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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Recommended methods for conducting human factors experiments on the subjective evaluation of colour rendition

This article explores the best practices for conducting psychophysical experiments that investigate how colour rendition influences the perception of architectural environments. Here, we offer guidance that covers all stages of research from preliminary development to publication, focusing especially on experiments that investigate qualities such as perceived naturalness, vividness, preference or acceptability in response to changes in the spectral power distribution of light sources. This article is intended to be a consolidated guide for researchers and reviewers of this type of research. Key recommendations include: (1) New work should be motivated by clearly expressed research questions and, when possible, explicit hypotheses that build on the existing body of knowledge, (2) visual stimuli comprising spectral power distributions and visual targets should be deliberately engineered to probe the research questions, (3) experiments should be designed to lessen potential biases, (4) reporting of experimental conditions and statistical analyses should be thorough and (5) Results should be contextual, resisting overgeneralization that cannot be supported by the data. Our motivation is to encourage high-quality research that is credible and discourage poor quality research that slows scientific progress and misuses resources.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗
NASA NTRS1989

Krylov methods preconditioned with incompletely factored matrices on the CM-2

The performance is measured of the components of the key interative kernel of a preconditioned Krylov space interative linear system solver. In some sense, these numbers can be regarded as best case timings for these kernels. Sweeps were timed over meshes, sparse triangular solves, and inner products on a large 3-D model problem over a cube shaped domain discretized with a seven point template. The performance of the CM-2 is highly dependent on the use of very specialized programs. These programs mapped a regular problem domain onto the processor topology in a careful manner and used the optimized local NEWS communications network. The rather dramatic deterioration in performance was documented when these ideal conditions no longer apply. A synthetic workload generator was developed to produce and solve a parameterized family of increasingly irregular problems.

Berryman, Harry↗
DOE OSTI2023

GeoThermalCloud: A Machine Learning Tool for Discovery, Exploration, and Development of Hidden Geothermal Resources

In this 25 minute presentation, we showcase our open source “GeoThermalCloud” tool for identifying hidden geothermal resources using a publicly available dataset for southwestern New Mexico. The presenters include Bulbul Ahmmed and Luke Frash. All of the visuals use source material from LA-UR approved publications and this work falls under the Earth Sciences DUSA. The code shown in this video is already released with LANL approval in open source format on GitHub and DockerHub. The audio in this video includes only material on the topics of geothermal energy and machine learning applied to geothermal energy. The primary machine learning method used is LANL’s Non-negative Matrix Factorization “NMFk” method. Modeling work also mentions LANL’s Geothermal Design Tool “GeoDT” which is another approved open source code that has been released by LANL. This work was performed for DOE Geothermal Technologies Office (DE-EE-3.1.8.1). The host for the released video is intended to be YouTube or a suitable perpetual data repository such as GDR.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1992

Analysis of Yttrium-Barium-Copper-Oxide by x ray diffraction and mechanical characterization

The efforts in developing high-temperature superconductor (HTSC) YBa2Cu3O7 electrical leads are to benefit future NASA missions that will carry payloads with sensitive instruments operating at cryogenic temperatures. Present-day leads made of copper or magnesium are responsible for as much as 50 percent of the parasitic heat load on cryogenic systems. A reduction of this load could be achieved by replacing the conventional materials with HTSC ceramic electrical leads. Superconductor quality has become a concern in the industry, as has the development of effective evaluation methods. The factors that need to be examined for these materials include material purity, mechanical properties, and superconducting ability below the critical temperature. We applied several methods to study these factors: thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray diffraction, tensile testing, and laser-generated ultrasound. Our objectives were to determine the average tensile strength and Young's modulus of the HTSC material and to compare them to those values for copper and manganin.

Arsenovic, Petar↗
NASA NTRS1972

A review of nonstatistical techniques for the estimation of vertical atmospheric structure from remote infrared measurements

Mathematical techniques used in atmospheric profile inversion are reviewed, with the discussion limited to methods that do not require extensive information on the statistical properties of the profiles. The basic problem of the calculation of vertical profiles from noise contaminated infrared spectral measurements is examined. Three specific examples of methods of solution are given: the iterative minimum estimation method, a second linear iterative method, and the algorithm of Chahine. Satellite data are used in an empirical comparison of the methods. Several factors are considered, including the stability of solutions, convergence behavior of the iterative methods, and dependence of the solutions on the first guess, a factor that is particularly important in the treatment of data from other planets.

Conrath, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

TRASYS form factor matrix normalization

A method has been developed for adjusting a TRASYS enclosure form factor matrix to unity. This approach is not limited to closed geometries, and in fact, it is primarily intended for use with open geometries. The purpose of this approach is to prevent optimistic form factors to space. In this method, nodal form factor sums are calculated within 0.05 of unity using TRASYS, although deviations as large as 0.10 may be acceptable, and then, a process is employed to distribute the difference amongst the nodes. A specific example has been analyzed with this method, and a comparison was performed with a standard approach for calculating radiation conductors. In this comparison, hot and cold case temperatures were determined. Exterior nodes exhibited temperature differences as large as 7 C and 3 C for the hot and cold cases, respectively when compared with the standard approach, while interior nodes demonstrated temperature differences from 0 C to 5 C. These results indicate that temperature predictions can be artificially biased if the form factor computation error is lumped into the individual form factors to space.

Tsuyuki, Glenn T.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Optical methods of stress analysis applied to cracked components

After briefly describing the principles of frozen stress photoelastic and moire interferometric analyses, and the corresponding algorithms for converting optical data from each method into stress intensity factors (SIF), the methods are applied to the determination of crack shapes, SIF determination, crack closure displacement fields, and pre-crack damage mechanisms in typical aircraft component configurations.

Smith, C. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Evaluation of factors determining the accuracy of linearized subsonic panel methods

A systematic evaluation of the factors determining the accuracy of linearized subsonic panel methods is presented. In particular, the constant and quadratically varying doublet panel methods are compared for thin and thick surface modelings in two and three dimensions. The sensitivity of results to panel edge and control point locations is studied for both of the methods. The first order convergence of the quadratic doublet method near network edges and the subsequent effect on the Kutta condition is investigated. Results from a quadratic doublet method specifically designed for a vector processing computer are shown.

Thomas, J. L.↗
DOE OSTI2023

New constraints on sodium production in globular clusters from the Na 23 ( He 3 , d ) Mg 24 reaction

The star-to-star anticorrelation of sodium and oxygen is a defining feature of globular clusters, but, to date, the astrophysical site responsible for this unique chemical signature remains unknown. Sodium enrichment within these clusters depends sensitively on reaction rate of the sodium destroying reactions 23 Na(p, γ) and 23 Na(p,α). In this paper, we report the results of a 23 Na( 3 He,d) 24 Mg transfer reaction carried out at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory using a 21 MeV 3 He beam. Astrophysically relevant states in 24 Mg between 11 < E x < 12 MeV were studied using high-resolution magnetic spectroscopy, thereby allowing the extraction of excitation energies and spectroscopic factors. Bayesian methods are combined with the distorted wave Born approximation to assign statistically meaningful uncertainties to the extracted spectroscopic factors. For the first time, these uncertainties are propagated through to the estimation of proton partial widths. Our experimental data are used to calculate the reaction rate. The impact of the new rates are investigated using asymptotic giant branch star models. Furthermore, it is found that while the astrophysical conditions still dominate the total uncertainty, intramodel variations on sodium production from the 23 Na(p, γ) and 23 Na(p,α) reaction channels are a lingering source of uncertainty.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗
NASA NTRS1995

Analysis of corner cracks at hole by a 3-D weight function method with stresses from finite element method

Stress intensity factors for quarter-elliptical corner cracks emanating from a circular hole are determined using a 3-D weight function method combined with a 3-D finite element method. The 3-D finite element method is used to analyze uncracked configuration and provide stress distribution in the region where crack is to occur. Using this stress distribution as input, the 3-D weight function method is used to determine stress intensity factors. Three different loading conditions, i.e. remote tension, remote bending and wedge loading, are considered for a wide range in geometrical parameters. The significance in using 3-D uncracked stress distribution and the difference between single and double corner cracks are studied. Typical crack opening displacements are also provided. Comparisons are made with solutions available in the literature.

Zhao, W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Correction factory techniques for improving aerodynamic prediction methods

A method for correcting discrete element lifting surface theory to reflect given experimental data is presented. Theoretical pressures are modified such that imposed constraints are satisfied while minimizing the changes to the pressures. Several types of correction procedures are presented and correlated; (1) scaling of pressures; (2) scaling of downwash values; and (3) addition of an increment to the downwash that is proportioned to pressure. Some special features are included in these methods and they include: (1) consideration of experimental data from multiple deflection modes, (2) limitation of the amplitudes of the correction factors, and (3) the use of correction factor mode shapes. These methods are correlated for cases involving all three Mach Number ranges using a FORTRAN IV computer program. Subsonically, a wing with an oscillating partial span control surface and a wing with a leading edge droop are presented. Transonically a two-dimensional airfoil with an oscillating flap is considered. Supersonically an arrow wing with and without camber is analyzed. In addition to correction factor methods an investigation is presented dealing with a new simplified transonic modification of the two-dimensional subsonic lifting surface theory. Correlations are presented for an airfoil with an oscillating flap.

Giesing, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Finite Element Analysis in Concurrent Processing: Computational Issues

The purpose of this research is to investigate the potential application of new methods for solving large-scale static structural problems on concurrent computers. It is well known that traditional single-processor computational speed will be limited by inherent physical limits. The only path to achieve higher computational speeds lies through concurrent processing. Traditional factorization solution methods for sparse matrices are ill suited for concurrent processing because the null entries get filled, leading to high communication and memory requirements. The research reported herein investigates alternatives to factorization that promise a greater potential to achieve high concurrent computing efficiency. Two methods, and their variants, based on direct energy minimization are studied: a) minimization of the strain energy using the displacement method formulation; b) constrained minimization of the complementary strain energy using the force method formulation. Initial results indicated that in the context of the direct energy minimization the displacement formulation experienced convergence and accuracy difficulties while the force formulation showed promising potential.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗
NASA NTRS1986

Solution of elliptic partial differential equations by fast Poisson solvers using a local relaxation factor. 2: Two-step method

A two-step semidirect procedure is developed to accelerate the one-step procedure described in NASA TP-2529. For a set of constant coefficient model problems, the acceleration factor increases from 1 to 2 as the one-step procedure convergence rate decreases from + infinity to 0. It is also shown numerically that the two-step procedure can substantially accelerate the convergence of the numerical solution of many partial differential equations (PDE's) with variable coefficients.

Chang, S. C.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Update of Emission Factors of Greenhouse Gases and Criteria Air Pollutants, and Generation Efficiencies of the U.S. Electricity Generation Sector

The last decade has seen a steady evolution of the electricity generation sector. Fuels used for electricity generation have shifted from coal to cleaner energy sources such as natural gas and renewables including solar, wind, and other renewable sources. The share of U.S. electricity generated from coal decreased from 45% in 2010 to 24% in 2019, and is expected to decrease further to 13% by 2050. The conversion efficiency of electricity generation has also increased gradually for fuels such as natural gas due as less-efficient old generators are retired and more-efficient generators replace them. These changes in the electricity generation industry are likely to cause changes in the emissions from power generation units. Emission factors of greenhouse gases (GHG) including CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O, and criteria air pollutants (CAPs) including CO, NO x , PM 10 , PM 2.5 , and SO x , from power plants are important parameters for estimating life-cycle emissions associated with vehicle electrification, energy systems, and the production of materials and chemicals. The electricity generation technologies and associated emission factors in the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model need to be updated to reflect recent developments in the electricity generation sector. The most recent update of the electricity generation emission factors in GREET adopted a mixed method. The emission factors of CH 4 , N 2 O, NO x , and SOx were estimated using a “topdown” approach by dividing the total emissions by the total net electricity generation, because emission data of these pollutants are readily available in the Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID). For other CAPs such as CO, VOC, PM 10 , and PM 2.5 , emission data were not reported in eGRID. A “bottom-up” method was used to estimate the emission factors for these pollutants by considering generic uncontrolled emission factors and the pollutant removal efficiencies of emission control technologies adopted in the electricity generation sector. However, the uncontrolled emission factors and the emission removal efficiencies of various emission control technologies considered in the 2012 study came from the legacy AP-42 emission factors, and may not reflect the actual emission performances of the electricity generation sector of today. To leverage new data that recently became available, especially emission data measured from continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS), we developed a new “top-down” approach to estimate efficiencies and GHG and CAP emission factors for electricity generation from combustion of individual fuel types by individual combustion technologies on the basis of power-generation data from U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA’s) form EIA-923, and plant emission data from Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) dataset and National Emissions Inventory (NEI) dataset. Detailed discussion of the method and data used in this study can be found in Section 2.1. With this topdown approach, we aim to improve the estimates of energy efficiencies and emission factors for power plants using a more consistent methodology, and to update the emission factors, generation efficiencies, and generation technologies mixes in GREET to reflect recent technology advancements in the electricity generation sector.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1986

Solution of elliptic partial differential equations by fast Poisson solvers using a local relaxation factor. 1: One-step method

An algorithm for solving a large class of two- and three-dimensional nonseparable elliptic partial differential equations (PDE's) is developed and tested. It uses a modified D'Yakanov-Gunn iterative procedure in which the relaxation factor is grid-point dependent. It is easy to implement and applicable to a variety of boundary conditions. It is also computationally efficient, as indicated by the results of numerical comparisons with other established methods. Furthermore, the current algorithm has the advantage of possessing two important properties which the traditional iterative methods lack; that is: (1) the convergence rate is relatively insensitive to grid-cell size and aspect ratio, and (2) the convergence rate can be easily estimated by using the coefficient of the PDE being solved.

Chang, S. C.↗