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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Comparison of Load Models for Estimating Electrical Efficiency in DC Microgrids: Preprint

This paper compares several electrical load models for estimating the efficiency of DC vs. AC distribution in microgrids. Candidate models include energy balance, harmonic power flow, and time-domain modeling. Model results are compared with numerical studies and validated with experimental measurements. Based on quantitative and qualitative considerations, the most appropriate load modeling approach for larger-scale DC distribution efficiency studies is proposed.

DC distribution↗
DOE OSTI2020

Penetration Through Slots in Cylindrical Cavities Operating at Fundamental Cavity Modes

In this article, we examine the coupling into an electrically short azimuthal slot on a cylindrical cavity operating at fundamental cavity modal frequencies. We first develop a matched bound formulation through which we can gather information for maximum achievable levels of interior cavity fields. Actual field levels are below this matched bound; therefore, we also develop an unmatched formulation for frequencies below the slot resonance to achieve a better insight on the physics of this coupling. Good agreement is observed between the unmatched formulation, full-wave simulations, and experimental data, providing a validation of our analytical models. We then extend the unmatched formulation to treat an array of slots, found again in good agreement with full-wave simulations. These analytical models can be used to investigate ways to mitigate electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility effects within cavities.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Penetration Through Slots in Overmoded Cavities

A resonant cavity undergoes three distinct behaviors with increasing frequency: 1) fundamental modes, localized in frequency with well defined modal distribution; 2) undermoded region, where modes are still separated, but are sufficiently perturbed by small imperfections that their spectral positions (and distributions) are statistical in nature; and 3) overmoded region, where modes overlap, field distributions follow stochastic distributions, and the slot acts as if in free space. Understanding the penetration through slots in the overmoded region is of great interest, and is the focus of this article. Since full-wave solvers may not be able to provide a timely answer for very high frequencies due to a lack of memory and/or computation resources, we develop bounding methods to estimate worst-case average and maximum fields within the cavity. Finally, after discussing the bounding formulation, we compare its results to full-wave simulations at the first, second, and third resonance supported by the slot in the case of a cylindrical cavity. Note that the bounding formulation indicates that results are nearly independent of cavity shape: only the cavity volume, frequency, and cavity quality factor affect the overmoded region, making this formulation a powerful tool to assess electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility effects within cavities.

overmoded cavity↗
DOE OSTI2023

GRAF-Plan for Vietnam

Evaluates the reserve requirements for power system balancing areas based on variability and uncertainty of load as well as wind and solar generation scenarios. The tool uses minute‐by‐minute site‐specific generation and load information, as well as information from generation and load forecasting algorithms used in the balancing areas. The Balancing‐Plan Tool can be used directly by utility planners and operators to aid in the integration of intermittent renewable resources. The tool provides reserve requirements of various kinds, such as day‐ahead, load following and regulation, as well as estimates the capacity of the generation fleet to provide the require reserves.

Campbell, Allison↗
DOE OSTI2025

Exploring Multilayer Network Models to Build a Scientific Basis for Integrated Deterrence: Final Report

The emerging multipolar international security environment represents a fundamental restructuring of global nuclear balance of power to include two nuclear peer competitors, growing non-peer nuclear threats, and concerns of nuclear latency from both allies and adversaries. Conflicts in the grey zone, cyber operations, mis- and disinformation campaigns, and emerging disruptive technologies like drones, and hypersonic missiles are becoming more prevalent. These present a risk of cross-domain and multi-domain conflicts that may not follow known escalatory patterns. In order to prepare for the new deterrence environment, it is critical to have quantitative and qualitative understandings of these cross-domain conflicts, their potential for escalation, and which systems they may impact. To that end, our team created a Multi-Layer Network (MLN) model of ‘integrated deterrence’ where instruments of national power are modeled as individual network graph layers that include efforts from all domains. We then evaluate the potential for escalation against escalation scenarios. Analysis of the escalation scenarios is then used to identify insights of potential risk and escalation within integrated deterrence.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2026

Large Load Impacts to Distribution System Hosting Capacity

This work examined the impact of large loads on utility distribution system models using the Sandia-developed open-source software DREAMS. It was shown that hosting capacity varies with location and changes after any asset is added to, or removed from, a system. Despite the tested models having similar rated voltages and other characteristics, their thermal and voltage constrained hosting capacity varied over 2 MW. The addition of a 3-phase balanced constant power large load with power factor of 1.0 exhibited non-linear reductions to all voltage constrained hosting capacities. The reductions to thermal constrained hosting capacity from a load with similar characteristics was more linear, related to the size of the added load, and did not impact all model buses. Co-located capacitors were shown to accommodate demand that was beyond the baseline voltage constrained hosting capacity limits, however, the costs and benefits from this approach were found to not be 1:1 and required additional available thermal capacity.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Investigations into Balancing Peak-to-Average Power Ratio and Mean Power Extraction for a Two-Body Point-Absorber Wave Energy Converter

The power harnessed by wave energy converters (WECs) in oceans is highly variable and, therefore, has a high peak-to-average power (PTAP) ratio. To minimize the cost of a WEC power take off (PTO) system, it is desirable to reduce the PTAP ratio while maximizing the mean power extracted by WECs. The important issue of how PTAP ratio reduction measures (such as adding an inertia element) can affect the mean power extracted in a reference model has not been thoroughly addressed in the literature. To investigate this correlation, this study focuses on the integration of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Reference Model 3, a two-body point absorber, with a slider-crank WEC for linear-to-rotational conversion. In the first phase of this study, a full-scale numerical model was developed that predicts how PTO system parameters, along with an advanced control algorithm, can potentially affect the proposed WEC’s PTAP ratio as well as the mean power extracted. In the second phase, an appropriate scaled-down model was developed, and extracted power results were successfully validated against the full-scale model. Finally, numerical and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations based on the scaled-down model were designed and conducted to optimize or make trade-offs between the operational performance and PTAP ratio. The initial results with numerical and HIL simulations reveal that gear ratio, crank radius, and generator parameters substantially impact the PTAP ratio and mean power extracted.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
NASA NTRS1972

Rocket nozzle automatic release system

The function of the mechanism described is to automatically jettison a rocket nozzle element at the conclusion of boost in order to achieve a cruise mode nozzle configuration for the balance of powered flight. The boost nozzle is retained by latched pistons that are mechanically secured until released by chamber pressure, which simultaneously assumes retention of the nozzle by holding the primary piston in place. Upon attainment of cruise mode, the chamber pressure drops, allowing springs to overcome the primary piston force and pull the keeper ring forward to free the nozzle for jettison by motor exhaust.

Kimball, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Linear aerospike engine

A description is presented of a dual-fuel modular split-combustor linear aerospike engine concept. The considered engine represents an approach to an integrated engine for a reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. The engine burns two fuels (hydrogen and a hydrocarbon) with oxygen in separate combustors. Combustion gases expand on a linear aerospike nozzle. An engine preliminary design is discussed. Attention is given to the evaluation process for selecting the optimum number of modules or divisions of the engine, aspects of cooling and power cycle balance, and details of engine operation.

Kirby, F. M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Light aircraft sound transmission studies - Noise reduction model

Experimental tests conducted on the fuselage of a single-engine Piper Cherokee light aircraft suggest that the cabin interior noise can be reduced by increasing the transmission loss of the dominant sound transmission paths and/or by increasing the cabin interior sound absorption. The validity of using a simple room equation model to predict the cabin interior sound-pressure level for different fuselage and exterior sound field conditions is also presented. The room equation model is based on the sound power flow balance for the cabin space and utilizes the measured transmitted sound intensity data. The room equation model predictions were considered good enough to be used for preliminary acoustical design studies.

Atwal, Mahabir S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Design of a communications system for multiple telemetry data channels operating simultaneously with a coherent turn-around ranging channel

This paper presents a simple technique to design a phase-modulated residual carrier communications link for optimum performance. The emphasis is on two data channels which are operated simultaneously with a ranging signal. The data channels employ PCM/PM and PCM/PSK/PM modulation schemes for high and low data rate channels, respectively. The technique proposed here selects the optimum (1) subcarrier frequency to minimize the interference between the two data channels, and (2) modulation indices for optimum balance of power between the two telemetry data channels and the coherent turn around ranging channel. The selected set of optimum modulation indices will allow for the specified bit error rate (BER) degradations in the two data channels. Although this technique is proposed to optimize the performance degradation for two data channels, generalizations can be made for more than two data channels.

Nguyen, Tien M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The balance and harmony of control power for a combat aircraft in tactical maneuvering

An analysis is presented for a family of regular extremal attitude-maneuvers for the High Angle-of-Attack Research Vehicle that has thrust-vectoring capability. Different levels of dynamic coupling are identified in the combat aircraft attitude model, and the characteristic extremal-family motion is explained. It is shown why the extremal-family trajectories develop small sideslip-angles, a highly desirable feature from a practical viewpoint.

Bocvarov, Spiro↗
NASA NTRS2010

Prolegomena to the Study of Friction Stir Welding

The literature contains many approaches toward modeling of the friction stir welding (FSW) process with varying treatments of the weld metal properties. It is worthwhile to consider certain fundamental features of the process before attempting to interpret FSW phenomena: Because of the unique character of metal deformation (as opposed to, say, viscous deformation) a velocity "discontinuity" or shear surface occurs in FSW and determines much of the character of the welding mechanism. A shear surface may not always produce a sound bond. Balancing mechanical power input against conduction and convection heat losses yields a relation, a "temperature index", between spindle speed and travel speed to maintain constant weld temperature. But many process features are only weakly dependent upon temperature. Thus, unlike modeling of metal forming processes, it may be that modeling the FSW process independently of the material conditions has some merit.

Nunes, Arthur C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Coupled Reactor and Engine Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Modeling Methodology

The design and development process of a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) system requires extensive multiphysics modeling to couple the neutron physics and thermal feedback effects to determine the reactor’s power shape. Propulsion system performance codes utilize this power shape to determine NTP key performance parameters. While the power shape is heavily dependent on the temperature profile and geometry of the reactor, many analyses either assume a constant power shape, or use neutronics analysis to determine a power shape for a specific reactor configuration. The development of a coupling interface for a propulsion system performance code and a Monte Carlo neutron transport code (OpenMC) allows for the reactor power shape to be calculated in an iteration loop. The interface utilizes a file share system to transfer geometry dimensions, temperatures, and material identifiers to OpenMC, which is used to perform a neutron transport simulation of a design like the government Testing Reference Design reactor. The interface is then able to post-process the results from OpenMC and use the same file share system to share a power shape and other important neutron transport parameters to the system performance code. Initial results show that neglecting the changes to power shape when comparing reactor configurations can yield inaccurate results. Furthermore, utilizing propellants other than hydrogen gas can cause significant changes to the power shape, and thus, the thermal performance of a specific reactor design. This methodology is being expanded to allow for multiple families of NTP reactors to be analyzed, including block moderator, particle bed, and NERVA-derived reactors.

multiphysics coupling↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Coupled Reactor and Engine Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Modeling Methodology

The design and development process of a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) system requires extensive multiphysics modeling to couple the neutron physics and thermal feedback effects to determine the reactor’s power shape. Propulsion system performance codes utilize this power shape to determine NTP key performance parameters. While the power shape is heavily dependent on the temperature profile and geometry of the reactor, many analyses either assume a constant power shape, or use neutronics analysis to determine a power shape for a specific reactor configuration. The development of a coupling interface for a propulsion system performance code and a Monte Carlo neutron transport code (OpenMC) allows for the reactor power shape to be calculated in an iteration loop. The interface utilizes a file share system to transfer geometry dimensions, temperatures, and material identifiers to OpenMC, which is used to perform a neutron transport simulation of a design like the government Testing Reference Design reactor. The interface is then able to post-process the results from OpenMC and use the same file share system to share a power shape and other important neutron transport parameters to the system performance code. Initial results show that neglecting the changes to power shape when comparing reactor configurations can yield inaccurate results. Furthermore, utilizing propellants other than hydrogen gas can cause significant changes to the power shape, and thus, the thermal performance of a specific reactor design. This methodology is being expanded to allow for multiple families of NTP reactors to be analyzed, including block moderator, particle bed, and NERVA-derived reactors.

multiphysics coupling↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Future of Arms Control in a Multilateral and Multi-Domain Environment

The crisis of arms control is obvious and broadly discussed among states, within the world’s expert community and to a lesser extent the media. This crisis has at least three building blocks: Russia continues to violate or undermine key arms control treaties and commitments; China rejects to join the existing arms control architecture; and both countries heavily invest in the modernization of their armed forces, including development of the nuclear arsenals. In the current highly competitive environment, arms control is more difficult to achieve and is likely to accomplish less than what was optimistically anticipated a generation ago. The growing pressure to “save arms control at all cost”, often expressed by the Western expert community, further complicates the situation. The excessively aspirational and ideological approach to arms control – in which arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation (ADN) become a silver bullet solution – is as dangerous as security and defence policies which entirely exclude ADN. As James Cameron rightly points out, “history should teach policy-makers to look beyond formulae for strategic stability to other ways in which arms control can help to contain disruptive challenges to the balance of power and minimize the chances of war”.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2024

MRS Modelling in OpenFAST

Multi-rotor wind turbines, where more than one rotor is connected to a single support structure, are increasing in popularity due to their balance of power generation with component size, weight, and cost. Multi-rotor turbines are also common in marine energy, where deployment sites tend to be depth-constrained, limiting the maximum size of a rotor. To support the industry and research communities in designing and modeling multi-rotor turbines, the open-source turbine modeling tool OpenFAST, developed and supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is being extended to model multi-rotor wind and marine turbines. This presentation gives an overview of the current state of OpenFAST, planned changes to enable coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic dynamic modeling of multi-rotor turbines, and examples of the types of turbines that OpenFAST will support.

marine energy↗