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

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At least 1,801 records · Page 100

Space Launch System Base Heating Test: Environments and Base Flow Physics

The NASA Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle is composed of four RS-25 liquid oxygen-hydrogen rocket engines in the core-stage and two 5-segment solid rocket boosters and as a result six hot supersonic plumes interact within the aft section of the vehicle during flight. Due to the complex nature of rocket plume-induced flows within the launch vehicle base during ascent and a new vehicle configuration, sub-scale wind tunnel testing is required to reduce SLS base convective environment uncertainty and design risk levels. This hot-fire test program was conducted at the CUBRC Large Energy National Shock (LENS) II short-duration test facility to simulate flight from altitudes of 50 kft to 210 kft. The test program is a challenging and innovative effort that has not been attempted in 40+ years for a NASA vehicle. This paper discusses the various trends of base convective heat flux and pressure as a function of altitude at various locations within the core-stage and booster base regions of the two-percent SLS wind tunnel model. In-depth understanding of the base flow physics is presented using the test data, infrared high-speed imaging and theory. The normalized test design environments are compared to various NASA semi-empirical numerical models to determine exceedance and conservatism of the flight scaled test-derived base design environments. Brief discussion of thermal impact to the launch vehicle base components is also presented.

Mehta, Manish↗

Simulation of dilatancy-controlled gas migration processes in saturated bentonite using a coupled multiphase flow and elastoplastic H 2 M model

Dilatancy-controlled gas flow in preferential pathways plays a key role in the safety analysis of radioactive waste repositories. This is particularly the case for bentonite, an often-preferred barrier material. Gas flow in preferential pathways is characterized by localization and spontaneous behavior, which is challenging to simulate in numerical models due to strong hydro-mechanical coupling. To analyze a laboratory experiment in the framework of the DECOVALEX-2023 project, this study introduced a new approach of combining continuous modelling methods with spatial material properties derived from material heterogeneities and experimental observations. The proposed model utilized hydro-mechanical spatial distributions, namely Young's modulus and gas entry pressure, and elastoplasticity combined with a linear swelling model. A conceptual strain-dependent permeability approach simulated dilatancy-controlled gas flow based on hydro-mechanical coupling. To test the effectiveness of the presented approach, a gas injection test in a compacted, saturated bentonite sample was simulated using the open-source code OpenGeoSys 5.8 and compared with experimental observations. The presented methodology is capable of simulating localized gas flow in preferential pathways. The spatial distributions of Young's modulus and gas entry pressure affect the swelling pressure, relative permeability and, in combination with the strain-dependent permeability model, also the intrinsic permeability.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The Saturnian ribbon feature: A baroclinically unstable model

Using measurements made by the Voyager spacecraft, an oscillatory feature in the northern midlatitudes of Saturn is examined. Measurements made by the imaging and infrared instruments are used to estimate its horizontal wavelength and vertical extent. Some of these characteristics suggest that the feature could be due to baroclinic instability. A numerical model is described of such an instability with parameters based upon the Voyager observations, and using the lower boundary condition developed by Gierasch et al for the Jovian planets.

Godfrey, D.↗

Hybrid-PIC Modeling of a High-Voltage, High-Specific-Impulse Hall Thruster

The primary life-limiting mechanism of Hall thrusters is the sputter erosion of the discharge channel walls by high-energy propellant ions. Because of the difficulty involved in characterizing this erosion experimentally, many past efforts have focused on numerical modeling to predict erosion rates and thruster lifespan, but those analyses were limited to Hall thrusters operating in the 200-400V discharge voltage range. Thrusters operating at higher discharge voltages (V(sub d) >= 500 V) present an erosion environment that may differ greatly from that of the lower-voltage thrusters modeled in the past. In this work, HPHall, a well-established hybrid-PIC code, is used to simulate NASA's High-Voltage Hall Accelerator (HiVHAc) at discharge voltages of 300, 400, and 500V as a first step towards modeling the discharge channel erosion. It is found that the model accurately predicts the thruster performance at all operating conditions to within 6%. The model predicts a normalized plasma potential profile that is consistent between all three operating points, with the acceleration zone appearing in the same approximate location. The expected trend of increasing electron temperature with increasing discharge voltage is observed. An analysis of the discharge current oscillations shows that the model predicts oscillations that are much greater in amplitude than those measured experimentally at all operating points, suggesting that the differences in oscillation amplitude are not strongly associated with discharge voltage.

Hall Thrusters↗

Large-Scale Magnetic Microcalorimeter: Modeling and Multiplexing

We will present performance predictions for a large-scale magnetic microcalorimeter detector array intended for a potential future X-ray astrophysics mission. The focal plane comprises three distinct array designs, necessitating over 100,000 pixels to meet the scientific objectives. Our presentation will describe the results of numerical modeling aimed at estimating the energy resolution and detector responses for each array. Additionally, we will discuss the application of microwave multiplexing technology for the comprehensive readout of the entire sensor array.

x-ray↗

FY22 Progress on Multicontinuum Methods in Containment

Estimation of two-phase fluid flow properties is important to understand and predict water and gas movement through the vadose zone for agricultural, hydrogeological, and engineering applications, such as containment transport and/or containment of gases in the subsurface. To estimate rock fluid flow properties and subsequently predict physically realistic processes such as patterns and timing of water, gas, and energy (e.g., heat) movement in the subsurface, laboratory spontaneous water imbibition with simultaneous temperature measurement and numerical modeling methods are presented in the FY22 progress report. A multiple-overlapping-continua conceptual model is used to explain and predict observed complex multi-phenomenological laboratory test behavior during spontaneous imbibition experiments. This report primarily addresses two complexities that arise during the experiments: 1) capturing the late-time behavior of spontaneous imbibition tests with dual porosity; and 2) understanding the thermal perturbation observed at or ahead of the imbibing wetting front, which are associated with adsorption of water in initially dry samples. We use numerical approaches to explore some of these issues, but also lay out a plan for further laboratory experimentation and modeling to best understand and leverage these unique observations.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Solar Ion Processing of Itokawa Grains: Reconciling Model Predictions with Sample Observations

Analytical TEM observations of Itokawa grains reported to date show complex solar wind ion processing effects in the outer 30-100 nm of pyroxene and olivine grains. The effects include loss of long-range structural order, formation of isolated interval cavities or "bubbles", and other nanoscale compositional/microstructural variations. None of the effects so far described have, however, included complete ion-induced amorphization. To link the array of observed relationships to grain surface exposure times, we have adapted our previous numerical model for progressive solar ion processing effects in lunar regolith grains to the Itokawa samples. The model uses SRIM ion collision damage and implantation calculations within a framework of a constant-deposited-energy model for amorphization. Inputs include experimentally-measured amorphization fluences, a Pi steradian variable ion incidence geometry required for a rotating asteroid, and a numerical flux-versus-velocity solar wind spectrum.

Christoffersen, Roy↗

Reinterpretation of Mariner 9 IRIS data on the basis of a simulation of radiative-conductive convective transfer in the dust laden Martian atmosphere

Time dependent vertical distributions of atmospheric temperature and static stability were determined by a radiative-convective-conductive heat transfer model attuned to Mariner 9 IRIS radiance data. Of particular interest were conditions of both the dust-laden and dust-free atmosphere in the middle latitudes on Mars during the late S.H. summer season. The numerical model simulates at high spatial and temporal resolution (52 atmospheric and 30 subsurface levels; with a time-step of 7.5 min.) the heat transports in the ground-atmosphere system. The algorithm is based on the solution of the appropriate heating rate equation which includes radiative, molecular-conductive and convective heat transfer terms. Ground and atmosphere are coupled by an internal thermal boundary condition.

Pallman, A. J.↗

U.S.-Japan Workshop on Smart/Intelligent Materials and Systems, Honolulu, HI, Mar. 19-23, 1990, Proceedings

Topics presented include the concept of intelligent materials, the molecular engineering of channel proteins, the prospects, limitations, and requirements of intelligent micro motion systems, the modeling of a shape memory integrated actuator for vibration control of large space structures, and intelligent materials for future electronics. Also presented are the slewing of an active structure, the health monitoring of control system components, the numerical modeling of the microstructure of crystals with symmetry-related variants, and the intelligent material system concept.

Ahmad, Iqbal↗

Structure-borne noise transmission through rolling element bearings

Numerical modeling techniques for the transmission of vibration through ball or roller bearings are developed analytically and applied to several test problems. The method is based on a novel formulation of the bearing stiffness matrix, which is outlined. Numerical results for sample problems are presented graphically, and good agreement with experimental data is demonstrated.

Lim, Teik Chin↗

Computational fluid dynamics combustion analysis evaluation

This study involves the development of numerical modelling in spray combustion. These modelling efforts are mainly motivated to improve the computational efficiency in the stochastic particle tracking method as well as to incorporate the physical submodels of turbulence, combustion, vaporization, and dense spray effects. The present mathematical formulation and numerical methodologies can be casted in any time-marching pressure correction methodologies (PCM) such as FDNS code and MAST code. A sequence of validation cases involving steady burning sprays and transient evaporating sprays will be included.

Kim, Y. M.↗

Nonlinear Waves and Particle Heating in the Auroral Ionosphere

In the two year period, the researchers have developed innovative 2-D simulation codes for modeling the interaction between electron beams and plasma waves and particles in the auroral ionosphere. These new simulations include kinetic wave particles as well as wave-wave interactions near and above approximately 500 km. The principal numerical model consists of partial-differential equations which evolve large amplitude magnetized 2-D Langmuir waves self-consistently with the electron distribution function. Progress was also made in developing 2-D Particle in Cell (PIC) codes.

Goldman, Martin↗

Solar Energy Deposition Rates in the Mesosphere Derived from Airglow Measurements: Implications for the Ozone Model Deficit Problem

We derive rates of energy deposition in the mesosphere due to the absorption of solar ultraviolet radiation by ozone. The rates are derived directly from measurements of the 1.27-microns oxygen dayglow emission, independent of knowledge of the ozone abundance, the ozone absorption cross sections, and the ultraviolet solar irradiance in the ozone Hartley band. Fifty-six months of airglow data taken between 1982 and 1986 by the near-infrared spectrometer on the Solar-Mesosphere Explorer satellite are analyzed. The energy deposition rates exhibit altitude-dependent annual and semi-annual variations. We also find a positive correlation between temperatures and energy deposition rates near 90 km at low latitudes. This correlation is largely due to the semiannual oscillation in temperature and ozone and is consistent with model calculations. There is also a suggestion of possible tidal enhancement of this correlation based on recent theoretical and observational analyses. The airglow-derived rates of energy deposition are then compared with those computed by multidimensional numerical models. The observed and modeled deposition rates typically agree to within 20%. This agreement in energy deposition rates implies the same agreement exists between measured and modeled ozone volume mixing ratios in the mesosphere. Only in the upper mesosphere at midlatitudes during winter do we derive energy deposition rates (and hence ozone mixing ratios) consistently and significantly larger than the model calculations. This result is contrary to previous studies that have shown a large model deficit in the ozone abundance throughout the mesosphere. The climatology of solar energy deposition and heating presented in this paper is available to the community at the Middle Atmosphere Energy Budget Project web site at http://heat-budget.gats-inc.com.

Mlynczak, Martin G.↗

Explicit Finite Element Modeling of Multilayer Composite Fabric for Gas Turbine Engine Containment Systems: Ballistic Impact Testing - Part 2

Under the Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Assurance Center of Excellence and the Aircraft Catastrophic Failure Prevention Program, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Glenn Research Center collaborated with Arizona State University, Honeywell Engines, Systems and Services, and SRI International to develop improved computational models for designing fabric-based engine containment systems. In the study described in this report, ballistic impact tests were conducted on layered dry fabric rings to provide impact response data for calibrating and verifying the improved numerical models. This report provides data on projectile velocity, impact and residual energy, and fabric deformation for a number of different test conditions.

ZYLON↗

Community-wide Validation of Geospace Model Ground Magnetic Field Perturbation Predictions to Support Model Transition to Operations

In this paper we continue the community-wide rigorous modern space weather model validation efforts carried out within GEM, CEDAR and SHINE programs. In this particular effort, in coordination among the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC), NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), modelers, and science community, we focus on studying the models' capability to reproduce observed ground magnetic field fluctuations, which are closely related to geomagnetically induced current phenomenon. One of the primary motivations of the work is to support NOAA SWPC in their selection of the next numerical model that will be transitioned into operations. Six geomagnetic events and 12 geomagnetic observatories were selected for validation.While modeled and observed magnetic field time series are available for all 12 stations, the primary metrics analysis is based on six stations that were selected to represent the high-latitude and mid-latitude locations. Events-based analysis and the corresponding contingency tables were built for each event and each station. The elements in the contingency table were then used to calculate Probability of Detection (POD), Probability of False Detection (POFD) and Heidke Skill Score (HSS) for rigorous quantification of the models' performance. In this paper the summary results of the metrics analyses are reported in terms of POD, POFD and HSS. More detailed analyses can be carried out using the event by event contingency tables provided as an online appendix. An online interface built at CCMC and described in the supporting information is also available for more detailed time series analyses.

MAGNETIC↗

Brine Availability Test in Salt: Thermal-Hydrological-Mechanical-Chemical Simulations of a Heated Borehole in Salt - 20239

The Brine Availability Test in Salt (BATS) is a collaboration between Los Alamos, Sandia, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories that is being conducted to reduce the uncertainties associated with disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in a hypothetical bedded salt repository. Bedded salt formations may be an acceptable host rock for disposal of nuclear waste due to salt's high thermal conductivity, extremely low permeability, and self-healing capability. In this paper, we report on the first round of the BATS project, a 'shakedown test' known as Phase 1s, with an emphasis on the supporting numerical modeling. The experiment was conducted at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) using previously drilled horizontal boreholes. The test included a heater borehole in which temperature, pressure, and moisture was monitored, and two nearby temperature monitoring boreholes. Numerical simulations that reflect the 36-year-long history of activity at the WIPP site are necessary to develop the appropriate initial conditions. Testing with different heater designs reveals that a 750 W radiative heater within a borehole can achieve the 120 deg. C borehole wall temperature goal. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Modeling of the magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere system

During the period covered by this report we continued to investigate basic processes in magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling and to develop algorithms for analyzing ultraviolet, visible, and X-ray images that will be acquired on the POLAR spacecraft. An image analysis procedure combines several numerical models to obtain a self-consistent picture of the ionosphere and thermosphere. Our ionosphere-aurora model was extended by the inclusion of the magnetic mirror force and a self-consistent parallel electric field in the ionosphere. The electron transport model which forms a critical part of the aurora model was evaluated by comparison with laboratory measurements and auroral observations. We determined the uncertainties that arise from our limited knowledge of cross sections and energy degradation functions for electron neutral interaction.

Source record↗

Using the Flow-3D General Moving Object Model to Simulate Coupled Liquid Slosh - Container Dynamics on the SPHERES Slosh Experiment: Aboard the International Space Station

The SPHERES Slosh Experiment (SSE) is a free floating experimental platform developed for the acquisition of long duration liquid slosh data aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The data sets collected will be used to benchmark numerical models to aid in the design of rocket and spacecraft propulsion systems. Utilizing two SPHERES Satellites, the experiment will be moved through different maneuvers designed to induce liquid slosh in the experiment's internal tank. The SSE has a total of twenty-four thrusters to move the experiment. In order to design slosh generating maneuvers, a parametric study with three maneuvers types was conducted using the General Moving Object (GMO) model in Flow-30. The three types of maneuvers are a translation maneuver, a rotation maneuver and a combined rotation translation maneuver. The effectiveness of each maneuver to generate slosh is determined by the deviation of the experiment's trajectory as compared to a dry mass trajectory. To fully capture the effect of liquid re-distribution on experiment trajectory, each thruster is modeled as an independent force point in the Flow-3D simulation. This is accomplished by modifying the total number of independent forces in the GMO model from the standard five to twenty-four. Results demonstrate that the most effective slosh generating maneuvers for all motions occurs when SSE thrusters are producing the highest changes in SSE acceleration. The results also demonstrate that several centimeters of trajectory deviation between the dry and slosh cases occur during the maneuvers; while these deviations seem small, they are measureable by SSE instrumentation.

Schulman, Richard↗

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