2016-02-01

In this study, the dielectric breakdown strength of magnetic nanofluids based on transformer mineral oil for use in power systems is reviewed. Nano oil samples are obtained from dispersion of the magnetic nanofluid within uninhibited transformer mineral oil NYTRO LIBRA as the base fluid. AC dielectric breakdown voltage measurement was carried out according to IEC 60156 standard and the lightning impulse breakdown voltage was obtained by using the sphere-sphere electrodes in an experimental setup for nano oil in volume concentration of 0.1-0.6%. Results indicate improved AC and lightning impulse breakdown voltage of nano oil compared to the base oil. AC test was performed again after applying impulse current and result showed that nano oil unlike the base oil retains its dielectric properties. Increase the dielectric strength of the nano oil is mainly due to dielectric and magnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles that act as free electrons snapper, and reduce the rate of free electrons in the ionization process.

Recursive Joins to Query Data Hierarchies in Microsoft Access

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dadashzadeh, Mohammad

2007-01-01

Organizational charts (departments, sub-departments, sub-sub-departments, and so on), project work breakdown structures (tasks, subtasks, work packages, etc.), discussion forums (posting, response, response to response, etc.), family trees (parent, child, grandchild, etc.), manufacturing bill-of-material, product classifications, and document…

Acoustic emission and magnification of atomic lines resolution for laser breakdown of salt water in ultrasound field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bulanov, Alexey V., E-mail: a-bulanov@me.com; V.I. Il’ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Vladivostok, Russia 690041; Nagorny, Ivan G., E-mail: ngrn@mail.ru

Researches of the acoustic effects accompanying optical breakdown in a water, generated by the focused laser radiation with power ultrasound have been carried out. Experiments were performed by using 532 nm pulses from Brilliant B Nd:YAG laser. Acoustic radiation was produced by acoustic focusing systems in the form hemisphere and ring by various resonance frequencies of 10.7 kHz and 60 kHz. The experimental results are obtained, that show the sharply strengthens effects of acoustic emission from a breakdown zone by the joint influence of a laser and ultrasonic irradiation. Essentially various thresholds of breakdown and character of acoustic emission inmore » fresh and sea water are found out. The experimental result is established, testifying that acoustic emission of optical breakdown of sea water at presence and at absence of ultrasound essentially exceeds acoustic emission in fresh water. Atomic lines of some chemical elements like a Sodium, Magnesium and so on were investigated for laser breakdown of water with ultrasound field. The effect of magnification of this lines resolution for salt water in ultrasound field was obtained.« less

Note: Tesla based pulse generator for electrical breakdown study of liquid dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veda Prakash, G.; Kumar, R.; Patel, J.; Saurabh, K.; Shyam, A.

2013-12-01

In the process of studying charge holding capability and delay time for breakdown in liquids under nanosecond (ns) time scales, a Tesla based pulse generator has been developed. Pulse generator is a combination of Tesla transformer, pulse forming line, a fast closing switch, and test chamber. Use of Tesla transformer over conventional Marx generators makes the pulse generator very compact, cost effective, and requires less maintenance. The system has been designed and developed to deliver maximum output voltage of 300 kV and rise time of the order of tens of nanoseconds. The paper deals with the system design parameters, breakdown test procedure, and various experimental results. To validate the pulse generator performance, experimental results have been compared with PSPICE simulation software and are in good agreement with simulation results.

Collegial relationship breakdown: a qualitative exploration of nurses in acute care settings.

PubMed

Cowin, Leanne S

2013-01-01

Poor collegial relations can cause communication breakdown, staff attrition and difficulties attracting new nursing staff. Underestimating the potential power of nursing team relationships means that opportunities to create better working environments and increase the quality of nursing care can be missed. Previous research on improving collegiality indicates that professionalism and work satisfaction increases and that staff attrition decreases. This study explores challenges, strengths and strategies used in nursing team communication in order to build collegial relationships. A qualitative approach was employed to gather nurses experiences and discussion of communication within their nursing teams and a constant comparison method was utilised for data analysis. A convenience sampling technique was employed to access both Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses to partake in six focus groups. Thirty mostly female nurses (ratio of 5:1) participated in the study. Inclusion criteria consisted of being a nurse currently working in acute care settings and the exclusion criteria included nursing staff currently working in closed specialty units (i.e. intensive care units). Results revealed three main themes: (1) externalisation and internalisation of nursing team communication breakdown, (2) the importance of collegiality for retention of nurses and (3) loss of respect, and civility across the healthcare workplace. A clear division between hierarchies of nurses was apparent in how nursing team communication was delivered and managed. Open, respectful and collegial communication is essential in today's dynamic and complex health environments. The nurses in this study highlighted how important nursing communication can be to work motivation and how leadership fosters teamwork.

Fabrication and testing of a standoff trace explosives detection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waterbury, Robert; Rose, Jeremy; Vunck, Darius; Blank, Thomas; Pohl, Ken; Ford, Alan; McVay, Troy; Dottery, Ed

2011-05-01

In order to stop the transportation of materials used for IED manufacture, a standoff checkpoint explosives detection system (CPEDS) has recently been fabricated. The system incorporates multi-wavelength Raman spectroscopy and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) modalities with a LIBS enhancement technique called TEPS to be added later into a single unit for trace detection of explosives at military checkpoints. Newly developed spectrometers and other required sensors all integrated with a custom graphical user interface for producing simplified, real-time detection results are also included in the system. All equipment is housed in a military ruggedized shelter for potential deployment intheater for signature collection. Laboratory and performance data, as well as the construction of the CPEDS system and its potential deployment capabilities, will be presented in the current work.

Toward a Mandatory Work Policy for Men

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mead, Lawrence M.

2007-01-01

Lawrence Mead addresses the problem of nonwork among low-income men, particularly low-income black men, and its implications for families and children. The poor work effort, he says, appears to be caused partly by falling wages and other opportunity constraints but principally by an oppositional culture and a breakdown of work discipline. Mead…

Communication Breakdown at Home and at School in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy and Severe Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snell, Martha E.; Chen, Lih-Yuan; Allaire, Janet H.; Park, Eunhye

2008-01-01

Data about communication breakdown were gathered through interviews of care providers and mailed surveys of special education teachers and speech and language pathologists of 17 children with cerebral palsy and significant language delay. Most care providers indicated that children used personalized communication systems and that these frequently…

Reversing Africa's Decline. Worldwatch Paper 65.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Lester R.; Wolf, Edward C.

This paper highlights some of the themes that any successful strategy to reverse the decline of Africa must embrace. Africa is a continent experiencing a breakdown in the relationship between people and their natural support systems. Famine and the threat of famine are among the manifestations of this breakdown. This decline can be reversed. To do…

Results of Fall 1994 sampling of gunite and associated tanks at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1995-06-01

This Technical Memorandum, was developed under Work Breakdown Structure 1.4.12.6.1.01.41.12.02. 11 (Activity Data Sheet 3301, ``WAG 1``). This document provides the Environmental Restoration Program with analytical results from liquid and sludge samples from the Gunite and Associated Tanks (GAAT). Information provided in this report forms part of the technical basis for criticality safety, systems safety, engineering design, and waste management as they apply to the GAAT treatability study and remediation.

Space Tug Docking Study. Volume 5: Cost Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The cost methodology, summary cost data, resulting cost estimates by Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), technical characteristics data, program funding schedules and the WBS for the costing are discussed. Cost estimates for two tasks of the study are reported. The first, developed cost estimates for design, development, test and evaluation (DDT&E) and theoretical first unit (TFU) at the component level (Level 7) for all items reported in the data base. Task B developed total subsystem DDT&E costs and funding schedules for the three candidate Rendezvous and Docking Systems: manual, autonomous, and hybrid.

Dielectric Breakdown Characteristics of Oil-pressboard Insulation System against AC/DC Superposed Voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebisawa, Yoshihito; Yamada, Shin; Mori, Shigekazu; Ikeda, Masami

This paper describes breakdown characteristics of an oil-pressboard insulation system to a superposition voltage of AC and DC voltages. Although AC electric field is decided by the ratio of the relative permittivity of a pressboard and insulating oil, DC electric field is decided by ratio α of volume resistivities. From the measurement in this study, 13—78 and 1.8—5.7 are obtained as the volume resistivity ratios α at temperature of 30°C and 80°C, respectively. The breakdown voltages against AC, DC, and those superposition voltages are surveyed to insulation models. In normal temperature, the breakdown voltage to the superposition voltage of AC and DC is determined by AC electric field applied to the oil duct. Since the α becomes as low as 2-3 at temperature of 80°C, AC and DC voltages almost equally contribute to the electric field of the oil duct as a result. That is, it became clear that superposed DC voltage boosts the electric field across oil ducts at operating high temperature.

Acoustic monitoring method and system in laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB)

DOEpatents

O'Donnell, Matthew [Ann Arbor, MI; Ye, Jing Yong [Ann Arbor, MI; Norris, Theodore B [Dexter, MI; Baker, Jr., James R.; Balogh, Lajos P [Ann Arbor, MI; Milas, Susanne M [Ann Arbor, MI; Emelianov, Stanislav Y [Ann Arbor, MI; Hollman, Kyle W [Fenton, MI

2008-05-06

An acoustic monitoring method and system in laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) provides information which characterize material which is broken down, microbubbles in the material, and/or the microenvironment of the microbubbles. In one embodiment of the invention, femtosecond laser pulses are focused just inside the surface of a volume of aqueous solution which may include dendrimer nanocomposite (DNC) particles. A tightly focused, high frequency, single-element ultrasonic transducer is positioned such that its focus coincides axially and laterally with this laser focus. When optical breakdown occurs, a microbubble forms and a shock or pressure wave is emitted (i.e., acoustic emission). In addition to this acoustic signal, the microbubble may be actively probed with pulse-echo measurements from the same transducer. After the microbubble forms, received pulse-echo signals have an extra pulse, describing the microbubble location and providing a measure of axial microbubble size. Wavefield plots of successive recordings illustrate the generation, growth, and collapse of microbubbles due to optical breakdown. These same plots can also be used to quantify LIOB thresholds.

High energy density capacitors for low cost applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iyore, Omokhodion David

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers with trifluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene are the most widely investigated ferroelectric polymers, due to their relatively high electromechanical properties and potential to achieve high energy density. [Bauer, 2010; Zhou et al., 2009] The research community has focused primarily on melt pressed or extruded films of PVDF-based polymers to obtain the highest performance with energy density up to 25 Jcm-3. [Zhou et al., 2009] Solution processing offers an inexpensive, low temperature alternative, which is also easily integrated with flexible electronics. This dissertation focuses on the fabrication of solution-based polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene metal-insulator-metal capacitors on flexible substrates using a photolithographic process. Capacitors were optimized for maximum energy density, high dielectric strength and low leakage current density. It is demonstrated that with the right choice of solvent, electrodes, spin-casting and annealing conditions, high energy density thin film capacitors can be fabricated repeatably and reproducibly. The high electric field dielectric constants were measured and the reliabilities of the polymer capacitors were also evaluated via time-zero breakdown and time-dependent breakdown techniques. Chapter 1 develops the motivation for this work and provides a theoretical overview of dielectric materials, polarization, leakage current and dielectric breakdown. Chapter 2 is a literature review of polymer-based high energy density dielectrics and covers ferroelectric polymers, highlighting PVDF and some of its derivatives. Chapter 3 summarizes some preliminary experimental work and presents materials and electrical characterization that support the rationale for materials selection and process development. Chapter 4 discusses the fabrication of solution-processed PVDF-HFP and modification of its properties by photo-crosslinking. It is followed by a comparison of the structural, chemical and electrical properties of the neat and crosslinked films. Chapter 5 investigates the reliability and lifetime of PVDF-HFP thin films via time-zero and time-dependent dielectric breakdown. A power law relationship between the breakdown strength and characteristic breakdown time was determined, allowing extrapolation of lifetime at a desired operating voltage. The dissertation concludes with a summary and project outlook in chapter 7.

Alignment of Boron Nitride Nanofibers in Epoxy Composite Films for Thermal Conductivity and Dielectric Breakdown Strength Improvement.

PubMed

Wang, Zhengdong; Liu, Jingya; Cheng, Yonghong; Chen, Siyu; Yang, Mengmeng; Huang, Jialiang; Wang, Hongkang; Wu, Guanglei; Wu, Hongjing

2018-04-15

Development of polymer-based composites with simultaneously high thermal conductivity and breakdown strength has attracted considerable attention owing to their important applications in both electronic and electric industries. In this work, boron nitride (BN) nanofibers (BNNF) are successfully prepared as fillers, which are used for epoxy composites. In addition, the BNNF in epoxy composites are aligned by using a film casting method. The composites show enhanced thermal conductivity and dielectric breakdown strength. For instance, after doping with BNNF of 2 wt%, the thermal conductivity of composites increased by 36.4% in comparison with that of the epoxy matrix. Meanwhile, the breakdown strength of the composite with 1 wt% BNNF is 122.9 kV/mm, which increased by 6.8% more than that of neat epoxy (115.1 kV/mm). Moreover, the composites have maintained a low dielectric constant and alternating current conductivity among the range of full frequency, and show a higher thermal decomposition temperature and glass-transition temperature. The composites with aligning BNNF have wide application prospects in electronic packaging material and printed circuit boards.

Alignment of Boron Nitride Nanofibers in Epoxy Composite Films for Thermal Conductivity and Dielectric Breakdown Strength Improvement

PubMed Central

Liu, Jingya; Cheng, Yonghong; Chen, Siyu; Yang, Mengmeng; Huang, Jialiang

2018-01-01

Development of polymer-based composites with simultaneously high thermal conductivity and breakdown strength has attracted considerable attention owing to their important applications in both electronic and electric industries. In this work, boron nitride (BN) nanofibers (BNNF) are successfully prepared as fillers, which are used for epoxy composites. In addition, the BNNF in epoxy composites are aligned by using a film casting method. The composites show enhanced thermal conductivity and dielectric breakdown strength. For instance, after doping with BNNF of 2 wt%, the thermal conductivity of composites increased by 36.4% in comparison with that of the epoxy matrix. Meanwhile, the breakdown strength of the composite with 1 wt% BNNF is 122.9 kV/mm, which increased by 6.8% more than that of neat epoxy (115.1 kV/mm). Moreover, the composites have maintained a low dielectric constant and alternating current conductivity among the range of full frequency, and show a higher thermal decomposition temperature and glass-transition temperature. The composites with aligning BNNF have wide application prospects in electronic packaging material and printed circuit boards. PMID:29662038

Lowered threshold energy for femtosecond laser induced optical breakdown in a water based eye model by aberration correction with adaptive optics.

PubMed

Hansen, Anja; Géneaux, Romain; Günther, Axel; Krüger, Alexander; Ripken, Tammo

2013-06-01

In femtosecond laser ophthalmic surgery tissue dissection is achieved by photodisruption based on laser induced optical breakdown. In order to minimize collateral damage to the eye laser surgery systems should be optimized towards the lowest possible energy threshold for photodisruption. However, optical aberrations of the eye and the laser system distort the irradiance distribution from an ideal profile which causes a rise in breakdown threshold energy even if great care is taken to minimize the aberrations of the system during design and alignment. In this study we used a water chamber with an achromatic focusing lens and a scattering sample as eye model and determined breakdown threshold in single pulse plasma transmission loss measurements. Due to aberrations, the precise lower limit for breakdown threshold irradiance in water is still unknown. Here we show that the threshold energy can be substantially reduced when using adaptive optics to improve the irradiance distribution by spatial beam shaping. We found that for initial aberrations with a root-mean-square wave front error of only one third of the wavelength the threshold energy can still be reduced by a factor of three if the aberrations are corrected to the diffraction limit by adaptive optics. The transmitted pulse energy is reduced by 17% at twice the threshold. Furthermore, the gas bubble motions after breakdown for pulse trains at 5 kilohertz repetition rate show a more transverse direction in the corrected case compared to the more spherical distribution without correction. Our results demonstrate how both applied and transmitted pulse energy could be reduced during ophthalmic surgery when correcting for aberrations. As a consequence, the risk of retinal damage by transmitted energy and the extent of collateral damage to the focal volume could be minimized accordingly when using adaptive optics in fs-laser surgery.

Lowered threshold energy for femtosecond laser induced optical breakdown in a water based eye model by aberration correction with adaptive optics

PubMed Central

Hansen, Anja; Géneaux, Romain; Günther, Axel; Krüger, Alexander; Ripken, Tammo

2013-01-01

In femtosecond laser ophthalmic surgery tissue dissection is achieved by photodisruption based on laser induced optical breakdown. In order to minimize collateral damage to the eye laser surgery systems should be optimized towards the lowest possible energy threshold for photodisruption. However, optical aberrations of the eye and the laser system distort the irradiance distribution from an ideal profile which causes a rise in breakdown threshold energy even if great care is taken to minimize the aberrations of the system during design and alignment. In this study we used a water chamber with an achromatic focusing lens and a scattering sample as eye model and determined breakdown threshold in single pulse plasma transmission loss measurements. Due to aberrations, the precise lower limit for breakdown threshold irradiance in water is still unknown. Here we show that the threshold energy can be substantially reduced when using adaptive optics to improve the irradiance distribution by spatial beam shaping. We found that for initial aberrations with a root-mean-square wave front error of only one third of the wavelength the threshold energy can still be reduced by a factor of three if the aberrations are corrected to the diffraction limit by adaptive optics. The transmitted pulse energy is reduced by 17% at twice the threshold. Furthermore, the gas bubble motions after breakdown for pulse trains at 5 kilohertz repetition rate show a more transverse direction in the corrected case compared to the more spherical distribution without correction. Our results demonstrate how both applied and transmitted pulse energy could be reduced during ophthalmic surgery when correcting for aberrations. As a consequence, the risk of retinal damage by transmitted energy and the extent of collateral damage to the focal volume could be minimized accordingly when using adaptive optics in fs-laser surgery. PMID:23761849

Green Building Premium Cost Analysis in Indonesia Using Work Breakdown Structure Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basten, V.; Latief, Y.; Berawi, M. A.; Riswanto; Muliarto, H.

2018-03-01

The concept of green building in the construction industry is indispensable for mitigating environmental issues such as waste, pollution, and carbon emissions. There are some countries that have Green Building rating tools. Indonesia particularly is the country which has Greenship rating tools but the number of Green Building is relatively low. Development of building construction is depended on building investors or owner initiation, so this research is conducted to get the building aspects that have significant effect on the attractiveness using The Green Building Concept. The method in this research is work breakdown structure method that detailing the green building activities. The particular activities will be processed to get the cost elements for the green building achievement that it was targeted to improve better than conventional building. The final result of the study was a very significant work package on green building construction in the city of Indonesia case study.

Mason’s equation application for prediction of voltage of oil shale treeing breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martemyanov, S. M.

2017-05-01

The application of the formula, which is used to calculate the maximum field at the tip of the pin-plane electrode system was proposed to describe the process of electrical treeing and treeing breakdown in an oil shale. An analytical expression for the calculation of the treeing breakdown voltage in the oil shale, as a function of the inter-electrode distance, was taken. A high accuracy of the correspondence of the model to the experimental data in the range of inter-electrode distances from 0.03 to 0.5 m was taken.

Recycle Requirements for NASA's 30 cm Xenon Ion Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinero, Luis R.; Rawlin, Vincent K.

1994-01-01

Electrical breakdowns have been observed during ion thruster operation. These breakdowns, or arcs, can be caused by several conditions. In flight systems, the power processing unit must be designed to handle these faults autonomously. This has a strong impact on power processor requirements and must be understood fully for the power processing unit being designed for the NASA Solar Electric Propulsion Technology Application Readiness program. In this study, fault conditions were investigated using a NASA 30 cm ion thruster and a power console. Power processing unit output specifications were defined based on the breakdown phenomena identified and characterized.

A shared experience of fragmentation: making sense of foster placement breakdown.

PubMed

Rostill-Brookes, Helen; Larkin, Michael; Toms, Amy; Churchman, Clare

2011-01-01

Multiple placement transitions have been associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes for children growing up in local authority care. However, although there is an expanding literature examining the risk and protective factors connected with placement breakdown, very few studies have explored the quality of the move experience for those most closely involved with it. Our study considered how young people, foster carers and social workers made sense of unplanned placements' endings. Bringing together the lived experiences of these key stakeholders in the placement system added a novel dimension to existing research knowledge. What emerged from our analysis was evidence of a pervasive and shared emotional experience; all of the participants were affected by the breakdown irrespective of age, experience, or professional role. However, despite many commonalities, there was also a strong sense of fragmentation between the groups, which was characterised by discourses of mistrust and miscommunication. This meant that emotional reactions to the breakdown were often suppressed or dismissed, resentments built-up and attempts to find a solution were thwarted by silence or angry recrimination. These findings raise real challenges for practice and policy development. In particular, they stress the importance of shared and meaningful dialogue between all key stakeholders within the social care system, the need for more effective and timely support when placements are in crisis and opportunities for those most closely involved with the placement breakdown to process the emotional experience.

Prolonged fermentation of whole wheat sourdough reduces phytate level and increases soluble magnesium.

PubMed

Lopez, H W; Krespine, V; Guy, C; Messager, A; Demigne, C; Remesy, C

2001-05-01

This work was designed to compare the effects of different leavens (yeast, sourdough, and a mixture of both) on phytic acid (PA) degradation and to assess the repercussions of PA breakdown on phosphorus and magnesium solubility during bread-making. Sourdough fermentation was more efficient than yeast fermentation in reducing the phytate content in whole wheat bread (-62 and -38%, respectively). Furthermore, lactic acid bacteria present in sourdough enhanced acidification, leading to increased magnesium and phosphorus solubility. To intensify phytate breakdown, bran was incubated with microorganisms (yeast or sourdough) before bread-making. Using this new method, the percentage of phytate breakdown was near 90%, whereas 40% of phytate remained in traditional French bread. In conclusion, a prolonged fermentation with sourdough still leads to improved Mg and P solubility by decreasing phytate content and through acidification.

Acne

MedlinePlus

... a cream or lotion with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur. Benzoyl peroxide works to reduce oil made by the glands. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help breakdown whiteheads and blackheads. If ...

A Systematic Comprehensive Computational Model for Stake Estimation in Mission Assurance: Applying Cyber Security Econometrics System (CSES) to Mission Assurance Analysis Protocol (MAAP)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abercrombie, Robert K; Sheldon, Frederick T; Grimaila, Michael R

2010-01-01

In earlier works, we presented a computational infrastructure that allows an analyst to estimate the security of a system in terms of the loss that each stakeholder stands to sustain as a result of security breakdowns. In this paper, we discuss how this infrastructure can be used in the subject domain of mission assurance as defined as the full life-cycle engineering process to identify and mitigate design, production, test, and field support deficiencies of mission success. We address the opportunity to apply the Cyberspace Security Econometrics System (CSES) to Carnegie Mellon University and Software Engineering Institute s Mission Assurance Analysismore » Protocol (MAAP) in this context.« less

Anticipating electrical breakdown in dielectric elastomer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muffoletto, Daniel P.; Burke, Kevin M.; Zirnheld, Jennifer L.

2013-04-01

The output strain of a dielectric elastomer actuator is directly proportional to the square of its applied electric field. However, since the likelihood of electric breakdown is elevated with an increased applied field, the maximum operating electric field of the dielectric elastomer is significantly derated in systems employing these actuators so that failure due to breakdown remains unlikely even as the material ages. In an effort to ascertain the dielectric strength so that stronger electric fields can be applied, partial discharge testing is used to assess the health of the actuator by detecting the charge that is released when localized instances of breakdown partially bridge the insulator. Pre-stretched and unstretched samples of VHB4910 tape were submerged in dielectric oil to remove external sources of partial discharges during testing, and the partial discharge patterns were recorded just before failure of the dielectric sample.

A Simple Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) System for Use at Multiple Levels in the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Randall, David W.; Hayes, Ryan T.; Wong, Peter A.

2013-01-01

A LIBS (laser induced breakdown spectroscopy) spectrometer constructed by the instructor is reported for use in undergraduate analytical chemistry experiments. The modular spectrometer described here is based on commonly available components including a commercial Nd:YAG laser and a compact UV-vis spectrometer. The modular approach provides a…

Best opening face system for sweepy, eccentric logs : a user’s guide

Treesearch

David W. Lewis

1985-01-01

Log breakdown simulation models have gained rapid acceptance within the sawmill industry in the last 15 years. Although they have many advantages over traditional decision making tools, the existing models do not calculate yield correctly when used to simulate the breakdown of eccentric, sweepy logs in North American sawmills producing softwood dimension lumber. In an...

Spectroscopic studies of different brands of cigarettes using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sayyad, M. H.; Saleem, M.; Shah, M.

In this work the technique of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used for the elemental analysis of cigarettes. For this purpose emission spectra have been measured of eleven different kinds of cigarette brands sold and/or produced in Pakistan. Analysis of the spectral peaks observed shows that Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Cr, Fe, Sr and Ba are contained in all brands. Exhibiting the LIBS results, the powerful potential of this method for the identification of the elemental content of cigarettes is demonstrated.

Spectroscopic studies of different brands of cigarettes using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayyad, M. H.; Saleem, M.; Shah, M.; Shaikh, N. M.; Baig, M. A.

2008-05-01

In this work the technique of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used for the elemental analysis of cigarettes. For this purpose emission spectra have been measured of eleven different kinds of cigarette brands sold and/or produced in Pakistan. Analysis of the spectral peaks observed shows that Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Cr, Fe, Sr and Ba are contained in all brands. Exhibiting the LIBS results, the powerful potential of this method for the identification of the elemental content of cigarettes is demonstrated.

Circadian activity rhythms during the last days of Nothobranchius rachovii's life: a descriptive model of circadian system breakdown.

PubMed

Lucas-Sánchez, Alejandro; Martínez-Nicolás, Antonio; Madrid, Juan Antonio; Almaida-Pagán, Pedro Francisco; Mendiola, Pilar; de Costa, Jorge

2015-04-01

Several studies have been performed to identify age-related changes in the circadian system (CS) but the impairment of the CS and its chronodisruption at the end of an organism life have not been studied in depth. Aging commonly affects the input pathways into the biological clock or restraints their processing, therefore simplifying the system output, the overt rhythms. The purpose of this work was to do a complete characterization of changes that occurs in the CS in the last stage of a vertebrate organism life and to develop tools able to detect in which moment of the last days of life is the animal, using an overt rhythm, the rest-activity rhythm (RAR). For that, a fish species proposed as model for aging studies, Nothobranchius rachovii, has been used. A progressive and sequential CS breakdown has been described for the last 22 d of life of N. rachovii (∼7% of total life), suffering a general RAR impairment mainly reflected by changes in phase regularity, complexity, amplitude and the ability to stay synchronized to the LD cycle. Also, an equation of days remaining of life, based on the RAR description, has been calculated and proposed as a tool to identify close-to-death individuals which could be subjected to an adequate restoring treatment to enhance the CS function and improve their well-being.

Technique for the comparison of light spectra from natural and laboratory generated lightning current arcs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mitchard, D., E-mail: mitcharddr@cardiff.ac.uk; Clark, D.; Carr, D.

A technique was developed for the comparison of observed emission spectra from lightning current arcs generated through self-breakdown in air and the use of two types of initiation wire, aluminum bronze and nichrome, against previously published spectra of natural lightning events. A spectrograph system was used in which the wavelength of light emitted by the lightning arc was analyzed to derive elemental interactions. A lightning impulse of up to 100 kA was applied to a two hemispherical tungsten electrode configuration which allowed the effect of the lightning current and lightning arc length to be investigated. A natural lightning reference spectrum wasmore » reconstructed from literature, and generated lightning spectra were obtained from self-breakdown across a 14.0 mm air gap and triggered along initiation wires of length up to 72.4 mm. A comparison of the spectra showed that the generated lightning arc induced via self-breakdown produced a very similar spectrum to that of natural lightning, with the addition of only a few lines from the tungsten electrodes. A comparison of the results from the aluminum bronze initiation wire showed several more lines, whereas results from the nichrome initiation wire differed greatly across large parts of the spectrum. This work highlights the potential use for spectrographic techniques in the study of lightning interactions with surrounding media and materials, and in natural phenomena such as recently observed ball lightning.« less

Paecilomyces lilacinus septic olecranon bursitis in an immunocompetent host.

PubMed

Schweitzer, Karl M; Richard, Marc J; Leversedge, Fraser J; Ruch, David S

2012-05-01

Paecilomyces lilacinus is a filamentous fungus that is a rare cause of infection in immunocompromised human hosts. We present a case of lilacinus septic olecranon bursitis in an otherwise healthy 78-year-old male. This patient's case was complicated by wound breakdown after bursectomy and appropriate anti-fungal treatment, requiring a local soft tissue rearrangement. This case demonstrates the need for appropriate and timely medical and surgical treatment in infections involving lilacinus, which are not isolated solely to systemically immunocompromised and medically-ill patient populations. In cases where the patient is systemically immumocompromised or has been rendered locally immunocompromised, it is essential to obtain a full culture work-up, including fungi.

Wear forms of heterogeneous electro-rheological fluids working in a hydraulic clutch system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziabska, E.; Duchowski, J.; Olszak, A.; Osowski, K.; Kesy, A.; Kesy, Z.; Choi, S. B.

2017-09-01

The paper presents experimental results concerning the wear of heterogeneous electro-rheological (ER) fluids operating as working fluids in a complex clutch system consisting of a hydrodynamic clutch and a cylinder viscous clutch. The change of electric field intensity in the clutches results in change of sheer stress values in working fluids what causes the change of transmitted torque. This work shows that the most important factors affecting the wear of the ER fluid are the electric field of high intensity, the accompanying electrical breakdown, and the high temperature of the silicone oil. In addition, the water from the humid air absorbed mainly by hygroscopic particles influences a significant impact on the wear of the working fluid. Various forms of wear particles of the fluid depending on the prevailing conditions such as working mode are observed from the microscopic aspects. It is observed that the particles are flattened, rolled out or smashed into smaller fragments, partially melted, wrinkled and glued or caked. In addition, it is identified that the partial destruction of silicone oil is occurred due to the damage of the hydrocarbon chains, as evidenced by the decrease in its viscosity and the presence of the particle matter newly containing silicon.

Relationship of Cure Temperature to Mechanical, Physical, and Dielectric Performance of PDMS Glass Composite for Electric Motor Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Sandi G.; Becker, Kathleen; Williams, Tiffany S.; Scheiman, Daniel A.; McCorkle, Linda S.; Heimann, Paula J.; Ring, Andrew; Woodworth, Andrew

2017-01-01

Achieving NASAs aggressive fuel burn and emission reduction for N-plus-3 aircraft will require hybrid electric propulsion system in which electric motors driven by either power generated from turbine or energy storage system will power the fan for propulsion. Motors designed for hybrid electric aircraft are expected to operate at medium to high voltages over long durations in a high altitude service environment. Such conditions have driven research toward the development of wire insulation with improved mechanical strength, thermal stability and increased breakdown voltage. The silicone class of materials has been considered for electric wire insulation due to its inherent thermal stability, dielectric strength and mechanical integrity. This paper evaluates the dependence of these properties on the cure conditions of a polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) elastomer; where both cure temperature and base-to-catalyst ratio were varied. The PDMS elastomer was evaluated as a bulk material and an impregnation matrix within a lightweight glass veil support. The E-glass support was selected for mechanical stiffness and dielectric strength. This work has shown a correlation between cure conditions and material physical properties. Tensile strength increased with cure temperature whereas breakdown voltage tended to be independent of process variations. The results will be used to direct material formulation based on specific insulation requirements.

Proof of Principle for a Real-Time Pathogen Isolation Media Diagnostic: The Use of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy to Discriminate Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Grown on Blood Agar

PubMed Central

Multari, Rosalie A.; Cremers, David A.; Bostian, Melissa L.; Dupre, Joanne M.

2013-01-01

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a rapid, in situ, diagnostic technique in which light emissions from a laser plasma formed on the sample are used for analysis allowing automated analysis results to be available in seconds to minutes. This speed of analysis coupled with little or no sample preparation makes LIBS an attractive detection tool. In this study, it is demonstrated that LIBS can be utilized to discriminate both the bacterial species and strains of bacterial colonies grown on blood agar. A discrimination algorithm was created based on multivariate regression analysis of spectral data. The algorithm was deployed on a simulated LIBS instrument system to demonstrate discrimination capability using 6 species. Genetically altered Staphylococcus aureus strains grown on BA, including isogenic sets that differed only by the acquisition of mutations that increase fusidic acid or vancomycin resistance, were also discriminated. The algorithm successfully identified all thirteen cultures used in this study in a time period of 2 minutes. This work provides proof of principle for a LIBS instrumentation system that could be developed for the rapid discrimination of bacterial species and strains demonstrating relatively minor genomic alterations using data collected directly from pathogen isolation media. PMID:24109513

Quantitative analysis of lead in aqueous solutions by ultrasonic nebulizer assisted laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Shi-Lei; Lu, Yuan; Kong, Wei-Jin; Cheng, Kai; Zheng, Ronger

2016-08-01

In this study, an ultrasonic nebulizer unit was established to improve the quantitative analysis ability of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for liquid samples detection, using solutions of the heavy metal element Pb as an example. An analytical procedure was designed to guarantee the stability and repeatability of the LIBS signal. A series of experiments were carried out strictly according to the procedure. The experimental parameters were optimized based on studies of the pulse energy influence and temporal evolution of the emission features. The plasma temperature and electron density were calculated to confirm the LTE state of the plasma. Normalizing the intensities by background was demonstrated to be an appropriate method in this work. The linear range of this system for Pb analysis was confirmed over a concentration range of 0-4,150ppm by measuring 12 samples with different concentrations. The correlation coefficient of the fitted calibration curve was as high as 99.94% in the linear range, and the LOD of Pb was confirmed as 2.93ppm. Concentration prediction experiments were performed on a further six samples. The excellent quantitative ability of the system was demonstrated by comparison of the real and predicted concentrations of the samples. The lowest relative error was 0.043% and the highest was no more than 7.1%.

Silicon Carbide Sensors and Electronics for Harsh Environment Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, Laura J.

2007-01-01

Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor has been studied for electronic and sensing applications in extreme environment (high temperature, extreme vibration, harsh chemical media, and high radiation) that is beyond the capability of conventional semiconductors such as silicon. This is due to its near inert chemistry, superior thermomechanical and electronic properties that include high breakdown voltage and wide bandgap. An overview of SiC sensors and electronics work ongoing at NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA GRC) will be presented. The main focus will be two technologies currently being investigated: 1) harsh environment SiC pressure transducers and 2) high temperature SiC electronics. Work highlighted will include the design, fabrication, and application of SiC sensors and electronics, with recent advancements in state-of-the-art discussed as well. These combined technologies are studied for the goal of developing advanced capabilities for measurement and control of aeropropulsion systems, as well as enhancing tools for exploration systems.

Effects of experimental hyperthyroidism on protein turnover in skeletal and cardiac muscle as measured by [14C]tyrosine infusion.

PubMed Central

Carter, W J; Benjamin, W S; Faas, F H

1982-01-01

The effect of T3 (3,3',5-tri-iodothyronine) on protein turnover in skeletal and cardiac muscle was measured in intact rats by means of a 6 h [14C]tyrosine-infusion technique. Treatment with 25-30 micrograms of T3/100 g body wt. daily for 4-7 days increased the fractional rate of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. Since the fractional growth rate of the muscle was decreased or unchanged, T3 treatment increased the rate of muscle protein breakdown. These findings suggest that increased protein degradation is an important factor in decreasing skeletal-muscle mass in hyperthyroidism. In contrast with skeletal muscle, T3 treatment for 7 days caused an equivalent increase in the rate of cardiac muscle growth and protein synthesis. This suggests that hyperthyroidism does not increase protein breakdown in heart muscle as it does in skeletal muscle. The failure of T3 to increase proteolysis in heart muscle may be due to a different action on the cardiac myocyte or to systemic effects of T3 which increase cardiac work. PMID:7115332

Effects of experimental hyperthyroidism on protein turnover in skeletal and cardiac muscle as measured by [14C]tyrosine infusion.

PubMed

Carter, W J; Benjamin, W S; Faas, F H

1982-04-15

The effect of T3 (3,3',5-tri-iodothyronine) on protein turnover in skeletal and cardiac muscle was measured in intact rats by means of a 6 h [14C]tyrosine-infusion technique. Treatment with 25-30 micrograms of T3/100 g body wt. daily for 4-7 days increased the fractional rate of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. Since the fractional growth rate of the muscle was decreased or unchanged, T3 treatment increased the rate of muscle protein breakdown. These findings suggest that increased protein degradation is an important factor in decreasing skeletal-muscle mass in hyperthyroidism. In contrast with skeletal muscle, T3 treatment for 7 days caused an equivalent increase in the rate of cardiac muscle growth and protein synthesis. This suggests that hyperthyroidism does not increase protein breakdown in heart muscle as it does in skeletal muscle. The failure of T3 to increase proteolysis in heart muscle may be due to a different action on the cardiac myocyte or to systemic effects of T3 which increase cardiac work.

Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) Molecular Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Emissions of Thin Solid Explosive Powder Films Deposited on Aluminum Substrates.

PubMed

Yang, Clayton S-C; Jin, Feng; Trivedi, Sudhir B; Brown, Ei E; Hommerich, Uwe; Tripathi, Ashish; Samuels, Alan C

2017-04-01

Thin solid films made of high nitro (NO 2 )/nitrate (NO 3 ) content explosives were deposited on sand-blasted aluminum substrates and then studied using a mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) linear array detection system that is capable of rapidly capturing a broad spectrum of atomic and molecular laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) emissions in the long-wave infrared region (LWIR; ∼5.6-10 µm). Despite the similarities of their chemical compositions and structures, thin films of three commonly used explosives (RDX, HMX, and PETN) studied in this work can be rapidly identified in the ambient air by their molecular LIBS emission signatures in the LWIR region. A preliminary assessment of the detection limit for a thin film of RDX on aluminum appears to be much lower than 60 µg/cm 2 . This LWIR LIBS setup is capable of rapidly probing and charactering samples without the need for elaborate sample preparation and also offers the possibility of a simultaneous ultraviolet visible and LWIR LIBS measurement.

Experimentally probing topological order and its breakdown through modular matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Zhihuang; Li, Jun; Li, Zhaokai; Hung, Ling-Yan; Wan, Yidun; Peng, Xinhua; Du, Jiangfeng

2018-02-01

The modern concept of phases of matter has undergone tremendous developments since the first observation of topologically ordered states in fractional quantum Hall systems in the 1980s. In this paper, we explore the following question: in principle, how much detail of the physics of topological orders can be observed using state of the art technologies? We find that using surprisingly little data, namely the toric code Hamiltonian in the presence of generic disorders and detuning from its exactly solvable point, the modular matrices--characterizing anyonic statistics that are some of the most fundamental fingerprints of topological orders--can be reconstructed with very good accuracy solely by experimental means. This is an experimental realization of these fundamental signatures of a topological order, a test of their robustness against perturbations, and a proof of principle--that current technologies have attained the precision to identify phases of matter and, as such, probe an extended region of phase space around the soluble point before its breakdown. Given the special role of anyonic statistics in quantum computation, our work promises myriad applications both in probing and realistically harnessing these exotic phases of matter.

Discrimination of lymphoma using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy conducted on whole blood samples

PubMed Central

Chen, Xue; Li, Xiaohui; Yang, Sibo; Yu, Xin; Liu, Aichun

2018-01-01

Lymphoma is a significant cancer that affects the human lymphatic and hematopoietic systems. In this work, discrimination of lymphoma using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) conducted on whole blood samples is presented. The whole blood samples collected from lymphoma patients and healthy controls are deposited onto standard quantitative filter papers and ablated with a 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. 16 atomic and ionic emission lines of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) are selected to discriminate the cancer disease. Chemometric methods, including principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classification, and k nearest neighbor (kNN) classification are used to build the discrimination models. Both LDA and kNN models have achieved very good discrimination performances for lymphoma, with an accuracy of over 99.7%, a sensitivity of over 0.996, and a specificity of over 0.997. These results demonstrate that the whole-blood-based LIBS technique in combination with chemometric methods can serve as a fast, less invasive, and accurate method for detection and discrimination of human malignancies. PMID:29541503

Performance Dependences of Multiplication Layer Thickness for InP/InGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes Based on Time Domain Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xiao, Yegao; Bhat, Ishwara; Abedin, M. Nurul

2005-01-01

InP/InGaAs avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are being widely utilized in optical receivers for modern long haul and high bit-rate optical fiber communication systems. The separate absorption, grading, charge, and multiplication (SAGCM) structure is an important design consideration for APDs with high performance characteristics. Time domain modeling techniques have been previously developed to provide better understanding and optimize design issues by saving time and cost for the APD research and development. In this work, performance dependences on multiplication layer thickness have been investigated by time domain modeling. These performance characteristics include breakdown field and breakdown voltage, multiplication gain, excess noise factor, frequency response and bandwidth etc. The simulations are performed versus various multiplication layer thicknesses with certain fixed values for the areal charge sheet density whereas the values for the other structure and material parameters are kept unchanged. The frequency response is obtained from the impulse response by fast Fourier transformation. The modeling results are presented and discussed, and design considerations, especially for high speed operation at 10 Gbit/s, are further analyzed.

Understanding thio-effects in simple phosphoryl systems: role of solvent effects and nucleophile charge† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: A breakdown of calculated activation free energies shown in Table 1, as well as absolute energies and Cartesian coordinates of all key species in this work are presented as ESI. See DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00309a Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Carvalho, Alexandra T. P.; O'Donoghue, AnnMarie C.; Hodgson, David R. W.

2015-01-01

Recent experimental work (J. Org. Chem., 2012, 77, 5829) demonstrated pronounced differences in measured thio-effects for the hydrolysis of (thio)phosphodichloridates by water and hydroxide nucleophiles. In the present work, we have performed detailed quantum chemical calculations of these reactions, with the aim of rationalizing the molecular bases for this discrimination. The calculations highlight the interplay between nucleophile charge and transition state solvation in SN2(P) mechanisms as the basis of these differences, rather than a change in mechanism. PMID:25797408

Protein breakdown and release of β-casomorphins during in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion of sterilised model systems of liquid infant formula.

PubMed

Cattaneo, Stefano; Stuknytė, Milda; Masotti, Fabio; De Noni, Ivano

2017-02-15

Protein modifications occurring during sterilisation of infant formulas can affect protein digestibility and release of bioactive peptides. The effect of glycation and cross-linking on protein breakdown and release of β-casomorphins was evaluated during in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion (GID) of six sterilised model systems of infant formula. Protein degradation during in vitro GID was evaluated by SDS-PAGE and by measuring the nitrogen content of ultrafiltration (3kDa) permeates before and after in vitro GID of model IFs. Glycation strongly hindered protein breakdown, whereas cross-linking resulting from β-elimination reactions had a negligible effect. Only β-casomorphin 7 (β-CM7) was detected (0.187-0.858mgL(-1)) at the end of the intestinal digestion in all untreated IF model systems. The level of β-CM7 in the sterilised model systems prepared without addition of sugars ranged from 0.256 to 0.655mgL(-1). The release of this peptide during GID was hindered by protein glycation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical Characteristics of Resin-Coated Papers and their Electrical Breakdown Characteristics in Composite Insulation Systems with Insulation Oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurihara, Takashi; Takahashi, Toshihiro; Mizutani, Yoshinobu; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Okamoto, Tatsuki; Ogura, Nobuyuki; Iwamoto, Kazuyoshi; Kitagawa, Setsuo

Three types of resin-coated papers were investigated; kraft papers and heat-resistant kraft papers partially covered with epoxy resin, and a kraft paper covered with phenol resin; those were laminated to certain thickness. They were thermally degraded at 120°C for 240 to 1320 hours, and their mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength and average polymerization degree were measured. As a result, it was found that the tensile strength of the first and second resin-coated papers was larger than that of the pressboard, but the tensile strength of the third one was smaller. As the effect of the heating time, it was found that the tensile strength of the first resin-coated paper decreased down to that of pressboards after 500 hours of heating time while those of the second and third ones almost retained the initial values after 1320 hours of the heating time. Then, electrical breakdown characteristics of composite insulation systems with a resin-coated paper and insulation oil were investigated. In the system, an oil-filled gap was artificially introduced between a resin-coated paper and a plane electrode to induce partial discharges (PDs) at the same location. PDs occurred before breakdowns and it was found that their PD inception electric field strength was almost as high as that of the pressboard and the effect of the heating time was negligible. It was also found that the electrical breakdown field strength has similar characteristics to those of the PD inception field strength; negligible effects of the type of resin-coated papers and the heating time. Electrical breakdown occurred at the oil-filled gap and the edge of a high voltage electrode.

An Analysis of the Effect of Knowledge Management on the Execution of Simplified Acquisition Procedures

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-27

of Work UCC Uniform Commercial Code USD(AT&L) Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics WBS Work Breakdown Structure...intensive career field. The FAR, the DFARS, and other federal agency supplements of the FAR, the Uniform Commercial Code ( UCC ), installation guidelines

Effect of electrode materials on the space charge distribution of an Al2O3 nano-modified transformer oil under impulse voltage conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Qing; Liu, Mengna; Sima, Wenxia; Jin, Yang

2017-11-01

The combined effect mechanism of electrode materials and Al2O3 nanoparticles on the insulating characteristics of transformer oil was investigated. Impulse breakdown tests of pure transformer oil and Al2O3 nano-modified transformer oil of varying concentrations with different electrode materials (brass, aluminum and stainless steel) showed that the breakdown voltage of Al2O3 nano-modified transformer oil is higher than that of pure transformer oil and there is a there is an optimum concentration for Al2O3 nanoparticles when the breakdown voltage reaches the maximum. In addition, the breakdown voltage was highest with the brass electrode, followed by that with stainless steel and then aluminum, irrespective of the concentration of nanoparticles in the transformer oil. This is explained by the charge injection patterns from different electrode materials according to the results of space charge measurements in pure and nano-modified transformer oil using the Kerr electro-optic system. The test results indicate that there are electrode-dependent differences in the charge injection patterns and quantities and then the electric field distortion, which leads to the difference breakdown strength in result. As for the nano-modified transformer oil, due to the Al2O3 nanoparticle’s ability of shielding space charges of different polarities and the charge injection patterns of different electrodes, these two factors have different effects on the electric field distribution and breakdown process of transformer oil between different electrode materials. This paper provides a feasible approach to exploring the mechanism of the effect of the electrode material and nanoparticles on the breakdown strength of liquid dielectrics and analyzing the breakdown process using the space charge distribution.

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study. Volume 2, part 2: System engineering. [cost and programmatics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G. M.

1980-01-01

The latest technical and programmatic developments are considered as well as expansions of the Rockwell SPS cost model covering each phase of the program through the year 2030. Comparative cost/economic analyses cover elements of the satellite, construction system, space transportation vehicles and operations, and the ground receiving station. System plans to define time phased costs and planning requirements that support major milestones through the year 2000. A special analysis is included on natural resources required to build the SPS reference configuration. An appendix contains the SPS Work Breakdown Structure and dictionary along with detail cost data sheet on each system and main element of the program. Over 200 line items address DDT&E, theoretical first unit, investment cost per satellite, and operations charges for replacement capital and normal operations and maintenance costs.

Photovoltaic-wind hybrid system for permanent magnet DC motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasir, M. N. M.; Lada, M. Y.; Baharom, M. F.; Jaafar, H. I.; Ramani, A. N.; Sulaima, M. F.

2015-05-01

Hybrid system of Photovoltaic (PV) - Wind turbine (WT) generation has more advantages and reliable compared to PV or wind turbine system alone. The aim of this paper is to model and design hybrid system of PV-WT supplying 100W permanent-magnet dc motor. To achieve the objective, both of PV and WT are connected to converter in order to get the same source of DC supply. Then both sources were combined and straightly connected to 100W permanent magnet dc motor. All the works in this paper is only applied in circuit simulator by using Matlab Simulink. The output produced from each converter is expected to be suit to the motor specification. The output produced from each renewable energy system is as expected to be high as it can support the motor if one of them is breakdown

Health system reconstruction: Perspectives of Iraqi physicians

PubMed Central

Squires, A.; Sindi, A.; Fennie, K.

2010-01-01

In conflict or post-conflict situations, health system reconstruction becomes a critical component of ensuring stability. The purpose of this study was to determine the priorities for health system reconstruction among Iraqi physicians residing in the northern region of the country. A convenience sample of practicing male and female physicians residing in the Kurdish region completed a 13-item survey about health system reconstruction. A total of 1001 practitioners completed the survey with gender breakdown of 29% female and 71% male, all working in different specialty areas. Significant differences between the providers based on gender (p = 0.001), specialty (p = 0.001) and geographic location (p = 0.004) were found to affect the responses of the participants. This study demonstrates that input from healthcare professionals is important for health system reconstruction, but that gender, geography and medical specialty make the process complex. PMID:20155543

Blackbody emission from laser breakdown in high-pressure gases.

PubMed

Bataller, A; Plateau, G R; Kappus, B; Putterman, S

2014-08-15

Laser induced breakdown of pressurized gases is used to generate plasmas under conditions where the atomic density and temperature are similar to those found in sonoluminescing bubbles. Calibrated streak spectroscopy reveals that a blackbody persists well after the exciting femtosecond laser pulse has turned off. Deviation from Saha's equation of state and an accompanying large reduction in ionization potential are observed at unexpectedly low atomic densities-in parallel with sonoluminescence. In laser breakdown, energy input proceeds via excitation of electrons whereas in sonoluminescence it is initiated via the atoms. The similar responses indicate that these systems are revealing the thermodynamics and transport of a strongly coupled plasma.

Blackbody Emission from Laser Breakdown in High-Pressure Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bataller, A.; Plateau, G. R.; Kappus, B.; Putterman, S.

2014-08-01

Laser induced breakdown of pressurized gases is used to generate plasmas under conditions where the atomic density and temperature are similar to those found in sonoluminescing bubbles. Calibrated streak spectroscopy reveals that a blackbody persists well after the exciting femtosecond laser pulse has turned off. Deviation from Saha's equation of state and an accompanying large reduction in ionization potential are observed at unexpectedly low atomic densities—in parallel with sonoluminescence. In laser breakdown, energy input proceeds via excitation of electrons whereas in sonoluminescence it is initiated via the atoms. The similar responses indicate that these systems are revealing the thermodynamics and transport of a strongly coupled plasma.

Biodegradation of Mustard

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-07-01

hydrolyzed during incubation in the aqueous medium used for growth of the microorganism. Microorganisms possessing an enzyme system functional against mustard...indicated. Acidophilic Thiobacillus appear to have limited use for mustard breakdown except for the halotolerant T. DrosDerus, originally isolated from a...microorganisms for mustard breakdown is a viable alternative. Enzymes of halophilic and thermophilic microorganisms are able to function in the presence organic

[Study on physical deviation factors on laser induced breakdown spectroscopy measurement].

PubMed

Wan, Xiong; Wang, Peng; Wang, Qi; Zhang, Qing; Zhang, Zhi-Min; Zhang, Hua-Ming

2013-10-01

In order to eliminate the deviation between the measured LIBS spectral line and the standard LIBS spectral line, and improve the accuracy of elements measurement, a research of physical deviation factors in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy technology was proposed. Under the same experimental conditions, the relationship of ablated hole effect and spectral wavelength was tested, the Stark broadening data of Mg plasma laser induced breakdown spectroscopy with sampling time-delay from 1.00 to 3.00 micros was also studied, thus the physical deviation influences such as ablated hole effect and Stark broadening could be obtained while collecting the spectrum. The results and the method of the research and analysis can also be applied to other laser induced breakdown spectroscopy experiment system, which is of great significance to improve the accuracy of LIBS elements measuring and is also important to the research on the optimum sampling time-delay of LIBS.

Reducing Diagnostic Errors through Effective Communication: Harnessing the Power of Information Technology

PubMed Central

Naik, Aanand Dinkar; Rao, Raghuram; Petersen, Laura Ann

2008-01-01

Diagnostic errors are poorly understood despite being a frequent cause of medical errors. Recent efforts have aimed to advance the "basic science" of diagnostic error prevention by tracing errors to their most basic origins. Although a refined theory of diagnostic error prevention will take years to formulate, we focus on communication breakdown, a major contributor to diagnostic errors and an increasingly recognized preventable factor in medical mishaps. We describe a comprehensive framework that integrates the potential sources of communication breakdowns within the diagnostic process and identifies vulnerable steps in the diagnostic process where various types of communication breakdowns can precipitate error. We then discuss potential information technology-based interventions that may have efficacy in preventing one or more forms of these breakdowns. These possible intervention strategies include using new technologies to enhance communication between health providers and health systems, improve patient involvement, and facilitate management of information in the medical record. PMID:18373151

Muscarinic cholinergic and alpha/sub 1/ adrenergic receptors in murine atria: phosphatidylinositol breakdown and receptor interaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Scherer, R.W.

Upon stimulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors, there is a decrease in the force of contraction rate of firing in heart, while stimulation of ..cap alpha.. adrenergic receptors causes an increase in the force of contraction with no change in the heart rate. Yet both receptors stimulate the breakdown of phosphatidylinositol (PI). Therefore, the breakdown of PI was examined to determine how the process differed between the two receptor systems. Murine atria, prelabelled with (/sup 3/H)inositol, were stimulated with the muscarinic cholinergic agonists, carbamylcholine (CARB), and oxotremorine (OXO); and with the ..cap alpha.. adrenergic agonists, norepinephrine (NE) and phenylephrine (PE); eithermore » singly or in combination. Breakdown of PI was assessed by measurement of individual inositol phosphates by anion exchange chromatography. Binding of CARB to atrial muscarinic receptors was measured by competition with (/sup 3/H)quinuclidinyl benzilate.« less

Three dimensional characterization of laser ablation craters using high resolution X-ray computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galmed, A. H.; du Plessis, A.; le Roux, S. G.; Hartnick, E.; Von Bergmann, H.; Maaza, M.

2018-01-01

Laboratory X-ray computed tomography is an emerging technology for the 3D characterization and dimensional analysis of many types of materials. In this work we demonstrate the usefulness of this characterization method for the full three dimensional analysis of laser ablation craters, in the context of a laser induced breakdown spectroscopy setup. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy relies on laser ablation for sampling the material of interest. We demonstrate here qualitatively (in images) and quantitatively (in terms of crater cone angles, depths, diameters and volume) laser ablation crater analysis in 3D for metal (aluminum) and rock (false gold ore). We show the effect of a Gaussian beam profile on the resulting crater geometry, as well as the first visual evidence of undercutting in the rock sample, most likely due to ejection of relatively large grains. The method holds promise for optimization of laser ablation setups especially for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Definition and preliminary design of the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) phase 1. Volume 3: Program cost estimates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

Cost estimates for phase C/D of the laser atmospheric wind sounder (LAWS) program are presented. This information provides a framework for cost, budget, and program planning estimates for LAWS. Volume 3 is divided into three sections. Section 1 details the approach taken to produce the cost figures, including the assumptions regarding the schedule for phase C/D and the methodology and rationale for costing the various work breakdown structure (WBS) elements. Section 2 shows a breakdown of the cost by WBS element, with the cost divided in non-recurring and recurring expenditures. Note that throughout this volume the cost is given in 1990 dollars, with bottom line totals also expressed in 1988 dollars (1 dollar(88) = 0.93 1 dollar(90)). Section 3 shows a breakdown of the cost by year. The WBS and WBS dictionary are included as an attachment to this report.

Comparative Study of Elemental Nutrients in Organic and Conventional Vegetables Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).

PubMed

Bhatt, Chet R; Alfarraj, Bader; Ghany, Charles T; Yueh, Fang Y; Singh, Jagdish P

2017-04-01

In this study, the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique was used to identify and compare the presence of major nutrient elements in organic and conventional vegetables. Different parts of cauliflowers and broccolis were used as working samples. Laser-induced breakdown spectra from these samples were acquired at optimum values of laser energy, gate delay, and gate width. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for the comparison of these organic and conventional vegetable flowers. Principal component analysis (PCA) was taken into account for multivariate analysis while for univariate analysis, the intensity of selected atomic lines of different elements and their intensity ratio with some reference lines of organic cauliflower and broccoli samples were compared with those of conventional ones. In addition, different parts of the cauliflower and broccoli were compared in terms of intensity and intensity ratio of elemental lines.

Psychosocial stress and inflammation driving tryptophan breakdown in children and adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis of two cohorts.

PubMed

Michels, Nathalie; Clarke, Gerard; Olavarria-Ramirez, Loreto; Gómez-Martínez, Sonia; Díaz, Ligia Esperanza; Marcos, Ascensión; Widhalm, Kurt; Carvalho, Livia A

2018-08-01

Tryptophan breakdown is an important mechanism in several diseases e.g. inflammation and stress-induced inflammation have been associated with the development of depression via enhanced tryptophan breakdown. Depression is a major public health problem which commonly starts during adolescence, thus identifying underlying mechanisms during early life is crucial in prevention. The aim of this work was to verify whether independent and interacting associations of psychosocial stress and inflammation on tryptophan breakdown already exist in children and adolescents as a vulnerable age group. Two cross-sectional population-based samples of children/adolescents (8-18 y) were available: 315 from the European HELENA study and 164 from the Belgian ChiBS study. In fasting serum samples, tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-ɣ, soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM1) were measured. Psychological stress was measured by stress reports (subjective) and cortisol (objective - awakening salivary cortisol or hair cortisol). Linear regressions with stress or inflammation as predictor were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, puberty, socio-economic status and country. In both cohorts, inflammation as measured by higher levels of CRP, sVCAM1 and sICAM1 was associated with kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and thus enhanced tryptophan breakdown (beta: 0.145-0.429). Psychological stress was only associated with tryptophan breakdown in the presence of higher inflammatory levels (TNF-α in both populations). Inflammatory levels were replicable key in enhancing tryptophan breakdown along the kynurenine pathway, even at young age and in a non-clinical sample. The stress-inflammation interaction indicated that only the stress exposures inducing higher inflammatory levels (or in an already existing inflammatory status) were associated with more tryptophan breakdown. This data further contributes to our understanding of pathways to disease development, and may help identifying those more likely to develop stress or inflammation-related illnesses. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Construction of exact constants of motion and effective models for many-body localized systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goihl, M.; Gluza, M.; Krumnow, C.; Eisert, J.

2018-04-01

One of the defining features of many-body localization is the presence of many quasilocal conserved quantities. These constants of motion constitute a cornerstone to an intuitive understanding of much of the phenomenology of many-body localized systems arising from effective Hamiltonians. They may be seen as local magnetization operators smeared out by a quasilocal unitary. However, accurately identifying such constants of motion remains a challenging problem. Current numerical constructions often capture the conserved operators only approximately, thus restricting a conclusive understanding of many-body localization. In this work, we use methods from the theory of quantum many-body systems out of equilibrium to establish an alternative approach for finding a complete set of exact constants of motion which are in addition guaranteed to represent Pauli-z operators. By this we are able to construct and investigate the proposed effective Hamiltonian using exact diagonalization. Hence, our work provides an important tool expected to further boost inquiries into the breakdown of transport due to quenched disorder.

NFIRAOS in 2015: engineering for future integration of complex subsystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atwood, Jenny; Andersen, David; Byrnes, Peter; Densmore, Adam; Fitzsimmons, Joeleff; Herriot, Glen; Hill, Alexis

2016-07-01

The Narrow Field InfraRed Adaptive Optics System (NFIRAOS) will be the first-light facility Adaptive Optics (AO) system for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). NFIRAOS will be able to host three science instruments that can take advantage of this high performance system. NRC Herzberg is leading the design effort for this critical TMT subsystem. As part of the final design phase of NFIRAOS, we have identified multiple subsystems to be sub-contracted to Canadian industry. The scope of work for each subcontract is guided by the NFIRAOS Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and is divided into two phases: the completion of the final design and the fabrication, assembly and delivery of the final product. Integration of the subsystems at NRC will require a detailed understanding of the interfaces between the subsystems, and this work has begun by defining the interface physical characteristics, stability, local coordinate systems, and alignment features. In order to maintain our stringent performance requirements, the interface parameters for each subsystem are captured in multiple performance budgets, which allow a bottom-up error estimate. In this paper we discuss our approach for defining the interfaces in a consistent manner and present an example error budget that is influenced by multiple subsystems.

Evaluation of an Integrated Gas-Cooled Reactor Simulator and Brayton Turbine-Generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hissam, David Andy; Stewart, Eric T.

2006-01-01

A closed-loop brayton cycle, powered by a fission reactor, offers an attractive option for generating both planetary and in-space electric power. Non-nuclear testing of this type of system provides the opportunity to safely work out integration and system control challenges for a modest investment. Recognizing this potential, a team at Marshall Space Flight Center has evaluated the viability of integrating and testing an existing gas-cooled reactor simulator and a modified commercially available, off-the-shelf, brayton turbine-generator. Since these two systems were developed independently of one another, this evaluation had to determine if they could operate together at acceptable power levels, temperatures, and pressures. Thermal, fluid, and structural analyses show that this combined system can operate at acceptable power levels and temperatures. In addition, pressure drops across the reactor simulator, although higher than desired, are also viewed as acceptable. Three potential working fluids for the system were evaluated: N2, He/Ar, and He/Xe. Other potential issues, such as electrical breakdown in the generator and the operation of the brayton foil bearings using various gas mixtures, were also investigated.

The Slow Control System of the Auger Fluorescence Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barenthien, N.; Bethge, C.; Daumiller, K.; Gemmeke, H.; Kampert, K.-H.; Wiebusch, C.

2003-07-01

The fluorescence detector (FD) of the Pierre Auger experiment [1] comprises 24 telescopes that will be situated in 4 remote buildings in the Pampa Amarilla. It is planned to run the fluorescence detectors in absence of operators on site. Therefore, the main task of the Slow Control System (SCS) is to ensure a secure remote operation of the FD system. The Slow Control System works autonomously and continuously monitors those parameters which may disturb a secure operation. Commands from the data-acquisition system or the remote operator are accepted only if they do not violate safety rules that depend on the actual experimental conditions (e.g. high-voltage, wind-sp eed, light, etc.). In case of malfunctions (power failure, communication breakdown, ...) the SCS performs an orderly shutdown and subsequent startup of the fluorescence detector system. The concept and the implementation of the Slow Control System are presented.

A Personal Retrospective: Elevating Anandamide (AEA) by Targeting Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) and the Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs).

PubMed

Deutsch, Dale G

2016-01-01

This perspective was adapted from a Career Achievement Award talk given at the International Cannabinoid Research Society Symposium in Bukovina, Poland on June 27, 2016. As a biochemist working in the neurosciences, I was always fascinated with neurotransmitter inactivation. In 1993 we identified an enzyme activity that breaks down anandamide. We called the enzyme anandamide amidase, now called FAAH. We and other laboratories developed FAAH inhibitors that were useful reagents that also proved to have beneficial physiological effects and until recently, new generations of inhibitors were in clinical trials. Nearly all neurotransmitters are water soluble and as such, require a transmembrane protein transporter to pass through the lipid membrane for inactivation inside the cell. However, using model systems, we and others have shown that this is unnecessary for anandamide, an uncharged hydrophobic molecule that readily diffuses across the cellular membrane. Interestingly, its uptake is driven by the concentration gradient resulting from its breakdown mainly by FAAH localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. We identified the FABPs as intracellular carriers that "solubilize" anandamide, transporting anandamide to FAAH. Compounds that bind to FABPs block AEA breakdown, raising its level. The cannabinoids (THC and CBD) also were discovered to bind FABPs and this may be one of the mechanisms by which CBD works in childhood epilepsy, raising anandamide levels. Targeting FABPs may be advantageous since they have some tissue specificity and do not require reactive serine hydrolase inhibitors, as does FAAH, with potential for off-target reactions. At the International Cannabis Research Society Symposium in 1992, Raphe Mechoulam revealed that his laboratory isolated an endogenous lipid molecule that binds to the CB1 receptor (cannabinoid receptor type 1) and this became the milestone paper published in December of that year describing anandamide (AEA, Devane et al., 1992). As to be expected, this discovery raised the issues of AEA's synthesis and breakdown.

A Personal Retrospective: Elevating Anandamide (AEA) by Targeting Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) and the Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs)

PubMed Central

Deutsch, Dale G.

2016-01-01

This perspective was adapted from a Career Achievement Award talk given at the International Cannabinoid Research Society Symposium in Bukovina, Poland on June 27, 2016. As a biochemist working in the neurosciences, I was always fascinated with neurotransmitter inactivation. In 1993 we identified an enzyme activity that breaks down anandamide. We called the enzyme anandamide amidase, now called FAAH. We and other laboratories developed FAAH inhibitors that were useful reagents that also proved to have beneficial physiological effects and until recently, new generations of inhibitors were in clinical trials. Nearly all neurotransmitters are water soluble and as such, require a transmembrane protein transporter to pass through the lipid membrane for inactivation inside the cell. However, using model systems, we and others have shown that this is unnecessary for anandamide, an uncharged hydrophobic molecule that readily diffuses across the cellular membrane. Interestingly, its uptake is driven by the concentration gradient resulting from its breakdown mainly by FAAH localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. We identified the FABPs as intracellular carriers that “solubilize” anandamide, transporting anandamide to FAAH. Compounds that bind to FABPs block AEA breakdown, raising its level. The cannabinoids (THC and CBD) also were discovered to bind FABPs and this may be one of the mechanisms by which CBD works in childhood epilepsy, raising anandamide levels. Targeting FABPs may be advantageous since they have some tissue specificity and do not require reactive serine hydrolase inhibitors, as does FAAH, with potential for off-target reactions. At the International Cannabis Research Society Symposium in 1992, Raphe Mechoulam revealed that his laboratory isolated an endogenous lipid molecule that binds to the CB1 receptor (cannabinoid receptor type 1) and this became the milestone paper published in December of that year describing anandamide (AEA, Devane et al., 1992). As to be expected, this discovery raised the issues of AEA's synthesis and breakdown. PMID:27790143

Expecting the Unexpected: Sick and Emergency Child Care. The BNA Special Report Series on Work and Family. Special Report No. 53.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., Washington, DC.

Unexpected absences from work that arise when employees are faced with children's illnesses or breakdowns in their regular child care arrangements cause a tremendous amount of stress for working families and losses in productivity businesses. Interest in emergency child care programs appears to be increasing. This report examines the increasing…

Critical fermion density for restoring spontaneously broken symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinert, Hagen; Xue, She-Sheng

2015-07-01

We show how the phenomenon of spontaneous symmetry breakdown is affected by the presence of a sea of fermions in the system. When its density exceeds a critical value, the broken symmetry can be restored. We calculate the critical value and discuss the consequences for three different physical systems: First, for the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics, where the spontaneous symmetry breakdown leads to nonzero masses of intermediate gauge bosons and fermions. The symmetry restoration will greatly enhance various processes with dramatic consequences for the early universe. Second, for the Gell-Mann-Lévy σ-model of nuclear physics, where the symmetry breakdown gives rise to the nucleon and meson masses. The symmetry restoration may have important consequences for formation or collapse of stellar cores. Third, for the superconductive phase of condensed-matter, where the BCS condensate at low-temperature may be destroyed by a too large electron density.

A composite step conjugate gradients squared algorithm for solving nonsymmetric linear systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Tony; Szeto, Tedd

1994-03-01

We propose a new and more stable variant of the CGS method [27] for solving nonsymmetric linear systems. The method is based on squaring the Composite Step BCG method, introduced recently by Bank and Chan [1,2], which itself is a stabilized variant of BCG in that it skips over steps for which the BCG iterate is not defined and causes one kind of breakdown in BCG. By doing this, we obtain a method (Composite Step CGS or CSCGS) which not only handles the breakdowns described above, but does so with the advantages of CGS, namely, no multiplications by the transpose matrix and a faster convergence rate than BCG. Our strategy for deciding whether to skip a step does not involve any machine dependent parameters and is designed to skip near breakdowns as well as produce smoother iterates. Numerical experiments show that the new method does produce improved performance over CGS on practical problems.

Optical measurements for interfacial conduction and breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hebner, R. E., Jr.; Kelley, E. F.; Hagler, J. N.

1983-01-01

Measurements and calculations contributing to the understanding of space and surface charges in practical insulation systems are given. Calculations are presented which indicate the size of charge densities necessary to appreciably modify the electric field from what would be calculated from geometrical considerations alone. Experimental data is also presented which locates the breakdown in an electrode system with a paper sample bridging the gap between the electrodes. It is found that with careful handling, the breakdown does not necessarily occur along the interface even if heavily contaminated oil is used. The effects of space charge in the bulk liquid are electro-optically examined in nitrobenzene and transformer oil. Several levels of contamination in transformer oil are investigated. Whereas much space charge can be observed in nitrobenzene, very little space charge, if any, can be observed in the transformer oil samples even at temperatures near 100 degrees C.

Recent research on V/STOL test limits at the University of Washington aeronautical laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shindo, S.; Rae, W. H., Jr.

1980-01-01

The occurence of flow breakdown during the wind tunnel testing of a powered V/STOL aircraft was studied. Flow breakdown is the low forward speed test limit in a solid wall wind tunnel and is characterized by a vortex which forms on the floor and walls of the wind tunnel thereby failing to simulate free air conditions. The flow is caused by the interaction of the model wake and tunnel boundary layer and affects the model's aerodynamic characteristics in such fashion as to negate their reliability as correctable wind tunnel data. The low speed test limit was examined using a model that possessed a discretely concentrated powered lift system using a pair of lift jets. The system design is discussed and the tests and results which show that flow breakdown occurs at a velocity ratio of approximately 0.20 are reported.

Structural evolution of nanoporous ultra-low k dielectrics under voltage stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raja, Archana; Shaw, Thomas; Grill, Alfred; Laibowitz, Robert; Heinz, Tony

2013-03-01

High speed interconnects in advanced integrated circuits require ultra-low-k dielectrics. Reduction of the dielectric constant is achieved via incorporation of nanopores in structures containing silicon, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen (SiCOH). We study nanoporous SiCOH films of k=2.5 and thicknesses of 40 - 400 nm. Leakage currents develop in the films under long-term voltage stress, eventually leading to breakdown and chip failure. Previous work* has shown the build-up of trap states as dielectric breakdown progresses. Using FTIR spectroscopy we have tracked the reorganization of the bonds in the SiCOH networks induced by voltage stress. Our results indicate that the cleavage of the Si-C and SiC-O bonds contribute toward increase in the density of bulk trapping states as breakdown is approached. AC conductance and capacitance measurements have also been carried out to describe interfacial and bulk traps and mechanisms. Comparison of breakdown properties of films with differing carbon content will also be presented to further delineate the role of carbon. *Atkin, J.M.; Shaw, T.M.; Liniger, E.; Laibowitz, R.B.; Heinz, T.F. Reliability Physics Symposium (IRPS), 2012 IEEE International Supported by the Semiconductor Research Corporation

Design, fabrication, and performance analysis of GaN vertical electron transistors with a buried p/n junction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yeluri, Ramya, E-mail: ramyay@ece.ucsb.edu; Lu, Jing; Keller, Stacia

2015-05-04

The Current Aperture Vertical Electron Transistor (CAVET) combines the high conductivity of the two dimensional electron gas channel at the AlGaN/GaN heterojunction with better field distribution offered by a vertical design. In this work, CAVETs with buried, conductive p-GaN layers as the current blocking layer are reported. The p-GaN layer was regrown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition and the subsequent channel regrowth was done by ammonia molecular beam epitaxy to maintain the p-GaN conductivity. Transistors with high ON current (10.9 kA/cm{sup 2}) and low ON-resistance (0.4 mΩ cm{sup 2}) are demonstrated. Non-planar selective area regrowth is identified as the limiting factormore » to transistor breakdown, using planar and non-planar n/p/n structures. Planar n/p/n structures recorded an estimated electric field of 3.1 MV/cm, while non-planar structures showed a much lower breakdown voltage. Lowering the p-GaN regrowth temperature improved breakdown in the non-planar n/p/n structure. Combining high breakdown voltage with high current will enable GaN vertical transistors with high power densities.« less

Experiments and Computational Theory for Electrical Breakdown in Critical Components: THz Imaging of Electronic Plasmas.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zutavern, Fred J.; Hjalmarson, Harold P.; Bigman, Verle Howard

This report describes the development of ultra-short pulse laser (USPL) induced terahertz (THz) radiation to image electronic plasmas during electrical breakdown. The technique uses three pulses from two USPLs to (1) trigger the breakdown, (2) create a 2 picosecond (ps, 10 -12 s), THz pulse to illuminate the breakdown, and (3) record the THz image of the breakdown. During this three year internal research program, sub-picosecond jitter timing for the lasers, THz generation, high bandwidth (BW) diagnostics, and THz image acquisition was demonstrated. High intensity THz radiation was optically-induced in a pulse-charged gallium arsenide photoconductive switch. The radiation was collected,more » transported, concentrated, and co-propagated through an electro-optic crystal with an 800 nm USPL pulse whose polarization was rotated due to the spatially varying electric field of the THz image. The polarization modulated USPL pulse was then passed through a polarizer and the resulting spatially varying intensity was detected in a high resolution digital camera. Single shot images had a signal to noise of %7E3:1. Signal to noise was improved to %7E30:1 with several experimental techniques and by averaging the THz images from %7E4000 laser pulses internally and externally with the camera and the acquisition system (40 pulses per readout). THz shadows of metallic films and objects were also recorded with this system to demonstrate free-carrier absorption of the THz radiation and improve image contrast and resolution. These 2 ps THz pulses were created and resolved with 100 femtosecond (fs, 10 -15 s) long USPL pulses. Thus this technology has the capability to time-resolve extremely fast repetitive or single shot phenomena, such as those that occur during the initiation of electrical breakdown. The goal of imaging electrical breakdown was not reached during this three year project. However, plans to achieve this goal as part of a follow-on project are described in this document. Further modifications to improve the THz image contrast and resolution are proposed, and after they are made, images of photo-induced carriers in gallium arsenide and silicon will be acquired to evaluate image sensitivity versus carrier density. Finally electrical breakdown will be induced with the first USPL pulse, illuminated with THz radiation produced with the second USPL pulse and recorded with the third USPL pulse.« less

Laser Induced Aluminum Surface Breakdown Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Yen-Sen; Liu, Jiwen; Zhang, Sijun; Wang, Ten-See (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Laser powered propulsion systems involve complex fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and radiative transfer processes. Based on an unstructured grid, pressure-based computational aerothermodynamics; platform, several sub-models describing such underlying physics as laser ray tracing and focusing, thermal non-equilibrium, plasma radiation and air spark ignition have been developed. This proposed work shall extend the numerical platform and existing sub-models to include the aluminum wall surface Inverse Bremsstrahlung (IB) effect from which surface ablation and free-electron generation can be initiated without relying on the air spark ignition sub-model. The following tasks will be performed to accomplish the research objectives.

Application of microplasma discharge in a spark gap for high repetitive switching

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rahaman, Hasibur; Nam, Sang Hoon; Nam, Jong Woo

2010-04-05

The electrical breakdown in a spark gap for repetitive switching has been a long research interest. For this purpose, microplasma discharge is implemented in the spark gap which is further integrated inside a coaxial transmission line. This work addresses important physical properties and insights of the microplasma discharge, to be optimized, such as plasma generation in a spark channel, dielectric recovery process, and residual plasma in the postspark discharge period. Although understanding the microplasma discharge is the primary goal, considerable attention has been focused on an external circuit scheme to drive the discharge system at a high repetition rate.

Communication path for extreme environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jorgensen, Charles C. (Inventor); Betts, Bradley J. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

Methods and systems for using one or more radio frequency identification devices (RFIDs), or other suitable signal transmitters and/or receivers, to provide a sensor information communication path, to provide location and/or spatial orientation information for an emergency service worker (ESW), to provide an ESW escape route, to indicate a direction from an ESW to an ES appliance, to provide updated information on a region or structure that presents an extreme environment (fire, hazardous fluid leak, underwater, nuclear, etc.) in which an ESW works, and to provide accumulated thermal load or thermal breakdown information on one or more locations in the region.

Empirical testing of an analytical model predicting electrical isolation of photovoltaic models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, A., III; Minning, C. P.; Cuddihy, E. F.

A major design requirement for photovoltaic modules is that the encapsulation system be capable of withstanding large DC potentials without electrical breakdown. Presented is a simple analytical model which can be used to estimate material thickness to meet this requirement for a candidate encapsulation system or to predict the breakdown voltage of an existing module design. A series of electrical tests to verify the model are described in detail. The results of these verification tests confirmed the utility of the analytical model for preliminary design of photovoltaic modules.

Integer channels in nonuniform non-equilibrium 2D systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shikin, V.

2018-01-01

We discuss the non-equilibrium properties of integer channels in nonuniform 2D electron (hole) systems in the presence of a strong magnetic field. The results are applied to a qualitative explanation of the Corbino disk current-voltage characteristics (IVC) in the quantum Hall effect (QHE) regime. Special consideration is paid to the so-called "QHE breakdown" effect, which is readily observed in both the Hall bar and Corbino geometries of the tested cells. The QHE breakdown is especially evident in the Corbino samples, allowing for a more in-depth study of these effects.

48 CFR 252.215-7009 - Proposal adequacy checklist.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... estimating relationships (labor hours or material) proposed on other than a discrete basis? 10. FAR 15.408..., applicable CLIN, Work Breakdown Structure, rationale for estimate, applicable history, and time-phasing)? 25...

Tiludronate

MedlinePlus

Tiludronate is used to treat Paget's disease of bone (a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, ... of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).

A project management system for the X-29A flight test program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, J. F.; Bauer, C. A.

1983-01-01

The project-management system developed for NASA's participation in the X-29A aircraft development program is characterized from a theoretical perspective, as an example of a system appropriate to advanced, highly integrated technology projects. System-control theory is applied to the analysis of classical project-management techniques and structures, which are found to be of closed-loop multivariable type; and the effects of increasing project complexity and integration are evaluated. The importance of information flow, sampling frequency, information holding, and delays is stressed. The X-29A system is developed in four stages: establishment of overall objectives and requirements, determination of information processes (block diagrams) definition of personnel functional roles and relationships, and development of a detailed work-breakdown structure. The resulting system is shown to require a greater information flow to management than conventional methods. Sample block diagrams are provided.

Current-induced changes of migration energy barriers in graphene and carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Obodo, J T; Rungger, I; Sanvito, S; Schwingenschlögl, U

2016-05-21

An electron current can move atoms in a nanoscale device with important consequences for the device operation and breakdown. We perform first principles calculations aimed at evaluating the possibility of changing the energy barriers for atom migration in carbon-based systems. In particular, we consider the migration of adatoms and defects in graphene and carbon nanotubes. Although the current-induced forces are large for both the systems, in graphene the force component along the migration path is small and therefore the barrier height is little affected by the current flow. In contrast, the same barrier is significantly reduced in carbon nanotubes as the current increases. Our work also provides a real-system numerical demonstration that current-induced forces within density functional theory are non-conservative.

A Cost Model for Air Force Institute of Technology Programs.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-09-01

Patterson AFB OH, September 1977. ADA 047662. 16. Horngren , Charles T. Cost Accounting , A Managerial Emphasis. Englewood Cliffs NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc...25 S . Categorical Breakdown of AFIT Cost Matrix ....... .................. . 26 6. Elemental Breakdown of AFIT Direct Cost Category...maximum use of existing data sources such as the Air Force Accounting System for Operations. Justification for Research In past years, cost studies

Ground-Based High-Power Microwave Decoy Discrimination System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-23

understanding of plasma instabilities, self-induced magnetic effects , space - charge considerations, production of ion currents, etc. 3.3.4 Cross-Field...breakdown, due to small potential differences. Interaction volumes can therefore be large, avoiding breakdown and space - charge effects (at the price...the interference of the incident and reflected wave, and by the electrostatic forces of the surface (positive) and space charge (negative) trapped in

Phase Transition in a Healthy Human Heart Rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiyono, Ken; Struzik, Zbigniew R.; Aoyagi, Naoko; Togo, Fumiharu; Yamamoto, Yoshiharu

2005-07-01

A healthy human heart rate displays complex fluctuations which share characteristics of physical systems in a critical state. We demonstrate that the human heart rate in healthy individuals undergoes a dramatic breakdown of criticality characteristics, reminiscent of continuous second order phase transitions. By studying the germane determinants, we show that the hallmark of criticality—highly correlated fluctuations—is observed only during usual daily activity, and a breakdown of these characteristics occurs in prolonged, strenuous exercise and sleep. This finding is the first reported discovery of the dynamical phase transition phenomenon in a biological control system and will be a key to understanding the heart rate control system in health and disease.

48 CFR 852.236-79 - Daily report of workers and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., mechanics, foremen/forewomen and pieces of heavy equipment used or employed by the contractor and... concrete, plastering, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal work, etc. The report shall give a breakdown of...

48 CFR 852.236-79 - Daily report of workers and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., mechanics, foremen/forewomen and pieces of heavy equipment used or employed by the contractor and... concrete, plastering, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal work, etc. The report shall give a breakdown of...

48 CFR 852.236-79 - Daily report of workers and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., mechanics, foremen/forewomen and pieces of heavy equipment used or employed by the contractor and... concrete, plastering, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal work, etc. The report shall give a breakdown of...

48 CFR 852.236-79 - Daily report of workers and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., mechanics, foremen/forewomen and pieces of heavy equipment used or employed by the contractor and... concrete, plastering, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal work, etc. The report shall give a breakdown of...

48 CFR 852.236-79 - Daily report of workers and material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., mechanics, foremen/forewomen and pieces of heavy equipment used or employed by the contractor and... concrete, plastering, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal work, etc. The report shall give a breakdown of...

Calcitonin Salmon Nasal Spray

MedlinePlus

Calcitonin salmon is used to treat osteoporosis in women who are at least 5 years past menopause and cannot ... a human hormone that is also found in salmon. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing ...

Women, Work, and Family: Dimensions of Change in American Society.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mott, Frank L.; And Others

The research presented in this volume considers a number of factors associated with women's participation in the labor market. These include the educational and training experiences of women now reaching adulthood, the rationales associated with work attachment during the early years of marriage, and the implications of marital breakdown and of…

Constraining fault constitutive behavior with slip and stress heterogeneity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Aagaard, Brad T.; Heaton, T.H.

2008-01-01

We study how enforcing self-consistency in the statistical properties of the preshear and postshear stress on a fault can be used to constrain fault constitutive behavior beyond that required to produce a desired spatial and temporal evolution of slip in a single event. We explore features of rupture dynamics that (1) lead to slip heterogeneity in earthquake ruptures and (2) maintain these conditions following rupture, so that the stress field is compatible with the generation of aftershocks and facilitates heterogeneous slip in subsequent events. Our three-dimensional fmite element simulations of magnitude 7 events on a vertical, planar strike-slip fault show that the conditions that lead to slip heterogeneity remain in place after large events when the dynamic stress drop (initial shear stress) and breakdown work (fracture energy) are spatially heterogeneous. In these models the breakdown work is on the order of MJ/m2, which is comparable to the radiated energy. These conditions producing slip heterogeneity also tend to produce narrower slip pulses independent of a slip rate dependence in the fault constitutive model. An alternative mechanism for generating these confined slip pulses appears to be fault constitutive models that have a stronger rate dependence, which also makes them difficult to implement in numerical models. We hypothesize that self-consistent ruptures could also be produced by very narrow slip pulses propagating in a self-sustaining heterogeneous stress field with breakdown work comparable to fracture energy estimates of kJ/M2. Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.

A preliminary model of work during initial examination and treatment planning appointments.

PubMed

Irwin, J Y; Torres-Urquidy, M H; Schleyer, T; Monaco, V

2009-01-10

Objective This study's objective was to formally describe the work process for charting and treatment planning in general dental practice to inform the design of a new clinical computing environment.Methods Using a process called contextual inquiry, researchers observed 23 comprehensive examination and treatment planning sessions during 14 visits to 12 general US dental offices. For each visit, field notes were analysed and reformulated as formalised models. Subsequently, each model type was consolidated across all offices and visits. Interruptions to the workflow, called breakdowns, were identified.Results Clinical work during dental examination and treatment planning appointments is a highly collaborative activity involving dentists, hygienists and assistants. Personnel with multiple overlapping roles complete complex multi-step tasks supported by a large and varied collection of equipment, artifacts and technology. Most of the breakdowns were related to technology which interrupted the workflow, caused rework and increased the number of steps in work processes.Conclusion Current dental software could be significantly improved with regard to its support for communication and collaboration, workflow, information design and presentation, information content, and data entry.

Communication: Fast dynamics perspective on the breakdown of the Stokes-Einstein law in fragile glassformers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puosi, F.; Pasturel, A.; Jakse, N.; Leporini, D.

2018-04-01

The breakdown of the Stokes-Einstein (SE) law in fragile glassformers is examined by Molecular-Dynamics simulations of atomic liquids and polymers and consideration of the experimental data concerning the archetypical ortho-terphenyl glassformer. All the four systems comply with the universal scaling between the viscosity (or the structural relaxation) and the Debye-Waller factor ⟨u2⟩, the mean square amplitude of the particle rattling in the cage formed by the surrounding neighbors. It is found that the SE breakdown is scaled in a master curve by a reduced ⟨u2⟩. Two approximated expressions of the latter, with no and one adjustable parameter, respectively, are derived.

Mass analysis of neutral particles and ions released during electrical breakdowns on spacecraft surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kendall, B. R. F.

1985-01-01

Charged-particle fluxes from breakdown events were studied. Methods to measure mass spectra and total emitted flux of neutral particles were developed. The design and construction of the specialized mass spectrometer was completed. Electrical breakdowns were initiated by a movable blunt contact touching the insulating surface. The contact discharge apparatus was used for final development of two different high-speed recording systems and for measurements of the composition of the materials given off by the discharge. It was shown that intense instantaneous fluxes of neutral particles were released from the sites of electrical breakdown events. A laser micropulse mass analyzer showed that visible discoloration at breakdown sites were correllated with the presence of iron on the polymer side of the film, presumably caused by punch-through to the Inconel backing. Kapton samples irradiated by an oxygen ion beam were tested. The irradiated samples were free of surface hydrocarbon contamination but otherwise behaved in the same way as the Kapton samples tested earlier. Only the two samples exposed to oxygen ion bombardment were relatively clean. This indicates an additional variable that should be considered when testing spacecraft materials in the laboratory.

On spurious detection of linear response and misuse of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem in finite time series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottwald, Georg A.; Wormell, J. P.; Wouters, Jeroen

2016-09-01

Using a sensitive statistical test we determine whether or not one can detect the breakdown of linear response given observations of deterministic dynamical systems. A goodness-of-fit statistics is developed for a linear statistical model of the observations, based on results for central limit theorems for deterministic dynamical systems, and used to detect linear response breakdown. We apply the method to discrete maps which do not obey linear response and show that the successful detection of breakdown depends on the length of the time series, the magnitude of the perturbation and on the choice of the observable. We find that in order to reliably reject the assumption of linear response for typical observables sufficiently large data sets are needed. Even for simple systems such as the logistic map, one needs of the order of 106 observations to reliably detect the breakdown with a confidence level of 95 %; if less observations are available one may be falsely led to conclude that linear response theory is valid. The amount of data required is larger the smaller the applied perturbation. For judiciously chosen observables the necessary amount of data can be drastically reduced, but requires detailed a priori knowledge about the invariant measure which is typically not available for complex dynamical systems. Furthermore we explore the use of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem (FDT) in cases with limited data length or coarse-graining of observations. The FDT, if applied naively to a system without linear response, is shown to be very sensitive to the details of the sampling method, resulting in erroneous predictions of the response.

Addressing the Need for Independence in the CSE Model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abercrombie, Robert K; Ferragut, Erik M; Sheldon, Frederick T

2011-01-01

Abstract Information system security risk, defined as the product of the monetary losses associated with security incidents and the probability that they occur, is a suitable decision criterion when considering different information system architectures. Risk assessment is the widely accepted process used to understand, quantify, and document the effects of undesirable events on organizational objectives so that risk management, continuity of operations planning, and contingency planning can be performed. One technique, the Cyberspace Security Econometrics System (CSES), is a methodology for estimating security costs to stakeholders as a function of possible risk postures. In earlier works, we presented a computationalmore » infrastructure that allows an analyst to estimate the security of a system in terms of the loss that each stakeholder stands to sustain, as a result of security breakdowns. Additional work has applied CSES to specific business cases. The current state-of-the-art of CSES addresses independent events. In typical usage, analysts create matrices that capture their expert opinion, and then use those matrices to quantify costs to stakeholders. This expansion generalizes CSES to the common real-world case where events may be dependent.« less

Investigation of Mechanical Breakdowns Leading to Lock Closures

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

wide variety of issues lead to emergency clo- sures, yet no specific problem (s) that frequently cause unscheduled clo- sures were identified. Table 2-3...Reporting Used to create basic work orders, report problems or malfunctions, or request work to be done. Used to create and process work orders from...work order page for recording the failure class, problem , cause, and remedy (Figure 3-1). Appendix C includes a full list of failure classes

Implementation of the agmatine-controlled expression system for inducible gene expression in Lactococcus lactis.

PubMed

Linares, Daniel M; Alvarez-Sieiro, Patricia; del Rio, Beatriz; Ladero, Victor; Redruello, Begoña; Martin, Ma Cruz; Fernandez, Maria; Alvarez, Miguel A

2015-12-30

Lactococcus lactis has been safely consumed in fermented foods for millennia. This Gram-positive bacterium has now become of industrial importance as an expression host for the overproduction of lipopolysaccharide-free recombinant proteins used as food ingredients, therapeutic proteins and biotechnological enzymes. This paper reports an agmatine-controlled expression (ACE) system for L. lactis, comprising the lactococcal agmatine-sensor/transcriptional activator AguR and its target promoter P(aguB). The usefulness and efficiency of this system was checked via the reporter gene gfp and by producing PEP (Myxococcus xanthus prolyl-endopeptidase), an enzyme of biomedical interest able to degrade the immunotoxic peptides produced during the gastrointestinal breakdown of gluten. The ACE system developed in this work was suitable for the efficient expression of the functional recombinant proteins GFP and PEP. The expression system was tightly regulated by the agmatine concentration and allowed high protein production without leakiness.

The Glymphatic System in Central Nervous System Health and Disease: Past, Present, and Future.

PubMed

Plog, Benjamin A; Nedergaard, Maiken

2018-01-24

The central nervous system (CNS) is unique in being the only organ system lacking lymphatic vessels to assist in the removal of interstitial metabolic waste products. Recent work has led to the discovery of the glymphatic system, a glial-dependent perivascular network that subserves a pseudolymphatic function in the brain. Within the glymphatic pathway, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enters the brain via periarterial spaces, passes into the interstitium via perivascular astrocytic aquaporin-4, and then drives the perivenous drainage of interstitial fluid (ISF) and its solute. Here, we review the role of the glymphatic pathway in CNS physiology, the factors known to regulate glymphatic flow, and the pathologic processes in which a breakdown of glymphatic CSF-ISF exchange has been implicated in disease initiation and progression. Important areas of future research, including manipulation of glymphatic activity aiming to improve waste clearance and therapeutic agent delivery, are also discussed.

Parametric study of a fiber-optic laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy probe for analysis of aluminum alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, Awadhesh K.; Zhang, Hansheng; Yueh, Fang Yu; Singh, Jagdish P.; Weisberg, Arel

2001-12-01

In the present work we demonstrate a fiber-optic laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (FO LIBS) system for delivering laser energy to a sample surface to produce a spark as well as to collect the resulting radiation from the laser-induced spark. In order to improve the signal/background (S/B) ratio, various experimental parameters, such as laser energy, gate delay and width, detector gain, lenses of different focal lengths and sample surface, were tested. In order to provide high reliability and repeatability in the analysis, we also measured plasma parameters, such as electron density and plasma temperature, and determined their influence on the measurement results. The performance of FO LIBS was also compared with that of a LIBS system that does not use a fiber to transmit the laser beam. LIBS spectra with a good S/B were recorded at 2-μs gate delay and width. LIBS spectra of six different Al alloy samples were recorded to obtain calibration data. We were able to obtain linear calibration data for numerous elements (Cr, Zn, Fe, Ni, Mn, Mg and Cu). A linear calibration curve for LIBS intensity ratio vs. concentration ratio reduces the effect of physical variables (i.e. shot-to-shot power fluctuation, sample-to-surface distance, and physical properties of the samples). Our results reveal that this system may be useful in designing a high-temperature LIBS probe for measuring the elemental composition of Al melt.

[Stress management in the workplace in the era of industrial and economic change].

PubMed

Nagata, S

2000-11-01

The globalization of the economy and the recent economic recession in Japan has accelerated down-sizing or restructuring of corporations and has resulted in the induction of a wage system according to achievement instead of the traditional seniority wage system, break-down of the life-long employment system, excess labor and increased unemployment. These rapid changes in the labor situation have increased job stress. It was reported in the survey conducted by the Ministry of Labor in 1997 that 62.8 percent of 16,000 workers had anxiety, worry and stress regarding their working life. The need for effective stress management at work has been increasing in this situation, but in the survey mentioned above only 26.5 percent of 12,000 companies replied that they had incorporated mental health measures. The characteristic features of the approaches for stress management in Japan are summarized as follows: 1) The most popular approaches are education and consultation for individual workers. 2) Systematic preventive approaches such as work control, working environment control, organizational change in the health management system, and systematic and continuous educational programs for managers are inadequate. 3) Systems to evaluation the effectiveness of these interventional approaches are also inadequate. Considering the current situation in which there is increasing job stress and a need for the occupational mental health promotion, we propose a series of mini-reviews regarding stress management at work and mention the composition of this series.

PHENIX Work Breakdown Structure. Cost and schedule review copy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1994-02-01

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Book begins with this Overview section, which contains the high-level summary cost estimate, the cost profile, and the global construction schedule. The summary cost estimate shows the total US cost and the cost in terms of PHENIX construction funds for building the PHENIX detector. All costs in the WBS book are shown in FY 1993 dollars. Also shown are the institutional and foreign contributions, the level of pre-operations funding, and the cost of deferred items. Pie charts are presented at PHENIX WBS level 1 and 2 that show this information. The PHENIX construction funds aremore » shown broken down to PHENIX WBS level 3 items per fiscal year, and the resulting profile is compared to the RHIC target profile. An accumulated difference of the two profiles is also shown. The PHENIX global construction schedule is presented at the end of the Overview section. Following the Overview are sections for each subsystem. Each subsystem section begins with a summary cost estimate, cost profile, and critical path. The total level 3 cost is broken down into fixed costs (M&S), engineering costs (EDIA) and labor costs. Costs are further broken down in terms of PHENIX construction funds, institutional and foreign contributions, pre-operations funding, and deferred items. Also shown is the contingency at level 3 and the level 4 breakdown of the total cost. The cost profile in fiscal years is shown at level 3. The subsystem summaries are followed by the full cost estimate and schedule sheets for that subsystem. These detailed sheets are typically carried down to level 7 or 8. The cost estimate shows Total, M&S, EDIA, and Labor breakdowns, as well as contingency, for each WBS entry.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samant, Saumil P.; Grabowski, Christopher A.; Kisslinger, Kim

Emerging needs for fast charge/discharge yet high-power, lightweight, and flexible electronics requires the use of polymer-film-based solid-state capacitors with high energy densities. Fast charge/discharge rates of film capacitors on the order of microseconds are not achievable with slower charging conventional batteries, supercapacitors and related hybrid technologies. However, the current energy densities of polymer film capacitors fall short of rising demand, and could be significantly enhanced by increasing the breakdown strength (E BD) and dielectric permittivity (ε r) of the polymer films. Co-extruded two-homopolymer component multilayered films have demonstrated much promise in this regard showing higher E BD over that ofmore » component polymers. Multilayered films can also help incorporate functional features besides energy storage, such as enhanced optical, mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. In this work, we report accomplishing multilayer, multicomponent block copolymer dielectric films (BCDF) with soft-shear driven highly oriented self-assembled lamellar diblock copolymers (BCP) as a novel application of this important class of self-assembling materials. Results of a model PS-b-PMMA system show ~50% enhancement in E BD of self-assembled multilayer lamellar BCP films compared to unordered as-cast films, indicating that the breakdown is highly sensitive to the nanostructure of the BCP. The enhancement in E BD is attributed to the “barrier effect”, where the multiple interfaces between the lamellae block components act as barriers to the dielectric breakdown through the film. The increase in E BD corresponds to more than doubling the energy storage capacity using a straightforward directed self-assembly strategy. This approach opens a new nanomaterial paradigm for designing high energy density dielectric materials.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samant, Saumil P.; Grabowski, Christopher A.; Kisslinger, Kim

Emerging needs for fast charge/discharge yet high-power, lightweight, and flexible electronics requires the use of polymer-film-based solid-state capacitors with high energy densities. Fast charge/discharge rates of film capacitors on the order of microseconds are not achievable with slower charging conventional batteries, supercapacitors and related hybrid technologies. However, the current energy densities of polymer film capacitors fall short of rising demand, and could be significantly enhanced by increasing the breakdown strength (E BD) and dielectric permittivity (ε r) of the polymer films. Co-extruded two-homopolymer component multilayered films have demonstrated much promise in this regard showing higher E BD over that ofmore » component polymers. Multilayered films can also help incorporate functional features besides energy storage, such as enhanced optical, mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. In this work, we report accomplishing multilayer, multicomponent block copolymer dielectric films (BCDF) with soft-shear driven highly oriented self-assembled lamellar diblock copolymers (BCP) as a novel application of this important class of self-assembling materials. Results of a model PS- b-PMMA system show ~50% enhancement in E BD of self-assembled multilayer lamellar BCP films compared to unordered as-cast films, indicating that the breakdown is highly sensitive to the nanostructure of the BCP. The enhancement in E BD is attributed to the “barrier effect”, where the multiple interfaces between the lamellae block components act as barriers to the dielectric breakdown through the film. The increase in E BD corresponds to more than doubling the energy storage capacity using a straightforward directed self-assembly strategy. Lastly, this approach opens a new nanomaterial paradigm for designing high energy density dielectric materials.« less

Degradation of histamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and Cu2+ ion; involvement of hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Yamamoto, I; Ohmori, H

1981-01-01

In the presence, but not in the absence of Cu2+, ascorbate decomposes histamine in citrate phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) at 37 degrees, but not at 0 degrees. The breakdown is completely inhibited by catalase, but only slightly by superoxide dismutase, and scavengers of OH. like benzoic acid, ethanol or potassium iodide. A1 O2 scavenger, alpha-tocopherol also did not show significant effects on the reaction. On the other hand, addition of H2O2 to the reaction mixture markedly enhances the rate of histamine breakdown induced by ascorbate or ascorbate-Cu2+ systems. However, H2O2 alone cannot breakdown histamine even in the presence of Cu2+. Histamine breakdown induced by ascorbate appears to be dependent upon the autooxidation of this vitamin. From these results and the findings reported by Chatterjee et al. that the products of its aerobic oxidation, dehydroascorbic acid and H2O2 were ineffective in reacting with histamine in the presence of Cu2+, it is concluded that the combination of H2O2 and the intermediate of ascorbate oxidation (monodehydroascorbic acid or other unstable species), both of which are produced during the autooxidation of ascorbate, plays a major role in the histamine transformation by ascorbate-Cu2+ system.

Repetitive laser ignition by optical breakdown of a LOX/H2 rocket combustion chamber with multi-injector head configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Börner, Michael; Manfletti, Chiara; Kroupa, Gerhard; Oschwald, Michael

2017-09-01

This paper reports on the repetitive laser ignition by optical breakdown within an experimental rocket combustion chamber. Ignition was performed by focusing a laser pulse generated by a miniaturized diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser system. The system, which delivers 33.2 mJ in 2.3 ns, was mounted directly to the combustion chamber. The ignition process and flame stabilization was investigated using an optical probe system monitoring the flame attachment across the 15 coaxial injector configuration. 1195 successful ignitions were performed proving the reliability of this laser ignition system and its applicability to the propellant combination LOX/hydrogen at temperatures of T_{{{H}_{ 2} }} = 120-282 K and T_{{{O}_{ 2} }} = 110-281 K.

Characterization of ultrathin insulators in CMOS technology: Wearout and failure mechanisms due to processing and operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okandan, Murat

In the CMOS technology the gate dielectric is the most critical layer, as its condition directly dictates the ultimate performance of the devices. In this thesis, the wear-out and failure mechanisms in ultra-thin (around 50A and lower) oxides are investigated. A new degradation phenomenon, quasi-breakdown (or soft-breakdown), and the annealing and stressing behavior of devices after quasi-breakdown are considered in detail. Devices that are in quasi-breakdown continue to operate as switches, but the gate leakage current is two orders of magnitude higher than the leakage in healthy devices and the stressing/annealing behavior of the devices are completely altered. This phenomenon is of utmost interest, since the reduction in SiO2 dielectric thickness has reached its physical limits, and the quasi-breakdown behavior is seen to dominate as a failure mode in this regime. The quasi-breakdown condition can be brought on by stresses during operation or processing. To further study this evolution through stresses and anneals, cyclic current-voltage (I-V) measurement has been further developed and utilized in this thesis. Cyclic IV is a simple and fast, two terminal measurement technique that looks at the transient current flowing in an MOS system during voltage sweeps from accumulation to inversion and back. During these sweeps, carrier trapping/detrapping, generation and recombination are observed. An experimental setup using a fast electrometer and analog to digital conversion (A/D) card and the software for control of the setup and data analysis were also developed to gain further insight into the detailed physics involved. Overall, the crucial aspects of wear-out and quasi-breakdown of ultrathin dielectrics, along with the methods for analyzing this evolution are presented in this thesis.

Bovine tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: quantification of the population disease-level effect from cattle leaving herds detected as a source of infection.

PubMed

Doyle, L P; Courcier, E A; Gordon, A W; O'Hagan, M J H; Stegeman, J A; Menzies, F D

2017-12-01

Determination of the proportion of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) breakdowns attributed to a herd purchasing infected animals has not been previously quantified using data from the Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) database in Northern Ireland. We used a case-control study design to account for the infection process occurring in the disclosing bTB breakdown herds. Cases (N = 6926) were cattle moving to a future confirmed bTB breakdown where they would disclose as a confirmed bTB reactor or a Lesion at Routine Slaughter (LRS). Controls (N = 303 499) were cattle moving to a future confirmed bTB breakdown where they did not become a bTB reactor or LRS. Our study showed that the cattle leaving herds which disclosed bTB within 450 days had an increased odds of becoming a confirmed bTB reactor or LRS compared with the cattle which left herds that remained free for 450 days (odds ratio (OR) = 2·09: 95% CI 1·96-2·22). Of the 12 060 confirmed bTB breakdowns included in our study (2007-2015 inclusive), 31% (95% CI 29·8-31·5) contained a confirmed bTB reactor(s) or LRS(s) at the disclosing test which entered the herd within the previous 450 days. After controlling for the infection process occurring in the disclosing bTB breakdown herd, our study showed that 6·4% (95% CI 5·9-6·8) of bTB breakdowns in Northern Ireland were directly attributable to the movement of infected animals.

Underlying mechanisms of transient luminous events: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surkov, V. V.; Hayakawa, M.

2012-08-01

Transient luminous events (TLEs) occasionally observed above a strong thunderstorm system have been the subject of a great deal of research during recent years. The main goal of this review is to introduce readers to recent theories of electrodynamics processes associated with TLEs. We examine the simplest versions of these theories in order to make their physics as transparent as possible. The study is begun with the conventional mechanism for air breakdown at stratospheric and mesospheric altitudes. An electron impact ionization and dissociative attachment to neutrals are discussed. A streamer size and mobility of electrons as a function of altitude in the atmosphere are estimated on the basis of similarity law. An alternative mechanism of air breakdown, runaway electron mechanism, is discussed. In this section we focus on a runaway breakdown field, characteristic length to increase avalanche of runaway electrons and on the role played by fast seed electrons in generation of the runaway breakdown. An effect of thunderclouds charge distribution on initiation of blue jets and gigantic jets is examined. A model in which the blue jet is treated as upward-propagating positive leader with a streamer zone/corona on the top is discussed. Sprite models based on streamer-like mechanism of air breakdown in the presence of atmospheric conductivity are reviewed. To analyze conditions for sprite generation, thunderstorm electric field arising just after positive cloud-to-ground stroke is compared with the thresholds for propagation of positively/negatively charged streamers and with runway breakdown. Our own estimate of tendril's length at the bottom of sprite is obtained to demonstrate that the runaway breakdown can trigger the streamer formation. In conclusion we discuss physical mechanisms of VLF (very low frequency) and ELF (extremely low frequency) phenomena associated with sprites.

Response of geostationary communications satellite solid-state power amplifiers to high-energy electron fluence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lohmeyer, Whitney; Carlton, Ashley; Wong, Frankie; Bodeau, Michael; Kennedy, Andrew; Cahoy, Kerri

2015-05-01

The key components in communications satellite payloads are the high-power amplifiers that amplify the received signal so that it can be accurately transmitted to the intended end user. In this study, we examine 26 amplifier anomalies and quantify the high-energy electron environment for periods of time prior to the anomalies. Building on the work of Lohmeyer and Cahoy (2013), we find that anomalies occur at a rate higher than just by chance when the >2 MeV electron fluence accumulated over 14 and 21 days is elevated. To try to understand "why," we model the amplifier subsystem to assess whether the dielectric material in the radio frequency (RF) coaxial cables, which are the most exposed part of the system, is liable to experience electrical breakdown due to internal charging. We find that the accumulated electric field over the 14 and 21 days leading up to the anomalies is high enough to cause the dielectric material in the coax to breakdown. We also find that the accumulated voltages reached are high enough to compromise components in the amplifier system, for example, the direct current (DC) blocking capacitor. An electron beam test using a representative coaxial cable terminated in a blocking capacitor showed that discharges could occur with peak voltages and energies sufficient to damage active RF semiconductor devices.

Reducing Enzyme Costs Increases Market Potential of Biofuels; The Spectrum of Clean Energy Innovation (Fact Sheet)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

Fact sheet describing NREL's work with enzyme producers Novozymes and Genencor to engineer new cellulase enzymes to breakdown cellulosic ethanol into fermentable sugars that can be converted into biofuels.

Chemical Work Force Drops Steeply in 1985.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chemical and Engineering News, 1986

1986-01-01

Provides data on industrial employment in the chemical industry, comparing subgroups of production for all employees and for scientists and engineers. Gives company by company sales per employee breakdown. Compares wages among industry subgroups. Cites productivity measures. (JM)

High improvement in trap level density and direct current breakdown strength of block polypropylene by doping with a β-nucleating agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chong; Zha, Jun-Wei; Yan, Hong-Da; Li, Wei-Kang; Dang, Zhi-Min

2018-02-01

Polypropylene is one kind of eco-friendly insulating material, which has attracted more attention for use in high voltage direct current (HVDC) insulation due to the long-distance transmission, low loss, and recyclability. In this work, the morphology and thermal and electrical properties of the block polypropylene with various β-nucleating agent (β-NA) contents were investigated. The relative fraction of the β-crystal can reach 64.7% after adding 0.05 wt. % β-NA. The β-NA also greatly reduced the melting point and improved the crystallization temperature. The electrical property results showed that the alternating and direct current breakdown strength and conduction current were obviously improved. In addition, space charge accumulation was significantly suppressed by introducing the β-NA. This work provides an attractive strategy of design and fabrication of polypropylene for HVDC application.

Energy dissipation on ion-accelerator grids during high-voltage breakdown

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Menon, M.M.; Ponte, N.S.

1981-01-01

The effects of stored energy in the system capacitance across the accelerator grids during high voltage vacuum breakdown are examined. Measurements were made of the current flow and the energy deposition on the grids during breakdown. It is shown that only a portion (less than or equal to 40 J) of the total stored energy (congruent to 100 J) is actually dissipated on the grids. Most of the energy is released during the formation phase of the vacuum arc and is deposited primarily on the most positive grid. Certain abnormal situations led to energy depositions of about 200 J onmore » the grid, but the ion accelerator endured them without exhibiting any deterioration in performance.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Werne, Roger W.; Sampayan, Stephen; Harris, John Richardson

This patent document discloses high voltage switches that include one or more electrically floating conductor layers that are isolated from one another in the dielectric medium between the top and bottom switch electrodes. The presence of the one or more electrically floating conductor layers between the top and bottom switch electrodes allow the dielectric medium between the top and bottom switch electrodes to exhibit a higher breakdown voltage than the breakdown voltage when the one or more electrically floating conductor layers are not present between the top and bottom switch electrodes. This increased breakdown voltage in the presence of onemore » or more electrically floating conductor layers in a dielectric medium enables the switch to supply a higher voltage for various high voltage circuits and electric systems.« less

Breakdown flash at telecom wavelengths in InGaAs avalanche photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Yicheng; Lim, Janet Zheng Jie; Poh, Hou Shun; Tan, Peng Kian; Tan, Peiyu Amelia; Ling, Alexander; Kurtsiefer, Christian

2017-11-01

Quantum key distribution (QKD) at telecom wavelengths (1260-1625nm) has the potential for fast deployment due to existing optical fibre infrastructure and mature telecom technologies. At these wavelengths, indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) avalanche photodiode (APD) based detectors are the preferred choice for photon detection. Similar to their silicon counterparts used at shorter wavelengths, they exhibit fluorescence from recombination of electron-hole pairs generated in the avalanche breakdown process. This fluorescence may open side channels for attacks on QKD systems. Here, we characterize the breakdown fluorescence from two commercial InGaAs single photon counting modules, and find a spectral distribution between 1000nm and 1600nm. We also show that by spectral filtering, this side channel can be efficiently suppressed.

Breakdown flash at telecom wavelengths in InGaAs avalanche photodiodes.

PubMed

Shi, Yicheng; Lim, Janet Zheng Jie; Poh, Hou Shun; Tan, Peng Kian; Tan, Peiyu Amelia; Ling, Alexander; Kurtsiefer, Christian

2017-11-27

Quantum key distribution (QKD) at telecom wavelengths (1260 - 1625 nm) has the potential for fast deployment due to existing optical fibre infrastructure and mature telecom technologies. At these wavelengths, Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) avalanche photodiode (APD) based detectors are the preferred choice for photon detection. Similar to their Silicon counterparts used at shorter wavelengths, they exhibit fluorescence from recombination of electron-hole pairs generated in the avalanche breakdown process. This fluorescence may open side channels for attacks on QKD systems. Here, we characterize the breakdown fluorescence from two commercial InGaAs single photon counting modules, and find a spectral distribution between 1000 nm and 1600 nm. We also show that by spectral filtering, this side channel can be efficiently suppressed.

An implementation of the look-ahead Lanczos algorithm for non-Hermitian matrices, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freund, Roland W.; Gutknecht, Martin H.; Nachtigal, Noel M.

1990-01-01

The nonsymmetric Lanczos method can be used to compute eigenvalues of large sparse non-Hermitian matrices or to solve large sparse non-Hermitian linear systems. However, the original Lanczos algorithm is susceptible to possible breakdowns and potential instabilities. We present an implementation of a look-ahead version of the Lanczos algorithm which overcomes these problems by skipping over those steps in which a breakdown or near-breakdown would occur in the standard process. The proposed algorithm can handle look-ahead steps of any length and is not restricted to steps of length 2, as earlier implementations are. Also, our implementation has the feature that it requires roughly the same number of inner products as the standard Lanczos process without look-ahead.

Anisotropic breakdown of Fermi liquid quasiparticle excitations in overdoped La₂-xSrxCuO₄.

PubMed

Chang, J; Månsson, M; Pailhès, S; Claesson, T; Lipscombe, O J; Hayden, S M; Patthey, L; Tjernberg, O; Mesot, J

2013-01-01

High-temperature superconductivity emerges from an un-conventional metallic state. This has stimulated strong efforts to understand exactly how Fermi liquids breakdown and evolve into an un-conventional metal. A fundamental question is how Fermi liquid quasiparticle excitations break down in momentum space. Here we show, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, that the Fermi liquid quasiparticle excitations of the overdoped superconducting cuprate La1.77Sr0.23CuO4 is highly anisotropic in momentum space. The quasiparticle scattering and residue behave differently along the Fermi surface and hence the Kadowaki-Wood's relation is not obeyed. This kind of Fermi liquid breakdown may apply to a wide range of strongly correlated metal systems where spin fluctuations are present.

Determination of threshold and maximum operating electric stresses for selected high voltage insulations. Task 2: Investigation of oil-filled paper insulated cables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sosnowski, M.; Eager, G. S., Jr.

1983-06-01

Threshold voltage of oil-impregnated paper insulated cables are investigaed. Experimental work was done on model cables specially manufactured for this project. The cables were impregnated with mineral and with synthetic oils. Standard impulse breakdown voltage tests and impulse voltage breakdown tests with dc prestressing were performed at room temperature and at 1000C. The most important result is the finding of very high level of threshold voltage stress for oil-impregnated paper insulated cables. This threshold voltage is approximately 1.5 times higher than the threshold voltage or crosslinked polyethylene insulated cables.

Identification of vapor-phase chemical warfare agent simulants and rocket fuels using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stearns, Jaime A.; McElman, Sarah E.; Dodd, James A.

2010-05-01

Application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to the identification of security threats is a growing area of research. This work presents LIBS spectra of vapor-phase chemical warfare agent simulants and typical rocket fuels. A large dataset of spectra was acquired using a variety of gas mixtures and background pressures and processed using partial least squares analysis. The five compounds studied were identified with a 99% success rate by the best method. The temporal behavior of the emission lines as a function of chamber pressure and gas mixture was also investigated, revealing some interesting trends that merit further study.

Predicting the breakdown strength and lifetime of nanocomposites using a multi-scale modeling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yanhui; Zhao, He; Wang, Yixing; Ratcliff, Tyree; Breneman, Curt; Brinson, L. Catherine; Chen, Wei; Schadler, Linda S.

2017-08-01

It has been found that doping dielectric polymers with a small amount of nanofiller or molecular additive can stabilize the material under a high field and lead to increased breakdown strength and lifetime. Choosing appropriate fillers is critical to optimizing the material performance, but current research largely relies on experimental trial and error. The employment of computer simulations for nanodielectric design is rarely reported. In this work, we propose a multi-scale modeling approach that employs ab initio, Monte Carlo, and continuum scales to predict the breakdown strength and lifetime of polymer nanocomposites based on the charge trapping effect of the nanofillers. The charge transfer, charge energy relaxation, and space charge effects are modeled in respective hierarchical scales by distinctive simulation techniques, and these models are connected together for high fidelity and robustness. The preliminary results show good agreement with the experimental data, suggesting its promise for use in the computer aided material design of high performance dielectrics.

The Urban Ecology Institute's field studies program: utilizing urban areas for experiential learning and ecological research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starry, O.

2005-05-01

The Urban Ecology Institute (UEI) promotes the stewardship of healthy urban ecosystems by improving science and civic education for middle and high school youth and by working with urban communities to protect and transform natural resources. Established in 1999, UEI's field studies program engages over 1000 youth in the greater Boston area. A substantial component of this program involves water quality monitoring. We have recently adapted protocols from published leaf breakdown studies for incorporation into the UEI water quality curriculum. A 2004 pilot study of these leaf breakdown activities, conducted at four sites, compared rates of red maple breakdown to those of Norway maple, a potentially invasive urban street tree. Preliminary data from this successful pilot study suggest that leaf litter inputs from the two different tree species have varying effects on stream ecosystem function. We present this study as an example of how urban areas can be utilized for both ecological research and inclusive experiential learning through which science and mathematic knowledge can be effectively communicated.

Elemental and mineralogical imaging of a weathered limestone rock by double-pulse micro-Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senesi, Giorgio S.; Campanella, Beatrice; Grifoni, Emanuela; Legnaioli, Stefano; Lorenzetti, Giulia; Pagnotta, Stefano; Poggialini, Francesco; Palleschi, Vincenzo; De Pascale, Olga

2018-05-01

The present work aims to evaluate the alteration conditions of historical limestone rocks exposed to urban environment using the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. The approach proposed is based on the microscale three dimensional (3D) compositional imaging of the sample through double-pulse micro-Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (DP-μLIBS) in conjunction with optical microscopy. DP-μLIBS allows to perform a quick and detailed in-depth analysis of the composition of the weathered artifact by creating a 'virtual thin section' (VTS) of the sample which can estimate the extent of the alteration processes occurred at the limestone surface. The DP-μLIBS analysis of these thin sections showed a reduction with depth of the elements (mainly Fe, Si and Na) originating from atmospheric dust, particulate deposition and the surrounding environment (due to the proximity of the sea), whereas, the LIBS signal of Ca increased in intensity from the black crust to the limestone underneath.

In-Operando Spatial Imaging of Edge Termination Electric Fields in GaN Vertical p-n Junction Diodes

DOE PAGES

Leonard, Francois; Dickerson, J. R.; King, M. P.; ...

2016-05-03

Control of electric fields with edge terminations is critical to maximize the performance of high-power electronic devices. We proposed a variety of edge termination designs which makes the optimization of such designs challenging due to many parameters that impact their effectiveness. And while modeling has recently allowed new insight into the detailed workings of edge terminations, the experimental verification of the design effectiveness is usually done through indirect means, such as the impact on breakdown voltages. In this letter, we use scanning photocurrent microscopy to spatially map the electric fields in vertical GaN p-n junction diodes in operando. We alsomore » reveal the complex behavior of seemingly simple edge termination designs, and show how the device breakdown voltage correlates with the electric field behavior. Modeling suggests that an incomplete compensation of the p-type layer in the edge termination creates a bilayer structure that leads to these effects, with variations that significantly impact the breakdown voltage.« less

Energy Flow in Dense Off-Equilibrium Plasma

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-15

akT e in our system100 i e T T Teller 1966 Smoking Gun Experiment: Laser Breakdown in COLD gas In going from room to liquid Nitrogen temperature...oflaser breakdown have revealed a new phase of off-equilibrium plasma that has a tensile strength similar to a liquid , and reduced ion-electron...approved for public release. Part 1: Energy Balance in Sonoluminescing Dense Plasma Sonoluminescence occurs from rapid implosion of gas bubbles caused to

Examining Passenger Flow Choke Points at Airports Using Discrete Event Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Jeremy R.; Madhavan, Poomima

2011-01-01

The movement of passengers through an airport quickly, safely, and efficiently is the main function of the various checkpoints (check-in, security. etc) found in airports. Human error combined with other breakdowns in the complex system of the airport can disrupt passenger flow through the airport leading to lengthy waiting times, missing luggage and missed flights. In this paper we present a model of passenger flow through an airport using discrete event simulation that will provide a closer look into the possible reasons for breakdowns and their implications for passenger flow. The simulation is based on data collected at Norfolk International Airport (ORF). The primary goal of this simulation is to present ways to optimize the work force to keep passenger flow smooth even during peak travel times and for emergency preparedness at ORF in case of adverse events. In this simulation we ran three different scenarios: real world, increased check-in stations, and multiple waiting lines. Increased check-in stations increased waiting time and instantaneous utilization. while the multiple waiting lines decreased both the waiting time and instantaneous utilization. This simulation was able to show how different changes affected the passenger flow through the airport.

Rationally designed polyimides for high-energy density capacitor applications.

PubMed

Ma, Rui; Baldwin, Aaron F; Wang, Chenchen; Offenbach, Ido; Cakmak, Mukerrem; Ramprasad, Rampi; Sotzing, Gregory A

2014-07-09

Development of new dielectric materials is of great importance for a wide range of applications for modern electronics and electrical power systems. The state-of-the-art polymer dielectric is a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film having a maximal energy density of 5 J/cm(3) and a high breakdown field of 700 MV/m, but with a limited dielectric constant (∼2.2) and a reduced breakdown strength above 85 °C. Great effort has been put into exploring other materials to fulfill the demand of continuous miniaturization and improved functionality. In this work, a series of polyimides were investigated as potential polymer materials for this application. Polyimide with high dielectric constants of up to 7.8 that exhibits low dissipation factors (<1%) and high energy density around 15 J/cm(3), which is 3 times that of BOPP, was prepared. Our syntheses were guided by high-throughput density functional theory calculations for rational design in terms of a high dielectric constant and band gap. Correlations of experimental and theoretical results through judicious variations of polyimide structures allowed for a clear demonstration of the relationship between chemical functionalities and dielectric properties.

An Extended EPQ-Based Problem with a Discontinuous Delivery Policy, Scrap Rate, and Random Breakdown

PubMed Central

Song, Ming-Syuan; Chen, Hsin-Mei; Chiu, Yuan-Shyi P.

2015-01-01

In real supply chain environments, the discontinuous multidelivery policy is often used when finished products need to be transported to retailers or customers outside the production units. To address this real-life production-shipment situation, this study extends recent work using an economic production quantity- (EPQ-) based inventory model with a continuous inventory issuing policy, defective items, and machine breakdown by incorporating a multiple delivery policy into the model to replace the continuous policy and investigates the effect on the optimal run time decision for this specific EPQ model. Next, we further expand the scope of the problem to combine the retailer's stock holding cost into our study. This enhanced EPQ-based model can be used to reflect the situation found in contemporary manufacturing firms in which finished products are delivered to the producer's own retail stores and stocked there for sale. A second model is developed and studied. With the help of mathematical modeling and optimization techniques, the optimal run times that minimize the expected total system costs comprising costs incurred in production units, transportation, and retail stores are derived, for both models. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the applicability of our research results. PMID:25821853

An extended EPQ-based problem with a discontinuous delivery policy, scrap rate, and random breakdown.

PubMed

Chiu, Singa Wang; Lin, Hong-Dar; Song, Ming-Syuan; Chen, Hsin-Mei; Chiu, Yuan-Shyi P

2015-01-01

In real supply chain environments, the discontinuous multidelivery policy is often used when finished products need to be transported to retailers or customers outside the production units. To address this real-life production-shipment situation, this study extends recent work using an economic production quantity- (EPQ-) based inventory model with a continuous inventory issuing policy, defective items, and machine breakdown by incorporating a multiple delivery policy into the model to replace the continuous policy and investigates the effect on the optimal run time decision for this specific EPQ model. Next, we further expand the scope of the problem to combine the retailer's stock holding cost into our study. This enhanced EPQ-based model can be used to reflect the situation found in contemporary manufacturing firms in which finished products are delivered to the producer's own retail stores and stocked there for sale. A second model is developed and studied. With the help of mathematical modeling and optimization techniques, the optimal run times that minimize the expected total system costs comprising costs incurred in production units, transportation, and retail stores are derived, for both models. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the applicability of our research results.

Sustained, Controlled and Stimuli-Responsive Drug Release Systems Based on Nanoporous Anodic Alumina with Layer-by-Layer Polyelectrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porta-i-Batalla, Maria; Eckstein, Chris; Xifré-Pérez, Elisabet; Formentín, Pilar; Ferré-Borrull, J.; Marsal, Lluis F.

2016-08-01

Controlled drug delivery systems are an encouraging solution to some drug disadvantages such as reduced solubility, deprived biodistribution, tissue damage, fast breakdown of the drug, cytotoxicity, or side effects. Self-ordered nanoporous anodic alumina is an auspicious material for drug delivery due to its biocompatibility, stability, and controllable pore geometry. Its use in drug delivery applications has been explored in several fields, including therapeutic devices for bone and dental tissue engineering, coronary stent implants, and carriers for transplanted cells. In this work, we have created and analyzed a stimuli-responsive drug delivery system based on layer-by-layer pH-responsive polyelectrolyte and nanoporous anodic alumina. The results demonstrate that it is possible to control the drug release using a polyelectrolyte multilayer coating that will act as a gate.

Coal gasification systems engineering and analysis. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

Feasibility analyses and systems engineering studies for a 20,000 tons per day medium Btu (MBG) coal gasification plant to be built by TVA in Northern Alabama were conducted. Major objectives were as follows: (1) provide design and cost data to support the selection of a gasifier technology and other major plant design parameters, (2) provide design and cost data to support alternate product evaluation, (3) prepare a technology development plan to address areas of high technical risk, and (4) develop schedules, PERT charts, and a work breakdown structure to aid in preliminary project planning. Volume one contains a summary of gasification system characterizations. Five gasification technologies were selected for evaluation: Koppers-Totzek, Texaco, Lurgi Dry Ash, Slagging Lurgi, and Babcock and Wilcox. A summary of the trade studies and cost sensitivity analysis is included.

The glymphatic system in CNS health and disease: past, present and future

PubMed Central

Plog, Benjamin A.; Nedergaard, Maiken

2018-01-01

The central nervous system (CNS) is unique in being the only organ system lacking lymphatic vessels to assist in the removal of interstitial metabolic waste products. Recent work has led to the discovery of the glymphatic system, a glial-dependent perivascular network that subserves a pseudo-lymphatic function in the brain. Within the glymphatic pathway, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enters brain via periarterial spaces, passes into the interstitium via perivascular astrocytic aquaporin-4, and then drives the perivenous drainage of interstitial fluid (ISF) and its solute. Here we review the role of the glymphatic pathway in CNS physiology, factors known to regulate glymphatic flow, and pathologic processes where a breakdown of glymphatic CSF-ISF exchange has been implicated in disease initiation and progression. Important areas of future research, including manipulation of glymphatic activity aiming to improve waste clearance and therapeutic agent delivery, will also be discussed. PMID:29195051

Space Charge Modulated Electrical Breakdown

PubMed Central

Li, Shengtao; Zhu, Yuanwei; Min, Daomin; Chen, George

2016-01-01

Electrical breakdown is one of the most important physical phenomena in electrical and electronic engineering. Since the early 20th century, many theories and models of electrical breakdown have been proposed, but the origin of one key issue, that the explanation for dc breakdown strength being twice or higher than ac breakdown strength in insulating materials, remains unclear. Here, by employing a bipolar charge transport model, we investigate the space charge dynamics in both dc and ac breakdown processes. We demonstrate the differences in charge accumulations under both dc and ac stresses and estimate the breakdown strength, which is modulated by the electric field distortion induced by space charge. It is concluded that dc breakdown initializes in the bulk whereas ac breakdown initializes in the vicinity of the sample-electrode interface. Compared with dc breakdown, the lower breakdown strength under ac stress and the decreasing breakdown strength with an increase in applied frequency, are both attributed to the electric field distortion induced by space charges located in the vicinity of the electrodes. PMID:27599577

System analysis study of space platform and station accommodations for life sciences research facilities. Volume 2: Study results, attachment 2. Phase A: Conceptual design and programmatics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiley, Lowell F.

1985-01-01

The study results from the conceptual design and programmatics segment of the Space Platform and Station Accommodation for Life Sciences Research Facilities. The results and significant findings of the conceptual design and programmatics were generated by these tasks: (1) the review and update engineering and science requirements; (2) analysis of life sciences mission transition scenario; (3) the review and update of key trade issues; (4) the development of conceptual definition and designs; and (5) the development of the work breakdown schedule and its dictionary, program schedule, and estimated costs.

Temporary Losses of Highway Capacity and Impacts on Performance: Phase 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chin, S.M.

2004-11-10

Traffic congestion and its impacts significantly affect the nation's economic performance and the public's quality of life. In most urban areas, travel demand routinely exceeds highway capacity during peak periods. In addition, events such as crashes, vehicle breakdowns, work zones, adverse weather, railroad crossings, large trucks loading/unloading in urban areas, and other factors such as toll collection facilities and sub-optimal signal timing cause temporary capacity losses, often worsening the conditions on already congested highway networks. The impacts of these temporary capacity losses include delay, reduced mobility, and reduced reliability of the highway system. They can also cause drivers to re-routemore » or reschedule trips. Such information is vital to formulating sound public policies for the highway infrastructure and its operation. In response to this need, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), made an initial attempt to provide nationwide estimates of the capacity losses and delay caused by temporary capacity-reducing events (Chin et al. 2002). This study, called the Temporary Loss of Capacity (TLC) study, estimated capacity loss and delay on freeways and principal arterials resulting from fatal and non-fatal crashes, vehicle breakdowns, and adverse weather, including snow, ice, and fog. In addition, it estimated capacity loss and delay caused by sub-optimal signal timing at intersections on principal arterials. It also included rough estimates of capacity loss and delay on Interstates due to highway construction and maintenance work zones. Capacity loss and delay were estimated for calendar year 1999, except for work zone estimates, which were estimated for May 2001 to May 2002 due to data availability limitations. Prior to the first phase of this study, which was completed in May of 2002, no nationwide estimates of temporary losses of highway capacity by type of capacity-reducing event had been made. This report describes the second phase of the TLC study (TLC2). TLC2 improves upon the first study by expanding the scope to include delays from rain, toll collection facilities, railroad crossings, and commercial truck pickup and delivery (PUD) activities in urban areas. It includes estimates of work zone capacity loss and delay for all freeways and principal arterials, rather than for Interstates only. It also includes improved estimates of delays caused by fog, snow, and ice, which are based on data not available during the initial phase of the study. Finally, computational errors involving crash and breakdown delay in the original TLC report are corrected.« less

Oak Ridge Spallation Neutron Source (ORSNS) target station design integration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McManamy, T.; Booth, R.; Cleaves, J.

1996-06-01

The conceptual design for a 1- to 3-MW short pulse spallation source with a liquid mercury target has been started recently. The design tools and methods being developed to define requirements, integrate the work, and provide early cost guidance will be presented with a summary of the current target station design status. The initial design point was selected with performance and cost estimate projections by a systems code. This code was developed recently using cost estimates from the Brookhaven Pulsed Spallation Neutron Source study and experience from the Advanced Neutron Source Project`s conceptual design. It will be updated and improvedmore » as the design develops. Performance was characterized by a simplified figure of merit based on a ratio of neutron production to costs. A work breakdown structure was developed, with simplified systems diagrams used to define interfaces and system responsibilities. A risk assessment method was used to identify potential problems, to identify required research and development (R&D), and to aid contingency development. Preliminary 3-D models of the target station are being used to develop remote maintenance concepts and to estimate costs.« less

Impact of Child Care on the Bottom-Line. Background Paper No. 27.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman, Dana E.

Working parents may miss work to look for child care, to cover for a breakdown in care, or to care for a sick child. Employers can reduce family-related absences by providing on-site child care and referral services, improving the quality and reliability of community child care centers, or increasing parents' ability to afford better care.…

Overview of HPM Effects in Electronics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Holloway, Michael A.

2012-06-04

The following presentation contains an overview of HPM effects in modern electronics. HPM effects can be categorized into two basic level of effects, which are damaging and non-damaging. Damaging effects include junction breakdowns, dielectric breakdowns, and latch-up. These types of effects render a system inoperable until repaired. With non-damaging effects, HPM signals couple to into system components generating circuit responses that can overwhelm normal operation. Non-damaging effects can temporarily render a system inoperable or cause a system to lock and require a restart. Since modern systems are so complex, fundamental mechanisms of upset in circuit primitives are studied. All topicsmore » covered and all figured contained within are found in open literature. All data plots presented were obtained from experimental measurements conducted at the University of Maryland College Park and are also found in the open literature.« less

Three-dimensional simulation of vortex breakdown

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuruvila, G.; Salas, M. D.

1990-01-01

The integral form of the complete, unsteady, compressible, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations in the conservation form, cast in generalized coordinate system, are solved, numerically, to simulate the vortex breakdown phenomenon. The inviscid fluxes are discretized using Roe's upwind-biased flux-difference splitting scheme and the viscous fluxes are discretized using central differencing. Time integration is performed using a backward Euler ADI (alternating direction implicit) scheme. A full approximation multigrid is used to accelerate the convergence to steady state.

Center conductor diagnostic for multipactor detection in inaccessible geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaplin, Vernon H.; Hubble, Aimee A.; Clements, Kathryn A.; Graves, Timothy P.

2017-01-01

Electron collecting current probes are the most reliable diagnostic of multipactor and radiofrequency (RF) ionization breakdown; however, stand-alone probes can only be used in test setups where the breakdown region is physically accessible. This paper describes techniques for measuring multipactor current directly on the center conductor of a coaxial RF device (or more generally, on the signal line in any two-conductor RF system) enabling global multipactor detection with improved sensitivity compared to other common diagnostics such as phase null, third harmonic, and reflected power. The center conductor diagnostic may be AC coupled for use in systems with a low DC impedance between the center conductor and ground. The effect of DC bias on the breakdown threshold was studied: in coaxial geometry, the change in threshold was <1 dB for positive biases satisfying VD C/VR F 0 <0.8 , where VRF0 is the RF voltage amplitude at the unperturbed breakdown threshold. In parallel plate geometry, setting VD C/VR F 0 <0.2 was necessary to avoid altering the threshold by more than 1 dB. In most cases, the center conductor diagnostic functions effectively with no bias at all—this is the preferred implementation, but biases in the range VD C=0 -10 V may be applied if necessary. The polarity of the detected current signal may be positive or negative depending on whether there is net electron collection or emission globally.

Center conductor diagnostic for multipactor detection in inaccessible geometries.

PubMed

Chaplin, Vernon H; Hubble, Aimee A; Clements, Kathryn A; Graves, Timothy P

2017-01-01

Electron collecting current probes are the most reliable diagnostic of multipactor and radiofrequency (RF) ionization breakdown; however, stand-alone probes can only be used in test setups where the breakdown region is physically accessible. This paper describes techniques for measuring multipactor current directly on the center conductor of a coaxial RF device (or more generally, on the signal line in any two-conductor RF system) enabling global multipactor detection with improved sensitivity compared to other common diagnostics such as phase null, third harmonic, and reflected power. The center conductor diagnostic may be AC coupled for use in systems with a low DC impedance between the center conductor and ground. The effect of DC bias on the breakdown threshold was studied: in coaxial geometry, the change in threshold was <1 dB for positive biases satisfying V DC /V RF0 <0.8, where V RF0 is the RF voltage amplitude at the unperturbed breakdown threshold. In parallel plate geometry, setting V DC /V RF0 <0.2 was necessary to avoid altering the threshold by more than 1 dB. In most cases, the center conductor diagnostic functions effectively with no bias at all-this is the preferred implementation, but biases in the range V DC =0-10V may be applied if necessary. The polarity of the detected current signal may be positive or negative depending on whether there is net electron collection or emission globally.

Optical-fiber-based laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for detection of early caries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasazawa, Shuhei; Kakino, Satoko; Matsuura, Yuji

2015-06-01

A laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system targeting for the in vivo analysis of tooth enamel is described. The system is planned to enable real-time analysis of teeth during laser dental treatment by utilizing a hollow optical fiber that transmits both Q-switched Nd:YAG laser light for LIBS and infrared Er:YAG laser light for tooth ablation. The sensitivity of caries detection was substantially improved by expanding the spectral region under analysis to ultraviolet (UV) light and by focusing on emission peaks of Zn in the UV region. Subsequently, early caries were distinguished from healthy teeth with accuracy rates above 80% in vitro.

Double-pulse standoff laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for versatile hazardous materials detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottfried, Jennifer L.; De Lucia, Frank C.; Munson, Chase A.; Miziolek, Andrzej W.

2007-12-01

We have developed a double-pulse standoff laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (ST-LIBS) system capable of detecting a variety of hazardous materials at tens of meters. The use of a double-pulse laser improves the sensitivity and selectivity of ST-LIBS, especially for the detection of energetic materials. In addition to various metallic and plastic materials, the system has been used to detect bulk explosives RDX and Composition-B, explosive residues, biological species such as the anthrax surrogate Bacillus subtilis, and chemical warfare simulants at 20 m. We have also demonstrated the discrimination of explosive residues from various interferents on an aluminum substrate.

Software cost/resource modeling: Deep space network software cost estimation model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tausworthe, R. J.

1980-01-01

A parametric software cost estimation model prepared for JPL deep space network (DSN) data systems implementation tasks is presented. The resource estimation model incorporates principles and data from a number of existing models, such as those of the General Research Corporation, Doty Associates, IBM (Walston-Felix), Rome Air Force Development Center, University of Maryland, and Rayleigh-Norden-Putnam. The model calibrates task magnitude and difficulty, development environment, and software technology effects through prompted responses to a set of approximately 50 questions. Parameters in the model are adjusted to fit JPL software lifecycle statistics. The estimation model output scales a standard DSN work breakdown structure skeleton, which is then input to a PERT/CPM system, producing a detailed schedule and resource budget for the project being planned.

Conceptual Design of an In-Space Cryogenic Fluid Management Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Willen, G. S.; Riemer, D. H.; Hustvedt, D. C.

1981-01-01

The conceptual design of a Spacelab experiment to develop the technology associated with low gravity propellant management is presented. The proposed facility consisting of a supply tank, receiver tank, pressurization system, instrumentation, and supporting hardware, is described. The experimental objectives, the receiver tank to be modeled, and constraints imposed on the design by the space shuttle, Spacelab, and scaling requirements, are described. The conceptual design, including the general configurations, flow schematics, insulation systems, instrumentation requirements, and internal tank configurations for the supply tank and the receiver tank, is described. Thermal, structural, fluid, and safety and reliability aspects of the facility are analyzed. The facility development plan, including schedule and cost estimates for the facility, is presented. A program work breakdown structure and master program schedule for a seven year program are included.

Development of a mobile system based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and dedicated to in situ analysis of polluted soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bousquet, B.; Travaillé, G.; Ismaël, A.; Canioni, L.; Michel-Le Pierrès, K.; Brasseur, E.; Roy, S.; le Hecho, I.; Larregieu, M.; Tellier, S.; Potin-Gautier, M.; Boriachon, T.; Wazen, P.; Diard, A.; Belbèze, S.

2008-10-01

Principal Components Analysis (PCA) is successfully applied to the full laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spectra of soil samples, defining classes according to the concentrations of the major elements. The large variability of the LIBS data is related to the heterogeneity of the samples and the representativeness of the data is finally discussed. Then, the development of a mobile LIBS system dedicated to the in-situ analysis of soils polluted by heavy metals is described. Based on the use of ten-meter long optical fibers, the mobile system allows deported measurements. Finally, the laser-assisted drying process studied by the use of a customized laser has not been retained to overcome the problem of moisture.

Applications of laser-induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) in surface analysis.

PubMed

Vadillo, J M; Palanco, S; Romero, M D; Laserna, J J

1996-07-01

The applicability of laser-induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) for surface analysis is presented in terms of its lateral and depth resolution. A pulsed N(2) laser at 337.1 nm (3.65 J/cm(2)) was used to irradiate solar cells employed for photovoltaic energy production. Laser produced plasmas were collected and detected using a charge-coupled device. An experimental device developed in the laboratory permits an exact synchronization of sample positioning using an XY motorized system with laser pulses. Multielement analysis with lateral resolution of up to 30 microm is feasible with the present system. Three-dimensional capabilities of the system are used for studies on the distribution of carbon impurities at the surface of the solar cells.

Method and apparatus for electrical cable testing by pulse-arrested spark discharge

DOEpatents

Barnum, John R.; Warne, Larry K.; Jorgenson, Roy E.; Schneider, Larry X.

2005-02-08

A method for electrical cable testing by Pulse-Arrested Spark Discharge (PASD) uses the cable response to a short-duration high-voltage incident pulse to determine the location of an electrical breakdown that occurs at a defect site in the cable. The apparatus for cable testing by PASD includes a pulser for generating the short-duration high-voltage incident pulse, at least one diagnostic sensor to detect the incident pulse and the breakdown-induced reflected and/or transmitted pulses propagating from the electrical breakdown at the defect site, and a transient recorder to record the cable response. The method and apparatus are particularly useful to determine the location of defect sites in critical but inaccessible electrical cabling systems in aging aircraft, ships, nuclear power plants, and industrial complexes.

Breakdown dynamics of electrically exploding thin metal wires in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkisov, G. S.; Caplinger, J.; Parada, F.; Sotnikov, V. I.

2016-10-01

Using a two-frame intensified charge coupled device (iCCD) imaging system with a 2 ns exposure time, we observed the dynamics of voltage breakdown and corona generation in experiments of fast ns-time exploding fine Ni and stainless-steel (SS) wires in a vacuum. These experiments show that corona generation along the wire surface is subjected to temporal-spatial inhomogeneity. For both metal wires, we observed an initial generation of a bright cathode spot before the ionization of the entire wire length. This cathode spot does not expand with time. For 25.4 μm diameter Ni and SS wire explosions with positive polarity, breakdown starts from the ground anode and propagates to the high voltage cathode with speeds approaching 3500 km/s or approximately one percent of light speed.

Prevention of breakdown behind railgun projectiles

DOEpatents

Hawke, R.S.

1992-10-13

An electromagnetic railgun accelerator system, for accelerating projectiles by a plasma arc, introduces a breakdown inhibiting gas into the railgun chamber behind the accelerating projectile. The breakdown inhibiting gas, which absorbs electrons, is a halide or a halide compound such as fluorine or SF[sub 6]. The gas is introduced between the railgun rails after the projectile has passed through inlets in the rails or the projectile; by coating the rails or the projectile with a material which releases the gas after the projectile passes over it; by fabricating the rails or the projectile or insulators out of a material which releases the gas into the portions of the chamber through which the projectile has travelled. The projectile may have a cavity at its rear to control the release of ablation products. 12 figs.

Prevention of breakdown behind railgun projectiles

DOEpatents

Hawke, R.S.

1992-09-01

An electromagnetic railgun accelerator system, for accelerating projectiles by a plasma arc, introduces a breakdown inhibiting gas into the railgun chamber behind the accelerating projectile. The breakdown inhibiting gas, which absorbs electrons, is a halide or a halide compound such as fluorine or SF[sub 6]. The gas is introduced between the railgun rails after the projectile has passed through inlets in the rails or the projectile; by coating the rails or the projectile with a material which releases the gas after the projectile passes over it; by fabricating the rails or the projectile or insulators out of a material which releases the gas into the portions of the chamber through which the projectile has travelled. The projectile may have a cavity at its rear to control the release of ablation products. 12 figs.

Transient queue-size distribution in a finite-capacity queueing system with server breakdowns and Bernoulli feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kempa, Wojciech M.

2017-12-01

A finite-capacity queueing system with server breakdowns is investigated, in which successive exponentially distributed failure-free times are followed by repair periods. After the processing a customer may either rejoin the queue (feedback) with probability q, or definitely leave the system with probability 1 - q. The system of integral equations for transient queue-size distribution, conditioned by the initial level of buffer saturation, is build. The solution of the corresponding system written for Laplace transforms is found using the linear algebraic approach. The considered queueing system can be successfully used in modelling production lines with machine failures, in which the parameter q may be considered as a typical fraction of items demanding corrections. Morever, this queueing model can be applied in the analysis of real TCP/IP performance, where q stands for the fraction of packets requiring retransmission.

Investigation of multipactor breakdown in communication satellite microwave co-axial systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagesh, S. K.; Revannasiddiah, D.; Shastry, S. V. K.

2005-01-01

Multipactor breakdown or multipactor discharge is a form of high frequency discharge that may occur in microwave components operating at very low pressures. Some RF components of multi-channel communication satellites have co-axial geometry and handle high RF power under near-vacuum conditions. The breakdown occurs due to secondary electron resonance, wherein electrons move back and forth in synchronism with the RF voltage across the gap between the inner and outer conductors of the co-axial structure. If the yield of secondary electrons from the walls of the co-axial structure is greater than unity, then the electron density increases with time and eventually leads to the breakdown. In this paper, the current due to the oscillating electrons in the co-axial geometry has been treated as a radially oriented Hertzian dipole. The electric field, due to this dipole, at any point in the coaxial structure, may then be determined by employing the dyadic Green's function technique. This field has been compared with the field that would exist in the absence of multipactor.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the remote detection of explosives at level of fingerprints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almaviva, S.; Palucci, A.; Lazic, V.; Menicucci, I.; Nuvoli, M.; Pistilli, M.; De Dominicis, L.

2016-04-01

We report the results of the application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for the detection of some common military explosives and theirs precursors deposited on white varnished car's external and black car's internal or external plastic. The residues were deposited by an artificial silicon finger, to simulate material manipulation by terrorists when preparing a car bomb, leaving traces of explosives on the parts of a car. LIBS spectra were acquired by using a first prototype laboratory stand-off device, developed in the framework of the EU FP7 313077 project EDEN (End-user driven DEmo for CBRNe). The system operates at working distances 8-30 m and collects the LIBS in the spectral range 240-840 nm. In this configuration, the target was moved precisely in X-Y direction to simulate the scanning system, to be implemented successively. The system is equipped with two colour cameras, one for wide scene view and another for imaging with a very high magnification, capable to discern fingerprints on a target. The spectral features of each examined substance were identified and compared to those belonging to the substrate and the surrounding air, and those belonging to possible common interferents. These spectral differences are discussed and interpreted. The obtained results show that the detection and discrimination of nitro-based compounds like RDX, PETN, ammonium nitrate (AN), and urea nitrate (UN) from organic interfering substances like diesel, greasy lubricants, greasy adhesives or oils in fingerprint concentration, at stand-off distance of some meters or tenths of meters is feasible.

A computational study of the topology of vortex breakdown

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spall, Robert E.; Gatski, Thomas B.

1991-01-01

A fully three-dimensional numerical simulation of vortex breakdown using the unsteady, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations has been performed. Solutions to four distinct types of breakdown are identified and compared with experimental results. The computed solutions include weak helical, double helix, spiral, and bubble-type breakdowns. The topological structure of the various breakdowns as well as their interrelationship are studied. The data reveal that the asymmetric modes of breakdown may be subject to additional breakdowns as the vortex core evolves in the streamwise direction. The solutions also show that the freestream axial velocity distribution has a significant effect on the position and type of vortex breakdown.

City traffic flow breakdown prediction based on fuzzy rough set

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xu; Da-wei, Hu; Bing, Su; Duo-jia, Zhang

2017-05-01

In city traffic management, traffic breakdown is a very important issue, which is defined as a speed drop of a certain amount within a dense traffic situation. In order to predict city traffic flow breakdown accurately, in this paper, we propose a novel city traffic flow breakdown prediction algorithm based on fuzzy rough set. Firstly, we illustrate the city traffic flow breakdown problem, in which three definitions are given, that is, 1) Pre-breakdown flow rate, 2) Rate, density, and speed of the traffic flow breakdown, and 3) Duration of the traffic flow breakdown. Moreover, we define a hazard function to represent the probability of the breakdown ending at a given time point. Secondly, as there are many redundant and irrelevant attributes in city flow breakdown prediction, we propose an attribute reduction algorithm using the fuzzy rough set. Thirdly, we discuss how to predict the city traffic flow breakdown based on attribute reduction and SVM classifier. Finally, experiments are conducted by collecting data from I-405 Freeway, which is located at Irvine, California. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is able to achieve lower average error rate of city traffic flow breakdown prediction.

Space Transportatioin System (STS) propellant scavenging system study. Volume 3: Cost and work breakdown structure-dictionary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Fundamentally, the volumes of the oxidizer and fuel propellant scavenged from the orbiter and external tank determine the size and weight of the scavenging system. The optimization of system dimensions and weights is stimulated by the requirement to minimize the use of partial length of the orbiter payload bay. Thus, the cost estimates begin with weights established for the optimum design. Both the design, development, test, and evaluation and theoretical first unit hardware production costs are estimated from parametric cost weight scaling relations for four subsystems. For cryogenic propellants, the widely differing characteristics of the oxidizer and the fuel lead to two separate tank subsystems, in addition to the electrical and instrumentation subsystems. Hardwares costs also involve quantity, as an independent variable, since the number of production scavenging systems is not firm. For storable propellants, since the tankage volume of the oxidizer and fuel are equal, the hardware production costs for developing these systems are lower than for cryogenic propellants.

Scaling of Dielectric Breakdown Thresholds in Earth's and CO2-rich atmospheres: Impact for Predictions of Extraterrestrial Transient Luminous Events and Lightning Discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riousset, J. A.

2016-12-01

Earth's atmospheric electricity manifests itself in the form of glow, corona, streamer, and leader discharges observed as Saint Elmo's fire, sprites, lightning and jets discharges, and other Transient Luminous Events (TLEs). All of these are types of dielectric breakdown, but are governed by different physics. In particular, their initiation is associated with the crossing of specific electric field thresholds: relativistic runaway, streamer propagation, conventional breakdown, or thermal runaway thresholds, some better understood than others. For example, the initiation of a lightning discharge is known to occur when the local electric field exceeds a value similar to relativistic runaway field, but the exact threshold, as well as the physical mechanisms at work, remain rather unclear to date. Scaling laws for electric fields (and other quantities) have been established by Pasko et al. [GRL, 25(12), 2123-2126, 1998] and Pasko [NATO Sci. Series, Springer, 253-311, 2006]. In this work, we develop profiles for initiation criteria in air and in other atmospheric environments. We further calculate their associated scaling laws to determine the ability to trigger lightning flashes and TLEs in our solar system. This lets us predict the likelihood of electrical discharges on, e.g., Mars, Venus and Titan, and calculate the expected electric field conditions, under which discharges have been observed on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune [Leblanc et al., ISSI Spa. Sci. Series, Springer, 2008, Yair, Adv. Space Res., 50(3), 293-310, 2012]. Our results anticipate the arrival of ExoMars 2016's Schiaparelli module, which will provide the first records of electric field at the surface of the planet [Déprez et al., EGU GA, 16, 16613, 2014]. This research is also motived by the increasing probability of manned missions to Mars and the potential electrostatic hazards it may face [Yair, 2012], and by the role of electrical discharges in the creation of active radicals, some of which may be of biological importance [Miller, Science, 117, 528-529, 1953; Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 23, 480-489, 1957].

Unstable behaviour of normally-off GaN E-HEMT under short-circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez, P. J.; Maset, E.; Sanchis-Kilders, E.; Esteve, V.; Jordán, J.; Bta Ejea, J.; Ferreres, A.

2018-04-01

The short-circuit capability of power switching devices plays an important role in fault detection and the protection of power circuits. In this work, an experimental study on the short-circuit (SC) capability of commercial 600 V Gallium Nitride enhancement-mode high-electron-mobility transistors (E-HEMT) is presented. A different failure mechanism has been identified for commercial p-doped GaN gate (p-GaN) HEMT and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) HEMT. In addition to the well known thermal breakdown, a premature breakdown is shown on both GaN HEMTs, triggered by hot electron trapping at the surface, which demonstrates that current commercial GaN HEMTs has requirements for improving their SC ruggedness.

Breakdown and Limit of Continuum Diffusion Velocity for Binary Gas Mixtures from Direct Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, Robert Scott; Najmabadi, Farrokh

2011-05-01

This work investigates the breakdown of the continuum relations for diffusion velocity in inert binary gas mixtures. Values of the relative diffusion velocities for components of a gas mixture may be calculated using of Chapman-Enskog theory and occur not only due to concentration gradients, but also pressure and temperature gradients in the flow as described by Hirschfelder. Because Chapman-Enskog theory employs a linear perturbation around equilibrium, it is expected to break down when the velocity distribution deviates significantly from equilibrium. This breakdown of the overall flow has long been an area of interest in rarefied gas dynamics. By comparing the continuum values to results from Bird's DS2V Monte Carlo code, we propose a new limit on the continuum approach specific to binary gases. To remove the confounding influence of an inconsistent molecular model, we also present the application of the variable hard sphere (VSS) model used in DS2V to the continuum diffusion velocity calculation. Fitting sample asymptotic curves to the breakdown, a limit, Vmax, that is a fraction of an analytically derived limit resulting from the kinetic temperature of the mixture is proposed. With an expected deviation of only 2% between the physical values and continuum calculations within ±Vmax/4, we suggest this as a conservative estimate on the range of applicability for the continuum theory.

Examining how and why to Engage Practitioners from across the Learning Landscape in the Research Enterprise: Proposal for Phronêtic Research on Education.

PubMed

Matusov, Eugene

2017-03-01

Educational practitioners are often reluctant, if not actively resistant, to their participation in production and consumption of educational research. Based on my research experience with educational practitioners, I try to deconstruct this phenomenon using dialogic Bakhtinian and Aristotelian sociocultural frameworks. I consider two major related breakdowns in the educational practice: 1) a lack of self-correcting process in the educational practice, while reliance on accountability policy to achieve the practice quality, and 2) a breakdown between educational research and educational practice. I argue that the first breakdown is caused by viewing teaching as poiesis, aiming at preset curricular endpoints, and not as praxis, critically defining its own values, goals, and virtues. As to the second breakdown, I argue that current mainstream and even innovative research is defined through the technê and epistêmê ways of knowing, which correspond to a poiesic vision of educational practice. I suggest that educational practice primarily involves the phronêtic and sophic ways of knowing, which correspond to a praxis vision of educational practice. I describe phronêtic research of teaching through a case of my students, preservice teachers, working on revisions of their lessons that they conducted at an urban afterschool program. Finally, I consider recommendations for institutional support for phronêtic research on teaching.

Enhanced dielectric properties due to space charge-induced interfacial polarization in multilayer polymer films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Xinyue; Tseng, Jung-Kai; Treufeld, Imre

We report that with the recent advancement of power electronics, polymer film capacitors have become increasingly important. However, the low temperature rating (up to 85 °C) and low energy density (5 J cm -3 at breakdown) of state-of-the-art biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films have been limiting factors for advanced power electronics. Based on our recent work, multilayer films (MLFs), which consist of a high energy density polymer [e.g., poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)] and a high breakdown/low loss polymer [e.g., polycarbonate (PC)], have shown potential to achieve high energy density (13–17 J cm -3), enhanced breakdown strength, high temperature tolerance, and lowmore » loss simultaneously. In this study, the dielectric properties of PC/PVDF 50/50 32- and 256-layer (32L and 256L) films were investigated. The breakdown strength of the 32L film was as high as 800 MV m -1 at room temperature, as compared to 600 MV m -1 of PVDF and 750 MV m-1 of PC. The temperature rating of the 32L film reached 120 °C, higher than that of BOPP. In addition, it was observed that the 32L film with thicker PC layers exhibited a higher breakdown strength and a lower DC conductivity than the 256L film with thinner PC layers at elevated temperatures. These differences were attributed to the difference in the interfacial polarization of space charges, which was further verified by thermally stimulated depolarization current spectroscopy. In conclusion, we conclude that interfacial polarization endows MLFs with the desirable dielectric properties for next generation film capacitors.« less

Enhanced dielectric properties due to space charge-induced interfacial polarization in multilayer polymer films

DOE PAGES

Chen, Xinyue; Tseng, Jung-Kai; Treufeld, Imre; ...

2017-09-15

We report that with the recent advancement of power electronics, polymer film capacitors have become increasingly important. However, the low temperature rating (up to 85 °C) and low energy density (5 J cm -3 at breakdown) of state-of-the-art biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films have been limiting factors for advanced power electronics. Based on our recent work, multilayer films (MLFs), which consist of a high energy density polymer [e.g., poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)] and a high breakdown/low loss polymer [e.g., polycarbonate (PC)], have shown potential to achieve high energy density (13–17 J cm -3), enhanced breakdown strength, high temperature tolerance, and lowmore » loss simultaneously. In this study, the dielectric properties of PC/PVDF 50/50 32- and 256-layer (32L and 256L) films were investigated. The breakdown strength of the 32L film was as high as 800 MV m -1 at room temperature, as compared to 600 MV m -1 of PVDF and 750 MV m-1 of PC. The temperature rating of the 32L film reached 120 °C, higher than that of BOPP. In addition, it was observed that the 32L film with thicker PC layers exhibited a higher breakdown strength and a lower DC conductivity than the 256L film with thinner PC layers at elevated temperatures. These differences were attributed to the difference in the interfacial polarization of space charges, which was further verified by thermally stimulated depolarization current spectroscopy. In conclusion, we conclude that interfacial polarization endows MLFs with the desirable dielectric properties for next generation film capacitors.« less

Experimental investigation of high temperature high voltage thermionic diode for the space power nuclear reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onufriyev, Valery. V.

2001-02-01

It is well known that the rise of arc from the dense glow discharge is connected with the thermion and secondary processes on the cathode surface (Granovsky, 1971; Leob, 1953; Engel, 1935). First model of breakdown of the cathode layer is connected with the increase of the cathode temperature in consequence of the ion bombardment that leads to the grows its thermo-emissive current. Other model shows the main role of the secondary effects on the cathode surface-the increase of the secondary ion emission coefficient-γi with the grows of glow discharge voltage. But the author of this investigation work of breakdown in Cs vapor (a transmission the glow discharge into self-maintaining arc discharge) discovered the next peculiarity: the value of breakdown voltage is constant when the values of vapor temperature (its pressure pcs) and cathode temperature Tk is constant too (Ub=constant with Tk=constant and pcs=constant) and it is not a statistical value (Onufryev, Grishin, 1996) (that was observed in gas glow discharges other authors (Granovsky, 1971; Leob, 1953; Engel, 1935)). The investigations of thermion high voltage high temperature diode (its breakdown characteristics in closed state and voltage-current characteristics in disclosed state) showed that the value of the breakdown voltage is depended on the vapor pressure in inter-electrode gap (IEG)-pcs and cathode temperature-Tk and is independent on IEG length-Δieg. On this base it was settled that the main role in transition of glow discharge to self-maintaining arc discharge plays an ion cathode layer but more exactly-the region of excited atoms-``Aston glow.'' .

The Contract Management Body of Knowledge: A Comparison of Contracting Competencies

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

SME subject matter expert SOW statement of work TINA Truth in Negotiations Act UCC uniform commercial code WBS work breakdown structure xv...documents whose terms and condition are legally enforceable. Sources of law and guidance covered include the uniform commercial code ( UCC ), Federal...contracting including the uniform commercial code ( UCC ), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), as well as various other laws pertaining to both

LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORIES: LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROMETER FOR METALS-CONTAMINATED SOIL CHARACTERIZATION

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Environmental Technology Verification Program, is working to accelerate the acceptance and use of innovative technologies that improve the way the United States manages its environmental problems. This report describes ...

MELOK INSTRUMENTS, INC. LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROMETER FOR METALS-CONTAMINATED SOIL CHARACTERIZATION

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Environmental Technology Verification Program, is working to accelerate the acceptance and use of innovative technologies that improve the way the United States manages its environmental problems. This report describes ...

Two breakdown mechanisms in ultrathin alumina barrier magnetic tunnel junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliver, Bryan; Tuttle, Gary; He, Qing; Tang, Xuefei; Nowak, Janusz

2004-02-01

Two breakdown mechanisms are observed in magnetic tunnel junctions having an ultrathin alumina barrier. The two breakdown mechanisms manifest themselves differently when considering large ensembles of nominally identical devices under different stress conditions. The results suggest that one type of breakdown occurs because of the intrinsic breakdown of a well-formed oxide barrier that can be described by the E model of dielectric breakdown. The other is an extrinsic breakdown related to defects in the barrier rather than the failure of the oxide integrity. The characteristic of extrinsic breakdown suggests that a pre-existing pinhole in the barriers grows in area by means of dissipative (Joule) heating and/or an electric field across the pinhole circumference.

The equal load-sharing model of cascade failures in power grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scala, Antonio; De Sanctis Lucentini, Pier Giorgio

2016-11-01

Electric power-systems are one of the most important critical infrastructures. In recent years, they have been exposed to extreme stress due to the increasing power demand, the introduction of distributed renewable energy sources, and the development of extensive interconnections. We investigate the phenomenon of abrupt breakdown of an electric power-system under two scenarios: load growth (mimicking the ever-increasing customer demand) and power fluctuations (mimicking the effects of renewable sources). Our results indicate that increasing the system size causes breakdowns to become more abrupt; in fact, mapping the system to a solvable statistical-physics model indicates the occurrence of a first order transition in the large size limit. Such an enhancement for the systemic risk failures (black-outs) with increasing network size is an effect that should be considered in the current projects aiming to integrate national power-grids into ;super-grids;.

Abruptness of Cascade Failures in Power Grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pahwa, Sakshi; Scoglio, Caterina; Scala, Antonio

2014-01-01

Electric power-systems are one of the most important critical infrastructures. In recent years, they have been exposed to extreme stress due to the increasing demand, the introduction of distributed renewable energy sources, and the development of extensive interconnections. We investigate the phenomenon of abrupt breakdown of an electric power-system under two scenarios: load growth (mimicking the ever-increasing customer demand) and power fluctuations (mimicking the effects of renewable sources). Our results on real, realistic and synthetic networks indicate that increasing the system size causes breakdowns to become more abrupt; in fact, mapping the system to a solvable statistical-physics model indicates the occurrence of a first order transition in the large size limit. Such an enhancement for the systemic risk failures (black-outs) with increasing network size is an effect that should be considered in the current projects aiming to integrate national power-grids into ``super-grids''.

Abruptness of cascade failures in power grids.

PubMed

Pahwa, Sakshi; Scoglio, Caterina; Scala, Antonio

2014-01-15

Electric power-systems are one of the most important critical infrastructures. In recent years, they have been exposed to extreme stress due to the increasing demand, the introduction of distributed renewable energy sources, and the development of extensive interconnections. We investigate the phenomenon of abrupt breakdown of an electric power-system under two scenarios: load growth (mimicking the ever-increasing customer demand) and power fluctuations (mimicking the effects of renewable sources). Our results on real, realistic and synthetic networks indicate that increasing the system size causes breakdowns to become more abrupt; in fact, mapping the system to a solvable statistical-physics model indicates the occurrence of a first order transition in the large size limit. Such an enhancement for the systemic risk failures (black-outs) with increasing network size is an effect that should be considered in the current projects aiming to integrate national power-grids into "super-grids".

Abruptness of Cascade Failures in Power Grids

PubMed Central

Pahwa, Sakshi; Scoglio, Caterina; Scala, Antonio

2014-01-01

Electric power-systems are one of the most important critical infrastructures. In recent years, they have been exposed to extreme stress due to the increasing demand, the introduction of distributed renewable energy sources, and the development of extensive interconnections. We investigate the phenomenon of abrupt breakdown of an electric power-system under two scenarios: load growth (mimicking the ever-increasing customer demand) and power fluctuations (mimicking the effects of renewable sources). Our results on real, realistic and synthetic networks indicate that increasing the system size causes breakdowns to become more abrupt; in fact, mapping the system to a solvable statistical-physics model indicates the occurrence of a first order transition in the large size limit. Such an enhancement for the systemic risk failures (black-outs) with increasing network size is an effect that should be considered in the current projects aiming to integrate national power-grids into “super-grids”. PMID:24424239

Time domain simulations of preliminary breakdown pulses in natural lightning.

PubMed

Carlson, B E; Liang, C; Bitzer, P; Christian, H

2015-06-16

Lightning discharge is a complicated process with relevant physical scales spanning many orders of magnitude. In an effort to understand the electrodynamics of lightning and connect physical properties of the channel to observed behavior, we construct a simulation of charge and current flow on a narrow conducting channel embedded in three-dimensional space with the time domain electric field integral equation, the method of moments, and the thin-wire approximation. The method includes approximate treatment of resistance evolution due to lightning channel heating and the corona sheath of charge surrounding the lightning channel. Focusing our attention on preliminary breakdown in natural lightning by simulating stepwise channel extension with a simplified geometry, our simulation reproduces the broad features observed in data collected with the Huntsville Alabama Marx Meter Array. Some deviations in pulse shape details are evident, suggesting future work focusing on the detailed properties of the stepping mechanism. Preliminary breakdown pulses can be reproduced by simulated channel extension Channel heating and corona sheath formation are crucial to proper pulse shape Extension processes and channel orientation significantly affect observations.

Design of high breakdown voltage vertical GaN p-n diodes with high-K/low-K compound dielectric structure for power electronics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jiangfeng; Li, Zhenchao; Liu, Dong; Bai, Zhiyuan; Liu, Yang; Yu, Qi

2017-11-01

In this work, a vertical GaN p-n diode with a high-K/low-K compound dielectric structure (GaN CD-VGD) is proposed and designed to achieve a record high breakdown voltage (BV) with a low specific on-resistance (Ron,sp). By introducing compound dielectric structure, the electric field near the p-n junction interface is suppressed due to the effects of high-K passivation layer, and a new electric field peak is induced into the n-type drift region, because of a discontinuity of electrical field at the interface of high-K and low-K layer. Therefore the distribution of electric field in GaN p-n diode becomes more uniform and an enhancement of breakdown voltage can be achieved. Numerical simulations demonstrate that GaN CD-VGD with a BV of 10650 V and a Ron,sp of 14.3 mΩ cm2, resulting in a record high figure-of-merit of 8 GW/cm2.

Unreported Emission Lines of Rb, Ce, La, Sr, Y, Zr, Pb and Se Detected Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lepore, K. H.; Mackie, J.; Dyar, M. D.; Fassett, C. I.

2017-01-01

Information on emission lines for major and minor elements is readily available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as part of the Atomic Spectra Database. However, tabulated emission lines are scarce for some minor elements and the wavelength ranges presented on the NIST database are limited to those included in existing studies. Previous work concerning minor element calibration curves measured using laser-induced break-down spectroscopy found evidence of Zn emission lines that were not documented on the NIST database. In this study, rock powders were doped with Rb, Ce, La, Sr, Y, Zr, Pb and Se in concentrations ranging from 10 percent to 10 parts per million. The difference between normalized spectra collected on samples containing 10 percent dopant and those containing only 10 parts per million were used to identify all emission lines that can be detected using LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) in a ChemCam-like configuration at the Mount Holyoke College LIBS facility. These emission spectra provide evidence of many previously undocumented emission lines for the elements measured here.

The breakdown of the weakly-nonlinear regime for kinetic instabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanz-Orozco, David; Berk, Herbert; Wang, Ge

2017-10-01

The evolution of marginally-unstable waves that interact resonantly with populations of energetic particles is governed by a well-known cubic integro-differential equation for the mode amplitude. One of the outcomes predicted by the equation is the so-called ``explosive'' regime, where the amplitude grows indefinitely, eventually taking the equation outside of its domain of validity. Beyond this point, only full Vlasov simulations will accurately describe the evolution of the mode amplitude. In this work, we study the breakdown of the cubic equation in detail. We find that, while the cubic equation is still valid, the distribution function of the energetic particles locally flattens or ``folds'' in phase space. This feature is unexpected in view of the assumptions of the theory that are given in. We also derive fifth-order terms in the wave equation, which not only give us a more accurate description of the marginally-unstable modes, but they also allow us to predict the breakdown of the cubic equation. Our findings allow us to better understand the transition between weakly-nonlinear modes and the long-term chirping modes that ultimately emerge.

Genome sequence and description of the anaerobic lignin-degrading bacterium Tolumonas lignolytica sp. nov.

DOE PAGES

Billings, Andrew F.; Fortney, Julian L.; Hazen, Terry C.; ...

2015-11-19

Tolumonas lignolytica BRL6-1 T sp. nov. is the type strain of T. lignolytica sp. nov., a proposed novel species of the Tolumonas genus. This strain was isolated from tropical rainforest soils based on its ability to utilize lignin as a sole carbon source. Cells of Tolumonas lignolytica BRL6-1 T are mesophilic, non-spore forming, Gram-negative rods that are oxidase and catalase negative. The genome for this isolate was sequenced and returned in seven unique contigs totaling 3.6Mbp, enabling the characterization of several putative pathways for lignin breakdown. Particularly, we found an extracellular peroxidase involved in lignin depolymerization, as well as severalmore » enzymes involved in β-aryl ether bond cleavage, which is the most abundant linkage between lignin monomers. We also found genes for enzymes involved in ferulic acid metabolism, which is a common product of lignin breakdown. Finally, by characterizing pathways and enzymes employed in the bacterial breakdown of lignin in anaerobic environments, this work should assist in the efficient engineering of biofuel production from lignocellulosic material.« less

Time domain simulations of preliminary breakdown pulses in natural lightning

PubMed Central

Carlson, B E; Liang, C; Bitzer, P; Christian, H

2015-01-01

Lightning discharge is a complicated process with relevant physical scales spanning many orders of magnitude. In an effort to understand the electrodynamics of lightning and connect physical properties of the channel to observed behavior, we construct a simulation of charge and current flow on a narrow conducting channel embedded in three-dimensional space with the time domain electric field integral equation, the method of moments, and the thin-wire approximation. The method includes approximate treatment of resistance evolution due to lightning channel heating and the corona sheath of charge surrounding the lightning channel. Focusing our attention on preliminary breakdown in natural lightning by simulating stepwise channel extension with a simplified geometry, our simulation reproduces the broad features observed in data collected with the Huntsville Alabama Marx Meter Array. Some deviations in pulse shape details are evident, suggesting future work focusing on the detailed properties of the stepping mechanism. Key Points Preliminary breakdown pulses can be reproduced by simulated channel extension Channel heating and corona sheath formation are crucial to proper pulse shape Extension processes and channel orientation significantly affect observations PMID:26664815

Evaluation of Optical Depths and Self-Absorption of Strontium and Aluminum Emission Lines in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).

PubMed

Alfarraj, Bader A; Bhatt, Chet R; Yueh, Fang Yu; Singh, Jagdish P

2017-04-01

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a widely used laser spectroscopic technique in various fields, such as material science, forensic science, biological science, and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In most LIBS work, the analysis is performed using radiative transitions from atomic emissions. In this study, the plasma temperature and the product [Formula: see text] (the number density N and the absorption path length [Formula: see text]) were determined to evaluate the optical depths and the self-absorption of Sr and Al lines. A binary mixture of strontium nitrate and aluminum oxide was used as a sample, consisting of variety of different concentrations in powder form. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy spectra were collected by varying various parameters, such as laser energy, gate delay time, and gate width time to optimize the LIBS signals. Atomic emission from Sr and Al lines, as observed in the LIBS spectra of different sample compositions, was used to characterize the laser induced plasma and evaluate the optical depths and self-absorption of LIBS.

Pulsed Rabi oscillations in quantum two-level systems: beyond the area theorem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, Kevin A.; Hanschke, Lukas; Kremser, Malte; Finley, Jonathan J.; Müller, Kai; Vučković, Jelena

2018-01-01

The area theorem states that when a short optical pulse drives a quantum two-level system, it undergoes Rabi oscillations in the probability of scattering a single photon. In this work, we investigate the breakdown of the area theorem as both the pulse length becomes non-negligible and for certain pulse areas. Using simple quantum trajectories, we provide an analytic approximation to the photon emission dynamics of a two-level system. Our model provides an intuitive way to understand re-excitation, which elucidates the mechanism behind the two-photon emission events that can spoil single-photon emission. We experimentally measure the emission statistics from a semiconductor quantum dot, acting as a two-level system, and show good agreement with our simple model for short pulses. Additionally, the model clearly explains our recent results (Fischer and Hanschke 2017 et al Nat. Phys.) showing dominant two-photon emission from a two-level system for pulses with interaction areas equal to an even multiple of π.

Investigation of problems associated with solid encapsulation of high voltage electronic assemblies; also Reynolds connector study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bever, R. S.

1975-01-01

Electric breakdown prevention in vacuum and encapsulation of high voltage electronic circuits was studied. The lap shear method was used to measure adhesive strengths. The permeation constants of air at ambient room temperature through four different space-grade encapsulants was measured. Order of magnitude was calculated for the time that air bubble pressures drop to the corona region. High voltage connectors with L-type cable attached were tested in a vacuum system at various pressures. The cable system was shown to suppress catastrophic breakdown when filled with and surrounded by gas in the corona region of pressures, but did not prove to be completely noise free.

Characteristics of nanosecond pulse needle-to-plane discharges at high pressure: a particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sang, Chaofeng; Sun, Jizhong; Ren, Chunsheng; Wang, Dezhen

2009-02-01

A model of one dimensional in position and three dimensional in velocity space self-consistent particle in cell with Monte Carlo collision technique was employed to simulate the argon discharge between the needle and plane electrodes at high pressure, in which a nanosecond rectangular pulse was applied to the needle electrode. The work focused on the investigation of the spatiotemporal evolution of the discharge versus the needle tip size and working gas pressure. The simulation results showed that the discharge occurred mainly in the region near the needle tip at atmospheric pressure, and that the small radius of the needle tip led to easy discharge. Reducing the gas pressure gave rise to a transition from a corona discharge to a glowlike discharge along the needle-to-plane direction. The microscopic mechanism for the transition can arguably be attributed to the peak of high-energy electrons occurring before the breakdown; the magnitude of the number of these electrons determined whether the breakdown can take place.

Solar process water heat for the IRIS images custom color photo lab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The solar facility located at a custom photo laboratory in Mill Valley, California is described. It was designed to provide 59 percent of the hot water requirements for developing photographic film and domestic hot water use. The design load is to provide 6 gallons of hot water per minute for 8 hours per working day at 100 F. It has 640 square feet of flat plate collectors and 360 gallons of hot water storage. The auxillary back up system is a conventional gas-fired water heater. Site and building description, subsystem description, as-built drawings, cost breakdown and analysis, performance analysis, lessons learned, and the operation and maintenance manual are presented.

STS-95 Day 04 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

On this forth day of the STS-95 mission, the flight crew, Cmdr. Curtis L. Brown, Pilot Steven W. Lindsey, Mission Specialists Scott E. Parazynski, Stephen K. Robinson, and Pedro Duque, and Payload Specialists Chiaki Mukai and John H. Glenn, are seen performing an evaluation of bone cell activity under microgravity conditions. Glenn then provides blood samples as part of the Protein Turnover Experiment, which is looking at the balance between the building and breakdown of muscle. He also works with the Advanced Organic Separations (ADSEP) experiment, to provides the capability to separate and purify biological materials in microgravity; and with the Microencapsulation Electrostatic Processing System (MEPS), that studies the formation of anti-tumor capsules containing two kinds of drugs.

Final definition and preliminary design study for the initial atmospheric cloud physics laboratory, a Spacelab mission payload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The following areas related to the final definition and preliminary design study of the initial atmospheric cloud physics laboratory (ACPL) were covered: (1) proposal organization, personnel, schedule, and project management, (2) proposed configurations, (3) study objectives, (4) ACPL experiment program listing and description, (5) mission/flight flexibility and modularity/commonality, (6) study plan, and (7) description of following tasks: requirement analysis and definition task flow, systems analysis and trade studies, subsystem analysis and trade studies, specifications and interface control documents, preliminary design task flow, work breakdown structure, programmatic analysis and planning, and project costs. Finally, an overview of the scientific requirements was presented.

SNS STRIPPER FOIL FAILURE MODES AND THEIR CURES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Galambos, John D; Luck, Chris; Plum, Michael A

2010-01-01

The diamond stripper foils in use at the Spallation Neutron Source worked successfully with no failures until May 3, 2009, when we started experiencing a rash of foil system failures after increasing the beam power to ~840 kW. The main contributors to the failures are thought to be 1) convoy electrons, stripped from the incoming H beam, that strike the foil bracket and may also reflect back from the electron catcher, and 2) vacuum breakdown from the charge developed on the foil by secondary electron emission. In this paper we will detail these and other failure mechanisms, and describe themore » improvements we have made to mitigate them.« less

Effects of increasing temperature and, CO2 on quality of litter, shredders, and microorganisms in Amazonian aquatic systems

PubMed Central

Rezende, Renan de Souza; Gonçalves Júnior, José Francisco; Lopes, Aline; Piedade, Maria Teresa Fernandez; Cavalcante, Heloide de Lima; Hamada, Neusa

2017-01-01

Climate change may affect the chemical composition of riparian leaf litter and, aquatic organisms and, consequently, leaf breakdown. We evaluated the effects of different scenarios combining increased temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) on leaf detritus of Hevea spruceana (Benth) Müll. and decomposers (insect shredders and microorganisms). We hypothesized that simulated climate change (warming and elevated CO2) would: i) decrease leaf-litter quality, ii) decrease survival and leaf breakdown by shredders, and iii) increase microbial leaf breakdown and fungal biomass. We performed the experiment in four microcosm chambers that simulated air temperature and CO2 changes in relation to a real-time control tracking current conditions in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The experiment lasted seven days. During the experiment mean air temperature and CO2 concentration ranged from 26.96 ± 0.98ºC and 537.86 ± 18.36 ppmv in the control to 31.75 ± 0.50ºC and 1636.96 ± 17.99 ppmv in the extreme chamber, respectively. However, phosphorus concentration in the leaf litter decreased with warming and elevated CO2. Leaf quality (percentage of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, cellulose and lignin) was not influenced by soil flooding. Fungal biomass and microbial leaf breakdown were positively influenced by temperature and CO2 increase and reached their highest values in the intermediate condition. Both total and shredder leaf breakdown, and shredder survival rate were similar among all climatic conditions. Thus, low leaf-litter quality due to climate change and higher leaf breakdown under intermediate conditions may indicate an increase of riparian metabolism due to temperature and CO2 increase, highlighting the risk (e.g., decreased productivity) of global warming for tropical streams. PMID:29190723

Prolong Your Roof's Performance: Roof Asset Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teitsma, Jerry

2001-01-01

Discusses the roof asset management process for maintaining a roof system's integrity and value in a cost-effective manner. Included is a breakdown of roofing surface characteristics for multiply and single ply roofing systems. (GR)

Nutrients stimulate leaf breakdown rates and detritivore biomass: bottom-up effects via heterotrophic pathways.

Treesearch

Jennifer L. Greenwood; Amy D. Rosemond; J. Bruce Wallace; Wyatt F. Cross; Holly S. Weyers

2009-01-01

Most nutrient enrichment studies in aquatic systems have focused on autotrophic food webs in systems where primary producers dominate the resource base. We tested the heterotrophic response to long-...

40 CFR 65.161 - Continuous records and monitoring system data handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Routing to a Fuel Gas System or a Process § 65.161 Continuous records and monitoring system data handling...) Monitoring system breakdowns, repairs, preventive maintenance, calibration checks, and zero (low-level) and... section unless an alternative monitoring or recordkeeping system has been requested and approved under...

40 CFR 65.161 - Continuous records and monitoring system data handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Routing to a Fuel Gas System or a Process § 65.161 Continuous records and monitoring system data handling...) Monitoring system breakdowns, repairs, preventive maintenance, calibration checks, and zero (low-level) and... section unless an alternative monitoring or recordkeeping system has been requested and approved under...

Development of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy sensor to assess groundwater quality impacts resulting from geologic carbon sequestration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carson, Cantwell G.; Goueguel, Christian; Jain, Jinesh; McIntyre, Dustin

2015-05-01

The injection of CO2 into deep aquifers can potentially affect the quality of groundwater supplies were leakage to occur from the injection formation or fluids. Therefore, the detection of CO2 and/or entrained contaminants that migrate into shallow groundwater aquifers is important both to assess storage permanence and to evaluate impacts on water resources. Naturally occurring elements (i.e., Li, Sr) in conjunction with isotope ratios can be used to detect such leakage. We propose the use of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as an analytical technique to detect a suite of elements in water samples. LIBS has real time monitoring capabilities and can be applied for elemental and isotopic analysis of solid, liquid, and gas samples. The flexibility of probe design and use of fiber optics make it a suitable technique for real time measurements in harsh conditions and in hard to reach places. The laboratory scale experiments to measure Li, K, Ca, and Sr composition of water samples indicate that the technique produces rapid and reliable data. Since CO2 leakage from saline aquifers may accompany a brine solution, we studied the effect of sodium salts on the accuracy of LIBS analysis. This work specifically also details the fabrication and application of a miniature ruggedized remotely operated diode pumped solid state passively Q-switched laser system for use as the plasma excitation source for a real time LIBS analysis. This work also proposes the optical distribution of many laser spark sources across a wide area for widespread leak detection and basin monitoring.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a rapid tool for material analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, T.; Gondal, M. A.

2013-06-01

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a novel technique for elemental analysis based on laser-generated plasma. In this technique, laser pulses are applied for ablation of the sample, resulting in the vaporization and ionization of sample in hot plasma which is finally analyzed by the spectrometer. The elements are identified by their unique spectral signatures. LIBS system was developed for elemental analysis of solid and liquid samples. The developed system was applied for qualitative as well as quantitative measurement of elemental concentration present in iron slag and open pit ore samples. The plasma was generated by focusing a pulsed Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm on test samples to study the capabilities of LIBS as a rapid tool for material analysis. The concentrations of various elements of environmental significance such as cadmium, calcium, magnesium, chromium, manganese, titanium, barium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc etc., in these samples were determined. Optimal experimental conditions were evaluated for improving the sensitivity of developed LIBS system through parametric dependence study. The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) results were compared with the results obtained using standard analytical technique such as inductively couple plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP). Limit of detection (LOD) of our LIBS system were also estimated for the above mentioned elements. This study demonstrates that LIBS could be highly appropriate for rapid online analysis of iron slag and open pit waste.

The Breakdown Characteristics of the Silicone Oil for Electric Power Apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Hisashi; Yanabu, Satoru

The basic breakdown characteristics of the silicone oil as an insulating medium was studied with aim of realization of electric power apparatus which may be considered to be SF6 free and flame-retarding. As the first step, the impulse breakdown characteristics was measured with three kinds of electrodes whose electric field distributions differed. The breakdown characteristics in silicone oil was explained in relation to stressed oil volume (SOV) and the breakdown stress. At the second step the surface breakdown characteristic for impulse voltage was measured with two kinds of insulators which was set to between plane electrodes. The surface breakdown characteristic for impulse voltage was explained in relation to the ratio of the relative permittivity of oil and insulator. And on the third step, the breakdown characteristics of oil gap after interrupting small capacitive current was studied. In this experiment, the disconnecting switch to interrupt capacitive current was simulated by oil gap after interrupting impulse current, and to measure breakdown characteristics the high impulse voltage was subsequently applied. The breakdown stress in silicone oil after application of impulse current was discussed for insulation recovery characteristics.

Coupled ion redistribution and electronic breakdown in low-alkali boroaluminosilicate glass

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Doo Hyun, E-mail: cooldoo@add.re.kr; Randall, Clive, E-mail: car4@psu.edu; Furman, Eugene, E-mail: euf1@psu.edu

2015-08-28

Dielectrics with high electrostatic energy storage must have exceptionally high dielectric breakdown strength at elevated temperatures. Another important consideration in designing a high performance dielectric is understanding the thickness and temperature dependence of breakdown strengths. Here, we develop a numerical model which assumes a coupled ionic redistribution and electronic breakdown is applied to predict the breakdown strength of low-alkali glass. The ionic charge transport of three likely charge carriers (Na{sup +}, H{sup +}/H{sub 3}O{sup +}, Ba{sup 2+}) was used to calculate the ionic depletion width in low-alkali boroaluminosilicate which can further be used for the breakdown modeling. This model predictsmore » the breakdown strengths in the 10{sup 8}–10{sup 9 }V/m range and also accounts for the experimentally observed two distinct thickness dependent regions for breakdown. Moreover, the model successfully predicts the temperature dependent breakdown strength for low-alkali glass from room temperature up to 150 °C. This model showed that breakdown strengths were governed by minority charge carriers in the form of ionic transport (mostly sodium) in these glasses.« less

N Reactor Deactivation Program Plan. Revision 4

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walsh, J.L.

1993-12-01

This N Reactor Deactivation Program Plan is structured to provide the basic methodology required to place N Reactor and supporting facilities {center_dot} in a radiologically and environmentally safe condition such that they can be decommissioned at a later date. Deactivation will be in accordance with facility transfer criteria specified in Department of Energy (DOE) and Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC) guidance. Transition activities primarily involve shutdown and isolation of operational systems and buildings, radiological/hazardous waste cleanup, N Fuel Basin stabilization and environmental stabilization of the facilities. The N Reactor Deactivation Program covers the period FY 1992 through FY 1997. The directivemore » to cease N Reactor preservation and prepare for decommissioning was issued by DOE to WHC on September 20, 1991. The work year and budget data supporting the Work Breakdown Structure in this document are found in the Activity Data Sheets (ADS) and the Environmental Restoration Program Baseline, that are prepared annually.« less

AdaNET research plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcbride, John G.

1990-01-01

The mission of the AdaNET research effort is to determine how to increase the availability of reusable Ada components and associated software engineering technology to both private and Federal sectors. The effort is structured to define the requirements for transfer of Federally developed software technology, study feasible approaches to meeting the requirements, and to gain experience in applying various technologies and practices. The overall approach to the development of the AdaNET System Specification is presented. A work breakdown structure is presented with each research activity described in detail. The deliverables for each work area are summarized. The overall organization and responsibilities for each research area are described. The schedule and necessary resources are presented for each research activity. The estimated cost is summarized for each activity. The project plan is fully described in the Super Project Expert data file contained on the floppy disk attached to the back cover of this plan.

A time-shared machine repair problem with mixed spares under N-policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Madhu; Shekhar, Chandra; Shukla, Shalini

2016-06-01

The present investigation deals with a machine repair problem consisting of cold and warm standby machines. The machines are subject to breakdown and are repaired by the permanent repairman operating under N-policy. There is provision of one additional removable repairman who is called upon when the work load of failed machines crosses a certain threshold level and is removed as soon as the work load again ceases to that level. Both repairmen recover the failed machines by following the time sharing concept which means that the repairmen share their repair job simultaneously among all the failed machines that have joined the system for repair. Markovian model has been developed by considering the queue dependent rates and solved analytically using the recursive technique. Various performance indices are derived which are further used to obtain the cost function. By taking illustration, numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis have been provided.

[Implementation of a new electronic patient record in surgery].

PubMed

Eggli, S; Holm, J

2001-12-01

The increasing amount of clinical data, intensified interest of patients in medical information, medical quality management and the recent cost explosion in health care systems have forced medical institutions to improve their strategy in handling medical data. In the orthopedic department (3,600 surgeries, 75 beds, 14,000 consultations) software application for comprehensive patient data management has been developed. When implementing the electronic patient history following criteria were evaluated: 1. software evaluation, 2. implementation, 3. work flow, 4. data security/system stability. In the first phase the functional character was defined. Implementation required 3 months after parametrization. The expense amounted to 130,000 DM (30 clients). The training requirements were one afternoon for the secretaries and a 2-h session for the residents. The access speed on medically relevant data averaged under 3 s. The average saving in working hours was approximately 5 h/week for the secretaries and 4 h/week for the residents. The saving in paper amounted to 36,000 sheets/year. In 3 operational years there were 3 server breakdowns. Evaluation of the saving on working hours showed that such a system can amortize within a year. The latest improvements in hardware and software technology made the electronic medical record with integrated quality-control practicable without massive expenditure. The system supplies an extensive platform of information for patient treatment and an instrument to evaluate the efficiency of therapy strategies independent of the clinical field.

Shock/vortex interaction and vortex-breakdown modes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kandil, Osama A.; Kandil, H. A.; Liu, C. H.

1992-01-01

Computational simulation and study of shock/vortex interaction and vortex-breakdown modes are considered for bound (internal) and unbound (external) flow domains. The problem is formulated using the unsteady, compressible, full Navier-Stokes (NS) equations which are solved using an implicit, flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme. For the bound flow domain, a supersonic swirling flow is considered in a configured circular duct and the problem is solved for quasi-axisymmetric and three-dimensional flows. For the unbound domain, a supersonic swirling flow issued from a nozzle into a uniform supersonic flow of lower Mach number is considered for quasi-axisymmetric and three-dimensional flows. The results show several modes of breakdown; e.g., no-breakdown, transient single-bubble breakdown, transient multi-bubble breakdown, periodic multi-bubble multi-frequency breakdown and helical breakdown.

Training and Doctrine Command Acquisition Management and Oversight Supplement

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

the foundation for all future procurement decisions. Chapter 4 of TR 5-14 requires the RA to gain approval and certification by the designated...CLM013-Work-Breakdown Structure CLM031-Improved Statement of Work ACQ265-Mission Focused Services Acquisition Army eLearning https...will be returned to acceptable levels, and how recurrence of the cause will be prevented in the future . 53 7.3. Performance Requirements Summary

Avoiding the Leviathan: A Strategy to Limit Post-Conflict Normative Breakdown

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

Emile Durkheim in his seminal work Suicide hypothesized that societies that go through periods of rapid change (such as the industrial revolution...French 4 sociologist and philosopher Emile Durkheim in his seminal work Suicide.13 Anomie (from the Greek a nomos, meaning without norms) is a...and Effervescence,” Durkheim and Violence. ed. S. Romi Mukherjee, (West Sussex, UK: Blackwell Publishing, 2010), 5-7. 13 Emile Durkheim , Suicide

Breakdown of Amontons' Law of Friction in Sheared-Elastomer with Local Amontons' Friction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsukawa, Hiroshi; Otsuki, Michio

2012-02-01

It is well known that Amontons' law of friction i.e. the frictional force against the sliding motion of solid object is proportional to the loading force and not dependent on the contact area, holds well for various systems. Here we show, however, the breakdown of the Amontons' law for the elastic object which have local friction obeying Amontons' law and is under uniform pressure by FEM calculation The external shearing force applied to the trailing edge of the sample induces local slip. The range of the slip increases with the increasing external force adiabatically at first. When the range reaches the critical magnitude, the slips moves rapidly and reaches the leading edge of the sample then the whole system slides. These behaviors are consistent with the experiment by Rubinstein et.al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 226103). The static frictional coefficient, the ratio between the static frictional force for the whole system and the loading force, decreases with the increasing pressure. This means the breakdown of Amontons' law. The pressure dependence of the frictional coefficient is caused by the change of the critical length of the local slip. The behaviors of the local slip and the frictional coefficient are well explained by the 1 dimensional model analytically.

Space shuttle low cost/risk avionics study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

All work breakdown structure elements containing any avionics related effort were examined for pricing the life cycle costs. The analytical, testing, and integration efforts are included for the basic onboard avionics and electrical power systems. The design and procurement of special test equipment and maintenance and repair equipment are considered. Program management associated with these efforts is described. Flight test spares and labor and materials associated with the operations and maintenance of the avionics systems throughout the horizontal flight test are examined. It was determined that cost savings can be achieved by using existing hardware, maximizing orbiter-booster commonality, specifying new equipments to MIL quality standards, basing redundancy on cost effective analysis, minimizing software complexity and reducing cross strapping and computer-managed functions, utilizing compilers and floating point computers, and evolving the design as dictated by the horizontal flight test schedules.

Life sciences payload definition and integration study. Volume 2: Requirements, design, and planning studies for the carry-on laboratories. [for Spacelab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The task phase concerned with the requirements, design, and planning studies for the carry-on laboratory (COL) began with a definition of biomedical research areas and candidate research equipment, and then went on to develop conceptual layouts for COL which were each evaluated in order to arrive at a final conceptual design. Each step in this design/evaluation process concerned itself with man/systems integration research and hardware, and life support and protective systems research and equipment selection. COL integration studies were also conducted and include attention to electrical power and data management requirements, operational considerations, and shuttle/Spacelab interface specifications. A COL program schedule was compiled, and a cost analysis was finalized which takes into account work breakdown, annual funding, and cost reduction guidelines.

Earth Observatory Satellite system definition study. Report no. 3: Design/cost tradeoff studies. Appendix A: EOS program WBS dictionary. Appendix B: EOS mission functional analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The work breakdown structure (WBS) dictionary for the Earth Observatory Satellite (EOS) is defined. The various elements of the EOS program are examined to include the aggregate of hardware, computer software, services, and data required to develop, produce, test, support, and operate the space vehicle and the companion ground data management system. A functional analysis of the EOS mission is developed. The operations for three typical EOS missions, Delta, Titan, and Shuttle launched are considered. The functions were determined for the top program elements, and the mission operations, function 2.0, was expanded to level one functions. Selection of ten level one functions for further analysis to level two and three functions were based on concern for the EOS operations and associated interfaces.

The emerging role for bacteria in lignin degradation and bio-product formation.

PubMed

Bugg, Timothy D H; Ahmad, Mark; Hardiman, Elizabeth M; Singh, Rahul

2011-06-01

The microbial degradation of lignin has been well studied in white-rot and brown-rot fungi, but is much less well studied in bacteria. Recent published work suggests that a range of soil bacteria, often aromatic-degrading bacteria, are able to break down lignin. The enzymology of bacterial lignin breakdown is currently not well understood, but extracellular peroxidase and laccase enzymes appear to be involved. There are also reports of aromatic-degrading bacteria isolated from termite guts, though there are conflicting reports on the ability of termite gut micro-organisms to break down lignin. If biocatalytic routes for lignin breakdown could be developed, then lignin represents a potentially rich source of renewable aromatic chemicals. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of archaeological metal artefacts by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tankova, V.; Malcheva, G.; Blagoev, K.; Leshtakov, L.

2018-03-01

In this work, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy was applied to determining the elemental composition of a set of ancient bronze artefacts dated from the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age (14th – 10th century BC). We used a Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm with pulse duration of 10 ns and energy of 10 mJ and determined the elemental composition of the bronze alloy that was used in manufacturing the samples under study. The concentrations of tin and lead in the bulk of the examined materials was estimated after generating calibration curves for a set of four standard samples. The preliminary results of the analysis will provide information on the artefacts provenance and on the production process.

Location and detection of explosive-contaminated human fingerprints on distant targets using standoff laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucena, P.; Gaona, I.; Moros, J.; Laserna, J. J.

2013-07-01

Detection of explosive-contaminated human fingerprints constitutes an analytical challenge of high significance in security issues and in forensic sciences. The use of a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) sensor working at 31 m distance to the target, fitted with 2D scanning capabilities and designed for capturing spectral information from laser-induced plasmas of fingerprints is presented. Distribution chemical maps based on Na and CN emissions are used to locate and detect chloratite, DNT, TNT, RDX and PETN residues that have been deposited on the surface of aluminum and glass substrates. An effectiveness of 100% on fingerprints detection, regardless the substrate scanned, is reached. Environmental factors that affect the prevalence of the fingerprint LIBS response are discussed.

Nanostructure multilayer dielectric materials for capacitors and insulators

DOEpatents

Barbee, Jr., Troy W.; Johnson, Gary W.

1998-04-21

A capacitor is formed of at least two metal conductors having a multilayer dielectric and opposite dielectric-conductor interface layers in between. The multilayer dielectric includes many alternating layers of amorphous zirconium oxide (ZrO.sub.2) and alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3). The dielectric-conductor interface layers are engineered for increased voltage breakdown and extended service life. The local interfacial work function is increased to reduce charge injection and thus increase breakdown voltage. Proper material choices can prevent electrochemical reactions and diffusion between the conductor and dielectric. Physical vapor deposition is used to deposit the zirconium oxide (ZrO.sub.2) and alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) in alternating layers to form a nano-laminate.

Nanostructure multilayer dielectric materials for capacitors and insulators

DOEpatents

Barbee, T.W. Jr.; Johnson, G.W.

1998-04-21

A capacitor is formed of at least two metal conductors having a multilayer dielectric and opposite dielectric-conductor interface layers in between. The multilayer dielectric includes many alternating layers of amorphous zirconium oxide (ZrO{sub 2}) and alumina (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}). The dielectric-conductor interface layers are engineered for increased voltage breakdown and extended service life. The local interfacial work function is increased to reduce charge injection and thus increase breakdown voltage. Proper material choices can prevent electrochemical reactions and diffusion between the conductor and dielectric. Physical vapor deposition is used to deposit the zirconium oxide (ZrO{sub 2}) and alumina (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) in alternating layers to form a nano-laminate. 1 fig.

48 CFR 1852.243-72 - Equitable adjustments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... subsequently granted. The proposal shall provide an itemized breakdown of all increases and decreases in the... and costs; direct labor hours and rates for each trade; the associated FICA, FUTA, SUTA, and Workmen's... profit on work performed by others. The percentages for overhead, profit, and commission are negotiable...

Site support program plan for ICF Kaiser Hanford Company

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dieterle, S.E.

1996-09-27

The Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 Inftastructure Program Site Support Program Plan (SSPP) addresses the mission objectives, workscope, work breakdown structures (WBS), management approach, and resource requirements for the Infrastructure Program. Attached to the plan are appendices that provide more detailed information associated with scope definition.

Unteachable Moments and Pedagogical Relationships

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Hongyu

2016-01-01

This paper discusses how Julia Kristeva's theory can inform our understanding of unteachable moments. It proposes a pedagogical relationship that can contain breakdowns of meanings and work toward breakthroughs to new awareness, particularly related to social justice pedagogy in teacher education. First, one example from the author's own teaching…

Space station program phase B definition: Nuclear reactor-powered space station cost and schedules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

Tabulated data are presented on the costs, schedules, and technical characteristics for the space station phases C and D program. The work breakdown structure, schedule data, program ground rules, program costs, cost-estimating rationale, funding schedules, and supporting data are included.

Development of a compact underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system and preliminary results in sea trials.

PubMed

Guo, Jinjia; Lu, Yuan; Cheng, Kai; Song, Jiaojian; Ye, Wangquan; Li, Nan; Zheng, Ronger

2017-10-10

The exploitation and research of deep-sea hydrothermal vent has been an issue of great interest in ocean research in recent years. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has great potential for ocean application due to the capabilities of stand-off, multiphase, and multielement analysis. In this work, a newly developed compact 4000 m rated LIBS system (LIBSea) is introduced with preliminary results of sea trials. The underwater system consists of an Nd:YAG single-pulsed laser operating at 1064 nm, an optical fiber spectrometer, an optics module, and an electronic controller module. The whole system is housed in an L800  mm×ϕ258  mm pressure housing with an optical window on the end cap. It was deployed on the remote operated vehicle Faxian on the research vessel Kexue, and in June 2015 was successfully applied for hydrothermal field measurements at the Manus area. The obtained results are shown that the LIBS system is capable of detecting elements Li, Na, K, Ca, and Mg in the hydrothermal area. Profiles of LIBS signals of elements K and Ca have also been obtained during the sea trial. The results show that the K emission line is gradually broadened with depth from sea surface to sea floor (1800 m or so); the K intensity shows a hump shape with maximum value at about 1050 m. The Ca emission line is rapidly broadened below 400 m and slowly narrowed to the sea floor; the Ca intensity shows no obvious change below 400 m and increases continuously to sea floor. A very interesting finding is that the small fluctuations of intensity profile curve of Ca show a degree of correlation with seawater temperature change. The sea trial results prove the performance of LIBSea. After further optimization, it is hoped to apply the LIBS system to the in situ mineral deposits and hydrothermal vent fluid detection in deep sea.

Effect of temperature on the electric breakdown strength of dielectric elastomer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lei; Chen, Hualing; Sheng, Junjie; Zhang, Junshi; Wang, Yongquan; Jia, Shuhai

2014-03-01

DE (dielectric elastomer) is one of the most promising artificial muscle materials for its large strain over 100% under driving voltage. However, to date, dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are prone to failure due to the temperature-dependent electric breakdown. Previously studies had shown that the electrical breakdown strength was mainly related to the temperature-dependent elasticity modulus and the permittivity of dielectric substances. This paper investigated the influence of ambient temperature on the electric breakdown strength of DE membranes (VHB4910 3M). The electric breakdown experiment of the DE membrane was conducted at different ambient temperatures and pre-stretch levels. The real breakdown strength was obtained by measuring the deformation and the breakdown voltage simultaneously. Then, we found that with the increase of the environment temperature, the electric breakdown strength decreased obviously. Contrarily, the high pre-stretch level led to the large electric breakdown strength. What is more, we found that the deformations of DEs were strongly dependent on the ambient temperature.

A Real-time Breakdown Prediction Method for Urban Expressway On-ramp Bottlenecks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Yingjun; Qin, Guoyang; Sun, Jian; Liu, Qiyuan

2018-01-01

Breakdown occurrence on expressway is considered to relate with various factors. Therefore, to investigate the association between breakdowns and these factors, a Bayesian network (BN) model is adopted in this paper. Based on the breakdown events identified at 10 urban expressways on-ramp in Shanghai, China, 23 parameters before breakdowns are extracted, including dynamic environment conditions aggregated with 5-minutes and static geometry features. Different time periods data are used to predict breakdown. Results indicate that the models using 5-10 min data prior to breakdown performs the best prediction, with the prediction accuracies higher than 73%. Moreover, one unified model for all bottlenecks is also built and shows reasonably good prediction performance with the classification accuracy of breakdowns about 75%, at best. Additionally, to simplify the model parameter input, the random forests (RF) model is adopted to identify the key variables. Modeling with the selected 7 parameters, the refined BN model can predict breakdown with adequate accuracy.

Dielectric breakdown induced by picosecond laser pulses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, W. L.; Bechtel, J. H.; Bloembergen, N.

1976-01-01

The damage thresholds of transparent optical materials were investigated. Single picosecond pulses at 1.06 microns, 0.53 microns and 0.35 microns were obtained from a mode locked Nd-YAG oscillator-amplifier-frequency multiplier system. The pulses were Gaussian in space and time and permitted the determination of breakdown thresholds with a reproducibility of 15%. It was shown that the breakdown thresholds are characteristic of the bulk material, which included nine alkali halides, five different laser host materials, KDP, quartz, sapphire and calcium fluoride. The extension of the damage data to the ultraviolet is significant, because some indication was obtained that two- and three-photon absorption processes begin to play a role in determining the threshold. Throughout the visible region of the spectrum the threshold is still an increasing function of frequency, indicating that avalanche ionization is the dominant factor in determining the breakdown threshold. This was confirmed by a detailed study of the damage morphology with a high resolution microscope just above the threshold. The influence of self focusing is discussed, and evidence for beam distortion below the power threshold for complete self focusing is presented, confirming the theory of Marburger.

Occupational stress in human computer interaction.

PubMed

Smith, M J; Conway, F T; Karsh, B T

1999-04-01

There have been a variety of research approaches that have examined the stress issues related to human computer interaction including laboratory studies, cross-sectional surveys, longitudinal case studies and intervention studies. A critical review of these studies indicates that there are important physiological, biochemical, somatic and psychological indicators of stress that are related to work activities where human computer interaction occurs. Many of the stressors of human computer interaction at work are similar to those stressors that have historically been observed in other automated jobs. These include high workload, high work pressure, diminished job control, inadequate employee training to use new technology, monotonous tasks, por supervisory relations, and fear for job security. New stressors have emerged that can be tied primarily to human computer interaction. These include technology breakdowns, technology slowdowns, and electronic performance monitoring. The effects of the stress of human computer interaction in the workplace are increased physiological arousal; somatic complaints, especially of the musculoskeletal system; mood disturbances, particularly anxiety, fear and anger; and diminished quality of working life, such as reduced job satisfaction. Interventions to reduce the stress of computer technology have included improved technology implementation approaches and increased employee participation in implementation. Recommendations for ways to reduce the stress of human computer interaction at work are presented. These include proper ergonomic conditions, increased organizational support, improved job content, proper workload to decrease work pressure, and enhanced opportunities for social support. A model approach to the design of human computer interaction at work that focuses on the system "balance" is proposed.

[Examination of safety improvement by failure record analysis that uses reliability engineering].

PubMed

Kato, Kyoichi; Sato, Hisaya; Abe, Yoshihisa; Ishimori, Yoshiyuki; Hirano, Hiroshi; Higashimura, Kyoji; Amauchi, Hiroshi; Yanakita, Takashi; Kikuchi, Kei; Nakazawa, Yasuo

2010-08-20

How the maintenance checks of the medical treatment system, including start of work check and the ending check, was effective for preventive maintenance and the safety improvement was verified. In this research, date on the failure of devices in multiple facilities was collected, and the data of the trouble repair record was analyzed by the technique of reliability engineering. An analysis of data on the system (8 general systems, 6 Angio systems, 11 CT systems, 8 MRI systems, 8 RI systems, and the radiation therapy system 9) used in eight hospitals was performed. The data collection period assumed nine months from April to December 2008. Seven items were analyzed. (1) Mean time between failures (MTBF) (2) Mean time to repair (MTTR) (3) Mean down time (MDT) (4) Number found by check in morning (5) Failure generation time according to modality. The classification of the breakdowns per device, the incidence, and the tendency could be understood by introducing reliability engineering. Analysis, evaluation, and feedback on the failure generation history are useful to keep downtime to a minimum and to ensure safety.

Management assessment of tank waste remediation system contractor readiness to proceed with phase 1B privatization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Certa, P.J.

1998-01-07

Readiness to Proceed With Phase 1B Privatization documents the processes used to determine readiness to proceed with tank waste treatment technologies from private industry, now known as TWRS privatization. An overall systems approach was applied to develop action plans to support the retrieval and disposal mission of the TWRS Project. The systems and infrastructure required to support the mission are known. Required systems are either in place or plans have been developed to ensure they exist when needed. Since October 1996 a robust system engineering approach to establishing integrated Technical Baselines, work breakdown structures, tank farms organizational structure and configurations,more » work scope, and costs has become part of the culture within the TWRS Project. An analysis of the programmatic, management, and technical activities necessary to declare readiness to proceed with execution of the mission demonstrates that the system, personnel, and hardware will be on line and ready to support the private contractors. The systems approach included defining the retrieval and disposal mission requirements and evaluating the readiness of the Project Hanford Management Contract (PHMC) team to support initiation of waste processing by the private contractors in June 2002 and to receive immobilized waste shortly thereafter. The Phase 1 feed delivery requirements from the private contractor Requests for Proposal were reviewed. Transfer piping routes were mapped, existing systems were evaluated, and upgrade requirements were defined.« less

Human error and the search for blame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denning, Peter J.

1989-01-01

Human error is a frequent topic in discussions about risks in using computer systems. A rational analysis of human error leads through the consideration of mistakes to standards that designers use to avoid mistakes that lead to known breakdowns. The irrational side, however, is more interesting. It conditions people to think that breakdowns are inherently wrong and that there is ultimately someone who is responsible. This leads to a search for someone to blame which diverts attention from: learning from the mistakes; seeing the limitations of current engineering methodology; and improving the discourse of design.

Torus Breakdown and Homoclinic Chaos in a Glow Discharge Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ginoux, Jean-Marc; Meucci, Riccardo; Euzzor, Stefano

2017-12-01

Starting from historical researches, we used, like Van der Pol and Le Corbeiller, a cubic function for modeling the current-voltage characteristic of a direct current low-pressure plasma discharge tube, i.e. a neon tube. This led us to propose a new four-dimensional autonomous dynamical system allowing to describe the experimentally observed phenomenon. Then, mathematical analysis and detailed numerical investigations of such a fourth-order torus circuit enabled to highlight bifurcation routes from torus breakdown to homoclinic chaos following the Newhouse-Ruelle-Takens scenario.

The impact of an inadequate municipal water system on the residents of Chinhoyi town, Zimbabwe.

PubMed

Schwartz, U; Siziya, S; Tshimanga, M; Barduagni, P; Chauke, T L

1999-06-01

To assess the use and impact of the water reticulation system in Chinhoyi on its residents. Cross sectional and case series studies. Chinhoyi town. 600 Chinhoyi residents. Practices and perceptions of Chinhoyi residents on the water system, and distribution of water-related diseases per area of residence. Out of 600 respondents, 565 (99.3%) had access to piped water and 558 (98.0%) to flush toilets. Breakdowns of water supply and functioning of toilet facility were reported by 308 (77.0%) and 110 (28.0%) respondents in the previous six months, respectively. Main complaints of Chinhoyi residents were about low water quality (36.2%), inadequate sewage system (31.3%) and environmental pollution (26.5%). Cases of water-related diseases were not associated with natural water bodies. Chinhoyi residents have good access to the municipal water and an adequate sanitation system. However, low quality of the water, frequent system breakdowns and the degradation and loss of amenity of the environment impair their quality of life.

Transient chaos - a resolution of breakdown of quantum-classical correspondence in optomechanics.

PubMed

Wang, Guanglei; Lai, Ying-Cheng; Grebogi, Celso

2016-10-17

Recently, the phenomenon of quantum-classical correspondence breakdown was uncovered in optomechanics, where in the classical regime the system exhibits chaos but in the corresponding quantum regime the motion is regular - there appears to be no signature of classical chaos whatsoever in the corresponding quantum system, generating a paradox. We find that transient chaos, besides being a physically meaningful phenomenon by itself, provides a resolution. Using the method of quantum state diffusion to simulate the system dynamics subject to continuous homodyne detection, we uncover transient chaos associated with quantum trajectories. The transient behavior is consistent with chaos in the classical limit, while the long term evolution of the quantum system is regular. Transient chaos thus serves as a bridge for the quantum-classical transition (QCT). Strikingly, as the system transitions from the quantum to the classical regime, the average chaotic transient lifetime increases dramatically (faster than the Ehrenfest time characterizing the QCT for isolated quantum systems). We develop a physical theory to explain the scaling law.

Transient chaos - a resolution of breakdown of quantum-classical correspondence in optomechanics

PubMed Central

Wang, Guanglei; Lai, Ying-Cheng; Grebogi, Celso

2016-01-01

Recently, the phenomenon of quantum-classical correspondence breakdown was uncovered in optomechanics, where in the classical regime the system exhibits chaos but in the corresponding quantum regime the motion is regular - there appears to be no signature of classical chaos whatsoever in the corresponding quantum system, generating a paradox. We find that transient chaos, besides being a physically meaningful phenomenon by itself, provides a resolution. Using the method of quantum state diffusion to simulate the system dynamics subject to continuous homodyne detection, we uncover transient chaos associated with quantum trajectories. The transient behavior is consistent with chaos in the classical limit, while the long term evolution of the quantum system is regular. Transient chaos thus serves as a bridge for the quantum-classical transition (QCT). Strikingly, as the system transitions from the quantum to the classical regime, the average chaotic transient lifetime increases dramatically (faster than the Ehrenfest time characterizing the QCT for isolated quantum systems). We develop a physical theory to explain the scaling law. PMID:27748418

X-ray imaging using amorphous selenium: photoinduced discharge (PID) readout for digital general radiography.

PubMed

Rowlands, J A; Hunter, D M

1995-12-01

Digital radiographic systems based on photoconductive layers with the latent charge image readout by photoinduced discharge (PID) are investigated theoretically. Previously, a number of different systems have been proposed using sandwiched photoconductor and insulator layers and readout using a scanning laser beam. These systems are shown to have the general property of being very closely coupled (i.e., optimization of one imaging characteristic usually impacts negatively on others). The presence of a condensed state insulator between the photoconductor surface and the readout electrode does, however, confer a great advantage over systems using air gaps with their relatively low breakdown field. The greater breakdown field of condensed state dielectrics permits the modification of the electric field during the period between image formation and image readout. The trade-off between readout speed and noise makes this system suitable for instant general radiography and even rapid sequence radiography, however, the system is unsuitable for the low exposure rates used in fluoroscopy.

Risky business: Preventing skin breakdown in children with spina bifida.

PubMed

Ekmark, Elaine McGarr

2009-01-01

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of skin issues in children with spina bifida. Included in the discussion below is a review of the etiology of pressure ulcers and the updated 2007 pressure ulcer definition and pressure ulcer staging system as defined by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP). Pediatric risk factors for skin breakdown are presented including risk factors unique to children with spina bifida. Pediatric pressure ulcer risk assessment scales are described. The 5 Million Lives Kids' Campaign which has a focus on preventing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers in children is also reviewed along with evidence based prevention strategies. The key to preventing skin breakdown and pressure ulcers in children with spina bifida is early identification of the child's individual risk factors so that a prevention protocol can be implemented in all settings: hospital, home and the community. Options for wound management, dressing selection and pain management are included.

Extension of the dielectric breakdown model for simulation of viscous fingering at finite viscosity ratios.

PubMed

Doorwar, Shashvat; Mohanty, Kishore K

2014-07-01

Immiscible displacement of viscous oil by water in a petroleum reservoir is often hydrodynamically unstable. Due to similarities between the physics of dielectric breakdown and immiscible flow in porous media, we extend the existing dielectric breakdown model to simulate viscous fingering patterns for a wide range of viscosity ratios (μ(r)). At low values of power-law index η, the system behaves like a stable Eden growth model and as the value of η is increased to unity, diffusion limited aggregation-like fractals appear. This model is compared with our two-dimensional (2D) experiments to develop a correlation between the viscosity ratio and the power index, i.e., η = 10(-5)μ(r)(0.8775). The 2D and three-dimensional (3D) simulation data appear scalable. The fingering pattern in 3D simulations at finite viscosity ratios appear qualitatively similar to the few experimental results published in the literature.

Analysis on laser plasma emission for characterization of colloids by video-based computer program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, Kirana Yuniati; Lumbantoruan, Hendra Damos; Isnaeni

2016-02-01

Laser-induced breakdown detection (LIBD) is a sensitive technique for characterization of colloids with small size and low concentration. There are two types of detection, optical and acoustic. Optical LIBD employs CCD camera to capture the plasma emission and uses the information to quantify the colloids. This technique requires sophisticated technology which is often pricey. In order to build a simple, home-made LIBD system, a dedicated computer program based on MATLAB™ for analyzing laser plasma emission was developed. The analysis was conducted by counting the number of plasma emissions (breakdowns) during a certain period of time. Breakdown probability provided information on colloid size and concentration. Validation experiment showed that the computer program performed well on analyzing the plasma emissions. Optical LIBD has A graphical user interface (GUI) was also developed to make the program more user-friendly.

["Nervous breakdown": a diagnostic characterization study].

PubMed

Salmán, E; Carrasco, J L; Liebowitz, M; Díaz Marsá, M; Prieto, R; Jusino, C; Cárdenas, D; Klein, D

1997-01-01

An evaluation was made of the influence of different psychiatric co-morbidities on the symptoms of the disorder popularly known as "ataque de nervios" (nervous breakdown) among the US Hispanic population. Using a self-completed instrument designed specially for both traditional nervous breakdown and for panic symptoms, and structured or semi-structured psychiatric interviews for Axis I disorders, and evaluation was made of Hispanic subjects who sought treatment for anxiety in a clinic (n = 156). This study centered on 102 subjects who presented symptoms of "nervous breakdown" and comorbidity with panic disorder, other anxiety disorders, or affective disorder. Variations in co-morbidity with "nervous breakdown" enabled the identification of different patterns of "nervous breakdown" presenting symptoms. Individuals with "nervous breakdown" and panic disorder characteristically expressed a greater sense of asphyxiation, fear of dying, and growing fear (panic-like) during their breakdowns. Subjects with "nervous breakdown" and affective disorder had a greater sensation of anger and more tendency toward screaming and aggressive behavior such as breaking things during the breakdown (emotional anger). Finally, subjects with "nervous breakdown" and co-morbidity with another anxiety disorder had fewer "paniclike" or "emotional anger" symptoms. These findings suggest that: a) the widely used term "nervous breakdown" is a popular label for different patterns of loss of emotional control; b) the type of loss of emotional control is influenced by the associated psychiatric disorder; and c) the symptoms characteristics of the "nervous breakdown" can be useful clinical markers for associated psychiatric disorders. Future research is needed to determine whether the known Hispanic entity "ataque de nervios" is simply a popular description for different aspects of well-known psychiatric disorders, or if it reflects specific demographic, environmental, personality and/or clinical characteristics of the population.

Ultrastable Natural Ester-Based Nanofluids for High Voltage Insulation Applications.

PubMed

Peppas, Georgios D; Bakandritsos, Aristides; Charalampakos, Vasilis P; Pyrgioti, Eleftheria C; Tucek, Jiri; Zboril, Radek; Gonos, Ioannis F

2016-09-28

Nanofluids for high voltage insulation systems have emerged as a potential substitute for liquid dielectrics in industrial applications. Nevertheless, the sedimentation of nanoparticles has been so far a serious barrier for their wide and effective exploitation. The present work reports on the development and in-depth characterization of colloidally ultrastable natural ester oil insulation systems containing iron oxide nanocrystals which lift the problem of sedimentation and phase separation. Compared to state-of-the-art systems, the final product is endowed with increased dielectric strength, faster thermal response, lower dielectric losses (decreased dissipation factor: tan δ), and very high endurance during discharge stressing. The developed nanofluid was studied and compared with a similar system containing commercial iron oxide nanoparticles, the latter demonstrating extensive sedimentation. Herein, the dielectric properties of the nanofluids are analyzed at various concentrations by means of breakdown voltage and dissipation factor measurements. The characterization techniques unequivocally demonstrate the high performance reliability of the reported nanofluid, which constitutes a significant breakthrough in the field of high voltage insulation technologies.

Quarry identification of historical building materials by means of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence and chemometric analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colao, F.; Fantoni, R.; Ortiz, P.; Vazquez, M. A.; Martin, J. M.; Ortiz, R.; Idris, N.

2010-08-01

To characterize historical building materials according to the geographic origin of the quarries from which they have been mined, the relative content of major and trace elements were determined by means of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques. 48 different specimens were studied and the entire samples' set was divided in two different groups: the first, used as reference set, was composed by samples mined from eight different quarries located in Seville province; the second group was composed by specimens of unknown provenance collected in several historical buildings and churches in the city of Seville. Data reduction and analysis on laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence measurements was performed using multivariate statistical approach, namely the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA). A clear separation among reference sample materials mined from different quarries was observed in Principal Components (PC) score plots, then a supervised soft independent modeling of class analogy classification was trained and run, aiming to assess the provenance of unknown samples according to their elemental content. The obtained results were compared with the provenance assignments made on the basis of petrographical description. This work gives experimental evidence that laser induced breakdown spectroscopy measurements on a relatively small set of elements is a fast and effective method for the purpose of origin identification.

The Draft Genome of the Invasive Walking Stick, Medauroidea extradendata, Reveals Extensive Lineage-Specific Gene Family Expansions of Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes in Phasmatodea

PubMed Central

Brand, Philipp; Lin, Wei; Johnson, Brian R.

2018-01-01

Plant cell wall components are the most abundant macromolecules on Earth. The study of the breakdown of these molecules is thus a central question in biology. Surprisingly, plant cell wall breakdown by herbivores is relatively poorly understood, as nearly all early work focused on the mechanisms used by symbiotic microbes to breakdown plant cell walls in insects such as termites. Recently, however, it has been shown that many organisms make endogenous cellulases. Insects, and other arthropods, in particular have been shown to express a variety of plant cell wall degrading enzymes in many gene families with the ability to break down all the major components of the plant cell wall. Here we report the genome of a walking stick, Medauroidea extradentata, an obligate herbivore that makes uses of endogenously produced plant cell wall degrading enzymes. We present a draft of the 3.3Gbp genome along with an official gene set that contains a diversity of plant cell wall degrading enzymes. We show that at least one of the major families of plant cell wall degrading enzymes, the pectinases, have undergone a striking lineage-specific gene family expansion in the Phasmatodea. This genome will be a useful resource for comparative evolutionary studies with herbivores in many other clades and will help elucidate the mechanisms by which metazoans breakdown plant cell wall components. PMID:29588379

High Gradient Accelerator Research

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Temkin, Richard

The goal of the MIT program of research on high gradient acceleration is the development of advanced acceleration concepts that lead to a practical and affordable next generation linear collider at the TeV energy level. Other applications, which are more near-term, include accelerators for materials processing; medicine; defense; mining; security; and inspection. The specific goals of the MIT program are: • Pioneering theoretical research on advanced structures for high gradient acceleration, including photonic structures and metamaterial structures; evaluation of the wakefields in these advanced structures • Experimental research to demonstrate the properties of advanced structures both in low-power microwave coldmore » test and high-power, high-gradient test at megawatt power levels • Experimental research on microwave breakdown at high gradient including studies of breakdown phenomena induced by RF electric fields and RF magnetic fields; development of new diagnostics of the breakdown process • Theoretical research on the physics and engineering features of RF vacuum breakdown • Maintaining and improving the Haimson / MIT 17 GHz accelerator, the highest frequency operational accelerator in the world, a unique facility for accelerator research • Providing the Haimson / MIT 17 GHz accelerator facility as a facility for outside users • Active participation in the US DOE program of High Gradient Collaboration, including joint work with SLAC and with Los Alamos National Laboratory; participation of MIT students in research at the national laboratories • Training the next generation of Ph. D. students in the field of accelerator physics.« less

Partnering with Engineers to Identify and Empirically Evaluate Delays in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Laying the Foundations for Quality Improvement and System-based Practice in Radiology.

PubMed

Brandon, Catherine J; Holody, Michael; Inch, Geoffrey; Kabcenell, Michael; Schowalter, Diane; Mullan, Patricia B

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of partnering with engineering students and critically examining the merit of the problem identification and analyses students generated in identifying sources impeding effective turnaround in a large university department of diagnostic radiology. Turnaround involves the time and activities beginning when a patient enters the magnetic resonance scanner room until the patient leaves, minus the time the scanner is conducting the protocol. A prospective observational study was conducted, in which four senior undergraduate industrial and operations engineering students interviewed magnetic resonance staff members and observed all shifts. On the basis of 150 hours of observation, the engineering students identified 11 process steps (eg, changing coils). They charted machine use for all shifts, providing a breakdown of turnaround time between appropriate process and non-value-added time. To evaluate the processes occurring in the scanning room, the students used a work-sampling schedule in which a beeper sounded 2.5 times per hour, signaling the technologist to identify which of 11 process steps was occurring. This generated 2147 random observations over a 3-week period. The breakdown of machine use over 105 individual studies showed that non-value-added time accounted for 62% of turnaround time. Analysis of 2147 random samples of work showed that scanners were empty and waiting for patients 15% of the total time. Analyses showed that poor communication delayed the arrival of patients and that no one had responsibility for communicating when scanning was done. Engineering students used rigorous study design and sampling methods to conduct interviews and observations. This led to data-driven definition of problems and potential solutions to guide systems-based improvement. Copyright © 2012 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temporary Losses of Highway Capacity and Impacts on Performance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chin, S.M.

2002-07-31

Traffic congestion and its impacts significantly affect the nation's economic performance and the public's quality of life. In most urban areas, travel demand routinely exceeds highway capacity during peak periods. In addition, events such as crashes, vehicle breakdowns, work zones, adverse weather, and suboptimal signal timing cause temporary capacity losses, often worsening the conditions on already congested highway networks. The impacts of these temporary capacity losses include delay, reduced mobility, and reduced reliability of the highway system. They can also cause drivers to re-route or reschedule trips. Prior to this study, no nationwide estimates of temporary losses of highway capacitymore » had been made by type of capacity-reducing event. Such information is vital to formulating sound public policies for the highway infrastructure and its operation. This study is an initial attempt to provide nationwide estimates of the capacity losses and delay caused by temporary capacity-reducing events. The objective of this study was to develop and implement methods for producing national-level estimates of the loss of capacity on the nation's highway facilities due to temporary phenomena as well as estimates of the impacts of such losses. The estimates produced by this study roughly indicate the magnitude of problems that are likely be addressed by the Congress during the next re-authorization of the Surface Transportation Programs. The scope of the study includes all urban and rural freeways and principal arterials in the nation's highway system for 1999. Specifically, this study attempts to quantify the extent of temporary capacity losses due to crashes, breakdowns, work zones, weather, and sub-optimal signal timing. These events can cause impacts such as capacity reduction, delays, trip rescheduling, rerouting, reduced mobility, and reduced reliability. This study focuses on the reduction of capacity and resulting delays caused by the temporary events mentioned above. Impacts other than capacity losses and delay, such as re-routing, rescheduling, reduced mobility, and reduced reliability, are not covered in this phase of research.« less

The Typical General Aviation Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turnbull, Andrew

1999-01-01

The reliability of General Aviation aircraft is unknown. In order to "assist the development of future GA reliability and safety requirements", a reliability study needs to be performed. Before any studies on General Aviation aircraft reliability begins, a definition of a typical aircraft that encompasses most of the general aviation characteristics needs to be defined. In this report, not only is the typical general aviation aircraft defined for the purpose of the follow-on reliability study, but it is also separated, or "sifted" into several different categories where individual analysis can be performed on the reasonably independent systems. In this study, the typical General Aviation aircraft is a four-place, single engine piston, all aluminum fixed-wing certified aircraft with a fixed tricycle landing gear and a cable operated flight control system. The system breakdown of a GA aircraft "sifts" the aircraft systems and components into five categories: Powerplant, Airframe, Aircraft Control Systems, Cockpit Instrumentation Systems, and the Electrical Systems. This breakdown was performed along the lines of a failure of the system. Any component that caused a system to fail was considered a part of that system.

Health effects of Halon 1301 exposure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Holness, D.L.; House, R.A.

1992-07-01

An accidental discharge of a Halon 1301 system is reported. Thirty-one workers were assessed, 22 who were present at the time of the discharge, and 9 who worked the next shift. The incident was complicated by a small Freon-22 leak several hours later. Throat, eye, and nasal irritation and lightheadedness were reported by the majority of workers. Workers present during the halon discharge reported significantly more lightheadedness, headache, voice change, cough, and a fast heartbeat than did those who worked the later shift. These differences were significant even after correcting for confounding factors such as age, sex, and sense ofmore » anxiety at the time of the incident. The possible causes for the irritant symptoms include breakdown products of Halon 1301 and Freon-22 or contaminants from the halon discharge system. Although these irritant effects may not be an effect of Halon 1301 alone, they may occur in these discharge situations, and workers should be advised of this possibility. The possible cardiac and central nervous system effects also should be considered. The importance of a clear-cut protocol to deal with such incidents as well as worker education are discussed.« less

Mechanical pressure and momentum conservation in dry active matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fily, Y.; Kafri, Y.; Solon, A. P.; Tailleur, J.; Turner, A.

2018-01-01

We relate the breakdown of equations of states (EOS) for the mechanical pressure of generic dry active systems to the lack of momentum conservation in such systems. We show how net sources and sinks of momentum arise generically close to confining walls. These typically depend on the interactions of the container with the particles, which makes the mechanical pressure a container-dependent quantity. We show that an EOS is recovered if the dynamics of the propulsive forces of the particles are decoupled from other degrees of freedom and lead to an apolar bulk steady-state. This recovery of an EOS stems from the mean steady-state active force density being the divergence of the flux of ‘active impulse’, an observable which measures the mean momentum particles will receive from the substrate in the future. ), which features invited work from the best early-career researchers working within the scope of J. Phys. A. This project is part of the Journal of Physics series’ 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017. Julien Tailleur was selected by the Editorial Board of J. Phys. A as an Emerging Talent.

Building an outpatient imaging center: A case study at genesis healthcare system, part 2.

PubMed

Yanci, Jim

2006-01-01

In the second of 2 parts, this article will focus on process improvement projects utilizing a case study at Genesis HealthCare System located in Zanesville, OH. Operational efficiency is a key step in developing a freestanding diagnostic imaging center. The process improvement projects began with an Expert Improvement Session (EIS) on the scheduling process. An EIS session is a facilitated meeting that can last anywhere from 3 hours to 2 days. Its intention is to take a group of people involved with the problem or operational process and work to understand current failures or breakdowns in the process. Recommendations are jointly developed to overcome any current deficiencies, and a work plan is structured to create ownership over the changes. A total of 11 EIS sessions occurred over the course of this project, covering 5 sections: Scheduling/telephone call process, Pre-registration, Verification/pre-certification, MRI throughput, CT throughput. Following is a single example of a project focused on the process improvement efforts. All of the process improvement projects utilized a quasi methodology of "DMAIC" (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control).

Post-genomic science: cross-disciplinary and large-scale collaborative research and its organizational and technological challenges for the scientific research process.

PubMed

Welsh, Elaine; Jirotka, Marina; Gavaghan, David

2006-06-15

We examine recent developments in cross-disciplinary science and contend that a 'Big Science' approach is increasingly evident in the life sciences-facilitated by a breakdown of the traditional barriers between academic disciplines and the application of technologies across these disciplines. The first fruits of 'Big Biology' are beginning to be seen in, for example, genomics, (bio)-nanotechnology and systems biology. We suggest that this has profound implications for the research process and presents challenges both in technological design, in the provision of infrastructure and training, in the organization of research groups, and in providing suitable research funding mechanisms and reward systems. These challenges need to be addressed if the promise of this approach is to be fully realized. In this paper, we will draw on the work of social scientists to understand how these developments in science and technology relate to organizational culture, organizational change and the context of scientific work. We seek to learn from previous technological developments that seemed to offer similar potential for organizational and social change.

Kinetic simulations of gas breakdown in the dense plasma focus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, N.; Blasco, M.; Breeding, K.; DiPuccio, V.; Gall, B.; Garcia, M.; Gardner, S.; Gatling, J.; Hagen, E. C.; Luttman, A.; Meehan, B. T.; Molnar, S.; O'Brien, R.; Ormond, E.; Robbins, L.; Savage, M.; Sipe, N.; Welch, D. R.

2017-06-01

The first fully kinetic, collisional, and electromagnetic simulations of the breakdown phase of a MA-scale dense plasma focus are described and shown to agree with measured electrical characteristics, including breakdown time. In the model, avalanche ionization is driven by cathode electron emission, and this results in incomplete gas breakdown along the insulator. This reinforces the importance of the conditioning process that creates a metallic layer on the insulator surface. The simulations, nonetheless, help explain the relationship between the gas pressure, the insulator length, and the coaxial gap width. Previously, researchers noted three breakdown patterns related to pressure. Simulation and analytical results show that at low pressures, long ionization path lengths lead to volumetric breakdown, while high pressures lead to breakdown across the relatively small coaxial electrode gap. In an intermediate pressure regime, ionization path lengths are comparable to the insulator length which promotes ideal breakdown along the insulator surface.

Development of Numerical Methods to Estimate the Ohmic Breakdown Scenarios of a Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, Min-Gu; Kim, Jayhyun; An, Younghwa; Hwang, Yong-Seok; Shim, Seung Bo; Lee, Hae June; Na, Yong-Su

2011-10-01

The ohmic breakdown is a fundamental method to initiate the plasma in a tokamak. For the robust breakdown, ohmic breakdown scenarios have to be carefully designed by optimizing the magnetic field configurations to minimize the stray magnetic fields. This research focuses on development of numerical methods to estimate the ohmic breakdown scenarios by precise analysis of the magnetic field configurations. This is essential for the robust and optimal breakdown and start-up of fusion devices especially for ITER and its beyond equipped with low toroidal electric field (ET <= 0.3 V/m). A field-line-following analysis code based on the Townsend avalanche theory and a particle simulation code are developed to analyze the breakdown characteristics of actual complex magnetic field configurations including the stray magnetic fields in tokamaks. They are applied to the ohmic breakdown scenarios of tokamaks such as KSTAR and VEST and compared with experiments.

Triggering of solar magnetic eruptions on various size scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sterling, Alphonse

A solar eruption that produces a coronal mass ejection (CME) together with a flare is driven by the eruption of a closed-loop magnetic arcade that has a sheared-field core. Before eruption, the sheared core envelops a polarity inversion line along which cool filament material may reside. The sheared-core arcade erupts when there is a breakdown in the balance between the confining downward-directed magnetic tension of the overall arcade field and the upward-directed force of the pent-up magnetic pressure of the sheared field in the core of the arcade. What triggers the breakdown in this balance in favor of the upward-directed force is still an unsettled question. We consider several eruption examples, using imaging data from the SoHO, TRACE and Hinode satellites, and other sources, along with information about the magnetic field of the erupting regions. In several cases, observations of large-scale eruptions, where the magnetic neutral line spans ˜ few ×10,000 km, are consistent with magnetic flux cancelation being the trigger to the eruption's onset, even though the amount of flux canceled is only ˜ few percent of the total magnetic flux of the erupting region. In several other cases, an initial compact (small size-scale) eruption occurs embedded inside of a larger closed magnetic loop system, so that the smaller eruption destabilizes and causes the eruption of the much larger system. In this way, small-scale eruptive events can result in eruption of much larger-scale systems. This work was funded by NASA's Science Mission Directorate thought the Living With a Star Targeted Research and Technology Program, the Supporting Research and Program, and the Hinode project.

Application of Elements of TPM Strategy for Operation Analysis of Mining Machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brodny, Jaroslaw; Tutak, Magdalena

2017-12-01

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategy includes group of activities and actions in order to maintenance machines in failure-free state and without breakdowns thanks to tending limitation of failures, non-planned shutdowns, lacks and non-planned service of machines. These actions are ordered to increase effectiveness of utilization of possessed devices and machines in company. Very significant element of this strategy is connection of technical actions with changes in their perception by employees. Whereas fundamental aim of introduction this strategy is improvement of economic efficiency of enterprise. Increasing competition and necessity of reduction of production costs causes that also mining enterprises are forced to introduce this strategy. In the paper examples of use of OEE model for quantitative evaluation of selected mining devices were presented. OEE model is quantitative tool of TPM strategy and can be the base for further works connected with its introduction. OEE indicator is the product of three components which include availability and performance of the studied machine and the quality of the obtained product. The paper presents the results of the effectiveness analysis of the use of a set of mining machines included in the longwall system, which is the first and most important link in the technological line of coal production. The set of analyzed machines included the longwall shearer, armored face conveyor and cruscher. From a reliability point of view, the analyzed set of machines is a system that is characterized by the serial structure. The analysis was based on data recorded by the industrial automation system used in the mines. This method of data acquisition ensured their high credibility and a full time synchronization. Conclusions from the research and analyses should be used to reduce breakdowns, failures and unplanned downtime, increase performance and improve production quality.

Concepts for Life Cycle Cost Control Required to Achieve Space Transportation Affordability and Sustainability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhodes, Russel E.; Zapata, Edgar; Levack, Daniel J. H.; Robinson, John W.; Donahue, Benjamin B.

2009-01-01

Cost control must be implemented through the establishment of requirements and controlled continually by managing to these requirements. Cost control of the non-recurring side of life cycle cost has traditionally been implemented in both commercial and government programs. The government uses the budget process to implement this control. The commercial approach is to use a similar process of allocating the non-recurring cost to major elements of the program. This type of control generally manages through a work breakdown structure (WBS) by defining the major elements of the program. If the cost control is to be applied across the entire program life cycle cost (LCC), the approach must be addressed very differently. A functional breakdown structure (FBS) is defined and recommended. Use of a FBS provides the visibifity to allow the choice of an integrated solution reducing the cost of providing many different elements of like function. The different functional solutions that drive the hardware logistics, quantity of documentation, operational labor, reliability and maintainability balance, and total integration of the entire system from DDT&E through the life of the program must be fully defined, compared, and final decisions made among these competing solutions. The major drivers of recurring cost have been identified and are presented and discussed. The LCC requirements must be established and flowed down to provide control of LCC. This LCC control will require a structured rigid process similar to the one traditionally used to control weight/performance for space transportation systems throughout the entire program. It has been demonstrated over the last 30 years that without a firm requirement and methodically structured cost control, it is unlikely that affordable and sustainable space transportation system LCC will be achieved.

Efficacy of Accent Modification Training for International Medical Professionals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khurana, Poonam; Huang, Edgar

2013-01-01

International medical graduates (IMGs) comprise 26% of the U.S. physician work force. While IMGs bring all their knowledge and expertise, their pronunciation and intonation patterns often become a barrier in their ability to be understood. This breakdown in communication can affect physician-patient or physician-staff understanding and hence…

Standard/Handbook for Multipactor Breakdown Prevention in Spacecraft Components

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-28

Axley, Transient-mode Multipactor Discharge, Phys. Plasmas, 2009, 16, n. 8, pp. 083502-1 – 083502-7. 11. D. Woode and J. Petit. ESTEC Working Paper 1556...Bearings Scot Lichty scot.r.lichty@lmco.com Lockheed Martin Sultan Ali Lilani sultan.lilani@integra- tech.com Integra - Tech Josh Lindley

Nostalgia as Family Policy. Family Breakdown as Family Policy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cherlin, Andrew J.; Gill, Richard T.

1993-01-01

Cherlin argues that Gill's procedural criticisms of Cherlin's work are groundless, and underlying themes of both of Gill's articles do not guide public policy concerning children and families. Gill's response to Cherlin notes that anecdotal evidence shows that increased availability and social acceptability of divorce cause more marital problems.…

Breakdown of Immune Tolerance in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by Dendritic Cells

PubMed Central

Reihl, Alec M.

2016-01-01

Dendritic cells (DC) play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease with multiple tissue manifestations. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the roles of conventional DC and plasmacytoid DC in the development of both murine lupus and human SLE. In the past decade, studies using selective DC depletions have demonstrated critical roles of DC in lupus progression. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies suggest activation of DC by self-antigens in lupus pathogenesis, followed by breakdown of immune tolerance to self. Potential treatment strategies targeting DC have been developed. However, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms by which DC modulate lupus pathogenesis that require further investigations. PMID:27034965

Plasma Discharge Process in a Pulsed Diaphragm Discharge System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Jianjin; Hu, Jue; Zhang, Chao; Wen, Yuanbin; Meng, Yuedong; Zhang, Chengxu

2014-12-01

As one of the most important steps in wastewater treatment, limited study on plasma discharge process is a key challenge in the development of plasma applications. In this study, we focus on the plasma discharge process of a pulsed diaphragm discharge system. According to the analysis, the pulsed diaphragm discharge proceeds in seven stages: (1) Joule heating and heat exchange stage; (2) nucleated site formation; (3) plasma generation (initiation of the breakdown stage); (4) avalanche growth and plasma expansion; (5) plasma contraction; (6) termination of the plasma discharge; and (7) heat exchange stage. From this analysis, a critical voltage criterion for breakdown is obtained. We anticipate this finding will provide guidance for a better application of plasma discharges, especially diaphragm plasma discharges.

Remote imaging laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy using nanosecond pulses from a mobile lidar system.

PubMed

Grönlund, Rasmus; Lundqvist, Mats; Svanberg, Sune

2006-08-01

A mobile lidar system was used in remote imaging laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) experiments. Also, computer-controlled remote ablation of a chosen area was demonstrated, relevant to cleaning of cultural heritage items. Nanosecond frequency-tripled Nd:YAG laser pulses at 355 nm were employed in experiments with a stand-off distance of 60 meters using pulse energies of up to 170 mJ. By coaxial transmission and common folding of the transmission and reception optical paths using a large computer-controlled mirror, full elemental imaging capability was achieved on composite targets. Different spectral identification algorithms were compared in producing thematic data based on plasma or fluorescence light.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation alters perfusion of white matter-rich regions without altering flow in brain-irrigating arteries: Relationship to blood-brain barrier breakdown?

PubMed

Dhaya, Ibtihel; Griton, Marion; Raffard, Gérard; Amri, Mohamed; Hiba, Bassem; Konsman, Jan Pieter

2018-01-15

To better understand brain dysfunction during sepsis, cerebral arterial blood flow was assessed with Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging, perfusion with Arterial Spin Labeling and structure with diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in rats after intraperitoneal administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Although cerebral arterial flow was not altered, perfusion of the corpus callosum region and diffusion parallel to its fibers were higher after lipopolysaccharide administration as compared to saline injection. In parallel, lipopolysaccharide induced perivascular immunoglobulin-immunoreactivity in white matter. These findings indicate that systemic inflammation can result in increased perfusion, blood-brain barrier breakdown and altered water diffusion in white matter. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Breakdown voltage determination of gaseous and near cryogenic fluids with application to rocket engine ignition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nugent, Nicholas Jeremy

Liquid rocket engines extensively use spark-initiated torch igniters for ignition. As the focus shifts to longer missions that require multiple starts of the main engines, there exists a need to solve the significant problems associated with using spark-initiated devices. Improving the fundamental understanding of predicting the required breakdown voltage in rocket environments along with reducing electrical noise is necessary to ensure that missions can be completed successfully. To better understand spark ignition systems and add to the fundamental research on spark development in rocket applications, several parameter categories of interest were hypothesized to affect breakdown voltage: (i) fluid, (ii) electrode, and (iii) electrical. The fluid properties varied were pressure, temperature, density and mass flow rate. Electrode materials, insert electrode angle and spark gap distance were the electrode properties varied. Polarity was the electrical property investigated. Testing how breakdown voltage is affected by each parameter was conducted using three different isolated insert electrodes fabricated from copper and nickel. A spark plug commonly used in torch igniters was the other electrode. A continuous output power source connected to a large impedance source and capacitance provided the pulsing potential. Temperature, pressure and high voltage measurements were recorded for the 418 tests that were successfully completed. Nitrogen, being inert and similar to oxygen, a propellant widely used in torch igniters, was used as the fluid for the majority of testing. There were 68 tests completed with oxygen and 45 with helium. A regression of the nitrogen data produced a correction coefficient to Paschen's Law that predicts the breakdown voltage to within 3000 volts, better than 20%, compared to an over prediction on the order of 100,000 volts using Paschen's Law. The correction coefficient is based on the parameters most influencing breakdown voltage: fluid density, spark gap distance, electrode angles, electrode materials and polarity. The research added to the fundamental knowledge of spark development in rocket ignition applications by determining the parameters that most influence breakdown voltage. Some improvements to the research should include better temperature measurements near the spark gap, additional testing with oxygen and testing with fuels of interest such as hydrogen and methane.

Seasonality, water use and community management of water systems in rural settings: Qualitative evidence from Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia.

PubMed

Kelly, Emma; Shields, Katherine F; Cronk, Ryan; Lee, Kristen; Behnke, Nikki; Klug, Tori; Bartram, Jamie

2018-07-01

The sustainability of rural, community-managed water systems in sub-Saharan Africa depends in part on the ability of local water committees to repair breakdowns and carry out the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the system. Much of sub-Saharan Africa has two distinct seasons that affect the availability of water sources and how people use water. Little is known about how seasonality affects water system management. This qualitative study is based on 320 interviews and focus group discussions and examines the effects of season on community water use and management in Ghana, Kenya and Zambia. Participants revealed that seasonality affects water availability, water system breakdowns, resource mobilization, committee activity, and external support availability. In the rainy season, participants typically reported spending less time and money on water collection because rainwater harvesting and seasonal streams, ponds, wells and reservoirs are available. In the dry season, people used improved groundwater sources more often and spent more money and time collecting water. Although seasonal changes in household water demand and use have been examined previously, our data suggest that seasonality also influences community management through differential water system use, system breakdowns and management characteristics. We found that water committees generally have less money, time and access to external support during the rainy season, making them less able to carry out O&M. Our results suggest that community engagement should take place over a long period of time so that seasonal patterns in management can be understood and incorporated into water committee training. External support actors should make a more targeted effort to understand the cultural and economic patterns in a community in order to train committees with appropriate management strategies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quasiparticle breakdown in a quantum spin liquid.

PubMed

Stone, Matthew B; Zaliznyak, Igor A; Hong, Tao; Broholm, Collin L; Reich, Daniel H

2006-03-09

Much of modern condensed matter physics is understood in terms of elementary excitations, or quasiparticles--fundamental quanta of energy and momentum. Various strongly interacting atomic systems are successfully treated as a collection of quasiparticles with weak or no interactions. However, there are interesting limitations to this description: in some systems the very existence of quasiparticles cannot be taken for granted. Like unstable elementary particles, quasiparticles cannot survive beyond a threshold where certain decay channels become allowed by conservation laws; their spectrum terminates at this threshold. Such quasiparticle breakdown was first predicted for an exotic state of matter--super-fluid 4He at temperatures close to absolute zero, a quantum Bose liquid where zero-point atomic motion precludes crystallization. Here we show, using neutron scattering, that quasiparticle breakdown can also occur in a quantum magnet and, by implication, in other systems with Bose quasiparticles. We have measured spin excitations in a two-dimensional quantum magnet, piperazinium hexachlorodicuprate (PHCC), in which spin-1/2 copper ions form a non-magnetic quantum spin liquid, and find remarkable similarities with excitations in superfluid 4He. We observe a threshold momentum beyond which the quasiparticle peak merges with the two-quasiparticle continuum. It then acquires a finite energy width and becomes indistinguishable from a leading-edge singularity, so that excited states are no longer quasiparticles but occupy a wide band of energy. Our findings have important ramifications for understanding excitations with gapped spectra in many condensed matter systems, ranging from band insulators to high-transition-temperature superconductors.

Maltose Biochemistry and Transport in Plant Leaves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas D. Sharkey

Final Technical Report for DOE grant DE-FG02-04ER15565 Maltose Biochemistry and Transport in Plant Leaves PI Thomas D. Sharkey University of Wisconsin-Madison Starch is a desirable plant product for both food and biofuel. Leaf starch is ideal for use in biofuels because it does not compete with grain starch, which is used for food. Starch is accumulated in plant leaves during the day and broken down at night. If we can manipulate leaf starch breakdown it may be possible to design a plant that provides both grain starch for food and leaf starch for biofuel. The pathway of leaf starch breakdownmore » was not known when this work started. Preliminary evidence had shown that maltose was the primary product of leaf starch breakdown (Weise, Weber & Sharkey, 2004) and that it was metabolized by a disproportionating enzyme called amylomaltase but given the initials DPE2 (Lu & Sharkey, 2004). In this work we showed that only one form of maltose was metabolically active (Weise et al., 2005a) and that maltose was located in two different places when the amylomaltase was knocked out but only inside the chloroplast when the maltose transporter was knocked out (Lu et al., 2006a). This allowed us to estimate the energetics of maltose export and to show that maltose export is more efficient than glucose export (Weise et al., 2005b). We examined how daylength affected starch breakdown rate and found that starch breakdown rate could respond to changes in daylength within one day (Lu, Gehan & Sharkey, 2005). We also were able to show a second starch breakdown pathway by chloroplastic starch phosphorylase (Weise et al., 2006). Work to this point was summarized in a review (Lu & Sharkey, 2006). We were able to show that the amylomaltase in plants could substitute for the amylomaltase in bacteria (Lu et al., 2006b). In this paper we also showed the importance of a second enzyme called alpha-glucan phosphorylase in starch breakdown. Finally, we were able to determine the enzymatic mechanism of the amylomaltase (Steichen, Petty & Sharkey, 2008). These results have laid the groundwork for manipulating plants for improved biofuel production. Lu Y., Gehan J.P. & Sharkey T.D. (2005) Daylength and circadian effects on starch degradation and maltose metabolism. Plant Physiology, 138, 2280-2291 Lu Y. & Sharkey T.D. (2004) The role of amylomaltase in maltose metabolism in the cytosol of photosynthetic cells. Planta, 218, 466-473 Lu Y. & Sharkey T.D. (2006) The importance of maltose in transitory starch breakdown. Plant, Cell and Environment, 29, 353-366 Lu Y., Steichen J.M., Weise S.E. & Sharkey T.D. (2006a) Cellular and organ level localization of maltose in maltose-excess Arabidopsis mutants. Planta, 224, 935-943 Lu Y., Steichen J.M., Yao J. & Sharkey T.D. (2006b) The role of cytosolic α-glucan phosphorylase in maltose metabolism and the comparison of amylomaltase in Arabidopsis and E. coli. Plant Physiology, 142 878-889 Steichen J.M., Petty R.V. & Sharkey T.D. (2008) Domain characterization of a 4-α-glucanotransferase essential for maltose metabolism in photosynthetic leaves. J. Biol. Chem., 283, 20797-20804 Weise S.E., Kim K.S., Stewart R.P. & Sharkey T.D. (2005a) Beta-maltose is the metabolically active anomer of maltose during transitory starch degradation. Plant Physiology, 137, 756-761 Weise S.E., Schrader S.M., Kleinbeck K.R. & Sharkey T.D. (2006) Carbon balance and circadian regulation of hydrolytic and phosphorolytic breakdown of transitory starch. Plant Physiology, 141, 879-886 Weise S.E., Sharkey T.D., van der Est A. & Bruce D. (2005b) Energetics of carbon export from the chloroplast at night. In: Photosynthesis: Fundamental aspects to global perspectives, the proceedings of the 13th international congress on photosynthesis, pp. 816-818. International Society of Photosynthesis/Alliance Communications Group, Lawrence. Weise S.E., Weber A. & Sharkey T.D. (2004) Maltose is the major form of carbon exported from the chloroplast at night. Planta, 218, 474-482« less

High Temperature Electronics for Intelligent Harsh Environment Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, Laura J.

2008-01-01

The development of intelligent instrumentation systems is of high interest in both public and private sectors. In order to obtain this ideal in extreme environments (i.e., high temperature, extreme vibration, harsh chemical media, and high radiation), both sensors and electronics must be developed concurrently in order that the entire system will survive for extended periods of time. The semiconductor silicon carbide (SiC) has been studied for electronic and sensing applications in extreme environment that is beyond the capability of conventional semiconductors such as silicon. The advantages of SiC over conventional materials include its near inert chemistry, superior thermomechanical properties in harsh environments, and electronic properties that include high breakdown voltage and wide bandgap. An overview of SiC sensors and electronics work ongoing at NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA GRC) will be presented. The main focus will be two technologies currently being investigated: 1) harsh environment SiC pressure transducers and 2) high temperature SiC electronics. Work highlighted will include the design, fabrication, and application of SiC sensors and electronics, with recent advancements in state-of-the-art discussed as well. These combined technologies are studied for the goal of developing advanced capabilities for measurement and control of aeropropulsion systems, as well as enhancing tools for exploration systems.

Elevated Natural Source Water Ammonia and Nitrification in the Distribution Systems of Four Water Utilities

EPA Science Inventory

Nitrification in drinking water distribution systems is a concern of many drinking water systems. Although chloramination as a source of nitrification (i.e., addition of excess ammonia or breakdown of chloramines) has drawn the most attention, many source waters contain signific...

A computational study of the taxonomy of vortex breakdown

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spall, Robert E.; Gatski, Thomas B.

1990-01-01

The results of a fully three-dimensional numerical simulation of vortex breakdown using the unsteady, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are presented. The solutions show that the freestream axial velocity distribution has a significant effect on the position and type of vortex breakdown. Common features between bubble-type and spiral-type breakdown are identified and the role of flow stagnation and the critical state are discussed as complimentary ideas describing the initiation of breakdown.

Large-scale vortex structures and local heat release in lean turbulent swirling jet-flames under vortex breakdown conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chikishev, Leonid; Lobasov, Aleksei; Sharaborin, Dmitriy; Markovich, Dmitriy; Dulin, Vladimir; Hanjalic, Kemal

2017-11-01

We investigate flame-flow interactions in an atmospheric turbulent high-swirl methane/air lean jet-flame at Re from 5,000 to 10,000 and equivalence ratio below 0.75 at the conditions of vortex breakdown. The focus is on the spatial correlation between the propagation of large-scale vortex structures, including precessing vortex core, and the variations of the local heat release. The measurements are performed by planar laser-induced fluorescence of hydroxyl and formaldehyde, applied simultaneously with the stereoscopic particle image velocimetry technique. The data are processed by the proper orthogonal decomposition. The swirl rate exceeded critical value for the vortex breakdown resulting in the formation of a processing vortex core and secondary helical vortex filaments that dominate the unsteady flow dynamics both of the non-reacting and reacting jet flows. The flame front is located in the inner mixing layer between the recirculation zone and the annular swirling jet. A pair of helical vortex structures, surrounding the flame, stretch it and cause local flame extinction before the flame is blown away. This work is supported by Russian Science Foundation (Grant No 16-19-10566).

Skin protection and breakdown in the ELBW infant. A national survey.

PubMed

Maguire, D P

1999-08-01

The purpose of this study was to learn how neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses describe the problem of skin breakdown in the extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infant, examine interventions currently used to prevent and treat ELBW infant skin breakdown, and to learn how nurses describe and measure skin breakdown. Questionnaires were sent to 482 NICUs in the United States, and a response was requested from a registered nurse with at least 2 years NICU experience currently employed in the NICU who regularly managed ELBW infants. Questionnaires were returned from 215 NICUs (45%). Analysis revealed that an average of 21% of ELBW infants suffered skin breakdown during the 1st week of life. Nurses who reported the least problems with ELBW infant skin breakdown followed skin-care protocols that limited use of tape and made liberal use of Aquaphor to protect fragile skin. Recommendations from this study include the development of an objective tool to rate skin breakdown and further study of product efficacy used in the treatment of skin breakdown.

Kinetic simulations of gas breakdown in the dense plasma focus

DOE PAGES

Bennett, N.; Blasco, M.; Breeding, K.; ...

2017-06-09

We describe the first fully-kinetic, collisional, and electromagnetic simulations of the breakdown phase of a MA-scale dense plasma focus and are shown to agree with measured electrical characteristics, including breakdown time. In the model, avalanche ionization is driven by cathode electron emission and this results in incomplete gas breakdown along the insulator. This reinforces the importance of the conditioning process that creates a metallic layer on the insulator surface. The simulations, nonetheless, help explain the relationship between the gas pressure, the insulator length, and the coaxial gap width. In the past, researchers noted three breakdown patterns related to pressure. Simulationmore » and analytic results show that at low pressures, long ionization path lengths lead to volumetric breakdown, while high pressures lead to breakdown across the relatively small coaxial electrode gap. In an intermediate pressure regime, ionization path lengths are comparable to the insulator length which promotes ideal breakdown along the insulator surface.« less

Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Shuttle-Derived Launch Vehicles, Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

The design, performance, and programmatic definition of shuttle derived launch vehicles (SDLV) established by two different contractors were assessed and the relative life cycle costs of space transportation systems using the shuttle alone were compared with costs for a mix of shuttles and SDLV's. The ground rules and assumptions used in the evaluation are summarized and the work breakdown structure is included. Approaches used in deriving SDLV costs, including calibration factors and historical data are described. Both SDLV cost estimates and SDLV/STS cost comparisons are summarized. Standard formats are used to report comprehensive SDLV life cycle estimates. Hardware cost estimates (below subsystem level) obtained using the RCA PRICE 84 cost model are included along with other supporting data.

Experiments on H2-O2MHD power generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. M.

1980-01-01

Magnetohydrodynamic power generation experiments utilizing a cesium-seeded H2-O2 working fluid were carried out using a diverging area Hall duct having an entrance Mach number of 2. The experiments were conducted in a high-field strength cryomagnet facility at field strengths up to 5 tesla. The effects of power takeoff location, axial duct location within the magnetic field, generator loading, B-field strength, and electrode breakdown voltage were investigated. For the operating conditions of these experiments, it is found that the power output increases with the square of the B-field and can be limited by choking of the channel or interelectrode voltage breakdown which occurs at Hall fields greater than 50 volts/insulator. Peak power densities of greater than 100 MW/cu M were achieved.

Inflectional instabilities in the wall region of bounded turbulent shear flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swearingen, Jerry D.; Blackwelder, Ron F.; Spalart, Philippe R.

1987-01-01

The primary thrust of this research was to identify one or more mechanisms responsible for strong turbulence production events in the wall region of bounded turbulent shear flows. Based upon previous work in a transitional boundary layer, it seemed highly probable that the production events were preceded by an inflectional velocity profile which formed on the interface between the low-speed streak and the surrounding fluid. In bounded transitional flows, this unstable profile developed velocity fluctuations in the streamwise direction and in the direction perpendicular to the sheared surface. The rapid growth of these instabilities leads to a breakdown and production of turbulence. Since bounded turbulent flows have many of the same characteristics, they may also experience a similar type of breakdown and turbulence production mechanism.

Comparative study on fast classification of brick samples by combination of principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis using stand-off and table-top laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vítková, Gabriela; Prokeš, Lubomír; Novotný, Karel; Pořízka, Pavel; Novotný, Jan; Všianský, Dalibor; Čelko, Ladislav; Kaiser, Jozef

2014-11-01

Focusing on historical aspect, during archeological excavation or restoration works of buildings or different structures built from bricks it is important to determine, preferably in-situ and in real-time, the locality of bricks origin. Fast classification of bricks on the base of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectra is possible using multivariate statistical methods. Combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was applied in this case. LIBS was used to classify altogether the 29 brick samples from 7 different localities. Realizing comparative study using two different LIBS setups - stand-off and table-top it is shown that stand-off LIBS has a big potential for archeological in-field measurements.

The evolution of cave systems from the surface to subsurface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Loucks, R.G.; Handford, C.R.

1996-01-01

Many carbonate reservoirs are the result of cave-forming processes. The origin and recognition of fractures, breccias, and sediment fills associated with paleocaves were determined through the study of modern and paleocaves systems. Cave formation and destruction are the products of near-surface processes. Near-surface processes include solutional excavation, clastic and chemical sedimentation, and collapse of cave walls and ceilings. Cave sediment is derived from inside and/or outside the system. Depositional mechanisms include suspension, tractional, mass-flow and rock-fall. Collapse of ceilings and walls from chaotic breakdown breccias. These piles can be tens of meters thick and contain large voids and variable amountsmore » of matrix. Cave-roof crackle breccia forms from stress-and tension-related fractures in cave-roof strata. As the cave-bearing strata subside into the subsurface, mechanical compaction increases and restructures the existing breccias and remaining cavities. Fracture porosity increases and breccia and vug porosity decreases. Large cavities collapse forming burial chaotic breakdown breccias. Differentially compacted strata over the collapsed chamber fracture and form burial cave-roof crackle breccias. Continued burial leads to more extensive mechanical compaction causing previously formed clasts to fracture and pack closer together. The resulting product is a rebrecciated chaotic breakdown breccia composed predominantly of small clasts. Rebrecciated blocks are often overprinted by crackling. Subsurface paleocave systems commonly have a complex history with several episodes of fracturing and brecciation. The resulting collapsed-paleocave reservoir targets are not single collapsed passages of tens of feet across, but are homogenized collapsed-cave systems hundreds to several thousand feet across.« less

The evolution of cave systems from the surface to subsurface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Loucks, R.G.; Handford, C.R.

1996-12-31

Many carbonate reservoirs are the result of cave-forming processes. The origin and recognition of fractures, breccias, and sediment fills associated with paleocaves were determined through the study of modern and paleocaves systems. Cave formation and destruction are the products of near-surface processes. Near-surface processes include solutional excavation, clastic and chemical sedimentation, and collapse of cave walls and ceilings. Cave sediment is derived from inside and/or outside the system. Depositional mechanisms include suspension, tractional, mass-flow and rock-fall. Collapse of ceilings and walls from chaotic breakdown breccias. These piles can be tens of meters thick and contain large voids and variable amountsmore » of matrix. Cave-roof crackle breccia forms from stress-and tension-related fractures in cave-roof strata. As the cave-bearing strata subside into the subsurface, mechanical compaction increases and restructures the existing breccias and remaining cavities. Fracture porosity increases and breccia and vug porosity decreases. Large cavities collapse forming burial chaotic breakdown breccias. Differentially compacted strata over the collapsed chamber fracture and form burial cave-roof crackle breccias. Continued burial leads to more extensive mechanical compaction causing previously formed clasts to fracture and pack closer together. The resulting product is a rebrecciated chaotic breakdown breccia composed predominantly of small clasts. Rebrecciated blocks are often overprinted by crackling. Subsurface paleocave systems commonly have a complex history with several episodes of fracturing and brecciation. The resulting collapsed-paleocave reservoir targets are not single collapsed passages of tens of feet across, but are homogenized collapsed-cave systems hundreds to several thousand feet across.« less

Chlorophyllase is a rate-limiting enzyme in chlorophyll catabolism and is posttranslationally regulated.

PubMed

Harpaz-Saad, Smadar; Azoulay, Tamar; Arazi, Tzahi; Ben-Yaakov, Eran; Mett, Anahit; Shiboleth, Yoel M; Hörtensteiner, Stefan; Gidoni, David; Gal-On, Amit; Goldschmidt, Eliezer E; Eyal, Yoram

2007-03-01

Chlorophyll is a central player in harvesting light energy for photosynthesis, yet the rate-limiting steps of chlorophyll catabolism and the regulation of the catabolic enzymes remain unresolved. To study the role and regulation of chlorophyllase (Chlase), the first enzyme of the chlorophyll catabolic pathway, we expressed precursor and mature versions of citrus (Citrus sinensis) Chlase in two heterologous plant systems: (1) squash (Cucurbita pepo) plants using a viral vector expression system; and (2) transiently transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) protoplasts. Expression of full-length citrus Chlase resulted in limited chlorophyll breakdown in protoplasts and no visible leaf phenotype in whole plants, whereas expression of a Chlase version lacking the N-terminal 21 amino acids (ChlaseDeltaN), which corresponds to the mature protein, led to extensive chlorophyll breakdown in both tobacco protoplasts and squash leaves. ChlaseDeltaN-expressing squash leaves displayed a dramatic chlorotic phenotype in plants grown under low-intensity light, whereas under natural light a lesion-mimic phenotype occurred, which was demonstrated to follow the accumulation of chlorophyllide, a photodynamic chlorophyll breakdown product. Full-length and mature citrus Chlase versions were localized to the chloroplast membrane fraction in expressing tobacco protoplasts, where processing of the N-terminal 21 amino acids appears to occur. Results obtained in both plant systems suggest that Chlase functions as a rate-limiting enzyme in chlorophyll catabolism controlled via posttranslational regulation.

Breakdown in Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jets: Nearby Grounds and Voltage Rise Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lietz, Amanda; Kushner, Mark J.

2015-09-01

Atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) are being investigated to stimulate therapeutic responses in biological systems. These responses are not always consistent. One source of variability may be the design of the APPJs - the number and placement of electrodes, pulse power format - which affects the production of reactive species. In this study, the consequences of design parameters of an APPJ were computationally investigated using nonPDPSIM, a 2 d model. The configuration is a cylindrical tube with one or two ring exterior electrodes, with or without a center pin electrode. The APPJ operates in He/O2 flowing into humid air. We found that the placement of the electrical ground on and around the system is important to the breakdown characteristics of the APPJ, and the electron density and temperature of the resulting plasma. With a single powered ring electrode, the placement of the nearest ground may vary depending on the setup, and this significantly affects the discharge. With two-ring electrodes, the nearest ground plane is well defined, however more distant ground planes can also influence the discharge. With an ionization wave (IW) that propagates out of the tube and into the plume in tens of ns, the rise time of the voltage waveform can be on the same timescale, and so variations in the voltage rise time could produce different IW properties. The effect of ground placement and voltage waveform on IW formation (ns timescales) and production of reactive neutrals (ms timescales) will be discussed. Work supported by DOE (DE-SC0001319) and NSF (CHE-1124724). Done...processed 598 records...15:12:56

Portable, real-time alloy identification of metallic wear debris from machinery lubrication systems: laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy versus x-ray fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh, Pooja

2014-05-01

Alloy identification of oil-borne wear debris captured on chip detectors, filters and magnetic plugs allows the machinery maintainer to assess the health of the engine or gearbox and identify specific component damage. Today, such identification can be achieved in real time using portable, at-line laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Xray fluorescence (XRF) instruments. Both techniques can be utilized in various industries including aviation, marine, railways, heavy diesel and other industrial machinery with, however, some substantial differences in application and instrument performance. In this work, the performances of a LIBS and an XRF instrument are compared based on measurements of a wide range of typical aerospace alloys including steels, titanium, aluminum and nickel alloys. Measurement results were analyzed with a staged correlation technique specifically developed for the purposes of this study - identifying the particle alloy composition using a pre-recorded library of spectral signatures. The analysis is performed in two stages: first, the base element of the alloy is determined by correlation with the stored elemental spectra and then, the alloy is identified by matching the particle's spectral signature using parametric correlation against the stored spectra of all alloys that have the same base element. The correlation analysis has achieved highly repeatable discrimination between alloys of similar composition. Portable LIBS demonstrates higher detection accuracy and better identification of alloys comprising lighter elements as compared to that of the portable XRF system, and reveals a significant reduction in the analysis time over XRF.

Effects of polarization and absorption on laser induced optical breakdown threshold for skin rejuvenation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varghese, Babu; Bonito, Valentina; Turco, Simona; Verhagen, Rieko

2016-03-01

Laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB) is a non-linear absorption process leading to plasma formation at locations where the threshold irradiance for breakdown is surpassed. In this paper we experimentally demonstrate the influence of polarization and absorption on laser induced breakdown threshold in transparent, absorbing and scattering phantoms made from water suspensions of polystyrene microspheres. We demonstrate that radially polarized light yields a lower irradiance threshold for creating optical breakdown compared to linearly polarized light. We also demonstrate that the thermal initiation pathway used for generating seed electrons results in a lower irradiance threshold compared to multiphoton initiation pathway used for optical breakdown.

Demonstration of β-(AlxGa1-x)2O3/Ga2O3 double heterostructure field effect transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yuewei; Joishi, Chandan; Xia, Zhanbo; Brenner, Mark; Lodha, Saurabh; Rajan, Siddharth

2018-06-01

In this work, we demonstrate modulation-doped β-(AlxGa1-x)2O3/Ga2O3 double heterostructure field effect transistors. The maximum sheet carrier density for a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in a β-(AlxGa1-x)2O3/Ga2O3 heterostructure is limited by the conduction band offset and parasitic channel formation in the barrier layer. We demonstrate a double heterostructure to realize a β-(AlxGa1-x)2O3/Ga2O3/(AlxGa1-x)2O3 quantum well, where electrons can be transferred from below and above the β-Ga2O3 quantum well. The confined 2DEG charge density of 3.85 × 1012 cm-2 was estimated from the low-temperature Hall measurement, which is higher than that achievable in a single heterostructure. Hall mobilities of 1775 cm2/V.s at 40 K and 123 cm2/V.s at room temperature were measured. Modulation-doped double heterostructure field effect transistors showed a maximum drain current of IDS = 257 mA/mm, a peak transconductance (gm) of 39 mS/mm, and a pinch-off voltage of -7.0 V at room temperature. The three-terminal off-state breakdown measurement on the device with a gate-drain spacing (LGD) of 1.55 μm showed a breakdown voltage of 428 V, corresponding to an average breakdown field of 2.8 MV/cm. The breakdown measurement on the device with a scaled gate-drain spacing of 196 nm indicated an average breakdown field of 3.2 MV/cm. The demonstrated modulation-doped β-(AlxGa1-x)2O3/Ga2O3 double heterostructure field effect transistor could act as a promising candidate for high power and high frequency device applications.

The Rate of Dielectric Breakdown Weathering of Lunar Regolith in Permanently Shadowed Regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jordan, A. P.; Stubbs, T. J.; Wilson, J. K.; Schwadron, N. A.; Spence, H. E.

2016-01-01

Large solar energetic particle events may cause dielectric breakdown in the upper 1 mm of regolith in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs). We estimate how the resulting breakdown weathering compares to meteoroid impact weathering. Although the SEP event rates measured by the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER) on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) are too low for breakdown to have significantly affected the regolith over the duration of the LRO mission, regolith gardened by meteoroid impacts has been exposed to SEPs for approx.10(exp 6 yr. Therefore, we estimate that breakdown weathering's production rate of vapor and melt in the coldest PSRs is up to 1.8-3. 5 ×10(exp -7) kg/sq m/yr, which is comparable to that produced by meteoroid impacts. Thus, in PSRs, up to 10-25% of the regolith may have been melted or vaporized by dielectric breakdown. Breakdown weathering could also be consistent with observations of the increased porosity ("fairy castles") of PSR regolith. We also show that it is con- ceivable that breakdown-weathered material is present in Apollo soil samples. Consequently, breakdown weathering could be an important process within PSRs, and it warrants further investigation.

The rate of dielectric breakdown weathering of lunar regolith in permanently shadowed regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, A. P.; Stubbs, T. J.; Wilson, J. K.; Schwadron, N. A.; Spence, H. E.

2017-02-01

Large solar energetic particle events may cause dielectric breakdown in the upper 1 mm of regolith in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs). We estimate how the resulting breakdown weathering compares to meteoroid impact weathering. Although the SEP event rates measured by the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER) on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) are too low for breakdown to have significantly affected the regolith over the duration of the LRO mission, regolith gardened by meteoroid impacts has been exposed to SEPs for ∼106 yr. Therefore, we estimate that breakdown weathering's production rate of vapor and melt in the coldest PSRs is up to 1.8 - 3.5 ×10-7 kg m-2 yr-1 , which is comparable to that produced by meteoroid impacts. Thus, in PSRs, up to 10-25% of the regolith may have been melted or vaporized by dielectric breakdown. Breakdown weathering could also be consistent with observations of the increased porosity ("fairy castles") of PSR regolith. We also show that it is conceivable that breakdown-weathered material is present in Apollo soil samples. Consequently, breakdown weathering could be an important process within PSRs, and it warrants further investigation.

Overview of diagnostic implementation on Proto-MPEX at ORNL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biewer, T. M.; Bigelow, T.; Caughman, J. B. O.; Fehling, D.; Goulding, R. H.; Gray, T. K.; Isler, R. C.; Martin, E. H.; Meitner, S.; Rapp, J.; Unterberg, E. A.; Dhaliwal, R. S.; Donovan, D.; Kafle, N.; Ray, H.; Shaw, G. C.; Showers, M.; Mosby, R.; Skeen, C.

2015-11-01

The Prototype Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (Proto-MPEX) recently began operating with an expanded diagnostic set. Approximately 100 sightlines have been established, delivering the plasma light emission to a ``patch panel'' in the diagnostic room for distribution to a variety of instruments: narrow-band filter spectroscopy, Doppler spectroscopy, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, and Thomson scattering. Additional diagnostic systems include: IR camera imaging, in-vessel thermocouples, ex-vessel fluoroptic probes, fast pressure gauges, visible camera imaging, microwave interferometry, a retarding-field energy analyzer, rf-compensated and ``double'' Langmuir probes, and B-dot probes. A data collection and archival system has been initiated using the MDSplus format. This effort capitalizes on a combination of new and legacy diagnostic hardware at ORNL and was accomplished largely through student labor. This work was supported by the US. D.O.E. contract DE-AC05-00OR22725.

Initial-state-independent equilibration at the breakdown of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khodja, Abdellah; Schmidtke, Daniel; Gemmer, Jochen

2016-04-01

This work aims at understanding the interplay between the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH), initial state independent equilibration, and quantum chaos in systems that do not have a direct classical counterpart. It is based on numerical investigations of asymmetric Heisenberg spin ladders with varied interaction strengths between the legs, i.e., along the rungs. The relaxation of the energy difference between the legs is investigated. Two different parameters, both intended to quantify the degree of accordance with the ETH, are computed. Both indicate violation of the ETH at large interaction strengths but at different thresholds. Indeed, the energy difference is found not to relax independently of its initial value above some critical interaction strength, which coincides with one of the thresholds. At the same point the level statistics shift from Poisson-type to Wigner-type. Hence, the system may be considered to become integrable again in the strong interaction limit.

Team play with a powerful and independent agent: a full-mission simulation study.

PubMed

Sarter, N B; Woods, D D

2000-01-01

One major problem with pilot-automation interaction on modern flight decks is a lack of mode awareness; that is, a lack of knowledge and understanding of the current and future status and behavior of the automation. A lack of mode awareness is not simply a pilot problem; rather, it is a symptom of a coordination breakdown between humans and machines. Recent changes in automation design can therefore be expected to have an impact on the nature of problems related to mode awareness. To examine how new automation properties might affect pilot-automation coordination, we performed a full-mission simulation study on one of the most advanced automated aircraft, the Airbus A-320. The results of this work indicate that mode errors and "automation surprises" still occur on these advanced aircraft. However, there appear to be more opportunities for delayed or missing interventions with undesirable system activities, possibly because of higher system autonomy and coupling.

Managing a big ground-based astronomy project: the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanders, Gary H.

2008-07-01

TMT is a big science project and its scale is greater than previous ground-based optical/infrared telescope projects. This paper will describe the ideal "linear" project and how the TMT project departs from that ideal. The paper will describe the needed adaptations to successfully manage real world complexities. The progression from science requirements to a reference design, the development of a product-oriented Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and an organization that parallels the WBS, the implementation of system engineering, requirements definition and the progression through Conceptual Design to Preliminary Design will be summarized. The development of a detailed cost estimate structured by the WBS, and the methodology of risk analysis to estimate contingency fund requirements will be summarized. Designing the project schedule defines the construction plan and, together with the cost model, provides the basis for executing the project guided by an earned value performance measurement system.

Design and Control of Small Neutral Beam Arc Chamber for Investigations of DIII-D Neutral Beam Failure During Helium Operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fremlin, Carl; Beckers, Jasper; Crowley, Brendan; Rauch, Joseph; Scoville, Jim

2017-10-01

The Neutral Beam system on the DIII-D tokamak consists of eight ion sources using the Common Long Pulse Source (CLPS) design. During helium operation, desired for research regarding the ITER pre-nuclear phase, it has been observed that the ion source arc chamber performance steadily deteriorates, eventually failing due to electrical breakdown of the insulation. A significant investment of manpower and time is required for repairs. To study the cause of failure a small analogue of the DIII-D neutral beam arc chamber has been constructed. This poster presents the design and analysis of the arc chamber including the PLC based operational control system for the experiment, analysis of the magnetic confinement and details of the diagnostic suite. Work supported in part by US DoE under the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program and under DE-FC02-04ER54698.

A tensor network approach to many-body localization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xiongjie; Pekker, David; Clark, Bryan

Understanding the many-body localized phase requires access to eigenstates in the middle of the many-body spectrum. While exact-diagonalization is able to access these eigenstates, it is restricted to systems sizes of about 22 spins. To overcome this limitation, we develop tensor network algorithms which increase the accessible system size by an order of magnitude. We describe both our new algorithms as well as the additional physics about MBL we can extract from them. For example, we demonstrate the power of these methods by verifying the breakdown of the Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis (ETH) in the many-body localized phase of the random field Heisenberg model, and show the saturation of entanglement in the MBL phase and generate eigenstates that differ by local excitations. Work was supported by AFOSR FA9550-10-1-0524 and FA9550-12-1-0057, the Kaufmann foundation, and SciDAC FG02-12ER46875.

Detection of early caries by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasazawa, Shuhei; Kakino, Satoko; Matsuura, Yuji

2015-07-01

To improve sensitivity of dental caries detection by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis, it is proposed to utilize emission peaks in the ultraviolet. We newly focused on zinc whose emission peaks exist in ultraviolet because zinc exists at high concentration in the outer layer of enamel. It was shown that by using ratios between heights of an emission peak of Zn and that of Ca, the detection sensitivity and stability are largely improved. It was also shown that early caries are differentiated from healthy part by properly setting a threshold in the detected ratios. The proposed caries detection system can be applied to dental laser systems such as ones based on Er:YAG-lasers. When ablating early caries part by laser light, the system notices the dentist that the ablation of caries part is finished. We also show the intensity of emission peaks of zinc decreased with ablation with Er:YAG laser light.

Mass analysis of neutral particles and ions released during electrical breakdowns on spacecraft surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kendall, B. R. F.

1983-01-01

A specialized spectrometer was designed and developed to measure the mass and velocity distributions of neutral particles (molecules and molecular clusters) released from metal-backed Teflon and Kapton films. Promising results were obtained with an insulation breakdown initiation system based on a moveable contact touching the insulated surfaces. A variable energy, high voltage pulse is applied to the contact. The resulting surface damage sites can be made similar in size and shape to those produced by a high voltage electron beam system operating at similar discharge energies. The point discharge apparatus was used for final development of several high speed recording systems and for measurements of the composition of the materials given off by the discharge. Results with this apparatus show evolution of large amounts of fluorocarbon fragments from discharge through Teflon FEP, while discharges through Kapton produce mainly very light hydrocarbon fragments at masses below about 80 a.m.u.

Low cost passive solar adobe house

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1981-12-21

A brief description, photographs, and cost breakdown of a hybrid direct-gain passive solar adobe house constructed in the City of El Paso, Texas. The 3-panel active solar domestic hot water system acts as a back-up to the direct gain passive system.

An improved quasistatic line-shape theory: The effects of molecular motion on the line wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Q.; Tipping, Richard H.

1994-01-01

A theory is presented for the modification of the line-shape functions and absorption coefficient due to the breakdown of the quasistatic approximation. This breakdown arises from the effects of molecular motion and increases the absorption in the near wings. Numerical calculations for the high-frequency wing of the nu(sub 3) band of CO2 broadened by Ar are reported and it is shown that these effects are significant near the bandhead. The importance of such corrections in other spectral regions and for other systems is discussed briefly.

Gas Composition Sensing Using Carbon Nanotube Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Jing; Meyyappan, Meyya

2012-01-01

This innovation is a lightweight, small sensor for inert gases that consumes a relatively small amount of power and provides measurements that are as accurate as conventional approaches. The sensing approach is based on generating an electrical discharge and measuring the specific gas breakdown voltage associated with each gas present in a sample. An array of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a substrate is connected to a variable-pulse voltage source. The CNT tips are spaced appropriately from the second electrode maintained at a constant voltage. A sequence of voltage pulses is applied and a pulse discharge breakdown threshold voltage is estimated for one or more gas components, from an analysis of the current-voltage characteristics. Each estimated pulse discharge breakdown threshold voltage is compared with known threshold voltages for candidate gas components to estimate whether at least one candidate gas component is present in the gas. The procedure can be repeated at higher pulse voltages to estimate a pulse discharge breakdown threshold voltage for a second component present in the gas. The CNTs in the gas sensor have a sharp (low radius of curvature) tip; they are preferably multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or carbon nanofibers (CNFs), to generate high-strength electrical fields adjacent to the tips for breakdown of the gas components with lower voltage application and generation of high current. The sensor system can provide a high-sensitivity, low-power-consumption tool that is very specific for identification of one or more gas components. The sensor can be multiplexed to measure current from multiple CNT arrays for simultaneous detection of several gas components.