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In comparison to monolithic materials, cellular solids have superior energy absorption capabilities. Of particular interest within this category are the periodic lattice materials, which offer repeatable and highly customizable behavior, particularly in combination with advances in additive manufacturing technologies. In this paper, the crashworthiness of engineering multi-layer, multi-topology (MLMT) resin lattices is experimentally examined. First, the response of a single- and three-layer single topology cubic and octet lattices, at a relative density of 30%, is investigated. Then, the response of MLMT lattices is characterized and compared to those single-topology lattices. Crashworthiness data were collected for all topology arrangements, finding that while the three-layer cubic and octet lattices were capable of absorbing 9.8 J and 7.8 J, respectively, up to their respective densification points, the unique MLMT lattices were capable of absorbing more: 19.0 J (octet-cube-octet) and 22.4 J (cube-octet-cube). These values are between 94% and 187% greater than the single-topology clusters of the same mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A better understanding of the flow field is crucial for improving the design of a turbomachine. In this work we investigate the performance of voluteless centrifugal fan rotors. The study includes two parts: experiments and numerical simulations through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. Our test system allows the analysis of the flow behavior of centrifugal fan rotors maintaining the meridional shape without making substantial changes to their internal structure, but with different blade shapes, sizes, and blade numbers. To avoids irregular interference with the rotor flow from external components such as the collector a radial channel composed by two parallel discs was placed concentrically on the rotor axis at its outer periphery with special interest in measuring flow characteristics at the rotor outlet with a reliable accuracy. As an application case a typical centrifugal fan rotor with ten blades of single curvature in the circular arc shape has been investigated. Two types of measuring systems were used: one, with an aerodynamic probe located in the centrifugal rotor outlet and, the other, with a load cell for measuring the rotor shaft power. A comparison of the results by these two measuring arrangements shows some important characteristics, such as the phenomenon of the flow recirculation within the rotor. The experimental performance curves related to non-dimensional flow such as the slip factor, and pressure coefficient, revealed good matching with numerical simulations, highlighting the remarkable reliability of our experimental setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A better understanding of the flow field is crucial for improving the design of a turbomachine. In this work we investigate the performance of voluteless centrifugal fan rotors. The study includes two parts: experiments and numerical simulations through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. Our test system allows the analysis of the flow behavior of centrifugal fan rotors maintaining the meridional shape without making substantial changes to their internal structure, but with different blade shapes, sizes, and blade numbers. To avoids irregular interference with the rotor flow from external components such as the collector a radial channel composed by two parallel discs was placed concentrically on the rotor axis at its outer periphery with special interest in measuring flow characteristics at the rotor outlet with a reliable accuracy. As an application case a typical centrifugal fan rotor with ten blades of single curvature in the circular arc shape has been investigated. Two types of measuring systems were used: one, with an aerodynamic probe located in the centrifugal rotor outlet and, the other, with a load cell for measuring the rotor shaft power. A comparison of the results by these two measuring arrangements shows some important characteristics, such as the phenomenon of the flow recirculation within the rotor. The experimental performance curves related to non-dimensional flow such as the slip factor, and pressure coefficient, revealed good matching with numerical simulations, highlighting the remarkable reliability of our experimental setup.

Abstract During their formation, terrestrial planets underwent a magma ocean phase during which their metallic cores segregated from their silicate mantles and their early atmospheres formed. These planetary formation processes resulted in a redistribution of the abundances of highly volatile elements (HVEs, such as H, C, N, and S) between the planets’ metallic cores, silicate mantles, and atmospheres. This review presents the numerous experimental techniques used to simulate the conditions and identify the parameters that influenced the behavior of HVEs during planetary formation. We also review the analytical techniques used to characterize the different types of experimental samples and quantify the distribution of HVEs between metallic and silicate phases, as well as their solubilities in silicate glasses. This exhaustive review targets students and young researchers beginning their work on the subject, or, more generally, scientists seeking a better understanding of this field of research.

Copyright of Journal of Ordnance Equipment Engineering is the property of Chongqing University of Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The project aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the various instruments and tools used in civil engineering laboratories. This study focuses on understanding the operational principles, applications, and significance of lab equipment in conducting essential experiments and tests. By examining a range of devices, including those used for soil mechanics, concrete testing, structural analysis, and fluid mechanics, the project seeks to highlight the critical role these instruments play in ensuring accurate and reliable data collection. The findings of this study will serve as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field, enhancing their knowledge of lab equipment functionality and its application in civil engineering projects. Additionally, the project will explore advancements in lab technology and suggest potential improvements to current practices, aiming to contribute to more efficient and effective experimental processes in civil engineering education and research. To improve the application of thought in laboratory exercises and to develop many useful skills in undergraduate Civil Engineering students, a laboratory course consisting of dual-step laboratory exercises and a report of recommendations/innovation from the student, was introduced for the Fluid Mechanics laboratory. The first step of the dual-step exercise consisted of a standard exercise (concise version) followed by rigorous analysis of the data; the second step consisted of either designing and carrying out a new experiment/addressing a different question with the same/slightly modified experimental setup or formulating and testing hypotheses for unexpected trends in the data. Students worked in groups under the direction of an elected group leader. The need, details, outcomes and experiences of the dual-step laboratory exercise/recommendations report are discussed and samples of some student exercises are presented. The student and laboratory staff responses are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During their formation, terrestrial planets underwent a magma ocean phase during which their metallic cores segregated from their silicate mantles and their early atmospheres formed. These planetary formation processes resulted in a redistribution of the abundances of highly volatile elements (HVEs, such as H, C, N, and S) between the planets' metallic cores, silicate mantles, and atmospheres. This review presents the numerous experimental techniques used to simulate the conditions and identify the parameters that influenced the behavior of HVEs during planetary formation. We also review the analytical techniques used to characterize the different types of experimental samples and quantify the distribution of HVEs between metallic and silicate phases, as well as their solubilities in silicate glasses. This exhaustive review targets students and young researchers beginning their work on the subject, or, more generally, scientists seeking a better understanding of this field of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacts into layered targets may generate "concentric craters" where a wider outer crater in the top layer surrounds a smaller, nested crater in the basement, which itself may be complex or simple. The influence of target on cratering depends on the ratio of target strength to lithostatic stress, which, in turn, is affected by gravity, target density, and crater diameter. When this ratio is large, the crater size is primarily determined by target strength, whereas gravitational forces dominate when the ratio is small. In two‐layer targets, strength may dominate in one or both layers, whereby the outer crater develops in the weaker top layer and the nested crater in the stronger substrate. However, large natural craters that should be gravity‐dominated in both cover strata and substrate may be concentric, the reasons for which are not yet fully understood. We performed qualitative impact experiments at 10–502 G and 1.8 km/s with the Boeing Corp. Hypervelocity centrifuge gun, and at 1 G and 0.4 km/s with the CAB CSIC‐INTA gas gun into layered sand targets of different compositions and grain densities but similar granulometry to analyze gravity‐dominated cratering. The results are compared with iSALE‐2D numerical simulations and natural craters on Earth and Mars. We show that target layering also affects the excavation process and concentric crater formation in gravity‐dominated impacts. The most important factors are the density and internal friction of each target layer, respectively. We propose that this is also valid for natural craters of sizes that should make their formation gravity‐dominated. Plain Language Summary: Concentric impact craters show a "soup‐plate" or "inverted sombrero" shape that forms on planetary surfaces with distinct subsurface layers. Generally, a deep inner crater forms in the substrate and a shallower, broader outer crater forms in the upper layer. The shape is obtained either from extensive post‐impact collapse of the upper, often weaker layer, or already during crater excavation, which is the focus of this study. The ratio of outer to inner diameter in the latter craters can be used to probe the depth of the upper layer and the contrast in material properties to the substrate. However, the controls on the relative size of the inner and outer craters are not well understood. While the formation of natural concentric craters is often attributed to a change in cohesive strength between the upper and lower layers, we show through impact experiments and numerical simulations that concentric craters can also form in cohesionless targets with a contrast in both density and friction coefficient between the layers. This provides an additional mechanism for concentric crater formation that may explain the development of some large, gravity‐dominated, naturally occurring concentric craters on Earth, Mars and elsewhere. Key Points: Concentric craters are not only due to strength differences between layers but also observed in cohesionless, gravity‐dominated targetsThis may explain the occurrence of large gravity‐dominated concentric craters on Earth, Mars and elsewhereKey factors affecting the concentric growth in these cases are the density and internal friction of each target layer, respectively [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Troubleshooting is an important part of experimental research, but graduate students rarely receive formal training in this skill. In this article, we describe an initiative called Pipettes and Problem Solving that we developed to teach troubleshooting skills to graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin. An experienced researcher presents details of a hypothetical experiment that has produced unexpected results, and students have to propose new experiments that will help identify the source of the problem. We also provide slides and other resources that can be used to facilitate problem solving and teach troubleshooting skills at other institutions.

The Peregrine Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS) was a mass spectrometer designed to measure lunar gases. PITMS flew on the first flight of Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander via the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program in 2024 January. After launch, the lander suffered a propulsion system anomaly that prevented the mission from reaching the Moon, but PITMS collected 80 high-quality spectra while in cislunar space. PITMS observed abundant outgassing products from the Peregrine lander, including water, MON-25 oxidizer from the propulsion system leak, and traces of combustion products. PITMS data help constrain the nature of the propulsion system failure: oxidizer molecular ratios show that the leak released molecules rapidly enough for them to fully dissociate, and the high observed abundances imply that the oxidizer traveled within the lander surfaces rather than jetting into space. The amount of water offgassed by the spacecraft is substantially more than other planetary spacecraft, so the PITMS results suggest that instruments flying in the CLPS paradigm need to consider lander cleanliness. Though not successful in measuring the native lunar exosphere, the PITMS results showcase the capabilities of a mass spectrometer on board a lunar lander, along with lessons in pragmatism and flexibility that would enable such an instrument to ultimately be successful in the CLPS initiative.

Solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar radio burst phenomena release substantial amounts of solar radiation energy, resulting in adverse space weather conditions and posing significant hazards in space. Spectrum analysis conducted manually or with traditional image processing algorithms is limited by low efficiency and accuracy. This paper investigates solar radio burst detection methods and their applications. Five solar radio burst detection methods—Continuous-3 σ , Sum Flux-3 σ , Continuous Slope, Sum Flux Slope, and Sum Flux Continuous-3 σ —are developed and validated using data from the Japanese NoRP and the Australian Learmonth Solar Radio Observatory. The results show that all five methods can detect solar radio bursts to some degree. Considering the combined metrics of success rate, false detection rate, and real-time performance, the Sum Flux Continuous-3 σ method is deemed the optimal method among the five. Additionally, the Sum Flux Slope method, which is not reliant on historical data, demonstrates superior universality. Finally, we implement the Sum Flux Slope method on a 39.5–40 GHz two-element interferometer, achieving real-time solar radio burst detection in the upper computer software. The method also includes functionalities for email alerts, burst information recording, and control parameter adjustment, confirming its effectiveness and practicality. Test results demonstrate the method’s effectiveness in real-time solar radio burst detection.

Myofilament calcium (Ca2+) sensitivity is one of several mechanisms by which force production of cardiac muscle is modulated to meet the ever-changing demands placed on the heart. Compromised Ca2+ sensitivity is associated with pathologies, which makes it a parameter of interest for researchers. Ca2+ Sensitivity is the ratio of the association and dissociation rates between troponin C (TnC) and Ca2+. As it is not currently possible to measure these rates in tissue preparations directly, methods have been developed to infer myofilament sensitivity, typically using some combination of force and Ca2+ measurements. The current gold-standard approach constructs a steady-state force-Ca2+ relation by exposing permeabilised muscle samples to a range of Ca2+ concentrations and uses the half-maximal concentration as a proxy for sensitivity. While a valuable method for steady-state investigations, the permeabilisation process makes the method unsuitable when examining dynamic, i.e., twitch-to- twitch, changes in myofilament sensitivity. The ability of the heart to transiently adapt to changes in load is an important consideration when evaluating the impact of disease states. Alternative methods have been proffered, including force-Ca2+ phase loops, potassium contracture, hybrid experimental-modelling and conformation-based fluorophore approaches. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, summarises existing methods, and explores, with modelling, whether any of them are suited to investigating dynamic changes in sensitivity. We conclude that a method that equips researchers to investigate the transient change of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity is still needed. We propose that such a method will involve simultaneous measurements of cytosolic Ca2+ and TnC activation in actively twitching muscle and a biophysical model to interpret these data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion, a pervasive challenge in materials science and engineering, necessitates continuous efforts to develop effective corrosion inhibition strategies. The article explores recent advances in experimental techniques employed for corrosion inhibition studies, shedding light on insightful methodologies and their diverse applications. The pursuit of novel corrosion inhibitors involves a nuanced understanding of both the corrosive environment and the protective mechanisms at play. The application of these experimental techniques extends beyond fundamental corrosion studies, encompassing practical implications in industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, and infrastructure. Insights gained from advanced experimental methods aid in the design and optimization of corrosion inhibitors, ultimately contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable corrosion protection strategies. Due to their invaluable insights into corrosion processes, the efficiency of corrosion inhibitors, and the creation of corrosion control schemes, experimental methodologies are vital in studies examining corrosion inhibition weight loss measurements offer a simple and economical method to evaluate corrosion. It is possible to create efficient corrosion control plans and choose the best corrosion inhibitors thanks to these experimental procedures, which offer useful information regarding corrosion behavior, inhibition processes, and material performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bouhouth is the property of London Research & Consulting Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rockburst is becoming a huge challenge for the utilization of deep underground space. Extensive efforts have been devoted to investigating the rockburst behavior and mechanism experimentally, theoretically, and numerically. The aim of this review is to discuss the novel development and the state-of-the-art in experimental techniques, theories, and numerical approaches proposed for rockburst. The definition and classification of rockburst are first summarized with an in-depth comparison among them. Then, the available laboratory experimental technologies for rockburst are reviewed in terms of indirect and direct approaches, with the highlight of monitoring technologies and data analysis methods. Some key rockburst influencing factors (i.e. size and shape, rock types, stress state, water content, and temperature) are analyzed and discussed based on collected data. After that, rockburst theories and mechanisms are discussed and evaluated, as well as the microscopic observation. The simulation approaches of rockburst are also summarized with the highlight of optional novel numerical methods. The accuracy, stability, and reliability of different experimental, theoretical and numerical approaches are also compared and assessed in each part. Finally, a summary and some aspects of prospective research are presented.

Myofilament calcium (Ca2+) sensitivity is one of several mechanisms by which force production of cardiac muscle is modulated to meet the ever-changing demands placed on the heart. Compromised Ca2+ sensitivity is associated with pathologies, which makes it a parameter of interest for researchers. Ca2+ Sensitivity is the ratio of the association and dissociation rates between troponin C (TnC) and Ca2+. As it is not currently possible to measure these rates in tissue preparations directly, methods have been developed to infer myofilament sensitivity, typically using some combination of force and Ca2+ measurements. The current gold-standard approach constructs a steady-state force-Ca2+ relation by exposing permeabilised muscle samples to a range of Ca2+ concentrations and uses the half-maximal concentration as a proxy for sensitivity. While a valuable method for steady-state investigations, the permeabilisation process makes the method unsuitable when examining dynamic, i.e., twitch-to-twitch, changes in myofilament sensitivity. The ability of the heart to transiently adapt to changes in load is an important consideration when evaluating the impact of disease states. Alternative methods have been proffered, including force-Ca2+ phase loops, potassium contracture, hybrid experimental-modelling and conformation-based fluorophore approaches. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, summarises existing methods, and explores, with modelling, whether any of them are suited to investigating dynamic changes in sensitivity. We conclude that a method that equips researchers to investigate the transient change of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity is still needed. We propose that such a method will involve simultaneous measurements of cytosolic Ca2+ and TnC activation in actively twitching muscle and a biophysical model to interpret these data.

In this paper, we discuss some of the key challenges in the study of time-dependent processes and non-equilibrium behaviour in warm dense matter. We outline some of the basic physics concepts that have underpinned the definition of warm dense matter as a subject area in its own right and then cover, in a selective, non-comprehensive manner, some of the current challenges, pointing along the way to topics covered by the papers presented in this volume. This article is part of the theme issue 'Dynamic and transient processes in warm dense matter'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the ability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SCS3 (L. plantarum SCS3) to alleviate oxidative stress in diabetic mice. Diabetic mouse model was established by administering 50 mg/kg (bodyweight) of streptozocin for 5 days. We then applied 0.5 mL of 1.0 × 1010 CFU/mL L. plantarum SCS3 cell suspension (TGa group), its intracellular contents (TGb group), or boiled intracellular contents (TGc group) to mice for ten weeks. Compared with the model group (MG), weight loss and hyperglycemia were most effectively ameliorated in the TGc group compared to the other treatment groups; based on the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, levels of insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin were improved; the reactive oxygen species level decreased, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels in the TGc mice increased significantly (P

Abstract Techniques for tissue culture have seen significant advances during the last decades and novel 3D cell culture systems have become available. To control their high complexity, experimental techniques and their Digital Twins (modelling and computational tools) are combined to link different variables to process conditions and critical process parameters. This allows a rapid evaluation of the expected product quality. However, the use of mathematical simulation and Digital Twins is critically dependent on the precise description of the problem and correct input parameters. Errors here can lead to dramatically wrong conclusions. The intention of this review is to provide an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art and remaining challenges with respect to generating input values for computational analysis of mass and momentum transport processes within tissue cultures. It gives an overview on relevant aspects of transport processes in tissue cultures as well as modelling and computational tools to tackle these problems. Further focus is on techniques used for the determination of cell‐specific parameters and characterization of culture systems, including sensors for on‐line determination of relevant parameters. In conclusion, tissue culture techniques are well‐established, and modelling tools are technically mature. New sensor technologies are on the way, especially for organ chips. The greatest remaining challenge seems to be the proper addressing and handling of input parameters required for mathematical models. Following Good Modelling Practice approaches when setting up and validating computational models is, therefore, essential to get to better estimations of the interesting complex processes inside organotypic tissue cultures in the future.

Efforts over 40 yr still leave the source of astronomical infrared emission bands largely unidentified. Here, we report the first laboratory infrared (6–25 μ m) spectra of gas-phase fullerene-metal complexes, [C60-Metal]+ (Metal = Fe, V) and show with density functional theory calculations that complexes of C60 with cosmically abundant metals, including Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, V, and Fe, all have similar spectral patterns. Comparison with observational infrared spectra from several fullerene-rich planetary nebulae demonstrates a strong positive linear cross-correlation. The infrared features of [C60-Metal]+ coincide with four bands attributed earlier to neutral C60 bands and in addition also with several bands unexplained to date. Abundance and collision theory estimates indicate that [C60-Metal]+ could plausibly form and survive in astrophysical environments. Hence, [C60-Metal]+ are proposed as promising carriers, in supplement to C60, of observational bands, potentially representing the largest molecular species in space other than C60, C60+, and C70. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to verify the efficiency of using the plant stand covariate to adjust the average grain yield of common bean genotypes. Sixteen years of experiments were considered. In all years, the genetic treatments were randomized in field in a completely randomized block design. The main variable grain yield and the covariate plant stand per observation unit were evaluated. The information was submitted to analysis of variance and covariance. In approximately half of the trials (43.75%), the mean square of treatments was significant in both analyses, indicating the small improvement of the model when plant stand was included as a covariate. This information is confirmed by estimate of covariate efficiency, since in just two years (2017 and 2015) the adjustments were effective (268 and 203%, respectively). In addition, an association was observed between the average grain yield and adjustment efficiency of -0.60. Thus, the covariate was useful in years when the genotypes showed low productive performance, possibly caused by adverse environmental conditions. These conditions are responsible for plants heterogeneity number in the observation units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice accretion poses substantial safety hazards for the manned and unmanned aviation industries. Its study is essential for icing events risk assessment and for the development of efficient ice protection systems. The existing ice accretion measurement techniques—casting, molding, and laser-scanning—are time-consuming, sometimes cumbersome to use, and highly expensive, while hand tracing is inexpensive, but has lower accuracy and time-consuming post-processing. This work presents two low-cost, fast, and easy-to-use measurement techniques for 2D ice accretion profiles. Both employ algorithms of automatic ice shape detection, one based on unmediated image-processing, another based on the processing of manual ice tracings. The techniques are applied to ice accretion experiments conducted in an icing wind tunnel at low Reynolds numbers, and their results are validated against ice thickness caliper measurements. A comparison of the results shows that both techniques accurately measure the leading-edge ice thickness and the 2D shape of the ice accretion profiles. One technique is faster, with higher measurement accuracy, but produces interrupted-line 2D ice profiles and requires good lighting conditions, while the other generates continuous-line 2D profiles and has no application restriction, but it is slower, with lower accuracy. A discussion is conducted, aiming to help one determine the best applications for each ice accretion measurement technique presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a methodology is proposed to identify the components used in historic photographs using non-invasive and non-destructive characterisation techniques. The methodology provides an approach for analysing photographs by following three steps represented in a flowchart: firstly, the type of binder is determined by identifying morphological and structural characteristics; secondly, the presence or absence of a baryta layer is established; and finally, the presence of organic components used as part of a protective layer is determined. The characteristics and properties revealed using this methodology identify the type of historic photograph through different analytical techniques that provide science-based evidence for any qualitative observations first made. These techniques are interchangeable as they identify specific characteristics in the photographs by using infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry, confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy, among others. As such, the methodology proposed facilitates a secure evidence-based classification of photographs and provides valuable information for their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dynamic behavior of a hip level joint device of an active exoskeleton used in the medical field is analyzed. The finite element method is used in order to determine the first frequencies and the eigenmodes, necessary for the fatigue testing in the resonance regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of elastic indentation by a punch having the form of a flat front face but with edge rounding, and subject to both a normal load and moment, indenting an elastically similar half-plane is considered. Contact pressure in the neighbourhood of the edges shows a local peak, and the object of the paper is to show how different combinations of normal load and moment can give rise to the same near edge behaviour and peak pressure. The result found is very simple, and of direct practical application in fretting fatigue studies, both analytical and experimental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in rheometry exploiting frequency-modulated (chirp) waveforms have dramatically reduced the time required to perform linear viscoelastic characterisation of complex materials. However, the technique was optimised for 'separate motor transducer' instruments, in which the drive motor imposing the strain deformation is decoupled from the torque transducer. Whilst the use of optimised windowed chirps (OWCh) using other rheometers has been recently reported in the literature, no systematic study concerning the use of 'combined motor transducer' instruments (in which the motor and transducer subsystems are integrated into a single 'head') has been undertaken. In the present study, we demonstrate the use of OWCh rheometry using combined motor transducer/single-head rheometers using a stress-controlled operating principle, thus avoiding the reliance on complicated and instrument-specific feedback control systems that would be required to perform strain-controlled experiments. The use of stress-controlled chirps requires a modification to the established OWCh analysis protocol such that the complex viscosity η ∗ (ω) is used as an intermediate proxy function for ultimately computing the complex modulus G ∗ (ω). This approach negates the effect of the strain offset that is inherent to stress-controlled oscillatory rheometry. Secondly, a correction algorithm and operational criteria for identifying inertial artefacts is established before we consider the impact of chirp digitisation on data acquisition. The use of stress-controlled OWCh rheometry (which we term Stress-OWCh, i.e. σ OWCh) is demonstrated for a diverse range of material classes including, Newtonian calibration fluids (silicone oil), polymer solutions (polyethylene oxide in water), an entangled polymer melt (polydimethylsiloxane), worm-like micellar systems (cetylpyridinium chloride/sodium salicylate), time-evolving critical gels (gelatin) and aging elastoviscoplastic materials (Laponite®). This novel implementation of chirp waveforms using a single-head rheometer will facilitate the wider adoption of OWCh rheometry and allow the benefits of frequency-modulation techniques to be exploited where separate motor transducer instruments are unavailable/unsuitable. • Stress-Controlled Optimally Windowed Chirp (σOWCh) rheometry is developed. • A novel data analysis protocol is presented which accounts for strain offset. • Corrections for the effects of instrument inertia are validated. • Guidelines for the design of σOWCh experiments are developed. • σOWCh is demonstrated using a wide range of viscoelastic and mutating fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the distant outer solar system, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen (N _2 ) ices tend to be colocated in the same deposits due to their similar molecular weights and sublimation properties. For instance, these volatiles are abundant on the surfaces of Pluto and Triton, so knowledge of their phase behavior is necessary for understanding surface evolution and geology. However, it is presently unclear how mixing between CO and N _2 molecules affects the physical properties of such mixtures. Here, we measured the liquidus, solidus, and alpha–beta phase transitions for the N _2 and CO binary system. We observed the liquidus by using visual inspection. The solidus and alpha–beta transitions were measured by using Raman spectroscopy. The laboratory results were later compared to a thermodynamic model, CRYOCHEM 2.0. The liquidus and solidus were consistent with CRYOCHEM 2.0. However, the alpha–beta coexistence region is shown to be narrower in the laboratory results than in the thermodynamic model. Finally, we present a method for deriving the compositions of a sample using Raman spectroscopy (Appendices A.1 and A.2).

Reproduction experiments of radial pyroxene (RP) chondrules were carried out using an Ar–H _2 or Ar gas-jet levitation system in a reducing atmosphere in order to simulate chondrule formation in the protoplanetary disk. The experiments reproduced RP-chondrule textures, consisting of sets of thin pyroxene crystals and mesostasis glass between crystals. However, iron partition coefficients between pyroxene and glassy mesostasis (D _Fe =Fe mol% _pyroxene /Fe mol% _mesostasis ) in natural RP chondrules were much higher than that in the experimentally reproduced RP chondrules. The high D _Fe in natural RP chondrules suggests that iron was removed from the mesostasis melt at high temperatures after the growth of pyroxene crystals. We found that many small iron-metal inclusions had formed in the mesostasis glass, indicating that FeO in the high-temperature melt of mesostasis was reduced to metallic iron, and iron in the mesostasis diffused into the newly formed metal inclusions. The formation of the iron-metal inclusions in the mesostasis was reproduced by our experiments in a reducing atmosphere, confirming that D _Fe in natural RP chondrules increased after the growth of RP crystals. Therefore, the D _Fe of RP chondrules can be an indicator to constrain cooling rates and redox states during chondrule formation.

Over 4 billion years ago, Earth is thought to have been a hazy world akin to Saturn’s moon Titan. The organic hazes in the atmosphere at this time could have contained a vast inventory of life’s building blocks and thus may have seeded warm little ponds for life. In this work, we produce organic hazes in the lab in atmospheres with high (5%) and low (0.5%) CH _4 abundances and analyze the solid particles for nucleobases, amino acids, and a few other organics using GC/MS/MS to obtain their concentrations. We also analyze heated (200°C) samples from the high methane organic haze experiment to simulate these particles sitting on an uninhabitable surface. Finally, we use our experimental results and estimates of atmospheric haze production as inputs for a comprehensive numerical pond model to calculate the concentrations of nucleobases from organic hazes in these environments. We find that organic hazes typically provide up to 0.2–6.5 μ M concentrations of nucleobases to warm little ponds for potentially habitable Hadean conditions. However, without seepage, uracil and thymine can reach ∼100 μ M concentrations, which is the present lower experimental limit to react these species to form nucleotides. Heating samples leads to partial or complete decay of biomolecules, suggesting that biomolecule stockpiling on the hot surface is unlikely. The ideal conditions for the delivery of life’s building blocks from organic hazes would be when the Hadean atmosphere is rich in methane, but not so rich as to create an uninhabitable surface.

Vapor pressure is a relevant quantity that is necessary in order to improve the study of the atmosphere dynamics that take place within astrophysical scenarios. The aim of this study was to obtain the vapor pressure values of the following molecules: C _2 H _4 , C _2 H _6 , CH _3 OH, CH _4 , CO, CO _2 , H _2 O, and N _2 through experimentation, as well as to determine their empirical relationship with the temperature, applying the results to the persistence of volatiles in trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs). The experimental determination was performed by measuring the sublimation rate for each molecule at different temperatures. The Hertz–Knudsen equation was used to obtain the vapor pressures for the aforementioned molecules, taking the necessary considerations into account, and the sublimation rate was measured using a quartz crystal microbalance. In order to check the validity of the methods used, the results obtained for water ice were compared with those of previous studies from the literature. The values obtained for CO, N _2 , and CH _4 are of particular interest in the study of the TNOs' and KBOs' atmosphere composition. The results of this study improve the understanding of the surface and atmospheric composition of objects in the cold scenarios of the solar system, in particular, in KBOs and TNOs.

The extreme-ultraviolet emission line (424 Å) of the intercombination 1 s ^2 2 s ^2 ^1 S _0 –1 s ^2 2 s 2 p ^3 P _1 transition of Ar xv can potentially characterize the electron temperature of astrophysical plasma. Various theoretical studies have investigated the intercombination transition rate, which is essential for the plasma diagnostics; however, experimental difficulties have prevented its measurement. We present here measurement of the lifetime of the ^3 P _1 excited state of Ar xv , providing the experimental value of the intercombination transition rate. Employing time-resolved plasma-assisted laser spectroscopy, a method we recently demonstrated, enables us to measure this submicrosecond lifetime. The experimental result exhibits a 25%–43% higher transition rate than theoretical predictions.

The Kieffer model is a widely accepted explanation for seasonal modification of the Martian surface by CO _2 ice sublimation and the formation of a “zoo” of intriguing surface features. However, the lack of in situ observations and empirical laboratory measurements of Martian winter conditions hampers model validation and refinement. We present the first experiments to investigate all three main stages of the Kieffer model within a single experiment: (i) CO _2 condensation on a thick layer of Mars regolith simulant; (ii) sublimation of CO _2 ice and plume, spot, and halo formation; and (iii) the resultant formation of surface features. We find that the full Kieffer model is supported on the laboratory scale as (i) CO _2 diffuses into the regolith pore spaces and forms a thin overlying conformal layer of translucent ice. When a buried heater is activated, (ii) a plume and dark spot develop as dust is ejected with pressurized gas, and the falling dust creates a bright halo. During plume activity, (iii) thermal stress cracks form in a network similar in morphology to certain types of spiders, dendritic troughs, furrows, and patterned ground in the Martian high south polar latitudes. These cracks appear to form owing to sublimation of CO _2 within the substrate, instead of surface scouring. We discuss the potential for this process to be an alternative formation mechanism for “cracked” spider-like morphologies on Mars. Leveraging our laboratory observations, we also provide guidance for future laboratory or in situ investigations of the three stages of the Kieffer model.

The hypothesized electrostatic lofting of individual regolith grains on the Moon and asteroids has been investigated extensively in laboratory studies. Cohesion may dominate how regolith behaves on these small, airless bodies, yet the magnitude of this force remains uncertain. We induce the electrostatic detachment of dust as a mechanism to break cohesive bonds between individual zirconia-silica microspheres in order to measure the interparticle cohesive force between them, likely dominated by capillary bridges. A high-speed camera imaged centroid positions of the lofted microspheres over time. Using the centroids from the initial detachment, we numerically calculated initial accelerations to solve for the cohesion that had been restraining the microspheres. Unexpectedly, the electrostatic lofting of clumps of particles was observed and experimental results showed that clumps were a nonnegligible portion of the lofted object population.

The Peregrine Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS) is a mass spectrometer instrument that operated during the Astrobotic Peregrine Mission-1 as part of the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. This paper describes the instrument and investigation design, development, and planning conducted by the PITMS team, consisting of a successful partnership between NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), The Open University, NASA, and ESA. PITMS was designed to measure the abundance and temporal variability of volatile species in the near-surface lunar exosphere from a landed platform on the lunar surface. The PITMS instrument consisted of a European Space Agency–provided Exospheric Mass Spectrometer (including sensor, electronics, controller, and power supply boards) and a GSFC wrapper that provided structural elements, thermal control, and a deployable dust cover. PITMS was designed to operate as a passive sampler, where ambient gases would enter PITMS through an aperture, diffuse around the mass analyzer cavity, become ionized by electron impact and trapped in an RF field, and then sequentially be released to a detector to build a mass spectrum. PITMS was capable of measuring species with a mass-to-charge ratio ( m / z ) from 10 to 150 Da, with a mass resolution of approximately 0.5 amu. The PITMS science investigation was planned to be operated by GSFC with an international team of scientists. Though the mission did not achieve its lunar landing, information about the PITMS instrument and planning is provided to be able to understand and effectively use data that will be forthcoming from the investigation.

Crush curves are of fundamental importance to numerical modeling of small and porous astrophysical bodies. The empirical literature often measures them for silica grains, and different studies have used various methods, sizes, textures, and pressure conditions. Here, we review past studies and supplement further experiments in order to develop a full and overarching understanding of the silica crush curve behavior. We suggest a new power-law function that can be used in impact simulations of analog materials similar to microgranular silica. We perform a benchmarking study to compare this new crush curve to the parametric quadratic crush curve often used in other studies, based on the study case of the DART impact onto the asteroid Dimorphos. We find that the typical quadratic crush curve parameters do not closely follow the silica crushing experiments, and as a consequence, they under (over) estimate compression close (far) from the impact site. The new crush curve presented here, applicable to pressures between a few hundred Pa and up to 1.1 GPa, might therefore be more precise. Additionally, it is not calibrated by case-specific parameters, and can be used universally for comet- or asteroid-like bodies, given an assumed composition similar to microgranular silica.

Bombardment by solar wind ions is one of the main drivers of space weathering on airless bodies. Here, we simulate the solar-wind-driven spectral alteration of loosely packed olivine powders by irradiation with 1.2 keV helium ions (He ^+ ). We measured the reflectance spectra of the olivine powder in the ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared (UV–Vis–NIR) wavelength range (0.2–2 μ m) as a function of ion fluence. In the Vis–NIR range, we observed spectral darkening, absorption band shallowing, and spectral reddening, in agreement with lunar-style space weathering and previous laboratory studies. In the UV–Vis, spectral darkening was also observed. However, a spectral bluing took place at wavelengths below 400 nm. As the simulated space weathering progressed, the spectral slopes shifted from steep-UV/shallow-NIR slopes to shallow-UV/steep-NIR slopes. Moreover, the change in the UV slope was almost 10 times larger than in the NIR, supporting the hypothesis that the UV spectral slope could be an earlier indicator of space weathering.

Highly multiplexed, robotic, fiber-fed spectroscopic surveys are observing tens of millions of stars and galaxies. For many systems, accurate positioning relies on imaging the fibers in the focal plane and feeding that information back to the robotic positioners to correct their positions. Inhomogeneities and turbulence in the air between the focal plane and the imaging camera can affect the measured positions of fibers, limiting the accuracy with which fibers can be placed on targets. For the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, we dramatically reduced the effect of turbulence on measurements of positioner locations in the focal plane by taking advantage of stationary positioners and the correlation function of the turbulence. We were able to reduce positioning errors from 7.3 to 3.5 μ m, speeding the survey by 1.6% under typical conditions.